TheNewsGuru

Tag: bandits

  • Killings: Buhari cautions against self-help

    President Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned Nigerians against resorting to self-help, saying that killing people in the name of revenge is not acceptable.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Buhari was reacting to the latest round of attacks on farmers in Damkal and Tsanwa villages in Batsari local government area of Katsina state, when he said this.

    A statement issued on Sunday by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, quotes Buhari as saying no one in the country has a right to take laws into their hands by the way of self-help.

    However, he condemned the latest round of attacks by the bandits, in which many homesteads were razed by fire with many people killed at weekend.

    Reacting to the incident, the Buhari warned that “no one in the country has a right to take laws into his hands by the way of self-help or revenge. Local communities that catch bandits should hand over the suspects to law enforcement authorities instead of meting out capital punishment, leading to a cycle of revenge and counter revenge”.

    He urged community leaders and the local authorities to continue their efforts in partnership with law enforcement agencies that bring the surrender of bandits, leading to peace between farmers and herders.

    “The authorities must be allowed to investigate and deal with any breach that occurs. There is no place for violence in a decent society,” said Buhari.

  • JUST IN: Bandits massacre 33 villagers in Buhari’s home state

    Bandits have reportedly massacred 33 villagers in Batsari local Government area of Katsina State in a renewed attack.

    TNG reports that President Muhammadu Buhari hails from Daura, Katsina State.

    The suspected bandits were said to have invaded two villages in the council, Tsauwa and Dankar at the time of prayer, around 6:30pm and burnt several houses, animals and properties worth millions on Friday.

    The Katsina State Police Commissioner, CP Sanusi Buba who led a joint team of Police, accompanied with the men of ‘’Operation Puff Adda’’, Nigeria Army and newsmen to the two affected villages, confirmed the incident

    Buba expressed sadness over the situation, saying about 21 persons were confirmed death in Tsauwa village who were mostly elderly men.

    Some villagers in Tsauwa village namely Salisu Lawal and Baba Dahiru, said about 23 persons were killed in Tsauwa, while about 10 persons were killed in neighbouring Dankar villages.

    The villagers further appealed to Governor Aminu Bello Masari to quickly intervene the incessant attacks in the state for them to have rest of mind.

    According to the reports, when the security personnel arrived the villages, the people of Tsauwa village, were seen burying the corpses of their beloved families in tears.

  • UPDATE: Pilot, Co-Pilot injured, 250 killed in police, bandits forest battle

    UPDATE: Pilot, Co-Pilot injured, 250 killed in police, bandits forest battle

    The police on Wednesday took the battle to the bandits who have been terrorizing the people by killing, maiming and kidnapping.

    The Special Operatives of Operation Puff Adder of the police led the onslaught on the bandits in the Kaduna forest. They were supported by the special forces of the police Air Wing.

    The bandits retaliated by firing shots using sophisticated anti-aircraft riffles and General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) at the police helicopter which was providing aerial and intelligence cover to the special forces.

    The police said no fewer than 250 bandits and terrorists were killed. The pilot and co-pilot of the helicopter sustained injuries.

    But there was no independent confirmation of the casualty figure.

    Recounting the battle on Wednesday, Police spokesman Frank Mba, a deputy commissioner, said the daring offensive operation successfully neutralised over 250 high-profile members of the Ansaru Terror Group.

    He added: “The operation which commenced in the early hours of today, 5th February, 2020, was carried out by a combined team of operatives of Operation Puff Adder made up of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Forces, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Special Tactical Squad (STS) and Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The operation was necessitated by actionable intelligence linking terror and criminal elements in the super camp to series of terror-related violence, kidnappings, gun-running, cattle rustling and other heinous crimes across the country.

    ”Unfortunately, during the operation, a Police Bell helicopter, which provided aerial and intelligence cover for the ground troops, came under attack from the bandits, using sophisticated anti-aircraft rifles and GPMG. Commendably, the pilot and the co-pilot, who demonstrated uncommon courage and expertise, successfully landed the aircraft at the Air Force Base, Kaduna without further incident.

    “They were thereafter evacuated for medical treatment. Both officers who sustained non-life threatening injuries are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition.

