Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Dogo Gide, a prominent banditry kingpin, has abducted 11 female students of the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri, in Kebbi State, and is holding them despite payment of ransom and prisoner swaps. Gide is believed to be the closest to jihadi groups due to his long association with Ansaru, and has threatened to convert the students by training the males on gun-handling and marrying off the females. Gide and his men are said to be living freely in Birnin Gwari suburbs of Kamfanin Doka and Gwaska.

Fifty children were feared trapped when a building housing a satellite church of Salvation Ministries collapsed during evening service at Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Council of Delta State. The 10-year-old building was initially designed as a plaza before the church occupied the upper chamber and started to reshape it to suit its purpose. It finally caved in while it was undergoing reconstructions by the new owner, who allegedly bought the building at the rate of N300 million. About 15 women and 20 children have been rescued, but it could not be immediately ascertained whether they were still alive as they were being rolled into ambulances. A woman, who was wailing beyond control at the scene, said her three children were among those trapped in the building.

Not less than 201 people have been reported killed within five months in 27 attacks in seven local government areas in Plateau State, Daily Trust reports. The killings occurred between January 19 and June 20. The local governments are Riyom, Bokkos, Jos South, Jos East, Barkin Ladi, Bassa and Mangu. The figure is based on data sourced from reported killings in the state, therefore, the casualty figure may be higher. 

Residents and pundits have expressed worry over the recent killings in the state, recalling similar incidents first recorded in 2001 which dragged on for over a decade and claimed hundreds of lives and property worth billions of naira. They noted that while insecurity climaxed during the administrations of former Governors Joshua Dariye and Jonah Jang, there was a reprieve from 2015 when Simon Bako Lalong took over until around the twilight of his administration when the dark old days of killings resurfaced. 

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) reports that 3.3 million people are now internally displaced in Nigeria as a result of numerous crises. Finda Koroma, vice president of the ECOWAS Commission, stated at a stakeholder workshop on the "Best practises for stabilisation in West Africa" that the subregion needed to address the challenge of displacement. For instance, the Militant Islamist group has displaced 1.2 million people in Burkina Faso. Additionally, Boko Haram's brutal attacks in the North East have forced about 2.5 million Nigerians to flee their homes. We must devise a strategy to enable these communities to return to their houses. We established the ECOWAS fund for regional stabilisation and development in weak member states in collaboration with the German government.This program's goals are to stabilise areas that have experienced a war by giving those areas access to critical services and sustainable economic possibilities, as well as by building or renovating important national infrastructure.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has condemned the killings of two individuals in the Kofar Gayan area of Zaria by suspected bandits. The attack occurred just over 24 hours after the collapse of parts of the Zaria Central Mosque. Abbas expressed concern over the recurring attacks in Zaria and its surroundings in the past few years. He called for a thorough investigation into the attack and the killings to unravel those behind the act. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and commiserated with the Kaduna State Government, the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and the people of Zaria.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has condemned the killings of two individuals in the Kofar Gayan area of Zaria by suspected bandits. The attack occurred just over 24 hours after the collapse of parts of the Zaria Central Mosque. Abbas expressed concern over the recurring attacks in Zaria and its surroundings in the past few years. He called for a thorough investigation into the attack and the killings to unravel those behind the act. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and commiserated with the Kaduna State Government, the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and the people of Zaria.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has condemned the killings of two individuals in the Kofar Gayan area of Zaria by suspected bandits. The attack occurred just over 24 hours after the collapse of parts of the Zaria Central Mosque. Abbas expressed concern over the recurring attacks in Zaria and its surroundings in the past few years. He called for a thorough investigation into the attack and the killings to unravel those behind the act. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and commiserated with the Kaduna State Government, the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and the people of Zaria.

Mohammed Zarma, an ex-DEPUTY Comptroller with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has reclaimed his freedom. He was allegedly kidnapped by armed individuals last Friday in Kwara State. The source said that the kidnappers' initial demand of N10 million was later dropped to N6 million, even though the ransom sum was not made public. But before disclosing any information, he claimed he needed to create contracts.

 

Zamfara State governor Bello Matawalle has accused 'political Bandits' of increasing the figures of killings in the state. He disclosed this to State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said, "Yes, I have already cleared the air about the figures. Because I have seen some reporting that 200 people, 300 people, 500 people were killed. "But I went to the community by myself and the security agencies. "But some people will just go to social media and be writting some figures and I have informed Mr. President of some people who think that with this insecurity they can achieve something out of it. Some people even swear with Koron that thousand of people have been killed which he noted is misleading.

Kebbi state Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris has vowed to tackle the insecurity occasioned by incessant bandits' attacks in Zuru Emirate of Kebbi South. The governor while receiving the Emir of Zuru, at the government house, Birnin Kebbi on tuesday said his administration had resolved to change the negative security narrative in that part of the state. He also expressed his worry that the farming and trading activities of the people of the area had been badly affected by the security challenges, he vowed to ensure normalcy returned to the emirate 

According to Daily Trust, on Thursday, bandits stormed Ariko village, a Fulani community in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State, where they killed two people and kidnapped three more. Yesterday, according to sources in Jere town, the incident took place when the bandits raided one Alhaji Awu's home in Ariko village in an effort to kidnap him. The bandits took him out of the compound after he allegedly resisted them. They abducted Alhaji Awu and his two children, a boy and a girl, against their will. Alhaji Awu's hugged her son in a pool of his own blood, and the bandits smiled as they witnessed it, he claimed.

