Crime
CHRISTMAS: How kidnappers, gunmen scared Igbos away from S’East villages
In a video he made apparently out of frustration, he said: “ Almost 90% of those who returned to Nigeria from abroad for Christmas could not travel to their villages in the South East because of insecurity. The foreign currencies they would have spent with their people are being spent in Lagos hotels. Their village people are even coming to Lagos to see them.
“All these are happening because the people of South East do not want to listen and the ultimate losers are the poor people in the villages. As a result of this ugly development, the economy of South East is going down the drains. As it stands, everything in the South East is in shambles. The Christmas celebration in the South East is total rubbish because people are afraid to go home. It is the people that invited this calamity on themselves and blaming outsiders for their woes”.
Saturday Vanguard discovered that the era of conducting traditional marriages in cities in the South East resurfaced during this Christmas. For instance, a Nigerian from Nsukka in Enugu State who lives abroad and was to get married to a lady from Isiukwuato in Abia State had to perform the ceremony in Enugu city because of insecurity, especially along the Enugu – Okigwe axis. Also, the renewed robbery and touting by government task forces claiming to be generating revenue for the state in Onitsha, Anambra State, scared many people from returning home for Christmas.
In Enugu State, the killings in Ehamufu in Uzo local government area jolted many people and this made them to cancel coming home for Christmas. As a result, many people conducted their annual family meetings via WhatsApp and zoom as they could not meet physically.
Unlike in the past, churches in the major cities in the South East were jam-packed during this Christmas because most people did not travel to the villages.
A critical look at this year’s Christmas season in Imo state showed that generally, people did not return in their villages in numbers as in previous years.
All the respondents, who spoke on the development, were unanimous in their submissions that the level of insecurity in the South East geo-political zone and the poor economic climate in the country, were largely responsible for the non-return of Ndigbo, to their country homes.
A retired banker, Mr. Sylvester Egbe, said: “I must tell you that people, generally did not return to their ancestral homes for this year’s Yuletide as was the case in the previous years.
“Personally, I was called from home on Thursday of the preceding week not to return for Christmas due to palpable insecurity in our area.
“A good example of the heightened insecurity in the state, was the sad assassination of a promising young man, who was given the Labour Party’s House of Assembly ticket, in my local government area, Onuimo.
“He was gruesomely murdered, about two or three Thursdays ago in the night in my town.
“His house and vehicle were completely burnt, while his wife and children were beaten to stupor! Similarly, his neighbour, a welder, was also killed.
“A week prior to this ugly incident, no fewer than four people were killed near Umuna and three days later, people were shot along Umunachi”.
Making particular reference to December 11, 2022, when he was billed to go home for a family meeting, Mr. Egbe said he did not see any vehicle loading opposite the Correctional Centre, Owerri.
“I had to return to my house, sent text messages to people at home and the meeting was cancelled. The level of insecurity became so bad that our yearly town union meeting, held at home every December 26, was suspended due to insecurity.”
Another retired banker, Mr. Cyril Obi, who responded via WhatsApp, said: “Members of my family and I, did not travel home this Christmas. The same is also true of my siblings and members of their families because of economic crunch and security challenges in my area, Awo-Omamma.
“From enquiry, many homes were unoccupied. Those who returned were extremely scanty and very boring for those who made it home.”
Texting a message from his Okwu Emekuku country home, Owerri North local council area of the state, Sir Seth Agukwu said: “Just a few of our people came home for the Christmas. It could be for security reasons or financial issues.”
A former lecturer in Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, AIFCE, Owerri, Dr. Anthony Ekwe, said: “Many people didn’t come home as in the past in my area, Emii, Owerri North local government area. This mainly is due to the economic crunch facing many Nigerians.
Sir Chidi Osuji said that although he spent the Christmas in Port Harcourt, he was not sure of returning to his village for the New Year.
“May be I will look for a very strong disguise that will enable me move about in the village”, Osuji said.
Contributing also to the enquiry, Mr. Chimezie Ugochukwu said that his area was completely empty as “people did not come home for Christmas”.
