By Our Correspondent

The Rivers State Police Command has announced a restriction of movement in Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas ahead of the Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections. today.

Public Relations Officer for the state Police Command CSP Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement on Friday stated that the restriction will take effect from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., aimed at ensuring a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election.

Iringe-Koko further disclosed that security personnel will be deployed across the affected areas, including polling units, major roads, and other strategic locations, to prevent violence, electoral malpractice, and other criminal activities.

The PPRO advised residents to comply fully with the restrictions and avoid gatherings near polling centres, as well as refrain from carrying weapons or suspicious items. 

She reaffirmed the position of the State Commissioner of Police, stressing

According to her, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has warned that anyone who flouts the directive or attempts to disrupt the electoral process will face arrest and prosecution.

The CP also called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to comply fully with the Electoral Act and other applicable laws throughout the exercise.

He urged parents and guardians to warn their children against allowing themselves to be used to foment unrest before, during or after the polls.

The Commissioner of Police assured residents that the Command is collaborating closely with other security agencies to maintain a secure environment, enabling eligible voters to exercise their franchise freely and without fear of intimidation.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, psc, mnips, further advises all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to shun violence and adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws guiding the conduct of elections. 

“The cooperation of residents is highly required to ensure a peaceful and successful bye-election in the affected constituencies. The Police and other security agencies remain committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all law-abiding citizens to exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation.”

By Owei David, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor psc, IICFIP, foosi has recorded significant operational success in its sustained efforts to curb criminal activities across the State, in two separate operations.

This was contained in a press statement signed by DSP Musa Mohammed,Police Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa state command and made available to journalists

According to the statement,on 13th February, 2026, at about 1500 hours, operatives attached to Ekeki Division, arrested Kelechi Lazarus ‘m’, 25 years old, dressed in military camouflage uniform with the rank of Corporal, who attempted to fraudulently withdraw the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000) at Ekeki Park, Yenagoa by sending fake alert to the POS operator.

Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect showed the victim a purported credit alert on his mobile phone as proof of transfer. However, the victim did not receive any corresponding alert on her device and insisted on verification at her bank. Upon inquiry, the bank confirmed that no such transaction was made into her account.

Consequently, the suspect thereafter persuaded the POS operator to accompany him to his bank for further clarification but later changed his mind and suggested proceeding to his base at 16 Brigade. Suspecting foul play, the victim declined. The suspect assaulted her, inflicting bodily injuries on her.

The POS operator immediately alerted the Police control room, in which operatives attached to Ekeki Police Division, swung into action and arrested the suspect. Upon search, illicit substances were recovered from him. Investigation further revealed that the suspect had allegedly defrauded several members of the public in different states using similar modus oprandi.

The Commissioner of Police promptly contacted the Military Police of 16 Brigade for verification of the suspect identity and was confirmed a dismissed soldier from 82 division, Enugu in 2024.The case has been transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation. Thereafter, suspect will be charge to court.

• In a related development, on 16th February, 2026, at about 1650 hours, troops of 16 Brigade, Yenagoa, arrested and handed over one suspect, Isah Aliyu Umar ‘M’ 25 years old, a native of Bauchi State but resident in Kaduna State to the Bayelsa State Criminal Investiaation Department, (SCID) Yenagoa. The suspect was arrested at the16 Brigade Mosque premises Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Preliminary investigation reveals that, the suspect has been parading himself as a Lieutenant in the Nigeria Navy across various States. A search was conducted on him and the following exhibits were recovered: several falsified documents, Nigeria Navy name tag, wallet containing several SIM cards, several passport photographs, one amouflage trousers, one Navy trousers, one Oppo Android phone, three National Identity Cards, one fake DNV Management System Certificate and one fake report on ownership of Seven Million Dollars by Ganjuwa Gorond Global Enterprise.

The suspect is currently undergoing investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Yenagoa. Suspect will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.

The Command therefore advise members of the public to be cautious of individuals parading themselves as security personnel without proper identification. Anyone With useful information relating to this suspect or similar activities is advised to report to the nearest Police Station.

By Our Correspondent

There was panic and fear among residents of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State following the brutal killing of a woman by suspected herdsmen in Ido Local Government Area of the state .

The incident which occurred in the evening of Wednesday has left hundreds of residents of the area in shock and fear of renewed hostilities between residents of the area and herders .

The victim, one Mrs. Misitura Akanke, was attacked when she went to gather vegetables in a nearby bush, and the attackers reportedly raped and killed her at
Oderemi Village in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State.

An Amotekun officer who tried to intervene was also attacked and injured.

The incident has sparked serious security concern, with calls on authorities to intervene and ensure justice is served.

The Chairman of Ido Local Government, Hon. Sheriff Adeojo, who appealed for calm , reaffirmed the enforcement of the ban on open grazing within the council area, ordering its immediate implementation following the deadly incident involving suspected herders.

In a statement released on Thursday, Adeojo announced that the directive became necessary after the killing of Mrs. Misitura Akanke, who was reportedly attacked on her farm at Oderemi Village in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The chairman described the incident as tragic and deeply regrettable, while expressing condolences to the family of the deceased. He noted that the killing underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of the state’s anti–open grazing law to safeguard lives and property.

“I write to commiserate with the family of Mrs. Misitura Akanke, who was unfortunately killed by suspected herdsmen in Oderemi Village. This unfortunate incident further highlights the necessity for firm and consistent enforcement of the state law banning open grazing,” the statement read.

In pursuance of the Oyo State 2019 Anti–Open Grazing Law enacted by the Oyo State House of Assembly, the directive of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and following a series of engagements with Miyetti Allah on modern ranching practices, open grazing has been officially prohibited across Ido Local Government Area.
” The prohibition is aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices, protecting farmlands, and ensuring lasting peace and security in all communities within the local government area.

Compliance with this directive is mandatory, as the policy applies uniformly to all stakeholders without exception. The local government has warned that any individual or group found to be violating the ban will be subject to appropriate legal action in accordance with the law.
Adeojo emphasized that the local government would work closely with relevant security agencies to ensure full compliance with the law, warning that violators would face the full weight of the law.

He assured residents of the council area that the administration was committed to maintaining peace, protecting farmers, and preventing a recurrence of such incidents. He urged community members to cooperate with authorities by providing timely information that could help avert security threats.