An outbreak of violence between farmers and herders in Bauchi state has claimed the lives of at least seven people.
The clash between the two groups happened in Lanzai Dosho villages, Darazo local government area of Southern part of the north East State.
The violent clash, which occurred on Monday, 4th June 2026 at about 09:20am, also resulted in the destruction of property with six other persons injured, according to the police
The spokesperson of Bauchi state police command, SP Nafiu Habib confirmed the clash in a statement on Thursday.
He disclosed that the Command received a distress report that suspected “Fulani men attacked farmers who were applying local fertilizer on their farm at the outskirts of Lanzai, Lanzai Community, Darazo LGA.”
According to him, in a reprisal attack, youths from the Lanzai Community mobilised and marched on Dosho Village, a Fulani settlement, and attacked it. “About 50 huts were razed and several household goods were destroyed in the process,” he said.
“The incident led to the death of seven persons, while six people sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. Extensive damage was also recorded on residential structures and personal belongings,” he added.
He stated that tactical operatives has been dispatched to the affected areas to restore law and order, reinstate peace and forestall further escalation, as commence investigations.
Nafiu said that the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) has also been deployed as reinforcement while patrols have been intensified in Lanzai, Dosho, and adjoining communities.
He said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu has ordered a thorough investigation into both the immediate and remote causes of the incident, assuring that those behind the initial attack and those responsible for the reprisal will face be brought to book.
CP Aliyu further appealed to community leaders and residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring justice for all parties involved
The incident which happened on Sunday night has sparked fear of renewed violence in the once restive state after months of peace and calm
At least two operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have lost their lives in a fresh attack by unknown gunmen in the southeast state.
The incident which happened on Sunday night has sparked fear of renewed violence in the once restive state after months of peace and calm.
The attack happened along Awa-Ndiukwuenu-Ufuma Road by gunmen who are suspected to be Biafran agitators.
According to reports, the gunmen accosted the policemen on patrol and shot at them, killing two and leaving their bodies by the roadside.
A keke operator, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that he was riding along the road when he suddenly began hearing gunshots ahead, prompting him to dump his tricycle and head into the bush for safety.
In a voice note he sent out calling for help, he stated he saw the bodies of two policemen on the ground when he got to the spot where the shootout took place.
He said: “After some time, I came out of the bush and retrieved my Keke and continued my journey, then I got to the spot where the thing happened.
“Two policemen are lying on the road here, and their police van is parked by the roadside. I decided to make this voice note to post on the platform because I think one of the policemen is still alive, so that anyone who knows police authorities will tell them to go and save their members,” the distressed keke rider stated.
The State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga has not commented or issued a statement on the incident.
No official reaction from the state government has also been made has been made on the incident as of the time of filing this report
In Ogun State, one Abubakar Musa, has allegedly killed two persons during a violent confrontation.
The 25-year-old suspect also injured three other people after attacking them with a knife in the Olámbe area of the South West State.
According to the police, the bloody altercation, which happened on Sunday afternoon, is connected to a failed business deal.
The Public Relations Officer of the state police command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the tragic incident in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the suspect fled after the attack but was later apprehended by operatives and is now in police custody.
“Detectives of the Ajuwon Division have arrested Abubakar Musa ‘M’, aged 25. He is accused of killing two people and injuring three others at Olámbe, Ogun State,” the statement read.
According to Babaseyi, the suspect allegedly attacked the victims with a knife when they tried to mediate following an alleged altercation.
“The suspect attacked the victims with a knife after failing in some business deals. The victims were trying to calm him down when the attack happened,” the statement added.
It added that two of the victims, Gbadamasi Ibrahim, 25, and Chinedu, 40, were confirmed dead on arrival by a doctor upon arrival as they died enroute hospital.
Three others—Mohammed Abubakar, 35; Ashiru Adamu, 25; and Paul Lawrence, 25 sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
“The other three victims are in critical condition but responding to treatment,” the police stated.
The police said, “The case and the suspect have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.”
Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, decried the attack and assured residents that those responsible would be brought to book.
Nansel disclosed that Shetima Mohammed, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, led a team on an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities to ascertain the level of destruction and ensure that peace and normalcy were restored
A violent clash between communities in Nasarawa state has claimed the lives of no fewer than eleven locals, the police in the Middle Belt state said on Saturday.
The deadly communal crisis happened on Friday in Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities of Nasarawa Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the spokesman of the Nasarawa State Police Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirming the incident, the police disclosed that over 50 houses were razed during the clashes.
According to Nansel, hoodlums had carried out a reprisal attack over the alleged killing of two of their kinsmen.
“In the course of the attack, 11 people were killed, while about 52 houses were burnt in the two communities,” he said.
Nansel disclosed that Shetima Mohammed, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, led a team on an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities to ascertain the level of destruction and ensure that peace and normalcy were restored.
He said that the CP was deeply saddened by the tragic and unfortunate incident and commiserated with the families of the deceased and the communities, assuring them that the Command would do everything to bring those behind the nefarious and reprehensible acts to justice.
Nansel stated that CP has ordered a comprehensive and intensive manhunt for the perpetrators and directed tactical teams and investigative units to ensure their swift identification, arrest, and prosecution.
“To prevent any further breakdown of law and order, the Commissioner of Police has also directed the immediate reinforcement and sustained deployment of Police personnel to the affected areas,” he said.
He further explained that the police were working in collaboration with the Military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to provide adequate security and restore lasting peace in the area.
The police spokesperson further revealed that a stakeholders’ meeting was held during the visit, where the CP implored residents to stay calm, law-abiding, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to support ongoing investigations.
