TheNewsGuru

Tag: bandits

  • Gunmen abduct APC chairman’s wife, daughter in midnight raid

    Gunmen abduct APC chairman’s wife, daughter in midnight raid

    Suspected bandits have abducted the wife and daughter of the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sakpefu community, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, Muhammad Swasun.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the gunmen stormed the community on Sunday night shooting sporadically to instill fear among residents.

    Sources told newsmen on Monday that the victims were Hajiya Fatima, the party chairman’s wife, and Amina, his daughter.

    While stating that the gunmen operated for several minutes before whisking away their victims, a source said: “The bandits abducted his wife, Haja Fatima, and his daughter, Amina, and took them to an unknown destination.”

  • Zamfara Gov Lawal accused of harbouring bandits, using them against political rivals

    Zamfara Gov Lawal accused of harbouring bandits, using them against political rivals

    Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has been criticised by the of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over claims that he can end banditry in the state in two months.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that Lawal had earlier disclosed that he knows where the bandits in the state reside and would put an end to insecurity if given direct control over security agencies.

    Reacting to the statement, the Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, called out the governor over his comments, accusing him of “harboring bandits” and failing to deliver on his campaign promise to end insecurity within two months of assuming office.

    According to the ruling party, Governor Lawal’s repeated claims of knowing the locations of bandit leaders without acting on the information amounted to complicity.

    “We don’t know why he is harbouring them in the state and continues to allow them to kill and abduct innocent citizens, or perhaps because he wants to use them against his political rivals,” the statement alleged.

    Idris further accused the governor of politicising insecurity, claiming he has failed to adequately fund security agencies despite boasting about providing vehicles for them.

    “While boasting that he bought and distributed 150 vehicles to security agencies, he failed to say that they were given not as operational vehicles but as mobility cars, without support for fueling and maintenance. In contrast, former Governor Bello Matawalle distributed 200 fully equipped operational vehicles with allowances for logistics,” the APC said.

    The opposition also challenged Lawal to review his campaign promises, stressing that his recent remarks only highlight his failure to protect lives and property.

    “Let him concentrate on delivering his campaign promises of ending banditry in two months and stop apportioning blame. Now is the time for action, not media propaganda,” the APC insisted.

  • SAD! Three Killed as bandits ambush motorists in Kwara

    SAD! Three Killed as bandits ambush motorists in Kwara

    Suspected armed bandits on Thursday attacked motorists along Rore and Aranorin communities in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing at least three people.

    The incident caused widespread panic among residents and travellers after news of the killings spread.

    A video showed the victims lying lifeless by the roadside, their bodies partially covered by sympathisers who arrived after the assailants fled.

    Eyewitnesses said the gunmen, believed to be operating from nearby forests, opened fire on unsuspecting motorists in what appeared to be a coordinated ambush.

    It was not immediately clear whether any victims were abducted, as details were still emerging on Friday morning.

    The latest attack comes amid a surge of violence in Kwara’s Ifelodun and Irepodun local government areas, where communities such as Babanla, Shegbe, Ologomo, Alabe, and Oreke have suffered repeated raids.

    Residents say many people have been killed or kidnapped for ransom, forcing hundreds to abandon their homes.

    Community leaders have called on state and federal authorities to deploy more security personnel, warning that villages remain vulnerable as attacks continue.

    The Kwara State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement, though security operatives were reportedly deployed to the area to prevent further violence.

    The incident occurred just days after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq visited Babanla community in Ifelodun to reassure residents of improved security.

    Hours after his departure, however, suspected bandits abducted two people in the same area, deepening fears and heightening tension across the region.

  • Katsina assembly decries increased bandits’ attack

    Katsina assembly decries increased bandits’ attack

    The Katsina State House of Assembly, has expressed serious concern over what it called the recent increase in bandits’ attack on some communities in the state.

    The assembly expressed the concern during its plenary on Wednesday in Katsina, presided over by the Speaker, Alhaji Nasir Yahaya-Daura.

    During the plenary, a motion of urgent public importance was presented by the lawmaker representing Dutsinma Constituency, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar-Khamis.

    Abubakar-Khamis called on the government to intensify efforts by deploying more soldiers and other security personnel to parts of his constituency in view of the increasing attacks by terrorists.

    The lawmaker who is the Chairman, House Committee on Security, stressed that the people in the area were living in fear, hence the need for urgent intervention, especially from the Federal Government.

    “There’s the need for the government to deploy more security operatives to Makera, Gammo, Karofi and Dabawa wards in Dutsinma Local Government Area.

    “The attack in these areas is increasing daily. The bandits recently killed residents, top security operatives, and also abducted other residents,” he said.

    While commending the effort of the state government, he however called on the federal government to redouble its commitment to complement that of the state government.

    Some of the lawmaker who contributed to the motion, expressed concerns over the situation, calling on the federal and state government to urgently restrategise.

    NAN reports that following series of contributions by the legislators, the house unanimously adopted the motion.

