This was disclosed in a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer Josephine Adeh, stating that the intelligence-led operation took place at Angwan Adamu Ruga Fulani Zone B, Riverside, Ado Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

The operation followed a report indicating that several foreign nationals had been lured into Nigeria under the pretext of lucrative job offers and upon arrival, they were held hostage by their abductors, who demanded ransom payments from their families via WhatsApp and other online platforms.

FCT police authorities said preliminary investigation revealed that the syndicate is coordinated by one Abubakar Jigiba, a transnational criminal kingpin with known residences in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, and Nigeria while his younger brother, Sougule Zoubere, handles the recruitment, kidnapping, and smuggling of victims from Mali into Nigeria, where they are detained pending ransom payments.

Read Also: Police Uncovers ‘Baby Factory,’ Human Trafficking Syndicate In Ondo

“Further investigations revealed that the victims were trafficked into the country through illegal border routes in a journey lasting about three days. They were subsequently confined in two fortified two-bedroom apartments under inhumane conditions.

“Acting on actionable digital and reconstructive intelligence, the Scorpion Squad traced the hideout to the above address where a total number of twenty-three (23) victims, comprising fourteen (14) males, eight (8) females, and one (1) child, all unhurt, except one who sustained a minor ear injury and has been taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, for medical attention,” the police said.

Source: Channels

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The Executive Secretary of the commission, Tony Ojukwu, flagged the issues in a statement on the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances, describing the rising cases as a grave assault on human dignity.

He noted that the alarming trend has left countless families in anguish and uncertainty, with victims’ loved ones facing psychological trauma and prolonged distress.

“The incessant wave of insecurity ranging from insurgency, banditry, herder-farmer clashes, separatist violence, and worsening poverty; continues to fuel cases of missing persons across the country.

“These violations not only undermine human rights but also erode public trust in the state’s ability to protect its citizens,” he said.

He noted that relevant international human rights instruments, including the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, of which Nigeria is a signatory, are there.

Read Also: Gov Aiyedatiwa approves death penalty for kidnapping

Mr Ojukwu, in his speech, reminded the government of its obligation to safeguard the rights to liberty, security, recognition before the law, and freedom from torture and ill-treatment.

“The commission urges governments at all levels to adopt proactive measures to address the root causes of insecurity while strengthening accountability and justice mechanisms. They must ensure that perpetrators of kidnappings, abductions, and enforced disappearances are brought to justice,” he said.

Source: PremiumTimes

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No fewer than 21 people, mostly women and children reportedly lost their lives during the tragic incident that occurred on December 21, 2024, during the palliative distribution being donated by a notable member of the community, Chief Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi, through his foundation, Obijackson Foundation.

Read Also: Dozens lives lost in Anambra rice stampede

The inter-denominational burial service for the victims held at St. Mary’s Field, Okija, on Friday, had families of the victims, survivors, community members, and other notable personalities of the community in attendance in the low-key event.

The event was organised by Obijackson Foundation, alongside the royal palace of the Okija community.

During the service, the Very Rev. Donald Chukwudolue, who anchored his lesson from the book of Revelation 21:1-8, asked the Almighty God to console everybody who lost their loved ones and prayed that such would not occur again in the community.

During his sermon, the Bishop of Ihiala Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Ralph Okafor, who read from the book of Psalms 23, urged the families of the victims to move and continue to look to God for consolation, saying, “Past is past.

While mourning the victims, the Founder of the Obijackson Foundation, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, thanked the traditional ruler of the community and other members of the community for their support and show of love.

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According to Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye, the authorities recovered a locally-made pistol, two rounds of live ammunition, and a torchlight from Alex.

Okoye disclosed that  the victims were rescued unharmed. During interrogation, he said, Alex confessed to the robbery and disclosed that he had acquired the firearm from someone in Ezza, Ebonyi State.

The police are now working to track down the gun suppliers, who will face prosecution. Once the investigation is concluded, Alex will be charged in court.

In a separate case, police arrested five individuals linked to a kidnapping syndicate. They also rescued a 26-year-old woman who had been abducted from her home in Obinze, Owerri West LGA, the previous Sunday.

The arrested suspects are Umaru Usman, 40 years old, from Mauree in Sokoto; Tukur Yau, 25 years old, from Dawakinkudur in Kano State; Musbau Sabo, 18years old, from Warsaw LGA in Kano State; Abdul Ibrahim, 30years old, from Sokoto; and Jubrin Idris, 35 years old, from SokotoIt was learnt that authorities seized a pump-action gun, five cartridges, two daggers, a cutlass, and various criminal charms from the suspects.

Okoye revealed that the suspects were part of a notorious kidnapping syndicate terrorizing residents in Obinze, Avu, and nearby areas.

 State Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma has urged officers to intensify their efforts to minimize crime in the state.

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