Police foil major attack in Abuja, neutralize notorious bandits, recover arms, ammunition

.As army arrests police officer for allegedly aiding armed militia in Taraba

… Don’t travel without authorization NYSC DG warns corp members

JONAS EZIEKE, Abuja,  EMMANUEL AWARI, Jalingo  and CHRIS AKHABUE, Edo

The FCT Police Command has successfully averted a planned large-scale attack on a community within the Territory, following credible intelligence and a coordinated tactical operation by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

This breakthrough follows recent kidnapping incidents recorded in ACO Community, Gwagwalada, and Bwari, which prompted the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, to direct the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to intensify efforts to dismantle the criminal syndicate responsible.

Intelligence, according to a release by the Command Spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh later revealed that the gang had concluded plans to launch another violent attack on a community on or before December 1, 2025, with the intention to abduct residents, demand ransom, and inflict further harm on the community.

Acting swiftly on this intelligence, FCT Police operatives on 30th November 2025 at about 02:11 PM, traced and arrested one of the key conspirators, a wanted kidnapper and armed robbery suspect named Sani Mohammed Umar a.k.a. Boko, and his mobile phone, suspected to be the primary device used in coordinating the criminal operations, was recovered from him.

Investigations confirmed that the suspect belongs to the gang responsible for the previous attacks and kidnappings in ACO and Dupa and Gwagwalada, as well as multiple armed robbery incidents across Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.

He also admitted that his gang members were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, where they had converged to commence their next planned community attack.

At about 11:01 PM, the Anti-Kidnapping team, led by the OC-Anti-Kidnapping, tactically advanced into the forest, reached the gang’s meeting point, and laid a well-planned ambush.

On sighting the operatives, the heavily armed bandits opened fire. The Police responded decisively, engaging the criminals in a fierce 30-minute gun duel, during which three (3) of the bandits were neutralized.

While other gang members escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.

Items recovered from the scene include three (3) AK-47 rifles and three magazines with thirty-three (33) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

A joint operation involving Police operatives and the Forward Operation Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Army, 176 Battalion, Kwali, is ongoing, with teams combing the forest and blocking all escape routes.

Medical facilities across the area have been alerted to report any individual presenting with bullet wounds to the nearest security agency or contact the Command via 08032003913, 08061581938.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT, commends the gallantry and professionalism of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and appreciates the valuable intelligence provided by members of the public.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to supply timely information.

.As army arrests police officer for allegedly aiding armed militia in Taraba

Troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have neutralised four armed militia members and recovered weapons during a rapid and coordinated response to renewed communal violence in Usmanu Village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The operation followed credible intelligence indicating a resurgence of long-standing land disputes between the Shomo and Wurkun communities.

The dispute escalated into armed clashes, resulting in the destruction of property, including the burning of houses.

In response, 6 Brigade immediately deployed forces to restore order and prevent further deterioration of the security situation.

“Upon reaching the area, the troops came under fire from armed assailants emerging from the Fadama axis.

A brief but fierce exchange ensued, during which the soldiers neutralised four of the attackers.

Subsequent exploration of the area led to the recovery of three dane guns, one fabricated AK-47 rifle, Twenty-five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two motorcycles.

“In a development that underscores the complexity of the conflict, one personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) found operating alongside the armed militia was arrested.

He is currently undergoing further investigation and profiling to determine his level of involvement.

Commenting on the operation, the Commander, 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their prompt response, bravery, and adherence to professional rules of engagement.

He reaffirmed the Brigade’s determination to rid Taraba State of criminal elements and maintain operational momentum across all areas of responsibility.

Brigadier General Uwa assured the people of Karim Lamido and Taraba State at large of the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability.

He urged communities to embrace peaceful coexistence and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information.

The Nigerian Army calls on residents to remain calm and law-abiding as stability is gradually being restored.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security formation as ongoing operations continue under Operation Peace Shield, Operation Lafiya Nakowa, and Operation Zafin Wuta.

Reacting to the arrested Police officer, the Acting Police Public Relation Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah said that the officer in question, was stationed at his legitimate duty post, Usmanu outstation, in Karim lamido LGA in uniform and was on duty and at no point was the officer involved in any unlawful activity or association with criminal elements.

“Contrary to unverified claims, the officer was not apprehended in the act with any militias, armed groups, or persons of interest.

He was not found in possession of any prohibited weapons, contraband, or items that could suggest misconduct.

Preliminary investigations have confirmed that the officer was arrested within his area of responsibility carrying out routine surveillance due to the unrest while others were running for safety being a police officer he stayed back when the military arrived the scene and he cooperated fully with the responding team.

No evidence links him to any wrongdoing, and the matter is under internal review to ascertain full facts.

4. The PPRO said that the Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimeyin remains resolute in upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

“We are guided by the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to maintain discipline within our ranks while prioritizing community protection.

Any attempt to tarnish the image of dedicated officers through baseless allegations will not be tolerated, and the Command will pursue legal action against those spreading disinformation that could undermine public trust.

“We urge the public to rely on official channels for information and to report any suspicious activities or concerns directly to the nearest police station.

Your cooperation helps us combat crime effectively and fosters a secure environment for all.

The Command assures every citizen of our unwavering dedication to justice and safety in Taraba State.

… Don’t travel without authorization NYSC DG warns corp members

As the spate of terrorism, insecurity and other forms of criminalities continue to escalate in some parts of the Country, the Director- General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has cautioned Corps members against travelling without authorization during their service year in order to prevent avoidable dangers on the highways.

He gave the advice while addressing the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Corps members currently undergoing the three weeks orientation exercise at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Okada in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

DG Nafiu asked Corps members to take responsibility for their personal security by being vigilant at their places of primary assignment as well as avoiding night journeys.

He further advised them to always get correct information, and establish facts before circulating same on social media platforms to avoid misinformation.

Speaking further, the DG charged them to abstain from social vices such as cultism, cyber crimes, thuggery and other negative acts that could jeopardise their personal safety.

He appealed to the corps members to network strategically among themselves and most especially in their respective host communities with the view of leaving a lasting mark and justifying the essence of the scheme.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Edo State Coordinator of the scheme, Dr Ifeoma Frances Ben-Ushie informed the Director- General that corps members were in high spirits, disciplined, well behaved and participating actively in all camp activities.

She further appreciated management for providing the enabling environment and expressed her profound appreciation to the Director- General for the very important visit.

Similarly, the DG, NYSC was present at the 23rd convocation ceremony of Igbinedion University, Okada where he spoke on “Integrating the Potentials, Prospects and Challenges of AI as the New Order in Higher Education,”

He explained that his lecture is focused on examining the forces that will determine whether our youths will become architects or spectators in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

He went on to ask whether they will master technology or be mastered by it, and whether our institutions will lead a renaissance or fade into irrelevance.

General Nafiu stressed that AI’s transformation of higher institutions is already underway, but the key question is whether they will shape this transformation or the transformation will shape them.

He called on institutions and youths to make wise choices which will impact their future generations positively.

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