The New Dawn

MAJOR SHAKE UP LOOMS !

At least 29 senior police officers are set to be fired including seniorDeputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) following the sacking of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

Crime Page reported on Tuesday that Egbetokun had been removed from his position as Inspector General of Police.

30/1/2026

PRESS BRIEFING

ATTACK ON POLICEMEN/DEATH OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER, ARREST OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS AND RECOVERY OF ONE AK-47 RIFLE, FIVE PUMP ACTION GUNS, AND OTHER FI****MS

Following series of complaints of kidnapping, abduction and other heinous crimes against one Liberty Kunu (popularly known as Commander Liberty or Double agent) and his gang, I directed the DPO Sapele to deploy all mercenaries to unravel their activities and ascertain the authenticity of the complaints. On the 17th of January 2026, at about 1800hours, the command received a complaint of the abduction of three victims (names withheld). The victims were abducted at the Boyo road junction in Sapele and taken to an unknown destination. On their way to the bush, one of the victims escaped and ran to the Police station and reported. The other two victims were robbed of their valuables worth Nine Million naira ( #9,000,000). Preliminary investigation carried out revealed that the syndicate led by the said Liberty Kunu, who operates in the guise of security volunteers (SOS) were responsible for the abduction armed robbery. Acting on this information, operatives of the CP-Special assignment team, in a combined effort with operatives of Sapele Division, swung into action and arrested Liberty and his gang members, which includes Twale Golly aged 33yrs, Michael Kunu ‘m’ aged 25 years, Israel Ugwu aged 30 years, Ogaga Power aged 43 years, and mercy Kunu ‘f’ aged 28yrs, and recovered five Pump action gun, one Beretta pistol and other accoutrements. Further investigation revealed that the suspect Liberty Kunu is a member of Aye confraternity and also is suspected to be in possession of an AK-47 rifle, and when confronted with the facts, he admitted and at about 2335 hours, on 28th January 2026, the said Liberty Kunu led operatives of CP-SAT to their hideout at Ibada-Elume community for the possible recovery of the Rifle. Upon arriving at the bush, the operatives recovered one AK-47 Rifle and one locally fabricated Revolver gun hidden in the thick forest. The team, while retreating upon reaching the Ibada-Elume express road was suddenly ambushed by hoodlums suspected to be members of his gang. In a bid to rescue the said Liberty from the Police, they had a serious gun duel with the Police that lasted for over ten minutes. The team, who were battle-ready due to their superior firepower, engaged the suspects until they ran out of ammunition and fled with bullet injuries. The Police operational vehicle was riddled with bullets. The suspect, Liberty and some of the operatives sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment. The suspect's liberty was confirmed dead upon arrival at the Hospital and his co**se was deposited at General Hospital Sapele. Other members of his gang are still in custody while investigation is ongoing.

CP AINA ADESOLA
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
DELTA STATE COMMAND
ASABA.

31st December, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND HOLDS END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATION, DECORATES PROMOTED OFFICERS, AND SENDS-FORTH AIG OLUFEMI ABANIWONDA

The Delta State Police Command on 30th December, 2025, held a colourful End-of-Year Party, Promotion Decoration, and Send-forth Ceremony in honour of AIG Olufemi Abaniwonda, the 22nd commissioner of Police Delt State, following his elevation to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG). The ceremony, which took place at the Officers’ Mess, Police Headquarters, Asaba, attracted top government officials, security chiefs, senior police officers, religious and community leaders, and members of the police family.

The Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sherrif Oborevwori, was ably represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, who conveyed the Governor’s goodwill message and commended the AIG for his professionalism and effective collaboration with the State Government, sister security agencies, other stake holders and Deltans

The event also witnessed the decoration of officers promoted to their next ranks. Among those decorated were Ukoba Stephen, DCO, Sapele Division; Akawe Ogorchukwu, DPO, Abavo Division; and Aguba Onen, DPO, Galilee Division, all promoted from Superintendent of Police (SP) to Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

Dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Brigade Commander, 63 Brigade Nigerian Army; the Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Delta State Command; the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Delta State; the Delta State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), represented by the Deputy Commander of Narcotics (Operations); the Deputy Commissioners of Police (Administration and Operations), Delta State Command; the Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service, Delta State Command, represented; the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); delegates of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA); the Chairman and members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Delta State Chapter; honorary members of the policr Officers’ Mess; Area Commanders; Tactical Commanders; Divisional Police Officers (DPOs); senior officers of the Command; and other guests.

