Crime
Kidnapping: Wike fiddles with Rivers politics while Abuja burns
A few years ago, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, was perceived as the safest city anyone could wish to live in. The headquarters of all the security establishments are located in the seat of power and this confers an aura of invincibility on the city and also gives the residents a sense of peace and safety.
However, the situation has deteriorated in the last five years with all manners of criminality pervading the once idyllic boulevards of the city. Robberies, kidnappings, car-snatching and even murders are now commonplace. Strolling on the streets by any resident is now considered a big risk.
Residents who expected the situation to improve with the appointment of the former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, as the FCT minister are struggling to come to terms with the worsening security situation in the nation’s seat of power.
Not only has the security crisis worsened, but bandits have reportedly moved their camps to the surrounding forests and are abducting the residents from their homes. Abductors confidently demand millions in ransom while running rings around the security agencies.
The FCT Police Command in a recent statement acknowledged the rising abductions but disagreed with the number of reported victims.
Meanwhile, Wike appears to have been distracted by his ongoing squabble with his successor in Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara. While the minister is fighting tooth and nail over the Rivers State ‘’political structure’’ he claimed to have built, bandits, kidnappers, one-chance robbers, and other hoodlums are cashing out big from their criminal enterprise in Abuja.
Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project indicate that 83 persons were killed and 146 individuals kidnapped between June and December 2023 in the country.
ACLED collects real-time data on the locations, dates, actors, fatalities, and types of all reported political violence and protests around the world.
The latest incident is the abduction of six sisters and their father in the Bwari Area Council of the FCT by bandits on January 13, 2024. The killing of Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, one of the girls, has generated anger among Nigerians. The sisters were among the 23 others abducted by the bandits who reportedly killed a policeman and injured another one during the attack.
One Folorunsho Ariyo was killed alongside Nabeeha by the hoodlums and their corpses and two other unidentified bodies were reportedly dumped around a former military checkpoint behind Idah Junction along the Bwari-Jere SCC Road in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The gunmen had released the girls’ father with an instruction to raise N60m ransom before January 12. Two days later, the hoodlums killed Nabeeha, the eldest of the siblings, and two other victims.
They also jacked up the ransom to N100m after the bereaved father of the murdered girl informed them they were able to raise about N30m. Nabeeha, who was murdered in cold blood, was a 400-level student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
While Nabeeha was not lucky, many others who survived their ordeal in the camp of their abductors would not forget the trauma they went true. On January 7, at about 7:30pm, about 11 persons, including a mother and four children, were kidnapped in the Sagwari Estate Layout, in the Dutse-Alhaji axis of the FCT by gunmen reportedly dressed in military uniforms. The kidnappers were said to have raided two compounds and a hotel where they snatched the receptionist and the barman.
On December 18, 2023, gunmen kidnapped a Nigerian musician, Adeyinka Adeboye, also known as Boyebest, and his crew members, after a performance, demanding a ransom of N10mn each for their release. Also, the President of the Abuja Newspaper Distributors’ Association, John Emmanuel, was kidnapped in a ‘one-chance’ vehicle in the Giri area on December 12. His family and associates coughed out some millions of naira to secure his release.
The dare-devil bandits similarly attacked the Zone 5 segment of the Kubwa Extension 2 Relocation Estate along Arab Road on December 10 where they abducted a woman and her three children, including a six-month-old baby, after shooting indiscriminately, causing pandemonium in the area. Four days earlier, unknown gunmen snatched two landlords in the Asokoro Extension area, demanding N20m ransom for their victims.
In its December 2023 Nigeria Security Report, Beacon Intel, a publication of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, said the FCT recorded the highest number of kidnaps in the North-Central region, with 75 people taken hostage.
Commenting on the latest incident, the Nigeria Police Force, through its official X handle, @PoliceNG, said it was “diligently coordinating efforts” to apprehend the kidnappers and rescue the victims.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, read, “In the wake of the abduction of six young girls in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, it is vital to state that the police force has already initiated a comprehensive plan of action. The force headquarters is diligently coordinating efforts to address this and prevent any further occurrence, as all hands are on deck to rescue the victims.
“The NPF is actively engaging and contacting individuals crucial to the rescue operations and investigation. The objective is not only to bring perpetrators to justice but also to intensify efforts in rescue operations for victims still in captivity.”
Reacting to the killing of Nabeeha in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday night, former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, said he had spoken with the father of Nabeeha over the other kidnapped girls.
“Inna lil Laahi wa inna ilaiHi Raajiun! I just read about the killing of our daughter Nabeeha (400 level, ABU). I also spoke with her father about the remaining five of our kidnapped daughters. May Allah forgive her, rescue others & bring absolute peace to Nigeria,” he said.
He disclosed that his associate offered to pay N50mn to facilitate the release of the girls.
In another X post, Pantami said, “I am personally not in support of paying ransom to criminals. However, since it became clear, that we lost our daughter Nabeeha yesterday (Saturday), and the five remaining daughters have been threatened, as I spoke with the father on the matter yesterday and today.
“Furthermore, I spoke with a friend and a brother who offered to pay the remaining 50 million Naira of the 60m immediately.”
He lamented the failure of the security agencies to crack down on criminals through the various digital and technological equipment and facilities acquired by the government.
Meanwhile, outraged Nigerians have condemned the insecurity in Abuja and the failure of the authorities to justify their appointments. They also expressed their intention to support the family in raising the ransom.
Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, on his official X handle, said the country’s security architecture should be rejigged while calling for security agencies to step up actions to rescue the other victims.
“This is yet another reminder that kidnappers and bandits are operating unhindered in our country. The security architecture needs to be rejigged to the extent that it stems from the free rein of criminal elements and guarantees the safety of lives and property.
