The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) rescued seven children from a fire incident at an orphanage and motherless babies home on Sunday in Lagos.

This is contained in a statement signed by Nosa Okunbor, LASEMA spokesman, in the early hours of Monday.

LASEMA said the home was engulfed by a domestic fire which reportedly started from an air conditioning unit in the house due to a power surge on Sunday afternoon.

It said the agency rescued the seven male children from the one-storey building at No. 7 Wole Madariola St., off Enitan Kusimo Street, Aguda, Lagos.

“A one-storey building housing an orphanage/motherless babies home was engulfed by fire which reportedly started from an air conditioning unit in the house as a result of power surge which was said to have quickly spread out,” stated LASEMA.

“A total of seven boys with ages ranging between one and seven years were quickly evacuated from the home and safely relocated to the compound opposite the home.”

It added,

“Management team of the home informed LASEMA of plans to relocate the children to the house of the owner of the home temporarily to ensure their welfare was sustained.

The fire which had initially spread to the storage room of the home has been extinguished with dampening down concluded.”

The agency noted that a post-disaster assessment revealed that the first floor was salvaged, the fire was contained in the store room, and the rest of the ground floor was also salvaged.

The agency said the children were formally handed over to officials of the Child Protection Unit of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, who formally handed them over to the Red Cross.

LASEMA said neither injuries nor casualties were recorded in the near-fatal incident, adding that the operation was successfully concluded in record time.

The acting comptroller-general of customs, Wale Adeniyi, says he will remain committed to partnering the media for effective service delivery.

Mr. Adeniyi in a statement by spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada on Monday, said the media was critical to implementing the customs mandate.

According to the statement, the Customs boss made this known when he met with Nigeria Guild of Editors, Zone A spokespersons, Zone A customs area controllers and journalists in Lagos.

He said the service would require the support and guidance of the media to consolidate the progress made in trade facilitation, revenue collection and other areas of its mandate.

“In over 10 years, customs has made some progress. We have broken several grounds on information communication technology, human resource development and revenue generation,” the statement explained.

“In the next few years, we will be building and consolidating on those grounds and hoping that there are some areas where we will deploy innovative solutions.

”The Nigeria Guild of Editors president, Eze Anaba, said the guild would be committed to collaborating with the service, adding that communication was important to achieving the service’s mandate.

“Your coming on board is a refreshing development, and I am sure we will enjoy much interaction,” stated Mr Anaba.

“Some people say they are afraid of the media, but the truth is that if there is no communication, there will be miscommunication.”

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, on Sunday, directed the suspension of the ongoing Egungun festival over reported cases of violence, arson and looting of shops.

A statement by the Olubadan’s personal assistant on media, Oladele Ogunsola, said the atrocities were perpetrated by hoodlums hiding under the Egungun festival in Ibadan.

Olubadan summoned all the leaders of masquerades known as ‘Alaagbaa’ in Ibadan land to an emergency meeting on Monday afternoon at the ancient Aliiwo palace, Agodi, in Ibadan.

The traditional ruler expressed sadness over the reported cases of violence accompanying the annual festival, “the video of which has gone viral”.

He described the development as unfortunate and an affront to his palace because he had warned against turning the festival into an avenue to wreak havoc.

Mr Balogun had on Wednesday condemned the violence reported during the festival in the Alafara area.

“I warned seriously against what is happening when the festival was to commence, and the assurances I got then were that nothing untoward would accompany the festival.

“But, the reports coming to me have been at variance with those assurances I earlier got from the masquerades’ leaders.

“This is why the suspension clause has to be invoked, and how long it lasts would be determined by the outcome of the meeting of Monday afternoon,” Olubadan said.

Mr Balogun insisted that the ugly past when the masquerade festival was usually a period of terror when perceived enemies became targets of attack and violence had been buried, and any attempt to exhume it would be met with stiff sanctions.

He called on the security agencies to ensure no culprit was spared.“Whoever flouts the suspension order under whatever guise must be handled like a criminal,” Olubadan stated.

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives have arrested a 19-year-old student, Nnamani Daberechi, for attempting to export 7.2 kilogrammes of methamphetamine concealed in crayfish.

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said on Sunday that the suspect was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on his way to Europe for undergraduate studies.

Mr Babafemi said the suspect was intercepted on Saturday during an outward clearance of Turkish Airlines flight TK 0624 passengers.

“While being interviewed by operatives, Daberechi claimed he was a student on his way to Cyprus for studies.”

