The Lagos State Police Command has arrested one of the key suspects linked to the alleged theft of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, valued at N1.02 billion and recovered assets worth more than N300 million connected to the crime.

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja.

Tijani explained that the arrest followed a petition submitted by MEA Energy over an alleged case of conspiracy and theft involving petroleum products worth N1.02 billion reportedly carried out by two suspects.

According to him, the command immediately launched a discreet investigation backed by intelligence gathering, surveillance and technical operations after receiving the complaint.

“Upon receipt of the complaint, operatives of the command commenced discreet investigation supported by technical intelligence gathering and surveillance operations.

“After 12 days of intensive tracking and follow-up operations, one of the principal suspects, aged 38, was apprehended in Delta, where he had fled in an attempt to evade justice.

“The suspect was successfully tracked and apprehended through coordinated interstate policing efforts by operatives of the command,” Tijani said.

The police commissioner further revealed that the suspect confessed to participating in the alleged crime during interrogation.

He added that the suspect later assisted investigators in recovering cash and properties valued at over N300 million, believed to be proceeds from the unlawful diversion of petroleum products.

Tijani stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the second suspect, who remains at large.

He added that the arrested suspect would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested six suspects allegedly linked to the murder of the traditional ruler of Ishinkwo Community, HRH Eze Josephat Nnanna Ikegwu.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abakaliki, noting that the arrests followed sustained intelligence-led investigations by operatives of the command.

The suspects, identified as Ucha Johnson, Ogobuchi Igwe, Nkpuma Nwankwo, Edwin Onwoshi, Itumo Joseph, and Emmanuel Nwaoba, were apprehended in connection with the killing.

According to the police, operatives also recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition during the operation.

The monarch was reportedly murdered at his residence on April 2, 2026, a development that sparked tension and concern within the community.

Reacting to the arrests, the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, Hope Urunwa Okafor, reaffirmed the command’s determination to ensure that all those involved in the crime are brought to justice.

She assured residents of the Command’s continued commitment to tackling violent crimes and maintaining public safety across the state.

The police said the suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Troops of 144 Battalion (Rear) under Operation Eastern Sanity on Tuesday, launched a “well coordinated raid ” at a Mammy market in Owaza, Ukwa West LGA of Abia State.

The raid followed alleged presence of crude oil bunkerers, illegal PMS dealers, pipeline vandals and illicit drug traffickers operating within the market and adjourning bushes.

During the raid, 21 suspected illicit drug traffickers were arrested.

The intelligence-based operation was carried out in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Navy Component and the Nigerian Air Force 511 Quick Response Group.

The development was disclosed in a statement by the acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Abia State, Mazinho Attah.

Attah said upon arrival at the target area, troops swiftly cordoned off and searched the entire market as well as surrounding hideouts suspected to be criminal enclaves. 

He noted that the intensive operation led to the arrest of 21 suspected illicit drug peddlers found in possession of large quantities of Indian hemp, rizzlers, suspected hard substances popularly known as “ice”, as well as the sum of N103,000.

“The suspects are currently in custody undergoing preliminary profiling and will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.

“Meanwhile, aggressive patrols and domination activities continue across the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of action,” the statement said.