Twenty-three women have been kidnapped by bandits in the Damaga district of the Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The women, our correspondent was told, riding on motorcycles, swooped on them, whisking away 23. An indigene of the area, Mohammed Sani, who spoke to our correspondent about the incident, 

“We have already informed the police about this issue and we are waiting to hear from the bandits the amount of money they will ask us to pay (as ransom).” 

The villager lamented that the kidnap was one too many, noting that villagers continued to pay ransom to bandits now and then.

Meanwhile,  bandits also kidnapped 10  officials of Triacta Construction Company in Talata-Mafara, the hometown of former governor Abdulaziz Yari.

An indigene of the town, Ismail Shehu, said the weapon-wielding hoodlums fired many shots in the air before they finally forced themselves into the company and kidnapped 10 of the construction workers.

Gunmen on Tuesday morning and night struck in three communities in Nigere and Plateau States, killing 51 residents before fleeing unchallenged. Bodies of 34 persons killed in Niger's Nakuna and Wurukuchi communities were found in bushes and farms. the attacks in Niger and Plateau were cofirmed by Police Commissioner Monday Kuryas and Operation Safe Haven commander Maj. -Gen. I.S.Ali. They did not dispute the figures. The gunmen were said to have captured and killed three tof the hunters in one of the two communtities. They noted thtat in the last few years, a lot was veing done to address tje securityu challenges in the country but pointed out that jmore resources and community mobilization were still needed to flush out terrorists and bandits. The governors were led by Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State.

Gunmen invaded Gbagyi Villa, a community on the way to Kaduna Refinery, on Monday night, killing one person and kidnapping a pregnant wife, children and others. Nigerian army personnel engaged them in a heavy gunfight that lasted over an hour. The wife of the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Plateau State Deputy Governor, Dorcas Silas Vem, was released and a Director of the MoH, Dr. Simon Audu, regained his freedom. Simon Lalong, Plateau State Governor, has vowed to make the state uninhabitable for criminals following recent cases of ritual killings and kidnapping. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged security agencies to invite leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for questioning over their alleged connections with terrorists.

A group of school children have been abducted by bandits at Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina State, just hours after President Muhammadu Buhari arrived for a private visit. The assailants terrorized the community before abducting the students, while those who managed to escape fled into nearby bushes. Parents are now searching for their children's whereabouts. The abductions have been followed by others in Kano, Lagos, and other states. Nigeria faces security challenges, exacerbated by the emergence of Boko Haram insurgents in Borno state a decade ago. Boko Haram, now joined by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), has killed thousands, displaced millions, orphaned many children, and destroyed infrastructures and livelihoods in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa.

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday rejected the call for the institutionalisation of state police, saying states do not have what it takes to finance devolution of powers.

Speaking on channels Television. president Buhari also citied the rather strained relationship between governors and the local government areas as reason.

It would be recalled that president Buhari had previously expressed his reservations about the idea of state police.

He said: The role of traditional rulers must not be undermined because in their areas they know who is who, even by families, not to even talk of individuals.

So, we have to revert to that system for us to have effective securiy in the localities" he said.

The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed sadness at the news of the tragic incidents that recently affected the Salvation Army and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the twin tragedy is shocking, thus the need for government to secure the lives of Nigerians.

“The loss of 12 pastors (officers), a baby, and a driver in a fatal accident on the same day, near Benin City, Edo State, is a devastating blow to the congregation, the body of Christ in Nigeria, and the nation at large. “We stand with the Salvation Army during this very difficult time in prayer, asking that God will comfort them and ease their pain. We also urge the government authorities to thoroughly investigate the accident in order to prevent a repeat of this episode.

There are concerns at present in Kwara State over the latest rising trend in kidnap activities. While top security brass, who visited recently, described the state as one of the most peaceful in the country, the menace of kidnapping for ransom has continued to threaten that slogan. Daily Trust reports that there has been a spike in the frequency of abductions by gunmen lately which has led to the death of several persons and payment of several millions of naira in ransom.

However, it appears the perpetrators are becoming more daring if the incident that occurred about two weeks ago at Okanle, near Idofian, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, is anything to go by.

The Ahoada police division of the Rivers State police command, on sunday foiled a supremacy battle between Iceland and Greenland cult group in Udebu community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of the State, Sources said that members of the cult groups had mobilised to engage in a supremacy battle in the community at about 5pm when they were intercepted by the policemen, who acted on a tip off. Another source said that items recovered were AK-47 ammunition which was used by a locally made pistol called fabricated G-3, charms and some other dangerous weapons. Spokesperson for the Rivers state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko has confirmed that three suspected cultists were wounded by the police in Udebu community in exchange of gunfire

Terrorists killed dozens and displaced hundreds in four states over the weekend, including Niger and Kuchi. Residents of the affected communities reported that attackers rode on motorcycles and operated unchallenged before attacking residents. DSP Wasiu Abiodun kept sealed lips, but State Commissioner for Local Government Emmanuel Umar confirmed the attack. Security operations are ongoing and people are still on the run. The four camps of Abdulkarim and Dankarami were attacked by more than 1500 bandits, looting everything and setting places on fire. The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, with eleven people confirmed killed and some inflicted with gunshot injuries. Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has ordered that bandits should be classified as terrorists.

