
News
Again, Enugu bursts criminal syndicates, Police nab 14 kidnap suspects
… Recover 5 AK-47 Riffles, 2 pump action rifles, ammunition
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested and paraded 14 kidnap suspects involved in various kidnap operations in and outside the state.
Briefing pressmen at the Command’s headquarters in Enugu on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, said among them were two remaining suspects linked to the August 2 kidnapping raid on St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Affa, Udi LGA of the state, who fled to Port Harcourt following the operational pressure mounted by joint security operatives.
“Further intelligence-led operations by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Violent Crime Response Unit (AK-VCRU) led to the arrest of two additional male suspects linked to the Affa Church kidnapping. Preliminary investigation reveals that, after fleeing Enugu, the suspects regrouped with their cohorts in Port Harcourt and abducted another victim, who was released after a ransom of ₦5m was paid,” he said.
CP Giwa noted that all the 14 suspects were arrested on various dates in June, July and August 2026 in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Rivers, Kwara and Taraba States.
The suspects had also confessed to involvement in several recent and past kidnapping incidents along the Enugu–Ugwuogo–Opi–Nsukka Road, Obioma–9th Mile–Umulumgbe–Okpatu Road, Eke–Affa–Egede–Ezinze axis, and various locations in Ezeagu LGA.

“Specifically, preliminary investigation has linked the suspects to the following armed kidnapping incidents: the abduction of a male victim at Mgbabuowa/Aguobuowa, Ezeagu LGA, on 25th May, 2026, during which ₦5m was obtained as ransom; the abduction of two male victims and the shooting and murder of a female victim at Obioma, Udi LGA, on 9th May, 2026, during which the gang obtained $28,700 as ransom; the abduction of two male victims along the Eke–Ezinze Road, Udi LGA, on 10th April, 2026, for which $70,000 was obtained as ransom; and the kidnapping of seven victims at Obinaofia, Ezeagu LGA, on 12th April, 2026, during which ₦25m was obtained as ransom,” he explained.
The CP revealed that the suspects, who were members of an organised criminal network operating from different parts of the country, usually came into the state to plan and execute kidnapping operations before disappearing to their respective locations.
“The network is aided by an Enugu-based member who operates a tricycle and provides transportation for the gang members, their firearms and other criminal implements to and from operational locations. Another Enugu-based member provides intelligence that enables the gang to evade security surveillance and identify suitable targets and locations,” he added.
According to Giwa, investigation revealed that the suspects laundered and concealed proceeds of their criminal activities through investments in livestock and different properties, and engaged in lavish spending as well as leisure and trips to foreign nations such as Cameroon.
He said the Command was still conducting more investigations to establish the suspects’ involvement in other kidnapping and violent-crime incidents within and outside Enugu State, identify and arrest other members of the syndicate, and recover additional firearms, ammunition and other criminal proceeds.
“Upon conclusion of investigation, the suspects will be charged to court in accordance with extant laws'” he added.
The police command also displayed five AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated firearm, 310 rounds of live 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, eight live cartridges, and seven empty AK-47 magazines recovered from the suspects.
CP Giwa credited the successes recorded by the Enugu Police Command to the availability of state-of-the-art security infrastructure, effectiveness of sustained intelligence gathering, ICT-enabled investigation, inter-agency collaboration, inter-state cooperation and coordinated operational policing adopted by the Command.
He commended Governor Peter Mbah and the Inspector General of Police for their leadership and support in ensuring security and order in Enugu State.
“I would also like to express my profound gratitude to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his for-looking leadership and for making the state safe.
“I equally commend other security agencies for their collaborative support, while also thanking members of the public for their continued cooperation,” he concluded.
The CP reiterated police’s readiness to make Enugu State increasingly unconducive to unrepentant local criminals, criminal elements seeking to infiltrate the State, commending Governor Peter Mbah and IGP Disu for their strategic leadership and support.
Meanwhile, one of the suspects, confessed his crime to newsmen, saying his gang operated along the stretch of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and earned multimillion naira in ransoms before they were bursted by security forces.
News
Gunmen Abduct Two Visually Impaired Persons in Plateau, Demand N50m Ransom
Gunmen have abducted two visually impaired persons, a man and a woman, in Plateau State, demanding N50 million for their release after attacking a vehicle conveying nine passengers in Riyom Local Government Area.
The victims were reportedly travelling from Benue State to Jos alongside seven other passengers when the vehicle was intercepted by the gunmen at about 8pm on Monday.
While seven occupants managed to escape during the attack, the assailants seized the two persons and whisked them away to an unknown destination.
The Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Plateau State, Shindol Aaron, confirmed the incident, explaining that the victims had travelled to Benue for a training programme but decided to return to Jos after receiving information that the event had been postponed.
According to him, the passengers were on their way back to Jos when they encountered the kidnappers, who abducted two occupants and allowed the remaining seven to escape.

