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Tag: bandits

  • Insecurity! Niger state residents in panic mode as bandit absuct many passengers in 5 vehicles

    Insecurity! Niger state residents in panic mode as bandit absuct many passengers in 5 vehicles

    Bandits along the Maiga-Kontagora road in Niger State have kidnapped about 20 passengers traveling in five vehicles.

    The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, who represents Mariga Constituency, informed newsmen that the incident occurred on Thursday when bandits blocked the Mariga-Kontagora road between Baban-Lamba and Beri.

    Sarkin-Daji was responding to a statement from the military refuting claims that bandits were operating within its training grounds in Kontagora LGA, which also extends to Mariga LGA.

    According to the Speaker, families of previously kidnapped victims had taken ransom payments to bandits multiple times in a forested area, reportedly part of the military grounds.

    Released victims also told their families they were held in a forest near the Kontagora Army Barracks.

    “The passengers kidnapped on Thursday on the Mariga-Kontagora road were also taken to the same forest,” the Speaker said, urging the military to act on accurate information and clear the bandits from the area.

    Sarkin-Daji emphasized that, as representatives, they regularly receive feedback from their constituents about their struggles, and they thoroughly investigate these issues before presenting them in the Assembly.

    He clarified that while they do not underestimate the military’s capacity to combat bandits, it is dismissive to ignore constituents’ complaints.

    He urged the federal government and relevant authorities to address these concerns, as local communities claim that the military training ground has become a safe haven for bandits who emerge from the forest to carry out attacks.

    He pointed out that even those released after ransom payments have stated that they were held within sight of the Kontagora Army Barracks.

    The Speaker said the military should verify information from the victims and address the issue, rather than dismissing statements made by House members.

    He added that despite the military’s dismissal of one Assembly member’s statements on Wednesday, bandits blocked the road between Baban-Lamba and Beri on Thursday, October 31, kidnapping over 20 passengers and moving them to the same forest.

    He urged the military to act and clear the criminals from the area, stressing that their role is to protect the people.

    The Speaker affirmed that they will continue to raise awareness so the federal government and all stakeholders understand the plight of their people.

  • Abuja in panic mode after 12 corpses of suspected bandits were discovered

    Abuja in panic mode after 12 corpses of suspected bandits were discovered

    Residents of Tokulo community in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were gripped with fear following the discovery of 12 bodies, believed to be those of bandits, on Tuesday morning.

    Jerry Alkali, the councillor representing Igu Ward in the area, confirmed the incident, stating that the corpses were still present as of yesterday (Tuesday).

    Alkali further revealed that authorities had been notified, but no official explanation had been provided for the presence of the corpses.

    Another resident, who requested anonymity, stated that none of the victims were from the community, suggesting that the deceased may have been either hired or brought in before being shot by security personnel.

    Tokulo, the hometown of the current chairman of the Bwari Area Council, has experienced multiple attacks by bandits, resulting in the deaths of both locals and security officers.

    Meanwhile, a similar incident occurred in the Kawu community, also in the same area, where five bodies, suspected to be bandits, were discovered in September.

    An official from the FCT Special Anti-kidnapping Unit confirmed the recent incident but refused to provide further details on how it unfolded.

    Attempts to reach SP Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, for comment were unsuccessful.

  • INSECURITY! Bandits shoot retired General leading Zamfara community guards

    INSECURITY! Bandits shoot retired General leading Zamfara community guards

    Director General of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (CPG), General Lawal B. Muhammad (rtd), was on Sunday shot by bandits.

    The CPG DG was said to have been shot by bandits who waylaid motorists at Kucheri village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    During the operation, the bandits blocked the busy Funtua-Tsafe road late evening, attacking motorists, including the CPG’s DG.

    The bandits kidnapped several passengers during the attack.

    An official of the Zamfara State Ministry of Internal Security, who pleaded not to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to press, confirmed the incident and said the DG was receiving medical treatment at a Hospital in Gusau, the state capital.

    “It is confirmed that the bandits shot DG Community Protection Guards and he is currently receiving treatment at Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital,” the source said.

    The attack is coming on the heels of bandits killing of no fewer than eight CPG personnel and a commercial driver in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara.

    Eyewitness accounts claimed that the bandits ambushed the CPG personnel before killing them.

    They also engaged soldiers in a gun duel at Unguwar Chida village, killing a commercial driver and injuring three soldiers.

    Unguwar Chida is a village just a few metres away from Magazu on the same Funtua-Gusau road.

    The two separate attacks, according to a resident of Unguwar Chida, were carried out almost at the same time.

    Reacting to that attack, the General who was shot, had said, “After I realised that bandits have made operations in Tsafe a routine exercise, I deployed 105 CPG personnel to the local government and stationed them at this particular point to protect travellers.

