The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, for allegedly being involved in a burglary operation at a residence in Abuja where luxury items and valuables worth about N150 million were reportedly stolen.

The arrest was announced on Monday, May 25, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid. The suspect was arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) following investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage and administering harmful substances.

According to police findings, Govi was said to have gained employment as a chef at the residence, studying the movement of occupants, internal routine and security setup before allegedly carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.

He reportedly worked with two accomplices called Peter and Moses, who are on the run investigators said.

Police said food prepared in the house was mixed with a substance suspected to be a sedative to weaken the occupants and security personnel.

The suspects allegedly broke into the property, destroyed CCTV installations and carted away 20 luxury wristwatches worth about N150 million and other valuables, after they allegedly became unconscious.

Commenting on the development, DCP Anthony Placid said the suspect was intercepted around the Gwagwalada axis of the Federal Capital Territory while trying to flee to Lagos. An iPhone 17 Pro Max, believed to be the victim’s, and a suspected chemical substance were also recovered, he said.

“We are still committed to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring that all fleeing accomplices are brought to justice,” Placid said.

Efforts to arrest the suspects who fled and to conclude investigations into the case are continuing,” police said.

The post Police Arrest Private Chef Over Alleged N150m Theft, Drugging Of Employer, Burglary appeared first on TheNigerian.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on the bust of a Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate and dismantling of a multi-million-dollar drug network.

Tinubu described the operation as a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against organised crime, narcotics trafficking and trans-border criminal networks.

The President’s position was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

It was gathered that the Chairman of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), made the disclosure on Wednesday after weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated operations.

The operation was carried out by NDLEA operatives and international security partners.

The agency said the operation resulted in the arrest of some foreign nationals, local kingpins and several collaborators.

During the exercise, more than $360m worth of chemicals and illicit drugs were also seized.

Tinubu said the successful operation was a demonstration of the professionalism, courage and commitment of NDLEA officers engaged in the mission.

The President lauded the operatives for their resilience, but warned them not to relax in the fight against drug trafficking.

“I commend the bravery, resilience and dedication shown by NDLEA operatives throughout this mission.

“I tell them not to be complacent in the face of the menace of drug trafficking,” the President said.

Tinubu said the operation had sent a strong message that Nigeria would not allow drug barons and organized criminal groups to operate freely within its territory.

The President also sounded the alarm that West Africa has been increasingly becoming a major transit route for illicit drugs.

He said drug barons were using the region to export cocaine, synthetic narcotics and unregulated pharmaceutical products to Europe and North America.

He said: “West Africa has emerged as a major concern in the global fight against narcotics, with drug barons using our region as a transit point for cocaine, synthetic drugs and unregulated pharmaceuticals.

The development had “serious implications for the security of the nation and the region,” Tinubu said.

Drug trafficking networks, he said, often fuel organised crime, corruption and violence across borders.

‘Drugs Threaten Youths Future’
Tinubu also warned that illegal drugs posed serious threats to young people across the region.

He said many youths had been victims of addiction and criminal exploitation as a result of the activities of drug trafficking networks.

“Drugs are not only a serious security threat for our region, but they are also a serious threat to the future of our youth, some of whom have become victims of the trade,” said the President.

The fight against narcotics must therefore be seen not only as a security operation but also as a national duty to protect the future generation, he added.

He urged Nigerians to support security agencies by being vigilant and reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

He said the fight against illicit drugs should not be left for the NDLEA alone.

“I urge all Nigerians to view the war against illicit drugs as not the NDLEA’s alone.

“Everyone has a part to play. “We should be vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately,” he said.

“Timely information from citizens can help expose criminal operations and illegal trafficking networks across the country,” said the President.

Tinubu said the NDLEA’s latest success showed that Nigeria’s security agencies were determined to confront organised crime and enforce the law.

Those involved in crime that threats public safety would be put to justice, he said.

“This landmark success sends a strong message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country and those who threaten public safety will face the law,” Tinubu said.

