Two killed, others arrested as Police operatives engage hoodlums that attacked ex–Governor’s convoy in gun battle

Two suspected armed robbers were shot dead following a prolonged gun battle with police at Enugwu Agidi Junction in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.

According to the state police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, the clash occurred between security operatives and hoodlums believed to be armed robbers and cultists with links to a proscribed secessionist group. He said the exchange of gunfire lasted about two hours.

Ikenga disclosed on Thursday that three other suspects escaped during the operation, sustaining varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

He added that items recovered from the scene included one T.06 rifle, two pump-action guns, 24 rounds of T.06 ammunition, 15 live cartridges, assorted criminal charms, a red cult beret, and a black Toyota Highlander vehicle.

He said, “Anambra State Police Command in the early hours of 14th January 2026 recorded another major operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to rid the State of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property.

“The Police Operatives attached to Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu acting on credible and actionable intelligence, laid an ambush to a 5-man group of armed hoodlums suspected to be armed robbers, cultists, and linked to a proscribed secessionist group at Enugwu Agidi Junction, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“Upon sighting the Operatives, the suspects engaged the Officers in a fierce gun battle that lasted for two hours which resulted to fatal gun shot injuries on two of the armed suspects, while the other three fled the scene with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

“The Operatives also recovered One (1) T.06 rifle, two (2) pump-action guns, Twenty-four (24) rounds of T.06 ammunition, Fifteen (15) live cartridges, Assorted criminal charms, One cult red beret and One black Toyota Highlander vehicle.

“Furthermore, while in deep agony, one of the armed suspects confessed the gang members as being part of those who launched an unsuccessful but repelled attack by the Police Operatives on the convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.

“He also confessed being part of the striking squad of Vikings confraternity on a mission to retaliate the death of one of their members by another rival cult group.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu while commending the gallantry of the operatives charged them to intensify efforts to arrest other gang members, particularly those who fled with gunshot injuries during the encounter.

“Meanwhile, hospital or related medical facilities are advised to admit anyone with gunshot wounds or related injuries, but must endeavor to report such to the nearest Police Station immediately.

“Further developments will be communicated as investigations progress.”

Govt offers discount on Vehicle Number Plate replacement, announces new figure

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has announced a temporary reduction in the cost of replacing faded or damaged vehicle number plates, cutting the fee from ₦30,000 to ₦20,000. The measure, part of a three-month amnesty and rebate window, will run from January to March 2026.

Approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the initiative targets both private and commercial vehicle owners across Lagos, aiming to improve vehicle identification, strengthen security, and enhance road safety throughout the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), Rasheed Muri-Okunola, described the rebate as “a deliberate, citizen-focused intervention designed to encourage motorists to voluntarily replace worn, faded, or illegible number plates at a significantly reduced cost.”

He highlighted the security implications of faded or damaged plates, explaining that their condition affects “security, traffic enforcement, and crime prevention, as unreadable plates hinder effective monitoring, investigation, and identification of vehicles.”

“Clear and readable number plates are fundamental to public safety and security. This amnesty period allows motorists to replace faded plates at ₦20,000 instead of ₦30,000, thereby reducing the financial burden while supporting collective efforts to make Lagos safer,” Muri-Okunola said.

He stressed that the rebate is valid only within the January to March 2026 window, urging vehicle owners with faded or damaged plates to take advantage of the initiative by visiting the Pilot Centre at the Oshodi One-Stop Centre or any of the agency’s 140 stations across the state.

According to Muri-Okunola, the programme also addresses rising security concerns linked to unreadable number plates, noting that “legible and standardised plates are critical to crime detection, traffic management, digital vehicle tracking, and emergency response systems.”

He warned that after the amnesty period ends in March 2026, “the replacement fee would revert to the original ₦30,000, while enforcement measures would be fully applied to ensure compliance.”

Man fakes his own Kidnapping, forces Brother to sell property for N12 million ransom

The Edo State Police Command has uncovered a staged kidnapping in Ekpoma, where a man allegedly faked his own abduction, forcing his brother to sell property to raise a ransom.

The incident was reported to the police on January 10, according to a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Eno Ikoedem.

Investigations revealed that the supposed victim, identified as Idris Isiaka, a vulcanizer based on Balogun Street in the Emaudo community of Ekpoma, conspired with two accomplices to orchestrate the fake kidnap.

Police said Isiaka arranged for news of his “abduction” to be circulated on social media through a blogger and subsequently demanded a ransom of ₦12 million from his family.

Believing the story to be genuine, his brother reportedly sold a personal property in a desperate bid to secure his release.

However, detectives later uncovered the deception and arrested Isiaka along with his collaborators.

The police described the act as criminal and deceitful, warning members of the public against engaging in similar schemes.

The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to face prosecution once investigations are concluded.

The PPRO explained that the suspect “immediately engineered the circulation of his kidnap on social media through a blogger and demanded a ransom of Twelve Million Naira.

“His family in Kogi State was further contacted, threatening that he would be killed if the ransom was not paid”.

He said the brother, however, “sold his property and paid part of the ransom money which was shared with his accomplices, one Mohammed Saliu and Godwin Mohammed, both of whom are currently at large.

“The suspect has confessed to the crime. He will be arraigned in court after investigation”.