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Alleged N319m fraud: Appeal Court refuses bail to ex-FCTA director

The Court of Appeal, Abuja, has refused the application for bail pending appeal filed by Garba Mohammed Dukku, a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), who was convicted and sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment for the diversion of public funds amounting to approximately N319 million.

Garba Mohammed Dukku had approached the Court of Appeal seeking to be admitted to bail pending the determination of his appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which sentenced him to a total of 24 years’ imprisonment for corruption and money laundering offences.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal held that the Appellant/Applicant failed to show any exceptional circumstance to warrant the exercise of the Court’s discretion in granting bail pending appeal; it consequently refused the application.

The Court, however, granted an accelerated hearing of the substantive appeal to ensure the expeditious determination of the matter.

Garba Mohammed Dukku was convicted by the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Honourable Justice James Omotosho, on six counts bordering on corruption and money laundering in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/608/2022.

The ICPC had established during trial that between 2012 and 2013, Mr. Dukku fraudulently diverted a total sum of N318,250,000 belonging to the AMMC into his personal Fidelity Bank account in various tranches, including N56.25 million, N71 million, N53 million, N54 million, N46 million, and N36.3 million.

The Commission further proved that the diverted funds were subsequently transferred to Bureau de Change operators for unauthorized purposes.

Although Garba Dukku claimed during trial that the funds were handed over to his superiors, the Federal High Court dismissed the defence for lack of credible evidence and held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice Omotosho consequently sentenced the convict to four years’ imprisonment on each of the six counts, amounting to a total jail term of 24 years.

The Court also imposed an option of fine equivalent to five times the amount involved in each count, totaling approximately N1.6 billion.

The ICPC welcomes the decision of the Court of Appeal refusing bail pending appeal and views it as a reaffirmation of the principle that applications for such relief must be supported by exceptional and compelling circumstances.

The Commission stated that it remains resolute in its commitment to the diligent prosecution of corruption cases and the protection of public resources from abuse and misappropriation, as contained in a statement signed by J. Okor Odey, Head, Media and Public Communications, ICPC, made available to Journalists on Thursday.

Daddy Lumba’s Sister Calls Out Daughter Denise

The senior sister of Daddy Lumba, Akosua Brempomaa, has called out Denise Lady Ama Saah Fosu, one of the late highlife legend’s daughters, for lack of communication.

According to her, she is disappointed in Denise.

In a video circulating on social media, Akosua, who was being interviewed, claimed that Daddy Lumba had personally asked her and Denise to keep each other informed if anything ever happened.

Holding back tears, she said, ‘I am very disappointed in Denise, that daughter of mine, because she was the one her father told to contact me if anything happens, and I should also contact her if anything happens, but she didn’t.’

However, Akosua’s account leaves some questions unanswered. While she said Denise did not contact her after Daddy Lumba’s passing, she also did not reveal whether she also attempted to reach Denise herself after learning of her brother’s death.

The emotional interview ended abruptly when Akosua became overwhelmed with grief. Relatives stepped in and asked members of the media to end the interview, saying she was too distraught to continue.

Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, died on July 26, 2025, after a short illness. After his death, the family has since been fighting over almost everything related to him. This was the first time Akosua, who has been at the centre of various Daddy Lumba fights, called out Denise.

FG targets transparent tax system through digital reforms

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a transparent, fair and technology-driven tax system, especially with digital reforms to improve tax administration and rebuild public confidence.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, stated this on Thursday at a hybrid stakeholders’ engagement convened in Lagos by the Office of the Tax Ombud.

The engagement has its theme as ‘Promoting Fairness, Transparency and Trust in Tax Administration in Nigeria’, brought together government officials, professional bodies and private sector stakeholders to discuss measures for improving the nation’s tax system.

Oyedele, represented by Mr Olufemi Olarinde, Special Adviser on Tax Policy to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), said the government’s ongoing tax reforms were designed to create a system where taxpayers pay only what they legitimately owe.

He said the reforms would reduce opacity, minimise human discretion and establish a predictable, accountable and efficient tax administration framework.

‘If we get fairness, digitisation and harmonisation right, we will earn the trust of our citizens, and trust is the true currency of any tax system,’ Oyedele said.

The minister said digitising tax processes would improve transparency, reduce corruption and inefficiency, while harmonising revenue collection across government would address multiple taxation and lower compliance costs for taxpayers.

