The Chairman of Munya Local Government, Niger State, Mallam Aminu Najume, has confirmed the abduction of his Council Secretary, Mr. Daina Usman, in a Thursday night attack by bandits at his residence in Sarkin Pawa, the local government headquarters.

Najume, speaking to reporters on Friday, revealed that Usman was kidnapped alongside his wife and three other family members around 10:30 p.m. However, the Secretary managed to escape midway through the journey, while his wife and relatives remain in captivity.
As at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, no contact had been made with the victims or their abductors.

The Chairman expressed frustration over the military’s lack of response, stating that Usman’s residence is just 500 meters from a military base. Despite heavy gunfire during the attack, security forces failed to intervene.

“It is shocking and disappointing that such an attack happened so close to a military post, yet there was no response. Residents heard the gunshots, but the soldiers did nothing,” Najume lamented.
He recalled raising similar concerns in the past about security personnel failing to act during attacks in the area.

Najume attributed the resurgence of banditry in Munya to a peace deal between the Kaduna State government and armed groups, which has pushed criminals into Niger communities.
He noted that Munya shares a border with Chikun Local Government in Kaduna, from where the bandits infiltrate to wreak havoc.

He also recalled the mass abduction of over 150 people from Kuchi community in August 2024, where ₦30 million and six motorcycles were reportedly paid as ransom for their release after two months in captivity.

The latest attack has heightened fear among residents of Sarkin Pawa, who worry that the relative peace they had been enjoying may now be over.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has made significant strides in combating crime, arresting three suspects involved in a series of armed robberies and cult activities across the region.
A successful operation on Tuesday led to the apprehension of the criminals and the recovery of dangerous weapons and stolen goods.
Police Public Relations Officer
Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Timfon John in a statement indicated that the operation was prompted by a violent robbery that occurred in the early hours of the morning.
“A retired Nigerian Army Staff Sergeant reported hearing gunfire around 1:20 AM. Upon investigation, he found Kingsley Samuel, known as “Bobby,” leading a gang of armed robbers who broke into his son’s room, held him at gunpoint, and stole ₦100,000.

“The gang is believed to have been involved in another robbery on February 16, 2025, where they abducted a victim during a local ceremony in Akpautong Village. They coerced him into withdrawing ₦206,000 from an ATM and extorted an additional ₦10,000.

“A swift response by the police, following credible intelligence, led to the interception of the suspects while attempting to flee on a tricycle and motorcycles. “Three individuals were arrested, while others managed to escape into hiding.
He listed those arrested to include Saviour Ime Philip, 25, of Akpautong Village, Benjamin Joshua, 29, of Akpautong Village and Simeon Monday, 29, of Odoronkit Village

Exhibits recovered during the raid according to him in luded, Two shotguns, Eight machetes, A tricycle and a motorcycle, One generator, Assorted charms, Various food items and One television
Explaining further the statement indicated that the suspects are thought to belong to a violent gang of cultists and armed robbers responsible for terrorizing surrounding communities.
The police are continuing efforts to capture the remaining members of the gang the statement assured the public

CP Baba Mohammed Azare, the Commissioner of Police, reaffirmed the command’s dedication to eradicating criminal elements and ensuring the safety of Akwa Ibom residents.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station to further assist in maintaining peace and security.

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

In a decisive operation, the Kogi State Police Command has arrested a suspected car thief, Nnamdi Osita, aged 39, and recovered a Toyota Coaster Bus allegedly stolen from Nyanya, Abuja, over a year ago.

The cream-colored bus, bearing Registration Number GWA 488 ZD, was flagged down by operatives on Thursday, January 23, along the Abuja-Lokoja highway after intelligence reports indicated its movement in the area.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the Kogi Command, SP William Ovye Aya disclosed that the arrest was a collaborative effort between the operatives of ‘B’ Division Lokoja and other security agencies.

“Our swift action underscores the commitment of the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Gajere Dantawaye, to eradicating criminal elements from Kogi State,” Aya stated.

He noted that the CP had issued a directive upon assumption of office, charging officers to strengthen security efforts and maintain a zero-tolerance policy against crime.

“The arrest and recovery are proof of our dedication to ensuring the safety of lives and property. We are working tirelessly in synergy with other security agencies to make Kogi State secure,” Aya said.

The CP also appealed to the public for their cooperation, urging them to provide credible and timely information to assist in clamping down on criminal activities across the state.

The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the circumstances surrounding the theft and determine any accomplices involved in the crime.

This operation is part of a broader effort by the Kogi State Police Command to restore public trust and bolster security within the state.

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