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Tag: bandits

  • JUST IN: Reps back Senate, asks Buhari to declare bandits, sponsors as terrorists

    JUST IN: Reps back Senate, asks Buhari to declare bandits, sponsors as terrorists

    Members of the House of Representatives have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare bandits and their sponsors as terrorists.

    They made the call during Thursday’s plenary in the green chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, had raised the matter while addressing his colleagues in the lower house.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the call by the lawmakers to proscribe bandits and their sponsors comes a day after their counterparts in the Senate chamber took a similar stand.

    “The Senate on Wednesday, 29th September 2021 adopted a motion asking President Muhammadu Buhari to declare bandits ravaging the northern part of the country terrorists and wage a total war on them,” the lawmaker told his colleagues.

    “They also asked that the President declare all known leaders of bandits wanted and arrest them, wherever they were found for speedy prosecution. Such declaration to be done through a Proscription Order can be done pursuant to Section 2 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011 (As Amended).

    “I would like to echo the same sentiment and ask honourable colleagues to join the Senate in urging Mr President to declare bandits and their sponsors as terrorists. This will underline the determination of the government to combat the wave of criminality and murders conducted by bandits all over the country.”

    Benson explained that declaring bandits as terrorists could be done through a proscription order, to serve as a source of inspiration for security personnel to redouble their efforts towards dealing with the threat.

    For him, such declaration – when given the force of law – will renew the resolve of the security personnel in dealing with the menace of banditry, saying the mode of operations and rules of engagement would be scaled up accordingly.

    According to the lawmaker, such an order will officially bring the activities of bandits and their sponsors within the purview of the Terrorism Prevention Act while persons associated with such groups will be legally prosecuted and sentenced to penalties specified in the Act.

    “Declaration of all bandits as terrorists may also encourage other countries to do same and help create a global consensus around dealing with transnational factors that feed the domestic activities of such proscribed organisations and individuals,” he said.

    “As previously observed in this House, no [single] action can be a silver bullet to solving our insecurity in Nigeria. But a collection of many effective actions and strategies can bring safety. It is in this spirit that I speak today.

    “Insecurity in Nigeria requires an all-of-government approach. Hence, I also urge the President to implement the recommendations of the National Security Summit, which took place in June this year and was officially delivered to Mr President in July. All hands have to be on deck to be able to win this battle against insecurity in all its manifestations.”

  • BREAKING: Senate pressures Buhari to declare bandits as terrorists

    BREAKING: Senate pressures Buhari to declare bandits as terrorists

    The Senate has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to declare bandits as terrorists.

    During the plenary on Wednesday, the federal lawmakers also asked President Buhari to declare all the known leaders of the bandits wanted and track them wherever they are for arrest and prosecution.

    The resolutions followed a motion moved by the Senator representing Sokoto East, Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir, and eight others.

    Senator Gobir lamented that his senatorial district has become a safe haven for bandits fleeing from the current onslaught against them in Zamfara State.

    While stating his case, the Senator recalled the killing of 21 security personnel on Saturday in Dama and Gangara, during attacks that left a yet to be ascertained number of civilians either dead or kidnapped.

    According to the lawmaker, the latest incident highlights the magnitude of the problem, a matter which he stressed requires the declaration of total war on banditry.

    Senator Gobir added that it is sad the nation keeps losing such a number of trained officers at the hands of bandits, a trend which he asserts will jeopardise the security architecture of the country if not properly handled.

    While noting that reinforced military operations are forcing bandits to move from Zamfara State into Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government areas of Sokoto State, the lawmaker urged the government to ensure that the onslaught against the marauders is well coordinated.

    “The operation should be holistic instead of restrictive in order to produce effective and the desired results,” the Senator stated.

  • Bandits attack military base in Sokoto, many feared dead, injured

    Bandits attack military base in Sokoto, many feared dead, injured

    Bandits have attacked a joint military camp in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    The Sokoto State Commissioner for Carriers and Security Matters, Colonel Garba Moyi (rtd) confirmed the attack but was not sure of the number of casualties.

    However, multiple reports suggest that many may have died following the attack.

    Residents of the area and security sources said the gunmen attacked the base, codenamed “Burkusuma Camp”, in the early hours of Friday, killing an unknown number of military personnel.

    According to the sources, the armed men came in their large numbers and started shooting at the camp from all angles.

    The military source could not confirm if the said camp is the same with the Burkusuma camp in Sabo Birni Local Government Area.

    Meanwhile, a former Chairman of Sabon Birni, Idris Muhammad Gobir, also known as Danchadi, told newsmen that the “Burkusuma Camp” was attacked with several security operatives in the place still missing.

