BREAKING: Boko Haram Commanders Identified in Oriire abduction, 3 Soldiers now killed in rescue ops, terrorists pinned inside park- Report

BREAKING: Boko Haram Commanders Identified in Oriire abduction, 3 Soldiers now killed in rescue ops, terrorists pinned inside park- Report

Boko Haram terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been trapped inside the Oyo National Park, 36 days after the May 15 attacks, Saturday PUNCH has learnt.

 

It was gathered that the terrorists, who are members of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, which is the formal name of Boko Haram, have intensified efforts to frustrate the rescue operation by planting Improvised Explosive Devices and frequently changing locations within the forest.

Sources familiar with the operation disclosed that the terrorists have also orchestrated attacks in other parts of the country as a deliberate strategy to divert attention and stretch security resources deployed for the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Saturday PUNCH learnt that despite mounting pressure from troops and other security operatives deployed in the forest, the terrorists have continued to fiercely resist rescue efforts, with the operation already claiming the lives of some soldiers.

The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15 from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele.

No fewer than 42 pupils and teachers, including a principal, were taken during the attacks.

One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed the following day by the terrorists in a bid to deter security operatives from advancing closer.

Meanwhile, the terrorists have reportedly demanded the release of two of their commanders in exchange for the abducted pupils and teachers.

The terror commanders are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri, also known as Mallam Mamuda.

However, the government has maintained that it will not negotiate with the terrorists and has vowed to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers.

Terrorists trapped, plant IEDs

However, security operatives familiar with the rescue operation told Saturday PUNCH that all possible exit routes from the forest had been manned by soldiers, making it difficult for the terrorists to move their victims out.

Saturday PUNCH also gathered that soldiers trying to flush out the terrorists have come under attack on two occasions, resulting in the deaths of at least three personnel.

One security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said the forest’s difficult terrain and the terrorists’ tactics had slowed down the operation.

“They have planted IEDs everywhere and our men are exploring professional methods to navigate the difficult areas,” the source said.

“Some soldiers have been killed in the operation. There have been shootouts on two occasions. The military lost three personnel in those shootouts. Just two weeks ago, two soldiers were killed in the forest. That has really slowed down the operation, but we are not relenting.”

The source added that the terrorists change location almost every day to evade capture.

“They know they are being monitored and that security operatives are everywhere. So, they move their victims from one place to another. But they can’t leave the forest. They have been surrounded,” he said.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had earlier confirmed that some soldiers died during the ongoing rescue efforts.

While addressing protesters on Tuesday, the governor said, “We have lost men, even soldiers and officers. I can confirm to you that a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed two days ago.”

Terrorists step up attacks to stretch security, divert attention

A former lawmaker in the state who is knowledgeable about the rescue operation told Saturday PUNCH that the terrorists’ commanders had intensified attacks in the northern part of the country to reduce the concentration of security operatives focused on the Oyo abduction.

He said the terrorists, who he claimed had been caged in the forest, were trying to stretch security personnel and thin out their presence in the Oyo National Park in a bid to escape.

The ex-lawmaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity on Thursday, said, “From intelligence reports, we got to know that the terrorists deliberately increased the tempo of attacks on innocent citizens and communities just to distract the security operatives from forging ahead with the rescue operation.

“They have been surrounded and they know the soldiers in the forest are getting close to them. So, they and their commanders increased the scale of attacks so that the soldiers trailing them in the Oyo forest will be withdrawn or reduced. That is their tactic. But it will not work.

“Very soon, the children and teachers will be rescued. The security men have blocked all the paths they can escape through, and they are becoming weaker.”

Victims used as human shield

A security source privy to the operation told Saturday PUNCH that the abductors’ use of the victims as human shields remained the biggest obstacle to a decisive rescue.

“They’re using their victims as shields, and we don’t want a situation where they would begin to kill those children,” the source said.

“The political actors don’t want us to penetrate as much as possible, and truly, if we do and they kill one of the victims, the outcry would be too much. They would blame it on us.”

The source further disclosed that the abductors’ tactics differed from those of other criminal groups, complicating efforts to track and intercept them.