He, therefore, reassured members of the public that normalcy had been restored to the affected communities, while proactive measures had been taken to prevent any recurrence of violence.
On February 24, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to serve as Acting Inspector-General of Police.
This appointment followed the resignation of the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga said this followed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun.
Bayo Onanuga, who announced this in a statement said the appointment is with immediate effect.
“President Tinubu received Mr Egbetokun’s resignation earlier today and expressed his profound appreciation for Egbetokun’s decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation.”
“The President acknowledged his dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to strengthening internal security architecture during his tenure.”
Louis Edet: First IGP
Onanuga added that, “The President is confident that AIG Disu’s experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity will provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this critical period.
“In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.
“The President reiterates his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.”
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the immediate past IGP was appointed in June 2023, serving a four-year term scheduled to conclude in June 2027, in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act.
Egbetokum: immediate past IGP
List of Nigeria’s Inspectors General of Police from 1964 to date
1- Louis Orok Edet, who served from 1964 to 1966 during the presidency of Nnamdi Azikiwe. He was the first Nigerian to lead the police force and guided it through the delicate years immediately after independence. His leadership set the foundation for a more professional and indigenous police service.
2- After him came Kam Salem, who served from 1966 to 1975 under the military government of General Yakubu Gowon. His tenure fell within a period marked by civil unrest and the challenge of maintaining stability during the Nigerian Civil War and the early years of military rule.
3- Muhammadu Dikko Yusufu took office from 1975 to 1979 during the military leadership of Generals Murtala Muhammed and Olusegun Obasanjo. His period in office came at a time of major restructuring within the military government, and he navigated policing during two administrations that were both committed to reform.
4- With the return to civilian rule in 1979, Adamu Suleiman became IGP under President Shehu Shagari. He served from 1979 to 1981 and represented a shift back to democratic policing. His leadership happened at a time when Nigeria was adjusting once again to civilian governance.
5- Sunday Adewusi followed from 1981 to 1983, still under President Shagari. His tenure experienced increasing social and political tension, shortly before the military intervention of December 1983.
6- The next Inspector General was Etim Okon Inyang, who led the force from 1983 to 1986 under Major General Muhammadu Buhari. He assumed leadership in the early phase of Buhari’s strict military regime and served during a period of political upheaval.
7- In 1986, Muhammadu Gambo Jimeta took charge and remained in office until 1990 under General Ibrahim Babangida. His time as IGP came as Nigeria passed through extensive political changes and attempts at transitioning toward democratic rule.
8- He was succeeded by Aliyu Attah, who served from 1990 to 1993, still under the Babangida administration. Attah managed policing during a period of shifting military strategies and uncertainty as the country struggled to define a stable political path.
9- From 1993 to 1999, Ibrahim Coomassie served as IGP under General Sani Abacha and later General Abdulsalami Abubakar. His tenure covered one of Nigeria’s most controversial periods, especially during Abacha’s dictatorship, and continued until the transition to democracy in 1999.
10- With the return to civilian rule in 1999, Musiliu Smith became the first IGP of the Fourth Republic. He served from 1999 to 2002 under President Olusegun Obasanjo. His leadership came at a time when Nigeria was rebuilding its institutions after many years of military rule.
11- After him was Mustafa Adebayo Balogun, who served from 2002 to 2005 under President Obasanjo. His years in office were marked by efforts to modernise the force, although his tenure later became overshadowed by allegations of corruption.
12- Sunday Gabriel Ehindero followed from 2005 to 2007, also under President Obasanjo. He tried to promote community friendly policing and worked to improve the image of the force at a time when public trust was low.
13- When President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua came into office, Mike Mbama Okiro became IGP from 2007 to 2009. His leadership took place during a relatively peaceful political period, though insecurity in some regions persisted.
14- He was succeeded by Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo, who served from 2009 to 2010, still during the Yar’Adua administration. His tenure was short and came at a time when Yar’Adua’s health crisis created national uncertainty.
15- In 2010, Hafiz Ringim took command under President Goodluck Jonathan and served until 2012. His tenure was shaped by rising insecurity, especially the growing activities of violent groups in parts of the country.
16- Next was Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, who served from 2012 to 2014 under President Jonathan. He worked on reforms aimed at improving the capacity of the police, especially in intelligence gathering and rapid response.
17- Suleiman Abba followed with a brief tenure from 2014 to 2015, still under President Jonathan. His leadership came during a tense political period leading to the 2015 general elections.
18- With the election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, Solomon Ehigiator Arase became IGP and served from 2015 to 2016. He promoted transparency and accountability while trying to modernise the force.
19- He was followed by Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, who served from 2016 to 2019 under President Buhari. His time was marked by efforts to reform internal structures and deal with rising security challenges.
Disu: New IGP
20- From 2019 to 2021, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu served as IGP under President Buhari. His tenure faced severe pressures from growing insecurity including kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.
21- Usman Alkali Baba came into office in 2021 and served until 2023, also under President Buhari. His leadership coincided with major national debates about police reform following public demand for better service and improved professionalism.
22- The immediate past Inspector General of Police is Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, appointed in 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He represented a new generation of police leadership and oversaw reforms that matched the administration’s security priorities.
23- The current Inspector-General of Police is Tunji Disu was appointed on February 24, 2026. Expectations are very much high on him to carry out reforms on police discipline and promotion of officers.
Recently, President Bola Tinubu once again renewed the hope of Nigerians that his administration is still considering the option of creation of state police.
According President Tinubu, this is to stem the tide of growing insecurity in the country.