The President pledged that his administration would continue to support the NDLEA and other security agencies in their efforts to curb drug trafficking, safeguard communities and enhance national security.

The post Tinubu Reacts as NDLEA Dismantles Nigerian-Mexican Drug Network appeared first on TheNigerian.

Michael Oyedokun, a teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area, was murdered by his captors.

Oyedokun was apparently slain in a video that the kidnappers purportedly made public on Sunday.

The community is in sorrow as a result of the development, and concerns about the safety of other kidnapped victims have increased.

Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju, Governor Seyi Makinde’s Special Advisor on Media, confirmed the event on Monday and stated the governor had consoled with the victim’s family.

Additionally, Makinde promised that the state government will use both kinetic and non-kinetic tactics to free those who remained in custody.

We currently know that a total of seven teachers were kidnapped. Unfortunately, we received a video this morning showing that one of the teachers—I believe the math teacher—was murdered by terrorists, Makinde added.

According to the governor, security forces have detained a few suspects connected to the kidnapping.

According to the Commissioner of Police’s information, around six people have been apprehended in the area.

We suspect that some of them are either terrorists’ logisticians or informants.

Additionally, he stated, “three people of interest have been arrested by another security outfit within the state.”

Makinde also expressed sympathy to the families of local vigilantes, troops, and Amotekun members who lost their lives while performing rescue missions.

He stated that while injured soldiers were being treated, three agents were killed after colliding with explosives purportedly laid by the kidnappers.

“So, please, we will keep trying to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly, even though there may not be quick fixes,” he stated.

The post Kidnapped Oyo Teacher Killed By Suspected Bandits appeared first on TheNigerian.

Reports reaching our news desk say no fewer than eight persons have been allegedly killed in a suspected cult attack in Aliade Street area of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday and is said to have caused panic in the area as residents ran for their lives.

Residents said the attackers came to the area at about 2 a.m. on motorcycles and to storm a residential compound while many occupants were sleeping.

Witnesses claimed the gunmen dragged out some residents and opened fire on them.

Four people died instantly in the first phase of the attack, community sources said.

The assailants also attacked some neighbors who ran out after hearing gunshots, causing more casualties, they said.

“It was a chaotic, traumatic incident,” an eyewitness who asked not to be named for security reasons told the BBC.

The attackers were coordinated and left the scene immediately after the shooting, the witness said.

Residents were keeping inside for fear of further attacks, with the incident creating tension in the neighbourhood.

The Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, Joseph Keffi, confirmed the incident and blamed it on suspected cult activities.

Preliminary investigations indicate the attack may be connected to a dispute between rival cult groups, Keffi said.

Some innocent residents were victims of violence for allegedly harbouring one of the persons linked to the dispute, he said.

The chairman of the council said security agencies had been mobilised to track down those behind the attack.

He also said a suspected cult leader, believed to be involved in several violent incidents in Makurdi, had been identified, although the suspect was said to have been outside Benue State when the attack happened.

The attack was also confirmed by the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari.

But he said the casualty numbers being released publicly could be higher than the official numbers available to the command.

After investigations and verification processes, Emenari said the police would release a detailed statement.

Security operatives are said to have cordoned off the affected area shortly after the attack while the bodies of the victims were evacuated to different morgues in Makurdi.

Fears of a resurgence of cult-related violence in some parts of Benue State have been amplified by the latest incident. Residents urged security agencies to intensify operations and improve intelligence gathering to avert more attacks.

The post Panic As Suspected Cultists Kill Eight In Benue Community appeared first on TheNigerian.

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the mob killing of two men in Bunga Hamlet, Dagu Ward of Warji Local Government Area of the state.

The incident reportedly occurred on May 7, 2026 at about 11:50am after a distress call was received on a mob attack that led to the death of Kabiru Idris, 30, and Ibrahim Samaila Danliti, 40, both of Gabanga Village, Warji LGA.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesman of the Command, Nafiu Habib said the victims were riding on a motorcycle when they were allegedly chased by a mob from Ningi LGA shouting, “thieves, thieves” before they were intercepted at Bunga Hamlet and severely beaten until they became unconscious.

