The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has inaugurated 39 mini-green Maria vehicles to ensure the safe transportation of inmates to courts during trials.

In a statement on X, the minister said the commissioning took place at the headquarters of the Nigerian Prisons Service also known as Correctional Service (NCoS).

The minister also unveiled four armoured security guard booths to protect correctional facilities from external aggression by non-state actors.

“The Hon. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, today inaugurated four armored security guard booths at the Nigerian Correctional Service headquarters to enhance the defense of correctional facilities against external threats,” the statement reads.

“He also unveiled 39 mini-green Maria vehicles designed to ensure the secure transportation of inmates to court during trials. These efforts reflect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to the safety and welfare of officers and inmates.”

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, on Saturday led Governor Chukwuma Soludo on an inspection tour of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) facility at Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area.

This is coming amist allegations of extrajudicial activities by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS)

During the visit, CP Orutugu briefed the governor on the operational readiness of the Anambra State Police Command, particularly its ongoing efforts to re-arrest the fleeing suspects involved in the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.

Two suspects arrested in connection with Azuka’s kidnap and murder had reportedly escaped from RRS custody, prompting concerns over security lapses at the facility. There were also allegations on social media against the Police, following the reported escape if the suspects

Addressing the situation, CP Orutugu outlined proactive measures to prevent future security breaches, including a restructuring of the RRS unit and the systematic interviewing of suspects in custody to enhance transparency and accountability.

According to Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the visit highlights Governor Soludo’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents, as well as the CP’s dedication to professional policing and community engagement.

“The reorganization of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) is designed to enhance its operational effectiveness in crime prevention and law enforcement. By adopting a more structured and professional approach to handling suspects, the command aims to strengthen evidence gathering, facilitate successful prosecutions, and bolster overall security in the state,” Ikenga stated.

Two Catholic Priests were kidnapped in Yola, Adamawa State on Saturday.

The State Police Command while confirming the development, said it has launched a manhunt for the armed men who abducted the two clerics, adding that the incident took place in the early hours of Saturday, February 22, 2025.

The victims, Reverend Father Mathew David Dusami of Yola Catholic Diocese and Reverend Father Abraham Samman of Jalingo Diocese, were kidnapped from their residence in Gwaida Malam, Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, who condemned the attack, described it as “an unprovoked kidnapping of religious leaders who are actively working to promote peace in society.”

According to a statement by Police Public Relations Officer SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, the kidnappers stormed the priests’ residence at around 4:00 a.m., armed with dangerous weapons, and forcibly took them away.

CP Morris has since deployed a special police team to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe rescue of the victims.

“The progressive efforts of the command will definitely bring the perpetrators and other persons involved to face the full wrath of the law,” the police statement read.

The police have urged residents to remain calm and provide any useful information that could aid in the rescue operation.
“We seek the support and cooperation of the general public to give useful and timely information that will aid our quest to rescue the victims and apprehend the criminals,” Nguroje added.