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Tag: bandits

  • Military eliminates another notorious bandit kingpin

    Military eliminates another notorious bandit kingpin

    Two Days after a notorious bandit kingpin, Buharin Yadi, was killed by the military in Kaduna, troops of Sector 6, of Operation Whirl Punch, have neutralised a bandit confirmed to be an associate of eliminated Buharin Yadi during a special fighting patrol in the Giwa Local Government Area of the state.

    In a statement on Sunday, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the bandit met his waterloo after the troops encountered him around Sabon Layi village while fleeing on a motorcycle.

    According to Aruwan, the troops were pulled to Sabon Layi from various locations in Giwa LGA for commencement of the special patrol and as they then projected their force from there to Kidandan, the troops sighted a bandit fleeing on a motorcycle.

    The troops gave the bandit a chase, and neutralised him in the engagement which followed around the outskirts of the community.

    The commissioner disclosed that the verification of the bandit’s identity revealed to be one Daushe, an associate of the recently neutralised kingpin Buharin Yadi.

    It would be recalled that the infamous bandit leader Buhari Alhaji Halidu (known as Buharin Yadi) was eliminated along with dozens of his associates by security forces in Giwa LGA two days ago.

    The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, expressed gratitude to the troops for their relentless hard work, and congratulated the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Mairiyenso Saraso, for the latest breakthrough.

    The governor encouraged the troops to keep up the tempo towards the complete degradation of terrorist elements in the general area.

  • Bandits kill 6 security operatives, 20 others in Katsina

    Bandits kill 6 security operatives, 20 others in Katsina

    The Police Command in Katsina State has confirmed the killing of no fewer than 20 people, four police officers and two operatives of the state-owned Community Watch Corps by some suspected bandits.

    ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement in Katsina on Monday.

    According to him, the attack occurred on Sunday, at Gidan Tofa and Dan Nakwabo villages, all in Kankara Local Government Area of the state.

    He said, “Yesterday, June 9, 2024, bandits in their numbers, armed with dangerous weapons, attacked the villages, shot and killed 20 people, injured two, and ambushed our Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) patrol team.

    “The team was responding to the distress call, killing four police officers and two members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC).

    “The fact of the case is that on the same date, a distress call was received at the Kankara Divisional Headquarters.

    ”That bandits in their numbers, riding on motorcycles, armed with dangerous weapons, shooting sporadically, attacked Gidan Baki village, Kankara LGA, killing unsuspecting villagers.

    “Immediately, the nearest APC patrol team was dispatched to the scene. While en route to the village, the team discovered that the attack was actually on Gidan Boka village via Yar Goje village, all in Kankara.

    “The team quickly redirected towards the scene. Upon reaching Kurmeji village via Yar goje, the team fell into an ambush, where a firefight ensued between the team and the bandits,”  Sadiq-Aliyu  said.

    According to him, upon receipt of the information on the attack of the responding team, swiftly the DPO mobilised and led a team of operatives to the scene and restored normalcy.

    He explained that during preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the bandits attacked Gidan Boka village, killing 15 people and injuring two others.

    “They also ambushed our patrol team and killed four police officers, three Inspectors and one Corporal and two members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC).

    “Also, the bandits, while escaping through Dan Nakwabo village, shot and killed five persons. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation proceeds,” according to Sadiq-Aliyu.

    He revealed that the command has deployed additional operational assets to the area to work with all the relevant stakeholders towards preventing the recurrence of the attacks and ensuring the arrest of the perpetrators.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, while expressing his utter dismay over the tragic incident, extended his condolences to the families and friends of those affected by the incident,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.

  • Residents, farmers flee Niger community as bandits wreak havoc

    Residents, farmers flee Niger community as bandits wreak havoc

    Residents and farmers of Bassa community in Niger State have fled the community in droves following a attack from bandits that claimed the lives of twenty persons.

    Sani Musa, the senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, disclosed the tragic news on Friday while commenting on the beheading and killing of 20 youths and members of Bassa, a community in Shiroro Local Government Area.

    According to the senator, the attackers had beheaded 10 youths and killed another 10 residents for allegedly resisting the bandits’ demands to join their group.

    “Only three weeks ago, a group of bandits invaded Kuchi Community, killing seven security agents and went away with about 150 people.

    “Up till this moment, the entire Kuchi community remained deserted. These latest attacks are coming when the people are preparing to return to the farm, which is their only occupation,” he said.

    It was gathered that the recent attack on Bassa took place on Thursday. The bandits rounded up about 20 people, intending to conscript them into their ranks. When 10 of the youths resisted, they were beheaded. The remaining 10 were shot dead.

    Recall that in April, the same group reportedly attacked Allawa community, killing nine residents after overpowering soldiers stationed in the area.

    The Niger state police command is yet to make a comment as at the time of filing this report.

