● Abubakar Ojima-Ojo

•••As IGP Mourns Fallen Officer, Reaffirms Commitment to Security

In a determined effort to combat violent crime across the country, police commands have intensified operations targeting criminal elements, particularly armed robbers, kidnappers, and bandits. Acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., the Benue State Police Command, through its Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce, conducted a series of raids aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and restoring public safety.

According to a statement (Ref: CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/398) issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the latest operation took place in the early hours of March 19, 2025, in Buruku Local Government Area. “At about 2 AM, police operatives encountered an ambush set by armed bandits while en route to a discovered criminal hideout in Agwabi, Tombo Ward,” Adejobi stated. “A fierce gun duel ensued, but the officers, leveraging superior firepower, successfully subdued the gang, neutralizing 12 of the assailants while others fled with gunshot injuries.”

Tragically, the encounter claimed the life of a gallant officer, Inspector Terfa Anyiatse, who sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the exchange. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. The Inspector-General of Police expressed deep sorrow over the loss, extending condolences to the bereaved family. “Inspector Anyiatse died a hero in the line of duty. His sacrifice will not be forgotten,” the IGP said.

Following the Buruku operation, police operatives extended their raids to Daudu and Makurdi, leading to significant breakthroughs. “These operations resulted in the recovery of seven locally made pistols, three AK-47 rifles, and the arrest of five suspected robbers and 32 cultists,” Adejobi revealed. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation, and further investigations are ongoing.

The IGP commended the officers for their bravery and professionalism, emphasizing the police force’s unwavering resolve to rid the nation of criminal elements. He reaffirmed his commitment to equipping state commands with the necessary resources to ensure the success of crime-fighting initiatives. “The Nigeria Police Force will continue to take the battle to the criminals, ensuring they have no hiding place,” he assured.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities. “Security is a collective responsibility, and we count on the support of the public to achieve our goal of a safer society,” Adejobi noted.

The Force Headquarters also reiterated its stance on intelligence-led policing, stressing that ongoing operations would be sustained to curb criminal activities nationwide. As authorities continue their crackdown on criminal networks, law-abiding citizens can expect enhanced safety and security in their communities. GMTNewsng

The Katsina State Police Command says it has foiled bandits attack at Kabobi village in Batsari Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Gambo Isah, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Katsina.

He said: “On Friday, July 23, 2021, at about 14:30hrs, bandits in their numbers, on motorbikes, armed with AK 47 rifles, blocked Jibia-Batsari road, exactly at Kabobi village, Batsari LGA.

“The hoodlums attacked and kidnapped all the occupants of a motor vehicle, Volkswagen Passat Wagon, and whisked them away into the forest.

“On receipt of the report, DPO Batsari led teams of Operation Puff Adder and ‘Sharan Daji’ to the area and engaged them into a gun duel and successfully rescued eight of the victims.

“Those rescued include a 70-year-old man, 13-year-old girl, three 12 year old girls, all from Garin Inu village, Batsari LGA of Katsina state.

“Another 20-year-old girl, and her two children, all from Turaku Quarters in Batsari LGA of Katsina state,” Isah confirmed.

He explained that search parties are still combing the area with a view of arresting the fleeing bandits and to rescue the remaining three missing persons as investigation is ongoing. (Abbas Bamalli – NAN)

The Nigerian Army have deployed more soldiers to Adani community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State following the killing of two soldiers on Tuesday by unidentified gunmen.

The assailants were said to have attacked the Army check point at Iggah/Asaba along Nsukka – Adani – Anambra Federal Road at about 4:30 am.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement said soldiers repelled the invading criminals and were already trailing them.

Nwachukwu accused the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and their militant wing, Eastern Security Network, ECN, of being behind the dastardly attack.

In the statement titled: ‘Troops repel ESN attack on their location at Adani’, Nwachukwu, said “Nigerian Army troops deployed to checkmate the activities of gunmen at Adani community of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, yesterday 13 July 2021, repelled Eastern Security Network (ESN) gun attack on troops’ location at Iggah/Asaba checkpoint.

“Sadly, during the fire fight that ensued, two soldiers paid the supreme price. Troops are currently on the trail of the criminals.

“We assure the general public of our commitment to provide adequate security in the general area in collaboration with other security agencies. We also urge members of the public to complement the effort of the security agencies by remaining law abiding and provide useful information on the fleeing gunmen.”

Meanwhile, sources in the community said that the gun battle between the soldiers and the hoodlums equally left no fewer than six hoodlums dead

Though, Nwachuku did not give information about the casualty figure on the side of the unknown gunmen, the source said, “I can tell you that security forces neutralised about six hoodlums. That’s why they can categorically tell you that the attackers were ESN members”.

The General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja
has visited the area and mobilized more soldiers to beef up security.

Bodies of the dead soldiers have also been buried at the 82 Division burial ground.