But upon a thorough search of his luggage, he was found in possession of 7.2kg of whitish substance neatly concealed inside a sack of crayfish.

“A field test of the substance, however, proved positive for Methamphetamine,” he said.

Similarly, operatives of the Tincan Port Command of the agency on July 11 intercepted a 116.5kg consignment of Colorado.

Mr Babafemi, who described the drug as a strong strain of cannabis, said it was concealed in bags hidden in a heap of used vehicle parts.

He said this was on the floor of a container marked FCIU 8459700, bearing three units of used vehicles imported from Toronto, Canada.

“Based on intelligence, the agency had requested a 100 per cent examination of the container, which arrived at the TICT terminal of the port on June 14.

“A joint examination with the Nigeria Customs, DSS and other stakeholders on Tuesday, July 11, led to the discovery of 233 parcels of the illicit substance.

“It was stashed inside travelling bags on the floor of the container, covered with used vehicle spare parts,” Mr Babafemi stated.

No fewer than four persons were confirmed dead, while 11 others sustained injuries in a lone accident involving a Foton bus in the Aiyetoro axis on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Babatunde Akinbiyi, the Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) spokesperson confirmed the incident to journalists in Abeokuta on Sunday.

Mr Akinbiyi explained that the accident occurred at 9:59 a.m. and was caused by a tyre burst, which led the commercial bus, marked AGL 989 YA, somersaulting into a ditch.

The TRACE spokesperson stated that the accident involved 15 people, comprising three men and 12 women, saying that 11 women were injured while three men and one woman died.

“According to an eyewitness account, the bus was coming from Ibadan inbound to Lagos when it had a tyre burst on the driver’s side at the Ayetoro axis on the expressway, which led the bus to somersault into a ditch,” he said.

Mr Akinbiyi noted that the deceased were deposited at the Idera morgue in Sagamu, while the injured victims were taken to Famobis Hospital in Mowe.

He appealed to drivers to avoid excessive speed, use inferior tyres and adhere to traffic rules and regulations.

Stakeholders in Bauchi State have called for strict adherence to environmental guidelines and regulations set by the government for adequate preservation of the environment in the state.

This is contained in a 12-point communique at the end of a one-day stakeholders engagement on environmental policies and practices in Bauchi State on Saturday and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Bauchi.

It said that the best way to preserve the environment was to adhere strictly to all the guidelines and regulations put in place by the government.

The communique noted that protecting people and the environment from harm was a social obligation and a right of citizens.

The stakeholders’ engagement meeting was organised by Sharing Education and Learning for Life (SELL) Foundation Nigeria and attended by government officials, environmental health officers, civil society organisations (CSOs) and the media.

The stakeholders called for taking hard decisions, enacting and strictly enforcing environmental and climate-conscious legal instruments, policies and actions.

“Agencies saddled with the responsibilities of safeguarding the forest should be proactive in the course of protecting the forest.

“Government should provide land for people interested in charcoal and timber business to plant, raise and harvest them for their use.

“State borders should be properly manned to prevent people from coming to the state for charcoal and timber business,” the communique said.

The stakeholders stressed the need to plant more trees and nurture them to maturity across the 20 local government areas in the state.

“Campaign on tree planting and environmental safety should be taken to nursery, primary schools, to instill the orientation on environment on the young minds and establishment of environmental clubs in schools.

“Local communities should be supported to use alternative energy for domestic cooking,” it said.

The communique urged government and CSOs to include livelihood in every intervention for the people.

It added that CSOs should intensify efforts on sensitisation and advocacy on environmental safety.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it is investigating the shooting incident during a raid on a drug joint at Okpanam area of Asaba in Delta.

This is contained in a statement by the director, media and advocacy (NDLEA) Femi Babafemi, on Saturday in Abuja.

Mr Babafemi said that a stray bullet from the weapon of an NDLEA officer was reported to have hit a young man who eventually died while undergoing treatment in a hospital.

He said that the NDLEA chairman, retired, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, set up the investigation panel consisting top officials from the national headquarters, after receiving initial briefings on the incident from the Delta command.

Mr Babafemi said that the chairman directed the investigators to immediately proceed to Asaba to establish the actual facts of the case.

According to him, the NDLEA has been in touch with the family of the deceased.Mr Babafemi also reported the initial brief on the incident given to the Chairman by the Delta command.

“Team of NDLEA operatives carried out an intelligence-based raid of the joint of a notorious drug dealer located at Okpanam area of Asaba at about 1600 hours on Thursday, July 13.