He also said that a state police system is in a better condition to address Nigeria’s escalating security concerns, which has become a daily issue.
The President made this known while speaking in a meeting with a delegation of Katsina elders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He also acknowledged the need for localizing security efforts in the country.
President Tinubu revealed the plans of his administration to adequately equip forest guards who were recently deployed in the North West, especially Kaduna state a region grappling with repeated bandit attacks in recent times.
In a press statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President further stressed the importance of bringing down security checks to the local environment.
According to President Tinubu,“Security outfits that understand the terrain, respect the culture, and can connect with communities are essential.”.
President Ahmed Tinubu: Renews push for state police creation
“We must defeat insecurity. We have approved the purchase of more drones and instructed security agencies to reassess and energize their strategies.
“Our children, our people, places of worship, and public spaces must be protected. We will not be intimidated.”
“State police was on our agenda, but we couldn’t get to it because of the many presentations we had. It will be fully discussed at our next meeting.”
Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) throws weight behind state police creation
Few days after the renewed resolution to create state police in the country, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has thrown its weight behind the proposal.
According to the NGF, this will help stem the tide of worsening insecurity in the region and across the country.
Disclosing their resolution, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, director-general of press affairs to the chairman of the NSGF and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said this is a right step in a right direction.
In his words, “regarding state police creation, as far as Northern governors are concerned, they have already made their position known when they met with the traditional leaders in Kaduna’
Explaining further, he revealed that the governors of the 19 Northern states are unity with the decision and so unanimously throw their full weight to the creation of the state police to join other forces in curtailing the menace of insecurity in the region and the country in general.
The NGF however, called on the National Assembly to expedite action to provide laws that would enable its establishment.
“They unanimously adopted it and asked the National Assembly to expedite action. So now it’s not within their own mandate, but it is with the National Assembly to provide a law for its establishment.
“The forum is fully in support of the creation of the state police,” Misilli explained.
The ACF supports state police creation.
In the same vein, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has said that there is no other better time to create state police than now, amidst the growing banditry and criminal activities in the region..
ACF, however, said it would be a welcome development if the state police would solve the nation’s persistent security challenges.
Speaking with newsmen recently, the ACF National Publicity Secretary Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba said the forum had yet to take an official position and that all constitutional modalities must be explored.
In his words, “the issue of state police has been on for a long time now, but what are the modalities put in place to create state police? What about the funding? Do you see how some states have issues with salary payments to civil servants? How well prepared are states to fund state police when created? What will happen if state police operatives with arms are not paid at the end of the month, like civil servants?”
“Some people have expressed concerns that state police will be used by the governors against political opponents and critics. What assurances are there that it will not be a tool for governors to use against opponents?
“For Mr President to create state police, the process should involve constitutional amendment procedures through the National Assembly,” ACF spokesperson said.
Recall that a day earlier, governors from the six North-East states comprising Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe had a far-reaching discussion with President Tinubu in Abuja.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that during the meeting, they decried the worsening insecurity in some parts of the sub-region while calling for more decisive action against criminalities.
Nevertheless, with such discussion, the governors’ forum has joined several voices demanding overhauling in Nigeria’s security architecture.
Opposition to state police creation
As the support for the creation of police continues to grow, so does the opposition to its creation.
By and large, the Northern Progressive Elders Group has expressed their strong opposition to the creation of state police in Nigeria, cautioning the Federal Government to look before it leaps with regards to the state policing.
They cautioned federal against succumbing to mounting pressure for decentralised policing in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the group, senior member Yusuf Abubakar warned recently that the proposed security model could fuel political crises rather than resolve insecurity.
Senator Shehu Sani : Opposes State police creation
He went further to state that Nigeria’s major challenge is not absence of multiple security outfits but rather, due to the politicisation of security itself.
In his words, “Today, people celebrate attacks on communities based on political affiliations,” pointing out that both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been guilty of weaponising tragedy for political gains.
The group stressed that the solution to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity is not the creation of state-controlled police forces but rather the promotion of justice, fairness, and rule of law across the federation.
“Instead of creating state police that governors could use against their opponents, what Nigeria needs is justice, rule of law, and a fair application of security measures for all citizens.”
“If the federal police can be used to intimidate or suppress opposition, imagine what state-controlled forces could do in the hands of partisan governors,” the group declared.
On his part, former Kaduna Senator Shehu Sani said those clamouring for state police should be ready to face the negative fallouts of their wishes.
Sani, who made his position known on his verified Facebook page, wrote thus; “Those of you wishing and clamouring for the State Police and always opposed to the Federal Police, I wish you well for what you have been wishing for yourselves. When the President finally approves the State Police, you will know the difference between the Federal and the State Police. Enjoy the buffet.”
If Odolaye Aremu, a well-known Dadakuada artist from Ilorin, were still alive, I would have approached him and asked for a song praising Asiwaju Tunde Badmus as Idameji Osogbo ti won pe ni eni kan soso—half of Osogbo that is termed one person. The young kid who grew up in Isale Osun has become a source of hope and inspiration for the whole Osogbo community, a symbol of perseverance and determination.
His impact on Osogbo as a community extends beyond his economic operations and charity initiatives, instilling a feeling of unity, pride, and purpose. Asiwaju Badmus is not more than Osogbo; but he is an integral part of the town. It would be impossible to identify a family in the neighborhood who has not benefited from his business or humanitarian efforts. As an Osogbo native, if you haven’t tasted Badmus’ water, your sibling or family has probably worked in his firms or knows someone who has benefited from his scholarship program or job scouting programme.