    He said the marauding bandits also burnt down two patrol vehicles and carted away another one which was used to convey food items stolen from the villagers.

    Although telecommunication services have been shut down in North West State, the former chairman explained that a resident of Burkusuma who accessed mobile telecommunication service from Niger Republic told them about the attack.

    Another resident of the area who craved anonymity, equally confirmed the development, explaining that some vehicles were sent to evacuate the corpses of the fallen heroes.

    He said over 10 trucks conveying armed military personnel are in the forest trailing the bandits.

    A personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who sought anonymity, said that three persons from the agency were among the casualties.

    According to reports, after carrying out the attack, the bandits later went to another village, Katsira, and shot four persons.

    Two of the victims died instantly while others were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

    The bandits also abducted three persons from the village.

    However, security personnel in the area, including the spokesman of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major Yahaya Ngulde, however, said they are not aware of the incident.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Sanusi Abubakar also said he has not been briefed about the latest assault on the state.

  • Insecurity: Allow us tackle bandits, Katsina female hunters beg Gov Masari

    Insecurity: Allow us tackle bandits, Katsina female hunters beg Gov Masari

    The Nigeria Hunters Council (NHC), Katsina State Chapter have indicated their interest to fight bandits if they are allowed.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the women gave their readiness to assist Katsina State government in the fight against bandits during a courtsey call to the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa in Katsina

    The Assistant Commandant General of the Hunters Council in the State,
    Hajiya Ummah Dauda, in her address noted that they are warriors group who knows the forest terrain and were ready to sacrifice their lives for banditry, killing and hostage taking to end in Katsina.

    According to her,as hunters, we know the forest very well and the truth is we are in a better position to help the government in fighting bandits. Besides, our members are well fortified and bullets cannot penetrate us. We are trained warriors, and fighters.

    Hajia Ummah pleaded with the State government to carry the hunters along in their effort to tame the menace of banditry in the State, adding that the numerical strength of experienced hunters in some LGAs are well above hundred hunters.

    “Some of our members here single-handedly arrested bandits in the past and handed them to security operatives.

    “Sir, with the kind permission of the state government, we are ready to hit the forest and fish out these bandits even right now.”

    The ACG called on Governor Aminu Bello Masari to avail the Hunters a
    Council office accommodation for effective coordination of their activities.

  • Customs intercepts 202 motorcycles from suspected bandits in Katsina

    Customs intercepts 202 motorcycles from suspected bandits in Katsina

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) has intercepted 202 motorcycles from suspected bandits and their collaborators in Katsina State between August and September.

    The Acting Controller of the state command, Alhaji Chedi Wada, who disclosed this on Friday in Katsina, said that the motorcycles, mostly Boxers and Jencheng models, were confiscated around forests close to border areas.

    “We suspected that the motorcycles were used for conveyance of petrol, food items and smuggled items to bandits in the forest.

    “Most of the people we seized the machines from fled and no one came to claim the motorcycles,’’ the controller said.

    Wada said the command is working assiduously in ensuring that no contraband or illegal item is brought into the country through any of the borders in the state.

    “The fight against banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of crimes and criminal acts in the state and the country in general is a collective effort.

    “The custom service, like any other security agency, also has a stake in it.

    “Here in Katsina state, we are determined despite all odds; we will make sure we assist to bring the bandits and other criminals to their knees,” Chedi said.

  • Brave Sokoto residents go after bandits, capture six, set them ablaze

    Brave Sokoto residents go after bandits, capture six, set them ablaze

    Some angry community members in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State have set ablaze six suspected armed bandits said to have been involved in an attack that took place on Friday.

    During the attack on Friday, the bandits were said to have killed two people and abducted four others.

    A source who pleaded anonymity after the attack, members of the community chased the bandits and caught them in the nearby bushes.

    While the police were also on ground and planning to transport the suspects to the command headquarters in Sokoto, the angry community members overpowered them and forcefully snatched the suspects from the security personnel.

    Thereafter, all the six bandits were set ablaze.

    When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Sanusi Abubakar, confirmed the incident but refused to give any further comments.

  • 10 More students of Bethel Baptist school released after ransom paid

    10 More students of Bethel Baptist school released after ransom paid

    Bandits have released 10 more students of Bethel Baptist Secondary School in Kaduna State.

    The students were released on Saturday since they were abducted on July 5, 2021 by the bandits.

    Police authorities in Kaduna have yet to make any comment on the release of the students.

    But Kaduna State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),Rev. Joseph Hayab confirmed the release of 10 of the studens.

    He said the students were released on Saturday night and have been reunited with their parents.