“And in the process of the operation, a Toyota Camry 2008 model, light blue colour at the scene, suddenly zoomed off and knocked down one of our officers who is currently in critical condition, undergoing treatment in a hospital.

“In a bid to demobilise the car and prevent it from escaping, another officer fired a shot aimed at the tyre of the car, which eventually escaped.

“While the injured officer was rushed for treatment, the officers got reports of a stray bullet hitting a young person and immediately located the father of the victim, followed him to the hospital and supported in facilitating his treatment but unfortunately died in the process.

“We’re in touch with the family to provide necessary assistance while we conclude our investigation of the incident.

“We will like to assure the family and members of the public that we’ll get to the root of the case and take necessary action.”

Eleven prisoners from the Enugu Custodial Special Study Centre have graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in its 2022/2023 Academic Year, while 50 fresh students matriculated at a ceremony in Enugu.

In an address on Thursday at the 12th Convocation and Matriculation Ceremony at the centre, the Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, Nicholas Obiakor, charged the students, who are inmates, to reflect their education in their actions.

Mr Obiakor, represented by an Assistant Controller of Corrections, James Abonyi, appreciated the Controller General (CG) of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, for the educational platform and enabling environment to reform the inmates.

He noted that educational attainment and pursuit remained the best thing any inmate would want to achieve, especially as it is done at no cost to the inmates.

“I want to commend our amiable CG for turning this correctional centre from a punitive ground to a place of exceptional reformation that is an envy of all as highly educationally-qualified students are churned up here yearly.

“I want to appreciate the Commander-in-Chief and the President, who through NOUN, has provided a free-of-charge learning platform for all inmates wishing to enrol for university education as well as non-governmental organisations, foundations and individuals that have supported inmates’ education.

“For our students, I want you to take advantage of this golden opportunity to get to the top and be the best in your chosen academic endeavour, even as I urge you to shun vices and examination malpractices but be highly focused,” he said.

Issuing the degree certificates to the graduating students, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, congratulated both the graduating and matriculating students for choosing a path that “will guarantee their future in the society”.

Mr Peters, represented by the National Coordinator for All Special Study Centres, Modupe Adesina, said that 66 inmates from different custodial centres in the country graduated this year with Enugu Custodial Special Study Centre having 11.

“You should take the advantage of this opportunity provided by the Federal Government, through NOUN, as you can take your academic pursuit to the Doctorate Degree level without paying a dime.

“It is clear that with your academic reforms and higher educational attainment, you future is very bright and the sky is your starting point for your greatness and exploits in life when you leave here,” he said.

Earlier, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), Kelvin Iloafonsi, congratulated the students, adding that “gaining admission into NOUN is a no mean feat, especially for someone in incarceration”.

Mr Iloafonsi, who is the Educational Desk Officer of NOUN at the Enugu Custodial Special Study Centre, noted that “NOUN is the only University in Nigeria where you cannot cut corners to be admitted because admission is done online with due process and procedures.

“Matriculating students should shun all forms of social vices such as cultism, robbery, kidnapping, fraud and nefarious activities which can mar their bright future when you regain your freedom because it brings absolutely nothing but destruction and annihilation,” he said.

Mr Iloafonsi appreciated the CG of Corrections for providing an educational reformation platform for inmates and the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN for approving special study centres and instituting tuition-free academic pursuits.

“Our warmest regards to the Isaac Blessing Foundation, CAPIO and all our partnering NGOs. We owe great thanks to Enugu NOUN Centre Director, Prof. Alexander Onyia, and the National Coordinator for All Special Study Centres, Mrs Modupe Adesina.

“We also want to appreciate the Correctional Service Special Study Centre Director, Mr Francis Enobore, for his guidance and support,” he said.

One of the graduates, Eze Utama, commended the federal government, the CG of Corrections, Mr Nababa, and Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Peters, for bringing free education to them and taking special interest in their reformation.

The highlights of the event were the oath taken by matriculating students, which was administered by Enugu NOUN Centre Director, Prof. Onyia, represented by Matthew Egede; cutting of the convocation and matriculation cake and cultural displays.

A High Court has restrained the Kano government from going ahead with the planned demolition of houses located on the BUK Road in Gwale local government area of the state.

The court granted the ex parte motion application dated July 4, moved by Ibrahim Adamu, counsel to the plaintiffs on behalf of Bashir Abdullahi and 19 others.

The respondents in the suit are Governor Abba Yusuf, Attorney General and the Kano State Bureau for Land Management and Kano Urban Planning and Development.