    “Unfortunately, the bandits on Sunday ambushed my boys. I suspect that the bandits slept there because my boys used to go there early in the morning. So, while my boys were about to come down from their patrol van, the bandits opened fire and killed some of them on the spot. It is quite unfortunate.”

    Zamfara is one of the NorthWest States badly affected by banditry. Despite efforts by the government to contain the outlaws, they have continued wreaking havoc.

  • SAD: Bandits kill Kebbi traditional ruler

    SAD: Bandits kill Kebbi traditional ruler

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Kebbi Command, has confirmed the killing of the abducted District Head of Kanya, Alhaji Isah Daya, by suspected bandits in the state.

    The district head was abducted alongside eight others in Kanya District of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of the state on Oct. 6.

    Confirming the killing in a statement issued to pressmen in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, the Spokesperson of the command, SP Nafi’u Abubakar, said eight of the abductees had been rescued by security operatives.

    ”Acting on credible intelligence and in view of the determination and resilience of the combined team of Policemen, Military and members of Vigilante, eight victims of the kidnapping incident have successfully been rescued.

    “They have been rescued unhurt on Tuesday at about 10:00a.m. at Sakaba forest after a gun duel.

    ”The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families after medical examination at General Hospital, Sakaba.

    ”Regrettably, while the search and rescue operation was ongoing, the dead body of the district head of Kanya, Alhaji Isah Daya was found in the forest,” he narrated.

    Abubakar also quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Bello Sani, as condoling with the State Government, Zuru Emirate, family and well wishers of the late district head.

    ”May Allah forgive his shortcomings and may his gentle soul continue to rest in Jannatul Firdaus,” he quoted CP as praying.

    The PRO solicited the support of  members of the public to provide the command and other security agencies with relevant information that would assist in arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

    Zazzau Prince Alhaji Umar Shehu Idris passes away

    Meanwhile, Alhaji Umar Shehu Idris, a prince of Zazzau and son of the immediate past Emir, has sadly passed away after a brief illness.

    In a statement on Tuesday by Malam Abdullahi Kwarbai, Media and Publicity Officer of the emirate, the late prince died suddenly, dispelling earlier rumours of a motor accident along the Kaduna-Abuja Road.

    Kwarbai clarified that the prince’s funeral prayers would be held at the emir’s palace on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.

    The late Alhaji Umar Shehu Idris held the esteemed title of Dan Isan Zazzau and served as Assistant Secretary to the Zazzau Emirate Council.

    At just 41 years old, he left behind two wives and two children. This news comes as a tragic loss to the Zazzau emirate and the wider community.

  • Just in: Policemen, soldiers escorting construction workers reportedly killed by bandits in Zamfara

    Just in: Policemen, soldiers escorting construction workers reportedly killed by bandits in Zamfara

    Five police officers and three soldiers have been killed when the security operatives were ambushed by a group of terrorists on Thursday morning in the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    However, some terrorists escaped with weapons stolen from the deceased security personnel.

    The source who made the revelation called for prayers for their team in Zamfara.

    According to him, troops escorting Setraco workers on their way to Tsafe LGA in Zamfara encountered ambush”.

    He said three soldiers and five policemen were killed and rifles were carted away.

    “We came swiftly to reinforce and we were able to kill many of the bandits. Police have evacuated the bodies of both the personnel and the bandits,” the source added.

    This comes shortly after reported how some terrorists blocked the busy Gusau-Funtua highway in Zamfara State and abducted an unspecified number of travellers on the road.

    This was confirmed during a telephone conversation with the State Police Command Spokesman, Yezid Abubakar.

    The police spokesperson said the command had deployed several personnel to the scene of the attack and he was yet to be briefed on the exact figure of the people that were kidnapped by the terrorists.

    “It is true but we are on top of the matter. Our men have been deployed to the place but they are yet to come back so I don’t know the exact figure of the people that were kidnapped. I will get back to you when I get the information,” the police spokesman said.

  • Bandits abduct 22 persons in Kaduna attack

    Bandits abduct 22 persons in Kaduna attack

    Twenty-two people have been abducted by bandits who attacked Mani village in Rido ward in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the early hours of Thursday morning.

    Among the victims include a nursing mother with four children, young children and an infant.

    Although the police authorities in Kaduna State are yet to confirm the incident, a youth leader in the Rido community, Zacharia Musa told Channels Television that the bandits stormed the community in large numbers while the residents were still asleep, and started shooting, and later moved from house to house to kidnap people.

    In another incident, Bandits attacked Dan Honu II, New Millennium City also in Chikun Local Government where they abducted a nurse and her three sons.