“The security agencies should step up action to rescue the rest who are still in the custody of the kidnappers. I pray Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort the family. -AA #Nabeehaandhersisters”, his tweet read.
Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sanni, also lent his voice to the issue in a post on his X handle @ShehuSani, stating, “The gruesome murder of Nabeeha Al-kadriyar is a condemnable act of evil before our very eyes. Her death was an avoidable tragedy.
“The perpetrators must be brought to justice. The deterioration of security within the Federal Capital should be a matter of urgent concern to our security services. May her soul rest in peace. Amin.”
In the wake of Nabeeha’s death, outraged netizens have lambasted the government over the recurrent abductions in the FCT.
An X user, @Ethereal_ilo, condemned the government’s swiftness in finding accounts that supported the #Endsars protests and its failure to track down the kidnappers.
“FG sniffed out accounts that donated to #EndSARS. They tracked phone numbers and addresses. But they can’t find the people who kidnapped the #Nabeehahandhersisters.”
The FCT Director of Security, Adamu Gwary, could not be reached for comment on the measures put in place to address the escalating security incidents.
But speaking on the development, the Managing Director, Beacon Security, Dr Kabir Adamu, noted that the FCT security department had failed to put in place efficient and effective security management systems.
“In simple terms, the FCTA, especially its security department and the FCT security committee, has not put in place an effective and efficient security management system that is a combination of people, technology, and systems with the ability for proactive and reactive security including the elements to deter, detect and to delay threat actors.
“The other elements are the ability to respond, review and recover. These six elements have several components that failed when my consultancy did a desktop audit to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the security management system in place in the FCT at the moment,” Adamu said.
“To properly understand the context of my statement, it is important to situate the FCT, Abuja. It shares boundaries with four states that are all security-challenged. These are Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger States.
“All have threat elements including varied forms of non-state armed groups that have the capacity to use the forested and mountainous paths in the border communities of the FCT to these states to come in and attack innocent residents and escape back through the same routes,” he added.
Source: PUNCH
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.
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.
Crime
Traditional rulers indispensable partners in community policing, security management – CP Giwa
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.
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.
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.
Onanuga disclosed this in a post on his X handle, saying, “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.”
He later revealed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several others were neutralised.
He also dismissed reports that the victims were freed through a prisoner exchange, stating that there was “no quid pro quo” because one of the terrorist kingpins whose release had been demanded by the kidnappers remains on trial for alleged terrorism-related offences.
The announcement caps months of denials, protests and false alarms since gunmen stormed three schools in the area on May 15, abducting 46 pupils, students and teachers.
Here is how the 56-day saga unfolded.
May 15: The attack
Armed men numbering in the dozens, some dressed in military fatigues and riding motorcycles, stormed three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, near Ogbomoso — Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
They opened fire before seizing pupils, students and teachers, including a toddler aged two. At least one person was killed during the raid.
Governor Seyi Makinde later confirmed that seven students were abducted from Community Grammar School, while 18 children and seven teachers were taken from Baptist Nursery and Primary.
In total, 39 pupils and seven teachers — 46 victims — were confirmed abducted, including the school principal, Folawe Alamu.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack as barbaric and vowed a rescue operation, with the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, dispatching more detectives to Oyo State to lead a technology-driven operation.
Late May: The beheading of Michael Oyedokun
Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was beheaded by his captors in a video that sparked nationwide condemnation and hardened public anger toward the government’s handling of the crisis. The killing was reportedly intended to deter security operatives closing in on the kidnappers’ camp.
Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and directed a specialised rescue unit to intensify operations.
Around this time, reports emerged that the kidnappers had opened communication channels with the state government, demanding the release of two detained Boko Haram/Ansaru commanders, Mahmud Usman (“Abu Bara’a”) and his deputy Abubakar Abba, as a condition for freeing the victims.
June 1: NUT declares indefinite strike
The Nigeria Union of Teachers ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw services indefinitely, demanding the government secure the victims’ release before schools reopened. Solidarity rallies followed across state capitals on June 2.
Early-mid June: Fake “release” claims proliferate
At least three separate waves of misinformation falsely claimed the victims had been freed.. Oyo Police and the state government repeatedly and firmly debunked each claim, while fact-checkers (Africa Check) intervened publicly.
Late June: Ransom allegations, pressure campaigns
Social media activist VeryDarkMan (Martins Otse) led protests to the Oyo governor’s office. The Oyo government, through Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade, repeatedly denied any ransom payment. Civil society groups, including Socialist Labour, accused the government of complacency and demanded accountability.
July 2: NUT suspends strike
After roughly a month of industrial action, the NUT called off its strike, citing government assurances that efforts to secure the victims’ release were intensifying, and citing concern for pupils’ lost academic time.
July 8-9: Defence minister confirms standoff over use of force
Defence Minister Christopher Musa disclosed that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the captives if security forces attempted a forceful rescue, explaining the extended timeline and the shift toward a negotiated approach. Army Chief Waidi Shaibu said troops were making “tremendous progress” and had identified associates of the kidnappers.
July 10: Freedom, at last
Onanuga announced that all the kidnapped pupils and teachers had been rescued by security agencies, bringing the 56-day ordeal to an end.
He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and are currently in DSS custody, while some others were neutralised.
While the victims’ rescue brings an end to the 56-day ordeal, security agencies are expected to provide a comprehensive account of the operation, including details of the arrests and the circumstances surrounding the rescue.
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.
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.
He explained that the kidnappers were using the children as leverage to secure the release of their commanders in military custody.
“For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us and they feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander.
The minister’s comments come nearly eight weeks after gunmen abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and two other schools in Esinle, in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state, on May 15.
Speaking further on measures to curb banditry and kidnapping, Musa backed the death penalty for perpetrators, saying weak laws had emboldened criminals.
“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment,” he added.
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