Justice Hafsat Yahaya-Sani granted the order of interim injunction restraining the respondents by themselves, agents, workmen or servants from encroaching on the land pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Justice Yahaya-Sani adjourned the matter until October 26, for hearing on motion on notice.

The Oyo Park Management System (PMS) has launched a reformation campaign in the Oke-Ogun zone of the state for effective service delivery.

The PMS Chairman, Tomiwa Omolewa, said this during the inauguration of the interim committee to govern and regulate the PMS activities within the Oke-Ogun zone on Wednesday.

Mr Omolewa said the reformation campaign includes professional conduct among drivers, dress codes, and safety protocols with the aim to enhance the quality of service to the public.

He said the committee had been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring strict adherence to the disciplinary measures and regulations introduced by the new PMS management in the state.

Omolewa said the inauguration of an interim committee at the zonal level was to establish a localised arm that would ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, implementation and enforcement of regulations in parks and garages.

“The interim committee members are people with good track records. They consist of individuals that are rooted in the dynamics of the zone and capable to make decisions that will align with the specific needs and challenges of their zone.

“As the governing body overseeing the PMS activities in parks and garages, the interim committee will play crucial roles in monitoring, disputes resolution and welfare of the transport workers and drivers within the Oke-Ogun zone.

“They will ensure that the PMS regulations are enforced consistently and fairly, while also addressing the concerns and interests of the local community,” he added.

The chairman reiterated the determination of the new PMS management in the state to provide modern transport experience that would ensure safety and satisfaction of both drivers and passengers.

The Oke-Ogun zone comprises Iseyin, Otu and Saki among others.

Operatives of the Yobe Police Command have arrested a couple, Abdullahi Ibrahim and Khadija Ali, for allegedly stealing a motorcycle belonging to a Muslim cleric in Fika Local Government Area of the state.

This is contained in a statement by DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the command spokesman, in Damaturu.

He said Mr Ibrahim, 21, and Mrs Ali, 20, on June 4 approached the cleric because they said they wanted to convert to Islam.

“The suspects presented themselves as Jude Emmanuel, a Birom man from Farar-Kasa in Barkin Ladi, Plateau and his wife posed as Peace Sunday.

“They were subsequently accepted and converted to Islam and, as such, placed in the custody of the Chief Imam in Fika local government area for teaching and proper guidance.

“A day later, Abdullahi informed the Imam that needed ashes from a thunder strike spot to prepare a concoction for his ailments.

“The Imam assigned one of his sons to take him to a nearby bush. Having gotten there, the suspect collected some dust.

“On the third day, he requested to be taken to the spot to collect some dust for his wife. The Imam obliged and asked his son to help them get there with his motorcycle.

“On the spot, the culprits robbed the Imam’s son of his motorcycle and fled,” Mr Abdulkarim said.

The spokesman said the matter was later reported to the Fika Divisional Police Headquarters, where efforts were made to trail the culprits for prosecution.

On July 1, he said, information reached the police division that the couple was sighted in Biu LGA of Borno, about to perpetrate a similar act.

“Fortunately, on July 5 at 1400hrs, detectives from the division reacted and apprehended the suspects.

“Meanwhile, preliminary investigations revealed that they are indigenes of Yobe,” he said.

Mr Abdulkarim said the suspects have since confessed to committing crimes including robbery and abduction against unsuspecting members of the public.

The spokesman advised residents to always report strangers to the police for proper investigation.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers on Wednesday presented a cheque for N20 million to the widow of a slain police Inspector, Collins David.

The governor, while presenting the cash gift at the command’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, commiserated with the police over the officer, who died in active service.

This was made known in a statement by the Media Assistant to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Juliana Masi, in Port Harcourt.

Mr Fubara, represented by the SSG, Tammy Danagogo, said that the governor’s demonstration of commitment was to ensure that the families of policemen who died while serving the state were not left in desolation.

“This is in continuation of the traditions of Rivers State Government security architecture to partner the police and other security agencies in the fight against crime.

“This is also to let you know that Rivers State Government will always stand with you, this is a token of support.

“We understand money cannot replace a life but it is a way of showing support to the men and officers who serve in Rivers,” he said.

According to Mr Danagogo, the Government of Rivers will always demonstrate its commitment “whenever we hear that your gallant officers either sustain life-threatening injury or lose their lives in the service to the state.

