TheNewsGuru

Tag: bandits

  • JUST IN: Bandits invade private varsity, abduct students in Kaduna

    JUST IN: Bandits invade private varsity, abduct students in Kaduna

    An unidentified number of students of Green Field University located along the Abuja-Kaduna highway have been abducted in a scary raid by armed bandits who attacked the school.

    According to information available to TheNewsGuru.com, TNG, the bandits who brandished a number of sophisticated weapons attacked the school around 10.30 pm on Tuesday and shot a security guard in the process of gaining entrance into the school.

    Reacting to the incident, former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, who first broke the news of the attack described the abduction of the students as yet another tragedy in the escalating banditry in the country.

    The school abduction is coming barely 40 days after 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Mando were kidnapped.

    Recall female soldiers were drafted to the Abuja-Kaduna highway in December 2020.

  • Kaduna Govt reels out disturbing figures of carnages by Boko Haram, bandits

    Kaduna Govt reels out disturbing figures of carnages by Boko Haram, bandits

    The Kaduna State Government on Monday reeled out disturbing figures of many carnages and atrocities carried out by Boko Haram, bandits and other bad elements in the State.

    Samuel Aruwan, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs reeled out the disturbing figures in his remarks at the public hearing on the Firearms Act CAP. F17, LFN 2004 (Amendment) bill.

    The public hearing held at the Senate Conference Hall 022 of the National Assembly (NASS), Abuja.

    The Commissioner’s remarks read: “Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: The varied and increasingly alarming nature of security challenges across Nigeria is widely documented.

    “Northern Nigeria in particular, has seen an outbreak of violent conflicts and growing asymmetric threats in the last decade; from the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, to the more recent scourge of banditry in the North-West and some North-Central states.

    “The activities of terrorists, armed bandits and kidnappers who currently ravage the rural landscape in most states of the North-West, killing thousands of citizens including women and children and even attacking military formations, has been enabled in large part by the unchecked proliferation of arms in Nigeria.

    “In recent years, the easy access to, and use of these arms has taken on an increasing level of sophistication, a fall-out of events in the sub-region and just beyond.

    “Access to these devices – locally made and imported – enables these criminal groups and other non-state actors to inflict untold carnage, destruction, instability, pain and loss on the society.

    “On the part of the Kaduna State Government, institutional and collaborative measures have been put in place to address the current security challenges, which in some parts of the state are interwoven with communal clashes.

    “Notably, a mandate ministry has been established to coordinate and support federal security agencies in their security operations.

    “From its inception in 2019, The Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, mandated the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, among other things, to coordinate the internal security of the state and to serve as bridge between the Kaduna State Government and federal security agencies, comprising the Military, Police, Department of State Services, and others. Another key function of the Ministry is the coordination of intelligence gathering.

    “In addition, as part of discharging its mandates, the Ministry publishes regular security updates often contain startling disclosures of banditry incidences, communal violence, killings, reprisals, number of deaths and other casualty details.

    “These updates are simply aimed at keeping citizens of Kaduna State informed about the complex security situation in the State, and to help them appreciate the enormity and dimensions of the problem.

    “It is expected that this awareness will help promote rational choices at community level and drive an informed, collective approach to security matters across the state.

    “It is our conviction that in matters as critical as security, the more the public knows, the better equipped people are to confront and manage challenges, including at local and community levels.

    “Distinguished Senators, ladies and gentlemen, the figures disclosed are disturbing, but highly instructive. In 2020, 937 citizens died as a direct result of banditry and communal violence.

    “Six hundred and seventeen (617) of these deaths, (two-thirds of the total) were within the Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

    “The Kaduna South Senatorial District accounted for 286 deaths (about one-third of the total), due in large part to sporadic clashes, alongside banditry which triggered attacks and counter attacks, especially between June and November 2020.

    “Kaduna North Senatorial District recorded 34 fatalities from banditry and violence.

    “On another front, 1,972 people were kidnapped in 2020, with Kaduna Central Senatorial District accounting for 1,561 of these. Similarly, 7,195 heads of cattle were rustled across the state. Kaduna Central Senatorial District was also hardest hit with 5,557 animals stolen.

    “Similarly disturbing figures are set to be published in the coming days for the first quarter of 2021.

