The Yobe State Police Command has arrested 63 suspects and recovered a cache of illicit drugs and dangerous weapons during a coordinated raid on criminal hideouts in Damaturu metropolis.

The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, noting that the operation was carried out on 12th July, 2026 by the Area Commander, Damaturu Area Command.

“Personnel from ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Divisions were mobilized to raid identified criminal black spots within the state capital as part of the Command’s sustained campaign against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.

“The operation covered Mass Transit, Family Support, Zango CMC, Finance, Nayinawa Primary School, Jerusalem Ajayi, Moduri, and Sunday Market.

“A total of sixty-three (63) suspects, including eight (8) women, were arrested during the exercise,” the Command said.

According to the Command, items recovered include Tramadol tablets, Valium-5 tablets, 9 Pentazocine injections, a liquid solution popularly known as “Sholi”, another liquid substance commonly referred to as “Suck and Die,” suspected Indian hemp, as well as axes and other dangerous items.

The suspects are currently undergoing investigation as those found culpable will be charged to court for prosecution in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner of Police, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking, substance abuse, and other criminal activities across the state.

He charged officers to sustain the ongoing offensive against criminal elements and urged members of the public to support the Police.

“See something, say something. Report suspicions,” the CP said.

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, have arrested a suspected explosives-making expert allegedly linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, in Abia State.

The development was disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama in a post on his official X handle, citing security sources.

According to the sources, the operation was carried out at about 3:50 a.m. on July 12 at Ummuene community in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.

The sources said troops from the Headquarters, 14 Brigade, working alongside DSS operatives from the Abia and Enugu State Commands, stormed the suspect’s hideout following credible intelligence.

“The operation led to the arrest of the suspect, described as an alleged explosives-making specialist for the IPOB/ESN network,” the sources said.

The sources added that two mobile phones were recovered from the suspect during the operation.

“The suspect and the recovered items have been handed over to the DSS Abia State Command for further investigation and other necessary actions,” the sources stated.

They noted that the arrest was part of ongoing security efforts in the region.

“The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-led security operations aimed at dismantling criminal and extremist networks operating in the South-East,” the sources added.

Gunmen, suspected to be bandits, have kidnapped a 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victim was identified as Mr Matthew Kolawale Owoade, popularly known as ‘Onaiye’

The victim’s son, Abiola Owoade, said his father was returning from a visit to his farm when he was intercepted and abducted by the armed assailants.

According to him, shortly after the kidnapping, the abductors contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of thirty million naira for his release.

During a search for the victim on Sunday, the victim’s motorcycle was recovered after being abandoned abandoned in a bush.

The community expressed deep sadness over the incident, appealing to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, DSS, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and other security agencies to intervene swiftly and secure the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Kolawale.

Spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident.

“I can confirm to you that a farmer, Mr Owoade Mathew, was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare, and efforts are on to rescue the man unhurt and arrest the perpetrator,” he said.

This latest incident happened after the federal government announced the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers Kidnapped in the same state.

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