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Tag: bandits

  • Defence Minister requests 50 additional APCs to flush out bandits in two months

    Defence Minister requests 50 additional APCs to flush out bandits in two months

    The Minister of Defence, Mr Mohammed Abubakar has requested the House of Representatives to provide additional 50 Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) in the 2025 budget to flush out bandits in the country.

    Abubakar made the request on Tuesday at the 2025 budget defence session organised by the House Committee on Defence in Abuja.

    He said that with the equipment, the fight against banditry in the country would be over in two months.

    “The Ministry of Defence is supposed to provide some equipment for some of the zones, but we cannot.

    “Out of what we had in 2024, we were only able to provide just 20 Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) but what can 20 APCs do.

    “If we are able to have 50 APCs that can go into the bush to flush out those criminals. I assure you, within two months, we will finish the issue of banditry but there is no provision for that in the 2025 budget.

    “I believe this House will consider more funding to the Ministry of Defense, so that we can be able to provide some equipment to some fresh areas of attacks,” he said.

    The minister said that there was need to review the budget of the ministry to also provide for the welfare of officers and men of the military.

    He said that N20 billion is required to address the backlog of the Group Life Insurance for military personnel.

    Abubakar said that the ministry has not been able to pay some entitlement for military personnel in theaters of operations, urging the House to squeeze and add more funding to the ministry.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Benson Babajimi (APC-Lagos), said that the request would be considered by the committee.

    Babajimi reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th House of Representatives to supporting the Armed Forces in their noble mission.

    He said that the House remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.

    According to him, the budget defense is, therefore, not just a legislative exercise but a reaffirmation of our collective responsibility to the Nigerian people.

    Babajimi said that over the years, the Armed Forces of Nigeria had demonstrated remarkable commitment and professionalism.

    According to him, they achieved significant progress in countering insurgency, terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity.

    “National Assembly has consistently prioritised the defense sector in the national budget, with increased allocations in recent years.

    “However, with these enhanced resources comes a heightened expectation for prudent, transparent and impactful utilization.

    “As representatives of the people, it is our duty to ensure that every naira is judiciously spent to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and deliver tangible results.

    “This year’s budget defense is particularly significant as it comes against the backdrop of evolving global and domestic security threats. These recent developments highlight the need for heightened vigilance and inter-agency collaboration.

    “We must leverage intelligence, technology, and best practices to neutralize emerging threats and safeguard our citizens,” he said.

    The chairman urged all defense agencies to prioritise strategic initiatives that align with national security objectives.

    NAN

  • Police rescue abductee, waste three bandits in Benue

    Police rescue abductee, waste three bandits in Benue

    Police operatives rescued a kidnap victim and wasted three suspected kidnappers in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

    The rescue efforts began after a distress call was received by Vandiekya Police Divisional Headquarters regarding the kidnap of one Tor Gajir by gunmen in the area.

    The police swiftly escalated their investigation and followed the trail to one Desmond Ahar, who was found to be part of the kidnappers.

    Ahar then led the operatives to the kidnappers’ den in Adikpo, Benue State, where a gun duel ensued, resulting in the neutralization of three suspects.

    The victim was rescued unhurt and given medical attention to assess any physical or psychological impact

    The victim was rescued unhurt and given medical attention to assess any physical or psychological impact.

    The operation also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and six loaded magazines with several live ammunition.

    In a similar incident, operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command located an abandoned sienna vehicle along Keffi-Kaduna Highway and rescued two hostages who had been captured by kidnappers.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their bravery and dedication, urging them to sustain their efforts to ensure public safety and national security.

    He also encouraged community members to remain vigilant and play their role in ensuring safety.

  • Police chase away bandits in Katsina, save 18 abductees, recover rustled cows

    Police chase away bandits in Katsina, save 18 abductees, recover rustled cows

    No fewer than 18 kidnap victims have been rescued from the hands of bandits in Katsina State after the state police command foiled kidnap attempt along the Funtua-Gusau highway in Zamfara State.

    The Command also succeeded in recovering an unspecified number of rustled animals after foiling cattle rustling attempt at Gidan Gada village in Kafur Local Government Area of the state.

    The kidnapping attempt occurred on January 3rd, 2025, at about 21:30 hrs, after an information was received at the Faskari Divisional Police Headquarters that some suspected armed bandits armed with AK-47 rifles, shooting sporadically, ambushed 4 vehicles at a point along the Funtua-Gusau highway.