He described the Office of the Tax Ombud as a major step toward strengthening accountability, adding that taxpayers deserved quality service and an independent platform to protect their rights and resolve disputes fairly.

Oyedele reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to an efficient and accountable tax regime, urging stakeholders to support reforms through continuous consultation and collaboration.

The Chief Executive and Tax Ombud of Nigeria, Dr John Nwabueze, said the engagement was aimed at strengthening partnerships with professional bodies to improve confidence in the tax system and encourage voluntary compliance.

Nwabueze said effective tax administration depended on public trust, noting that citizens were more willing to comply when they considered the system fair, transparent, impartial and predictable.

He said the Office of the Tax Ombud, established under the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025, complements tax authorities by protecting taxpayers’ rights and independently addressing complaints.

He added that the office had introduced digital platforms, including a website and Case Management System, alongside taxpayer education programmes, to improve access to redress and enhance service delivery.

During a panel session, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), said a fair tax system must be transparent, simple and free from harassment and corruption.

Osigwe urged government to ensure taxpayers could see the impact of their contributions through improved infrastructure and public services, saying visible outcomes would encourage compliance.

He also called for stronger legal backing for the Tax Ombud, noting that its decisions were largely advisory under the existing framework.

Responding, Nwabueze said steps were being taken through the National Assembly to strengthen the office’s powers and improve compliance with its recommendations.

Representing the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Dr Olumuyiwa Adebayo, urged government to expand the tax base rather than increase pressure on existing taxpayers.

Adebayo said multiple tax audits, investigations and overlapping compliance requirements increased the cost of doing business and discouraged investment.

Vice President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Dr Etofolam Osuji, said transparency and trust remained essential for effective tax administration and voluntary compliance.

Deputy Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Dr Titilayo Fawokan, urged stronger protection of taxpayer rights, independent complaint channels and wider public education.

The Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board and moderator of the panel, Mr Olusegun Adesokan, said digital platforms deployed by the Tax Ombud had made it easier for taxpayers to submit complaints and seek redress.

Stakeholders agreed that digital innovation, stronger institutions and improved taxpayer education were critical to reducing disputes and strengthening compliance.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Taxation and Revenue, Mr Abdul Kabir Ogungbo, endorsed the establishment of the Tax Ombud as a major step towards improving transparency and taxpayer confidence.

Ogungbo said the office would provide an independent platform for resolving disputes involving tax assessments, payments and related matters.

He said concerns over multiple taxation were largely driven by public perception arising from different agencies carrying out statutory responsibilities.

According to him, Lagos introduced the Lagos Revenue Portal in 2024 to centralise billing, payments, reconciliation and refunds through a single digital platform.

He added that the state planned to integrate collections by local governments and ministries, departments and agencies into the platform to further simplify compliance.

Stakeholders commended the Federal Government’s tax reform agenda and called for sustained engagement to promote transparency, accountability and trust in Nigeria’s tax administration.

They expressed confidence that digital reforms and stronger taxpayer protection mechanisms would encourage voluntary compliance and improve confidence in the country’s tax system.

How Inmate Allegedly Ran Car Theft Syndicate From Bauchi Prison

Two suspects arrested with a stolen vehicle have alleged that an inmate serving a jail term in Bauchi correctional centre coordinated the sale of stolen vehicles from inside the prison.

The suspects, who made the claims during interrogation at the Bauchi Metro Police Division, alleged that the mastermind, identified only as ‘Awwalu Teacher,’ coordinated their criminal activities from within the prison.

They claimed they first met ‘Awwalu Teacher’ while they were previously incarcerated in 2021, alleging that he recruited and trained them before establishing a vehicle theft syndicate, which he continued to direct from the correctional facility.

The prime suspect, Mohammed Isma’il, alleged that after stealing a vehicle, he would contact ‘Teacher’ using a mobile phone.

According to him, the inmate would then contact prospective buyers, negotiate the sale and facilitate the transaction.

Isma’il further alleged that the syndicate had successfully sold two stolen vehicles, with the inmate receiving between N50,000 and N100,000 from each transaction through electronic transfers.

He said the first stolen vehicle was taken to Bara, a town on the Bauchi-Gombe border, where it was delivered to a buyer.

He added that they were negotiating the sale of a second stolen vehicle when police intercepted them.