When you read through his profile, you would discover that he believes so much in Osogbo. When he was advised against setting up his businesses in Osogbo, he nodded in disagreement and argued that he was ready to risk it for the town and her people. Asiwaju Badmus acquired his affection for Osogbo from his late father, Alabi Adekilekun Badmus, who was an Islamic scholar and businessman who shifted his enterprise from Ghana to Osogbo.
You do not need to meet Asiwaju Khamis Olatunde Badmus in person to understand his grandeur and contributions to human growth. Those who praise Asiwaju are unlikely to have met him in person. They know the business magnate via the people he has helped, tutored, and raised to the pinnacle of success. Though he resides in his home village of Osogbo, his stories of resilience, perseverance, and heroism have spread far beyond the town’s nooks and crannies. Asiwaju Badmus is known all over the world, but his journey began in Osogbo.
The young child from Ayogun complex in Isale-Osun is now 79. He completed his primary school education in Laro Timehin, Isale Osun, Osogbo. He completed his secondary schooling at Oke-Ibadan High School in Ibadan. Despite having reasons to stay in Ikare, a town in Ondo State, for years, he never abandoned his beloved Osogbo. Asiwaju works and spends in Osogbo.
Asiwaju Badmus is a story of business and community service. For every Osogbo resident, there are two TUNS: TUNS Farms and TUNS Water. While TUNS Water provides free, clean, and portable water to the Osogbo community, TUNS Farms promotes food security, job creation, and agricultural growth, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to community service and economic empowerment.
His successful ventures in poultry production, manufacturing, food (water, biscuits, and confectionery), and consulting through the TUNS Group of Companies, a conglomerate of two integrated limited liability companies, have not only benefited the local economy but also provided leadership, inspiration, and innovation.
Many people are unaware that, in addition to his contributions to business, agriculture, and philanthropy, he was formerly employed by the Nigeria Police Force and practiced journalism. He entered the police force as a cadet inspector in 1967 and quit in 1969, motivated by a desire to engage in community action. With the same zeal that drove him to join the police force, he shifted to journalism, using his abilities and resources to cover crime stories and assist vulnerable elderly people in Osogbo as a Daily Times Nigeria Limited staff member.
Asiwaju Badmus understands the importance of education. The man who dedicated a larger part of earning to scholarship surely knows the value of education. His confidence in certification pushed him to enhance his skills at the Daily Times Institute of Journalism, where Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi served as his mentor. He then worked for Western Nigeria Television/Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service (WNTV/WNBC). He dedicated years of his life to journalism before retiring in 1981.
He established TUNS International, a company that specializes in the importing and installation of broadcasting equipment. He accepted the position of serving all NTA stations in the Southwest, including Bendel states. In 1985, he expanded into farming and renamed his company TUNS Farms (Nigeria) Limited. How he brings TUNS Farms from Osogbo to the national level is a vision-driven story loaded with resiliency, fortitude, and determination that must be taught by all entrepreneurs or small-scale owners that dream big.
As I commemorate Asiwaju Khamis Olatunde Badmus, I recall his contributions as a giver and financier in Islam, a journalist who prioritized crime reporting and assisted the elderly, a versatile communal activist who helped Osogbo become a capital, a business mogul who built a company from the ground up, and a thorough man who lived for Osogbo and her people.
Enugu community accuses police of brutality, killing of one of their indigenes in their custody
Youths take to the streets, demanding justice for the slain indigene
Enugu state police command denies the allegation, says the deceased was never detained
Less than one week after the alleged killing of one of the indigenes of Umuezejor, Obollo-Afor, Udenu local government area of Enugu state, youths in the community have taken to the streets, demanding justice for the deceased.
However, earlier on in the week, the community has petitioned the Enugu state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun over the ugly incident, while seeking justice for the deceased.
The community under the aegis of Obollo-Afor Youths Organization with its headquarters in Obollo-Afor, appealed to the state governor and IGP to conduct an independent investigation into the alleged murder of one of their own, Mr. Nnaemeka Ugwu who was detained in police cell by the Nsukka Urban Police Divisional headquarters.
Late Mr. Nnaemeka Ugwu: Died in police custody?
The petition entitled “A Tale of Tragedy and Injustice that happened in Obollo-Afor”, and made available to WITHIN NIGERIA, the group expressed their displeasure over the handling of the matter by the Enugu state police command.
“We express our rage over the use of brutal force and inhuman treatment meted on Mr. Nnaemeka Ugwu from Umuezejor Obollo Afor by a cruel police officer attached to Nsukka Area Command that led to his death.
“The disturbing incident started on 6th of February 2025 which has sent shocking wave in Obollo-Afor. It is equally a stark reminder of the dangers of police brutality and the urgent need for Police Reform.”
Tracing the origin of the incident the community explained that “on 6th February, Mr. Nnaemeka Ugwu and many others were harassed and arrested by a police officer who accused a Patent Medical Store owner of selling illicit drugs after the police officer (Inspector Dumiri) and some team of other policemen stormed their business premises located at New Makurdi Road Obollo-Afor .
“The victim, who was known to his family and friends as a law-abiding citizen was taken into custody and never returned home. Tragically he developed complications at the detention as a result of injuries sustained from the excessive force used by the police officer during interrogation which resulted in him collapsing.
“Immediately he collapsed he was rushed to Shanahan hospital but on getting there he was confirmed dead sparking widespread outrage and calls for justice.
“The circumstances surrounding the victim’s death are deeply troubling. Eyewitness from one Mr. Onyekachi Thaddeus whose wife was equally arrested alongside the deceased and 4 other people reported that the police officer applied excessive force during the arrest and interrogation resulting to the victim sustaining physical injuries all in a bid for him to write a false statement while in custody.