“They have reinforced and are over 200 in the location where they are keeping the victims,” the source said.

He warned that a forced penetration might result in catastrophic collateral damage.

“If we want to penetrate, and there is an exchange of fire, it could hit the victims, or they kill the victims themselves,” the source said.

Despite the operational constraints, the source indicated that the terrorists were stepping up attacks in Kwara and other areas as a deliberate distraction.

“Very soon we would go to one of the locations in Kwara to flush them out,” the source added.

Ex-general seeks consolidated efforts

A retired Brigadier-General in the Nigerian Army, John Sura, confirmed that the terrorists were stepping up attacks in other parts of the country to reduce pressure on those holding the Oyo pupils and teachers hostage.

He urged security personnel not to be distracted, saying the move was a deliberate attempt to divert attention.

“The issue of the sudden surge all over the place is to re-engage the thinking of the country, both the politicians and the military, from concentrating their efforts on these kidnappers of the schoolchildren.

“Diverting the attention of security agencies is a tactic by any military or terrorist group, so that you don’t concentrate all your efforts on one side. Therefore, I would advise that the military concentrate its efforts on the rescue of the schoolchildren, while every other commander should raise the stakes in the surge and also in the defence of the people.

“I think it is a tactic to stretch out the military and also stretch out the country as a whole and paint us as if we are in a state of war,” Sura told Saturday PUNCH.

He advocated giving community leaders more authority to manage their domains for better intelligence gathering and early response to threats.

“We must begin to devolve authority to village heads and community leaders, so that they will also be sanctioned if attackers passes through their community to another community,” he said.

Sura advised the military to be tactical and employ precise operations in the rescue mission.

“The plan to rescue them must be a close-circuit plan. They must also know the location, the strength of these people, what they are doing and when they are off their timing before they embark on the rescue,” he said.

Sura urged the military to collaborate with NIGCOMSAT to provide real-time aerial footage of the thick forest terrain.

“I think it is high time that we revisit the issue of NIGCOMSAT to see how it can assist in getting footage and images that will help the military. Outside this, it is guesswork,” he added.

Terrorists becoming sophisticated, expert warns 

Another retired Brigadier-General, Bashir Adewinbi, noted that the terrorists had adopted new strategies to slow down the rescue operation.

He lamented that they were becoming more sophisticated and better equipped.

“The act of using explosives to slow down the activities of whoever is coming to attack them is very unfortunate. That is another dimension entirely. That means they are dominating the environment,” Adewinbi said.

He warned that innocent people would suffer from the IEDs planted by the terrorists, turning parts of the forest into no-go areas.

Adewinbi advised security agencies to reduce heavy deployment of land forces and focus more on aerial surveillance.

He also called on the Federal Government to ensure speedy trial and execution of convicted terrorists.

“What we are witnessing is a lesson that Nigeria should not keep terrorists in custody for long. Any terrorist caught should be made to go through a speedy trial and executed upon conviction,” Adewinbi added.

 

We’re discreet in rescue operations – Oyo govt

The Oyo State Government said it will not disclose any information on the rescue efforts other than what is officially authorised.

When contacted, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the government was being very careful with information so as not to jeopardise the lives of the abducted teachers and pupils.

“We stand by our initial comment that our information will come from only one source. We are being very discreet in what we say, so that we will not put the lives of the teachers and pupils in jeopardy,” he said.

A community leader in the area, who is closely following the rescue operation, disclosed that the soldiers were not permanently stationed inside the forest.

“The soldiers went back into the forest on Thursday. They are not permanently in the bush because the terrorists don’t stay in one location. The terrorists have not been able to leave the forest,” he said on condition of anonymity.

Source: PUNCH

The Lagos State Police Command has consistently advocated the principle of “See Something, Say Something.” The recent incidents are clear testimonies to the vigilance, alertness, and security consciousness of the good people of Lagos State.

The Lagos State Police Command has consistently advocated the principle of “See Something, Say Something.” The recent incidents are clear testimonies to the vigilance, alertness, and security consciousness of the good people of Lagos State.