Another suspect, Abubakar, corroborated the account, claiming he also met ‘Teacher’ while in custody and later purchased one of the stolen vehicles through the inmate’s coordination.

How police arrested the syndicate

Confirming the arrests, the spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, SP Nafiu Habib, said the command received a report on June 29, 2026, about a stolen green Opel Vectra.

‘Acting on credible intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of ‘E’ Division intercepted the vehicle at Dorawan Dillalai. Follow-up operations in Gombe State led to the arrest of two additional suspects, Abubakar Musa and Usman Abubakar,’ Habib said.

When asked about the allegations that an inmate was using mobile phones to coordinate criminal activities from inside the correctional facility, Habib said the police could not comment on the operations of the Nigerian Correctional Service and referred inquiries to the agency.

Responding to the claims, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Bauchi State Command, DSC A.U. Tata, dismissed the allegation.

‘We don’t have any inmate bearing that name in our facility,’ he said.

However, senior officials within the service acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, stressing that any officer found aiding inmates to communicate illegally or engage in criminal activities would face immediate dismissal and prosecution.

Our correspondent reports that the allegations have reignited concerns over security lapses and corruption within Nigeria’s correctional centres.

Security sources said the smuggling of mobile phones into correctional facilities and the alleged compromise of some personnel remain major vulnerabilities in the system.

‘Illegally, some inmates coordinate organised crime from correctional centres through smuggled mobile phones and the assistance of corrupt officials,’ a warder, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

‘By bribing some staff, inmates are able to obtain unauthorised communication devices or, in some cases, arrange illegal movements outside the facility. From inside the prison, they continue directing criminal syndicates operating outside,’ he said.

Warders also blamed chronic congestion and the large population of awaiting-trial inmates for creating conditions that make it easier for organised criminal groups to recruit new members within correctional facilities.

They recalled the 2021 riot at the Bauchi correctional centre, which investigators linked to an officer accused of smuggling mobile phones and illicit drugs to inmates, saying the incident remains a reference point whenever concerns about prison security are raised.

Although some observers believe the suspects may have fabricated the allegations in an attempt to deflect responsibility or seek leniency, security experts insist the Bauchi State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service should thoroughly investigate the claims.

They argued that even if the allegations eventually prove to be false, the case has once again highlighted the need for tighter security, stricter surveillance of inmates and stronger internal accountability mechanisms within correctional facilities across the country.

Electric bill shock traced to generation charges

THE Manila Electric Company (Meralco) on Thursday said the rise in electricity bills for the past few months was driven by uncontrollable, surge-level generation charges, which are subject to strict regulatory oversight.

Generation rate, a major component of an electric bill, is the cost of producing or purchasing electricity. This a pass-through charge paid by Meralco to its power suppliers. Meralco does not earn from this.

‘The recent electricity price increases pertain to generation charges, which reflect the spike in international fuel prices and peso depreciation as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,’ said Meralco senior vice president Atty. Jose Ronald Valles. ‘The effect of these factors on the generation charges are beyond the control of Meralco.’

Besides, Meralco’s procurement of its power requirements could not happen without the regulators’ approval. ‘The procurement by distribution utilities of electricity is affected by international fuel prices and exchange rate fluctuations. The procurement by distribution utilities [DUs] of electricity supply is heavily regulated by the government,’ Valles said.

Valles said the Department of Energy (DOE) and ERC established competitive public guidelines with which all DUs must comply. These guidelines ensure equal opportunities for all eligible power generation firms, regardless of affiliation, and mandate that supply contracts be awarded to those that offer the lowest prices.

‘During the regulatory proceedings and public hearings, the ERC determines whether such contract complies with the distribution utilities mandate under the EPIA to provide customers with the least-cost supply.

All the power supply agreements of Meralco were approved by the ERC, a testament to its compliance with the least-cost mandate under the law,’ said Valles.

He said Meralco’s distribution rates have declined by 18 percent since 2014. The distribution component of an electricity bill goes directly to Meralco. ‘Customers are paying less today for the distribution-related charges of Meralco compared to more than a decade ago. Meanwhile, prices of basic commodities like food and transport as part of consumer price index increase annually by an average of 4.1 and 2.7 percent, respectively,’ said Valles.

Meanwhile, the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development [CEED] is calling for a suspension of pass-through charges, saying that these fees allow power generation companies to pass volatile fuel costs to consumers.

