Lagos Police uncover a new kidnapping trend, ‘Constructive Kidnapping,’ targeting women through social media. Learn how 16 victims were rescued and how to stay safe. Lagos Police Expose New Kidnapping Trend Targeting Ladies Online The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a sophisticated kidnapping scheme known as ‘Constructive Kidnapping.’ This alarming trend involves kidnappers posing as online friends or romantic partners to lure unsuspecting ladies into traps. The command revealed that this disturbing tactic has already ensnared 16 women across Lagos State, all of whom have been successfully rescued. The revelation was made by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Olawale Ishola, during a press briefing highlighting the command’s breakthroughs between September 2024 and January 2025. How the Scheme Works The kidnappers utilize social media platforms to identify and tag their victims as friends. By establishing a false sense of trust and connection, they lower their victims’ defenses. CP Ishola described the scheme as “constructive” because the victims unknowingly walk into the trap, believing they are traveling for legitimate purposes. Police Intervention and Rescue Efforts The Commissioner of Police explained that the swift actions of his command resulted in the rescue of 16 victims from the clutches of these kidnappers. He emphasized that the police remain vigilant and one step ahead of the criminals. He warned members of the public, particularly young women, to exercise caution when engaging with strangers online. “If you see something, say something,” he advised. A Case of Self-Staged Kidnapping In a separate incident, a 15-year-old girl was rescued after allegedly conspiring with her boyfriend to stage her kidnapping and demand ransom from her parents. The girl’s mother reported her missing on January 8, 2025, after she left home for an unknown destination. The following day, the family received a phone call demanding ransom for the girl’s release. Police investigations traced the girl to her boyfriend’s residence, where she was found along with a baby. Both the girl and her boyfriend were apprehended, and the police confirmed that the family had been sending money to the account provided by the alleged kidnappers. Public Awareness and Safety Recommendations The Lagos State Police Command has called on citizens to remain cautious and vigilant when interacting with strangers, especially online acquaintances. The public is urged to report suspicious activities immediately to prevent falling victim to such schemes. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Lagos Police Dismantle Uber Driver Killer Gangs, Arrest Seven Suspects The Lagos State Police Command has successfully dismantled robbery gangs targeting Uber drivers, with the arrest of seven suspects involved in separate criminal groups. Among the apprehended is a gang of four, including a U.S. returnee, linked to the tragic murder of an Uber driver during a robbery attempt on Thursday, January 9, 2025. The suspects aimed to steal the driver’s Toyota Camry after fatally stabbing him. Commissioner of Police, CP Olarewaju Ishola, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Lagos Police Command Headquarters on January 10, 2025. He detailed how the suspects—Emeka Akwara (19), David Segun (21), Samuel Ariori (21), and Lukman Ariori (19)—booked a ride from Chevron in Lekki to Obalende around midnight. Upon reaching a secluded area in Obalende, they attacked the driver, stabbing him multiple times in the neck. Fortunately, the stolen vehicle was not taken due to the intervention of concerned passersby who apprehended two suspects on the spot. Further investigation led to the arrest of the other two gang members hiding in the Chevron area. The deceased’s body was later taken to the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, for further examination. Similar Case Uncovered In a related development, the police also arrested three suspects—Edmond Julius (34), Abdullahi Umar (32), and Saturday Oke (40)—for the murder of another Uber driver, Oluwaseyi Fowler, three months earlier. This gang kidnapped Fowler in the Ajah area, robbed him of his Toyota Camry, and eventually killed him. The suspects confessed to selling the stolen vehicle and led the police to recover both the decomposed body of the victim and the car. Security Advisory for Uber Drivers Commissioner Ishola emphasized the importance of safety measures for Uber drivers, urging them to carry only one passenger at a time, thoroughly search passengers before rides, and encourage them to sit in the front seat for better visibility. He further announced plans to roll out security guidelines specifically aimed at protecting drivers from becoming crime victims. Lagos Rated the Safest State During Festive Season Addressing the security situation in Lagos during the Yuletide season, CP Ishola declared Lagos as the most secure state in Nigeria. He highlighted that approximately 500,000 Nigerians from the diaspora returned home during the festive season, with 90% staying in Lagos without major incidents. “This level of security success was achieved through the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Ebetokun, and the supportive efforts of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” Ishola stated. Weapons Recovered CP Ishola also reported the recovery of various arms and ammunition between September 2024 and January 2025, including AK-47 rifles previously stolen during the EndSARS protests. Lagos State Police remain committed to ensuring public safety and curbing crime across the metropolis. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Join our Telegram Chanel. Chat on WhatsApp