    The Police helicopter has since been flown out of the Kaduna Air Force Base by Police Pilots en-route to Abuja.

    ”The Inspector General of Police assures citizens of safety and sustained intelligence-led operations against bandits across the length and breadth of the nation. He has equally applauded the unparalleled bravery, commitment and dedication of the Police operatives currently conducting the special mission,” the statement read.

    Also on Wednesday, on another front, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole, launched Operation Rattle Snake Iii against terrorists’ elements in the Northeast, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said yesterday.

    The spokesman said the Air Interdiction Operation, which commenced on Tuesday, would target selected locations within the Northeast to further degrade the remnants of the terrorists as well as deny them freedom of action.

    He explained: “On Day One of the Operation, air strikes by NAF attack aircraft resulted in the destruction of an Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) hideout as well as the neutralisation of some of their fighters at Tongule in the Lake Chad area of Northern Borno.

    “ The air strikes were executed following series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, indicating that ISWAP fighters were harboured in some buildings at the southern edge of the settlement.

    “Accordingly, the ATF dispatched its fighter jets to engage the location, scoring accurate hits on the designated target leading to the destruction of the structures and the neutralisation of some of the terrorists,” he said.

    He said the Air Force, operating in concert with surface forces, would sustain its air campaign to shape the battle space in the North East for the effective conduct of further ground and air operations.

  • BREAKING: Bandits shoot down Police helicopter in Kaduna

    BREAKING: Bandits shoot down Police helicopter in Kaduna

    Using sophisticated anti-aircraft rifles and GPMG, a group of bandits and kidnappers located in Kuduru Forest, Kaduna State, on Wednesday, shot at a police bell helicopter, with the pilot and co-pilot sustaining various degrees of injuries.

    Tragedy was however averted as the pilot and copilot, managed to land the aircraft at the Air Force base in Kaduna.

    The security agents were raiding the largest operational camps of the Ansaru Terror Group (also housing other bandits and kidnappers) located in Kuduru Forest, Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State.

    According to statement by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, on Wednesday evening, the daring offensive operation successfully neutralized over 250 high-profile members of the Ansaru Terror Group.

    “The operation which commenced in the early hours of today, 5th February, 2020, was carried out by a combined team of operatives of Operation Puff Adder made up of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Forces, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Special Tactical Squad (STS) and Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The operation was necessitated by actionable intelligence linking terror and criminal elements in the super camp to series of terror-related violence, kidnappings, gun-running, cattle rustling and other heinous crimes across the country.

    ”Unfortunately, during the operation, a Police Bell helicopter, which provided aerial and intelligence cover for the ground troops came under attack from the bandits using sophisticated anti-aircraft rifles and GPMG. Commendably, the pilot and the co-pilot who demonstrated uncommon courage and expertise, successfully landed the aircraft at the Air Force Base, Kaduna without further incident.

    “They were thereafter evacuated for medical treatment. Both officers who sustained non-life threatening injuries are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition.

    The Police helicopter has since been flown out of the Kaduna Air Force Base by Police Pilots en-route to Abuja.

    ”Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police assures citizens of safety and sustained intelligence-led operations against bandits across the length and breadth of the nation. He has equally applauded the unparalleled bravery, commitment and dedication of the Police operatives currently conducting the special mission,” the statement read.

  • Bandits invade Niger community, kidnap Chief Imam, 19 others

    Bandits invade Niger community, kidnap Chief Imam, 19 others

    The Imam of the Emir of Borgu Palace Mosque and 19 others have been kidnapped in early morning raid by bandits on some communities in Borgu local government area of Niger state.

    One person has been confirmed dead and three others seriously injured in the attack that lasted for hours.

    The bandits, who had blocked the Road from Ibbi to New Bussa were armed with guns, cutlasses, and knives and were shooting sporadically.

    The bandits were said to have blocked the road from Ibbi to New Bussa, attacking villagers going and coming from the markets.

    Sources said the incident occurred at about 5.30 pm on Saturday when the villagers were returning from the markets.

    The Imam was noticed to have been among the kidnapped victims when the bandits called the Emir to demand N20 million ransom for his release.

