Troops neutralise 3 bandits in Plateau, recover weapons

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have neutralised three suspected bandits in Wase Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau. Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of OPSH, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Jos. Zhakom said that the feat followed an intelligence tip, while adding that the troops also recovered weapons during the operations. “Yesterday , troops of OPSH, acting on credible intelligence, conducted offensive operations at a criminal hideout along the fringes of Pinau community in Wase LGA of Plateau. “During the operation, troops made contact with criminal elements terrorising the general area, including Pinau – Gimbi road. “During the exchange of fire, troops overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower and neutralised three of the suspected bandits “While others ran away with wounds from gunshots, troops exploited the general area and recovered one AK-47 rifle and one AK-47 magazine,” he said. Zhakom said that the troops had commenced a follow-up operation to intercept the fleeing criminals. 

SDP pays tribute to Useni, hails his legacy

Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni, a former FCT Minister, has been described as an “angel in army uniform” by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for his contributions to many lives. The SDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, made this remark in Abuja on Friday during a condolence visit to Useni’s family with party leaders. Adebayo praised Useni’s lifelong service, saying he was devoted to justice and helping people, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic background. He said Useni always prioritised humanity. READ ALSO: Ojukwu varsity staff petition EFCC, accuse VC of corruption He credited Useni for making Abuja a city for the people. He noted that Useni allocated land to small traders and relocated, rather than demolished, homes in disadvantaged areas. “During military rule, he transformed Abuja into the city of the people. Politicians today must ensure it remains a city for the people, not just the government,” Adebayo said. Adebayo highlighted Useni’s role in uniting Nigeria from 1966 onward. He recalled a crucial moment in 1998 when Useni remained professional despite political pressures. He noted that when the Nigerian Head of State died in 1998, Useni was the most senior officer but did not politicise the situation or seek personal advantage. SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, described Useni as a great leader with an outstanding legacy. He called his death a national loss and praised his simplicity and patriotism. “At 30, every Nigerian knew his name. We never heard negative things about him, only positive reports,” Gabam said, recognising Useni’s impact on national unity and development. Responding on behalf of the family, Useni’s first child, Mrs Julcit Bali, expressed gratitude to the SDP leadership for their visit and their kind words about her father. She described her father as deeply generous. “Baba was not just a father to us but to many. Even in hospital, he still gave to others,” she said. Members of the SDP National Working Committee also attended the condolence visit, joining in honouring Useni’s legacy and expressing their support for his grieving family. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Useni passed away on Jan. 23 at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.

Troops arrest 18 suspected kidnappers, gunrunners, rescues 18 victims 

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, have arrested 18 suspected kidnappers, bandits and gunrunners in Plateau and part of Kaduna state. Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of OPSH disclosed this during a press conference on Thursday in Jos. Zhakom said that troops also rescued 18 victims kidnapped in a forest at the boundary communities between Plateau and Taraba. The media officer explained that the arrest followed an operation held between Dec. 2024 and Jan. 4. READ ALSO: Emulate the virtues of Fawehinmi, Emir Sanusi tasks lawyers “In continuation of efforts to ensure the security of lives and property across the joint operation area, our troops intensified offensive operations supported by robust non-kinetic engagements. “Notably, the past two months witnessed intensive and offensive operations around the borders between Plateau and Taraba state, especially around Bangalala and Kinishi forests around Wase and Karim Lamido LGAs of Plateau and Taraba state. “The operations led to the neutralisation of several bandits and destruction of their life support structures. “The move mounted pressure on the criminals leading to the rescue of 18 kidnapped victims who have been reunited with their families after profiling and documentation by relevant agencies. READ ALSO: Security structure crucial to aircraft leasing – Boeing Director “Troops have also neutralised some bandits and arrested some suspects in some parts of Southern Kaduna,” he said Zhakom added that the troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition and destroyed many criminal hideouts within its areas of responsibility. The media officer called on residents of  Plateau and Kaduna to support its efforts toward stemming the tides of insecurity in the areas. 

Minimum Wage: pleateau workers get N70K  

The Plateau State government has announced the approval of a new minimum wage of N70,000 for its workforcem  This decision, effective immediately, follows the recommendations of a committee on salary adjustments. Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who authorized the new policy, aims to improve the welfare of civil servants and strengthen their role in achieving the state’s development objectives.  The administration expects workers to respond with a renewed sense of duty, enhancing service delivery and overall productivity in public service. The approval was conveyed through a statement from the Head of Civil Service, Stephen Gadong, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering a more motivated and efficient workforce.

Plateau Gov, Mutfwang reshuffles cabinet

Plateau State Gov Mutfwang reschufles cabinet

Plateau: Muftwang Debunks Reports Of Bribery Collection By Judges

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has vehemently denied allegations suggesting judges received a $5 million bribe to annul his election victory. Elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Mutfwang labeled the claims as “baseless and defamatory.” Through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, in Jos on Friday, Mutfwang refuted the allegations, attributing them to deliberate attempts by detractors to sow discord between him and the judiciary. Expressing deep concern, Mutfwang urged thorough investigations by security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the libelous publication, emphasizing the importance of facing legal consequences to deter such misconduct. Terming the report a fabrication by individuals manipulated as pawns by the opposition party in Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang highlighted that it aims to tarnish the PDP government’s image in the state. He reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Judiciary while cautioning against disparaging justices and respected leaders, warning of severe consequences for those engaging in destructive activities.

Gunmen Kidnap Plateau NUJ Chairman

A former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Plateau state, Kapdaba Gobum, was abducted by suspected kidnappers.  He was allegedly kidnapped on Tuesday night.  This happened after he left the Press Centre, headed for his house in the Bukuru area of Jos South. Former General Manager of the Plateau Publishing and Printing Company (PPPC), Jonathan Ishaku, and the immediate past chairman of NUJ, Paul Jatau, have confirmed the incident.  Ishaku mentioned, “But early this morning (Thursday), the kidnappers called his wife and demanded N35 million.” Jatau expressed surprise at this development and wondered why journalists should be victims of kidnapping.  The former NUJ chairman recently retired as a senior editor with the Nigerian Standard, published by the PPPC.