How Troops Foiled Attack On Yobe Governor’s Convoy –DHQ

The Defence Headquarters said troops of 29 Task Force Brigade foiled the attack by terrorists on the convoy of Yobe Governor along Maiduguri-Damaturu Road on Saturday. A statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, on Monday in Abuja, said the troops also recovered the two vehicles affected in the incident. He said one military truck driver, four police escorts and one DSS operative wounded in the attack were in stable condition. According to him, one of the injured police escorts died shortly on arrival at the Specialists Hospital Damaturu. “Reinforcement of troops from 29 Task Force Brigade led by the Brigade Commander are conducting fighting patrol in the area to locate the terrorists who carried out the dastardly act. “The two vehicles affected in the incident include one military MRAP and one civilian escort vehicle whose tyres were shot at during the incident, have been safely recovered to the military camp at Benisheikh. “Operations are ongoing to hunt and destroy the terrorists that perpetrated the attack,” he said. The governor’s convoy was ambushed by terrorists while returning to Damaturu from Maiduguri, about 6 kilometers from Benesheikh town on Saturday. The governor was not in the convoy when it was ambushed. The Secretary to the State Government and some other top government officials who were in the convoy were unhurt. 

Police Foil Terrorists Attack In Katsina, Rescue 3 Kidnap Victims

The Katsina Police Command foiled a suspected kidnap attempt at Gogalo village, in Jibia local government area of the state and rescued three kidnap victims. This is contained in a statement on Monday in Katsina by ASP Aliyu Abubakar-Sadiq, the spokesman of the command. “On November 11, at about 10:46pm, information was received at the Jibia divisional police station that armed bandits wielding dangerous weapons such as the AK-47 rifle, shooting sporadically, attacked the village and kidnapped three persons. “Upon receiving this report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Jibia, promptly mobilised a search and rescue team to the scene. “The team continued to comb the surrounding bushes until Nov. 12, at about 6am, the team succeeded in tracking down the suspected kidnappers, engaging them in a gun duel. “All the kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unhurt. Efforts are on with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects as the investigation proceeds,” Abubakar-Sadiq said. 

Troops Apprehend 2 Suspected Gunrunners, Seize Weapons In Plateau

Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a military taskforce maintaining peace in Plateau and environs has arrested two suspected gun manufacturers at Vom in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau. Its Media Officer, Capt. James Oya, told a news conference in Jos on Saturday that troops of the taskforce uncovered the duo’s gun factory where they recovered newly-manufactured weapons. “Two individuals, Micheal Dung (33) and Yusuf Pam (43) were apprehended and their weapons manufacturing factory dismantled. “Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects sell guns to customers in different parts of the country. “Troops recovered six AK-47 rifles, three skeleton AK-47 rifles, one locally-made pistol, 11 rifle bodies, seven bridge block, and four magazines. “Other weapons recovered were 210 springs, seven rifle butts, eight riffle muzzles, nine piston assembly, five cartridge housings, one drilling machine and a hand filing machine. “The suspects will be charged to court immediately after investigations,’’ Oya said. He added that the Commander of OPSH, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, commended the dedication, bravery, and tireless efforts of the troops to ensure the safety of lives and property on the Plateau. He said that the taskforce would continue to maintain an offensive posture against criminals in Plateau. Speaking with newsmen, the prime suspect, Dung, who admitted to the crime, said he had been in the illegal business for six years. The suspect said he learned the skills from his deceased boss, adding that his customers were majorly from Mangu in Plateau. Dung said he sold arms at between N80,000 and N200,000, depending on the category.

Kaduna Police Launch Manhunt For Killers Of NYSC Member

The Kaduna State Police Command is on a mission to apprehend the assailants responsible for the brutal killing of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Grace Chalya Silas.  Silas was tragically stabbed to death during her morning jog in Barnawa, Kaduna South Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, shocked the community. According to the spokesperson of the Kaduna Police Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, miscreants on motorcycles, identified as phone snatchers, are suspected to be the culprits behind this heinous act. After the matter was reported to the police, Silas was rushed to a clinic, but she was later confirmed dead.  The Kaduna Commissioner of Police, CP Musa Yusuf Garba, ordered an immediate manhunt for the killers, and an emergency meeting was held to address this tragic incident. CP Garba expressed his condolences and described the incident as “tragic.” He said the police are working closely with NYSC authorities in the state to ensure that justice is served for Grace Chalya Silas.