A week morning has been set aside by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State in memory of its members who died last week while attending a meeting. Last Tuesday, gunmen broke into the APC meeting in Enugu South Local Government at the Ward 3 party headquarters in Obeagu Awkunanaw, killing two members, former Enugu Douth Local Government APC chairman Kelvin Nnaemeka Ezeoha and Chidera Ogaba. Agballah claimed that the APC was an opposition party working to create a different option for the populace, and that it was also the only party in the nation capable of realizing Ndi-dream Igbo's of becoming president.

Three dead bodies were found yesterday in Amaeze, Ivo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, near a farmland. "We got a distress call from the chairman of the Amaeze community about the discovery of three fresh bodies on a farmland at the border between Amaeze and Lokpa community," the source said.According to Okorie, the victims were supposed to have left for work on Sunday, but their families were not notified of their whereabouts until this morning. 

Fire destroys two stores and four shops at Oja-Tuntun market in Ilorin, Kwara State, caused by careless burning of refuse. Firemen were able to extinguish the fire and save other shops.

worried by the renewed killings and attacks of innocent people by suspended fulani militias in plateau and benue states, the middlebelt forum has called on president bola tinubu to put on hold all preparations geared towards the conduct of the proposed 2023 national population and housing census. They noted that Nigeria is still enmeshed in a war against terrorist elements bent on tearing it apart and called on the president to give priority to the resolution of the security challenges in order to avoid conducting another census may be marred by disputes

Yet-to-be-identified gunmen have abducted seven students of the University of Jos. DSP Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Police Command in Plateau State, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Jos.

According to Alabo, the students were abducted on Monday night at their hostel located outside the campus. He explained that the students were whisked away while reading for their second-semester examinations that commenced on Tuesday.

”The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bartholomew Onyeka, has deployed armed police personnel to arrest the kidnappers and ensure the safe release of the abducted students. Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), and other security agencies have also deployed their personnel for search and rescue operations,” he said.

Gunmen have kidnapped six children of former Secretary to Taraba State Government, Gebon Kataps, alongside their police escort and driver. The state's police command confirmed the incident, but could not ascertain the exact number of victims. Meanwhile, troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have eliminated 950 Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East between May 20, 2021, and January 6, 2022. About 24,059 terrorists and their families have so far surrendered to the troops in the region, and 79 terrorists were arrested and 113 kidnapped civilians rescued.

Gunmen have attacked the Sino Hydro Power Electricity Dam project in Zungeru, Niger State, and kidnapped some Chinese and local staff. The police tactical team engaged the hoodlums in a gun battle and rescued expatriates and a local staff, but government has yet to confirm any death. Zaar Development Association (ZDA) has apologised over the attacks on Bauchi emirs and others. Alhaji Umaru AbdulMutallab, the billionaire businessman and father of Farouk AbdulMutallab, is serving a life sentence in a US prison for terrorism act. He communicates with his son on the phone and his mother, brother and sister visited him under strict prison guidelines. AbdulMutallab hopes to see his son again in his lifetime. China's flying car developer eyes ASEAN aerial tour market

Gunmen have attacked the Sino Hydro Power Electricity Dam project in Zungeru, Niger State, and kidnapped some Chinese and local staff. The police tactical team engaged the hoodlums in a gun battle and rescued expatriates and a local staff, but government has yet to confirm any death. Zaar Development Association (ZDA) has apologised over the attacks on Bauchi emirs and others. Alhaji Umaru AbdulMutallab, the billionaire businessman and father of Farouk AbdulMutallab, is serving a life sentence in a US prison for terrorism act. He communicates with his son on the phone and his mother, brother and sister visited him under strict prison guidelines. AbdulMutallab hopes to see his son again in his lifetime. China's flying car developer eyes ASEAN aerial tour market

Suspected gunmen on saturday evenig reportedluy shot four people to dead at a mining site in Dong Village, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. Source revealed that no fewer than four men were shot dead and a woman who survied a gunshot is receiving treatment in the hospital. the representing Jos South\Jos East in the National Assembly, Dachung Musa Bagos described the Killing as one death too many , He empathised with the families of Lo- Bwong of Lo-Tang, in Hwoishe, JOs South Local Government Area over th inhumane and cold blooded killing of members of their family by callous and bloodthirsty bandits.

Austin Abide Odion and Lawrence Egumamhe were abducted by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen and kept in captivity for four days before they were released upon payment of ransom by their family members. Odion and Egumamhe had to trek a long distance to Okene in Kogi State to celebrate Christmas in their hometown, Unemeh-Uzanu in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. The kidnappers initially demanded N15 million, but it was negotiated and paid in millions of naira. They were dehumanised, tortured, embarrassed, harassed, and threatened to be killed if the ransom was not paid. We must be security conscious and assist security agencies with timely information and logistics to ensure adequate protection of lives and property.