    The house has forwarded the request to the executive for immediate action to enhance the protection of lives and property of the citizens.

  • Bandits kill 3 in Katsina

    Bandits kill 3 in Katsina

    The Police Command in Katsina State has confirmed the killing of three persons by bandits in the state.

    This is contained in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Aliyu, on Wednesday in Katsina.

    Aliyu also said that operatives of the command rescued 28 kidnapped victims in Sabuwa Local Government Area of the state.

    According to him, on July 29, at about 9:24 a.m., a distress call was received from a good samaritan that some suspected bandits with dangerous weapons blocked the Sabuwa-Kaya road, by Inono junction, in the locality and abducted about 14 people.

    “When the report was received, the DPO promptly mobilised operatives to the scene. A gun battle ensued, and the suspected abductors fled the scene due to superior tactics and firepower from police operatives.

    “The team successfully rescued all 14 kidnapped victims unhurt; but regrettably, the bandits shot and killed one person identified as Abba from Funtua LGA.”

    He added that similarly, on July 28, at about 11:27 p.m., a distress call was received at the same Sabuwa Division, that suspected bandits with dangerous weapons attacked Zagaizagi village, and kidnapped some residents.

    He said that the DPO quickly mobilised and responded to the scene, and engaged the bandits in a gun duel, and foiled the attack.

    “The team successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims and recovered two rustled cows. Regrettably, the bandits shot and killed two persons during the attack,” he said.

    The PPRO said that efforts were being intensified to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspects. He said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Bello Shehu, commended the operatives for the exceptional act of valour.

    Aliyu called on the public to continue to support the command, as well as all security agencies in the state, with accurate and timely information for prompt and decisive action against all criminal elements in the state.

  • Amplified insecurity: Bandits k!ll 38 hostages after delivery of N50m ransom

    Amplified insecurity: Bandits k!ll 38 hostages after delivery of N50m ransom

    Residents of Banga village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been thrown into panic following the brutal killing of 38 kidnapped villagers by bandits, despite the payment of over ₦50 million as ransom.

    The Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area, Mannir Haidara Kaura, while confirming the incident exclusively to Channels Television, said 56 persons were reportedly abducted from the village, and 18 were later released.

    He added that the freed 18 victims have been admitted to hospital for medical treatment.

    “From the information I got as the Chairman of the local government, 56 were abducted by the bandits and only 18 returned.

    “We took the remaining 18 people to hospital, they are on medication. We are also preparing to go with the state government to go and see the families of those that lost their lives.”

    A resident of the village, Ibrahim Banga, earlier informed Channels Television that the bandits invaded the community months ago and abducted 53 people.

    He explained that the kidnappers demanded ₦1 million per hostage, and after several weeks of efforts, the community managed to raise and deliver the sum.

    Banga, however, confirmed that only 18 of the captives were eventually released.

    “Upon their return, the freed victims recounted how the bandits had slaughtered the remaining 35 abductees, killing them one after the other during their captivity,” he said.

    He appealed to both the federal and Zamfara State governments to urgently extend military operations to the area, which he said would help restore peace, facilitate the return of displaced persons, and rescue those still held by the criminals.

    Meanwhile, in Niger State, troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with hybrid forces and backed by intelligence from the Department of State Services (DSS), reportedly neutralised no fewer than 45 bandits on Friday evening in Iburu village, Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.

    Security sources disclosed that upon intercepting intelligence indicating that terrorists riding several motorcycles were advancing to attack Iburu and neighbouring villages, the DSS promptly alerted soldiers on standby.

    According to the sources, a fierce gunfight ensued, during which troops killed at least 45 terrorists. Villagers reportedly counted no fewer than 40 bodies believed to be those of the bandits, along with dozens of motorcycles destroyed during the clash.

    The sources further revealed that two members of the hybrid forces fighting alongside the soldiers lost their lives, while four others are receiving treatment for serious gunshot injuries at a public hospital in the state capital

  • Why we’re negotiating with willing bandits – Sokoto gov’t gives reason for peace talks

    Why we’re negotiating with willing bandits – Sokoto gov’t gives reason for peace talks

    The Sokoto State Government has defended its decision to engage in dialogue with repentant bandits as part of a broader security strategy aimed at restoring peace in the state’s troubled areas, dismissing criticisms from others.

    Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, responded to remarks made by security consultant Basharu Altine Giyawa, who recently condemned the state’s willingness to negotiate with armed groups that are willing to surrender.

    Giyawa had previously criticized the government for this approach, labeling it a misguided decision. In his statement, Col. Usman noted that Giyawa had, in the past, expressed interest in mediating between the government and such groups.

    “This inconsistency calls into question the sincerity of his current stance,” Col. Usman said.

    Usman added that the administration is not negotiating from a place of weakness or desperation but is adopting a “stick-and-carrot” approach — balancing military force with non-violent options in line with modern counterinsurgency strategies.