The Command deeply appreciates members of the public for their proactive support and timely reporting of suspicious activities to the Police. Such collaboration remains critical to maintaining peace, safety, and security across the State.

The Command therefore says:

Thank You

E seun

Dalu

Nagode

One suspect, Onipede Tajudeen Ojo, male, aged 22 years, was apprehended after allegedly stealing a police officer’s bag containing a camouflage uniform, warrant card, mobile phone, ATM card, and other personal belongings.

The suspect reportedly wore the stolen police camouflage uniform in an attempt to impersonate a police officer. However, vigilant passersby observed that his conduct and mannerisms did not correspond with those expected of a genuine police officer. Their suspicion prompted them to accost and question him, during which he was discovered to be an impostor. He was subsequently handed over to the Police for further investigation.

The suspect is currently in Police custody, while investigations are ongoing. He will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

While commending the vigilance and civic responsibility of the members of the public, the Lagos State Police Command strongly condemns any form of jungle justice. The laws of Lagos State do not permit individuals to take the law into their own hands, irrespective of the alleged offence committed by a suspect. Members of the public are therefore advised to promptly hand over suspected offenders to the Police or other relevant law enforcement agencies for proper investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

The Command reiterates its call on all residents to remain vigilant and continue to partner with the Police by promptly reporting suspicious persons, movements, and activities, while allowing the law to take its due course.

FG Suspends Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Road Work Over Pavement Mixture Concerns

FG Suspends Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Road Work Over Pavement Mixture Concerns

The Federal Government has temporarily suspended reconstruction work on the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Road, directing the contractor handling the project to halt operations and review pavement mixture specifications being used on the road.

Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, gave the directive on Sunday to CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Nigeria Ltd. during an inspection of the Osun section of the ongoing road reconstruction project.

Umahi, who toured the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa road project alongside federal lawmakers and other stakeholders, instructed the contractor to visit another project site to study the pavement mixture before resuming work.

“Go and check that mixture and then resume your work,” the minister said.

He also ordered the contractor to slow work on the carriageway and immediately form two teams to focus on constructing the inner and outer shoulders of the road.

According to him, the shoulder works are critical in certain sections and must be prioritised.

The minister warned that if the project would not be completed within the stipulated timeframe, he would withdraw the Controller of Works overseeing the project in Osun State.

Umahi disclosed that he had previously redeployed several controllers in other states and was prepared to do the same in Osun if necessary.

“I have removed a number of controllers in some states, starting with my own state.

“I am going to make a classroom in my ministry and bring professionals into the classroom. Those I am removing from sites are going to be learning every day. When you pass, we deploy you back to site,” he said.

The minister also criticised the issuance of a N2.8 billion palliative certificate to the contractor, saying he had not seen evidence of the work for which the payment approval was granted.

“I am on these roads and I have not seen where the palliative was done, but you already gave a palliative certificate of N2.8 billion,” he said.

Umahi directed the Controller of Works to withdraw the certificate within 24 hours and ordered the contractor to carry out the palliative work properly.

“I don’t want to see any pothole, and the agreement is that you will mill all the failed and cracked sections,” he said.

The minister further instructed the contractor to apply binder on the affected sections and emphasised that performance would determine future working relationships.

“My friendship is based on the work. I don’t have a permanent friend or a permanent enemy.

“We have to take responsibility for what the public has asked us to do,” he stated.

Umahi also directed the Controller of Works to remove heavy-duty trucks parked on newly constructed concrete sections of the road within 24 hours, warning that such practices could weaken the pavement structure.

“The moment you have those things parked, it generates internal stress on the concrete. You will not see it immediately, but that is the failure of the concrete,” he explained.

The minister additionally warned contractors handling solar streetlight installations on the road corridor to suspend the work until the shoulder construction is completed.

“Solar lights must be done when we are done. You can’t effectively do the solar lights on the shoulders until you have done the shoulders,” he said.

Despite the concerns, Umahi commended CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Nigeria Ltd. for its commitment to the project, noting that the company had continued work despite outstanding payments from the government.