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the military to respond "robustly" to the cases of killings and kidnappings in Kaduna State and to give effect to the strategic objectives through the use of force. He has also set the ball rolling for a major military operation in communities, where bandits and remnants of fleeing Boko Haram terrorists attarks.

Acting Inspector General of Police Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun has ordered the deployment of 35 Commissioners of Police to various state commands and formations across the country. This followed the approval of his recommendation by the Police Service Commission. “Amongst the newly posted Commissioners of Police are: Oluwarotimi to Kwara State Command; to Oyo State Command; Ogbodo to Ebonyi State Command; CP Samuel Titus Musa to Kebbi State Command; CP Aderemi Olufemi Adeoye to Anambra State Command; CP Auwal Musa to Bauchi State Command; and CP Alamatu Abiodun Mustapha to Ogun State Command. ” Egbetokun urged the new CPs to key into his policies,.

Acting Inspector General of Police Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun has ordered the deployment of 35 Commissioners of Police to various state commands and formations across the country. This followed the approval of his recommendation by the Police Service Commission. “Amongst the newly posted Commissioners of Police are: Oluwarotimi to Kwara State Command; to Oyo State Command; Ogbodo to Ebonyi State Command; CP Samuel Titus Musa to Kebbi State Command; CP Aderemi Olufemi Adeoye to Anambra State Command; CP Auwal Musa to Bauchi State Command; and CP Alamatu Abiodun Mustapha to Ogun State Command. ” Egbetokun urged the new CPs to key into his policies,.

Traditional rulers and clerics in the South East region have urged politicians in Imo State to end their hostilities to save the state, stressing that the state has become a war zone. They lamented the invasion of a church by officers of the Nigeria Police on December 26, 2021 to arrest candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the 2019 governorship election, Uche Nwosu, and the exchange of gunfire between unknown gunmen and law enforcement officers. The Igbo nation is appalled that those responsible seem unable to gauge the consequences of their conducts. The tension, violence and failing law and order in Imo State have resulted in many deaths, including those of traditional rulers, missing persons and abduction of scores of youths by law enforcement and non-state actors. The statement lamented that the state of affairs in Imo should be blamed on some politicians and their cohorts, who constitute an assault on the dignity and wellbeing of Imo people and the Igbo nation. They urged all political leaders in contestation and their followers to desist from all actions that would escalate the situation and to examine their conscience. They proposed to hold meetings with Governor Hope Uzodimma, former governors, former governorship candidates and elders of the state to review the situation and proffer a lasting solution.

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has criticized the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. The NCCSALW, established by former President Muhammadu Buhari in line with Article 24 of the ECOWAS Convention, aims to collaborate with stakeholders to check unauthorized access to small weapons and strengthen peace and security in the country. The center aims to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to combat the destruction of lives and property caused by the proliferation of illicit weapons.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has banned the singing of Nigeria's national anthem in schools and the use of Fulani cows during festive seasons in the South East region. Its Head, Directorate of State, Chika Edoziem, urged IPOB members to prepare for a global protest with a focus on the British, Nigerian Embassy, Kenyan Embassy and the United Nations, and to campaign for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu. Additionally, a new department, known as the Education Department, would be created to teach Igbo history in primary and secondary schools, and Biafran writers would be called upon to write books and educational materials to be published for children.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has asked South East governors and security operatives to penalise purported enforcers of the suspended sit-at-home order in the region, distancing itself from the shootings in Enugu State that disrupted economic activities and resulted in the burning of cars. IPOB has suspended the exercise since September last year, but some unscrupulous elements and criminals have continued to inflict pain on Ndigbo. IPOB stressed the need for the people to stand firm and fight for their liberty, and urged Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to deal decisively with any hoodlum using the sit-at-home order to torture innocent citizens and residents of the state. It also warned that those shooting sporadically in the market and parts of Enugu State are criminals and bandits using IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and ESN to humiliate and demonise the movement.

Despite government warnings against crowd-funding for ransoms, the practice continues to gain ground, with abductees and their families raising funds from relatives, friends, and social media to secure the release of kidnapped victims. Families of abductees disregarded the government's warnings, fearing the victims might be killed or harmed if they failed to pay the ransom. The Nigerian Police Force and Minister of Defence have warned against engaging in crowd-funding for ransoms.

The security services in Plateau State have been ordered by the governor of the state, Simon Bako Lalong, to go after the attackers who attacked and killed three people in the Rafin Bauna, Bassa Local Government Area on Sunday. According to the Governor's security report, the victims were ambushed and killed by gunmen who are still at large as they travelled from Dutsen Kura to Rafin Bauna. He told the state's population during his speech at the Catholic Cathedral in Shendam that the government will step up its efforts to combat all crimes, including abduction, which has grown to be a bigger threat to the people's safety and sense of calm.

The senate President Ahmad Lawan, on the  23rd of January 2022, called for a  thorough investigation into the incident in which a motor driver was reportedly shot dead at Garin Alkali in Bursari Local Government of Yobe State. He said, he was deeply saddened by the tragic news at Garin Alkali on Saturday and the violent reactions that followed it. He also appeal for calm and  assure the peace- loving members of the community that justice will be served in this matter. He urge memers of the community never to take the law into their hands no matter the provocation because such reactions often lead to further tragedies.