“The fact that the victims were accused of a crime without any evidence, and that one of them died under suspicious circumstances raises serious questions about police misconduct and impunity in Nsukka Area Command.
“This incident is not an isolated one. It is part of a larger pattern of police brutality and abuse of power that has claimed countless lives and destroyed families. It is a stark reminder that the community is not safe from those Police men who are sworn to protect and serve them.
“We demand justice for the victim and his family. We demand that the police officer alleged to be responsible for his death be held accountable and brought to justice. We demand that the police department take immediate action to address the systemic issues that led to this tragedy and launch a proper and unbiased investigation.
“We will not be silenced. We will not be intimidated. We will continue to speak out against police brutality and demand justice for all victims of police abuse and work tirelessly to create a society where everyone can live without fear of harassment, arrest, or any form of extra judicial killings.”
NYCN petitions state government, IGP
However, when the petition seemed to have fallen on deaf ears of both the police and the state government, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Enugu North zone issued a statement, condemning the incident and calling for justice on the deceased.
Protesting youths in Obollo-Afor
In a press release signed by the Vice-Chairman of the state chapter of the council, Eze Kenneth Nnamdi, and made available to WITHIN NIGERIA, it expressed its displeasure over the circumstances leading to the death of the deceased.
“NYCN Enugu North Condemns in Totality Police Team led by Asp Uwah Dumbiri ( Dumiri) Illegal Arrest and Harassment Against Patent Medical Store Owners at Obollo Afor that led to the Death of Mr Nnaemeka Ugwuona .
“National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the Mother youth organization in Enugu State and Apex Youth organization in Enugu North (Nsukka), condemns the illegal cum harassment activities of police Operatives from Area Command Nsukka led by Uwah Dumbiri known as Dumiri that led to the death of Mr Nnaemeka ugwuona from umuezejor Obollo Afor, in Udenu Local government, Enugu State.
“On 6th February, 2025, Asp Uwah Dumbiri known as Dumiri led a police team from Nsukka area command to Obollo Afor which is outside their Jurisdiction, but Under Udenu area command to harass and arrest innocent patent Medical store owners of selling illicit drugs, which after there thorough searching they got nothing but still insist on detaining them to extort money from them under Nsukka area command.
“Dumiri led team came with a masked person that was pointing out Chemist Shops at Obollo Afor, Makurdi road. the police Operatives were arresting them without having evidence of selling any illicit drugs.
“Late Mr Nnaemeka Ugwuona collapse and died while watching the police Operatives beating his wife to accept that she is selling illicit drugs and to sign written statements by the police Operatives with his name.
“It is Condemnable, unacceptable, and must never be condoned. We call on the Inspector General of police and Commissioner of Police to urgently intervene and control the situation now.”
On Monday, February 10, 2025, the youths numbering about fifty took to the streets in protest, demanding the prosecution of the alleged police officer who they said masterminded the arrest and eventual murder of the deceased.
The protest which took place along Old Markurdi road, Obollo-afor and ended at Obollo-Afor police divisional headquarters lasted for about three hours as placards carrying youths demanded the arrest of the suspects.
Police reaction to the incident
On Monday night, the Enugu state police command issued a statement denying its involvement in the death of Mr. Ugwu.
In a release by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Mr. Daniel Ndukwe, the Command entitled “ENUGU COMMAND DEBUNKS ALLEGATIONS OF HARASSMENT, ARREST, DETENTION, TORTURE, AND DEATH OF A PATENT MEDICINE DEALER IN POLICE CUSTODY”, reads thus;
“The Enugu State Police is informing the public that the viral media report alleging that a patent medicine dealer, Mr. Nnaemeka Ugwu of Umuezejor, Obollo-Afor in Udenu LGA, was arrested, harassed, detained, and died in police custody is false and intended to mislead the public. The Command unequivocally states that Mr. Nnaemeka was never arrested, nor was he harassed, tortured, or killed in police custody, as alleged.
“Contrary to these allegations, operatives attached to the Nsukka Area Command, in synergy with the Neighbourhood Watch Group, initially arrested one Jerry Uche (male, aged 27) for alleged armed robbery and the snatching and sale of stolen motorcycles. Further investigations led to the arrest of three more male suspects: Emenike Ezugwu (alias “Eternal,” aged 28), Omeje Chidera (alias “Dakpor,” aged 27), and Omeje Obinna (alias “Obaino,” aged 37).
“During the operations, police recovered three locally made pistols, including a revolver, two live cartridges, three motorcycles allegedly snatched from victims, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and plastic-piped bottles used for consuming methamphetamine (locally known as “Mkpụrụ Mmiri”). Following their confessions, one of the suspects led operatives to Obollo-Afor, Udenu LGA, where individuals suspected of receiving stolen motorcycles were apprehended on February 6, 2025.
“Consequently, one Uroko Ifeanyi Moses (alias “Sim-Card”, aged 28) was identified and arrested. He confessed to the crime and led the operatives to recover two of the stolen motorcycles in Obollo-Afor. Other suspects were also arrested, including Mr. Nnaemeka’s wife, Ngozi Nnaemeka, in connection with the case.
Dr. Peter Mbah: Enugu state governor
“On February 7, 2025, Mr. Nnaemeka, accompanied by one Hon. Onyemaechi, visited the Area Command Headquarters to secure his wife’s release. During the visit, Mr. Nnaemeka suddenly collapsed. He was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment but was later confirmed dead by the attending doctor. His remains have been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), has sympathised with the family and relatives of the deceased. He has also directed the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the State CID to conduct a discreet investigation to establish the circumstances of Mr. Nnaemeka’s sudden collapse and death. He urges community members, including the youth, to cooperate with the police, maintain peace, and use appropriate channels to express their concerns.”