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On Saturday, the armed group Lakurawa launched a violent, unprovoked attack at the Kangiwa border in Kebbi State, resulting in the tragic deaths of two immigration officers and a civilian. A reliable security source, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the immigration officers were stationed near a site designated for the installation of a transmitting mast when the armed assailants struck. The mast, once operational, was intended to monitor activities around the border and relay data directly to the security database. Efforts to reach Kebbi State Police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Abubakar, and his immigration counterpart for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were unanswered. As of the time of reporting, no official statements had been released by either the Nigeria Police Force or the Nigeria Immigration Service concerning the deadly attack. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced plans to return approximately $52.88 million in confiscated corruption proceeds to Nigeria. These funds were linked to a high-profile corruption case involving former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and her associates. Out of the total amount, $50 million will be directed towards the Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) initiative. This renewable energy expansion project, supervised by the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency and backed by the International Development Association, focuses on providing sustainable energy to public institutions across the country. The remaining $2.88 million will support Nigeria’s contributions to the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ), an institution promoting global justice reforms and accountability. To ensure full transparency, the energy project funds will be managed under a World Bank trust fund with strict audits, public progress reports, and regulatory oversight. The IIJ funds will also undergo external audits and regular reporting. The formal agreement was signed in Abuja, Nigeria, by US Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr and Nigerian Attorney General Lateef O. Fagbemi, highlighting both nations’ commitment to responsible governance and ensuring the recovered assets benefit Nigerian citizens. The funds were recovered through the US Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, which exposed a conspiracy where Nigerian businessmen bribed Alison-Madueke, who then used her influence to secure profitable oil contracts for the involved parties. The proceeds from the scheme were used to acquire luxury assets, including a superyacht and prime real estate properties in California and New York. Nigerian authorities played a crucial role in the investigation, contributing significantly to the successful asset recovery. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible commended the collaboration between both countries, emphasizing Nigeria’s valuable support in reclaiming millions in corruption proceeds. FBI Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough reaffirmed the FBI’s commitment to fighting corruption, emphasizing that returning the forfeited assets to Nigeria for essential public projects and justice reforms underscores the agency’s mission to promote accountability and transparency. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has approved bail for 12 individuals accused of the murder of Jeffrey Akro, a student at Ajayi Crowther University. Justice Ladiran Akintola set the bail conditions at ₦5 million for each defendant. Additionally, two sureties of equal sum must be presented, one of whom must be a biological parent of the accused. The defendants, who had earlier pleaded not guilty to the two charges filed against them, will face trial on February 21, 2025, following the court’s adjournment of the case. While delivering the ruling, Justice Akintola clarified that granting bail should not be mistaken for a declaration of innocence or an acquittal. Prosecutor Victor Otomiewo also emphasized this, stating, “Bail does not equate to innocence or a final discharge.” Wole Efunnuga, representing the seventh defendant, supported the judge’s decision, noting it fairly reflected the interests of all involved parties. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Indian politician Gurpreet Gogi, a representative of the Ludhiana West constituency in Punjab, tragically passed away on Friday, January 10, after sustaining fatal gunshot injuries. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at DMC Hospital, according to police reports. However, his family maintains that the incident was an accidental shooting. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jaskaran Singh Teja stated during a media briefing that Gogi’s family reported he had unintentionally shot himself, resulting in a fatal head injury. His body has been transferred to the DMC hospital mortuary, awaiting further examination. DCP Teja further clarified that the definitive cause of death will be established once the post-mortem examination is concluded. The news of his passing was officially confirmed by the district president of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Sharanpal Singh Makkar, along with Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Singh Chahal. Authorities have initiated further investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death. Gogi joined the Aam Aadmi Party in 2022 and achieved a significant victory in the Ludhiana Assembly elections, defeating two-time Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu. His wife, Sukhchain Kaur Gogi, had also contested in the Municipal Corporation elections but was defeated by Congress candidate Inderjit Singh Indi. In August 2024, Gogi made headlines after dismantling the foundation stone of a Buddha Nullah pipeline project he had originally inaugurated in 2022. His actions were driven by frustration over project delays. Speaker Sandhwan had assured strict measures against any obstructions hindering the clean-up progress following Gogi’s public complaints. Just hours before his death, Gogi visited Prachin Sheetla Mata Mandir, where he assured devotees he would take action against a group of burglars who had recently stolen silver from the temple. