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Tag: law enforcement

  • Bandits Attack Zamfara Mosque During Prayers, Kidnap Worshippers

    Bandits Attack Zamfara Mosque During Prayers, Kidnap Worshippers

    Bandits on Monday night, struck at a mosque in Gusau, Zamfara State capital, abducting numerous worshippers during the Tahajjud congregational prayer.

    Tahajjud prayer is a vigil normally held in the last 10 days of Ramadan preceeding Eid-el-Ftr.

    According to a source, Mannir, the attackers stormed the mosque during the night prayer and kidnapped the worshippers

    Mannir, however, expressed uncertainty about the exact number of persons taken as captives.

    “While the number of abducted individuals remains unconfirmed, authorities are actively pursuing the assailants,” Mannir added.

    As at the time of this report, no ransom demand has been made, and no group has claimed responsibility for the audacious attack, adding to the prevailing sense of insecurity in the North-West.

  • Deputy Speaker Kalu Advocates Political Means for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

    Deputy Speaker Kalu Advocates Political Means for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, revealed ongoing efforts to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, through a combination of legal processes and political negotiations.

    Speaking on “The Ben Kalu’s Mandate” radio show, Kalu emphasized the importance of behind-the-scenes political maneuvers in achieving Kanu’s release and fostering peace in the South East region.

    Kalu highlighted the role of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) in advocating for reconciliation and acknowledged Kanu’s significance in the peace agenda. 

    He stressed the need for political solutions and urged the involvement of Igbo elders in discussions with the federal government.

    Kalu said: “The Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) has reconciliation in the mix of what we are trying to achieve. We recognise the importance of our brother, Nnamdi Kanu in the peace agenda we are pushing. That’s the truth. And I have been very vocal about it. I am not hiding it.

    “I have always told people that I will never deny Nnamdi Kanu. He’s my brother. We come from the same place and I will never be happy having him incarcerated when we can have him out and increase our pursuit towards peace. But we may not advance all the things we are doing behind our backs but I can assure you that all the powers-that-be in this country know that people like us are not sitting on the fence.”

    Addressing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill, Kalu noted its progress in the conference committee stage, emphasizing the importance of resolving related matters to advance the region’s development.

    Kalu called for peace and loyalty to the government while pursuing concessions, underscoring the imperative of maintaining stability in the region.

  • 8 Arrested in Connection with Killing of Police Officers in Delta

    8 Arrested in Connection with Killing of Police Officers in Delta

    The Nigeria Police Force has taken significant strides in the investigation into the tragic killings of six officers in Delta State.

    Confirming the arrest, Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the arrests were made following intensive investigative efforts.

    The officers were ambushed on February 23 and 26 in Ughelli, with six still missing. 

    Adejobi announced that a total of eight suspects are currently in custody, with initial arrests leading to additional apprehensions. The suspects are aiding in the ongoing investigation.

    Expressing condolences to the families of the fallen officers, the police reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring justice is served swiftly.

    Adejobi emphasized that those responsible for the heinous act will face the full force of the law.

    The statement read:

    “Following intensive investigative efforts, the police have apprehended eight (8) suspects in connection with the brutal ambush attack. Five (5) suspects were initially arrested shortly after the incident, and an additional three (3) suspects have been apprehended, at different locations, following the statements and cooperation of the initially arrested suspects, bringing the total number of arrests to eight (8).

    “The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation. While the Nigeria Police Force is committed to ensuring that all those responsible for this reprehensible act, and many alike, are brought to justice swiftly and decisively. The Police assures that the suspects will soon have their day in court, with credible evidence, once investigations are concluded.

    “The Nigeria Police is deeply saddened by the heinous act of violence against our officers who were diligently performing their duty to protect and serve the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen officers during this difficult time.

    “We wish to reiterate that killers of our officers in this extant case, and many others, have murdered peace, and none of them will go unpunished.”