    It was also learned that the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Haliru Dantoro had summoned an emergency meeting with all security chiefs in the local government to look at the possibility of securing the release of those kidnapped.

  • BREAKING: Bandits abduct Zamfara district head, son

    BREAKING: Bandits abduct Zamfara district head, son

    Bandits have abducted the District Head of Gayari District of Gummi Local Government Area in Zamfara State, Alhaji Hassan Mohammed and his son.

     

    An indigene of the town, Malam Abubakar Sani said the bandits arrived Gayari town Thursday night and went to the district head’s house where they kidnapped him and his son.

     

    Abubakar said the Ak-47 wielding bandits fired gunshots into the air to scare away neighbours who came out to salvage the traditional ruler.
    Abubakar further explained that the kidnappers had earlier kidnapped the district head and his two children, but on their way, one of the children fell off from the motorcycle and ran back home.

     

    Details soon
  • Bandits kill four, kidnap Chief Imam, 20 others in Niger

    Bandits kill four, kidnap Chief Imam, 20 others in Niger

    Armed bandits have abducted the Chief Iman of Beni central mosque, Mallam Umar Mohammed and 20 others in Munya local government area of Niger state.

    The latest attack occurred four days after bandits killed an Army Captain and three others in an ambush.

    Sources said that the bandits, who were up to 50, were said to have invaded Beni Community in Munya local government and Kudami in Paikoro local government in the early hour of Wednesday.

    They were said to have met stiff resistance in Kudami but they had a field day in Beni where they looted shops, houses and kidnapped the Chief Imam on his way for a naming ceremony.

    The invasion also led to the death of four others while several others were severely injured.

    They are said to be receiving treatment at the Kafin Koro general hospital.

    The District Head of Beni, Alhaji Jafaru Umar Sarki confirmed the recent attacks in a telephone interview.

    He said that the invasion of the community by the bandits is the second in three days.

    “They came three days ago and stole over 200 cows from Fulani Men, and this morning (Wednesday), they came again in their numbers. As I speak to you now they are busy looting shops and moving from house to house and collecting people’s property.

    “So far, four people have been killed, they shot another boy in the head and we don’t know if he will survive. They are so many in number, I cannot count them and they are all with guns.

    “The unfortunate thing is that we informed the security agents about it after the first attack but up till now nobody came to our rescue. This community is under siege at the moment and we are helpless,” he lamented.

  • Bandits kill two in Kebbi

    The Police in Kebbi have confirmed the killing of two persons when cattle rustlers from Zamfara invaded some villages in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of the state.

    The Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the development to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

    According to him, some bandits carrying dangerous weapons believed to be cattle rustlers invaded Shagel and Yar-Kuka villages of Danko Wasagu LGA shooting sporadically and carted away scores of livestock belonging to farmers in the area.

    He explained that during the attack, two locals were killed by the bandits while their animals were stolen.

    “The bandits who were believed to be cattle rustlers, Shagel and Yar Kuka villages of Danko/Wasagu LGA.

    “As you know Danko Wasagu is a local government area in Kebbi that is neighbouring Zamfara.

    “So, they easily find their way into Kebbi, launch attack and run away with animals.

    “On that fateful day, as usual, they launched an attack on the village leaving two people dead,” he said.

    Abubakar added that the police had since deployed their men to the area and effort was ongoing to trace and arrest the criminals.

  • Ekiti community protests as bandits takeover farmlands, hoist flag [Photos]

    Residents of Orin-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State have protested the invasion of their farmlands by suspected herdsmen.

    It was gathered that the herders had hoisted a red flag at the ‘annexed’ farmlands to warn the farmers to keep off or face death.

    Residents told journalists yesterday during the protest that the herders had occupied and destroyed crops planted on the abandoned 2500 acres of land at Orin Farm settlement.

    The protesters comprising old and young men and women, chanted songs against the invaders, displaying placards bearing their thoughts and agitations.

    The Onikare of Orin-Ekiti, Chief Bamidele Fasuyi, alleged that one Mr. Emmanuel Ilori, was killed by suspected herders sometime ago while the Tiv people farming in the town were chased away.

