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Nigerian internal security
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Older adults increasingly involved in drug trade in Nigeria and West Africa
Data from Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) indicated that at least 32 people aged 60 to 101 were arrested for drug-related offenses since January 2025, with the total rising to 48 when including those aged 50 to 59. These individuals functioned as couriers, distributors, and, in at least one instance, a drug baron overseeing a Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine operation. Drug syndicates targeted older adults by exploiting economic vulnerabilities, gendered inequalities, and cultural perceptions of reverence to bypass security profiles that typically focus on younger offenders. The trend extended beyond Nigeria to include incidents in Cameroon, Senegal, and various international locations where networks used methods such as telemarketing fraud to recruit elderly victims as unwitting couriers.
Governor Bago condemns killing of minister’s brother by bandits
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago condemned the killing of Ahmed Yusuf, the village head of Galla in Borgu Emirate, who was reportedly murdered by suspected bandits in his palace. The victim was the brother of the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, and was killed during an attack that also resulted in the deaths of several other community members. Governor Bago described the incident as a demonstration of the bandits' boldness and mandated security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Soldiers rescue two kidnapped persons in Plateau
Troops from the joint task force Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) rescued two kidnapped victims, Ndubuisi Onuigbo and Sambo Abdullahi, during separate operations in Bassa and Kanam Local Government Areas of Plateau State on August 25 and 26, 2026. The rescue in Bassa was prompted by credible intelligence regarding an abduction, while the rescue in Kanam occurred after troops encountered suspected terrorist elements during a fighting patrol. Major General Maxwell Dangana, the Commander of OPEP, commended the troops and urged local residents to continue providing information to assist in ongoing security efforts.
Two men arrested over alleged attempted rape of 12-year-old girl
Police in Cross River State, Nigeria, arrested 68-year-old Moris Monday and 70-year-old Asuquo Effiom following accusations of attempted rape against a 12-year-old girl in Calabar. The arrests were initiated after the girl’s father filed a complaint alleging that Monday lured the victim into his room twice in mid-August and that Effiom similarly lured her on August 22. While both suspects denied the allegations, the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further inquiry following a medical examination of the victim. The incident follows a series of recent life-imprisonment convictions for sexual offenses against minors in Cross River State.
Report: Nigerian kidnappers collected $5.8 million in ransoms over past year
Between July 2025 and June 2026, kidnappers in Nigeria collected approximately $5.79 million in ransom payments, a figure that tripled from the previous year according to a report by SBM Intelligence. During this period, 7,825 people were abducted and at least 1,142 were killed, with Boko Haram factions accounting for 90% of the recorded ransom payments. The report noted a 66% increase in abductions, with school raids recurring as a prominent tactic, most recently involving the abduction of 600 civilians in Niger State.
Bandits kill Niger village head and four others
Suspected bandits killed the village head of Galla, Ahmed Yusuf, and four other residents during an attack in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. Sources indicated the attack was triggered by the monarch's previous warnings to criminals to stay away from the community. The incident occurred amidst a broader security crisis in Borgu and the Kainji Lake corridor, which also included a recent attack on a mosque in Kpenya where multiple worshippers were abducted. The deceased monarch was a retired army master warrant officer and a relative of both the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and a director at N-HYPPADEC.
FCT police officers arrested over alleged extortion of a businessman
The FCT Police Command arrested several officers following a viral video in which a businessman alleged they extorted N40,000 from him near the Wuye–Utako Road in Abuja. The businessman stated that the officers stopped his vehicle, falsely accused him of covering his license plate, and negotiated a bribe down from N50,000. Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi ordered an investigation into the incident, leading to the officers being taken into custody. Command spokesperson Josephine Adeh requested that the businessman provide a formal statement to assist with the ongoing disciplinary proceedings.
Oyo police arrest 10 suspects for alleged possession of human parts
On 1 August 2026, the Oyo State Police Command arrested 10 suspects in Iseyin and Shaki for alleged possession of fresh human body parts. Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade stated that the suspects purportedly used these remains to prepare ritual concoctions intended to generate wealth. During interviews, suspects including Nurudeen Ganiyu, Ismail Abdullahi, Abiola Nasiru, and Wasiu Tijani admitted to utilizing human skulls and bones in their practices, claiming they obtained the materials from various suppliers for ritual purposes. Investigations remain ongoing to verify the forensic status of the recovered materials.