The victims were taken to the General Hospital, Warji, by police operatives, where a medical doctor later confirmed them dead, the sources said.

The command said detectives acting on intelligence arrested three suspects, Samaila Turawa of Gwada, Danbaba Haruna of Gwada and Ubale Mai Kaji of Ningi for their alleged involvement in the incident.

The police said the suspects are being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi and are assisting investigators to arrest other escaping members of the mob.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the incident, saying it was barbaric and ordered a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killings.

He reiterated that no person or group of persons has the right to take the law into their hands and unlawfully take another person’s life.

The command added that normalcy had returned to the area, with patrols and community engagement being intensified to prevent a recurrence.

The spokesperson said all those involved in the illegal act would be identified and prosecuted according to the law.

The post Mob Kills Two In Bauchi As Police Arrest Three Suspects appeared first on TheNigerian.

A High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has sentenced Ojo Tosin Olasunkanmi, 31, and Obamoyegun Dele, 31, to death by hanging for conspiracy and armed robbery.

Justice Bamidele Omotoso delivered the judgment.

The convicts were arraigned with Adewale David, 36, who died while the case was pending. They were initially charged on 31 January, 2020 and the charge was amended on 25 March, 2025 to six counts of conspiracy and armed robbery contrary to Sections 6(b) and 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. RII, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The charge stated that the defendants conspired and committed armed robbery on August 11, 2018, at Oganganmodu, off Igbole Road, Ido-Ekiti. They had guns and axes.

Items recovered during the operation include mobile phones, a Toyota Sienna Space Bus, cash of ₦120,000, laptop, DVD player, baby flask, cash of ₦20,000 and cash of ₦150,000.

One of the victims, Ojo Bosede, who testified before the court said that she and other family members had travelled from Lagos to attend a wedding in Igbole-Ekiti. She said the attackers came to the gate at about 1:00 a.m., introducing themselves as officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and said they were acting on a tip that hard drugs were kept in the house.

When the occupants refused to open the gate, the assailants climbed over the fence and smashed the burglary proof with a stone to gain entry. They robbed the occupants and stole her Sienna bus. The police were informed of the incident the next day.

The prosecution led by O.B. Ayeleso called nine witnesses and tendered several exhibits including the statements of the defendants, a black axe, 15 SIM cards, mobile phones, the recovered Sienna Space Bus, and photographs.

Counsels Ogunremi Opeyemi and Oluwatoyin Marcus represented the defendants who testified in their own defence but did not call any witness.

In delivering the judgment, Justice Omotoso held that the offence of conspiracy is established by the agreement or plot between parties, deduced from actions intended to achieve a common criminal purpose.

“I finally decided all the issues in favour of the prosecution against the accused. The judge said: “Accordingly, the defendants are convicted on the charges.”

He added: “For conspiracy and armed robbery, this court sentences the defendants, Ojo Tosin Olasunkanmi and Obamoyegun Dele to be hanged by the neck until dead. “God have mercy on your souls.”

The post Ekiti Court Sentences Two to Death by Hanging for Armed Robbery appeared first on TheNigerian.

Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede has been removed as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu by the Osun State Government right away. They say this is because he was found guilty in the United States of fraud related to COVID-19.

Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, made the announcement on Tuesday.

Alimi said that the State Executive Council approved the action after talking about it, looking over the law, and getting permission.

He said that the move was in line with the Osun State Chiefs Law, as amended, and other rules that govern traditional institutions in the state.

The statement said, “The decision was made after proper consultation, legal review, and approval by the State Executive Council.”

The state government says that the king had to be removed because he was found guilty of a crime in another country.

The statement went on to say, “Oba Oloyede was found guilty of crimes related to COVID-19 fraud in the United States and is now serving time in prison.”

A US court reportedly sentenced the Apetumodu in 2025.