    He regretted that the suspects had destroyed crops worth over N50million on farms belonging to 70 farmers.

    He said: “What they wanted is to invade our land and chase us away. They even killed one of our able bodied men this year. They are imposing some curfew in this town, because our youths can’t go to farm freely and government has not been doing something. Several hactares of land had been destroyed. They used to operate at night with AK 47 rifle.

    “Over 70 farmers were affected in our record. Crops worth 50 million have been ravaged. They ate up their products like Cocoayam, yam, cassava and others and made them to incur debts.

    “We appeal to government to use the 2500 acres of land for farming. The state and federal government as well as private bodies should come to our aid. There were facilities like electricity, buildings and equipment that can aid farming if they want to invest.”

    A youth leader, Mr. Omotoso Mathew Kayode, alleged that the suspected herders had hoisted a flag at the farm settlement, where they warned the farmers to keep off or face death.

    The Oniwaro of Orin, Chief Mathew Oke, urged Governor Kayode Fayemi to fulfil his promise to build a police station in the town and rejuvenate the farm settlement to ward off herdsmen from the area.

    Commissioner for Information, Mr. Muyiwa Olumilua, said the government was aware of the protest by the community, but denied the hoisting of flag.

    Olumilua said: “Yes, I heard about the protest by people of Orin-Ekiti and I can assure you the Special Adviser to the Governor is on top of the situation and we should remain calm.

    “However, I must say we are not aware of any flag being hoisted in the place.”

    Police Public Relations Officer Mr. Sunday Abutu said the command had not been briefed of the alleged herdsmen’s invasion of the community.

  • Police recover 102 guns from bandits in Sokoto – CP

    The Sokoto State Police Command says it has recovered 102 guns from repentant bandits as a result of the ongoing peace dialogue initiated by the state government.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Kaoje, made this known when he presented the recovered weapons to Gov.Aminu Tambuwal in Sokoto on Thursday.

    Kaoje said the weapons comprised 23 AK47, 7GPMG, 2M4 Magazines and 50 locally made rifles, among others.

    He commended the state government’s initiative, which is being coordinated by the Office of the state Commissioner for Security and Special Duties, Retired Col. Garba Moyi, noting that it was a remarkable and unprecedented achievement.

    “We will continue to strengthen our operations and extend cooperation to the state government laudable security initiative in order to rid the state of all kinds of crimes,” he said.

    He also solicited the cooperation of members of the public to achieve more successes.

    Tambuwal called on states affected by the bandits’ activities to embrace dialogue so as to serve as a tool to fight the trend and enjoy a lasting peace.

    “We have to arrive at a common stand to actualise a responsive approach that would bring peace, especially in the North-west axis which is more affected,” Tambuwal said.

    He described the feat as a remarkable milestone which would not have been successful without the cooperation, support and understanding of all security agencies in the state.

    “We will continue to embrace the concept to ensure security of lives and property in Sokoto State, which we hope, other states would embrace the Sokoto model,”

    According to him, the initiative needs a viable working relationship through team work at the state and national levels for the safety of he citizenry.

    “ Nothing can be achieved as a state or nation without security, peace and stability,” he added.

    Tambuwal, however, stressed the need to further evolve a strategic concept for a responsive framework that would provide jobs for bandits who surrendered themselves and regretted their nefarious activities.

    “They should be rehabilitated and supported by a robust welfare package that would engage them in legitimate means of earning a living so that they can be useful to themselves and the society”, he said.

    Mr Abubakar Mustapha, the Assistant Inspector General of Polic (AIG-P) in charge of Zone 10, lauded the commitment of the state government toward ensuring peace and stability in the state.

    Mustapha urged all and sundry in the zone, which comprised Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, to collectively and individually play proactive roles to encourage synergy by giving information and intelligence as well supporting the police and relevant security agencies.

    He said the momentum of security had considerably increased positively.

    “With this milestone, we need to have a data base of the repentant bandits who surrendered their arms for appropriate monitoring of their movements and activities,” he urged.

    Military officials, members of Department of State Security Service (DSS) and Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) personnel witnessed the hand over.