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Police Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo

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Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested three suspected kidnappers, one of them a native of Niger Republic, and neutralised another during operations carried out in the state.

This was contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, yesterday.

She said one suspect was neutralised when a four-man gang engaged the operatives in a gun duel, while arms were also recovered at the suspects’ hideout in the forest.

She added that three other suspects escaped but that the police are already on their trail.

The statement read, “It would be recalled that earlier this year, following disturbing reports of kidnapping incidents in surrounding communities in Edo Central, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, personally led a strategic operational deployment to Edo Central, spending six days in the area from 16th to 22nd February 2026. He carried out on-the-spot security assessments, restrategized operational approaches, and repositioned personnel for more effective policing.

During this operation, forests around Ubiaja were identified as one of the key areas of security concern and were accordingly placed under intensified surveillance and operational focus.

“Since the strategic deployment and operational restructuring, Ubiaja Division, under the supervision of the Divisional Police Officer, has continued to record notable successes in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

“One of such breakthroughs occurred on 17th February 2026 at about 18:00hrs when operatives of Ubiaja Division arrested a suspected kidnapper, Suleman Harruna, male, aged 28, a national of the Republic of Niger who resides in Kaba, Kogi State.”

Ikoedem noted that the suspect had earlier been placed on the command’s wanted list.

She said members of the Hausa/Fulani community identified him as part of a notorious kidnapping gang alongside another member.

“The suspect made useful confessions and has been aiding the police in ongoing investigations,” she said.

In another operation on 20th February 2026 at about 17:50hrs, the PPRO said that another suspect, Ibrahim Kodo, male, aged 25, of Illushi Community, was tracked down and arrested in collaboration with personnel from the Nigerian Army.

“The suspect was identified by a kidnapped victim as one of three armed men who abducted him on 2nd June 2025 at about 10:00hrs from his farm,” she added.

She further said, “Similarly, on 26th February 2026 at about 09:00hrs, another suspected kidnapper, Orsee Iorzaa, male, aged 32, of Omi Camp in Illushi, was arrested through steady surveillance based on intelligence. A kidnapped victim identified the suspect as one of a five-man gang who invaded his home with guns and abducted him on 21st February 2026. Investigation is ongoing to recover their arms and apprehend other members of the syndicate.”

In a more recent development on 7th March 2026 at about 08:25hrs, police operatives, in collaboration with members of the Edo State Security Corps, carried out a bush-combing operation in the Onoghol? and Akwocha forests.

“During the operation, four suspected kidnappers opened fire on the advancing security team but were subdued by the superior firepower of the operatives. One of the suspects was neutralized in the ensuing gun duel, while three others escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.

“Recovered from the scene were one single-barreled shotgun, one black facial mask, two live cartridges, and two expended cartridges. Bush-combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police commended the Divisional Police Officer of Ubiaja Division and his team for their resilience, professionalism, and sustained operational tempo, which led to these successes.

The command also urged residents to continue cooperating with the police by providing credible and timely information to aid ongoing efforts to rid the area, and the state at large, of criminal elements.

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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