Nigeria Police, Army turn security check points to cash points in the South East zone
Motorists, passengers relive ordeals in the hands of the police, army on the high
Rights groups condemn the act, call for immediate action as police, Army keep mum on the ugly trend
Motorists and indeed passengers plying Federal highways in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria are currently not in the proper mood as security agents stationed to secure these roads have allegedly turned them to cash points.
The south-east geo-political zone of Nigeria (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States) has become notorious for a peculiar brand of corruption, where security checkpoints have been transformed into cash points.
Nevertheless, one of the major worries of road users in the region is their encounters with the police and soldiers at these checkpoints.
Recall that recently, a police officer, Inspector Sani Suleiman, attached to Otuocha Area Command in Anambra East Council Area, killed a young man at a checkpoint over his alleged refusal to pay a N100 bribe.
According to a fellow driver who witnessed the incident: “We were in the queue at the checkpoint waiting for the police officers to pass us before we suddenly heard the sound of a gunshot.
The incident caused chaos and panic as some youths in the area mobilised against the action of the police before they eventually drove off from the scene.”
Though the affected police officer had, however, been disarmed and detained for further investigations and internal disciplinary procedures, tension is still high as security agents in the area have continued their extortion spree unabated.
WITHIN NIGERIA findings showed that policemen and in some cases, soldiers manning these checkpoints have turned extortion into a lucrative business, preying on unsuspecting commuters, car, and tricycle drivers.
Checks showed that the modus operandi is straightforward: security personnel flag down vehicles, subjecting occupants to unnecessary searches and harassment.
Kayode-Egbetokun: IGP
The primary objective is not to ensure security of lives and property but to extort money from drivers and passengers.
WITHIN NIGERIA investigation showed that the situation is particularly dire for young men driving exotic cars, who are often profiled, vilified, and targeted for extortion.
However, with such growing extortion and harassment by the security agents on the road, transport fares in those areas have continue to skyrocket with many drivers pulling out some flash points of extortion.
In a bizarre twist, some security officials now carry point of sale (POS) machines, which they use to withdraw various amounts of money from victims’ accounts.
Motorists, passengers narrate their ordeals
One of the drivers, Mr. Ndukwe Ifeanyi told WITHIN NIGERIA that the situation is daily becoming unbearable.
Mr. Ndukwe who plies Nsukka/Port Harcourt told our reporter that, “this is often justified under the guise of investigating suspicious financial transactions or alleged involvement in cybercrime. Young men who drive exotic cars in the zone are always at the receiving end of such electronic transfer extortion.”
Explaining further, he stated that “the reality, however, is that these security personnel are more interested in lining their pockets than in enforcing the law. This is a clear case of being in a helpless situation. We have complained several times but the authorities seemed not to be interested in our complaint. They see us as cash cows which they milk any time, any day. We are hereby appealing to the government to see to it that these security agents don’t see this as an opportunity to make money but to safeguard the society in which we are.”
In any case, another driver who gave his name as Hillary Nwodo told WITHIN NIGERIA that the ugly trend has robbed the zone the necessary security checks it should be carrying out to avert incessant killing, kidnapping and other security threats in the zone.
“I am not against check points in the zone. But I am totally against using the checkpoints to extort innocent motorists and passengers on the highway.”
Mr. Nwodo who plies Nsukka/Enugu/Onitsha express way told our reporter that “ my greatest worry is that even with the high number of checkpoints along these highways, there is also unprecedented increase in the crime along the road.
“For instance, kidnappers now operate freely along Nsukka/Opi/Ugwuogo Nike road even though there are more than fifteen checkpoints from Nsukka to Enugu.
“Last Tuesday, these hoodlums kidnapped more than seven passengers at different places at different times, yet there was checkpoint few metres away from their point of operation. So, what is the need for the checkpoint if the security agents cannot guarantee the security of the road users? I think that is my major worry.”
Analyzing the situation, he said, “however, not justifying the checkpoints which have now become cash points the phenomenon of security checkpoints as cash points is not only a manifestation of corruption but also a symptom of a broader societal problem which is very concerning.
“The perception that young men driving exotic cars are likely involved in nefarious activities, such as “419” (obtaining by false pretenses), is a stereotype that perpetuates harassment, extortion, wickedness, criminality, and injustice.
“This culture of extortion has far-reaching consequences, eroding citizens’ trust in the security apparatus and undermining the rule of law.
“It also perpetuates a sense of arrogance and impunity, where security personnel feel emboldened to engage in corrupt practices without fear of accountability.”
Also narrating his experience, a truck driver who pleaded for anonymity mentioned the Army checkpoint at Ariam Ikwuano on the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene road, as one of the worst checkpoints in Abia State.
“They now collect N5000 per big vehicle at that checkpoint. Before, they were collecting N2000 but now, they insist on N5000, that is why I have stopped plying that route. There is also another checkpoint between Ikot-Ekpene and Aba. They collect N2000 per vehicle there.”
Group lament the situation
As the situation continues to worsen, last week, a group under the aegis of Igbo National Council (INC) Worldwide has revealed that about 98 security checkpoints exist in the five states of the Southeast region.
It also lamented what it described as incessant harassment and extortion from citizens and motorists by the security personnel manning the checkpoints.