“The state will as a point of duty and commitment, come to commiserate with affected officers or their families and render any possible support to ensure that our officers understand that we value their services,” he said.

He commended the relentless efforts of the police command and in particular the strategic fight against criminality by the new Commissioner of Police, Nwonyi Emeka.

Mr Fubara explained that his collaboration with the security agencies was to show that the government and the people appreciated the efforts of the police.

He advised the widow to anchor her faith and hope in God and be dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of her children.

“Your husband did not die in vain, he died for a worthy cause, If anyone dies for a good course, God watches over his own,” he said.

Also, the Rivers CP described Governor Fubara’s monetary presentation to the family of the late officer as an uncommon gesture of encouragement.

CP Emeka expressed the gratitude of the command to the governor, adding he had always been there for the command.

He recalled that the late Insp. David was a brave officer who worked tirelessly to prevent crime, especially in the Ahoada axis of the state.

“This is a price we all pay to getting where we are. We will ensure that no stone is left unturned to avenge the death and the likes of those terrorizing the streets will be brought to justice,” he said.

In her remark, Christiana David, the widow of the deceased officer, thanked the state governor for the goodwill and cash gift.

“We are immensely grateful. On behalf of my children and the extended family of David, thank you Gov. Fubara, God bless you immensely and keep Rivers state safe,” she said.

The Imo Police Command said it arrested 56 suspects for various criminal offences, including armed robbery, kidnapping, child trafficking, cultism, murder and terrorism between January and June.

The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, said this at the command’s headquarters in Owerri, while briefing newsmen on the recent exploits by the command in its efforts to rid the state of criminals.

Mr Barde, represented by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, said 15 kidnap victims were rescued during the period.

He said that 26 alleged sit-at-home enforcers, suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, were arrested on July 9 after a gun duel at a hotel in Owerri.

He said the command’s tactical team and mobile operatives of 18PMF swiftly mobilised to the hotel, where the suspects were disrupting a birthday party.

“Unfortunately, a lifeless body, later identified as Remigius Emeka Njoku, the celebrant’s relative, was seen lying in his pool of blood on the floor,” he said.

According to Mr Barde, some of the suspects escaped with bullet wounds, while others were dislodged.He said one AK47 rifle, 48 rounds of live ammunition, four pump action guns, 18 rounds of live cartridges, two AK47 magazines and a face mask were recovered from them.

“On Jan. 6, at about 1800hrs, four unsuspecting victims were kidnapped at different locations within Imo.

“Three vehicles, including a Lexus RX 350 SUV Jeep, Lexus RX 330 SUV Jeep, and a Mercedes Benz GLK, belonging to the victims were equally snatched from them. “The victims were held hostage at an unknown destination,” he said.

He said that investigation and data-tracking analysis led to the arrest of Uche Eke at Douglass Market, where he wanted to sell some of the phones he robbed from his victims.

“His arrest led to the rescue of the victim unhurt and the further arrest of one John Nnaemeka, also known as “White”.

“These suspects were identified as part of the escapees during the jailbreak of the Correctional Service Custodial Centre, Owerri, an unfortunate incident that took place on April 5, 2021.

“All the suspects confessed to the crime of kidnapping and armed robbery.“On searching their criminal hideout, two pump action guns with 10 rounds of live ammunition and the three snatched vehicles were recovered,” Barde said.

He also said that one Obinna Ugochukwu, 22, was arrested for allegedly stabbing his friend, Stanley Nwachukwu, to death with a knife repeatedly on the upper part of his body, while asleep.

He said that the incident followed a misunderstanding over the sharing of alleged 3000 US Dollars fraudulently gained from a cybercrime deal.

The commissioner said that one Sixtus Ezebudo, 29, was arrested for murder and harvesting of organ after luring his victim to an uncompleted building in Orlu Local Government Area (LGA).

“On interrogation, the suspect confessed that on May 10, at about 1630hrs, he lured and killed his victim, and thereafter harvested his vital body organs, like his lungs, heart and private part and abandoned his corpse at the scene.

“He was later arrested in Lagos State with the harvested body parts, where he had escaped to sell them for ritual purpose,” he said.

He said that Nnanna Ugorji, 20, and Chiaka Anah, 53, were arrested on the allegation of defiling a 10-year-old girl on June 15.

Mr Barde said two females: Eke Chinyere, 48, and Glory Okon, who specialised in stealing children and selling them to potential buyers for child labour or ritual purposes were also arrested.

“On interrogation, the suspects, who confessed to being members of a criminal syndicate, led the curious operatives to the baby factory, where seven stolen children and four pregnant teenage girls were rescued.