    “These include quantities of munitions recovered by security forces, in line with vigorous investigations to dismantle gun-running networks, and block arms routes into the state.

    “The figures published show quite clearly the staggering human and economic losses suffered across Kaduna State due to the prevailing menace of armed banditry, alongside issues of communal violence.

    “This is the picture of mayhem unleashed by criminals mainly because of the easy access to arms and ammunition, into which bandits invest significant portions of their loot.

    “The Kaduna State Government continues to support Federal security agencies in their constitutionally defined roles toward combating this menace, but beyond boots on the ground and kinetic responses – which are, in any case, largely reactive – a lot more is clearly required.

    “As the clamour intensifies to devolve issues of internal security to the sub-national levels, other accompanying legislative steps are equally needed…26. … to seize the initiative from non-state actors, and restrict their capacity to gratuitously dispense suffering and anguish to Nigerians.

    “It is the position of the Kaduna State Government that the proposed Firearms Act CAP, F17, LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill 2021, is a timely and crucial intervention towards arresting the deepening security predicament in which our country finds itself.

    “Firm legislation enabling stiffer penalties than what currently exists in the parent bill, to regulate the proliferation of small arms and light weapons within our borders, is an urgent and decisive step towards turning the tide of insecurity.

    “The actions of terrorists, criminals and insurrectionist elements constitute a declaration of war on the Nigerian state, and the security situation must be approached as such, and no less.

    “A crucial aspect of re-defining our governance system at this time, therefore, is ensuring that the coercive powers of the State, including and especially the use of force, remain firmly in the control of the State.

    “It is therefore our ardent appeal that this amendment be passed into law with dispatch”.

  • Police arrest suspects providing medical services to bandits

    Police arrest suspects providing medical services to bandits

    The Kaduna State Government, said two people suspected of providing medical services to bandits have been arrested by the police in Buruku, Chikun Local Government Area of the state.

    The government, however, said at least three people were killed by gunmen in different locations in the state within the last 48 hours.

    The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, said in a statement on Monday in Kaduna.

    According to him, in one of the attacks, bandits invaded Rafin Roro village in Kajuru local government area and killed one person.

    “Eleven expended rounds of AK-47 ammunition were found at the location. Security patrols are proceeding with investigations in the general area.

    “Similarly, one citizen was killed by bandits at a settlement near Maraban Jos, Igabi local government area.

    “Bandits also killed one at the outskirts of Garu village, Igabi LGA, after rustling an unspecified number of cows belonging to two persons.”

    The commissioner said security personnel engaged the bandits, and one of them was found roaming about in the bush while others escaped with bullet wounds.

    He said Gov. Nasir El-Rufai expressed sadness as he prayed for the repose of the slain citizens, and sent condolences to their families.

    “The governor commended the Kaduna State Police Command for the arrests in Chikun LGA, and urged that thorough investigations be pursued to conclusion.”

  • Police orderly killed as bandits open fire on Taraba council chairman

    Police orderly killed as bandits open fire on Taraba council chairman

    A police orderly attached to Mr Shoban Tikari, Chairman of Takum local government council of Taraba, was on Saturday killed by suspected bandits who opened fire on the chairman’s vehicle in Dogo-Gawa village in Takum LGA.

    The deceased policeman was of the 67 Mobile Police Squadron, located in the area.

    Tikari, who confirmed the attack, said the militia, in their numbers, launched an attack on his motorcade while on his way to Takum, claiming the life of the deceased in the process.

    The chairman, who declined giving the name of the deceased, called on the Federal government to deploy more security personnel to the area.

    Takum and Wukari councils, in southern Taraba have in recent times witnessed a surge of bandit attacks leading to death of civilians and security personnel.

  • Adeboye condemns bandits’ attacks on traditional rulers in Ekiti, inaugurates 1000 Pastors, visits Fayemi

    Adeboye condemns bandits’ attacks on traditional rulers in Ekiti, inaugurates 1000 Pastors, visits Fayemi

    The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye has condemned the recent attacks by bandits on traditional institutions in Ekiti State.

    The cleric was speaking against the backdrop of separate attacks on two traditional rulers by gunmen in the state in the last ten days.

