Crime
CP Giwa Orders Enhanced Security Operations Across Enugu
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed officers and men of the state command to sustain and strengthen security operations across the state to consolidate the prevailing peaceful atmosphere.
The directive was issued during a strategic conference with senior and supervisory officers held at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess, Agbani Road, Enugu.
Speaking at the meeting, the police commissioner commended officers for their commitment to maintaining law and order in their various areas of responsibility, urging them to intensify visibility policing and adopt proactive measures to address emerging security threats.
CP Giwa specifically ordered increased covert and overt security operations around schools and other public places, stressing the need for the robust deployment of personnel from the Command’s School Protection Squad (SPS) to guarantee the safety of educational institutions across the state.
The commissioner also briefed officers on resolutions reached at the recent Strategic Senior Police Officers Conference convened by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu. According to him, the IGP emphasized strict enforcement against unregistered vehicles and illegal number plate coverings, enhanced inter-command collaboration through the “Handshake Patrol” initiative, and adherence to professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights during policing operations.
The conference featured presentations from officers who recently attended training programmes on Artificial Intelligence (AI), human rights, arrest procedures, case management, and the legal implications of police actions.
Proceedings began with a minute’s silence in honour of the late former Commissioner of Police in Enugu State and former Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9, Umuahia, Kanayo V. Uzuegbu.
The meeting was attended by Deputy and Assistant Commissioners of Police, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and heads of various departments, formations, units and sections of the command.
Police spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe said the conference was aimed at reinforcing operational efficiency and ensuring sustained security across Enugu State.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, on the rising wave of bandit attacks and terrorist incursions in Kogi West and other parts of the country, as lawmakers again confronted the widening security crisis across multiple regions.
During deliberations, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, introduced an additional prayer calling for coordinated action by the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other relevant security agencies to track, monitor and arrest individuals who use social media platforms to publicise criminal operations.
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed alarm that armed groups were no longer operating covertly but were instead leveraging digital platforms to project influence, flaunt ill-got wealth and, in some cases, carry out public “giveaways” believed to be funded through criminal activity.
She said, “Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles. Two days ago, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over ₦100m within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles, especially TikTok.”
The senator questioned why such overt digital footprints had not translated into arrests by relevant security agencies, particularly units mandated to track cyber-enabled crimes.
“I wonder why the Cybercrime Unit and the Police Force generally cannot track these activities and apprehend them since they are on social media. Therefore, I urge the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre to track and arrest these individuals,” she stated.
The additional prayer was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West Senatorial District and received broad support across party lines, reflecting growing legislative concern over the intersection of insecurity and unchecked digital exposure by criminal elements.
“The Department of State Services should be able to track their movements and arrest them because this is a show of impunity, as if there is no law at all,” Akpabio said.
He warned that the open circulation of videos showing cash displays and criminal activities on social media platforms amounted to a deliberate attempt to ridicule government institutions and undermine public confidence in the country’s security architecture.
“I do not see why we should not have control over the social media space. That idea of showing themselves, showing the cash collected and displaying it is a way of challenging the government,” he added.
The Senate President urged intelligence and security agencies to treat the matter as an urgent national security priority, calling for improved coordination and real-time response to online intelligence.
“I want the security agencies and heads of security services to see this as a major challenge. Whenever anybody finds such content, bring it to the attention of the Senate, and we shall invite the relevant federal authorities to explain why those people have not been apprehended,” he said.
He also emphasised the need for accountability mechanisms that would ensure the public is informed once arrests are made and prosecutions commenced.
“If they are apprehended, they should also report back so that Nigerians can know that those who openly show their faces while committing crimes are being arrested and prosecuted,” the Senate President stated.
According to information released by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the coordinated offensive targeted fighters affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), one of the deadliest extremist groups operating in the Lake Chad Basin.
AFRICOM disclosed that the operations, conducted in close collaboration with Nigerian military forces, eliminated more than 200 terrorists, including high-profile commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who had been linked to several insurgent activities in the region.
In a statement posted on its official social media platforms, AFRICOM said the operation was executed without any casualties among Nigerian or American personnel.
“AFRICOM, in continued coordination with Nigeria, conducted operations against ISIS fighters in northeast Nigeria. No U.S. or Nigerian forces were harmed. The targeted operations eliminated more than 200 terrorists, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki,” the command stated.
The development marks one of the most significant joint counterterrorism successes recorded by both countries since the strengthening of military cooperation earlier this year.
Reacting to the operation, the Director of Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, confirmed that the joint efforts had significantly weakened terrorist networks operating in the northeast.
Speaking during a virtual discussion hosted jointly by the Defence Headquarters and AFRICOM, Uba revealed that the collaborative operations have not only eliminated hundreds of insurgents but have also disrupted their logistics chains and command structures.
According to him, intelligence-sharing arrangements between both countries have improved the Nigerian military’s ability to identify and target terrorist camps, weapons depots, and supply routes.