    “Our people in Rabah, Goronyo, Isa, Sabon Birni, and other affected LGAs are living with the daily trauma of displacement, farmers have abandoned their fields, food production has dropped, and economic activities have come to a halt. This affects food security and inflation across Sokoto State.”

    Colonel Usman stated that the objective of the engagement is to establish long-term peace by reintegrating repentant bandits under strict supervision and rehabilitation.

    This will continue alongside military operations against those criminal elements who refuse to disarm. He emphasized that this approach is not an act of appeasement, but rather a strategic reconciliation aimed at achieving lasting peace and development.

    The government urged critics to engage constructively and focus on solutions rather than fostering division, highlighting that the scale of insecurity in Sokoto requires unity, cooperation, and pragmatic approaches.

    Additionally, he noted that Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration has consistently affirmed its commitment to securing all areas of the state and revitalizing socio-economic activities in regions affected by violence.

  • Katsina Govt speaks on negotiating with bandits

    Katsina Govt speaks on negotiating with bandits

    The Katsina State Government has denied claims that it is actively negotiating with bandits. Instead, it clarified that its primary focus is on reintegrating repentant criminals who voluntarily surrender their weapons and choose to embrace peace.

    TheNewsGuru reports that this clarification follows the emergence of viral reports and video footage featuring wanted bandit leader Ado Aleru.

    Aleru, who has been on the police watchlist since 2020 with a ₦5 million bounty on his head, was seen addressing traditional rulers, local officials, and personnel from the Nigerian Army.

    This sparked public outcry, as many perceived the situation as evidence of state-sanctioned negotiations. At a press conference on Monday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, emphatically stated that the Dikko Radda-led .

    “The position of the government is very clear — from the beginning, Governor Dikko Radda has said the Katsina government will not negotiate with bandits,” Mu’azu declared.

    He added, however, that any bandit willing to lay down arms would be given a chance to reintegrate and live as a law-abiding citizen.

    “If the bandits feel the need to drop their arms and come forward, the government is ready to give them the opportunity to live like every normal citizen of Katsina State,” he said.

    Mu’azu explained that the peace meetings seen in recent weeks were initiated by local communities, not by the state government.

    He confirmed that Jibia and Batsari LGAs had witnessed successful dialogue between community leaders and some bandit groups.

    “We are lucky that in Jibia and Batsari, the bandits came forward through messengers and initiated discussions with their communities’ leadership,” he said.

    He noted that a similar peace outreach took place in Danmusa last week, where discussions between community representatives and repentant bandits had led to “another form of peace deal.”

    “The discussions were robust and we are currently seeing peaceful activities in these areas,” he added.

    Despite the cautious optimism, the commissioner warned that the state would continue military operations in high-risk areas such as Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, and Dandume, even as peace discussions continue elsewhere.

    “We will give them the opportunity to continue normal lives, but in case they renege on their promises, we will deal with them as we used to,” he warned.

  • Troops neutralise 3 suspected bandits, recover weapons in Plateau

    Troops neutralise 3 suspected bandits, recover weapons in Plateau

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have neutralised three suspected bandits in Teng and Kayarda communities of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau.

    Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of the operation, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Jos.

    Zhakom said that the troops ambushed the suspected bandits on Tuesday morning, following an intelligence report over planned attacks on some communities in the state.

    He explained that the troops also recovered some weapons during the operation.

    “This morning, some armed militia heading to attack some villages on the Plateau were ambushed and neutralised by troops of OPSH.

    “This followed credible intelligence on plans by bandits to attack Teng and Kayarda villages in Qua’an Pan LGA.

    “During the operation, troops in ambush positions, made contact and neutralised three bandits while others fled in the process.

    “Troops further recovered four AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition from the suspects,” he said.

    The media officer said that troops had intensified efforts to arrest other members of the criminal group who are still at large.

  • Ondo: Police beef up security in worship centres over alleged bandits’ threat

    Ondo: Police beef up security in worship centres over alleged bandits’ threat

    Mr Wilfred Afolabi, Commissioner of Police in Ondo State has ordered the deployment of operational assets around worship centres across the state.

    DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Akure.

    Afolabi explained that the deployment was based on reports of a possible attack by bandits on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where worshippers were killed in 2022.

    He said that the surveillance and patrol activities had also been significantly intensified to forestall any potential attack, reassured the public of their safety.

    “The command wishes to state unequivocally that while the source and authenticity of the said letter remain unverified, the report has necessitated a prompt and strategic response in the interest of public safety.

    “The command use this medium to urge media houses and members of the public to desist from spreading unverified information or fake news that could heighten tension and cause unnecessary panic.

    “Such actions are counterproductive and capable of undermining the security progress we have collectively achieved.

    “Residents of Ondo State are therefore advised to go about their lawful activities without fear or panic,” Afolabi said.

    He said that Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, were fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all lives and property in the state.

    “For any suspicious activity or information, members of the public are encouraged to contact the nearest police station or use the emergency lines made available by the Command,” he said.