“We have not paid them. They are working on 108 kilometres. They have done about 70 kilometres, and they do about one kilometre per day,” he said.

Umumbiri Dispute: As Community Leaders Condemn Alleged Family Intimidation, Property Sales By Chinedu Anozie Dibia, Others

Umumbiri Dispute: As Community Leaders Condemn Alleged Family Intimidation, Property Sales By Chinedu Anozie Dibia, Others

Tension surrounding a lingering family dispute in Umuokoji kindred in Umumbiri, Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State has drawn the attention of community leaders and the police, following allegations of harassment, unlawful sale of family properties, and threats by Chinedu Anozie Dibia with his side chick Mary John and Mrs Chimezie Francesca Etu.

The Reginald Anozie Dibia's family has always been a peaceful home until his death in August 2024.

According to a report issued after a special dispute resolution assignment initiated by the Ahiazu Mbaise Police Division on December 4, 2025, the Chairman of Aladimma Umumbiri Autonomous Community, Comrade Aloysius Iwuanyanwu, was mandated to intervene in the conflict involving Mr. Chinedu Anozie Dibia, his cohabiting partner Mary John and his half-sisters, Miss Ogechi and Nkeiruka.

In a report sent to this media house by the two victims Sisters which was signed by the Chairman of Aladimma Umumbiri Autonomous Community, Comrade Iwuanyanwu, and the Secretary, Mr. Ndulaka, the community leadership stated that the intervention was aimed at uncovering the root causes of the conflict and restoring peace among the affected family members.

In the Allegations of Harassment instituted by Chinedu and Mary, it was Dismissed, it was observed during the investigation, the community panel reportedly found no evidence to support claims made by Mr. Chinedu Anozie Dibia and his side chick Mary John that Ogechi and Nkeiruka were harassing her or attempting to disrupt her relationship with Chinedu.

Instead, the report alleged that Chinedu and Mary John had jointly created hardship for the two sisters following the burial of their father Pa Anozie in April 2025.

The report further noted that Mary John and Chinedu are cohabiting with a daughter, although their relationship has not been formalized through customary or religious marriage rites.

The Community leaders expressed concern over the arrangement and advised Chinedu to formally return Mary John to her parents to enable him to do the necessary customary marriage rites.

In an alleged Sale of Late Mother’s Properties, it was noted that one of the major findings in the report centered on the alleged sale of household items belonging to the late Mrs. Eileen Dibia without the consent of daughter who was said to be in custody of the properties.

Items reportedly sold included tripod stands, cooking pots, giant palm fruit pots, roofing sheets, wheelbarrows, wheelchairs, iron pots, basins, antenna poles, rakes, machetes and other household materials.

The report stated that objections raised by the sisters allegedly resulted in threats, intimidation, bullying and attempts to evict them from their late parents’ compound.

Community Condemns Conduct

In its decisions and recommendations, the Aladimma Umumbiri community strongly condemned what it described as the wrongful sale of the late mother’s household properties and denounced threats aimed at forcing Ogechi and Nkeiruka out of the family compound.

The community also directed Mr. Chinedu Anozie Dibia to apologize to his half-sisters for his conduct and alleged threats. However, the report noted that the directive had not been complied with as of the time the document was issued.

Additionally, Chinedu was advised to maintain peace and refrain from the use of Indian hemp and other narcotic substances.

Call for Peaceful Coexistence

Despite the tension, the community leadership said the intervention helped to clarify key issues and create a foundation for peaceful coexistence among the parties involved.

The report concluded by emphasizing the need for continued monitoring, dialogue and cooperation to sustain peace within the family and the wider community.

Meanwhile,  Mrs Chimezie Francisca Etu alleged to be connected to the matter under investigation, in a wicked and selfish interests personal to her, the two victim Sisters accused Mrs Etu as been the master minder to the family disputes. 

According to Ogechi and Nkeiruka, they said she is involved in instigating conflicts and creating unrest in the father's compound. She is also financing the wrong doings including buying of the India herm for Mr. Chinedu Dibia and other narcotics he is consuming.