    The attack came barely two months after two journalists were kidnapped by bandits in the same community and were released after one week.

    Security agencies have not responded to the recent upsurge of attacks, but Local sources told our correspondent that the bandits invaded the Dan Honu II community at about 10 pm on Wednesday and scared the residents with gunshots before taking away some people including a woman and her three sons.

    While the woman was later abandoned inside the bush due to her failing health condition, the bandits, however, went away with her three children.

  • Zamfara govt denies “paying huge funds” to bandit leaders

    Zamfara govt denies “paying huge funds” to bandit leaders

    The Zamfara State Government says it remains resolute in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other criminality in the state. The state government disowned some documents being circulated which insinuated that it had released huge funds to some bandits’ kingpins for dialogue in the state.

    The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Nakwada who address newsmen in Gusau on Thursday said the documents “were not only fake but also mischievous, misleading, malicious and false.”

    Nakwada said that the information was completely false and the documents with his signature and other top government officials being circulated by some social media outlets were forged.

    He said the security agencies had been properly briefed and were on trail to track down the social media  source.

    The official also faulted the claims that money was paid to some media promoters under the  guise of “reconciliation efforts” from the state Security Trust Fund.

    “This is very crucial that we address this matter with transparency and urgency. Ordinarily, we should have ignored this, like we have ignored many other fabricated lies aimed at distracting the administration of Gov. Dauda Lawal from its commitment in rescuing and rebuilding the state.

    “But due to the sensitivity of the security, which remains one of the priorities of this administration, we are compelled to make some clarifications,” the SSG said.

    Nakwada said to set the records straight, the purported memo allegedly said to have originated from his office to Gov. Dauda Lawal was entirely fake and mischievous.

    “The state government has consistently announced its firm stance against negotiating with the bandits and terrorists. We still maintain the position that we will not negotiate with terrorists.

    Our administration has been unequivocal in its approach to addressing the security challenges facing our state,” Nakwada explained.

    He said the state government had implemented strategic measures to combat the menace of banditry, adding that the efforts were always guided by integrity, accountability and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well being of people.

    “The fabricated document and the baseless claims it contains are not only distracting but also an attempt to erode the trust and confidence that the people of Zamfara have on Gov Lawal’s administration to restore peace and order,” he said.

    The SSG recalled that the previous administrations had tried dialogue with bandits and it did not succeed.

    “Unfortunately, the dialogue not only fail, but also complicated the problem by empowering these terrorists to become more daring which is backfiring today. How can we continue to repeat the same thing and expect different results.

    “We believe that the fake memo is part of the sinister attempts to undermine what we are making towards achieving lasting peace and security across the lengths and breadths of the state.

    “On behalf of Zamfara government, I am using this medium to call on the general public to remain vigilant and not to fall prey to the deceitful tactics employed by those who wish to derail our mission,” Nakwada added.

    The SSG stressed the need for Zamfara people to stay united to face the challenges head-on, observing that their collective resolve was the cornerstone of strength and success.

    He recalled that the state government had introduced Community Protection Guards, also known as Askarawa to assist the conventional security forces in the fight against banditry.

    “We have been collaborating and sharing intelligence with all security establishments including law enforcement agencies in the state to prosecute this fight.

    “Additionally, we have fortified our technical capabilities by deploying advanced surveillance systems and communication tools, which have significantly enhanced our ability to detect and respond to threats in real time.

    “On behalf of His Excellency, Gov. Lawal, I commend the efforts of our gallant security agencies for the sacrifices they are making to secure our state,” said.

    The SSG reiterated the committement of the governor to fostering a collaborative environment where community members and local law enforcement would work together seamlessly.

    “The partnership is essential in reporting suspicious activities and ensuring a swift response to any security concerns. As a government, we wish to assure the public that we will continue taking all necessary measures within the ambit of the law to ensure the safety and security of our people,” Nakwada assured.

    Also, the State Commissioner for Justice, Abdul’Aziz Sani, SAN said the state government would take legal action against the mischief makers.

    “We are going to track the mischief makers who forged official document and take serious legal action against them,” he said.

    The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mahmud Dantawasa also denied the allegations that the state was involved in mining activities in the state.

    Dantawasa said the state government respects and abides  by the federal government’s policy as regards mining activities in the state.

    According to him, the federal government’s ban on mining activities remains in force and Zamfara government respects that.

  • Troops kill 8 bandits in Kaduna

    Troops kill 8 bandits in Kaduna

    The Kaduna State Government said troops neutralised eight bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area (LGA) of the State. The Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan ,confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, in Kaduna.

