Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun Police Arrest Six Suspects, Seize Firearms and Ammunition in Statewide Raids
Violent Crime Response Unit leads coordinated operation across Abeokuta, Wasimi and Ibafo; authorities warn against illegal arms possession
Violent Crime Response Unit leads coordinated operation across Abeokuta, Wasimi and Ibafo; authorities warn against illegal arms possession
Police operatives in Ogun State have arrested six suspects and recovered several firearms and rounds of ammunition during a series of coordinated raids across Abeokuta, Wasimi and Ibafo. The operation was carried out on Tuesday by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, and officers from the Ibafo Division following intelligence reports on criminal activities in the state.
The suspects—identified as Afisu Awesu, Bala Aminu, Moruf Sodiq (alias ‘Okiki’), Mumuni Amodu (alias ‘Stone’), Abayomi John (alias ‘Ibafo’), and Adeboye Ojesina—were apprehended after police disrupted multiple criminal networks suspected of illegal possession of firearms, armed intimidation, theft, conspiracy, and receipt of stolen property. According to Ogun State Police Command, the raids targeted hotspots known for violent crimes and followed a spike in reported cases involving armed gangs.
Police authorities stated that the success of the operation is significant for public safety as Ogun State continues to grapple with incidents of armed robbery and theft. The use of intelligence-led tactics is part of a wider effort to restore confidence among residents amid rising concerns about security within the South-West region. The Command noted that some suspects were also linked to recent generator thefts reported by residents.
In a statement issued after the arrests, police officials reiterated their commitment to tackling violent crime in Ogun State. “We are sending a strong warning to all criminal elements that illegal possession of arms will not be tolerated,” a senior officer said. No opposition or civil society group had commented on the arrests as at press time.
The police said investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to track other members of the syndicates still at large. Recovered items include locally-made pistols, live cartridges, and other evidence linked to ongoing cases. Authorities encouraged members of the public to provide information on suspicious activities to further strengthen security across Ogun’s communities.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-arrest-six-in-ogun-raids-recover-guns-ammunition/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Party Agents Deploy Tactics to Induce Voters at Polling Units During Governorship Election
Concerns mount over alleged voter inducement as stakeholders call for INEC and security agencies to enforce electoral laws
Concerns mount over alleged voter inducement as stakeholders call for INEC and security agencies to enforce electoral laws
Party agents in Ekiti State were observed deploying various tactics to induce voters at several polling units during the governorship election held on Saturday, 20 June 2026. Reports from across the state indicated that agents representing major parties approached voters around the polling centres, allegedly offering incentives in a bid to sway electoral choices.
The incidents unfolded as voting commenced in multiple local government areas, with eyewitnesses noting that party representatives engaged in subtle exchanges and conversations with prospective voters. Some residents expressed worry that these practices could compromise the integrity of the electoral process. Security personnel and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were seen monitoring activities at some locations but did not intervene in all cases.
Voter inducement has long been a source of concern during elections in Nigeria, with repeated calls from civil society and opposition parties for stricter enforcement of existing laws. The situation in Ekiti highlights ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy, especially regarding vote buying and electoral malpractice. Political observers note that such actions undermine public trust and can affect election outcomes.
INEC officials present at several polling units declined to comment directly on specific incidents but emphasised their commitment to ensuring a free and fair process. Security agencies deployed across Ekiti State stated they would investigate any reported breaches of electoral law. Stakeholders have urged INEC and law enforcement to take decisive action against any individuals or groups found culpable.
As collation of results continues, attention remains on how authorities will address allegations of voter inducement. The outcome may shape public perception ahead of future elections in Ekiti State and other parts of the South-West.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NSCDC Rescues Teenage Girl from Kidnappers in Delta, Arrests Suspects
Security operatives recover victim unharmed; authorities urge vigilance as abductions rise in South-South region
Security operatives recover victim unharmed; authorities urge vigilance as abductions rise in South-South region
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has rescued a teenage girl from suspected kidnappers in Delta State, arresting individuals believed to be involved in the abduction. The operation took place on Saturday, 20 June 2026, as officers responded to distress signals from the affected community.
According to security sources, the rescue followed credible intelligence about suspicious movements within the area. NSCDC operatives launched a swift operation, locating the abducted teenager and detaining several suspects at the scene. The girl was recovered unhurt and has since been reunited with her family, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Kidnapping cases have seen a worrying increase in recent months across many parts of Nigeria’s South-South zone, with residents and stakeholders calling for heightened security patrols and community vigilance. The Delta State Command of NSCDC said it remains committed to collaborating with other agencies to protect lives and property in the state.
An official from NSCDC urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity promptly. “The safety of our communities requires collective effort. We encourage everyone to work closely with security agencies,” the official stated during a briefing on Saturday.
Authorities have assured that all arrested suspects will be prosecuted according to Nigerian law upon conclusion of investigations. The NSCDC also reiterated its resolve to maintain regular patrols and intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing kidnapping and related crimes in Delta State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Low Voter Turnout Hits Ilawe-Ekiti as BVAS Glitch Disrupts Ado-Ekiti Polling Unit
Technical issues with Bimodal Voter Accreditation System raise concerns over election credibility and voter participation in Ekiti State
Technical issues with Bimodal Voter Accreditation System raise concerns over election credibility and voter participation in Ekiti State
The governorship election in Ekiti State on Saturday witnessed low voter turnout in Ilawe-Ekiti, while a malfunction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) disrupted proceedings at a major polling unit in Ado-Ekiti. The incidents were observed as residents across the state headed to polling centres on 20 June to elect a new governor.
In Ilawe-Ekiti, South-West Nigeria, electoral officials reported sparse attendance at several voting points, with many ballot boxes remaining largely empty hours after accreditation began. Meanwhile, voters and officials at one of Ado-Ekiti’s prominent polling units experienced delays due to BVAS failure, which temporarily stalled the accreditation and voting process until technical support arrived.
The low turnout and technical hitches have heightened concerns about the effectiveness of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) preparations for the election. In recent cycles, INEC has promoted BVAS as a solution to electoral fraud and multiple voting, but technical breakdowns have repeatedly cast doubt on its reliability. Many voters expressed frustration at the delays, with some leaving before casting their ballots.
INEC officials on ground acknowledged the challenges but assured that efforts were underway to resolve all technical issues. “We are working with our technical team to ensure every eligible voter is accredited and can vote,” one official stated at the affected Ado-Ekiti polling unit. No official statement had been released by opposition parties as at press time regarding the day’s disruptions.
With voting scheduled to continue across Ekiti State into the afternoon, attention now turns to whether turnout will improve and if further technical issues can be avoided. The outcome of this election is seen as critical for both APC and PDP in consolidating their positions ahead of the next general elections.