Ugochukwu said: “My area is completely empty, people did not come home for Christmas. I reached a friend who told me it’s better to manage in the city, since people did not travel much due to the economic situation of the country.”
The National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Samuel
Anyanwu, blamed the festering insecurity in the South East, on “the absence of love, unity and peace amongst stakeholders in the society”.
According to him, “once members of different political parties begin to see themselves as a people created by one God, the issue of acrimony, rancour and backbiting, will be a thing of the past”.
He described as unfortunate, regrettable and unwholesome, the behavior of some supposed leaders who, he said, “should be in the business of making peace, but end up creating crisis in the society”, and admonished them to turn a new leaf.
In Abia State, the celebration was low key because of insecurity
Although there has been a significant improvement in the security situation in the state especially this Yuletide, not too many people returned to their communities, unlike before due to accumulated fear.
Investigation by Saturday Vanguard revealed that many communities which were a beehive of activities during this time in the previous years, were very dry and empty.
Speaking on the issue, the former General Manager, Abia Line Network Transport, Hon. Ugochukwu Uwaeke, from Isuochi in Umunneochi local government area, said many people did not return home for fear of the unknown.
Recall that Umunneochi has been a hotbed for insecurity in Abia State in the recent times due to the atrocities of suspected herdsmen and bandits.
His words:”People did not return as before principally because of insecurity in our area.”
He, however, noted that there was no incident of insecurity in the area during the festivities, and attributed it to the combined efforts of local vigilante groups and the conventional security agencies.
“There is improved security and the presence of the police and Army. Efforts of our local vigilante, supported by the community and some individuals, are paying off,” he said.
Uwaeke, however, attributed the emptiness of the communities to accumulated fears people had over time about insecurity in the area.
He added: “Due to previous fears, people did not return home as before. Even those who returned have not been moving around as they used to. Everybody is somehow, hiding for fear of the unknown.
“We thank God there was no incident of insecurity in the area this time except in the first week of December, but the military responded promptly, and since then, everywhere has been calm”.
Similarly, Dr Isaac Nkole, from Ndioji Abam Community in Arochukwu LGA, told Saturday Vanguard that the area did also not witness mass return of the people residing abroad due to insecurity.
He noted that, although there was no case of security breach in the area during the festivities, there was fear of attack by herdsmen among locals.
“This is the worst Christmas in Abam. After the clash with herdsmen about three months ago, everybody is being careful and circumspect.
“ There is fear everywhere. Everywhere is dry. APC Government has failed us. It has proven it cannot secure Nigerians.
“ People complain of insecurity and now of hunger. Things have never been this bad”, he agonized,” Nkole said.
The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry said on Sunday one man was killed in front of his shop in the northeastern city of eMalahleni by unidentified criminals.
It gave no more details on the incident, which it said took place on Sunday, June 28 — on a weekend when tensions were building up ahead of nationwide anti-migrant rallies last week.
Vigilantes have attacked foreign nationals and looted foreign-owned shops on numerous occasions in the last few months, as South Africans blame immigrants for problems such as crime and unemployment. Migrant rights groups say foreigners are being used as scapegoats for deep-rooted problems.
Ghana said last week one of its citizens was fatally wounded in a shooting during the anti-immigrant demonstrations. South Africa said his killing was not related to the protests and accused Ghana of spreading misinformation.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks against migrants. Police said they arrested 900 people during last week’s protests.
Advertisement · Scroll to continue
Nigeria’s foreign ministry said on Sunday: “We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table, some of which will be activated if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance… against foreigners is not addressed.”
Crime
Enugu Forest Guard Rescues Kidnap Victim, Arrests Native Doctor, Others in Intelligence-Led Operation
A coordinated operation by the Enugu State Forest Guard has led to the rescue of a kidnapped man and the arrest of four suspected criminals, including a man allegedly linked to ritual activities connected to the abduction.
