Niger Delta

Militants kill Police Inspector, Seize Two AK-47 Riffles In Bakassi

Published

5 years ago

June 24, 2020

Pandemonium was let loose in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River state, Tuesday, when men suspected to be militants, allegedly attacked the Police check point, killed an Inspector and went away with two AK-47 riffles.

The identity of the late Police officer could not be established as at press time. However, an eyewitnesses, who did not want his name mentioned, said the incident happened at a checkpoint between Bakassi and Akpabuyo local government areas, l normally referred to as ‘Welcome to Bakassi,’ as the invaders made away with two AK-47 rifles.

While praying for a peaceful repose of the late officer’s soul, the eyewitness said, “that incident is a very sad one, we have lost a gallant police officer. The man did not know that he will not meet with his family as he left for work. He died a painful death. May God accept his soul.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of Bakassi local government council, Hon Iyadim Amboni Iyadim, lamented that people would have the temerity to take the life of an innocent Police officer without any form of provocation.

He appealed to pockets of militants in the area, who were yet to embrace the State government amnesty programme, to drop their weapons

and embrace peace to help the local government area move forward.

In his words, “Bakassi local government area has a lot of challenges; from refugees and internally displaced persons challenges, infrastructural development and insecurity. Today, I had a security meeting in the council and we resolved to make that particular check point, where the incident happened, a joint checkpoint to be manned by combined forces.

“These forces should include Army, Police, Immigration, Navy, Civil Defence and other security outfits since the Police seem to have no adequate manpower to man the area effectively,” he noted.

The Permanent Secretary in charge of Security in Governor’s office, Dr. Alfred Mboto, who also spoke, confirmed the reports and lamented the level of impunity the attackers displayed.

When asked whether or not the incident could have been linked to the community, Dr Mboto said “It is not the community that shot the policeman. It was the hoodlums who went to the Welcome to Bakassi check point and attacked the Police. They shot one of the Policemen who later died and they took away two AK-47 rifles.

“The hoodlums outnumbered the Police. The dead Policeman was an Inspector and efforts are on top gear to see how the Police can recover the guns,” he said.

It would be recalled that Governor Ben Ayade had, in December 2018, granted amnesty to hundreds of Bakassi Strike Force Militants. The group was then led by one Benjamin Ene, alias ‘G1’who was thereafter appointed Special Adviser for Maritime Security.

From Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

3 days ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

3 days ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

3 days ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.