    While the Elewu of Ewu-Ekiti, Oba Adetutu Ajayi was shot and escaped being kidnapped, the Obadu of Ilemeso-Ekiti , Oba David Oyewumi was abducted in his palace and whereabouts unknown as of press time.

    Adeboye who spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital on Saturday when he visited the state governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said traditional institutions in the state and beyond deserve respect because of the critical roles the institutions play in the society.

    “It is condemnable the flagrant disrespect to our traditional institutions in Ekiti state in recent time by gunmen, ” he said.

    He urged residents to continue in their prayers for the country to survive the avalanche of problems confronting it, saying, ” I have committed myself in fighting the battle for the soul of the nation spiritually.”

    Adeboye who was in the state to ordain about 1000 pastors in RCCG said political leaders across board must not relegate the power of God to the background in their activities and policies in the interest of the citizens.

    The General Overseer, who revealed that his grandmother was from Ekiti said God will halt the reign of terror and violence in the country, assuring that every tree that the Lord had not planted would be uprooted.

    Responding, Governor Fayemi while expressing delight for the visit to the government house by the renowned cleric, commended him for his prayers and efforts towards the development and progress of the country.

    He noted that government at all levels would be ready to listen to wise counsels from elders and spiritual leaders in a bid for the nation to surmount the increasing security challenges.

    “We need prayers, we need a lot of help, our people are very very prayerful, and we know the development RCCG has witnessed under your leadership, particularly in our own setting here. We pray that God will continue to be good to us and heal the land and in a moment, all of us will have testimony to the good works of the Lord.

    “I want to on behalf of the people of the State thank you immensely for your untiring relentless efforts in ensuring that our country gets better, our lives improve and the quality of security and safety are improved in the land,” Fayemi said.

  • Bandits attack police checkpoint in Taraba State, One officer feared killed

    Bandits attack police checkpoint in Taraba State, One officer feared killed

    One police officer has been feared killed as bandits attacked a mobile police checkpoint at Dogon-Gawa community of Takum Local Government Area, Taraba State.

    The Chairman of the Council, Shiban Tikari, confirmed the incident to Channels Television noting the gunmen struck in the early hours of Saturday.

    He added that he was there when the attack took place with over 200 of the bandits surrounding them.

    According to him, there was a heavy gun duel between the police officers and the bandits leading to the death of one officer.

    Tikari alleged that the Tiv militias comprising of remnants of late Gana boys are responsible for the series of attacks in the southern zone of Taraba.

    As at the time of this report, phone calls and text messages to the police public relations officer David Misal were not responded to.

    This attack on police checkpoint Dogon-Gawa community comes days after gunmen killed four people in separate attacks carried out between Wednesday and Thursday in Taraba State.

    The gunmen in their numbers first attacked Tor-Larshager a suburb community of Wukari Local Government Area killing a 70-year-old man and setting ablaze his residential apartment at about 9:00pm.

  • NMA disowns ‘medical doctor’ with links to bandits in Zamfara State

    NMA disowns ‘medical doctor’ with links to bandits in Zamfara State

    The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has denied media reports connecting medical doctors with banditry in Zamfara State.

    This is contained in a statement signed in Gusau on Friday by the association’s state Chairman and Secretary, Dr Mannir Bature and Dr Remigius Nwachukwu.

    “The attention of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Zamfara State Chapter, has been drawn to a publication from various media organisations with a caption, ‘Police in Zamfara arrest medical doctor, 7 others in connection with banditry.

    “However, we will like to make it clear to the general public that the above caption, which emanated from a joint press statement between the state Ministries of Information and that of Security and Home Affairs is incorrect.

    “Our investigation revealed that the said person is not a medical doctor, but a Medical Laboratory Technician, who is parading himself as a medical doctor to defraud unsuspecting individuals.

    “The person is neither a resident nor does he work in Zamfara state.

    “This clarification becomes necessary owing to the fact that only holder of MBBS, MBChB and BDS are entitled to be called medical doctor,” they said.

  • Bandits flee back to forest after police foil fresh attacks on Zamfara communities

    Bandits flee back to forest after police foil fresh attacks on Zamfara communities

    The Zamfara State Police Command has repelled an attack on Yarkala village in Rawayya District of Bungudu Local Government Area by suspected armed bandits.

