Nigerian Army Foils Bandits in Kogi: 3 Neutralised, Supplier Arrested
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade in Lokoja have foiled bandits’ movement in Kogi State, neutralising three suspects, arresting a logistics supplier, and recovering weapons during coordinated operations in Kabba Bunu and Yagba West.
Police to investigate cruel murder of youth by kidnappers
Nigerian Police in Anambra state has ordered investigation into the gruesome murder of a youth in Amansea, Awka-North Local Government by suspected kidnappers. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga quoted the state commissioner of police, Ikioye Orutugu as giving the order in a statement, on Friday in Awka. The sister to the deceased told the police on Thursday that their abductors were Fulani herdsmen who tried to humiliate them, but owing to the resistance of her brother they attacked him, resulting to his death. Orutugu said the trending video of a tragic incident involving the abduction of a young boy and his two sisters in the state, was a cruel murder of the boy by the suspected kidnappers that needed to be investigated. He condemned in the strongest terms the heartless and barbaric act, which was currently trending in the social media. The CP condoled with the grieving family as well as the good people of Amansea, adding that operatives of the State Intelligence Department to identify the survivor to assist the police in its investigation. The commissioner urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative by providing credible information that would aid the swift arrest of the suspects. The CP reiterated the command’s resolve to remain firm in the war against kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state. Oturugu assured that the command would continue to prioritize the protection of every citizen in line with the constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property.
Police to grant security clearance to Abuja drivers from 2025 – Wike
Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, says the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services will give security clearance to commercial vehicle drivers in the nation’s capital, effective from January 2025. Speaking at the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in Abuja on Thursday, Wike stated that the move is to curtail kidnapping and cases of ‘one-chance’ robbery in Abuja. The minister disclosed that any commercial bus or taxi driver who is not cleared by the security agencies will not be allowed to operate with the FCT. He said, “Most of the Keke Napep and most of the motorcycles are informants. Everybody here who is a beneficiary is being profiled by security. “And so what we are coming up with is that from January next year, there will be nobody that will operate as a taxi driver or a bus driver without having approval from security, with security profiling you and without going about with Abuja colour. Nothing like using any vehicle on the road. No, we won’t allow that. We won’t allow that starting in January. “We will take the vehicle number, the names of the drivers, and the rest so everybody will have confidence that this is the vehicle I’m entering in case anything happens.” Wike also handed over some new cars to beneficiaries to use as taxis. He encouraged the beneficiaries not to be ashamed that they are being empowered to be taxi drivers. The minister stated that many Nigerians who reject taxi driving jobs at home gladly embrace such when they travel abroad. “They are not paying a dime. No, the government is saying this is our support to feed your family and reduce the cost of transportation in the city… Abuja should compete with other cities in the world,” he said.
Carrying arms will solve the nation’s security problem – Ned Nwoko
The lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Nwoko, has defended his proposed bill allowing Nigerians to bear arms for self-defence stating that it could serve as a deterrent against criminal activities, particularly kidnappings. When asked if Nigerians carrying arms will solve the nation’s security problem, Nwoko, in an interview with Channels TV on Wednesday, said, “Oh, it will. It will.” Nwoko then shared a personal story of loss, recounting how his Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) was killed in a kidnapping incident last November. “The estate was attacked by kidnappers going from house to house. When they got to their door, my SLA told his wife to hide with the children. He opened the door to talk to them, and he was taken away. We never saw him alive again,” he said. Reflecting on the tragedy, Nwoko argued that armed citizens could discourage criminals from operating so freely. “If he had a gun, or if others in the community had guns, would the kidnappers have had the audacity to go door to door? That wouldn’t happen,” he said. However, Nwoko clarified that his proposal includes strict regulations. “For you to have the license to have a gun, you must go through a training school, a shooting school, which is a training school. You must get confirmation from two doctors that you have a sound mind. “You must get reports from the DSS and from the police. You must also be confirmed by your local traditional ruler that you are who you are,” he said, adding that only qualified individuals would be allowed to carry arms under his plan.