He said, “They were nine in the vehicle. Seven of them escaped, and two were abducted. So, right now, we have a male and a lady in their custody.”
Aaron disclosed that the abductors had contacted someone in connection with the incident, although he had yet to establish direct communication with them.
He added that the association had reported the abduction to security agencies and was working with relevant authorities to secure the victims’ release.
Another member of the association, Ishaya Ayuba Danjatau, disclosed that the kidnappers had demanded N50 million as ransom for the release of the two victims.
He expressed concern over the difficulty of raising such a huge amount, particularly given the vulnerable circumstances of the abducted persons.
“The kidnappers have reached out, and they are demanding N50 million before they can free the two persons in their custody. Where do they want us to get the money from?” he queried.
Efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Alabo Alfred, for confirmation and comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
News
Police Rescue Seven Officers, Recover Five Bodies After Deadly Bandit Ambush in Zamfara
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across 10 states in the last 48 hours, including the rescue of seven police officers following a deadly bandit ambush in Zamfara State, the arrest of suspects linked to violent crimes and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and suspected illicit drugs.
The operations also led to the rescue of three nursing mothers abducted during an armed attack in Kogi State.
The developments were contained in a state-by-state operational update released by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
In Zamfara State, tactical search and rescue teams comprising operatives of the Command Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit recovered the bodies of five police officers killed during a bandit ambush.
The officers were reportedly travelling to the state to carry out security duties during the APC rerun primary elections when armed bandits attacked their team.