    According to him, ransom was paid before the students were released.

    As at now, 21 students are still in captivity and yet to be released.

  • Bandits kill one, abduct scores in Sokoto

    Bandits kill one, abduct scores in Sokoto

    The Police Command in Sokoto State on Saturday confirmed the killing of one person and the abduction of several others, as a result of an attack by some unknown gunmen in Tangaza Local Government Area of the state.

    The Spokesperson of the command, ASP Sunusi Abubakar, who confirmed the attack to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto, said the attack occurred on Friday evening.

    “We have received a report of an attack by unknown gunmen who stormed the headquarters of Tangaza LGA on Friday evening.

    “The bandits killed one of the traders, abducted yet an unspecified number of people and in the process carted away foodstuffs and drinks.

    “However, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies are still investigating the matter,” he said.

    Meanwhile, a source from Tangaza who confided in NAN said that the suspected armed bandits, who shot sporadically killed the trader on the spot and another young girl who died after being taken to the hospital.

    He added that three other persons sustained injuries and were currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

    “However, the timely intervention of security agencies, alongside local vigilante, had led to the rescue of one of the five children abducted by the gunmen,” he said.

    NAN reports that the ongoing security operations in Zamfara and some neighboring States, as well as the closure of major markets in the states were taking a huge toll on the suspected bandits.

  • Bandits kill two, kidnap four after evening prayers in Sokoto

    Bandits kill two, kidnap four after evening prayers in Sokoto

    Two persons have been killed while four others have been abducted by bandits who attacked Tangaza town in the northern district of Sokoto state on Friday.

    According to residents in the area, the bandits attacked the town after the evening prayers and started shooting sporadically, killing a shop owner on the spot.

    A young girl was also shot and was rushed to the hospital, but later died.

    Three other persons who were injured are now said to be receiving treatment.

    In the process of the attack, the bandits carted away foodstuffs and drinks.

    According to residents, the timely intervention of security agencies alongside local vigilantes who rescued one of the kidnap victims helped in reducing the number of casualties.

    About five children were kidnapped, while one was rescued after security personnel chased one of the bandits into the bush.

    Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command PPRO, ASP Sanusi Abubakar confirmed the incident but maintained that only one person was killed and there was no abduction.

    The attack comes a few days following reports that a threat letter was sent to some communities in Sokoto from suspected bandits.

    In the letter written in the Hausa language, the said attackers mentioned five communities – Shuni, Kwanar Kimba, Rikina, and Dange, all in Dange/Shuni Local Government Area, causing panic among the residents.

    Sokoto is one of the states in the North-West region that has recently come under attack by bandits who kidnap for ransom, rape, steal, and murder people.

    Some other states such as Zamfara and Katsina, plagued with similar challenges, have taken up more stringent measures to curb the crime rate such as the shutting down of telecoms services and the closure of some markets and filling stations.

  • Troops rescue abducted NDA officer

    Troops rescue abducted NDA officer

    Troops of the Nigerian Army, Airforce and other security agencies have rescued Maj. Christopher Datong, the officer abducted at the permanent site of Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna, on Aug. 24.

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Col Ezindu Idimah, said in a statement issued in Kaduna that the officer was rescued in the late hours of Friday, Sept.17.

    He said the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs had earlier issued a directive after the abduction of the officer, that he be rescued and his abductors, fished out.

    The spokesperson said sequel to the directive, the 1 Division, in conjunction with the Air Task Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies, swung into action by conducting operations in the Afaka general area of Kaduna, to locate and rescue the officer.

    He explained that the operations were conducted based on several leads received from various sources regarding the abductors, and likely locations the officer was held.

    Idimah stated that the operations were sustained since the abduction of the officer, resulting in the destruction of several identified bandits’ camps in the Afaka- Birnin Gwari general area, and the neutralization of scores of bandits, particularly in the late hours of Sept 17.

    He said upon arrival at a camp suspected to be the location where Datong was being held, the troops exchanged fire with the bandits and in the process, the abducted officer was rescued.

    However, he said the officer sustained a minor injury, but had been treated in a medical facility and handed over to NDA for further action.

    “The Division wishes to commend the efforts of the NAF, DSS , Nigerian Police and patriotic Nigerians for their invaluable support, which contributed to the success of this operation.

    “Our operations will continue until we capture or neutralize the assailants that killed two officers in the NDA on 24 August 2021,” Idimah said.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Defence Academy, Maj. Bashir Jajira, also confirmed the rescue of the officer.

    Recalled that on Aug 24 NDA confirmed an attack at the academy, where two officers where killed and one other, abducted.