Nigeria Police Force has announced the dismissal, arrest and prosecution of officers allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and other criminal activities in Rivers State.

The development was disclosed in a statement posted on the official page of the Nigeria Police Force on May 14, 2026.

According to the statement, the affected officers were linked to cases involving conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and unlawful operations carried out within Rivers State and surrounding areas.

Investigations uncovered a syndicate involving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, identified as Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis and Olayemi Titus.

The Force alleged that the officers engaged in illegal stop-and-search operations in Port Harcourt where victims were reportedly abducted and forced to transfer money from their bank and cryptocurrency accounts.

According to the statement, three other officers identified as Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa are currently at large.

Investigators recovered three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the operations, alongside N7,338,800 allegedly linked to the operations.

In a separate case, the Force also identified another group of officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command, over alleged acts of kidnapping, extortion and official corruption.

The officers identified as Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu were dismissed after internal disciplinary proceedings, while the matter was forwarded for prosecution.

“The leadership of the Force under the Inspector-General of Police remains resolute in its determination to identify, expose, and remove criminal elements from within the institution,” the statement read.

Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Lagos, has prohibited Point of Sale (PoS) operations within its premises.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, in charge of the FCID Annex Lagos, Simeon Akpanudom, announced the directive on Thursday during a general lecture and strategic meeting with sectional heads at the command headquarters.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the FCID Annex spokesperson, ASP Aminat Mayegun, who noted that the directive aligns with instructions from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

According to Akpanudom, PoS activities within police premises are inconsistent with security standards and operational ethics, warning that such practices could create opportunities for corruption and compromise official procedures.

The AIG urged officers to maintain professionalism, discipline and strict compliance with due process while carrying out their duties.

He also directed that all intelligence reports must be properly scrutinised and verified by sectional heads before submission.

Akpanudom further tasked supervisory officers with ensuring effective monitoring of personnel and enforcing adherence to professional standards in order to reduce misconduct within the command.

He warned officers against handling land-related disputes indiscriminately, insisting that all investigations must follow laid-down legal and investigative procedures.

The police chief also cautioned against acts capable of damaging the image of the Nigeria Police Force, stressing the need for officers to project credibility and professionalism in their conduct.

He advised personnel to respect the established chain of command and maintain discipline in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Akpanudom reiterated that acts of unprofessional conduct would not be tolerated and warned that erring officers would face disciplinary action where necessary.

He encouraged officers to remain committed to integrity, accountability and dedicated service to the nation.

Six kingmakers in Ikirun town, Osun State, have declared support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s directive to the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to contain alleged plans to cause mayhem in the town.

The chiefs made their position known in a statement jointly signed by the kingmakers—Chief Diekola Toogun (Odofin), Chief Oluwole Atoyebi (Ojomu), Chief Bamidele Onifade (Elemon), Chief Raheem Okunlola (Jagun), Chief Sulaiman Olaore (Oluawo Onifa), and Chief Azeez Muritala (Obaale) obtained in Osogbo on Thursday.

In the statement, they accused the Eesa of Ikirunland, Chief Abdulkareem Adetoyese, of actions they claimed could undermine peace in the community.

They alleged that Adetoyese had been misleading residents by claiming authority to appoint a monarch for the town, contrary to the official position of the state government.

“It is on record that Chief Abdulkareem Adetoyese, Eesa of Ikirunland, has been engaging in nocturnal moves to violently disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the town,” the statement read.

They added that such claims were “contrary to the tenor of the government’s gazetted position” regarding the appointment of a monarch.

The kingmakers noted that the state government’s directive issued on May 14, 2026, cautioning residents to shun violence, was a timely intervention.

They declared their alignment with the government’s stance as outlined in the White Paper released on 25 January 2024 concerning the Akinrun stool.

“We abide by the position of the government as contained in the White Paper and appreciate the peace being promoted by all affected persons, except some unscrupulous elements,” the statement added.

The chiefs also commended the police and other law enforcement agencies for what they described as swift action to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the town.

However, when contacted, Adetoyese dismissed the allegations, saying, “I never made any nocturnal move to truncate the peace of Ikirunland. I am the head of the kingmakers and my duty is to ensure peace at every point in time.

“They had earlier made allegations against me at the police station but all I know is that what they are saying is not true. These people are only jittery about the present situation. I am not fighting anybody.”

The women wing of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Imo State held a strategic leadership meeting at the party’s State Secretariat in New Owerri, reaffirming the unity, strength, and stability of the party across the state.

The meeting brought together local government area women leaders and other stakeholders as part of efforts to strengthen party cohesion, encourage active participation among women, and advance the collective vision of the ADC in Imo State.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for discussions on grassroots mobilisation, party development, and strategies for sustaining the growth and expansion of the party across the 27 local government areas of the state.

In her opening remarks, the State Woman Leader of the party, Uju Ihejiagwa, commended the women leaders for their loyalty, dedication, and commitment to the progress of the party despite prevailing political challenges.

She urged members not to be discouraged by the defection of some party members to other political parties, stating that the ADC in Imo State remains united and focused.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Imo ADC New Media, Ihezie Dede Walax, and made available to journalists in Owerri.

According to her, some individuals may attempt to influence or persuade members to leave the party, but the women leaders must remain steadfast and committed to the ideals of the ADC.