“The partnership has strengthened intelligence-driven operations, leading to the destruction of terrorist enclaves, logistics infrastructure and enhanced surveillance capabilities across affected areas,” he said.
He further noted that Nigerian troops have benefited from specialized training programmes, intelligence fusion initiatives, joint planning exercises and professional military education facilitated through the partnership with the United States.
Security analysts believe the operation represents a major setback for ISIS-affiliated groups that have continued to launch attacks in parts of Borno State and neighbouring areas despite sustained military offensives.
Borno State remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s insurgency crisis, which began in 2009 with the emergence of Boko Haram before splinter groups such as ISWAP gained prominence.
Over the years, terrorists have targeted military formations, local communities, schools and critical infrastructure, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of residents across the northeast.
The elimination of senior commanders and the destruction of operational facilities are expected to weaken the insurgents’ ability to coordinate future attacks.
The latest success is expected to boost confidence in the counterterrorism strategy of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has repeatedly pledged to intensify efforts to restore security across the country.
The operation also highlights growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and military capacity building.
While military authorities caution that the fight against terrorism is far from over, officials insist that recent gains demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated international partnerships in tackling evolving security threats.
Security experts, however, stress that sustained military pressure, improved border security, community engagement and economic development programmes will be necessary to prevent terrorist groups from regrouping.
For residents of the northeast who have endured years of violence, the successful operation has been welcomed as another important step toward lasting peace and stability in the region.
The attack, which occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, threw the community into mourning and heightened concerns over security in the area.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, the Kogi State Police Command said a large number of armed bandits, operating on about 40 motorcycles, invaded the school with the suspected intention of abducting students and other residents.
The statement said the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response after receiving distress calls, deploying personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, and tactical teams.
It added that military personnel and local vigilante groups already stationed in the area also joined the operation.
“The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush.
“Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents.
The Command, however, confirmed that three persons were killed during the attack.
“They include Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70 years; and Sunday Ayele, aged six years.”
The police said one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols in the affected area. According to the Command, joint security operatives are still conducting intensive operations to apprehend fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
Members of the public were urged to remain calm and assist security agencies with credible information.
“Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress,” the statement added.
The Edo State Government has ordered the temporary closure of three public secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a potential kidnapping threat targeting students.
The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.
The directive, issued through the State Ministry of Education, followed security advisories warning of possible attacks on educational institutions in the area.
In a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, the government said the closure was a precautionary measure aimed at protecting students, teachers and host communities pending further security assessments.
Sources familiar with the development revealed that intelligence gathered by security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), indicated that suspected criminal elements were plotting attacks on schools in Edo North Senatorial District.
According to the sources, kidnappers may have shifted focus to schools after previous attempts to abduct wealthy individuals reportedly yielded little financial gain. Security operatives were also said to have intercepted information suggesting that attacks on schools could attract quicker attention and higher ransom payments.
Tension heightened after the arrest of a suspect allegedly caught conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in early June. Investigators believe the development may be connected to the reported threat.
Following the intelligence reports, security agencies advised the state government to take preventive measures, including strengthening security around schools and other public facilities. Recommendations reportedly included increased patrols, enhanced intelligence gathering and closer collaboration with local vigilante groups and community security outfits.
The ministry announced that all academic and administrative activities in the affected schools have been suspended until further notice.
However, candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will continue to sit for their papers under enhanced security arrangements.
The government said security personnel and community stakeholders would work together to ensure the safety of examination candidates throughout the exercise.
School authorities have been directed to facilitate the safe return of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain close communication with security agencies during the closure period.
The state government appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel, assuring them that efforts are underway to neutralise any threat and restore normal academic activities as soon as possible.
Gunmen have abducted the Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Hon. Debo Farounbi, during an attack on Ora community along the Osun/Kwara boundary.
The incident reportedly occurred around 10 p.m. on Tuesday when the armed men invaded the community and fired several gunshots into the air, throwing residents into panic.
Farounbi was reportedly abducted alongside three other persons during the attack.
However, security operatives, including military personnel and local vigilantes stationed in the area, engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon three of the victims.
According to residents, the gunmen eventually escaped with Farounbi after the exchange of gunfire.
One resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers had initially succeeded in moving the victims toward a nearby bush before security operatives intervened.
“Four people, two Fulani women and two men including the Ifedayo Local Government Vice Chairman, Debo Farounbi were abducted. But the resistance put up by the military made the perpetrators to abandon three people.
“They however went away with Farounbi. Our people did not sleep throughout the night. We are in serious fear. The incident happened around 10 p.m. on Tuesday,” the resident said.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said security agencies had launched efforts to rescue the council vice chairman.
“One person was abducted. He is a local government vice chairman, Hon. Debo Farounbi. Immediately the incident happened, the military, police and others responded. Efforts are in place to rescue the man. It is abduction until we are able to prove that it is a case of kidnapping,” Ojelabi stated.
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