Security summit held in Gusau, Zamfara State
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, convened the North-West Security Summit in Gusau, Zamfara State, to address escalating regional security challenges including banditry, kidnapping, and arms proliferation. Participants included Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, traditional leaders representing the Sultan of Sokoto and the Emir of Zazzau, and various military and police commanders. The summit focused on moving beyond isolated security operations toward a coordinated, intelligence-driven regional strategy that integrates state governments, security agencies, and local communities. Officials highlighted that the region's insecurity, which threatens agriculture and social cohesion, is exacerbated by criminal networks operating across state boundaries and the harmful effects of ethnic profiling.
Police arrest suspected cross-border car theft syndicate members in Oyo
Oyo State police arrested two suspects, Adewale Abiola and Kabiru Abobarin, on the Ibadan-Ilorin Expressway while allegedly transporting a stolen 2017 Lexus RX 350 SUV. The operation was triggered by a request from the Kwara State Police Command to intercept the vehicle, which had been stolen at gunpoint in Ilorin along with electronics and jewelry. Police identified the suspects as part of a transnational criminal network that trafficked stolen vehicles across Nigerian borders for sale in foreign countries using falsified ECOWAS documentation. The arrests followed intelligence gathered from a separate armed robbery suspect who facilitated a controlled sting operation to locate the gang.
Kano community reports drug trafficking network to authorities
Residents of the Bajallabe community in Kano rejected a ₦10 million bribe offered by a suspect to conceal a vehicle loaded with suspected illicit substances. Following the refusal, the community alerted the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Substances and the Rijiyar Zaki Police Division, who secured the substances and took the suspects into custody. Chairman Muhyi Magaji praised the community for their integrity, noting that the incident highlights the role of public cooperation in the state's ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
VDM calls for easier citizen access to firearms at NBA conference
During a panel session at the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, urged the Nigerian government to simplify civilian access to firearms to address worsening national insecurity. Otse argued that the current security apparatus is inadequate, citing a population of over 200 million protected by fewer than one million police and military personnel. The discussion also included a police officer who advocated for increased transparency in security procurement and improved welfare for law enforcement to boost performance. Additionally, Otse alleged that corrupt officials facilitate the movement of firearms through rural areas, identifying specific ethnic dynamics in regional conflicts.
Nigeria's president orders rescue after mass kidnapping
On Tuesday, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to launch an immediate rescue operation following the mass kidnapping of scores of people in Niger State last week. An armed group circulated footage on social media depicting what residents identified as approximately 600 women, children, and elderly people abducted during an attack on a local mosque. While the specific figure remains unverified, the incident represents one of the largest and most audacious mass kidnappings in recent years. President Tinubu condemned the act and directed military and security chiefs to provide regular updates as the government seeks to account for the captives and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Zamfara state proposes support fund for victims of banditry
The Zamfara State Government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, inaugurated a Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Peace and Security Committee to address regional banditry. Secretary to the State Government Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada proposed the creation of a Victims Support Fund to ensure that rehabilitation efforts prioritize victims alongside former combatants. To assist in developing this strategy, the state government collaborated with an international team of experts, including former Colombian National Security Advisor Sergio Jaramillo, to inspect the Northwest DDR Camp in Tsafe.
NFIU identifies use of women's accounts and crowdfunding for terrorist financing
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) 2025 Annual Report identified new methods used by terrorist financiers, including the exploitation of bank accounts opened in women's names to move illicit funds and the use of disconnected or fraudulently registered phone numbers. Male commanders and logistics managers secretly controlled these accounts, often using proxies such as wives or female associates to distance themselves from transactions. Furthermore, the report noted that terrorist groups like the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) utilized coded transaction descriptions to evade automated monitoring, alongside a four-stage crowdfunding network that solicited donations through social media under the guise of humanitarian or educational support.