In a press statement issued by its National Coordinator, Chilos Godsent, and made available to WITHIN NIGERIA, he revealed that Abia State topped the list with 37 checkpoints followed by Imo State with 23 checkpoints.
It further revealed that Anambra and Enugu have 15 checkpoints each, as Ebonyi came behind with 8 checkpoints.
The press statement further stated that the research was carried out by the directorate of human rights protection, a research department of the council with the mandate of checking human rights violations by various security outfits in the region.
It further stated that the council was propelled to embark on the task following a series of reports from members of the public on the humiliations they were encountering in the hands of the security personnel on a daily basis.
Godsent further stated in the press statement that some of the checkpoints are manned by a joint task force, comprising the military, police and civil defense, while at some blockades it will be either the military or the police.
He stated that even though the group was not happy with the rate of insecurity in the region, the security operatives should carry out their operations with human face.
The group pointed out that if the security personnel kept to rules of their professional engagement, it would build a healthy relationship between them and the civilians who also have responsibility of helping the security outfits in the fight against criminalities.
But the group, however, regretted that the checkpoints and outposts have allegedly turned to illegal toll gates and humiliation points against civilians who are the road users.
In their reaction, another South East group has also frowned at the ill-treatment of road users in the region. They accused the police and soldiers at the checkpoints of treating commuters and motorists in the zone as prisoners of war.
Speaking under the aegis of Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, Igbo youths decried the level of humiliation motorists and commuters are subjected to at the various checkpoints across the zone, and called for an immediate stop to the dehumanising treatment. They demanded the immediate dismantling of all military and police checkpoints in the zone ahead of the yuletide. They argue that the presence of roadblocks escalates insecurity in the region.
President-General of COSEYL, Comrade Goodluck Ibem said: “The Federal Government should dismantle all military and police checkpoints in the South-East with immediate effect. Our people suffer so much at these checkpoints. People spend hours at these checkpoints in the region; it does not happen in other parts of the country. Sometimes, passengers are forced to alight from their vehicles and trek across the checkpoint. This is unacceptable.
“Even during war time, people are not subjected to such humiliation and inhuman treatment. Security agents are treating South-Easterners like prisoners of war.
“They even contribute to the high cost of food items in the markets because trucks conveying foodstuff from the North to South-East pay at least N3000 at every checkpoint. Some insist on N5000; a truck coming from the Northern part to the South-East spends up to N25,000 just on security agents at checkpoints alone. This is open robbery.
“Their presence even escalates insecurity because they are only collecting money and not there for the people. It doesn’t stop insecurity. Security is all about intelligence-gathering and not standing sentry on the roads to extort money from hapless motorists.”
On Thursday, December 30, The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) accused police and military personnel of extorting a staggering ₦21.8 billion from roadblocks in the South-East geopolitical zone within two months.
Olufemi: COAS
According to a statement by the Chairman of Intersociety, Comrade Emeka Umeagbalasi and made available to WITHIN NIGERIA, the police allegedly pocketed ₦15 billion, while the military netted ₦6.8 billion between December 2024 and January 2025.
Umeagbalasi described the Uga Junction and Atani Road Naval checkpoints in Onitsha, Anambra State, as the “most lucrative,” allegedly yielding over ₦600 million from extortion at gunpoint.
Umeagbalasi stated, “The deployed personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force in the South-East seized no less than ₦21.8 billion from civilians during the Christmas and New Year periods, under gunpoint extortion and related practices.”
The findings revealed at least 300 direct military roadblocks and 500 patrol teams in the region, with 98% involved in extortion. Each military roadblock reportedly collected an average of ₦100,000 daily, translating to ₦80 million daily or ₦2.4 billion monthly.
Police personnel manning about 2,500 roadblocks in the region allegedly raked in an average of ₦10.5 billion over two months, alongside ₦3.5 billion from barracks extortions and an additional ₦1 billion from other forms of corruption.
He highlighted that the acts contravened Section 108 of the Armed Forces Act, which prescribes a 14-year jail term for military personnel involved in extortion, and Section 99 of the Criminal Code Act, which criminalizes police roadblock extortion with penalties of up to seven years in prison.
He urged the government to take immediate steps to curb these corrupt practices, enforce existing laws, and hold perpetrators accountable.
However, all efforts to get the reaction of the Nigeria Police Force and that of Nigerian Army on the matter proved abortive as they are yet to make an official statement on the issue.
When our reporter called the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Olumuyiwa Adejobi for comment, he could not pick his call just as his Army counterpart Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu also picked and dropped our reporter’s call. Subsequent calls by our reporter were ignored by the Army image maker.
Ugwuogo Nike/Opi Nsukka has become a nightmare for motorists, passengers as kidnappers in police uniforms maim, kill road users
Passengers, drivers recount their ordeals, say the road has become more dangerous as the day goes by
Enugu state government awards contract for dual carriage way of the road
For the people of Enugu state, nay south east zone of the country, travelling from Nsukka to Enugu metropolis is like making a journey from Jericho to Damascus. Whether one is making the journey in the morning, afternoon or night, the story still remains the same; the road is hot bed of kidnappers, hoodlums and other criminal elements in the area.
WITHIN NIGERIA findings revealed that for over two decades now, many lives have been lost to these criminal activities in the area, with each successive government promising to improve the security of motorists and passengers plying the road.
Passengers, motorists stranded as kidnappers operate freely along the highway
Stretched with about 55km from Opi junction, Nsukka to Abakpa Nike in Enugu metropolis, Ugwuogo Nike/Opi Nsukka road, a single carriage way is arguably one of the most notorious roads in the south East zone.
