Okwudili Ndiwe, popularly known as Derico Nwamama, was a notorious Nigerian armed robber and serial killer who terrorized parts of Anambra State, particularly Onitsha and its environs, between 2000 and 2001. He became one of Nigeria’s most feared criminals because of his gang’s involvement in armed robberies, killings, and attacks on police officers and civilians. Reports from the time attributed more than 100 civilian deaths and the killing of numerous police officers to his gang, though some figures vary by source.
Derico reportedly began as a street urchin and pickpocket before graduating to violent armed robbery. His activities created widespread fear across southeastern Nigeria, leading traders and residents to demand stronger action against criminal gangs.
In July 2001, he was captured by the Bakassi Boys after the group was invited to help tackle violent crime in Anambra State. Rather than being handed over to the police for trial, he was publicly executed by beheading in Onitsha, an act that drew both public approval from some residents and strong condemnation from human rights organizations because it was an extrajudicial killing.
Derico’s story remains one of the most infamous episodes in Nigeria’s criminal history and is often cited in discussions about crime, vigilantism, and the rule of law in the country.

Derico’s reign of terror lasted only about a year (2000–2001), but it left a lasting mark on Anambra State. Some accounts are well documented, while others have become part of local folklore, so it’s important to distinguish between verified facts and widely repeated stories.

Some of his most notorious escapades include:

The Upper Iweka luxury bus massacre (December 2000): This is considered his most infamous crime. His gang reportedly stopped a Lagos-bound luxury bus at Upper Iweka in Onitsha, robbed the passengers, and then executed most of them. Reports say about 55 of the 59 passengers were killed, with only a handful surviving.

Repeated bank robberies: Derico’s gang carried out daring raids on banks in Onitsha, escaping with millions of naira at a time when police struggled to stop them.
Killing of police officers: He was blamed for the deaths of around 25 police officers, often attacking patrol teams and police checkpoints. His gang became notorious for directly confronting law enforcement rather than avoiding them.
The killing of Chiejina: According to widely circulated accounts, Derico was once allied with another feared criminal, Chiejina. After Chiejina allegedly murdered Derico’s father, Derico tracked him down and shot him dead, ending his rival’s reign before becoming the dominant crime boss himself. This story is widely recounted but is based largely on historical narratives rather than court records.

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Control through fear: Traders, transporters, and residents in Onitsha, Nkpor, Nnewi, Ihiala, and nearby towns reportedly lived in fear of his gang. Some accounts claim he would send advance warnings before attacks to demonstrate that security agencies could not stop him.

His downfall came in July 2001 when the Bakassi Boys captured him near the Niger Bridge after an intelligence-led operation. Six days later, he was publicly beheaded in Onitsha without trial, an extrajudicial execution that was celebrated by many residents but condemned by human rights groups.
He was beheaded by Bakassi at the public square at Ochanja Market Onitsha on July 9, 2001.

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mamman Giwa, says traditional rulers remain indispensable partners in community policing and grassroots security management.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Saturday in Enugu after the commissioner’s stakeholders’ engagement visit to the leadership of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council on Friday.

The commissioner noted that traditional rulers are indispensable and imperative in grassroots security matters due to their closeness to the people and understanding of the security dynamics within their communities.

He emphasised that the command would continue to leverage their support in intelligence gathering, crime prevention, conflict resolution, and the prompt reporting of suspicious activities.

According to him, the command is reaffirming its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the traditional institution in the fight against crime and criminality across the state.

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Responding to questions from the traditional rulers, the commissioner pledged to continue to accord them due respect and recognition as custodians of peace and order in their communities.

He appreciated their continued support in promoting peace and security across the state.

The state police boss urged them to sustain their partnership with the police by encouraging residents to remain law-abiding and security-conscious.

Speaking, the Council, led by its Chairman, Igwe Samuel Asadu, appreciated the commissioner for the visit and commended his pragmatic leadership in combating crime and enhancing public safety in the state.

Describing him as “God-sent,” the traditional rulers offered him their royal blessings and prayed for his continued success.

They reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting police initiatives that promote peace and security across the state.

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Also present at the engagement were the Council’s Deputy Chairman, Igwe Julius Nnaji; the Council’s Public Relations Officer, Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu; and Chairmen of the various Local Government Traditional Rulers’ Councils.

Others are: the Council’s former Chairman, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, and its First Grand Patron, Igwe Abel Nwobodo.

The engagement underscores the commissioner’s commitment to sustained collaboration with critical stakeholders to advance community policing, public trust-building, proactive crime prevention, and the maintenance of law and order.

A suspected thief has been arrested for allegedly stealing electrical bulbs and other fittings from a classroom at the Federal University of Education, Pankshin, Plateau State.

The suspect was apprehended on Wednesday by the university’s security personnel during a heavy downpour. The institution’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Charles Nda Homsuk, confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that security operatives swiftly foiled the alleged theft and recovered the stolen electrical items.

According to Homsuk, the suspect has been handed over to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.

He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property on campus through proactive security measures.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Noel Wannang, commended the Chief Security Officer, Wing Commander Paul Maimako Yusuf (retd.), and members of the university’s security unit for their vigilance and professionalism. He said their prompt response prevented the theft and underscored the effectiveness of the institution’s security architecture.

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The Chief Security Officer also praised the university security personnel, hunters engaged for night patrols, and other stakeholders for their collaborative efforts in strengthening campus security.

He urged students, staff, and members of the university community to remain law-abiding and promptly report suspicious individuals, unusual movements, or any security threats to the institution’s Security Department.