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Soldiers rescue 2 abducted police inspectors, 9 others in Benue

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OPWS Commander, Maj-Gen Moses Gara
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Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued two serving police inspectors and nine others from their captives in Benue.

The Commander, OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, who disclosed this on Monday in Makurdi, also said that two suspects were arrested during the operations and were being interrogated.

He explained that the operation was carried out following consistent news about abduction of people in Sankara axis of the state (Kastina-Ala, Ukum and Logo LGs).

He said the operation which was carried out on Saturday and Sunday was headed by Commander, Sector 1, Col Kolawole Bukoye and supported by the Air Component of the OPWS targeting the Benue and neighbouring Taraba.

According to Gara 11 persons including two police officers were rescued at Tse-Ahur and Chito areas in Ukum Local Government Areas during the raid while two suspects were arrested.

He said the 11 rescue victims include four females and seven males, adding that they were given medical attention and profiled for onward reuniting with their families.

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He added that the high-impact operation was carried out simultaneously at Tse-Ahur and Chito areas of Ukum Local Government of Benue, with Sector 3 providing a strategic blocking position in Gindin Mangoro, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba to interdict fleeing insurgents.

According to the commander, four FN rifles, three G3 rifles, four AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, one locally fabricated dane gun, fifteen AK-47 magazines, three FN rifle magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition were recovered during the operation.

He said that 184 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, one pistol magazine, five smoke discharge canisters and several fetish charms were also recovered.

Gara said that preliminary investigation revealed that one of the arrested suspects was in charge of their armory while the other was the victims’ security guard.

He commended the Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs for their continued support and for deploying more personnel for the operation.

He assured that troops would maintain operational pressure, dominate the battle space, and restore peace and security to Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states.

Speaking to journalists, Inspector John Ngbede, one of the rescued Police personnel attached to Numan Divisional Police Station in Adamawa Command said he was held captive for 48 days.

“On June 16, while I was on my way to my station between Zaki Biam and Wukari about 6:15p.m., we ran into people in military uniforms.

“They stopped us and took us to an unknown destination. They collected N3.5 million from me but I don’t know what they collect from others. They collected the money but refused to release me,” he said.

Similarly, Inspector Odah Patrick of the Rivers Command said that he was granted leave to seek medical care only to be kidnapped on July 14 while coming through Abakaliki into Benue.

He said the abductors collected N3 million from him but refused to release him, adding that he spent 16 days in their custody before the OPWS intervention. (NAN)

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Nigerian international found dead in Abuja shortly after return from Europe

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Late Victor Udoh
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Former Southampton and Royal Antwerp forward Victor Udoh has died at the age of 21 in Nigeria, with reports describing the circumstances of his death as “under suspicious circumstances.”

According to the Mirror UK, Udoh was found dead in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, although the exact cause of death remains unknown at the time of reporting.

The Mirror UK reports that the young striker had recently returned to Nigeria following the end of his stint with Czech club Dynamo České Budějovice, which he joined after leaving Southampton in 2025.

Udoh, who previously signed for Southampton on a three-and-a-half-year deal, spent seven months at the club but did not make a senior appearance before departing by mutual consent in search of regular playing time.

Before his move to England, he had been with Belgian side Royal Antwerp, where he rose through the ranks after joining from Abuja-based Hypebuzz. He impressed at reserve level, scoring 12 goals in 21 matches, and later made 28 first-team appearances for the club.

Reports show that he was regarded as a promising talent during his early career in Europe, with his development attracting attention before his move to Southampton.

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Further details surrounding his death have not yet been confirmed by authorities. (Vanguard)

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Akani Landlords in Enugu raise alarm over alleged encroachment, urge buyers to exercise caution

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The Akani Ancestral Layout Landlords Association has issued a public warning to prospective land buyers and investors over alleged encroachment issues involving parts of the Akani Land Layout Planning Scheme located in Emene-Nike, Enugu.

In a public notice released on Monday, the association said its attention had been drawn to videos circulating online concerning individuals allegedly involved in controversial land transactions within sections of the Akani Ancestral Layout.

According to the association, one of the videos featured a female investor who allegedly paid for plots of land in New Enugu Estate and Dolphine Estate but was yet to receive allocation of the purchased plots.

While sympathising with the investor over the development, the association stated that its members had reviewed the location and size of the land reportedly belonging to Dolphine Estate and now suspect that parts of the estate may have encroached on the area officially known as the Akani Land Layout Planning Scheme.

The association explained that the layout was approved through a Public Notice issued under the Urban and Regional Planning Law, 2012, and signed on August 16, 2012, by the then Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development in Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ujam.

Raising what it described as a “red flag” to the public, the association urged intending land buyers to conduct proper due diligence before purchasing land in the area, stressing the importance of ensuring that any property being acquired does not violate the boundaries of the Akani Layout Planning Scheme.

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The group also disclosed that many members of the Akani Layout Landlords Association had already completed verification processes and payments for their title documents with relevant authorities in the Enugu State Government.

The association noted that the notice was aimed at preventing future disputes and helping prospective investors avoid costly mistakes.

“Forewarned is forearmed,” the statement concluded.

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Tinubu congratulates Rangers International after ninth NPFL title win

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Victorious Rangers International FC
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…Lauds Gov Mbah’s investment in youth, sports

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Rangers International FC on winning the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, describing the club’s triumph as a remarkable achievement and a testament to its enduring football legacy.

Rangers secured the league crown for a record ninth time after finishing the season with 68 points from 38 matches, ahead of closest rivals Rivers United.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu congratulated the management, players and supporters of the Enugu-based side for their successful campaign.

The President recalled the club’s dominance in Nigerian football during the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting its historic exploits on the continental stage.

He specifically referenced Rangers’ run to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1975 and their triumph in the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.

President Tinubu also praised the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, for supporting youth and sports development in the state, saying the club’s success reflected the impact of such investments.

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“I must also congratulate Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on the victory of Rangers International FC. This victory is an obvious fruit of his administration’s investments in youth and sports in the state. I commend him,” the President said.

He further noted that Rangers, as one of Nigeria’s oldest football clubs, has produced several players who brought honour to the country on the global stage.

The President equally commended Rivers United for their impressive performance throughout the season and for displaying sportsmanship during the competition.

Tinubu wished both Rangers International FC and Rivers United success as they prepare to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.

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