    The vehicles, one Toyota Avensis, maroon in colour, en route to Yankara village from Batsari; one DAF motor vehicle, white in colour; one Pacars Canter motor vehicle; and one DAF, green in colour, all en route to Funtua from Gusau, Zamfara State, conveying 18 passengers, were attacked by the suspected kidnappers in an attempt to kidnap all the occupants.

    Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Faskari Divisional Police Headquarters, promptly mobilised operatives to the scene where a gunfight ensued.

    In a statement on Sunday, police spokesman ASP Abubakar Sadiq noted that the team successfully repelled the armed bandits’ attack and rescued 18 victims unharmed.

    In a related development, on the same date at about 23:00 hrs, some suspected armed bandits attacked Gidan Gada village, Kafur LGA, Katsina State, rustling a number of cattle.

    Under the terms of the ceasefire, the Lebanese army is to deploy alongside UN peacekeepers in the south as the Israeli army withdraws over a 60-day period.

    Hezbollah is to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River — some 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border — and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south.

    A committee composed of Israeli, Lebanese, French and US delegates alongside a representative of UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL is tasked with ensuring any ceasefire violations are identified and dealt with.

    The UN peacekeeping force has also repeatedly accused Israel of violating the ceasefire terms.

  • Again, Zamfara on fire as bandits linked to Bello Turji abduct passengers, burn vehicle

    Again, Zamfara on fire as bandits linked to Bello Turji abduct passengers, burn vehicle

    After notorious bandits leader, Bello Turji vowed to launch attacks in response to the arrest of his relatives, some bandits have abducted passengers and burnt their vehicle in the Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    Although it is unclear if this development is related to the threats, the incident occurred at Kwanar Jalab village in Zungeru Ward, Shinkafi LGA.

    Quoting a resident of Shinkafi, who asked for anonymity, the bandits ambushed the vehicle around 8am, on Tuesday, while conveying passengers to Shinkafi from Gusau, the state capital.

    “The bandits abducted all the passengers on board the vehicle before they set the car ablaze. We are suspecting that the 10 people, including the driver, were abducted.”

    “This is a strange method of operation in this area. Before this incident, bandits have never set a car ablaze after abducting its passengers. Of course, they do kidnap people along the road, but they have never burnt vehicles after an operation,” the source lamented.

    Earlier the bandits had planted bombs on roads in Dansadau axis, Maru local government.

    This resulted in the killing of scores of travellers and injuring others, a situation that calls for urgent government attention.

    The development forced travellers to suspend their journeys to Shinkafi from Gusau due to uncertainty.

    One of the residents, Sulaiman Shinkafi said, “My mother warned me not to travel to Shinkafi after she heard about the unfortunate incident.

    “I was in Gusau when the news of the incident broke, so Hajiya called me on phone and instructed me not to go back to Shinkafi until tomorrow (today).

    “I don’t know the actual number of people abducted by the bandits but we are suspecting they were 10 because most times drivers carry 10 people in their Gulf model vehicle as against the usual six.”

    “I am sure by tomorrow (today), the exact number of abducted persons will be known. We hope the government will take serious action to check the reoccurrence of the unfortunate incident.”

    The development comes as the Nigerian military promises to deal with Bello Turji calling him a dead man walking.

    The military threatened to ensure that terrorists are neutralized in the country, citing an instance of wins recorded in 2024 as a sign for successes to be recorded in 2025.

  • JUST-IN: Benue residents in panic mode as bandits kill dozens

    JUST-IN: Benue residents in panic mode as bandits kill dozens

    Benue in panic mode as the people of Yaav and Mbakyol council wards of Kwande local government area of Benue State as armed bandits suspected to be herdsmen invaded the two communities on Christmas day, killing over 12 people and abducted seven children.

    A resident of now deserted Mbadura council ward who is taking refuge in Jato-Aka Lawrence Akerigba, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent, informed that the attackers abducted seven children with the oldest being 6 years, while the youngest is 2 years of age.

    According to him, “The attackers invaded Yaav and Mbakyol councill wards of Turan community at about 4pm when most residents were at home with their families enjoying the cool breeze of the yuletide, killing 12, injuring scores, and abducted children while others were still mssing.

    “On Christmas day evening, eight young boys who are also taking refuge in Jato-Aka town which is Yaav council wards were sent by their parents to bring some crops from the farm so as to prepare food for the family on the Boxing Day and on their way, they met the attackers who opened fire on them, killing one person while the remaining seven who escaped with gunshot injuries are receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

    Akerigba also disclosed that there is sustained attack by bandits on the community after the burial of Wantaregh Paul Unongo, adding that out of the five council wards in the Turan community, four have been deserted for over 10 years due to sustained attacks by bandits suspected to be armed herdsmen.