According to Daily Trust, on Thursday, bandits stormed Ariko village, a Fulani community in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State, where they killed two people and kidnapped three more. Yesterday, according to sources in Jere town, the incident took place when the bandits raided one Alhaji Awu's home in Ariko village in an effort to kidnap him. The bandits took him out of the compound after he allegedly resisted them. They abducted Alhaji Awu and his two children, a boy and a girl, against their will. Alhaji Awu's hugged her son in a pool of his own blood, and the bandits smiled as they witnessed it, he claimed.

According to Daily Trust, on Thursday, bandits stormed Ariko village, a Fulani community in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State, where they killed two people and kidnapped three more. Yesterday, according to sources in Jere town, the incident took place when the bandits raided one Alhaji Awu's home in Ariko village in an effort to kidnap him. The bandits took him out of the compound after he allegedly resisted them. They abducted Alhaji Awu and his two children, a boy and a girl, against their will. Alhaji Awu's hugged her son in a pool of his own blood, and the bandits smiled as they witnessed it, he claimed.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has said military action alone cannot end banditry and terrorism in frontline states in the Northwest and Niger State in the Northcentral.

The governor said this yesterday at a high-level town hall meeting on: Promoting Peace and Security in Northwest Nigeria, in Kaduna.

He noted that what would enable the government and the residents to overcome the security challenges is the understanding of the crisis and close collaboration among the frontline states, various stakeholders and security agencies. The Kukah Centre, in partnership with Global Rights, with the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) organised the one-day event as a part of a project in Kaduna and Sokoto states towrads Building Community Resilience Against Insecurity and Violent Extremism and To Achieve Better Inclusion for Women in Peace-Building Efforts.

The military high command says it has discovered and destroyed no fewer than 23 illegal crude oil refeneries and arrested 60 suspected oil thieves in the last two weeks. The Director, Defence media operations, Maj. Gen Edward Buba, disclosed this on  wednesday during miltary's biweekly press briefing in Abuja. there has been increased clampdown on oil theft in recent times following a directive by president Bola Tinubu to security agencies to crush oil theft. the military spokesman said ,Troops of operation Delta safe recovered 367200 litres of crude ,27,150 litres of Auyomotive  Gas oil, 550 assorted rounds of ammunition, 12 cacalibres of weapons, seven empty. The burning of the vessel drew criticisms from some quarter  with the house of Representatives, on Tuesday cautioning the military and order security agencies.

The military high command says it has discovered destroyed no fewer than 23 illegal crude oil refeneries and arrested 60 suspected oil thieves in the last two weeks. The Director, Defence media operation media operations , maj. Gen Edward Buba, disclosed this on wednesday during miltary biweekly press briefing in Abuja. There has been increased clampdown on i oil theft in recent times following  a directive by president Bola Tinubu to security agencies to crush oil theft.Troops equally destroyed 22 illegal refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34storage tanks, 96 ovens, and 16 dugout pits , while a total of 60 suspected criminals were apprehended within the period.'the burning of the vesssel drew criticisms from some quarters with the House  of Representatives, on Tuesday cautioning the military and other security agencies to desist from burning vessels with nstolen crude.Reacting to the criticisms while fielding question from journalists on Thursday Buba said the burning of the vessel was in line with militarys' standard operating procedure on stolen crude oil.

Mrs Silas was kidnapped on Sunday, January 9, 2022, at her residence in Little Rayfield Jos, Plateau State, while Dr Audu was kidnapped on Monday, January 10, 2022, at his residence in Barikin Ladi by the same kidnap gang. A statement by the Military Information Officer, Major Ishaku Takwa, said the rescued victims have been reunited with their families.

Several Airstrikes conducted by the Air component of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have successfully destroyed three illegal refining sites in Rivers State and three militant/pirates camps in Cross River State, respectively.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Sunday by the NAF  Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet.

The NAF Spokesperson stated that the airstrikes were executed in continuation of efforts aimed at containing the activities of terrorists, militants, and other criminal elements bent on destabilizing the nation and making life unbearable for peace-loving Nigerians. 

He explained that the air component of OPDS on 27 August carried out air interdiction missions on some illegal refining sites located at Cawthorne Channels, Bille, and Gogokori in the Degema local Government area of Rivers State.

He said the airstrikes were undertaken after the sites were observed to consist of illegal refining sites.

He said that at Gogokori, a Cotonou boat observed to be loaded with illegally refined products and heading into open waters was also engaged and destroyed.  The Director added that similar strikes were conducted at Idama in the Akuku‐toru local government area and Omoma in the Degema local government area of Rivers State following intelligence of refining activities at the two locations.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has claimed responsibility for the January 2023 fatal airstrike on Kawatiri community in Nasarawa State, which killed no fewer than 39 people. The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) said the airstrike occurred after the herders went to reclaim 1,250 of their cows impounded by the Benue livestock guards. 

