crime

DSS Arrests Suspects in 2023 Professor Kidnapping Case

Published

10 months ago

December 30, 2025

DSS arrests two suspects linked to the 2023 kidnapping and killing of neurology professor Ekanem Philip-Ephraim in Cross River State

Calabar, Cross River State Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested two suspected kidnappers linked to the 2023 abduction and killing of neurology professor Ekanem Philip-Ephraim.

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The suspects were apprehended on December 27 while allegedly planning to kidnap another senior medical practitioner in the state.

Philip-Ephraim was abducted on July 13, 2023, at her private clinic on Atimbo Road, Calabar, by armed men posing as patients and was later confirmed killed.

Her abduction prompted the Cross River State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association to suspend medical services in protest, demanding her safe return.

Officials, speaking anonymously on Monday, identified the suspects as 23-year-old gang leader Patrick Essien Etim and 40-year-old Bassey Antiha Asuquo.

The DSS has been tracking the gang since Philip-Ephraim’s abduction.

“The gang leader and his accomplice have confessed to the crime, admitting they killed the professor after collecting multiple ransom payments from her family,” one DSS source said.

“It has been two years of torment for her loved ones. This arrest will finally provide them with peace and closure.”

The suspects also admitted to other kidnappings and vandalism of electricity cables.

Another suspect, Isaac Ekpeyong, was additionally arrested in the operation.

“This breakthrough underscores the DSS’ commitment to covert operations and the restoration of public safety across the country,” the source added.

Also read: Kwara DSS Disarm Claim Dismissed after Deadly Attack

The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by Nigerian security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and prevent further attacks on citizens.

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crime

Nasarawa Police Launch Forest Offensive Against Bandits

Published

2 days ago

October 21, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Nasarawa police operation targets kidnappers, bandits and armed robbers in forest hideouts, with tactical teams deployed across three sectors.

The Nasarawa State Police Command has launched a special security operation targeting bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal groups operating in forests across the state.

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The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed, flagged off the exercise in Lafia on Wednesday, October 21, before leading officers towards Alagye Forest in Doma Local Government Area.

Mohammed said the operation followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, aimed at strengthening security and restoring lasting peace across Nasarawa State.

He disclosed that tactical squads, anti-kidnapping units and intelligence operatives had been deployed to identified security flashpoints and forest corridors considered vulnerable to criminal activity.

According to the police commissioner, the operation is expected to continue until the end of December, with officers instructed to carry out their duties professionally and comply strictly with the rules of engagement.

To improve coordination and coverage, the command has divided the state into three operational sectors.

Sector A, covering the Lafia zone, is headed by ACP Lamidu Alkali, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 58 in Lafia. Sector B, covering the Akwanga zone, is led by ACP Kadir Umar, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 38 in Akwanga.

Sector C, which covers the Keffi zone, is under ACP Olobekga Saligo, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 69 in Toto.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Sanusi Jidda, will coordinate activities across the three sectors to support the dismantling of criminal camps and improve the effectiveness of the operation.

Mohammed urged residents to assist the security agencies by providing timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.

He assured the public that information supplied to the police would be treated confidentially and encouraged residents to remain law-abiding while continuing their legitimate activities.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property as the operation gets underway.

Also read: Laide Bakare Rejects Eniola Badmus’ ‘Fake’ Apology

The success of the Nasarawa police operation will depend on effective intelligence gathering, coordination among security teams and cooperation from local communities. The command has yet to disclose details of arrests, weapons recovered or other operational results.