Anambra police raid secessionist camp, recover arms and explosives
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Anambra State Police Command successfully raided a secessionist camp in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area, recovering a significant cache of sophisticated arms and ammunition. The operation, led by Chief Superintendent of Police Orebe Mathew of the Inspector General of Police’s Violent Crime Response Unit, followed credible information from a 37-year-old suspect, Nnamdi Ogbonna, who is allegedly a top commander of the proscribed secessionist group. After a prolonged gun battle, the security team dislodged the insurgents, who fled with gunshot wounds. Recovered items include a General Purpose Machine Gun with 2,000 rounds of ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers, 10 locally-made Improvised Explosive Devices, a locally-made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, three hand grenades, and other items. The suspect in custody has admitted involvement in numerous violent attacks across Anambra State, including assaults on police and government facilities, and the killing of security personnel. Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu stated that the Violent Crime Response Unit is motivated to continue offensive operations against criminal elements in the state.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Nigerian stock market experienced a N1.92 trillion loss on Thursday, driven by sell-offs in banking and cement stocks. This decline followed new regulatory guidelines from the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN concerning foreign subsidiaries of banks. The market capitalization dropped by 1.23 percent, from N155.780 trillion to N153.858 trillion, and the All-Share Index ASI fell by 1.23 percent to close at 239,734.61. Investment banker and stockbroker Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka attributed the decline to investor reactions to the CBN directive, which mandates banks operating in foreign countries to limit investments in foreign subsidiaries to 10 percent of their equity capital or shareholders' funds. Banks exceeding this threshold are required to divest. Mr. Olayinka explained that the market interpreted this as the CBN integrating foreign revenues and reserves into existing regulatory capital, potentially impacting corporate payout capabilities. This led to a repricing of international banking stocks, which then affected other highly capitalized equities, including cement companies. Despite this, Mr. Olayinka believes the development is temporary, stating that the affected banks remain fundamentally strong and undervalued, with high upside potentials.
Must ReadA Federal High Court in Kaduna has scheduled June 1, 2026, for the hearing of two pre-trial motions filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in a corruption case brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC. Justice Rilwanu Aikawa adjourned the matter after the former governor's counsel, Mustapha Abubakar SAN, indicated he was not ready to proceed immediately. El-Rufai faces allegations of financial misconduct, including the alleged release of billions of naira for unexecuted projects during his administration, which he denies. The court had previously, on April 14, granted El-Rufai bail for N200 million with two sureties. Bail conditions included one surety being a senior civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and the second a recognized elder in the state. The court also ordered the deposit of international passports and restricted El-Rufai from public comments on the case. On Thursday, Justice Aikawa denied a request to allow the first surety to provide a bank guarantee instead of a cash deposit but granted a variation allowing the second surety to be recognized by a district head instead of the Kaduna State Council of Elders. The defense also filed motions to strike out some documents attached to the charges. The anti-graft agency accuses El-Rufai of authorizing payments for projects allegedly not executed during his tenure.
Crystal Palace secured their first-ever European final appearance by beating Shakhtar Donetsk 5-2 on aggregate in the UEFA Conference League semi-final. Manager Oliver Glasner's team advanced after a 3-1 first-leg lead, followed by a 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park. The second leg saw an own goal from Pedro Henrique, an equalizer from Eguinaldo, and a decisive goal from Ismaila Sarr. Palace will now face Rayo Vallecano in the final in Leipzig later this month. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson praised the team's belief under Glasner, who is set to leave the club after his contract expires next month. Glasner, who arrived in early 2024, has overseen a successful period for Palace, including an FA Cup final win against Manchester City and a Community Shield victory over Liverpool. The Conference League final on May 27 will be Glasner's last match in charge, offering a chance for another trophy.
Aston Villa secured a 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Europa League semi-finals, overcoming a 1-0 first-leg deficit to advance 4-1 on aggregate. Ollie Watkins opened the scoring, followed by Emiliano Buendia's penalty, and a late double from John McGinn sealed the win. This triumph marks Villa's first European final in 44 years, setting up a clash against German club Freiburg in Istanbul on May 20. Freiburg reached their first European showpiece by beating Braga 4-3 on aggregate. Prince William was among the fans celebrating at Villa Park. Unai Emery, who has won the Europa League four times, has revitalized Villa since taking over in 2022. Villa is now one win away from their first major trophy since the 1996 League Cup and their first major continental prize since 1982. They will be favorites against Freiburg, who are seventh in the Bundesliga. Nottingham Forest's bid for a European final ended, extending their 36-year trophy drought.