Erstwhile Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule, had said the explosion in Kwatiri was not carried out by a NAF aircraft. He said “no air force plane flew through the area,” adding that the bombing was done by a drone whose operators were yet to be identified.

An audio clip purportedly released by bandits threatening to sack more villages in Rafi and other LGAs in Niger State has created fear among the farming communities of the areas. Residents told City & Crime that they could not sleep well since the audio went viral.

In the 14-minute audio clip shared with our reporter, the bandits asked the villages to come for negotiation within three days or face severe attacks. The speaker, in Hausa language, threatened that farming activities in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna State; and Gidigori, Garin-Zara, Pandogari, among other villages in Rafi LGA of Niger State, would not be allowed to farm this rainy season unless an agreement was reached.

Meanwhile, residents of the threatened communities have called on the state and federal governments to take immediate measures to avert the planned attacks and allow farmers to go about their farming activities.

president Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, mourned the death of troops killed by bandits in an ambush in the shiroro area of niger state, as well crash of a Nigerian Air force helicopter in the state on monday.the president, in a statement he personally signed onm tuesday, he said, these officers and men were answering the call of duty  while on an evacuation mission, in their dedicated service to our boeloved country, they paid the ultimate price.

Residents of communities affected by banditry and insurgency in Niger State have described President Muhammadu Buhari's directive for military operations in the state as long overdue. One of the affected communities, Mohammed Danjuma Abubakar, said her husband was kidnapped and is still in captivity.

Residents of communities affected by banditry and insurgency in Niger State have described President Muhammadu Buhari's directive for military operations in the state as long overdue. One of the affected communities, Mohammed Danjuma Abubakar, said her husband was kidnapped and is still in captivity.

A counter-terrorism expert in the United Kingdom, Dr Joseph Sunny Ifedimma has advised the Federal Government to set up a third force and establish a counter-terrorism agency to effectively tackle the growing insurgency and other criminalities including banditry and kidnapping. Ifedimma, who was a one-time private adviser to the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Late Gen. Andrew Azazi gave the advice in an interview with New Telegraph in Abuja on Monday. He also insisted that there was the need for a special adviser on counter-terrorism to the president, saying, “As counter-terrorism operations are becoming too costly, deadly and endless, we need to reactivate and bring back the dormant office of the Special Adviser to the President on Counter terrorism to the frontline. “Suffice me to say that this office was originally planned to be our counter-terrorism policy focal point, the audacious voice of the President, the government, and the foreign face of Nigeria abroad on counter-terrorism and allied critical crime matters.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has condemned the recent outburst of former Niger Delta militant Asari Dokubo, asking the Federal Government not to release Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu. The group's Vice President, Damian Ogene, argued that Dokubo's views were motivated by personal and selfish interests to attract government favor. He urged the Federal Government to heed the call by Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and other stakeholders to release Nnamdi Kanu. Ohanaeze has waded into the demolition of some buildings at Alaba International Market in Lagos State and urged Igbo in the area to remain calm. The group commended Governor Soludo for his political will and courage in delivering his promises to the people of the state. Ohanaeze also praised those affected for their understanding and collaboration with the state government in the ongoing infrastructural development.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has condemned the recent outburst of former Niger Delta militant Asari Dokubo, asking the Federal Government not to release Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu. The group's Vice President, Damian Ogene, argued that Dokubo's views were motivated by personal and selfish interests to attract government favor. He urged the Federal Government to heed the call by Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and other stakeholders to release Nnamdi Kanu. Ohanaeze has waded into the demolition of some buildings at Alaba International Market in Lagos State and urged Igbo in the area to remain calm. The group commended Governor Soludo for his political will and courage in delivering his promises to the people of the state. Ohanaeze also praised those affected for their understanding and collaboration with the state government in the ongoing infrastructural development.

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Emeka Nwonyi, said he had ordered fresh deployment of operatives to Bodo City in Gokana Local Government Area of the state to forestall further security breaches. This came as a traditional ruler and some chiefs in the area fled the community following a fresh attack by suspected cultists, who invaded the place on Monday. Recall that two youths on surveillance duty at a pipeline belonging to Shell in the area were shot dead by the rampaging cultists days after an oil spill occurred from the Trans Niger Pipeline over a fortnight ago. Also on Monday, it was gathered that some dare-devil gunmen stormed the community and killed a yet-to-be-identified youth. The latest onslaught caused pandemonium as some residents, including chiefs, fled to safer towns for fear of being killed. Speaking with PUNCH Metro, the state CP, Emeka Nwonyi, said he had personally met with the chiefs and other stakeholders in the area and charted the way forward, even as he expressed surprise at the latest developments.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has berated the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for banning the Nigerian anthem in all public schools in the South East. It warned that if implemented, it could cause the Federal Government to rescind its plans to release detained IPOB Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Instead, IPOB should join Ohanaeze to promote Igbo language, cultural heritage and values in South East schools. The group stressed that the recent insecurity challenges in South East were created by herdsmen masquerading as cattlemen.