EFCC investigates suspect for alleged $12,000 fraud against BDC operators
The EFCC arrested 38-year-old Raheem Wasiu for allegedly defrauding Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in Nigeria's South-east and South-south regions of $12,000. Following his initial arrest by the NSCDC, Wasiu was transferred to the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate, where investigators linked him to multiple fraudulent transactions involving the use of fake bank transfer alerts. The suspect reportedly disguised himself as a wealthy contractor, utilizing Toyota Hilux trucks and escorts to deceive victims, including Stanley Ezekulie and Nwaoha Ubaferem, into parting with foreign currency.
Governor Adeleke tasks new Osun police commissioner on impartial policing
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke met with the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, to demand the restoration of public trust and an end to perceived police partisanship in the state. The meeting followed the redeployment of former commissioner Ibrahim Gotan and the occurrence of violence in Ikire, which resulted in five reported deaths during a motor park takeover. During the visit, the Governor requested the release of political detainees from the Accord Party and called for disciplinary action against a divisional police officer involved in the Ikire incident. Commissioner Zungura pledged to work with the state government to ensure fair treatment of residents and restore peace.
Report details human trafficking in Benue State amid ongoing conflicts
Human trafficking networks are targeting displaced families in Benue State, Nigeria, by leveraging the economic vulnerability caused by persistent local conflicts. Multiple teenagers, including Joy Tervershima, Chivirter, and Kashimana, were recruited through false promises of employment and subsequently transported to locations such as Libya and Benin City. In the case of Joy Tervershima, who was 15 at the time of her disappearance in Zaki Biam, she was trafficked into sexual exploitation, while other victims were pressured to recruit additional girls into the network for monetary payment. The failure of security checkpoints to intercept these movements, despite the girls traveling for multiple days, facilitated the success of these operations.
University suspends professor following student assault allegations
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) suspended Professor Ifeanyi Odinye for three months with half salary following allegations of sexual molestation involving a student, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu. The suspension was recommended by a six-member Special Investigative Panel after Odinye was filmed being physically assaulted and stripped by students on August 15. The panel also indicted Odinye for violating academic regulations regarding the handling of examination misconduct, specifically failing to report an incident involving Okechukwu and returning a confiscated phone. The incident remains under further investigation, with a committee tasked to determine the validity of the sexual harassment claims and identify the individuals responsible for the assault on the professor.
UK Travel Advisory Notes Improved Security in Enugu State
On 20 August 2026, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated its travel advisory, which did not include Enugu State among the 30 Nigerian states and the FCT subject to restrictions against all or non-essential travel. Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who assumed office on 29 May 2023, prioritized a security-focused economic strategy, including the elimination of a prolonged 'sit-at-home' order, to stabilize the business environment. This security improvement occurred alongside the state's pursuit of infrastructure projects such as road construction, Smart Green Schools, and aviation development.
Osun State appoints new police commissioner
The Nigeria Police Force replaced Osun State Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan with newly promoted Commissioner Ibrahim Zungura. This leadership change followed months of criticism from Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration, Accord Party lawmakers, and civil society groups, who accused Mr. Gotan of partisan conduct and failing to address political violence. While the police did not publicly accept these allegations, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu confirmed the removal was intended to restore public confidence, which had been previously strained ahead of the 15 August governorship election.
One operative, six gunmen killed during shootout in Anambra
A joint security team consisting of police, State Security Service personnel, military units, and local vigilantes killed six gunmen during a raid on a forest hideout in Amiyi, Anambra State, on Saturday. The operation was triggered by a tip-off that necessitated a four-hour trek through dense terrain to reach the site. During the exchange of fire and the subsequent dismantling of the camp, one security operative was killed and another was injured by a suspected explosive device. Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the recovery of two pump-action guns and charms from the site.
Police confirm shooting following dispute over motor park control in Ikire
Shooting incidents occurred at the Naira and Kobo Garage in Ikire, Osun State, following a dispute over the control of the motor park. Reports from social media platforms alleged that three commercial drivers and two passersby were killed during the confrontation, though police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi stated the command is still investigating and has not confirmed any casualties. The violence followed attempts by individuals to assert control over the facility amid ongoing tensions between the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the leadership of local transport unions.