‘One of the primary drivers for increasing rates of electricity are pass-through provisions within power supply agreements [PSAs]. Generation companies are allowed to pass volatile fuel prices and other variables like foreign exchange rates onto consumers.

This burdens Filipinos with expensive electricity every single month. In the Meralco franchise area, 83 percent of electricity comes from coal and gas, whose prices fluctuate wildly,’ said Atty. Avril De Torres, Deputy Executive Director of CEED.

For the ERC’s part, the chairperson confirmed that distribution rates were last adjusted over 10 years ago.

‘They have not moved for a decade. If we look at that specific component of our bill regulated by the Commission, it does not change month-to-month. It remains constant because distribution utilities can only adjust it after filing an application, undergoing hearings, and receiving a Commission decision on the appropriate rates,’ said Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan.

GSMA seeks tax cuts for smartphones

Telecom industry body, the Global Systems of Mobile Association (GSMA) has advocated tax cuts on entry-level for smartphones across African countries to bridge the gaps of over 961 million Africans who could not enjoy mobile network connectivity despite the availability of broadband services in their areas.

This is as the Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union, (ATU) disclosed that mobile telecom technologies and services have contributed a total of $240 billion to African continent economies, while about $45 billion revenue are being generated annually from the sector.

Omo who addressed delegates from the 52 ATU members at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, during a workshop on Digital Network organised by GSMA said the sector also holds about 30 million jobs for Africans.

The Secretary General said the on-going Conference provided opportunities for stakeholders to interrogate happenings in the industry in terms of investments, infrastructures, network coverage, and quality of services in other to prefer long term solutions to challenges.

‘So now we have mobile services contributing up to $240 billion to our economies. We have the mobile economy supporting 30 million jobs and has generated $45 billion in revenues (annually) If you consider that for those of you who were out here 25 years ago,’ Mr Omo said.

Quoting GSMA Mobile Economy Report for 2026, Mr Omo said experiences in different communities, the barriers, and the participation of regulators in the digital economy, as well as statistics obtained across Africa would help the continent understand ‘why coverage, though indispensable, cannot be our only measure of progress, but ultimately determines whether infrastructure becomes useful in the daily lives of our people.’

Speaking on the need to bridge digital coverage gaps at the Workshop, Senior Director Public Policy Africa, GSMA, Caroline Mbugwa, said ‘about 961 million Africans are not covered, though covered by mobile broadband services, but not using the services.’

Mbugwa said the Digital Africa Summit becomes more important and critical as the continent entered the era of Artificial Intelligence, warning that should the gaps continue unabridged over 961 million Africans would be left behind.

‘The era of intelligence requires that we have an already existing, robust infrastructure, robust connectivity that can support the growth of artificial intelligence on the continent and globally.

‘AI is dependent on one key thing, is dependent on ensuring that smartphones are available and are affordable to all Africans. In the presentation today, if you noted, we highlighted that we have a whole 961 million Africans that are not covered, that are covered by mobile broadband services but are not using the service.

‘This is what we refer to as a usage gap, as a GSMA. And if this remains addressed, it means that this number will be left behind when it comes to the adoption of AI. So it’s important that we accelerate adoption of smartphones so that we can be able to unlock the true value of AI,’ Mbugwa said.

Mbugwa said to address the challenges, the continent would require ‘policy and regulatory reforms that will signal and a message to investors that the continent is ready for investment to address some of these challenges. And key on that is policy reforms on fiscal.’

‘So the reduction of taxes, particularly on entry-level devices, is one that is key and needs to be done as a matter of urgency.

‘We have seen this in markets like South Africa, for example, where we have seen a removal of nine per cent luxury goods tax on entry-level device. And this has accelerated the adoption of smartphones, particularly in that bracket, and the slowdown adoption of feature phones,’ she said.

In his remarks, the Head of Policy and Regulations, GSMA, Michaela Angonius, advised that more African countries should focus on regulatory reforms to address challenges in the industry.

Angonius said the continent should collaborate and work together to deliver quality services that would attract more investments to the telecommunications sector, stressing that by so doing the hard to reach areas within the continent would be covered over a period of time.

’Adeleke’s performance made me dump APC’

A former Osun West senatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Peter Ogundeji, has defected to the Accord Party to support Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid, citing the governor’s strong leadership and welfare initiatives.

