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Soldiers rescue four kidnapped Chinese nationals, 17 other victims in Kwara, Kogi

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Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 21 kidnapped victims, including four Chinese nationals, during coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, said the daring rescue, was carried out on Thursday, October 17, 2025.

According to him the rescue operation involved personnel from the 2 Division, 12 Brigade Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, under Operation FANSAN YAMA, a military offensive aimed at flushing out bandits and kidnappers in the North Central region.

The army said the victims, who included 14 men, five women, one infant, and four Chinese nationals, were freed after troops intensified attacks on criminal hideouts in both states. Some of the captives were said to have been held for more than four months before their release.

It added that the successful rescue was a result of the army’s renewed strategy to combat insecurity in the region.

See also  Gunmen invade Kwara community, kidnap three, kill chief

He said, “In a sustained effort to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighbouring states, troops of 2 Division and Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims.”

According to him, “The coordinated operations by troops of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, led to the rescue of the kidnapped persons who include 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals.

“The victims revealed that they were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi states. Following the troops’ intensified offensive, the bandits were forced to release their captives, some of whom had been with them for over four months.”

Okoye said the rescued victims were immediately taken to a military medical facility for first aid and comprehensive treatment.

“Most of them were physically weak and could not walk unaided owing to extreme exhaustion. They are responding to treatment and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery,” he added.

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The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander, Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, who personally supervised the operation, was said to have provided relief materials and medical support to the victims.

While sympathising with the victims, Major General Nnebeife assured that the army would not relent in its fight against criminality in the region.

He said, “We remain committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements. There will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s area of responsibility.”

The GOC also praised the Nigerian Air Force for its consistent aerial support and commended other security agencies for their synergy in tackling insecurity in the region.

“We appreciate the cooperation of the Nigerian Air Force for its continuous air support throughout the operations,” he said. “We also thank other security agencies for their synergy in addressing the myriad of security challenges in the state.”

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Nnebeife further applauded the gallantry of the troops, urging them to sustain the momentum.

“The troops have shown professionalism, courage, and resilience. I have directed the Brigades to maintain the tempo of the operations towards restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states,” he added.

The army, however, urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could help track criminal elements still operating in remote communities.

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Nigerian arrested over alleged sex crimes in US, faces deportation

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A 53-year-old Nigerian, Olatunde Olusanjo, has been arrested in Los Angeles by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over alleged sexual offences.

According to ICE, Olusanjo was arrested on April 21, 2026, by its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) unit and is currently in its custody pending deportation proceedings.

In a social media post by its Los Angeles office, the agency linked his arrest to prior criminal allegations, including child molestation, sexual battery and sexual solicitation.

It described Olusanjo as a “criminal alien and convicted sex offender”.

“Los Angeles ERO arrested Olatunde Abiodun Olusanjo, 53, of Nigeria, Apr. 21,” the statement reads.

“Olusanjo has previous arrests for child molestation, sexual battery and soliciting lewd conduct. He is in ICE custody pending removal.”

The arrest comes amid continued enforcement actions by US  authorities against foreign nationals with prior criminal records.

In recent years, several Nigerians have been arrested and prosecuted in the US for offences ranging from cybercrime to violent and sexual-related charges.

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In February, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said it had arrested 79 Nigerians described as among the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders.

The suspects faced allegations ranging from sexual assault, fraud, manslaughter, cocaine smuggling, kidnapping, and robbery.

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Thai Police find N67m, cocaine in Nigerian suspect’s home

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Operatives of the Thailand Police have arrested Nigerian national, Nwaiwu Ifeanyi, following the discovery of approximately 1.5 million baht (over N67 million) hidden in the ceiling of his bathroom during a late-night raid.

The operation, carried out over the weekend, also led to the arrest of three other individuals believed to be connected to the same drug distribution network.

Authorities reportedly recovered cocaine, cash, a vehicle, and valuable jewellery during the raid.

According to details from Khaosod English, investigators had been monitoring the suspect’s activities before apprehending him near Silom Soi 1. At the point of arrest, officers allegedly found about 27 grams of cocaine in his possession.

The other suspects taken into custody include a Swiss national, Thomas Giubibini, alongside two Thai nationals identified as Thanayot Asawamethi and Nattawat Wangkitjinda. All are facing charges related to drug possession.

In total, authorities said they seized roughly 30 grams of cocaine, cash amounting to 1.5 million baht, additional foreign currency worth about 15,000 baht, and jewellery estimated at 400,000 baht.

See also  Gunmen invade Kwara community, kidnap three, kill chief

Investigators disclosed that Ifeanyi had lived in Thailand for over 17 years under a family visa obtained through a Thai spouse. However, officials now suspect the marriage may have been arranged to facilitate his stay and operations.

Police further alleged that the suspect coordinated drug transactions through encrypted messaging platforms, which officers were able to infiltrate before making the arrests. He reportedly resisted arrest but was subdued, after which he is said to have admitted involvement in the illicit activities.

The arrest comes amid ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to clamp down on drug trafficking networks. It also follows a recent case involving another Nigerian, Ukoma Nuzbech, who was earlier arrested for allegedly evading trial in a separate drug-related case.

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NDLEA intercepts UK-bound Cocaine, Loud concealed in food flasks, snacks

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Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted cocaine concealed in food flasks bound for the United Kingdom.

According to a statement signed by the Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, the interception took place on April 9, 2026, leading to the arrest of two cargo agents, Ama Obinna Ufeim, 33, and Ogabi Monday Akorede, 39.

The agency disclosed that 12 large parcels of cocaine weighing 2.80 kilograms were discovered hidden in the false bottom of food flasks at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos.

The illicit consignment was scheduled for shipment via a Virgin Atlantic flight to the UK.

Further investigations identified the sender as a 52-year-old freight forwarder, Agoro Tajudeen Moninuola, who was subsequently apprehended.

In a separate operation at the airport’s import shed, NDLEA officers on April 8 intercepted 2.90 kilograms of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, concealed in snack food packs arriving from the United States aboard a Delta Air Lines flight.

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Two clearing agents, Animashaun Moshood Adetunji and Mercy Gabriel Oluwasegun, were initially arrested, while the consignee, 29-year-old fashion designer Saheed Adeshina Adegoke, was later nabbed at his residence in Ogba, Lagos.

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