    In a statement signed by the police spokesperson Mohammed Shehu an AK 47 Rifle and a Magazine containing 10 Rounds of live ammunition was recovered from the bandits.

    “On 8th April, 2021 Police operatives attached to Operation Puff Adder deployed to Rawayya – Yarkala axis were alerted about the presence of a large number of armed bandits who were moving to Yarkala village on an attack mission. On receiving the distress, the operatives quickly mobilised and dislodged the bandits; as a result, they fled back to the forest with possible gunshot wounds.

    “In the course of mopping up the scene, an AK 47 Rifle with breech no. 1983NI2328 and a Magazine containing 10 Rounds of live ammunition belonging to one of the fleeing bandits was recovered and is now in Police custody,” the statement read in part.

    Also on Friday, April 9, the Zamfara State Police Command in collaboration with the ministry for Security and Home Affairs have secured the unconditional release of 11 kidnapped victims abducted by a group of kidnappers and taken to a forest near Gobirawan Chali in Maru Local Government Area.

    Ten out of the 11 kidnapped victims are natives of Kyakyaka, Tungar Haki and Gidan Ango villages of Gusau Local Government Area, while the other victim is from Kaduna state respectively.

    The release of the kidnapped victims was part of the ongoing peace process enunciated by Governor Mohammed Bello Matawalle.

    All the rescued victims have been debriefed by the Police and later handed over to the Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs who will reunite them with their families.

    Investigation regarding the abduction of the victims has commenced and the outcome will be made public.

  • What I will do if bandits kidnap my son – El-Rufai

    What I will do if bandits kidnap my son – El-Rufai

    Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai has vowed he won’t pay ransom even if bandits succeed in kidnapping his son.

    He said he is so against payment of ransom that he would rather pray his son makes heaven if kidnapped than pay abductors.

    El-Rufai spoke during a radio interview on Friday.

    According to him: “I mean it and I will say it again here. Even if my son is kidnapped, I will rather pray for him to make heaven instead because I won’t pay any ransom.”

    He foreclosed paying ransom to secure the release of the students abducted by bandits from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Kaduna in March 11.

    According to him, his government is “absolutely not paying ransom” but considering other means to ensure the students are returned to their parents.

  • Four bandit group leaders surrender themselves, ammunition in Katsina [Photos]

    Four bandit group leaders surrender themselves, ammunition in Katsina [Photos]

    Four suspected leaders of bandits have surrendered themselves to the police along with several arms and ammunition, as well as rustled cows in Katsina state.

    Parading the repentant bandits at the police headquarters in the state, Police Commissioner, Sanusi Buba identified the four to include Sale and Mani Turwa, Ado Sarki and Sani Mai-daji.

    Buba, who was represented by command’s spokesperson, Gambo Isah, said the bandits surrendered 23 AK-47 rifles, two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), one AK-49, rifle, 109 GPMG ammunition, and 94 7.62mm live ammunition of AK-47 rifle.

    He also said that the bandits surrendered 45 rustled cows voluntarily.

    The commissioner said, “four leaders of bandits, namely: Sale Turwa, Manu Turwa, Ado Sarki, Sani Mai-daji; decided unconditionally, on their own to come out from their hideouts in the forest, denounced banditry and surrendered the following arms and ammunition:

    “Two General Purpose Machine Guns, one AK-49 assault rifle, 23 AK-47 assault rifles, 109 GPMG ammunition, 94 7.62mm live ammunition of AK 47 rifle, 45 rustled cows.”

    He warned other “recalcitrant bandits, who refuse to surrender, that nobody has monopoly of violence and that government is mightier than any person or group of persons.

    “The Nigeria Police Force and indeed other sister security agencies will leave no stone unturned in isolating and dealing decisively with any individual or group of unrepentant bandits that refuse to surrender and keep hibernating in the forest.

    “The Command wishes to assure the good people of the state that banditry and other crimes will soon be a history as the security forces are on top of the situation.

    “Members of the public are hereby enjoined to partner with the security agencies by providing useful information that will lead to the arrest of bandits and their collaborators.”