Tributes were paid to AIG Abaniwonda for his people-oriented leadership style, firm operational oversight, commitment to professionalism, and sustained inter-agency and community engagement, which speakers noted enhanced security coordination and public confidence in policing across Delta State.

In his response, AIG Abaniwonda expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of Delta State, sister security agencies, and officers and men of the Command for their support, while urging continued professionalism and dedication to duty.

The ceremony concluded with a group photograph session and cordial interactions, bringing the year to a memorable close and marking a dignified transition for a senior officer whose leadership and impact remain evident within the Delta State Police Command.

SP. BRIGHT EDAFE, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
DELTA STATE COMMAND,
ASABA

The December Edition of The New Dawn is Out Now.

Explore the latest updates and milestones from the Nigeria Police Force as we wrap up 2025.

PRESS RELEASE
DEATH OF A SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER AS COMMAND ENGAGES SUSPECTED KIDNAPERS, RECOVERS ONE AK-47 RIFLE,
ARRESTS SUSPECTED CULTISTS/ ARMED ROBBERS AND, RECOVERY OF TWO LOCALLY FABRICATED PISTOL, FIFTEEN ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION, ONE LOCALLY MADE GUN, FIFTY-ONE LIVE CARTRIDGES:

CP Olufemi Abaniwonda commends the operatives for their gallantry and appreciates stakeholders for trusting the police with information in crime fighting.

1. DEATH OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER, AND RECOVERY OF ONE AK-47 RIFLE AND FOURTY-TWO LIVE CARTRIDGES: On 1st December 2025, at about 0230hrs, operatives of the Command State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), in collaboration with community volunteers, were on intensive patrol when they received credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers were mobilising within the Obiaruku forest to carry out an attack. Acting swiftly on the information, the operatives advanced towards the location to forestall the planned criminal activity. On approaching the area, the suspects opened fire from multiple directions in a bid to repel the team. The operatives responded with superior firepower, leading to the death of one suspect, while others escaped into the forest with various degrees of injuries. One AK-47 rifle with forty-two rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones, and charms were recovered.

2. ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS/CULTIST AND RECOVERY OF ONE LOCALLY MADE SHOTGUN, ONE LOCALLY FABRICATED BERETTA PISTOL, SIX LIVE CARTRIDGES, FIFTEEN ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION, AND TWO TRICYCLES: Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by the Commander, ASP Julius Robinson, recorded a series of coordinated breakthroughs between 28th and 29th November 2025 in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks linked to theft, armed violence, and cult-related activities across Ughelli, Oghara, and Sapele. Acting on credible intelligence, around the Ekuigbo axis, the team intercepted one of the syndicate’s key actors, Kelvin Oke, male, 42 years, and recovered a stolen tricycle in his possession. More coordinated operations led to the arrest of two additional suspects: Victor Oyaye, male, 26 years, of Otor-Ogor community, identified as the gang leader, and Monday Emakpo, male, 31 years, of Okpara community, residing in Agbara, Ughelli. Another stolen tricycle and a locally made shotgun loaded with six live cartridges were recovered. Building on this momentum, CP-SAT sustained the offensive into the Oghara–Sapele axis and on 29th November 2025 at about 2115 hours, acting on further intelligence, operatives stormed the residence of one Jeffery Saint, male, 28 years, of Ogharake, Oghara. The suspect attempted to evade arrest but was swiftly restrained. A meticulous search of the premises led to the recovery of a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and fifteen rounds of live ammunition, which were concealed and ready for criminal deployment.