They also Alleged and identified one of their sisters living in USA as a major sponsor and financier in  connected to the alleged crimes; currently she is one of the Major financier, she also encouraged Chinedu to chase his half sisters with matches.

Speaking about Mary John, who hailed from Kogi, though lives in a brotel in Lagos. She came to live with Chinedu with another man's pregnancy and later hard a baby girl. According to her, she said Chinedu invited her to the village to help him push his half sisters out while pretending to be his woman. She alone farment troubles against Nkeriru and Ogechi.

Meanwhile, more Individuals Allegedly Linked to the ongoing Reginald Dibia's Family Dispute.

As alleged into the lingering family dispute involving Mr. Chinedu Anozie Dibia continue, additional individuals have been alleged to have connections to the matter currently under scrutiny by relevant authorities.

According to information made available to news men in Umumbiri, it was alleged that Mrs. Chimezis Francisca Etu (née Anozie) has been accused by her sisters Ogechi and Nkeiruka that she has been instigating conflicts and contributing to unrest surrounding the dispute. She is further alleged to have provided financial support for activities connected to the matter, including the purchase of items reportedly used in carrying out the alleged acts.

In a similar situation,  the two victim sisters also accused their younger sister Mrs. Onyinyechi Edith Alozie (née Anozie), who is said to be residing in the United States of America, has been identified by accusers as a major sponsor and financier allegedly connected to the activities under investigation. Claims have also been made that she provided financially support through Mrs. Chimezie Etu. These allegations remain subject to verification by law enforcement authorities.

Also mentioned in the allegations is Mr. Alozie Njoku, husband of Mrs. Onyinyechi Alozie and a resident of the United States. He is alleged to have provided financial assistance and encouragement relating to actions taken against Mr. Chinedu's half-sisters. Investigators are expected to determine the validity of these claims.

Another individual named in the matter is Mary John, originally from Kogi State and currently residing in Lagos. According to statements attributed to her, she allegedly moved to the village at the invitation of Mr. Chinedu Anozie Dibia and was involved in efforts aimed at removing his half-sisters from the family property. She is further accused of being a central figure in disputes involving Nkeriru and Ogechi. These claims, however, remain allegations pending official findings.

Authorities have not yet released their final conclusions, and all individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise through due legal process. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The victims appeal for help in a viral video, 

In a video and photographs that have since circulated widely on social media which happened on the 27th of April, 2026, the two alleged victims were seen making an emotional appeal to well-meaning Nigerians, the Imo State Government, and the Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area authorities to urgently intervene in their situation.

The ladies, who claimed to be facing intimidation, hardship, and displacement arising from the ongoing family dispute, called on relevant government agencies, community leaders, and human rights organizations to investigate their plight and ensure that justice is served.

According to the viral footage, they pleaded for protection of their rights and safety, while urging authorities to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the conflict. The appeal has attracted public attention, with many social media users calling for a peaceful resolution of the matter and a fair investigation into all allegations raised by the parties involved.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not issued an official statement regarding the claims made in the video, while investigations into the dispute are said to be ongoing. All allegations remain subject to verification by the appropriate authorities.

𝗔𝗕𝗨𝗝𝗔 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗝𝗨𝗗𝗚𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧, 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗡𝟬𝗧𝟬𝗥𝗜𝟬𝗨𝗦 𝗧É𝗥𝗥𝟬𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗞𝗢𝗚𝗜 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝟰𝟬 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

𝗔𝗕𝗨𝗝𝗔 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗝𝗨𝗗𝗚𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧, 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗡𝟬𝗧𝟬𝗥𝗜𝟬𝗨𝗦 𝗧É𝗥𝗥𝟬𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗞𝗢𝗚𝗜 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝟰𝟬 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday sentenced two women arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for their involvement with terrorism to forty years in prison. 

The convicted women, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, are mother and sister respectively of the terrorist kingpin, Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, who was eliminated by Nigerian security forces, on June 10, 2026, in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State,

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa handed the sentences after both women pleaded guilty to Counts 2, 4 and 5 of the five-count terrorism-related charge brought against them by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation. 

