Connect with us

Metro News

JTF uncovers graves of ‘victims buried by ESN members’ in Imo community

Published

on

The Joint Security Task Force (JTF) in Imo says it has uncovered shallow graves of victims buried by suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The JTF comprises the police, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies.

U.I. Lawal, the commander-general of the 34 artillery brigade in Obinze, who led members of the JTF on the operation, told journalists on Tuesday that the graves were found at the Aku community in Okigwe LGA of the state.

Lawal said the graves were found at the home of the ESN leader in the area popularly known as ‘Gentle,’ who had been on the command’s wanted list.

The JTF commander did not provide details about the number of the graves found.

In a statement on Wednesday, Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in Imo, said operatives of the command were part of the team that raided and uncovered the shallow graves.

See also  BREAKING: Ohanaeze Ndigbo president Iwuanyanwu dies aged 82

Okoye noted that the operation has dismantled the criminal base used to perpetrate violent attacks on residents and security personnel in the state.

He reassured the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and safety for residents.

“There was a visit led by brigadier general U.A. Lawal, commander of the 34 artillery brigade in Obinze, commander naval base, Oguta, the director of DSS, the honourable commissioner for homeland security, and the SSA to the governor on security affairs,” the statement reads.

“The purpose was to evaluate the progress of the ongoing operation and boost the morale of the joint security forces, which include operatives of the Nigerian armed forces, police, DSS, and NSCDC.

“The operation, which has been underway for several weeks, has successfully dismantled a significant base used by the criminal group in launching violent attacks on innocent citizens and security personnel.

“This breakthrough has led to the arrest of key suspects and has significantly improved security in the state.

See also  Attack was an attempt to kill me, Ohakim speaks on gunmen's attack on convoy

“During the visit, the SSA to the governor on security affairs, Brig. Gen. Joseph Ogbonna (Rtd.), encouraged the people of Aku to return to their community and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them of the government’s commitment to providing the necessary logistics for their safety.”

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Metro News

Woman jumps into Lagos lagoon, rescued by boat operators

Published

on

By

A yet-to-be-identified woman has been rescued after reportedly jumping into the lagoon from the Idumota end of the Carter Bridge in Lagos state.

The incident, which reportedly drew the attention of passersby and local boat operators, occurred on Tuesday afternoon.

According to eyewitnesses, nearby boat operators responded and brought the woman back to safety.

video circulating on social media showed the woman, seated in a rescue boat shortly after she was brought out of the water.

The footage, shared on X by a user identified as CHUKS, also showed people gathered on the bridge expressing concern about the woman’s condition.

Some bystanders could be heard appealing to the boat operators to ensure that she received appropriate care.

The circumstances surrounding the incident were unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident or confirm the woman’s identity and condition.

See also  BREAKING: Ohanaeze Ndigbo president Iwuanyanwu dies aged 82

Continue Reading

Metro News

Police seize truck-load of fake drug warehouses in Lagos, arrest two

Published

on

By

The Lagos State Police Command says its operatives have uncovered two warehouses allegedly used for repackaging counterfeit pharmaceutical products and arrested two suspected members of a syndicate involved in the interstate and cross-border distribution of fake drugs.

Fatai Tijani, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command,  disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen at the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit in the Ijora Olopa area of the state.

The suspects, identified as Eze Okwudilichukwu, 52, and Chukwudi Mba, 42, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation by detectives attached to the unit.

The police boss said the suspects were apprehended at a warehouse located at Number 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, where they were allegedly repackaging suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products for distribution to various parts of Nigeria.

He said the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of the syndicate.

According to the police commissioner, “The suspects, Eze Okwudilichukwu ‘m’ 52 years, and Chukwudi Mba ‘m’ 42 years, were arrested at their warehouse located at No. 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, where they were found repackaging suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products for distribution to different parts of Nigeria.

See also  NDLEA arrests 93-year-old great grandpa for drug trafficking

“Following their arrest and interrogation, the suspects led detectives to another warehouse, where a duly executed search warrant was carried out. During the search, a truck loaded with large quantities of suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products, bearing registration number KFR 241 XA (Katsina), was recovered alongside other exhibits.”

The police boss said items recovered during the operation included about 300 cartons of suspected adulterated Omeprazole; six bags containing unpackaged suspected adulterated Viagra, Ampiclox, Septrin, Piriton, and other pharmaceutical products; and about 10 cartons of suspected adulterated Ampiclox, Viagra, and other drugs.

The CP noted that more than 300 empty printed packs and cartons were used to repackage counterfeit medicines.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate had been involved in the repackaging and distribution of suspected adulterated drugs for over two years.

He added that detectives uncovered evidence suggesting that the products were supplied to different parts of Nigeria, while large consignments were also destined for Lomé, Togo, indicating the existence of a transnational distribution network.

See also  Breaking: Five killed as hoodlums attack Imo State Police command

“The investigation also suggests that the suspected adulterated drugs are being manufactured somewhere within Lagos State.

“While the production facility has not yet been located, detectives have intensified efforts to identify and dismantle the factory, arrest all those connected with the operation, and bring them to justice,” Fatai said.

The commissioner also alleged that attempts were made to compromise the investigation after the suspects were arrested.

“It is pertinent to state that since the arrest of the suspects, desperate attempts have been made through different channels to induce officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit to release both the suspects and the recovered exhibits.

“I wish to categorically state that these attempts were firmly resisted. The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, integrity, and the rule of law, and no amount of pressure or inducement will derail the course of justice,” he added.

Tijani said the suspects, recovered exhibits, and case file had been handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for further investigation and possible prosecution.

See also  Inflation: Cost of living jumps by 19% in June

He explained that the handover was necessary because the case falls within the regulatory mandate of the agency.

The CP commended operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for what he described as a professional and intelligence-driven operation while urging members of the public to provide useful information on the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit pharmaceutical products and other criminal activities.

Continue Reading

Metro News

NDLEA uncovers cocaine hidden in wooden mortar, backpack bound for China, Italy

Published

on

By

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives have uncovered fresh attempts by drug syndicates to export cocaine concealed inside a traditional wooden mortar and a specially modified backpack destined for China and Italy.

This was contained in a statement released by Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, and shared on X on Sunday.

According to Babafemi, one of the consignments involved cocaine concealed inside a traditional wooden mortar, a local tool commonly used for pounding yam and grains, which was being shipped to China.

The agency added that another cocaine shipment destined for Italy was discovered concealed in the false bottom of a backpack hidden among lace materials.

He wrote, “Mortar is a traditional local wooden tool commonly used for pounding yams or grains but was used to conceal cocaine consignment heading to China in one of the latest seizures by #ndlea_nigeria officers who also discovered another shipment of cocaine going to Italy in the false bottom of a backpack hidden in lace materials.

See also  El-Rufai vows to drag Wabba, others to court for breaching Miscellaneous Act

“Beware of every parcel you’re given to deliver. Remember the key word for liability is possession!”

Continue Reading

Trending News