Alleged terrorism: DIA gets court order to detain policeman, 19 others
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the request of the Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, to detain an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, and 19 others for 30 days. The police ASP, named A. A Babangida, was ordered to be detained along with other suspects for 30 days order is following their alleged involvement in banditry, kidnapping and terrorism activities. The order is to enable DIA operatives carry out thorough investigation into their alleged involvement in the heinous crimes. ASP Babangida who was arrested in June and had since been in DIA custody, was alleged to have been helping Boko Haram, bandits and ISWAP members in carrying out terrorism activities in some parts of the country. In the ex-parte application, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1146/2024, Counsel to the security agency, S.A Aminu requested for permission of the court to detain the suspects for 90 days. According to her, the involvement of the suspects in terrorism activities was so complex because the bomb experts for the gang have just been apprehended based on information being volunteered by the detainees. She explained that DIA intends to carry on critical investigation into the unlawful activities of Babangida and others before handing them over to the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, for prosecution. The ex-parte application of the DIA was supported with a 21 paragraph affidavit which chronicled how the agency obtained hints that led to the arrest of the suspects in various locations and at different times. After scrutinizing the documentary exhibits placed before the court, Justice Lifu ordered the agency to detain the suspects till the conclusion of investigation. The judge declined to grant the 90 days requested by DIA on the ground that the suspects have been in custody for three months and the fact that the Constitution presumes them innocent until the otherwise is established against them. Justice Lifu also ordered that the DIA should do everything within its powers and within the ambit of the law to complete its investigation into the allegations against the suspects so as not to run foul of the law. Others ordered to be detained along with the Police ASP Babangida are Usman Idris, Abu Safiyanu, Alhassan Idris, Sahada Ishaka, Abubakar Ibrahim Sani Bello, Yahaya Abdullahi, Haruna Salisu and Mohammed Muazu. Other Respondents in the matter are Nura Idris, Alhaji Manu Mohammed, Umar Mohammed Lamu, Abubakar Mandara, Suleiman Musa Mohammed, Alhaji Madayi, Alhaji Amodu Bukar Prince Oghewe and Uzoma Aghaoyibo.
Gunmen Strike Again, Kidnap Nasarawa Varsity Students
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have struck once again, this time targeting students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK). At least four students have been abducted in an incident that unfolded outside the school campus in the Angwan Kare area of Keffi on Monday night. This alarming incident comes hot on the heels of another kidnapping that occurred just a day earlier. On Sunday night, Professor Haruna Ayuba Kuje, the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of NSUK, was abducted. The four students who have been taken captive are identified as Rahila Hanya (SLT), Josephine Gershon (Computer Science), Rosemary Samuel (Business Administration), and Goodness Samuel from the Geography Department. It has been revealed that all of them are 100-level students. Comrade Solomon Timmy, the head of the Student Union Government (SUG), confirmed this harrowing incident to the media on Tuesday, urging everyone to remain calm as efforts are underway to secure the safe release of the abducted students. Additionally, Comrade Riwonga Lucky Ali, the SUG Secretary-General, issued a statement assuring students that measures are being taken to ensure the victims’ safe return. In a glimmer of hope amid these distressing events, there is news of the release of Professor Kuje. Samuel Alu, Chairman of NSUK Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has confirmed that Prof. Kuje was freed on Tuesday and has been reunited with his family. The former DVC’s kidnapping, which occurred at his private residence in Keffi on Sunday night, had sent shockwaves through the academic community. Authorities and security forces continue to work diligently to ensure the safe return of the abducted students and to bring those responsible to justice.