DSS Storms Ondo PDP Headquarters

On Monday, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and members of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) made a conspicuous appearance at the Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State. These security personnel were seen positioning their vehicles in the vicinity of the opposition party’s headquarters. Kennedy Peretei, the spokesperson for the Ondo PDP, officially confirmed the presence of the security operatives. He disclosed that their primary objective appeared to be the prevention of a planned peaceful protest scheduled by the party’s youth wing. Peretei further clarified that the protest aimed to address the ongoing absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from the State since April 2023, with the intent of seeking information about his whereabouts.  Notably, this heightened security presence hindered the entry of staff into the PDP secretariat. The All Progressives Congress (APC) sounded an alarm on Sunday, alleging potential machinations by the PDP and certain APC figures to instigate unrest within the state.  The APC statement emphasized that Governor Akeredolu would soon return to the State, asserting that he has continued to carry out his official duties even while away.

Troops Rescue 4 kidnapped Federal Varsity Gusau Students

Troops of the Operation Hadarin Daji of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with operatives of the Zamfara Police Command have rescued the four kidnapped students of the Federal University Gusau (FUGUS). This is contained in a statement issued by the Information Officer, Operation Hadarin Daji, Capt. Yahaya Ibrahim in Gusau on Sunday. “The combined troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in conjunction with state police command have rescued the four kidnapped students of the Federal University Gusau (FUGUS), who were abducted at their off-campus hostels by the terrorists in Sabongida Community on Saturday. “The rescue was successfully achieved after the troops responded to the distress call on the incident. “The troops immediately mobilized and formed a blocking position at a possible withdrawal route which led to a heavy gun duel with the terrorists. “During the encounter with our superiority force, the terrorists abandoned the victims around 12 midnight and they later were rescued by the troops,” Yahaya explained. The gunmen had recently kidnapped 25 students of the same institution and nine construction workers at the same community. The security operatives had so far rescued 13 students and three construction workers while the remaining victims were still in the bandits’ captivity. 

Joint Security Force Busts Insurgents Camp, Rescue Priest, Two Others Unharmed

Joint security forces in Anambra State have successfully infiltrated an ‘insurgent camp’ located in Ogbunka, Orumba South Local Government Area, on Friday. Their swift action resulted in the rescue of three abducted individuals, including a Reverend Father, who emerged from the operation unharmed. According to a statement released on Saturday by DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, the operation was executed by a police-led Forward Operating Base (FOB) working in collaboration with military and paramilitary services based in Aguata, and was further supported by the Police Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu. During this well-coordinated operation, three suspects were apprehended. The security forces successfully recovered a cache of items from the insurgents’ camp, including nine vehicles, three pump-action guns, stolen camouflage uniforms, a Biafra flag, numerous handsets, flash drives, and SIM cards that will be vital for comprehensive investigations and prosecution. DSP Ikenga explained that this criminal gang had been responsible for a series of abductions in the Orumba North and South areas, as well as parts of Aguata Local Government Area in recent times. Notably, all of the abducted victims had been taken this month. The raid on the insurgent’s camp was the result of months of diligent intelligence gathering and investigation, which ultimately unveiled the criminals’ hideout. The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, who authorized and coordinated the operation, praised all the service personnel and vigilante groups involved for their professionalism, which ensured no lives were lost during the operation. Furthermore, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has expressed his commendation for the operatives and pledged continued support for all services engaged in Joint Security Operations throughout the state.” See Full Statement Below:  Anambra Joint Security Force Smash Insurgents Camp in Ogbunka – Rescues three hostages including Reverend Father. – Arrests three Suspects – Recovers Three Pump Action Guns – Recovers Nine Vehicles snatched at Gunpoint Police-led Forward Operating Base (FOB) comprising military and paramilitary Services based in Aguata and supported by Police Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu yesterday, 6th October, 2023 in a well coordinated operation, stormed insurgents Camp at Ogbunka in Orumba South LGA. Three abducted persons including a Reverend Father were rescued unhurt. Nine vehicles and three Pump Action Guns were recovered. Three suspects were arrested. Also recovered were stolen Camouflage uniform, Biafra Flag, Several Handsets, Flash Drives and Sim Cards that will aid comprehensive investigation and prosecution. This gang has been responsible for spate of abductions in Orumba North and South as well as parts of Aguata LGAs in recent times. The abducted victims were all kidnapped this month. The raid on insurgents Camp followed months of diligent and painstaking intelligence gathering and investigation which led to uncovering the criminal hideout. Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye who ordered and coordinated the operation praised all the service personnel and vigilante men involved for their professionalism which ensured no life was lost. Mr. Governor has commended the Operatives and pledged to continue to support all services involved in Joint Security Operations across the State. *DSP Tochukwu Ikenga* Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, Awka. 7th October, 2023.

