In a heart-stopping operation, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) intercepted a man allegedly armed with a firearm at a church compound in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday morning, averting what officials fear could have been a catastrophic attack.

The suspect was apprehended at approximately 8:30 a.m. during a routine security patrol near the church premises. Acting on intelligence, NSCDC operatives swooped in and discovered the individual carrying a gun with no valid documentation or explanation.

“The suspect could not justify why he was armed at a worship center. Our swift action prevented a major security breach,” an NSCDC insider revealed to, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. While the suspect’s identity remains undisclosed pending investigation, the incident has sent shockwaves through Bokkos, a region still scarred by recent violence.

Though authorities have not explicitly linked the arrest to broader threats, the timing and location — a church in a state plagued by sectarian clashes and bandit raids — have intensified fears of targeted attacks on soft targets. Plateau State has endured relentless bloodshed, including the December 2023 Christmas Eve massacre that claimed nearly 200 lives across Bokkos and Barkin Ladi.

Residents praised the NSCDC’s vigilance. “This could’ve been another tragedy. God saved us today,” said a churchgoer who witnessed the arrest.

The NSCDC has launched a full probe into the suspect’s motives and potential connections to criminal networks. No group has claimed responsibility, but security analysts warn that the incident underscores the persistent vulnerability of religious institutions in Nigeria’s volatile Middle Belt.

As Plateau holds its breath, questions loom: Was this a lone wolf act, or the tip of a sinister iceberg? For now, the NSCDC’s heroics have bought a fragile peace — and a stark reminder that danger still lurks in the shadows.

Pope Francis, head of the Catholic church, is dead.

In a statement, the Vatican said the pope “died on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta”.

He was 88 years of age.

On Easter Sunday, the pope was pictured greeting crowds from the gallery of St Peter’s Basilica after celebrating mass with the faithful.

Pope Francis had been battling bilateral pneumonia and was discharged from hospital on March 23.

More to follow…

PRESS RELEASE
NATIONAL SECURITY: POLICE OPERATIVES RESCUE 12 KIDNAPPED VICTIMS, NEUTRALIZE BANDIT, RECOVER N10.3m CASH, ARMS, AMMUNITION IN STING OPERATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

As IGP Commends Bravery, Resilience of Officers in combating crimes

In a series of successful operations, the Nigeria Police Force has demonstrated its resolve in ensuring public safety and combating all forms of criminal activities. These operations, exemplified in several states across the country, have led to the arrest of 3 suspected terrorists, recovery of significant amounts of cash, arms and ammunition, and rescued of kidnapped victims

In Imo State, operatives of the Force have sustained their operational momentum against criminal elements threatening public safety. On April 17, 2025, at approximately 1:02 AM, police operatives in synergy with local vigilante groups acted on credible intelligence and stormed a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout on Cameron Street, Ubahu, in Okigwe LGA. On sighting the operatives, the suspected terrorists opened fire, resulting in a gun battle during which three suspects identified as Onyekaba Ikenna Innocent ‘m’ 21yrs, Ugwu Ikenna ‘m’ 31yrs, and Ofor Kasarachi ‘m’ 37yrs were arrested. Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, eighteen live cartridges, mobile devices, laptops, and ₦10.3 million in cash suspected to be proceeds of kidnapping for ransom

In another development in Edo State, following the news of the abduction of 10 students who were on their way to Backcock University for the annual GYC Africa conference on the 16th of April 2025, police operatives of the State Command immediately picked up the trail of these kidnappers, and upon encounter, engaged them in a fierce gun duel. One of the kidnappers was neutralized in the process, and the 10 victims were rescued unhurt. Similarly, on the 18th of April 2025 at about 21:15hrs, the command operatives also successfully rescued 2 other kidnapped victims who had been kidnapped on the 14th of April 2025, at their residence in Oluoke community of the State.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the dedication of these brave and gallant officers to upholding the law and exhibiting a high level of professionalism, while reaffirming the devotion of the Nigeria Police Force towards protecting the lives and property of every citizen and respect for human rights. The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and will continue to work tirelessly to combat crime in all its forms.

FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

20TH APRIL 2025.