Kidnapped Benue Commissioner Regains Freedom
The Benue Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Mathew Agbo, who was kidnapped in August, has regained his freedom. Agbo, in a statement on Thursday in Makurdi, thanked Governor Hyacinth Alia and the security agencies for ensuring his safe release. “I appreciate all the effort and prayers that have culminated in my release and subsequent reuniting with my family “I pray that my ordeal will lead to renewed efforts toward tacking both internal and external security challenges in the state. “I, therefore, call on all residents of the state to support government efforts and the security agencies toward tacking insecurity in the state,” Abo called. The Commissioner, who thanked his colleagues, family members, friends and staff of his ministry for their fervent prayers, promised to serve the state to the best of his ability. He called on the residents to pray for the success of the current administration in the state, adding that the Alia-led administration means well for the state. Agbo, who spent ten days in captivity, was kidnapped on September 24 at his hometown in Zaki-Biam Local Government Area of the state. Abo was sworn in as a member of the Benue Executive Council on August 29.
Gunmen Kidnap Benue Commissioner For Information
The Benue State Government has confirmed the abduction of Mr Matthew Aboh, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, on Sunday evening. The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, confirmed on Monday in Makurdi. According to Sir Kula, Governor Hyacinth Alia had received the unfortunate news and has already directed security operatives to ensure his safe release. The abduction allegedly took place about 8pm. “Yes, we received the unfortunate news, and the governor has already detailed security operatives to do everything possible to ensure his safe release,” the text message read. There were confirmed reports that several gunmen stormed the commissioner’s residence in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area and kidnapped him. Eyewitnesses stated that the kidnappers who came on four motorcycles, ordered everyone in the house, including Mrs Aboh and children, to lie face down before they took the Commissioner to an unknown destination. The witnesses said the abductors compelled the commissioner at gun point to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a gunman sand-witched him. Mr Aboh was sworn in as a member of the Benue State Executive Council on August 29. He hails from Ukum LGA of Sankera axis, a major flashpoint of criminal activities with rampant killings and kidnappings for years now. Meanwhile, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, said the Command was yet to receive the report on the incident.
Tinubu Orders Security Agencies To Rescue Abducted Gusau Varsity Students
President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action, instructing security agencies to undertake the immediate rescue operation of the abducted female students from the Federal University Gusau, who were forcibly taken by terrorists last Thursday. In a statement released by his media aide, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu strongly condemned this abhorrent act of abduction. He expressed his deep concern that there could be no moral justification for such a heinous crime committed against innocent victims whose only ‘offense’ was their pursuit of a quality education. The President has reassured the families of the abducted students that no effort will be spared in ensuring their safe return. Tinubu has made a firm commitment that the Federal Government will uphold the sanctity of educational institutions, preserving them as bastions of knowledge, growth, and opportunity, and free from the menacing threats of terrorists. The horrifying incident unfolded when bandits attacked three female students’ hostels in Sabon Gida, an area where students live outside the main campus of the university, during the midnight hours last Thursday, leading to the abduction of an unknown number of students. Although many female students were kidnapped, some managed to escape.
Kidnapping: Police arrest 32 suspects in Adamawa
The Police Command in Adamawa, in synergy with some professional hunters, had arrested 32 suspects in connection with kidnapping activities in the state. SP Suleiman Nguroje, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Yola on Monday. Nguroje said that the command recorded the success with the support received from the Adamawa Government and the people in the state including media practitioners. He said exhibits recovered from the suspects included N1.6 million, four vehicles, 13 AK-47 rifles, five locally made pistols, 59 live ammunition, four ATM cards, two permanent voter cards, 10 dane guns, seven fabricated guns and charms. The police spokesman also said that the command equally succeeded in dislodging four identified hideouts where the kidnappers normally operate from. Nguroje said the suspects had all been charged to Courts and were awaiting trial, adding that investigations were still ongoing. He added that the command would redouble its efforts aimed at ensuring that residents in the state sleep with their two eyes closed. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Afolabi Babatola, had commended the officers and the hunters for their gallantry.