  • Most Wanted Boko Haram Terrorist Surrenders

    Most Wanted Boko Haram Terrorist Surrenders

    Most wanted commander of Boko Haram terrorists, Mallam Yathabalwe, who had been terrorising Gwoza in Borno State has surrendered.

    Emir of Gwoza, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, on Friday, revealed that the terrorist surrendered to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai.

    Before surrendering, the terrorist had been responsible for a series of attacks and killings, including the slaughtering of farmers on their farmlands in Gwoza LGA and environs.

    The monarch told journalists that, “We are happy to confirm and inform you that the most wanted top Commander of Boko Haram who had been terrorising Gwoza and other surrounding Mandara Mountain communities in my domain, Mallam Yathabalwe, has surrendered to troops of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ in the North-East.

    “He willingly came out from his enclave on Friday morning with two AK47 rifles and some ammunition. He was then handed over to the troops of the Nigerian military in Gwoza, after which he may be taken to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, for further questioning or action.

    “Yathabalwe, before surrendering, has been terrorising my people for many years, especially making it very difficult for farmers to access their farmlands. With this new development, we are hopeful that total peace will return to Gwoza and its environs.”

  • Why there’s no banditry in Southwest, Ex-Minister, Shittu

    Why there’s no banditry in Southwest, Ex-Minister, Shittu

    Former Communications Minister under the former President Buhari’s administration, Adebayo Shittu, says the level of education in the southwest is the reason why the region has little or no record of banditry.

    Shittu, who disclosed this while featuring on Arise TV Morning Show, on Thursday, maintains that bandits are people rebelling due to lack of education.

    According to the former Minister, “Why there is no banditry in the southwest is because we chose to educate the children.

    “When you fail to educate people, over the years they will grow up to find out that the social inequality like some people enjoying light, some driving cars, and they are left out. This makes them start rebellion against the society.

    “What is happening in the Northwest and Northeast in particular is a rebellion against the neglect of the poor.

    “Now that we have the issue of banditry on our hands, we have over the years been spending billions of naira in kinetic approach and it’s because people left out of education and civilization that Westernization brings about are rebelling.”

    Shittu had advised the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to give bandits a promising future by negotiating with them, stressing that most of the bandits are able-bodied men who the Federal Government should retain.

    The former Minister also added that a non-kinetic approach in dealing with banditry would bring about a lot of results.

  • Defence HQ declare eight persons wanted over death of 17 soldiers in Delta

    Defence HQ declare eight persons wanted over death of 17 soldiers in Delta

    The Defence Headquarters has issued a statement declaring eight individuals wanted in connection with the recent tragic killing of 17 military personnel in Delta State.

    The announcement was made during a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, March 28.

    The individuals named as wanted by the military are, PROF. EKPEKPO ARTHUR, ANDAOWEI DENNIS BAKRIRI, AKEVWRU DANIEL OMOTEGBO (also known as AMAGBEN), AKATA MALAWA DAVID, SINCLEAR OLIKI, CLEMENT IKOLO OGHENERUKEYWE, REUBEN BARU, and IGOLI EBI.

    The incident occurred when a group of soldiers embarked on a rescue mission to the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta state.

    Their mission was to engage in a peace keeping mission from the neighboring Okoloba community, amidst a longstanding land dispute between the two areas.

    Unfortunately, the soldiers were ambushed and killed by armed assailants and local mercenaries.

    According to a military source, the commander and his troops were taken by surprise while returning to the waterfront.

  • NLC Chairman Lands In Prison For Diverting Palliative Funds

    NLC Chairman Lands In Prison For Diverting Palliative Funds

    Comrade Muktar Tarbutu, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Yobe State, has been remanded in prison following accusations of diverting palliatives intended for union members.

    Tarbutu faced arraignment before Magistrate II Damaturu on Wednesday, responding to allegations of misappropriating palliatives provided by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

    According to Barrister Mohammad Mohammad Ngumurumi, Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Yobe, the NEDC had allocated various essential items, including rice, sugar, spaghetti, and textiles, for distribution among several unions, which Tarbutu allegedly failed to fulfill.