3. ARREST OF ARMED ROBBERY AND CULT-RELATED SUSPECT, RECOVERY OF ONE LOCALLY FABRICATED PISTOL, THREE LIVE CARTRIDGES: On 29 November 2025, operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad, under the command of SP Danyaya Inusa, were conducting a routine stop-and-search operation around the Northwest Filling Station by Mariam Babangida Junction along the Asaba–Benin Expressway when a seemingly ordinary traffic check turned into a dramatic chase. The officers closed in quickly and apprehended the fleeing suspect, who was later identified as Ezekiel Edeya, male, 28 years, of Emevo in Isoko North LGA. A thorough search was conducted, leading to the recovery of a red hand bag he had attempted to discard. Inside the bag were: One locally fabricated pistol, three live cartridges, an iron plier, and one screwdriver. Suspects are in custody and investigation is ongoing.

SP. BRIGHT EDAFE, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
DELTA STATE COMMAND,
ASABA

The New Dawn Newspaper, NPF’s flagship publication, for your reading pleasure. 🫡

Happy Independence Day .

‎In reply, please quote;
‎Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/47 Date: August 13, 2025
‎
‎The Director of News
‎…………………………….
‎PRESS RELEASE
‎EFFECTIVE POLICING: IGP CHARGES TRADITIONAL RULERS ON INCLUSIVITY, INTELLIGENCE-LED POLICING
‎
‎Plays Host to Alaafin of Oyo, Polish Ambassador Designate
‎
‎The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, today 13th August, 2025, received a delegation of traditional rulers led by the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade and his lovely wife at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The meeting also had in attendance the Ataoja of Osogbo, the Olu of Ilaro, the Oloro of Oro, the Olusin of Ijora Isin and Prince Akeem Adeyemi, Honourable Member of the House of Representatives, other federal lawmakers, and the coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the South-West geo-political zone, DIG Adebowale Williams, fdc.
‎
‎During the meeting, the IGP emphasized the important role traditional institutions play in ensuring the safety and security of our communities and the Nation at large. He further assured the traditional rulers of robust collaboration between the Police Force and traditional institutions towards ensuring inclusivity at various grassroot levels of their community towards achieving sustainable peace and development.
‎
‎Similarly, the IGP played host to the Ambassador Designate of the Republic of Poland, His Excellency, Mr Michal Cygan, alongside a high-level representative of W-B group, a lead security solution group in Poland. The meeting was geared at discussing integrated communication platform for the Nigeria Police Force, towards boosting the ICT-compliance of the Force as part of the IGP’s drive to achieve viable advancement in combatting crimes and criminality.
‎
‎The Inspector-General of Police reaffirms the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership to continuous robust collaboration with relevant stakeholders and traditional institutions towards emplacing a Police Force which is professionally competent, service-driven, rule of law compliant, and ready to embrace technology, intelligence-led, and proactive policing.
‎
‎
‎DCP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
‎FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
‎FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
‎ABUJA
‎
‎13th August, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

DELTA STATE COMMAND ARRESTS SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS, RECOVERS ONE PUMP ACTION RIFLE WITH ONE LIVE CARTRIDGE, ONE BERETTA PISTOL WITH SIX LIVE AMMUNITION, ONE LOCALLY MADE PISTOL WITH ONE LIVE CARTRIDGE, AND THREE LIVE ASSAULT AMMUNITION; RECOVERS ONE STOLEN MERCEDES BENZ GLK, AND TWO STOLEN MOTORCYCLES

In a series of well-coordinated operations, the Delta State Command under the leadership of CP Olufemi Abaniwonda has dealt a crushing setback to criminal elements operating in the state, recovering a stolen luxury vehicle, seizing dangerous fi****ms, and arresting notorious robbery suspects with an astonishing haul of stolen goods.

1. RECOVERY OF STOLEN MERCEDES BENZ GLK:

On 05/08/2025 at about 1740hrs, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B Division Asaba, CSP Edewor Akponegware, received credible intelligence regarding a suspected stolen Mercedes Benz GLK (Registration Number: NZM10AP) about to be sold at a parking lot on Former Deputy Road, Asaba. Acting swiftly on this information, the DPO led the officers of the Division’s Crime Branch to the location to intercept the planned vehicle sale. This intelligence operation resulted in the arrest of one Chinedu Eze ‘m’ who claimed ownership of the vehicle while selling the stolen vehicle to an unsuspecting buyer. Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was registered in April 2023 and registered again in the year 2025. This prompted the policemen to reach out to the first person who registered the vehicle, where it was revealed that the vehicle was snatched at gunpoint in April 2023 at Abakpa, Enugu State, during which suspected armed robbers shot the rightful owner. The vehicle has been successfully recovered.

