Crime
Customs move to suppress smuggling activities in Kano, Jigawa Command

Customs move to suppress smuggling activities in Kano, Jigawa Command
By: James Bwala
The Comptroller of Customs in charge of Kano and Jigawa area command, Mr. MA Umar has said that he is setting up a new beginning in its operational journey to fulfill the core mandate of the organization towards improving revenue generation, suppression of smuggling activities as well as facilitate trade and national security.
Mr. Umar, who was speaking to newsmen at a press briefing recently said, it is essential to recognize the efforts of the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. James Ali (rtd) in the implementation of policies and agenda of the Federal Government to encourage and protect officers and men of the service in carrying out their statutory functions in suppressing smuggling across the nation’s borders.
“This moment marks a fresh opportunity for cordial working relationships between the Nigerian Customs, Stakeholders and Business Communities. One of the core functions is to ensure facilitation of legitimate trade.” Umar Said.
He said on assumption of office, the enforcement unit of the command was reinvigorated to brace up for the new anti-smuggling operations. “Today, the result of the commitment of officers and men in suppressing smuggling activities in the Area Command is what we are witnessing this period.”
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Mr. Umar added that, “The Command will continue to put in place necessary measures to improve on the collection of revenue with the support from other units of the service such as the CIU, CPU, FOU, border drill and strike force.”
According to him, the command will also continue to maintain the success through synergy continued dialogue, engagement and educating the locals and business Communities on the security, health and economic implications of smuggling while discharging its statutory responsibility of enforcing compliance with government fiscal policies.
“The period under review has witnessed a number of engagements as the command has arrested four people and seized prohibited materials worth N498, 662,498.00. These seizures were made at different locations within the Command’s area of coverage.
“The four suspects held in connection with the donkey’s skin have been released on administrative bail pending the conclusion of the investigation.” He said.
Mr. Umar explained that the importation of foreign rice through the land borders for example contravened section 46 CEMA Cap LFN 2004. ADD ng that the importation of second hand clothing is absolutely prohibited, while donkey is an endangered species under the convention on international trade.
Customs move to suppress smuggling activities in Kano, Jigawa Command
Crime
Bandits kill driver, abduct five passengers on Bagaga-Anka road

Bandits kill driver, abduct five passengers on Bagaga-Anka road
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits attacked a Golf vehicle on the Bagaga-Anka road in Zamfara State on April 26, 2025, killing the driver and abducting five passengers.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 11:40 a.m. when the bandits blocked the road, shot dead the driver, and abducted the five passengers traveling in the vehicle.
Upon receiving the distress report, joint security forces were swiftly mobilized and dispatched to the scene. The injured driver was taken to Bagega Primary Healthcare for treatment.
Efforts to rescue the abducted victims are ongoing, with security agencies intensifying their search for the perpetrators.
Bandits kill driver, abduct five passengers on Bagaga-Anka road
Crime
Police rescue 68 trafficking victims, arrest 16 suspects in Oyo State

Police rescue 68 trafficking victims, arrest 16 suspects in Oyo State
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Oyo State have rescued 68 victims of human trafficking and arrested 16 suspects, including 10 males and 6 females, following a raid on a hideout in Kajorepo community, Agabala Daniel Area.
Sources reliably informed Zagazola Makama that the operation, carried out on April 26, 2025, was based on credible intelligence from the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the State Intelligence Division (SID).
The rescued victims include 47 males, 20 females, and one child. They were found locked in a building where they were reportedly being held with the intent to be trafficked.
The suspects were taken into custody for interrogation, while the victims were provided with care and assistance. The building was sealed off, and patrol teams have been deployed to prevent any attempts by an angry mob to destroy the property.
The sources added that further investigations are ongoing to dismantle the trafficking network.
Police rescue 68 trafficking victims, arrest 16 suspects in Oyo State
Crime
Police smash kidnapping syndicate terrorising Taraba, neighbouring states

Police smash kidnapping syndicate terrorising Taraba, neighbouring states
By: Zagazola Makama
The Taraba State Police Command, in collaboration with operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) of the Force Headquarters Abuja, has arrested members of a notorious kidnap and banditry syndicate responsible for terrorising communities across Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna States.
Security sources told Zagazola
Makama that the breakthrough, according to the Command, was achieved following credible intelligence that was processed into actionable operations, leading to the arrest of key gang members on April 25.
The sources said that the operatives, working in conjunction with a local vigilante group, apprehended three suspects at about 10:00 a.m.
Those arrested were identified as Shehu Ibrahim, 27, of Larai Gada, Ilorin; Abdullahi Haruna, 28, of Angwan Karofi, Bauchi; and Yusuf Bello, 40, of Birama Village, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State.
“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in multiple kidnapping operations across the affected states,” the spokesperson said.
Items recovered from them include one AK-47 rifle, two AK-49 rifles, six AK magazines, and 45 live rounds of ammunition.
The police sources noted that the recent arrests follow earlier operations that led to the capture of other members of the same criminal gang.
Those earlier apprehended include Suleiman Mohammed, 28, of Lariski, Gombe State; Tijjani Bello, 30, of Nasarawo, Jalingo; Muhammed Umar, 25, of Sabon Gari, Jalingo; Adamu Ibrahim, 22, of Mutum Daya, Karim Lamido; Solomon Nathaniel, 32, of Logo, Benue State; and Haruna Adamu, 25, of Lushi Village, Lau, Taraba State.
From these earlier arrests, the police recovered three AK-47 rifles, one AK-49 rifle, and four AK-47 magazines.
He said that three suspects have confessed to several heinous crimes, including kidnappings for ransom, armed robbery, and attacks on rural communities.
He added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate and dismantle the network completely.
Police smash kidnapping syndicate terrorising Taraba, neighbouring states
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