A 32 year old ex-convict Gafar Oyewole has been arrested by operatives of Osun Amotekun Corps for allegedly stealing a ring moulding. The suspect was said to have perpetrated the act at ifelodun community, Agunbelewo area, Osogbo, Osun state. The suspect who is an ex-convict admitted to being in the act for a very long time and he had been to a correctional center for the same act. The Corps Commander of Osun Amotekun Corps, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinmbi asserted that the suspect was arrested at the scene after a distressed call by the Amotekun was received and they proceed into action. During cross-examination,the suspect confessed to perpetrating the act and pleaded for mercy. The suspect will be handed over to the police for subsequent interrogation and prosecution 

A 32 year old ex-convict Gafar Oyewole has been arrested by operatives of Osun Amotekun Corps for allegedly stealing a ring moulding. The suspect was said to have perpetrated the act at ifelodun community, Agunbelewo area, Osogbo, Osun state. The suspect who is an ex-convict admitted to being in the act for a very long time and he had been to a correctional center for the same act. The Corps Commander of Osun Amotekun Corps, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinmbi asserted that the suspect was arrested at the scene after a distressed call by the Amotekun was received and they proceed into action. During cross-examination,the suspect confessed to perpetrating the act and pleaded for mercy. The suspect will be handed over to the police for subsequent interrogation and prosecution 

The Kaduna State Police Command has thwarted a kidnapping attempt, freed 16 victims, and found a stolen car there. According to a statement made by ASP Muhammed Jalige, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO). and named the victims who had been saved as residents of Udawa Village, Chikun LGA: Patience Markus, Mercy Musa, Gloria Sunday, Yunis Sunday, Peace Ayuba, Grace Sunday, Sarafina Sunday, and Mechak Musa. Musa Mudu, Joshua Mudu, Jummai Musa, and Alfa Markus are further victims who have been saved. Abdulaziz Shola, Tanimu Muhammed, Mutari Idris, and Sani Musa are from the states of Lagos, Kano, Zamfara, and Niger, respectively. He claims that the police officer assigned to the Kawo Division's leadership sprang into action right away and found the vehicle.

The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to address the incessant bandits’ attacks in communities of Dutsin-Ma/Kurfi federal constituency of Katsina State, Yamaltu Deba in Gombe State and some parts of Ondo State. This followed the adoption of separate motions by Aminu Babale, Inuwa Garba and Timehin Adelegbe at the plenary on Wednesday.

Presenting his motion, Babale who is representing Dutsin-Ma/Kurfi federal constituency, said Tashar Yaro, Koza, Kudewa, Geza, Sauyawa, Tamawa and Maileda communities within Kurfi and Dutsin-Ma local government areas of Katsina State were attacked by bandits on June 12 which resulted in the deaths of scores of innocent villagers and injuries to others. He said the incessant attacks had led to low farming productivity, warning that majority of the youth in the affected areas could end up with little or no income, thus worsening youth restiveness.

Residents of Dangbala community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have raised the alarm over the influx of illegal miners in their neighbourhood. Four suspected illegal miners were arrested and detained by local vigilantes, who handed them to the police for prosecution. The presence of illegal miners in the community is capable of jeopardising the security situation and contributing to local conflicts. Allegations of some community elders' involvement in the illegal mining activities are also under threat. Collins Nicholas, a spokesman of the Akoko-Edo community, demanded for the prosecution of those arrested in connection with illegal mining. He said those behind the illegal mining had also resorted to frivolous petition writing against those opposed to their criminal activities to mislead the public. Haruna Yusuf confirmed the arrest of four miners, noting that the matter was being handled by the police command in Benin. Nicholas called on all well-meaning Akoko-Edo people to speak out against this invasion and the wanton stealing of God given resources.

The Senate in Nigeria will grill service chiefs on Wednesday and Thursday over rising insecurity, as reported by Senator Tokunbo Abiru. The Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions has postponed the interface between the two committees from Tuesday to Friday. The increase in killings and kidnappings has caused panic in the country. The Senate has decided to postpone the appearance of the Central Bank Governor (CBN) to Friday due to the Service Chiefs' scheduled appearance. The committee gathered in Room 211 for the planned interface, but decided to postpone it to Friday. The Senate also held closed-door sessions on the death of former Yobe State Governor Bukar Ibrahim, raising a nine-man delegation to pay a condolence visit to the governor and his family.

The Senate in Nigeria will grill service chiefs on Wednesday and Thursday over rising insecurity, as reported by Senator Tokunbo Abiru. The Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions has postponed the interface between the two committees from Tuesday to Friday. The increase in killings and kidnappings has caused panic in the country. The Senate has decided to postpone the appearance of the Central Bank Governor (CBN) to Friday due to the Service Chiefs' scheduled appearance. The committee gathered in Room 211 for the planned interface, but decided to postpone it to Friday. The Senate also held closed-door sessions on the death of former Yobe State Governor Bukar Ibrahim, raising a nine-man delegation to pay a condolence visit to the governor and his family.

Yesterday, survivors of the Sunday attack on a few communities in Plateau state's Kanam Local Government Area described what they witnessed and described the assault as horrific and unforgettable. According to reports, they killed both Muslims and Christians. Some of those who contacted with our correspondent yesterday claimed that the assailants, who rode motorcycles, advised women not to panic while they targeted men in the impacted towns. Villages including Kukawa, Gyanbahu, Dungur, and Keram were attacked. Locals, including political and community leaders, stated the attack was well planned because the attackers blocked entry points and destroyed cellphone poles before they went on a killing spree to prevent the victims from calling for help. President Muhammadu Buhari vehemently denounced the incident and vowed that those responsible would not escape punishment.