2. RECOVERY OF LOCALLY MADE PISTOL AND OTHER EXHIBITS FROM DECEASED ARMED ROBBER

3. ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS AND RECOVERY OF FI****MS:

On 04/08/2025 at about 0430hrs, a distress call reached the Ogwashi-Ukwu Police Station reporting that armed robbers were operating along Chelsea Street, Ogwashi-Ukwu. Acting swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Okoyomon Israel, mobilised the Anti-Crime Squad alongside local vigilante groups to the scene. On sighting the operatives, the robbers attempted to escape, but two suspects identified as Thywill Selvin ‘m’ (22 years) of Poly Road, Ogwashi-Ukwu, and Guntim Bako ‘m’ (32 years) of Kwale Junction were arrested. During the operation, the following exhibits were recovered from the suspects: One pump action rifle with one live cartridge, One Beretta pistol with six live ammunition, Three live assault rifle ammunition, One Daylong motorcycle (REG NO: SAP 369 VK), One Qlink motorcycle (REG NO: URM 750 QV), Twenty-five (25) mobile phones, Four laptops, one tablet phone, one PS4 game console, a home theatre set, two Zealot music players, five bags containing clothes, and other valuables.
Several robbery victims have since positively identified their recovered properties.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, reaffirms the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property within the state. He commended the swift and professional response of the operatives, noting that the successes were made possible through timely information from the public. He assured residents that the Command will sustain aggressive, intelligence-led operations to rid the state of criminals and keep communities safe.
He urged citizens to promptly report suspicious persons or activities, stressing that early reporting is key to preventing crime.


SP. BRIGHT EDAFE, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
DELTA STATE COMMAND,
ASABA

POLICE INTERCEPT MOTORCYCLE RIDER WITH THREE HUMAN SKULLS IN OGUN STATE

…affirms the importance of stop-and-search operations

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested two men in connection with the unlawful possession of three human skulls in the Ijebu area of Ogun state.

On Monday, 11th August 2025, at about 1400hrs, a team of Mobile Police Officers from 71 PMF Awa Ijebu was conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along the Ijebu Ode/Ibadan Expressway at Refugees Camp Junction, Oru Ijebu.

During the exercise, officers intercepted one Kadir Owolabi ‘m’, who was riding a motorcycle. A search of his luggage led to the shocking discovery of three human skulls.

Preliminary investigation subsequently led to the arrest of another suspect, Jamiu Yisa ‘m’, aged 53, behind Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat

The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, Ph.D, directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to take over the case for discreet investigations

The Ogun State Police Command reiterates its commitment to decisive action against crime and urges residents to cooperate with Ogun State Command. He assured members of the public of trust, confidentiality and identity protection.

CSP Omolola Odutola ,anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
Ogun State Police Command
Eleweran Abeokuta

*PRESS STATEMENT*

*EDO STATE POLICE COMMAND COMMENCES INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED BRUTALISATION OF HON. OKAI AKHANI BY VIGILANTE MEMBERS*

The Edo State Police Command is aware of a disturbing incident involving the alleged brutalisation of Hon. Okai Akhani by individuals identified as members of a local vigilante group in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area. A video clip of the incident, which occurred on Saturday 26th July 2025, has since gone viral and elicited widespread public concern and condemnation.

The Command condemns in strong terms any form of unlawful assault, cruel treatment, or abuse of authority by individuals or groups operating under any guise. Accordingly, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those responsible, and ensure they are brought to justice in accordance with the law.

The Command will not condone any acts of impunity or human rights violations, irrespective of the status of the individuals involved.

While we continue to support collaborative efforts in community policing, including the role of vigilante groups in complementing security operations, such roles must be carried out within the ambits of the law and with respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens.

Members of the public are urged to remain calm and law-abiding, and to allow the Police to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

CSP MOSES JOEL YAMU, anipr
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
EDO STATE COMMAND
28th JULY, 2025