NSCDC Arrests 3 Cable Thieves in Bauchi 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) Command, Bauchi, has arrested three suspected vandals and transformer cable thieves in Jama’are local government area (LGA) of the state. This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesman, DCP Ibrahim Gabdo, and made available to newsmen at the weekend in Bauchi.  He said the three suspected transformer cable thieves and vandals were arrested in different locations in Jama’are local government area sometimes in August. According to him, the suspects were arrested by the NSCDC Command patrol team following intelligence reports that some criminals were vandalizing transformer cables and carting them away. “The arrested suspects are Abdulwahab Yakubu, 18, of Unguwar Abuja, Jama’are LGA, Ya’u Abdullahi, 18, of Unguwar Tsamiya, Jama’are LGA, and Musa Haruna, 19, of Jama’are LGA.  He said the Commandant, Mr Oyejide Ilelaboye, paraded the suspected vandals at the NSCDC State Command Bauchi. He warned other criminal elements in the state to turn a new life before the law catches up with them.” The Spokesman said the three suspects were arraigned before the Federal High Court Bauchi on Friday, for conspiracy and vandalism.

Military Uncovers Gun Factory, Recovers Weapons In Southern Kaduna

Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a military task force, maintaining peace in Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna States, has uncovered a gun factory at Kafachan, Jama’a Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State. Capt. James Oya, the Media Officer of the operation, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Jos. Oya said that it had also arrested one Napoleon John, a suspected gunrunner and recovered various types of weapons and ammunitions. He explained that the feat was possible owing to a week-long operation conducted by its troops. “In line with our resolve to deal decisively with sponsors and perpetrators of crime as well as mopping up illegal weapons in our joint operation area, our troops have uncovered a gun manufacturing factory in Kafanchan, Jama’a LGA of Kaduna State. “This followed a week-long intelligence operation that finally led to the capture of a wanted gunrunner, Napoleon John who has been on our wanted list. “The suspect, who confessed to the crime, led troops to a concealed factory where arms of different calibre were sold by another miscreant identified as Monday Dunia. “Dunia confessed to have been in the business for more than five years, fuelling the crisis in Kaduna State and neighbouring Plateau. “A thorough search of the factory led to the recovery of 22 different weapons, including seven pistols, two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, two military grade AK-47 rifles and nine revolvers,” he said. Oya said that its troops also recovered one submachine gun, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, machine tools and a gas cylinder. “In a follow-up operation held between Thursday night and early hours of Friday, troops raided another hideout in Adua 1 community of Kafanchan and recovered additional two AK-47 rifles, two revolver rifles, live rounds of 9mm and 7.62 ammunitions, six dangerous daggers, one hacker axe. “Several empty cases of 7.62mm special rounds, two mobile phones, one fragmental jacket, two Police uniforms, one pair of military camouflage trousers, one ammunition magazine carrier, one pistol holster and one military grade camel pouch. “We also recovered one police combat helmet, two masks, four identity cards, gunpowder, shrapnels, charms and amulets. Oya said that the Commander of the operation, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, commended the troops for the feat and urged them to do more. He, however, warned sponsors and perpetrators of criminalities to abandon their evil ways and embrace lawful means of livelihood. He thanked residents of the state for cooperating with the military and other security agencies and called for more support towards a peaceful Plateau.

Police Kill 4 Kidnappers, Recover Weapons In Delta

The police command in Delta has killed four members of a gang which specialised in kidnapping. The spokesman for the command, DSP Bright Edafe, disclosed this on Wednesday in Warri. Edafe said that the hoodlums were killed on Monday by operatives of the command during a patrol on the Jesse/ Igueleba Road. He said that the armed gang members sighted the patrol vehicle from their hideout, deflated its front tyre and engaged the patrol team on a gun duel. “Due to reported incidents of kidnapping on Jesse axis of the state, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Wale Abass, directed deployment of operatives of the Special Anti-kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad and DOPS Bufallo team, among others, to the area. “Consequently, on Sept. 18, during a joint patrol on Jesse – Igueleba Road, the team encountered a gang of armed bandits who laid ambush to attack and kidnap unsuspecting motorists. “The hoodlums fired at the front tyre of the lead pickup van; thus, demobilising the vehicle. “They were swiftly engaged in a gun duel by the police team. The armed bandits eventually succumbed to the superior firepower of the policemen,” he said. According to the spokesman, the police team pursued the bandits into a deep forest during which four of them were killed. The police spokesman said that one Ak-47 rifle with 20 rounds of live ammunition, two locally-made cut-to-size guns and cartridges were recovered from them.