Crime
Pastor lands in police net for kidnapping self twice, collect ransom
Pastor lands in police net for kidnapping self twice, collect ransom
The Police Command in Plateau has arrested a Pastor who allegedly kidnapped himself twice and collected ransom from members of his congregation.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Alfred Alabo disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.
Alabo said that the suspect was arrested by the police in November 2022.
He said, ”The Police has uncovered the nefarious act of one Pastor Albarka Sukuya of Jenta Apata, Jos, who on several occasions staged his kidnap with his cohorts and received ransom from sympathising members of his congregation.
”Sequel to his spurious kidnaps of Nov. 14 and Nov. 15, 2022, where N400,000 and N200,000, respectively, were paid by his sympathisers as ransom for his release, the incidents triggered suspicion.
”Through credible intelligence, the clergyman was invited by the DPO Nasarawa Gwong Police Station, CSP Musa Hassan and investigation commenced immediately.
”In the course of investigation, it was established that the suspect has been conspiring with his gang to stage his kidnap and fraudulently collect ransom. He has confessed to committing the crime,” he said.
Alabo said that the suspect had revealed the identity of three other members of his gang, adding that two of them were arrested while one is still at large.
”The suspect further disclosed that on Jan. 1, he set ablaze the vehicles and a bicycle parked at ECWA Bishara 3, Jenta Apata premises belonging to his colleagues,” Alabo alleged.
The police spokesperson called on members of the public to be watchful and ensure timely report of any suspicious happenings around them to relevant security agencies for prompt response.
Pastor lands in police net for kidnapping self twice, collect ransom
Crime
Troops neutralize 13 bandits in Plateau offensive, recover weapons and logistics items
Troops neutralize 13 bandits in Plateau offensive, recover weapons and logistics items
By: Zagazola Makama
The sustained military offensive against armed groups in Plateau State has recorded a significant breakthrough following the neutralisation of 13 suspected terrorists in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas.
Security sources said troops under Operation Wutan Daji, on April 9, intensified clearance operations across identified terrorist corridors, including Daba and Seri villages.
The operation, which commenced at about 8:30 a.m., involved the establishment of blocking positions between Dutsen Zaki and Odare Forest, where troops made contact with armed elements moving on motorcycles.
The suspected terrorists were reportedly engaged in a firefight, resulting in the neutralisation of several of them, while others escaped with injuries.
Following exploitation of the area, troops confirmed that about 10 terrorists were neutralised during the encounter.
Items recovered from the scene included two motorcycles, five containers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) of 25 litres each, one AK-47 rifle, and a magazine loaded with three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Military authorities said the operation remains ongoing as troops continue clearance actions and exploitation of surrounding forests believed to serve as escape routes for armed groups.
The latest development reflects an intensified push by security forces to disrupt mobility corridors used by armed groups operating across Plateau’s forested and border communities.
The operation also illustrates a shift towards more aggressive blocking and interception tactics aimed at denying militants freedom of movement and access to logistics supplies.
Authorities have assured that further updates will be provided as operations progress in the affected areas.
lTroops neutralize 13 bandits in Plateau offensive, recover weapons and logistics items
Crime
Several bandits killed as Army, DSS, Local Volunteer Forces Foil Attacks on Niger Communities
Several bandits killed as Army, DSS, Local Volunteer Forces Foil Attacks on Niger Communities
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and local volunteer forces on Tuesday successfully foiled what locals said would have been a large-scale attack by bandits on Bagna and Erena communities in Shiroro LGA of Niger state.
Credible security sources disclosed that the move by the operatives followed advance intelligence on the the planned attack.
According to the sources, as bandits in their numbers made to storm Bagna and Erene communities, the security operatives and volunteers ambushed them, killing scores of the attackers.
“Over 300 bandits armed with dangerous weapons and on motorcycles we’re headed to the communities. Unfortunately for them, security operatives and local vigilantes, who had credible intelligence on their movements, ambushed them. Scores were killed while many others fled toward the Makuba and Allawa axis” disclosed the source.
Residents of the communities expressed gratitude to the security operatives and volunteer forces, noting that their gallantry saved them from what would have been a major disaster.
“We are very happy. We thank the joint security forces for protecting us,” one of the residents stated.
“We are witnessing an increase in collaboration between security agencies and local volunteer forces. This has led to a bridging of security gaps, and making the first line of defence against insecurity very effective,” offered the source, stressing, “their actions have helped strengthen security in several communities across the country.”
Several bandits killed as Army, DSS, Local Volunteer Forces Foil Attacks on Niger Communities
Crime
Troops arrest two suspected militia members in Kokona LGA In Nassarawa
Troops arrest two suspected militia members in Kokona LGA In Nassarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2 Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested two suspected militia members during an intelligence-led operation in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Security sources said the suspects were arrested at about 1:15 p.m. on April 5, 2026, in Atara community following actionable intelligence.
During the operation, one of the suspects reportedly attempted to stab a soldier, prompting the troops to respond, during which he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
The injured suspect was evacuated to the Public Health Care facility in Bassa for medical attention.
The two suspects have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Troops arrest two suspected militia members in Kokona LGA In Nassarawa
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