Both women escaped conviction on Counts 1 and 3, which bordered on they receiving N490,300 from Battujo, fully aware it was proceeds of terrorism, as well as Count 3, which was on their sponsored holy pilgrimage with the proceeds of terrorism. The Director of Public Prosecution, Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN, urged the court to strike out both counts, but convict them on the others.

According to Count 2, both women 

"aided and abetted the activities of Battujo, a known bandit Kingpin and passed information through telephone conversations to the said Battujo, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 26 of the terrorism (Prevention Prohibition) Act, 2022."

In addition to pleading guilty to Count 2, Battujo's mum pleaded guilty to Count 5 which bordered on concealment of information on the terrorism activities of her son. 

On her part, Halima, who is sister of the eliminated terrorist kingpin, in addition to pleading guilty to Count 2, also pleaded guilty to Count 4 which also bordered on

FAKE NEWS! Lagos State Police Command Debunks Social Media Reports On Late DC Admin; Says, DCP Khan Salihu Was Never Kidnapped, He Died After Brief Illness

FAKE NEWS! Lagos State Police Command Debunks Social Media Reports On Late DC Admin; Says, DCP Khan Salihu Was Never Kidnapped, He Died After Brief Illness 

It is heart-wrenching and disappointing for the family, friends, and associates of late DC Finance and Administration of the Lagos State Police Command, DCP Salihu Khan who died yesterday Monday 15th June afternoon, and was just buried early today according to Islamic rites to get on social media to find that a campaign of calumny is being championed by a group of Nigerian social media users against the memory of the late gallant senior police officer, complete gentleman, and breadwinner. It is an agonizing experience for the immediate family. It doesn't do justice to the legacy of a man who has been described by the Lagos State Police Command as a highly respectful and loyal senior officer. It is like pouring salt on an open wound, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.

For the avoidance of doubt, the late Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Khan Salihu died yesterday after complaining of being unwell. In fact, he reported to the office at Lagos State Police Command before he checked into a hospital. DCP Khan was never kidnapped by suspected criminals at any time prior to his demise. Any report circulated on social media or through any other means contrary to the truth is entirely false, misleading, and a complete fabrication with no basis in fact whatsoever.

To further this assertion, the Lagos State Police Command, the agency that DCP Khan worked with till his unfortunate incident, highlighted in its press statement e-signed and released to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers NAOSNP by the Command's Spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi stated that: 'The Command wishes to state categorically that prior to his passing, DCP Khan Salihu briefly complained of feeling unwell and was immediately rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Sadly, upon arrival, medical doctors confirmed him dead.'

'At no time was he abducted, kidnapped, or involved in any incident remotely connected to criminal activity as falsely portrayed in the publication,' the Command added.

The statement released by the Lagos PPRO, SP Abimbola Adebisi finds it rather disturbing that any individual or group will ride on the sadness of a family to trend online. 'The Command finds it deeply disturbing and professionally disappointing that such a spurious and unverified story could be published by a recognised media platform without the slightest attempt to verify the information from the appropriate authorities.'

'This represents a serious breach of the fundamental principles of responsible journalism and has unnecessarily misled the public while causing avoidable pain and distress to the family, friends, and professional colleagues of the late senior officer. The publication is not only inaccurate but also insensitive, particularly at a time when the Command, family members, and loved ones are mourning the loss of a dedicated and accomplished senior police officer who served the nation with distinction.'

The Lagos Command is, thus, issuing a stern warning and immediate demand for a swift withdrawal of the false report, while urging the media organisation concerned to issue a public correction and apology in the interest of truth, professionalism, and public accountability.

The Command also encouraged members of the public to disregard the publication in its entirety and rely only on information released through official channels of the Lagos State Police Command. The Command remains committed to combating misinformation and will continue to provide accurate, timely, and verified information to the public.

JUST IN: Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd) who was abducted in Katsina State exactly two weeks ago is dead.

JUST IN:  Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd) who was abducted in Katsina State exactly two weeks ago is dead.

Katsina State Government has announced that Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was åbdûcted alongside his wife by bandits, has di€d of hypertension while in captivity.