    “I am from Mbadura Council ward here in Turan Community of Kwande LG, but all of us have left our communities, we are now taking refuge in Jato-Aka town for fear of the unknown, and it seems the government has totally forgotten that his people are going through hell here, nobody is coming to our rescue, no relief materials, even as many were celebrating we were just hearing and the sudden attack on the already traumatised communities.

    He said, “Our young people are combining the bushes around because as we talk now, many people are still missing including women and children, 9 corpses were picked at the scene of the attack while three were recovered from the surrounding bushes, search is still on and there is the likelihood that more corpses will be recovered.

    “What we are calling for now is for the government to make our communities safe to enable us go back to our ancestral homes to continue with our farming to feed our families and pay our childrens school fees, because from all indications, it seems the security here are helpless. These bandits come with more sophisticated weapons, since yesterday 4pm and today almost 11am now no security personnel has come here to access the situation and give the people hope, those who lost their loved ones are just crying since yesterday

    Akerigba gave the names of the slain victims to include Vanen Iorvihi, Mike Azege, Anyisa Akpa, Ausa Imbior, orwua Abur Hwande,.Iornumbe Tse, Zaki Ashivor Mbailuve Tyohemba,Terhemba Tyohemba Jim Ierkwagh and Ijeyol Ierkwagh.

    He however said the number was still counting, adding that the search team was still searching for those missing in the bush.

    Efforts to speak with the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene proved abortive as she was neither.

  • Hunger amplified as bandits snatch Christmas foodstuffs, drinks from Kaduna residents

    Hunger amplified as bandits snatch Christmas foodstuffs, drinks from Kaduna residents

    Bandits have snatched foodstuffs and drinks from a man on a motorcycle at Gidan Abe community in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State.

    A community leader from the area confirmed the incident on Monday.

    He said the incident happened on Saturday, around 5:23pm when the man, who went to purchase a bag of rice, drinks and condiments for the Christmas at Katari was on his way to Gidan Abe village. Some bandits on motorcycle blocked him and seized the items from him.

    According to him, the bandits who were on motorcycles zoomed off with the food items without hurting or abducting the victim.

    “Just this morning, I recieved information at Katari village where I went to see someone that some bandits on motorcycle snatched foodstuffs from a man on a motorcycle who was on his way to Gidan Abe village for Christmas,” he said.

    The spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, ASP Hassan Mansur, was yet to confirm the incident as at the time of filing this report.

  • Two suspected bandits arrested with AK 47 rifles in Taraba

    Two suspected bandits arrested with AK 47 rifles in Taraba

    Troops of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of the “Operation Whirl Stroke” (OPWS) have  thwarted a planned banditry attack in Taraba and arrested two suspects with AK 47 rifles.

    According to a statement on Thursday  by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations in Jalingo, said the success was as a result of a coordinated operation based on credible intelligence.

    “Upon receiving actionable intelligence, troops on 11 December 2024, swiftly launched a series of aggressive patrols, ambushes, and covert operations to prevent the attack.

    “These efforts culminated in the apprehension of two suspected terrorists, identified as Terry Waapara and Tobaya Tekura, in Adu village.

    “The suspects were intercepted while attempting to infiltrate the Chachanji market to carry out their nefarious mission, believed to include kidnapping and other criminal activities.

    “During the operation, troops recovered 2 AK-47 rifles, 2 AK-47 magazines and 26 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

    “The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation to uncover more details about their network and activities.”

    The statement quoted the Commander 6 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Kingsley Uwa, commending the troops for their vigilance, professionalism, and swift response, which led to the success.

    “I want to assure the good people of Taraba State that the Nigerian Army will remain resolute in its fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality.

    “I appreciate the support and cooperation of law-abiding citizens in providing timely and credible information. Together we will make Taraba a safe environment for all,” Uwa said.

  • NAF destroys bandit kingpin’s residence, arms depot

    NAF destroys bandit kingpin’s residence, arms depot

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Component of “Operation Fansan Yamma” has killed several terrorists in an airstrike on a terrorist kingpin’s residence in Palele, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

    This is contained in a statement by the NAF Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, on Monday in Abuja.

    Akinboyewa said that the air interdiction was conducted on Nov. 16, adding that a critical arms depot and residence of the notorious kingpin, Mallam Saleh, a loyalist of Dogo Gide were destroyed.