Ogundeji, who spoke at the Government House open field yesterday while leading thousands of supporters into the Accord Party, said he was previously ‘blind’ to good governance while in the APC.

‘Some time ago, when I was in APC, I was blind and not well enlightened on good governance. But today, I have seen light in the Accord Party of Governor Adeleke,’ he said.

The Ejigbo-born politician praised Adeleke’s welfare programmes for civil servants, retirees and workers across the state, and withdrew earlier criticisms he made against the governor while in the APC.

‘Any statement made against your government was political and just mere fallacy. You have done well, Mr Governor,’ he said.

Ogundeji also alleged that the APC senatorial primary in his zone was not properly conducted, claiming that party elders ‘hand-picked’ the candidate. He said one of the aspirants later told him that even the President had endorsed Adeleke for a second term because of his performance.

‘I am sure the President has seen the good works of Adeleke’s government. I urge all other members in that party to join Adeleke to win his re-election,’ he concluded.

DITO looks beyond connectivity through global technology partnerships at MWC Shanghai 2026

DITO Telecommunity strengthened its global technology partnerships at MWC Shanghai 2026, reinforcing its commitment to continuously evolve alongside the rapidly changing technology landscape. Through executive meetings, technology exchanges, and industry engagements across Shanghai and Nanjing, the company explored emerging trends and opportunities in digital technologies while strengthening relationships with global technology leaders.

A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a strategic cooperation memorandum with Esurfing IoT Technology Ltd., marking another step in DITO’s efforts to deepen international collaboration and explore opportunities to accelerate digital innovation in the Philippines. The delegation also met with China Telecom Global (CTG) to discuss emerging developments across the telecommunications and digital technology landscape. The exchange provided valuable perspectives on industry transformation and opportunities for future collaboration.

‘Nation-building requires more than building networks. It requires continuously learning, forging meaningful partnerships, and evolving alongside the needs of the communities we serve. Our engagements at MWC Shanghai reflect DITO’s commitment to working with global technology leaders, strengthening our capabilities, and creating lasting value for Filipinos through meaningful connectivity and innovation,’ said Atty. Adel Tamano, Chief Commercial Officer of DITO Telecommunity.

Beyond the conference, DITO participated in executive briefings and innovation site visits that provided valuable insights into global best practices and emerging technologies. These engagements reflect the company’s commitment to continuously learning from industry leaders while strengthening its own capabilities as the telecommunications landscape continues to evolve.

Through international engagements such as MWC Shanghai, DITO continues to deepen its global partnerships, broaden its technology perspective, and support its long-term vision of delivering world-class digital solutions that create meaningful opportunities for Filipino communities.

Housing program reaches halfway mark amid rising construction costs and geopolitical risks

THE Marcos administration is halfway toward meeting its recalibrated housing target, but an economist warned that renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could slow the pace of affordable housing construction by driving up building costs.

Data obtained by the BusinessMirror from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) showed the government had produced or financed 575,693 housing units from July 2022 to June 2026.

Of the total, 81,295 units were delivered through direct housing provision, 368,731 were assisted through government financing programs, while 125,667 units were produced under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

The total figure represents almost 51 percent of the administration’s recalibrated target of 1.13 million housing units by the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s term.

Earlier this year, the DHSUD recalibrated its housing goal for the Marcos administration to 1.13 million housing interventions, consisting of both directly built housing units and indirect forms of housing assistance. The latest target replaced the administration’s earlier goal of addressing 3.2 million housing needs by 2028.

Ateneo de Manila University economist Ser K. Peña-Reyes said the figures indicate progress but warned that several risks over the administration’s remaining two years could slow the construction and turnover of new housing units.

‘Affordable housing projects operate on relatively thin margins and are highly sensitive to cost increases,’ Peña-Reyes told the BusinessMirror.

He said housing projects are particularly vulnerable because construction materials such as cement, steel, copper, aluminum and imported finishing materials account for a significant share of total building costs.

If global commodity prices remain elevated or rise further because of geopolitical tensions, the economist said developers may have to absorb the higher costs, scale back projects, or delay construction.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the average cost of construction in May stood at P12,778.68 per square meter, 6.7 percent higher than the P11,974.75 recorded in the same month last year.

Separate PSA data also showed that both wholesale and retail prices of construction materials in Metro Manila have been on an upward trend.