    Aruwan said based on operational feedback , troops commenced   fighting patrol to Kampanin Doka general area and made contact with some bandits on arrival at the location. He said the troops promptly engaged and neutralised seven of the bandits.

    “On securing and searching the area, the troops recovered, three AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four empty and four loaded with a total of 120 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and magazine carrier,” he said.

    Aruwan said other recovered items  included six motorcycles, three mobile phones , two Baofeng radio sets and three pairs of civilian clothes. According to him during the concluding leg of the patrol, further contact was made with bandits around Gayam general area.

    ”The troops neutralised one as others were suspected to have escaped with gunshot wounds. ” he said.

    Aruwan said  Gov. Uba Sani  of Kaduna state, thanked the security forces for the feedback. According  to him, the governor also  commended the troops , under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army/Commander Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP), Maj-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso , for their valiant efforts and notable breakthrough.

    “Residents are urged to report suspicious persons seeking treatment for gunshot injuries to the Security Operations Room on  phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999. Fighting patrols will continue within the general area and other locations of interest,“ Aruwan said.

  • Katsina govt plans 30-day onslaught against bandits, kidnappers

    Katsina govt plans 30-day onslaught against bandits, kidnappers

    The Katsina State Government says it is set for a 30-day sustained security operations in the 19 bandits’-infested local government areas of the state to protect lives and properties.

    The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Katsina.

    Mu’azu explained that the government would be utilising the combined forces of all  the security agencies in the state for the operations.

    He said that the decision to embark on the operation was taken at an expanded security meeting by the government and chiefs of security agencies in the state.

    According to him, the meeting was convened by Gov. Dikko Radda, in a bid to address the recent the obnoxious surge in bandits’ attacks in some LGAs.

    Mu’azu said, “The affected LGAs include: Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankia, Faskari, Dandume, Sabuwa, Dutsin-ma, Kurfi, Kankara, Musawa, Matazu, Malumfashi, Danja, Bakori, Funtua, Charanchi and Batagarawa.”

    The commissioner said that the meeting brought together key stakeholders including members of the State Security Council, Local Governments Chairmen, District Heads and the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs).

    Others, he said, were the representatives from the Department of State Services, vigilance groups, Katsina Community Watch Corps Commanders and the NSCDC.

    He revealed that, after extensive deliberations, the meeting unanimously adopted the following resolutions:

    “Implementation of a community-based approach to security, leveraging local intelligence and participation.

    “Launch of a 30-day sustained operation across all 19 local government areas, utilising the combined forces of all security agencies to protect lives and properties.

    “Activation of a four-tier security structure established by the Katsina State law to galvanise coordinated community based security operations.

    “Empowerment of affected local government councils to provide modalities for security operations, emphasising strong community-based intelligence gathering mechanisms.”

    Mu’azu further said that the forum called on the traditional rulers to use their platforms to preach and pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in the state.

    “These measures represent a comprehensive and collaborative approach to tackling the security challenges facing our communities,” he said.

    He assured that the government was committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and would spare no effort in implementing those resolutions.

    “We urge all citizens to cooperate with security agencies and report any suspicious activities in their areas.

    “Together, we can build a safer and more secure Katsina State,” the commissioner said.

  • Police foil bandit attack, rescue 5 kidnapped victims in Katsina

    Police foil bandit attack, rescue 5 kidnapped victims in Katsina

    Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command have foiled two bandits’ attacks and rescued five kidnapped victims in Malumfashi local government area of the state.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the command’s Spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq,on Monday in Katsina.

    He said that the police also neutralised two bandits.

    ”On Sunday, a distress call was received at the Malumfashi Divisional police headquarters,  from Layin Minister Village that bandits attacked and kidnaped five people.

    “Upon receipt of the report, operatives were quickly dispatched to the scene. On noticing the presence of the police operatives, the hoodlums opened fire and the team responded gallantly.

    “All the kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt, as the assailants succumbed to the superior firepower of the operatives and fled the scene with various degrees of bullet wounds.”

    According to Sadiq-Aliyu, on the same date, another distress call was received at the same headquarters, that some suspected armed bandits riding on twelve (12) motorcycles, wielding dangerous weapons were shooting sporadically.

    “They took advantage of the downpour and attacked Marabar Kankara village, Malumfashi LGA.

    “On receipt of the information, DPO Malumfashi swiftly mobilised operatives to the scene gallantly engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel and successfully foiled the attack.

    “In the course of scanning the scene, the bodies of two neutralised suspected armed bandits were recovered.

    “Efforts are being intensified to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspects as the investigation proceeds,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.

    He explained that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Aliyu Abubakar-Musa while commending the exceptional act displayed by the operatives, reiterated the command’s commitment towards ensuring a better-secured Katsina State.