“The ADC remains one united family in Imo State. Our strength lies in our togetherness, mutual respect, and shared vision for a better society. As women, we have a major responsibility to sustain the stability of this party and continue mobilising support for its growth across every community,” she stated.

In her remarks, the South-East Zonal Woman Leader, Hon. Barrister Mrs Chioma Joy Anyanwu, applauded the Imo women leadership for their resilience and organisational capacity, while urging them to continue promoting peace, unity, and responsible leadership within the party.

According to her, the ADC remains committed to democratic values, inclusive leadership, and the empowerment of women and youths across the South-East region and beyond.

Among those present were Hon. Lady Leticia Okere, Hon. Mrs Ruth Nwokocha, Hon. Mrs Getrude Iroemeh, Hon. Barr. Chisom Dominic, and Nneoma Gloria Chukwuba, alongside other women stakeholders and party faithful from across the state.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging changes to the schedule of its 2027 primary elections.

The clarification was contained in a press statement posted on the official page of APC.

According to the statement, the dates earlier announced for the primary elections remain unchanged.

The APC stated that the House of Representatives primary election would hold on Friday, May 15, 2026 while the Senate primary is scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026.

The party also announced that the State House of Assembly primary election would take place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, followed by the governorship primary on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

According to the statement, the presidential primary election will hold on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

“This clarification has become necessary following the circulation of false and misleading reports on social media and other communication platforms suggesting otherwise,” the party stated.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a sophisticated criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the theft, concealment and recycling of critical national assets and infrastructure.

DAILY POST recalls that a recent viral video on social media showed extensive vandalism of the newly laid Kaduna-Kano railway tracks as well as old rail infrastructure.

Following the incident, the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, directed the Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) and the Kaduna State Command to identify and arrest those responsible.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, ACC Afolabi Babawale, the corps said operatives carried out a targeted operation on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

According to the statement, the SIS, under the leadership of Commandant Apollos Dandaura and in collaboration with the Kaduna State Command, stormed and sealed the Kaduna branch of Inner Galaxy Steel Company located in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area.

“The operation followed weeks of intensive, intelligence-led surveillance. Investigations revealed that the company operated a criminal smokescreen, posing as a scrap-buying entity while actually serving as a hub for receiving vandalised railway materials, NNPC pipes, and Water Board infrastructure,” the statement said.

The NSCDC alleged that the syndicate purchased stolen railway tracks and pipes from vandals, compressed them into scrap metal at the Kaduna facility to conceal their original form, and transported them to the company’s head office in Aba, Abia State.

“There, the stolen national assets were melted down and recycled into nails and iron rods to be sold back to the public,” the statement added.

According to the corps, 12 key suspects were arrested during the raid.

Recovered exhibits included large quantities of vandalised railway tracks, railway sleepers, and suspected NNPC and Water Board pipes valued at billions of naira.

NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi commended Commandant Apollos Dandaura and his team for what he described as their professionalism and bravery during the operation.

He also warned that the corps would not treat acts of economic sabotage lightly.

Activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the reported deduction of Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, funds in Nigeria for President Bola Tinubu’s reelection, saying it violates the country’s constitution.

Noting that such a measure would amount to one of the greatest crimes against Nigeria, Adeyanju charged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter.

In a terse statement he signed, Adeyanju said: “Any deduction of statutory allocations at source for the purpose of political campaigns raises grave constitutional and criminal concerns.

“Under Section 162 of the CFRN 1999 (as amended), FAAC allocations are public funds belonging to the states as federating units and held in trust for the people, not private resources to be deployed at the discretion of governors for partisan interests.

“Beyond these constitutional issues, any contribution running into billions of naira may also violate the donation limits prescribed under the Electoral Act 2022, which places a cap on individual political contributions.

“Where public funds are allegedly diverted for campaign financing, such conduct could amount to criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of public funds, abuse of office, and economic sabotage against the affected states.”

Adeyanju said the absence of transparency or the consent of the people whose resources are allegedly involved is equally troubling.

“If these allegations are true, the relevant anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC, must immediately investigate, recover any diverted funds, and ensure that all persons involved are held accountable in accordance with the law,” he added.

A public affairs analyst and accountability advocate, Abubakar Yaro, has said the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s (SERAP) claim that N26.9 billion is missing from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) is misleading.

Yaro disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

DAILY POST reports that SERAP had demanded a probe of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and the Secretary of the USPF, Yomi Arowosafe, over the alleged missing N26.9 billion.

Reacting, Yaro said the narrative being pushed to the public is selective, exaggerated, and lacks critical context.

He explained that available records and findings clearly show that the widely circulated N26.9 billion allegation is completely misleading.

“The data available from the investigation shows the average annual allocation to the USPF within the period under review was about N7.5 billion. Simple arithmetic, therefore, raises a legitimate question: how does an institution with an average yearly funding of N7.5 billion suddenly ‘lose’ N26.9 billion?

“Even more revealing is the fact that over N13.8 billion of the amount being referenced relates to operating surplus deductions reportedly handled directly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) before funds are transferred to the USPF. According to the records reviewed, the USPF does not receive or retain those funds in the first place.

“Therefore, we must ask SERAP why these explanations were ignored before rushing to the media space,” he stated.