The intelligence-driven operation was carried out in the Ette axis of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area following credible information that a young man, identified as Samson Eleje Abah, had been lured into a forest and abducted by suspected criminals.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Forest Guard stormed the location, rescued the victim unharmed, and arrested three suspects identified as Reuben Okwudili, Reuben Gebechukwu Chinoso, and Reuben Emeka.
The suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Forest Guard said further intelligence gathered during the operation led to the arrest of John Agbo, a resident of Ofante Egberi in Kogi State, who allegedly travelled to the community to perform ritual activities believed to be connected to the kidnapping. He has also been transferred to the police to assist with ongoing investigations.
According to the agency, preliminary findings, supported by consultations with community leaders, revealed that residents had previously raised concerns about the alleged criminal activities of some of the suspects and had consistently provided intelligence to security agencies.
Community leaders condemned the incident and reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to combat crime. They also announced the imposition of traditional sanctions on the family of the principal suspects in accordance with local customs, stressing that criminality would not be tolerated in the community.
Describing the operation as another major breakthrough in its intelligence-led security campaign, the Forest Guard reiterated its commitment to tackling kidnapping, violent crime, and other security threats across Enugu State.
The Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage, and swift response.
“We commend our operatives for their professionalism and prompt action in rescuing the victim and apprehending the suspects,” Olasoji said.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, emphasizing that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime.
“The Forest Guard will sustain aggressive patrols and deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure criminal elements have no safe haven in Enugu State,” he added.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed how suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, stole more than ₦7.2 million from the bank account of a serving judge in a midnight cyberattack.
Olukoyede made the revelation during the public presentation of two books authored by retired High Court judge, Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye.
According to the EFCC chairman, the judge contacted him around 1 a.m. after receiving multiple debit alerts from her bank account. She told him that about ₦7.2 million—money she had saved over six years for her child’s education—had been fraudulently withdrawn.
He said the commission immediately swung into action and, despite legal restrictions limiting certain investigative activities in the state where the incident occurred, successfully recovered the entire sum before the close of business that same day.
Olukoyede said the incident underscores the increasing threat of cybercrime in Nigeria and warned that many people only appreciate its devastating impact after becoming victims.
He called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, the judiciary and the public to combat internet-related crimes more effectively.
The EFCC boss also urged the National Assembly and legal experts to review existing laws to accommodate the use of artificial intelligence in criminal investigations, noting that current legal provisions make it difficult for AI-generated evidence to be admitted in court.
Also speaking at the event, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN), urged anti-corruption agencies to intensify efforts to recover stolen public funds traced to foreign countries.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) has cleared former Minister of Labor and Employment Senator Chris Ngige of allegations of ground to the tune of N80 Million.
Ngige was charged on 5 counts of conferring UNDUE advantage to 5 companies said to belong to his Associates and 3 counts of receiving monetary gifts of N38m ,and N42m through his Sen Chris Ngige Foundation Scholarship scheme and Sen Chris Ngige Campaign Organisation respectively.
Recall that on the strength of this matter the former Anambra state Governor was last year remanded at kuje Correction Center for three days and later granted bail.
Sen Ngige pleaded not guilty to the charges and pleads his innocence. Political observers believes the Minister is being witch hunted.
The EFCC prosecution witness at a Federal capital territory Court presided by Justice Marian Hassan again told the court that there was no undue influence,nor interference by the former Minister of Labour & Employment, Senator Dr Chris Ngige during the 12 months period that the NSITF Procurement was domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment between 2021and 2022.
The Procurement activities in the Parastatal’s Tenders board PTB and the Ministerial Tenders Board MTB performed their activities with due process and no hindrance.
The witness; Dr Maduka Onwusoro,now a Permanent Secretary said he served as Director of Procurement in the Labour Ministry 2019 up to 2023,with his Deputy Ms Joyce Akponor who was later deployed to NSITF on their request to man the needs of the various Departments ,collate bids and forward for PTB and MTB awards between 2021 and 2022.
