The Edo State Police Command said it has arrested an officer for reportedly tear-gassing an unknown person to death in Benin City.

ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, disclosed this on Monday, June 1, 2026, in a statement made available to the media in Benin City.

Ikoedem recalled that on 25th May, 2026, a Police Officer attached to the Command unlawfully discharged tear-gas at Ogida, Benin City. The action, unfortunately, led to the loss of a life.

She said the officer involved was immediately arrested and subjected to disciplinary and criminal procedures in line with extant laws.

The Command also disclosed that three bouncers and a supplier of pepper spray have been arrested in connection with the May 27, 2026 stampede incident that happened at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium during the Children’s Day celebration.

She listed the arrested persons to include Ifeanyi John Paul,  36, Ola Ibikunle, 46, Onoha Chukwuoji, 33 and Mrs Rebecca Hassan.

She said further investigation led to the arrest of Mrs Rebecca Hassan, alleged to be the supplier/seller of the pepper spray used during the incident.

“Similarly, on 27th May, 2026, during the Children’s Day Celebration held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, pepper spray was unlawfully discharged within the stadium premises by private bouncers, causing panic and affecting several children and other attendees at the event.

“The Edo State Police Command has expressed grave concern over the increasing proliferation, unauthorised possession, and unlawful use of restricted security accoutrements such as pepper spray, tear-gas canisters, and other force-related equipment by private individuals, bouncers, vigilantes, and unauthorised security outfits within the State. 

“It frowns on the use of such items without proper training, or regard for public safety, thereby endangering innocent lives and creating avoidable public disorder”, she said.

Ikoedem posited that the Command views the unauthorised use of such devices as assault, or acts capable of causing grievous harm, and in certain circumstances, death. 

She explained that the unlawful possession of these items with the intent to commit felony and other related offences is viewed as criminal under the law, noting that the command has issued a stern warning to all individuals, private security personnel, bouncers, vigilante groups, and unauthorised organisations in possession of pepper spray, tear-gas, or related restricted security equipment to immediately desist from such unlawful possession and usage.

The Command’s spokesperson threatened that any person found in possession of such prohibited or unauthorised police/security accoutrements, including sellers, distributors, and suppliers, will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted a suspected member of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group who allegedly fled a terrorist enclave following recent military airstrikes in Borno State.

The development was disclosed by a security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, in a post shared via his X handle.

According to military sources cited in the report, the suspect, identified as Ahmad Sheriff, 27, was intercepted at about 10:12 a.m. on May 31 during a patrol along the Kukawa–Cross Kauwa axis in Kukawa Local Government Area of the state.

The sources said the suspect was travelling with two children when he was apprehended by troops conducting routine security operations in the area.

Preliminary interrogation reportedly revealed that the suspect fled from Kangarawa, a known terrorist enclave, following sustained military airstrikes targeting the area.

The suspect allegedly told investigators that he escaped alongside 17 other individuals but became separated from the group after they encountered armed terrorists while moving through the bush.

Military authorities said items recovered from the suspect included a smartphone, 43 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a solar panel, a power bank, a pair of sunglasses, a mosquito net, clothing materials and N48,000 in cash.

Further investigations indicated that the suspect had spent about seven years with the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group.

The sources added that the suspect, a native of Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area, is currently in military custody for further profiling and investigation.

The interception comes amid intensified military offensives across the Lake Chad region, where troops have sustained coordinated ground and air operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and degrading the operational capabilities of insurgent groups.

Military authorities said troops remain vigilant and committed to ongoing counterterrorism operations across the North-East theatre.

Nigerian Army troops have rescued 23 passengers who were abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Security sources who spoke to Zagazola Makama said the attack occurred around 3:30 am on Monday when armed men blocked the road and attacked travellers.

The attackers reportedly abducted several passengers before soldiers of the 12 Brigade in Kabba moved in following a distress call.

By the time troops arrived, the kidnappers had already fled. However, soldiers found two dead bodies and five injured victims at the scene. Two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck were also recovered, abandoned by the roadside.

A source said: “The troops immediately launched a pursuit operation leading to the rescue of 23 abducted passengers.”

The rescued victims were taken to safety, while the injured were moved to St Joseph Hospital, Kabba, for treatment.

Military sources said operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing attackers and rescue any remaining victims. They also added that surveillance and clearance operations have been intensified in the area to prevent further attacks.

The Ayegunle–Bunu axis has recently recorded repeated cases of kidnapping and banditry, prompting a stronger military response.