    He said that Saleh’s reign of terror had plagued vulnerable communities in Shiroro, with attacks, abductions, and extortion leaving a trail of fear.

    According to him, the air component had been tracking his movements, gathering crucial intelligence to dismantle his operations.

    “As NAF aircraft swooped in, terrorists on motorcycles were spotted in the target area.

    “With swift and precise action, the NAF assets unleashed devastating strikes, obliterating the weapons cache and dealing a crushing blow to the terrorists.

    “A secondary explosion confirmed the destruction of the munitions, crippling Saleh’s capabilities.

    “This bold operation is part of the NAF’s logistics strangulation strategy, aimed at decimating terrorist strongholds and restoring peace to the region,’’ he said.

    Akinboyewa assured that the NAF would maintain dominance through the collaboration with surface forces, constant patrols, situational awareness, and targeted interdictions.

    According to him, the mission has significantly degraded the terrorists’ operational capabilities

  • NAF airstrikes kill scores of bandits in Zamfara

    NAF airstrikes kill scores of bandits in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma successfully neutralised several bandits in Babban Kauye village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara, on November 15.

    The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, in a statement on Sunday, said success was achieved in further air interdiction missions on large gathering of bandits in the area.

    Akinboyewa said that NAF had sustained its aggressive air interdiction campaign, nicknamed Operation Farautar Mujiya, aimed at eliminating bandit threats in Northwestern Nigeria.

    He said the operations led to the neutralisation of numerous bandits, including key loyalists of infamous bandit leaders Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule.

    According to him, the airstrikes targeted a large assembly of bandits in Babban Kauye village.

    “Intelligence sources revealed that the congregation of the criminals was perfecting plans for coordinated attacks against military personnel or civilians along the Tsafe axis.

    “Upon receiving credible intelligence, the NAF launched a series of devastating airstrikes, inflicting significant casualties on the criminal elements.

    “Reports from the ground confirmed the successful elimination of numerous high-ranking members of the bandit groups, dealing a severe blow to their operational capacity,” he said.

    Akinboyewa said that Tsafe Local Government Area had long been a flashpoint for bandit activities, with factions loyal to Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule notorious for orchestrating violent assaults on local communities, security forces, and vital infrastructure.

    According to him, these groups have utilised remote settlements like Babban Kauye as strategic safe havens, from which they coordinate and execute their nefarious operations.

    He said that the latest airstrikes represented a robust response and support for the theatre command of Operation Fansan Yamma by the NAF.

    This, he said, aligned with broader efforts to dismantle and completely degrade bandit networks in the region, disrupt planned attacks with a view to restoring peace and stability to the embattled Northwest.

    “The NAF remains resolute in its mission, in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies to secure the region and indeed the nation as a whole.

    “We will work to eliminate threats posed by terrorists, bandits and all other criminal elements working against the peace and prosperity of our beloved country,” he added.

  • No village under bandits’ control in Kebbi – Deputy Gov.

    No village under bandits’ control in Kebbi – Deputy Gov.

    The Kebbi Government has refuted an online media report that bandits have taken control of some villages adjudicating in Sharia Courts and self-appointed traditional rulers in the state.

    The State Deputy Gov. Sen. Umar Abubakar-Tafida, debunked the report at a news briefing in his office in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

    “There is no single village, in the whole of Kebbi State, where bandits are in-charge of Sharia courts or have appointed village heads of their choice.

    “The report is false, with no iota of truth; this is just the imagination of writers of such online news.

    “We do not have a bandit base or camp in Kebbi. These marauders infiltrated from neighboring states, and from Niger Republic to Kebbi through their informants to strike and retreat,” he said.

    Abubakar-Tafida assured that the state government had put in place incisive and effective strategies to put an end to the acts of banditry.

    “The delegation sent by the state government under the leadership of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu to meet with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa has held a fruitful discussion with the military high-command.

    “This discussion was on ways to wipe out banditry and insurgency in Kebbi, Northwest and the North generally,” he said.

    Abubakar-Tafida announced that, so far, N92.5 million had been disbursed to the families of victims who lost their lives in the bandits’ attack on Friday, Nov. 7.

    “Gov. Nasir Idris donated N50 million, Sen. Bagudu gave N30 million, members of the National Assembly from the state donated N10 million while Minister of State for Humanitarian Services, Dr Tanko Sununu, donated N2.5 million to the families.

    “We are grateful to them for their condolence visit to Mera in Augie Local Government Area, as well as their benevolence to the victims,” the deputy governor noted.