As of June, wholesale prices rose by 2.9 percent, sharply higher than the 0.2 percent increase recorded in the same period last year. Meanwhile, retail prices increased by 1.8 percent, up from 1.1 percent a year earlier.

‘For government housing projects with fixed budgets, cost overruns can mean fewer housing units are ultimately delivered unless additional funding is appropriated,’ Peña-Reyes added.

Aside from pushing building costs, he said a sustained increase in global oil prices due to the Middle East conflict could also ripple across the construction sector by raising transportation costs for building materials, pushing up logistics and distribution expenses, and fueling broader inflation that could keep financing costs elevated.

The economist also said expected minimum wage adjustments across several regions in the coming months could add to the financial pressures facing housing projects.

Higher labor costs, he said, may lengthen construction timelines, including for government-backed housing initiatives, while further increasing project costs.

Peña-Reyes said the government’s biggest challenge in meeting its housing targets is likely not the demand for housing but the combined impact of rising construction costs and implementation bottlenecks.

‘If construction inflation stays moderate, the administration could continue expanding housing output, albeit below its original one-million-units-per-year ambition,’ he said.

‘However, if another major oil price shock or prolonged geopolitical disruption occurs, the government will likely have to either allocate more resources to housing or accept that fewer units can be delivered within the same budget.’

Police arrest kidnap suspects, rescue seven victims in nationwide crackdown

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recorded major operational successes across 10 states, arresting suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, drug dealers and cattle rustlers, while rescuing seven kidnapped victims in a series of intelligence-led operations carried out within the last 24 hours.

The operations, coordinated by various state commands, also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, illicit drugs, stolen property and vehicles.

In Adamawa State, police operatives, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Ba’a Usman Forest, Fufore Local Government Area, where two suspected kidnappers, Muhammadu Ibrahim, 35, and Isah Jahogi, 25, were arrested.

A locally-made pistol was recovered from the suspects, who were said to be members of a kidnapping syndicate terrorising Fufore and Jada Local Government Areas.

In Kogi State, a swift response by joint security operatives foiled an abduction along the Kabba-Ayere Road.

Police said intensive bush-combing operations, supported with the deployment of tear gas, forced the kidnappers to abandon six kidnapped victims, who were rescued unhurt.

Two vehicles were also recovered, while efforts are ongoing to rescue other passengers believed to have been taken away by the fleeing criminals.

Operatives in Ogun State also rescued kidnapped victim, Engr. Sola Boyeji, during sustained bush-combing operations.

Another victim’s vehicle was recovered as investigators intensified efforts to apprehend the abductors.

In Nasarawa State, police arrested suspected kidnapper Halilu Alhaji Shehu after intelligence-led operations.

The victim reportedly identified him as one of his abductors, while security operatives have launched a manhunt for other members of the gang.

The police also intensified the fight against cultism and violent crimes in Delta, Edo and Lagos states.

In Delta, operatives arrested suspected cultist Oghenebuba Mamatime, recovering three locally-made pistols and a single-barrel gun.

The command also arrested Benjamin Omoniovo, 32, described as a suspected abductor, rapist and fraudster, who was reportedly identified by five complainants.

In another operation in the state, officers arrested robbery suspect Jude Okonji and recovered a stolen motorcycle, preventing an attempted mob attack on the suspect.

In Edo State, Nosa Ehimwenma, 25, was arrested with a locally-made pistol and two live cartridges.

Police said he confessed to belonging to the Black Axe confraternity and provided useful information to investigators.

Similarly, Lagos operatives arrested suspected cultist Michael Abina, recovering eight live cartridges and 10 sachets of tramadol from him.

In Ebonyi State, police intercepted armed men allegedly blocking a road at Umuebe Roundabout in Ngbo, arresting Sunday John Obi, 38, and recovering a pump-action gun with two live cartridges.

His accomplice reportedly escaped.

The anti-crime operations also extended to Akwa Ibom and Benue states.

Three suspected drug dealers were arrested during a raid on a criminal hideout in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, where large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered.

In Benue State, Mohammed Bilyaminu, 19, was arrested over alleged cattle rustling and the killing of one Benjamin Paul.

Police said the suspect confessed to the crime and had provided information that would aid the arrest of other gang members.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, who released the operational summary, said investigations were ongoing in all the cases while efforts had been intensified to arrest fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal networks operating across the affected states.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property through intelligence-driven policing and sustained nationwide operations.