    “The North East Development Commission (NEDC) had distributed these items to the NLC, TUC, NUJ, and NBA for distribution among their members. However, the accused did not distribute the items allocated to the NUJ and NBA,” Ngumurumi stated.

    Tarbutu, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was remanded in custody until April 18, 2024, awaiting further legal proceedings, as ordered by Chief Magistrate II Damaturu, His Worship Hasiya Abubakar.

  • Breaking! Tinubu Offers Scholarship To Children of slain soldiers 

    Breaking! Tinubu Offers Scholarship To Children of slain soldiers 

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday conferred national honours on 17 members of the Nigerian Army who were killed in Delta State on March 14, 2024.

    This was as he announced the provision of housing facilities for the surviving family members and scholarships for all their children to the university level.

    He also directed the payment of death benefits to the family members within 90 days.

    He announced these during the burial ceremony of the slain servicemen at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.

    Tinubu posthumously conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger on the Commanding Officer 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt. Col. A.H Ali; Maj S.D Shafa (N/13976); Maj D.E Obi (N/14395) and Capt U Zakari (N/16348).

    He also conferred the honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger on SSgt Yahaya Saidu (#3NA/36/2974); Cpl Yahaya Danbaba (1ONA/65/7274); Cpl Kabiru Bashir (11NA/66/9853); LCpl Bulus Haruna (16NA/TS/5844); LCpl Sola Opeyemi (17NA/760719); LCpl Bello Anas (17NA/76/290); LCpl Hamman Peter (NA/T82653); LCpl Ibrahim Abdullahi (18NA/77/1191); Pte Alhaji Isah (17NA/76/6079); Pte Clement Francis (19NA/78/0911); Pte Abubakar Ali (19NA/78/2162); Pte Ibrahim Adamu (19NA/78/6079) and Pte Adamu Ibrahim (21NA/80/4795).

  • Bandits Should be given promising future – Adebayo Shittu

    Bandits Should be given promising future – Adebayo Shittu

    In what seems like a shocking appeal similar to that of Kaduna-based cleric, Ahmad Gumi, former Minister of Communication Adebayo Shittu, says bandits terrorising the country ought to be given promising future. 

    The ex-minister also implores the Tinubu-led administration to negotiate with the bandits, stressing that they are able-bodied men who should be retained by the federal government. 

    The former minister stated this while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, stating that a non-kinetic approach in dealing with banditry would bring about a lot of results.

    “If I am in position, it is not too late to use non-kinetic measures in negotiating with bandits, giving them a promising future. Let us retain them. Many of them are very intelligent, many of them are able-bodied,” Shittu said.

    The ex-minister said the millions of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria are a “production factory for banditry” in the country.

    This is coming when controversial Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi had urged the federal government to negotiate with bandits.

    Recall that popular controversial Islamic Cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi had warned President Tinubu against toeing the path of former President Muhammadu Buhari who refused to negotiate with bandits, while urging the president to hire him in negotiating with bandits.

  • Security forces kill bandit leader who shot down military helicopter

    Security forces kill bandit leader who shot down military helicopter

    Security forces have reportedly killed an infamous bandit leader Dogo Gide, behind several attacks, including the shooting of a military helicopter.

    Dogo Gide passed away as a result of gunshot injuries sustained during a clash with Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) forces.

    The encounter took place in the challenging landscape of Madada forest within the Maru local government area on March 12, 2024.

    Despite suffering serious injuries, Dogo Gide was said to have been covertly taken to a hospital in Mabera, Sokoto, Sokoto State, where he eventually passed away.

    Dogo Gide, a notorious fugitive sought for his series of heinous crimes in the area, was laid to rest in Dandalla Village on March 24.

    His appearance at the hospital was supposedly made easier by a security official who is currently detained, prompting concerns about potential cooperation within the security forces.