On October 27, 2022 a former Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Dr. Dan Shere was abducted on the road.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that he is among several other commuters kidnapped along the Enugu-Ugwuogo Nike-Nsukka Road that fateful Thursday.
Shere, a medical doctor, served under the administration of former Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani.
A source told our reporter that the Enugu politician was travelling to Nsukka for a meeting when the gunmen attacked him alongside other travelers.
One of the survivors, who shared a video of the attack, said the gunmen were about eight in number.
According to the source, “they shot severally at our vehicle; one of us was hit by the bullets. But our driver managed to move on. We succeeded in taking the victim to the hospital,” he narrated while thanking God for saving him and four others from the same community.
Another source WITHIN NIGERIA that few hours after finding out the status of who they kidnapped, the abductors increased their ransom to N30m.
“They earlier demanded the sum of N2m on one of the victims but they have now increased it to N30m. They search the phones of the victims to know their status,” the source said.
The kidnap of the former state scribe and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka students carried a lot of outcry, leading to the beefing up of the security out posts in the area.
Security operatives storm Ugwuogo Nike road during Dec 1, 2024 abduction
In any case, when our reporter travelled to Enugu metropolis through Ugwuogo Nike/Opi Nsukka road, it was gathered that for a journey of just about 55kms, there were more than thirty security check points on the road.
Even with the said huge number of security outposts, it does not deter kidnappers, hoodlums and other criminal elements from operating freely and undisturbed on the road. What are the secrets behind their evil operations?
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that what has kept motorists, passengers and other road users terrified is that more often than not, such criminal activities happen a few metres away from the security posts like police check points or Army security post. More confusing is the fact that at each moment of the attack, police usually feel unconcerned and continue with their stop and search work while a life threatening operation is going right under their nose.
Dr. Shere: Abducted by the kidnappers along the highway
As the security of the road worsened, on September 2, 2023, Dr. Godwin Abonyi, the former chairman of Udenu local government area of the state was attacked by these men of underworld on his way to Enugu metropolis.
An Eye witness told our reporter that his car was riddled with bullets, though he sustained minor injuries during the said attack.
Motorists, passengers lament the situation
Speaking with one of the motorists who ply the road frequently, Mr. Gerald Ugwu, a bus driver told our reporter that the road is increasingly becoming dangerous to ply every day.
“I started plying the road in 2017 when I came back from Jos, Plateau state after series of killings by bandits and hoodlums in the area.
“That time, there was no security threat on the road that time. But since, as the year goes by, the road becomes so dangerous to ply. Last year was better than this year and last two years was better than last year.
“As a matter of fact, right now, the most terrifying thing is that these kidnappers, hoodlums and bandits wear police uniforms to confuse the road users that they are security agents.
“Few weeks ago, I was going from Nsukka to Enugu at about 2pm. Unfortunately, my front tyre burst immediately after Maduka University, Ekwegbe. I had to fix it so as to be able to continue the journey with my passengers. Few metres away, we saw some security agents on police uniforms erecting check point. We were relieved because that spot is usually lonely.
Dr. Abonyi: Escaped unhurt
“However, we were surprised when these people we assumed to be security agents stopped a sienna car, filled with passengers and started shooting sporadically in the air. They abducted all the passengers and took them inside the bush. Few hours later, they started demanding for ransom.
Another driver told our reporter that “on December 1, 2024, I was coming with some passengers from Enugu metropolis to Nsukka. Immediately after Maduka University, a black Tacoma jeep overtook us. Few minutes later, we heard gunshots at the direction of the Tacoma. We were surprised because we know so well that particular spot is police check point. I had to match the break and alight from the bus with my passengers. Within a twinkle of eyes, we saw these hoodlums in school uniforms drag the occupants of the jeep out and into the bus.”
Narrating further, the driver said that “we were very much terrified and thankful to God because we could have been the victims of the attack if not that the jeep overtook us. We thought they were policemen, not knowing that these are kidnappers.”
Gov. Mbah awards the road for dualization
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that on October 28, 2024, Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, flagged-off the construction and dualisation of the 43.7km Penoks-Abakpa Nike-Ugwogo-Nike-Opi Nsukka Road with streetlights and 18-month completion timeframe.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Opi attended by political heavy weights and leaders of Nsukka Zone, Gov. Mbah stressed that the the project, which includes straightening the of many bends, would drastically reduce accidents and criminality on the road.
“In the build-up to the election and in my acceptance speech after my election, we made a pledge that we are going to dualise the Penoks-Abakpa-Ugwogo-Opi-Nsukka Road because . we realised from the outset that if we had to grow this economy to an exponential height, no section of this state should be left behind, more so an economic hub like Nsukka Zone. So, all we are doing here today is connecting those dots,” he said.
Mbah regretted that a trip from Enugu to Nsukka presently takes over an hour, hence the decision to do the 3.6km from the Penoks Junction all the way to the T-Junction flyover in addition to the 41km Abakpa Nike-Opi Nsukka Road to reduce travel time to about 30 minutes and make it possible for the people to comfortably live and work in Enugu and vice versa.
He also noted that his administration’s grassroot-based development and economic model placed the Enugu North Zone at an advantage.
“We are doing projects based on electoral wards. Guess who are the greatest beneficiaries of this model? It is the Nsukka zone. You have 102 electoral wards. That means you will end up with 102 smart schools, 102 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, over 1,000km of roads based since we are additionally going to do at least 10km of roads per ward,” he remarked.
However, all the efforts by our reporter to get the reaction of Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Enugu state police command, Daniel Ndukwe on the ugly development proved abortive as he could not pick his calls.
