Connect with us

Metro News

Gunmen kill ‘seven security operatives’ in Anambra

Published

on

The police command in Anambra says seven security operatives have been killed by gunmen in the Ihiala area of the state.

Tochukwu Ikenga, the command’s spokesperson, told journalists in a statement that the attack occurred in the early hours of Monday, sparking widespread panic.

Ikenga added that Nnaghe Itam, the state’s commissioner of police, has ordered an immediate manhunt for the attackers.

“The CP extends his condolences to the families of those whose loved ones were involved in the gunmen attack that left seven security operatives, including two unarmed passers-by, dead,” the statement reads.

“The Joint Security Team rescued one of the victims, who is currently responding to treatment in a hospital.”

Ikenga added that Itam visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and spoke to eyewitnesses about the incident.

“Information also had it that the armed men started shooting sporadically at a venue where preparations were ongoing for a burial ceremony slated for 2nd January, 2025,” he said.

See also  INEC’s collation officer in Rivers, Prof. Adias raises alarm over fresh threat to life

“Also, while escaping the scene, the armed men shot at two security operatives at a security observation post close to the local government headquarters by the express road.”

Ikenga said the commissioner vowed to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face justice.

The attack adds to the spate of gun violence that has bedevilled Anambra in recent times.

On December 24, unidentified gunmen abducted Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra state house of assembly representing Onitsha north constituency.

The lawmaker was reportedly attacked along Ugwunapampa road in Onitsha while returning home for Christmas celebrations.

On December 26, gunmen killed Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, a Catholic priest in the Nnewi Diocese.

Raphael Ezeogu, the diocesan chancellor, confirmed in a statement that the priest was shot dead by unknown assailants along the Onitsha-Owerri expressway in Ihiala.

In November, gunmen allegedly killed four people in Ukpo, Dunukofia LGA, and Abatete in Idemili North LGA, while enforcing a sit-at-home order.

See also  2027: Obi dumps Labour Party for ADC

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Your email address will not be published.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  Man kills father for refusing to give him money in Rivers

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  ASUU declares 'comprehensive and total' nationwide strike

“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  Bloody Festival — ’15 killed’ in ‘cult-related attack’ during festival in Anambra

“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  Major News Headlines In The Papers Today: Gov Umahi orders immediate suspension of special assistant over misconduct

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  SOUTHEAST VIOLENCE: Gunmen set police station ablaze, kill 5 officers in Anambra

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

Continue Reading

Trending News