The operation also resulted in the rescue of seven officers who escaped unhurt, while two others who sustained gunshot injuries were evacuated to hospital for medical attention.
The attackers reportedly carted away five service AK-47 rifles, prompting joint security reinforcements to intensify efforts to recover the weapons and apprehend the perpetrators.
The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Gusau, has commenced an investigation into the incident.
Police Rescue Three Nursing Mothers in Kogi
In Kogi State, police operatives rescued three nursing mothers following an armed attack on a commercial Toyota Hummer Bus near Ebiya Town in Ajaokuta Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred at about 11:17 p.m. on November 1, reportedly left one passenger dead, while 13 others were abducted.
Police said the vehicle was recovered and the three women rescued, while joint security teams continued bush-combing and tactical operations to secure the release of the remaining victims.
Police Neutralise Suspected Robber in Ogun
Meanwhile, police operatives in Ogun State neutralised a suspected armed robber during a gun duel at Ijaba Area, Iyesi, Ota, in the early hours of November 1.
The patrol team had responded to a reported robbery when the suspects engaged the officers in a gun battle.
One of the suspected robbers was killed, while his accomplices reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the scene included a locally fabricated pistol, two live cartridges, seven expended cartridges, a Nissan Almera, a Toyota Camry and suspected stolen household items.
Four Arrested Over Military Officer’s Murder in Nasarawa
In Nasarawa State, a joint operation by the police and military led to the arrest of four principal suspects in connection with the alleged murder of Corporal Benjamin Jige, a military officer reportedly stabbed to death by suspected cultists.
The suspects were identified as Godwin Tanko, 42; Abuchi Simon, 27; Divine Omegle, 32; and Samuel Alonge, 21.
They were arrested at New Legit Hotel following intelligence-led operations.
Police said other suspects, including an alleged leader of the Vikings Confraternity identified as Bigi Rasta and Simon Joshua Junior, had fled and were being tracked by security operatives.
Police Recover Firearms in Anambra
In Anambra State, police took custody of a 34-year-old suspect, Azubike Okoye, following his handover by military personnel.
The suspect was arrested at Umuoba Anam Beach in Anambra East Local Government Area with a pump-action rifle, a long Dane gun and 13 live cartridges.
Although he reportedly claimed to be a member of a local vigilante group, police said investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the firearms and their intended use.
Three Arrested During Drug Den Raid in Akwa Ibom
Similarly, operatives of the Quick Intervention Unit in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, raided a suspected drug den along Umuahia Road, arresting three persons.
The suspects were identified as Fredrick Udom, 29; Francis Solomon Usuro, 23; and Abasiama Fredrick Udom, 38.
The operation, conducted on November 1, led to the recovery of large quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis and three Android mobile phones believed to have been stolen.
Police Investigate Abduction of 27-Year-Old Man in Delta
In Delta State, police have launched an investigation into the reported abduction of 27-year-old Godbless Arenti from a rented apartment at Oviri-Ogor, on the outskirts of Ughelli.
A search of the scene led to the recovery of two live rounds of ammunition and two expended 7.62 x 39mm cartridge shells.
Police said intelligence-tracking and bush-combing operations were ongoing to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible.
Suspect Arrested Over Alleged Cable Vandalism in Gombe
In Gombe State, a 29-year-old suspect, Ahijo Boyi, was arrested during a visibility patrol after he was allegedly found with four rolls of electric cables suspected to have been vandalised along the stretch between the 301 Army Artillery Regiment and Gona Area.
The suspect reportedly confessed to conspiring with three other individuals who are currently at large.
Police said efforts were underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects and uncover the wider network behind the alleged vandalism.
Two Arrested Over Mob Killing in Enugu
Enugu State also recorded arrests following a mob attack that resulted in the death of an alleged suspect, Gideon Amidu.
Amidu was reportedly apprehended and severely assaulted by an angry mob along Aninwagbo Street, off Ebony Paint Road, Enugu.
He sustained multiple stab wounds and was rushed to St. Martin’s Hospital, Awkunana, where he was certified dead on arrival.
Following the incident, police operatives arrested two principal suspects allegedly linked to the attack, while investigations continued.
Two Truck Drivers Arrested After Accident Claims Seven Lives in Ogun
In another development in Ogun State, two truck drivers were arrested following a fatal multiple-vehicle accident at Asejire along the Ife-Ibadan Expressway.
The accident involved a Dangote truck, a FAW truck and a Honda Civic carrying six passengers.
According to the police, the incident occurred when the Honda Civic driver attempted to avoid potholes while navigating a single-lane traffic diversion.
The vehicle reportedly collided with the rear tyre of the Dangote truck before crashing head-on into the oncoming FAW truck.
The resulting fire claimed seven lives, with the victims burnt beyond recognition.
Their remains were evacuated to Mercyland Hospital Mortuary for autopsy, while the vehicles involved were recovered for inspection by the Vehicle Inspection Office.
The two truck drivers, identified as Dahiru Saidu and Mamuda Idris, were arrested and remain in police custody as investigations continue.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the operational updates demonstrated the Nigeria Police Force’s continued efforts to combat violent crimes, strengthen public safety and improve security operations across the country.
The police reiterated their commitment to crime prevention, intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security agencies.
The Force also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support law enforcement efforts.
News
Pastor Jimmy Odukoya Remarries, Introduces New Wife Mo Jasyme to Church Congregation
Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Lagos, has officially introduced his new wife, Pastor Mo Jasyme, to members of his congregation during a Sunday service on November 1, 2026.
The introduction took place at the church’s headquarters in Ilupeju, Lagos, days after Odukoya sparked speculation about his marital status by sharing a photograph of two hands wearing wedding rings with the caption, “To New Beginnings.”
During the service, Odukoya said he had been navigating life alone since becoming the church’s senior pastor before finding a suitable partner.

Screenshot
He described Mo as the woman he had been searching for and presented her to the congregation as the church’s new first lady.

Mo also addressed the congregation, expressing her delight at standing alongside her husband.
Pastor Tunde Bakare, General Overseer of The Citadel Global Community Church, who reportedly blessed the couple’s marriage in the United States, prayed for them and their union.
Bakare also disclosed that Mo is the daughter of Reverend Theophilus and Bolaji Daniel.
The marriage marks a new chapter in Odukoya’s personal life. His previous marriage to Oluwakemi Banjoko took place in London in March 2013, and the union produced two children before the couple separated.
Odukoya became Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church in 2023 following the death of his father, the church’s founder, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya.
-
News2 days agoAPC Supporters Attacked, Campaign Vehicle Set Ablaze in Katsina
-
News1 day agoFormer Enugu Lawmakers Endorse Mbah for Second Term, Back APC Candidates
-
Politics2 days agoDon’t Be Deceived, Vote Massively for Tinubu in 2027, South-East Govs Tell Ndigbo
-
Politics2 days agoThe History of Gov. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah: A Response to Uche Nnaji
-
News1 day agoPower Belongs To Allah, He Can Take It From Me And Give Another Person, Tinubu Says During Mecca Visit
-
News3 days agoTroops kill 71 terrorists in Borno, Yobe offensive
-
Editorial1 day agoMANIFESTO: Mbah Presents Governance Scorecard, Highlights Enugu’s Progress, Sets $30bn Economic Growth Target
-
Politics2 days agoUNMASKING THE ALARMISM OF NDC: A CLARION CALL FOR ENUGU’S EXTRA VIGILANCE