Two security operatives killed in Riyom, Plateau State
On Sunday in Riyom, Plateau State, gunmen attacked the Tanjol and Tarai communities in Jol District, resulting in the deaths of two security operatives. According to local residents, the attackers engaged in a gun battle with security personnel before killing the two operatives and seizing their service rifles. The attack also left several people injured and one civilian missing, heightening security concerns in the region. This incident follows a series of recent attacks in Riyom, including the August 4 ambush of a police inspector and a Nigerian Air Force corporal, as well as the killing of former councillor Daniel Chong.
Armed group reportedly abducts 600 people from mosque in Niger State
An armed group released video footage showing approximately 600 women, children, and older people who were reportedly abducted from a mosque in Dekara village, Niger State, during Friday prayers. The group, which conducted simultaneous raids on several communities, used the video to demand that families identify their relatives among the captives. While police confirmed an attack on worshippers in the area, they were unable to verify the specific number of individuals abducted.
Niger State orders security forces to rescue abducted worshippers in Borgu
On Friday, suspected terrorists stormed the Kpenya Mosque in the Dekara District of Niger State’s Borgu Local Government Area during Juma’at prayers, abducting an unspecified number of worshippers. In response, Governor Mohammed Bago directed a joint security operation to track the attackers and facilitate the rescue of the victims while urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid spreading unverified information. The region has experienced a series of violent incidents in recent months, including attacks in Kasuwan Daji, Feyi, Tungan Makeri, and Pissa, which have been attributed by locals to potential members of a Boko Haram faction. These recurring assaults in the Borgu–Kainji corridor, which have included the killing of villagers, the burning of homes, and the abduction of civilians such as Dr. Anthony Enahoro, highlight an escalating security threat in the area.
Bandits kidnap monarch's wife and demand ransom for another woman
Suspected bandits abducted the first wife of the Baale of Dabu, known as Iya Ayoka, from the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on the night of Friday, July 26. In a separate incident, armed men abducted 23-year-old Fasilat Babatunde from the Wande community on July 15 and are demanding a ₦20 million ransom. The Kwara South Development Forum (KSDF) reported these events and noted that Babatunde’s father sustained gunshot injuries during her abduction. Despite the recent deployment of new Nigerian Army battalions to Kwara State to combat banditry, local communities reported that insecurity persists and has forced some residents to abandon their homes.
NDLEA intercepts cocaine hidden in fufu on boat bound for Cameroon
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested three men—Kingsley John, Etima Effiong Eekpo, and Otobong Eyoh Etukudoh—after intercepting a wooden boat traveling from Akwa Ibom State toward Cameroon. The agency recovered a total of 42.622kg of illicit substances, including 20 grammes of cocaine concealed in fufu and various quantities of skunk. The operation was triggered by intelligence regarding drug transit through Nigerian waterways to Cameroonian fishing ports. This follows a separate high-profile seizure in Lagos, where 184.5kg of cocaine valued at N39 billion was intercepted, leading to the arrest of alleged syndicate arrowhead Afolabi Kazeem Michael.
NDLEA arrests 101-year-old woman for selling cannabis in Ogun
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 101-year-old Esther Ogunmabo in Ilisan, Ogun State, on 15 August for allegedly selling 90 grammes of skunk. Ms. Ogunmabo reported that she engaged in the drug trade to recover from financial losses after a fire destroyed her provisions shop, identifying her daughter as the supplier. The NDLEA also reported recent arrests of elderly individuals, including 84-year-old Godfrey Orji and 75-year-old Godwin Obiora in Abia State, for supplying illicit substances to students, as well as 65-year-old Adebayo Kaosarat in Ibadan for possession of various opioids and cannabis strains.
NDLEA seizes 1,090.5kg of narcotics at Lagos ports
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted 1,490.5kg of synthetic cannabis, known as 'Thai Loud,' at the Apapa and Lekki ports in Lagos. The seizures, valued at over N4.4 billion, originated from the Port of Laem Chabang in Thailand and were concealed among goods including dry fish, vehicle spare parts, and A4 paper. This operation marked the first time the NDLEA identified Thailand as a source country for illicit drugs entering through Nigeria’s maritime corridor. NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa commended the inter-agency cooperation between his officers and the Nigeria Customs Service for these findings.
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