“Some of the children have been reunited with their parents, while other victims are currently in a Government approved home for care and custody,” he said.

He said Kobi Chimezie, 29; Chima Okpara, 29; and Emenike Aririguzo, 28, were arrested for alleged house-to-house robbery, stealing and vandalising electrical cable wires within the Ogbaku Community.

“They were subsequently arrested with a bunch of cable wires at Ogbaku in Mbaitoli LGA.“On interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and stated that they vandalised the electrical cable wires from a site at Mbieri in the same Mbaitoli LGA,” he said.

He also said, “On April 13, at about 1930hrs, one Ikechukwu Ebelebe of Owerre-Akokwa in Ideato North LGA was kidnapped and robbed of his Toyota RAV4 SUV Jeep in-front of his residence by some kidnappers.

“The kidnappers collected a ransom of N10 million from the victim’s bank account, thereafter, killed him and dumped his corpse at Ajali river bank in Anambra.

“Through credible intelligence gathering, one Chinedu Christian Ejezie, aka “Holy Condom”, and Okechukwu Ibemere, both from Imo were arrested at Ebute Ero Market in Idumota LGA of Lagos State.

“Both suspects confessed to the crime, which led to the subsequent arrest of their gang member, Emmanuel Ubah,” he said.

Mr Barde also said that one Victor Benneth, 29, and Yusuf Kiyasu, 29, were arrested on June 14, for alleged armed robbery and kidnapping.

He said that items recovered from the suspects included four locally-made shotguns, 16 rounds of live cartridges, one expended cartridge and a Toyota Camry, with Reg. No. Lagos: APP 598 ITU.

He further said that the command arrested two persons, Precious Otunne and Samuel Hyginus, on June 22, allegedly on their way to perform cultism initiation of new members at Umuerim Nekede, near Owerri.

He said two locally-made double barrel pistols, with five rounds of live cartridges, were allegedly recovered from them.

The commissioner said 32 assault rifles, made up of two AK47 rifles, 15 pump action guns, two cut-to-size locally-made guns, 11 locally-made pistols and two double barrel guns, were recovered from the suspects.

Also recovered included 100 rounds of live cartridges, 70 rounds of AK47 ammunition, five snatched vehicles and seven motorcycles.

He said all the suspects would be arraigned upon the conclusion of a diligent investigation.

Meanwhile, the state police boss has charged the public to disregard the “unlawfully imposed sit-at-home order by a criminal syndicate, which stock in trade is to create panic.

“Report any criminally minded elements seen enforcing the unlawful sit-at-home order or other nefarious activities to the nearest police station or via our emergency numbers 08098880197, 0803477360,” he said.

The Police Command in Ebonyi says Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike, who was abducted on Monday, has regained his freedom.

A statement on Tuesday in Abakaliki by SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, spokesperson of the command, said Mr Azubuike was released unhurt.

The cleric was kidnapped together with three other people in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Azubuike, a Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha LGA, was released at about 6:00 p.m.

“Rev. Father Joseph Azubuike has been rescued unhurt, hale and hearty as a result of the concerted efforts of the Operatives of the Command.

“Serious manhunt is on for the perpetrators, who escaped during the rescue mission. The Rev, father is in the hospital now for medical checks,” the police spokesperson said.

Also in a statement, Rev. Father Mathew Opoke, Chancellor of Abakaliki Diocese confirmed the rescue of Azubuike on Tuesday.

He said the three other victims were released by the kidnappers unconditionally.

The Kano-Jigawa Area Comnand of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has collected over N18.8 billion as revenue from January to June.

NCS Area Comptroller, Sambo Dangadima, made this known in an interview in Kano on Wednesday.

“We have positioned our officers at strategic locations to deal decisively with all those involved sharp practices and illegal businesses,” he said.

He said that the area command has ordered officers deployed to border posts to intensify efforts in preventing any form of smuggling.

“We are battle ready to end smuggling,” he said.

Mr Dangadima solicited the support of traditional rulers and stakeholders in sensitising residents on the negative effects of smuggling on the economy.

“We have also reached out to youths in the border communities, to assist our field officers with intelligence information that will assist in curbing all forms of smuggling activities.

“The command is no go area for smugglers,” he said, soliciting stakeholders support in mobilising residents to shun smuggling and embrace legal means of imports and exports of local goods.

Mr Dangadima warned smugglers and others aiding and abetting them to desist henceforth.