  • Police kill 3 bandits in Katsina, rescue kidnap victims

    Police kill 3 bandits in Katsina, rescue kidnap victims

    The Police Command in Katsina says it has suceeded in thwarting a kidnap attempt, killed three suspected bandits, and rescued all the kidnapped victims.

    ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the command’s spokesman, who disclosed this said the incident occurred at Duya village, Maibakko ward, in Sabuwa Local Government Area (LGA).

    “On June 7, 2024, information was received at the Sabuwa Divisional Police Headquarters that armed bandits in their numbers, wielding dangerous weapons, attacked Duya village and kidnapped a number of women

    “Upon receipt of the report, promptly, the DPO of the Divisional headquarters, CSP Aliyu Mustapha, in collaboration with members of the vigilante, mobilised a team of operatives to the scene.

    “On noticing the presence of the team, the bandits opened fire on the them, which the team responded gallantly and successfully thwarted the kidnapping attempt and rescued all the kidnapped victims.

    “In the course of scanning the scene, the bodies of three neutralised suspected bandits were recovered from the scene,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.

    He said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, commended the operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and gallantry.

    He said that Abubakar-Musa also reiterated the command’s commitment towards ensuring the safety and security of the good people of the state.

  • Bandits kill 11 in Katsina communities

    Bandits kill 11 in Katsina communities

    The Police Command in Katsina State has confirmed the killing of 11 persons by bandits that invaded three villages in Bakori Local Government Area, Katsina State.

    Its Public Relations Officer, Mr Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Katsina on Sunday.

    Sadiq-Aliyu was reacting to a report claiming that  40 people were killed by the invaders.

    “We are aware of a misleading report making the rounds, especially on Facebook, that bandits attacked three villages in Bakori and killed 40 people.

    “The command wishes to categorically debunk this claim as misleading, and set the record straight.

    “On May 25, 2024, bandits launched an attack on Unguwar Lamido village in Bakori where they shot and killed 11 people.

    “The Divisional Police Officer in Bakori, on receiving the information, quickly mobilised operatives and rushed to the scene where they successfully restored normalcy and prevented further losses,” he explained.

    He urged members of the public to disregard the false report and warned against circulating unverified news.

    He advised members of the public to always verify information, through official channels before sharing as the spread of false information could cause panic, fear and unnecessary tension.

    He quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr A. A. Musa, as condoling friends and families of the victims, while condemning the attack.

    “The commissioner has also ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and deployed additional personnel to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.

    “The Commissioner has also urged anyone with useful information that will assist the investigation to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

    “The investigation is ongoing; the command is working closely with relevant stakeholders and members of the community to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack,” he said.

  • Bandits kill 9 persons, raze 6 houses in Plateau

    Bandits kill 9 persons, raze 6 houses in Plateau

    Bandits have killed nine persons and destroyed six houses in Zurak and Dakai communuties in Wase of Local Government Area of Plateau.

    A statement by Mr Alfred Alabo, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Police Command in the state has, however, indicated that the bandits met an “aggressive onslaught” by a combined team of security operatives.

    “Some of the bandits were killed and one arrested at the Bangalala forest in Wase which is a border between Plateau, Bauchi and Taraba States,” he said.

    According to him, other bandits who fled during the operation, attacked Zurak and Dakai Villages, killed nine persons and burnt down six houses.

    ”Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police has deployed more personnel to the area and directed the Area Commander of Langtang to relocate to Wase with immediate effect

    ”One of the bandits, who escaped and went to seek treatment at a hospital in Wase, was arrested with gunshot wounds.

    ”He has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), for further investigation,” he said.

    He said that the commissioner, who commiserated with those who lost their loved ones, assured residents of the command’s readiness to secure lives and property in the state.

  • Fleeing villagers storm Zamfara Govt House to seek refuge

    Fleeing villagers storm Zamfara Govt House to seek refuge

    Hundreds of fleeing villagers of Bini community in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara stormed Government House, Gusau, on Sunday seeking government’s protection against bandits.

    The villagers, mainly women and children said they fled their village following the withdrawal of military security personnel from the area.

    A male among them, Malam Umar Salisu, confirmed that they had to flee from the community following the withdrawal of military personnel from the area.

    “Before now, there were military personnel attached to our village. Some of them were killed by bandits while some were withdrawn on Sunday.

    “There are no security personnel in our area now. That is why we decided to carry all our wives and children to come to Government House and seek for government’s intervention,’’ Salisu said.

    Another fleeing community member, Hajia Aisha Usman expressed displeasure at the condition of people of the community.

    “We are highly disturbed. We receive threats of attacks from bandits on daily basis.

    “There are no security personnel to protect us. We are seeking for government’s intervention,’’ she said.

    Yet another community member, Malam Wakkala Gurgu said: “we decided to come to Government House to inform government about security threats in our community.