Yesterday, survivors of the Sunday attack on a few communities in Plateau state's Kanam Local Government Area described what they witnessed and described the assault as horrific and unforgettable. According to reports, they killed both Muslims and Christians. Some of those who contacted with our correspondent yesterday claimed that the assailants, who rode motorcycles, advised women not to panic while they targeted men in the impacted towns. Villages including Kukawa, Gyanbahu, Dungur, and Keram were attacked. Locals, including political and community leaders, stated the attack was well planned because the attackers blocked entry points and destroyed cellphone poles before they went on a killing spree to prevent the victims from calling for help. President Muhammadu Buhari vehemently denounced the incident and vowed that those responsible would not escape punishment.

Five members of vigilante group feared killed by herdsmen in Arimojiga Community in Ondo State, less than 48 hours after Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu visited Molege where three people were killed and houses razed. One Amotekun operative was injured in the attack.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has disclosed that the state government has uncovered alleged sponsors and financiers of killings, unknown gunmen and insecurity in the state. He will brief the people today during the sixth edition of the stakeholders interactive meeting. Security has been beefed at the Government House and other parts of Owerri, as well as exit and entry points of the city. The venue of the briefing was changed from the Ahiajoku Convention Centre at New Owerri to the Government House in the belief that the Government House would enhance security during the meeting. The governor will also brief Imo people on his performance in the last two years.

The essay discusses the misinterpretations and misconceptions about pastoralism as it relates to the Fulani people. It explains that pulaaku is based on good character, and bandits are culturally outcasts. Bandits are at war with traditional and government authorities, and locals must defend themselves against them. They identify as Hausa, and their actions and decisions must not be judged against their ethnicity. The essay discusses the misinterpretations and misconceptions about pastoralism as it relates to the Fulani people.Bandits are culturally outcasts, because they have broken the chain of pulaaku by being criminals. Bandits terrorizing communities are at war with traditional and government authorities, and locals must defend themselves against them. The leaders at the forefront of securing the citizens must not be judged against their ethnicity.

Trafficking 15,000 Nigerians trapped in senegal -N50 paul osuyi, Asaba $ paul osiomeyi A non-governmental organisation that is into the resue and reject one of trafficked victims, Emmanuel world children foundation. EWCR on wednesday raised alarm that over 15,000 Nigerians has been trapped in senegal african opp line west African country. Ademola, said is do chase trapped the list with higest number of resued victims and listed others states to in under Delta, Lagos Ebonyi, Taraba, Anambra, kaduna atmosphere.

According to the Kaduna State administration, security officers in the state's Kwanan Bataro, Giwa Local Government area, killed five terrorists and prevented an attack. Samuel Aruwan, the commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said in a statement released yesterday that the troops engaged in clearance patrols in the Giwa Local Government Area had received reliable information about terrorists moving toward the town of Fatika. He added that the troops had then mobilized to Marke and Ruheya in response.

According to the Kaduna State administration, security officers in the state's Kwanan Bataro, Giwa Local Government area, killed five terrorists and prevented an attack. Samuel Aruwan, the commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said in a statement released yesterday that the troops engaged in clearance patrols in the Giwa Local Government Area had received reliable information about terrorists moving toward the town of Fatika. He added that the troops had then mobilized to Marke and Ruheya in response.When the advancing forces were spotted, the outlaws made an attempt to flee. However, in Kwanan Bataro, the military blocked their escape path and engaged them in a gunfight, which resulted in the neutralization of five of the terrorists. After clearing the area, the troops went back to their base. Security troops were maintaining monitoring and patrols in the region, according to Aruwan. The governor, Nasir el-Rufai, was stated to have expressed satisfaction with the operational feedback and praised the military for their prompt and astute handling of the intel they received, according to the statement.

Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, Wednesday said his administration would actively engage the traditional rulers in policy-making and implementation, especially on security matters. The governor spoke at a meeting with the state’s Council of Traditional Rulers, led by the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, in Kaduna yesterday.

He reiterated that the security of lives and property remained his administration’s priority. He said the traditional institution is vital to the success of any administration, serving as a stabilising force at the grassroots level.

The Bishop of Anglican Communion, Kaduna Diocese, Timothy Yahaya, has told President Muhammadu Buhari that he has lost grip on good governance in Nigeria, just as political leaders are no longer accountable to the people. He argued that the fight against corruption, insecurity and the economic policies of the current administration had gone worse, but urged Nigerians not to lose hope because there will be recovery and transformationin 2022.. He also called  the government to visit every scene where killings happened in the country to show how affectionate they are to the people, and for the world to also judge on the issue of security. The Atiku Kawai Media Group has urged Nigerians to vote for leaders that would ensure unity and progress in the country come 2023, citing insecurity and poor living standards as challenges. The North Central Nigeria for Good Governance (NCNGG) has backed ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki for the 2023 presidential race, citing his five unique attributes.