The government also said that all of the monarch’s tools of power, such as his staff of office, had been taken away.

It also said that the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu’s stool had been declared vacant until the succession process began.

Alimi said, “The government will, in due time, explain how succession will work according to established legal and customary procedures.”

Law enforcement has been told to keep the peace in the community, and residents, kingmakers, and other interested parties have been told to stay calm and peaceful.

Ipetumodu, the capital of Ife North Local Government Area in Osun State, is expected to start traditional processes to fill the empty stool, as is customary.

The post Osun Government Removes Traditional Ruler Following US Fraud Conviction appeared first on TheNigerian.

Police in Ghana have arrested a man named Ebenezer Frimpong for allegedly stealing an armored vehicle from the Ghana Police Service in Nkawie Market, which is in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Zagazola Makama says that the incident happened when the driver of the police armored car stepped away for a short time, leaving the engine running in a busy market area.

It was said that Frimpong took advantage of the situation, got into the car, and drove away, which made security personnel respond right away.

After getting reports of the theft, police officers worked together to chase the suspect down the Nkawie–Mim route.

He was finally stopped and arrested near Mim after what officials called a quick and well-planned operation.

A security source said, “The suspect was caught without any problems, and the car was found in good condition.”

Officials said that the armored car was recovered without any damage and has since been returned to the police.

Frimpong is still in jail while the police look into what happened and why.

The post Ghanaian Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Police Armoured Vehicle appeared first on TheNigerian.

Gobri Yusuf, a 15-year-old kid, was arrested by the Kwara State Police command on suspicion of killing Akanbi, his guardian, who had adopted and reared him in the state capital of Ilorin.

After his first attempt at poisoning failed, the suspect is said to have attacked his protector.

During a news conference on Friday at the command’s headquarters in Ilorin, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, clarified that the suspect was captured after the police received a distress complaint about finding Akanbi in a pool of blood at her home.

“Preliminary findings from the investigation revealed that the suspect who lived with the deceased, allegedly carried out the attack while the victim was bathing,” stated the Commissioner of Police.

According to the results, he continued, the suspect, who lived with the dead, reportedly hid behind a door and attacked her while she was taking a bath with household objects.

According to the Ojo, items found on the suspect included kitchen knives, a frying pan, a weighing scale, and a kitchen turning stick (spatula).

He clarified that during questioning, the suspect admitted to the murder, claiming that it was motivated by animosity for the deceased.

According to the Commissioner, the suspect changed his clothes after allegedly committed the crime and then left the house pretending to do an errand.

He added that after the boy got in touch with the deceased’s spouse, he found her corpse.

While the suspect is still in police custody, the commissioner clarified that an investigation is still underway.

The post I Just Hate Her’: 15-Year-Old Confesses After Allegedly Killing Guardian appeared first on TheNigerian.

A bandit attack on security personnel along the Maje border road in the Bagudo Local Government Area has been verified by the Kebbi Police Command.

This was revealed in a statement released on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi by SP Bashir Usman, the command spokesperson.

According to Usman, the event happened on February 20 at around 9:45 p.m. The attackers allegedly moved with a herd of cattle to hide their approach while advancing in the dark.

He said that the terrorists were quickly engaged and forced to flee by Police Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) officers who were on watch.

While some temporary security structures were damaged during the battle, Usman noted, no fatalities or injuries were reported.

He claimed that since then, border security had been strengthened and that everything was still under control and peaceful.

According to him, Umar Mohammed-Hadeija, the state’s commissioner of police, urged citizens—especially herders and livestock owners—to avoid transporting cattle at night in ways that criminal elements could take advantage of.

According to the commissioner, any suspicious movement or illegal activity connected to night grazing will be met with firm and legal action by security services.

Usman further urged people to be on the lookout for unusual activity and to report it right away to the closest police station or security establishment.

Usman reaffirmed the Kebbi Police Command’s dedication to preserving property and lives throughout the state.

The post Bandits Attack Security Operatives in Kebbi, Police Repel Assault appeared first on TheNigerian.