Under Cross Examination by Lead defence Counsel PIN Ikwueto SAN the witness took a look at an Exhibit tendered by the Prosecution, he then affirmed that the approval annotation made on the document were his and affirmed that all the companies recommended and approval by the MTB in the document were done on merit and that there was no UNDUE interference or influence by anyone.
The Ex -Minister was being accused of conferring undue advantage Messrs Zitacom Ltd,Shale Atlantic ,and Olde English Consolidated ltd were on the list with many other companies.
The witness said as overall supervisor of Procurement activities no pressure was brought on him in connection with the 3 companies.
Earlier during his appearance last Thursday the same witness was emphatic that two other Companies Messrs Cezimo Ltd and Jeff & Xris Ltd also passed through due process and got their contracts on merit because there were pre- qualified and gave lowest bids.
Thereafter the defence sought to tender through the Bar some documents which were approvals and directives given to the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation( SGF )and the former Minister, Ngige by the former President Muhammadu Buhari but the Prosecution opposed and pointed out that the certification of the documents by the Federal Ministry of Labour Human Resources Department were not properly done in accordance with a past Supreme Court ruling on certification of documents.
This prompted the defence team to withdraw the application to tender them ,to enable them do the needful.
Thereafter the Judge adjourned the matter to October 14 2026 for further hearing.
The Enugu State Police Command says it has recorded major operational successes in its ongoing border security operations under the Inspector-General of Police’s “Handshake Patrol” initiative.
The operations, carried out at different border locations across the state, led to the foiling of an attempted armed robbery, the neutralisation of one suspected armed robber, the arrest of four other suspects, and the recovery of two firearms, suspected illicit drugs and other incriminating exhibits.
According to the Command, operatives attached to the Amechi-Idodo Division, working with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, foiled an armed robbery attempt along the Enugu–Abakaliki Road at about 6:15 a.m. on June 28, 2026.
The police said the gang had blocked a section of the highway to rob commuters but was confronted by security operatives in a gun battle. The gang, which was already on the Command’s watchlist for a series of armed robberies along the border route, was forced to flee.
Its alleged leader, Ifesinachi Kenneth, sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire and was arrested. Information obtained from him reportedly led to the arrest of another suspect, Izuchukwu Nwanga, who allegedly kept the gang’s proceeds of crime. Kenneth was taken to hospital but was later confirmed dead.
In a separate operation at about 5:30 p.m. the same day, operatives from the Umumba Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Umumba Ndiagu in Ezeagu Local Government Area, near the Anambra State border.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, identified as Uwah Ifesinachi Sunday, 23, and Chinonso Okafor Paul, 25. Police recovered a locally fabricated pistol, a knife, a pair of scissors and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
Also on June 28, at about 10:00 a.m., operatives of the Command’s Distress Response Squad (DRS), during a stop-and-search operation along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway at Ugwuoba in Oji River Local Government Area, intercepted a commercial tricycle carrying passengers.
A search led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun allegedly belonging to 21-year-old Ifediri Nwobu. Police said the suspect attempted to escape by jumping into a nearby river but was successfully apprehended.
The Command said investigations are ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects, while all those arrested will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the professionalism and bravery of the operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to strengthening border security and combating violent crime through intelligence-led policing. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
-
Crime5 days agoUNIOSUN Student Alleges Assault During Soldiers’ Raid on Hostel
-
Politics5 days agoAPC Issues Nomination Forms To Anambra Candidates Despite Court Judgement
-
Crime4 days agoMedia Vindicated as ICPC Explains Ex-Minister’s Public Disgrace at Abuja Airport
-
Politics4 days agoFormer Minister Uche Nnaji To Remain In Detention For 14 Days
-
Crime4 days ago
Enugu Police Foil Armed Robbery, Kill Suspect, Arrest Four in Border Operations
-
News5 days agoCBN Revokes Licences of 46 Banks Over Regulatory Breaches (See List)
-
News4 days agoGod forbid Nigeria sees another Civil War — Obasanjo
-
News5 days agoFive Nigerians Detained in Côte d’Ivoire Return Home After FG Intervention