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Nigerian Police have clarified that the alleged theft of N1.09bn from the Enugu State government was a case of procurement fraud, not a cyber-attack. Suspect arrested and funds recovered. The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has officially refuted viral social media claims suggesting that N1.098 billion was stolen from the Enugu State government’s account through hacking, emphasizing that no such breach occurred. According to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the circulating rumors are misleading. He clarified that the incident was a case of procurement fraud and not a cyber-attack on the state’s financial system. The statement, titled “Enugu State Government Account Not Hacked – Police Dismiss N1.09bn Theft Claims,” explained that investigations conducted by the National Cyber Crime Centre (NCCC) confirmed the case was procurement-related fraud. The suspect has been apprehended, and the stolen funds have been successfully recovered. Furthermore, the Enugu State Government, in collaboration with other ministries, departments, agencies, and corporate organizations, continues working with the NCCC to strengthen their financial security protocols. The police advised the public to verify news sources before sharing information to prevent the spread of misinformation. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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As Nigeria reflects on the year 2024, many citizens were left grieving, struggling to stay safe, and hoping for a more secure future. The security situation worsened significantly, with internal and external threats leaving the nation in turmoil. Rising Casualties Among Security Forces The Nigeria Police Force bore significant losses, with 140 officers killed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) alone. Military personnel also faced deadly ambushes, such as the April 19 attack in Niger State, which claimed the lives of six soldiers. Other regions, including the North-East, South-East, and South-South, experienced similar violence. Escalating Violence Across Regions Nigeria faced numerous security threats, including: The police and military struggled to control these threats while dealing with cultism, drug trafficking, terrorism financing, money laundering, and increasing cybercrime. Rural Areas Living in Fear Rural communities were hit hardest, with widespread attacks forcing residents to flee. Farmers abandoned their fields out of fear, leading to economic devastation as agriculture, a primary livelihood, suffered greatly. Cybercrime Surge Cybercriminals defrauded Nigerians of N8.8 billion in 2024. The Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) made significant strides in combating these crimes, recovering stolen assets and prosecuting over 750 suspects. Kidnappings and Ransom Payments Mass kidnappings remained a serious issue, with over 2.2 million Nigerians affected in 2024. Families paid substantial ransoms, yet many victims were killed despite payments. For instance, retired Major General Richard Duru was murdered even after his family paid $50,000. Southeast Unrest and Rising Ransom Payments The South-East experienced heightened violence from separatist groups, with incidents like the November 18 attacks in Anambra State. Ransom payments were staggering, reaching N419.2 million between July 2023 and June 2024. Security Achievements and Setbacks Despite numerous security breaches, law enforcement agencies achieved some success, including the neutralization of notorious bandits such as Halilu Sububu and Boderi Isyaku. The Nigerian Air Force also executed over 1,000 missions, significantly impacting criminal operations. Looking Ahead to 2025 As Nigeria enters 2025, the nation faces both challenges and opportunities. Security experts emphasize the need for stronger community policing, socio-economic reforms, and better collaboration between citizens and authorities to restore peace. The year 2025 demands action over promises from Nigeria’s security agencies. Restoring safety, stability, and public trust must be a top priority. Will this be the year of transformation or another chapter of missed opportunities? READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Renowned terrorist and bandit leader, Bello Turji, is reportedly in hiding, moving between concealed locations, after the Nigerian Army successfully neutralized many of his fighters in Zamfara State. This was disclosed by Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, spokesperson for Operation FansanYamma, a special military task force targeting terrorism in Northwest Nigeria. In a recent interview, Abdullahi confirmed that Turji’s terror camps in the Shinkafi Local Government Area were decimated through coordinated airstrikes and ground assaults conducted by the military task force. He assured that the remaining bandits would soon be captured. “Our airstrikes have severely damaged terrorist strongholds in Shinkafi. Several of Turji’s fighters have been neutralized, forcing him into hiding, living in holes like a rat,” Abdullahi stated. The crackdown follows threats by Turji to attack residents of Shinkafi unless his relatives, previously arrested on terrorism charges, were released. In retaliation, Turji reportedly carried out attacks and abducted travelers in the area, prompting a swift military response. The operation led to the deaths of several terrorists, including another notorious bandit leader, Sani Rusu. The Nigerian Army remains committed to restoring peace and security in Zamfara State through ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks in the region. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Nigerian Police Force announced on Monday that operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) apprehended Ogaga Dickson, a 35-year-old member of a notorious armed robbery syndicate responsible for the murder of CSP Hassan Jega, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Agbarho Division, Delta State. CSP Jega lost his life on October 14, 2024, during an intense gunfight between his police team and the gang while thwarting a robbery operation. According to Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, police operatives had previously stormed the gang’s hideout, engaging in a fierce shootout that resulted in the elimination of four gang members. Following Ogaga’s arrest, law enforcement agents recovered an array of items, including: Child Trafficking Syndicate Busted in Plateau State The police also dismantled a child-trafficking network led by Pastor Dayo Bernard of End Time Army Ministry in Bukuru, Plateau State, during an operation on December 2, 2024. The operation resulted in the rescue of five children, aged 2–4, who had been abducted from homes in Jos, Plateau State. Other arrested syndicate members include Rita Agboeze, Victoria Ugwu, Nanman Puntel, and Peter Ukwuani. During interrogation, the gang’s leader confessed to abducting and selling 13 children at varying prices. All the rescued children have been reunited with their families, with assistance from the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. Recovery of Illicit Arms In adherence to the Inspector General of Police’s directive to rid the nation of illegal arms, the FID-IRT operatives successfully retrieved 14 AK-47 rifles in a separate operation. These efforts underline the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property by employing intelligence-driven tactics to tackle crime. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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In a tragic incident, gunmen have reportedly killed three children of a native doctor in Nise community, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. The harrowing event occurred on Saturday night when the assailants scaled the fence to access the residence. Reports reveal that the attackers placed the lifeless bodies of the victims inside a parked Mercedes Benz within the compound before making their escape. Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed to journalists on Monday that a manhunt for the perpetrators was underway. He stated, “The attackers invaded the premises, murdered the children, and left their remains in a parked Mercedes Benz within the compound. Though the event took place on Saturday, we received the report late on Sunday. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the father’s negligence played a role or the motive of the culprits.” An anonymous source revealed that the children, aged between six and two years old, were found with their mouths tied. The source further claimed that the native doctor had a habit of locking his wife and children inside the house while he was away. It was also alleged that the native doctor had unresolved disputes with certain individuals, though it remains unclear if these conflicts contributed to the tragic deaths of his children. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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A tragic police accidental shooting in Ado-Ekiti leaves a woman dead outside a salon. The officer responsible has been disarmed and detained, confirms Ekiti CP. A tragic incident unfolded in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday when a police officer from the Ekiti State Police Command accidentally shot and killed a woman near a police station. How the Incident Happened Reports indicate that the incident occurred opposite the Okela police station. The deceased woman had visited the station to check on her husband, who was in detention. According to eyewitnesses, the officer accidentally discharged his firearm, fatally striking the woman who was standing outside a salon across from the station. She was immediately rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Police Response The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, AIG Akinwale Adeniran, confirmed the unfortunate event. He stated that the officer responsible for the accidental discharge has been disarmed and detained for further interrogation, following protocols outlined in the Police Act. Public Reactions The tragic incident has sparked outrage among residents, with many calling for stricter firearm handling measures within the police force to prevent similar occurrences in the future. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) achieved a groundbreaking victory against drug trafficking, seizing 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine in a record-breaking operation in Ikorodu, Lagos, in 2022. Alongside this major haul, the agency apprehended four prominent drug traffickers and forfeited luxury properties, N67 million, and $50,000 tied to the cartel’s illicit trade. Court Judgments and Sentences The Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro, delivered various jail terms totaling 28 years with hard labor to the convicted individuals. The convicts included 71-year-old Soji Jubril Oke, 55-year-old Wasiu Akinade, 67-year-old Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu, and 44-year-old Jamaican national Kelvin Christopher Smith. They faced six counts of charges under case number FHC/L/607C/2022. Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, revealed that the charges against the suspects involved conspiracy, managing a drug trafficking organization (DTO), and possession of over two tons of cocaine. A fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday, is still undergoing trial. Details of the Operation On September 18, 2022, NDLEA agents carried out an intelligence-driven raid at 6 Olokunola Crescent, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu. This operation resulted in the largest cocaine seizure in Nigeria’s history. By the following day, cartel leaders were arrested at various locations across Lagos. Convictions and Asset Forfeiture After over two years of meticulous prosecution, the court sentenced the convicts as follows: Luxury assets and funds forfeited to the Federal Government included: Additionally, two properties used for drug storage and acquired through criminal proceeds were permanently forfeited: The court ordered these properties to be sold, with proceeds remitted to the Federal Government. NDLEA’s Commitment to Justice NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), lauded the agency’s officers for dismantling the cartel. “This operation marks a significant blow to drug traffickers, serving as a strong warning that they will not only face jail time but also lose assets acquired through illegal means,” he stated. Babafemi concluded by emphasizing that this landmark case underscores NDLEA’s dedication to eradicating drug trafficking and ensuring justice is served. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