    “We want government to take quick action as regards the security situation. Bandits are currently in our communities.

    “We want government to help us and deploy security personnel to our area,’’ Gurgu said.

    Addressing the gathering on behalf of the state government, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Alhaji Wadatau Madawaki explained that the bandits were mounting pressure because government had refused to negotiate with them.

    “The government of Gov. Dauda Lawal maintains its stand that it will not negotiate with bandits.

    “I am happy with the way and manner you have conducted yourselves. I urge you to continue to be patient.

    “Government has been making efforts to end lingering security challenges in the state,’’ he said.

    Madawaki added that government had made arrangements to return the fleeing villagers to their community in the company of security operatives.

  • Eid-El-Fitr: Video shows bandits in festive mood in Zamfara state

    Eid-El-Fitr: Video shows bandits in festive mood in Zamfara state

    A viral video has shown bandits in Zamfara State celebrating the recent Eid-el-Fitr festival in Munhaye community in the state.

    Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in Lake Chad posted the video on his platform X handle on Thursday.

    Recall that  Muslims across the length and breadth of the  country joined their counterparts in other parts of the world  on Wednesday to mark Eid-El-Fitr, which signals  the end of the one-month Ramadan fast for the year 2024.

    The Federal  Government of Nigeria also declared Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as  public holidays to celebrate Eid-El-Fitr in the country.

    See Video

  • Kogi bandits attack: We’ve arrested some suspects – Ododo

    Kogi bandits attack: We’ve arrested some suspects – Ododo

    Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi on Wednesday, disclosed that some suspects in connection with the bandits’ killings at Agojeju-Odo and Abejukolo communities in Omala Local Government Area of the state have been arrested.

    The two communities were attacked by suspected herdsmen on April 4, where 25 persons were reportedly killed and several others left injured by the assailants.

    Ododo, while speaking with newsmen shortly after observing his prayer at Okene Eid-el Praying Ground, said “some suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings and investigation is ongoing.

    “The crisis in Omala Local Government Area has not just started today but has been there for some years now and we will do our best to make sure that peace is fully restored in the area.

    “As I speak with you, some suspected persons have been arrested; investigation are ongoing, and they are giving us useful information.

    “As soon as we are done with the investigation, the report will be made public and the perpetrators would be brought to justice.”

    The governor commiserated with relatives of those killed in the crisis and restated government’s commitment to provide support for those injured and others whose houses were destroyed in the attack.

    He further urged Muslims in the state to sustain the lessons learnt in the holy month of Ramadan.

    “As we mark the end of this Ramadan, I urge each and everyone of us to carry forward the lessons learnt in this month of Ramadan.

    “Let us continue to practice kindness, generosity, love and understanding in our daily life,” Ododo said.

    NAN reports that Chief David Akpa, District Head and Ochala Onu-Ife Bagaji Odo, Omala, Kogi, confirmed to reporters in his palace that the 25 persons killed were buried on Saturday.

    He said that those buried included two women and four children.

    Akpa described the attack as barbaric and wicked given the way and manner the bandits unleashed mayhem on his people.

    He had called on the federal and state governments to come to the aid of the victims, who are taking refuge in various communities for fear of their dear lives.

    “We are mourning our loved ones who were killed in cold blood. We have never had any misunderstanding either with bandits or with herdsmen before now,” the traditional ruler said.

  • Kogi attack: Ododo expresses shock over killings, vows to prevent reccurrence

    Kogi attack: Ododo expresses shock over killings, vows to prevent reccurrence

    Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi has expressed shock and sympathy over the recent killing of 25 persons during bandits attack in Agojeju-Odo community in Omala Local Government Area of the state.

    Ododo, who spoke on the attack in Lokoja, regretted the ugly dimension that communal clashes between people in the area have assumed over time.

    He promised immediate intervention by his administration to forestall a reoccurrence of the unfortunate situation.

    “I am assuring the citizens that the perpetrators of the dastardly act will be brought to justice soon.

    “Already, security agencies are on the trail of the assailants whose acts of mindless cowardice resulted in the destruction of lives and property in the area,” he said.

    The governor has sent a delegation led by the state Deputy Gov. Elder Joel Oyibo-Salifu on a condolence visit to the area.

    According to him, the kinetic and non-kinetic measures deployed by the state government has led to relative stability in Omala Local Government Area until the recent escalation of the conflict.

    He further promised to deploy a detachment of the recently established Metropolitan Quick Response to the area to complement existing security architecture in Omala LGA.

    Ododo, however, commiserated with relatives of those killed in the crisis and promised that the government will provide support for those injured and others whose houses were destroyed in the attack.

    Bandits reportedly killed at least 25 people and wounded an unspecified number of others in the LGA on April 4.

    The attack reportedly came in retaliation for local residents recently killing six herders.