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Tag: Kaduna State

  • Protests : Police detains 13 suspects in Kaduna

    Protests : Police detains 13 suspects in Kaduna

    The Police Command in Kaduna State, says it has detained 13 suspected hoodlums as a fallout of the nationwide protests that commenced on Thursday.

    The command, therefore, vowed to be  tougher on the miscreants who hijacked the procession , vandalised government, private and police assets in the name of protests.

    The command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, stated in a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna.

    Hassan said, “This followed the infamous sudden outbreak of violence that characterised the nationwide protests in Kaduna.

    “The police have detained no fewer than 25  miscreants involved in violent conducts occasioned by mischief in the state.”

    He explained that as earlier envisaged, the somewhat peaceful protests had been hijacked by hoodlums who took undue advantage of the so-called faceless sponsors and unleashed their planned mayhem on the state.

    Hassan said the unruly miscreants attempted to gain access into the Kaduna State Government House before they were resisted by the security personnel at the said location.

    He said that  they have injured two police men, broke the glasses of a Police Armoured Personnel Carrier stationed at the entrance of the government house.

    “They subsequently attacked the office and staff of the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Agency (KASTLEA) and torched the former along with adjoining other state government offices,” he added.

    Hassan added that the 25 hoodlums were detained with exhibits indicating their violent tendencies.

    “These exhibits included scissors, jack knives and even live 7.62 X 39mm ammunition recovered from one Hassan Ibrahim of Rigasa area Kaduna.

    “Similarly, one suspect was arrested dressed in a Police camouflage uniform for deception, “he said.

    Hassan said in spite of the Inspector General of Police’s advice to groups intending to protest to liaise with the Commissioners of Police of their states, they wished to protest.

    “In order to fashion out modalities for a peaceful protests, no individual or group that has up till this very  moment notified the Kaduna Police Command of its intention to protest in the state.

    ”In the absence of such a notice, it will be presumed that there’s none and any attempt to protest violently, those persons or groups will be termed miscreants and will be treated as such, “Hassan said.

    He said the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, Mr Audu Ali,  was calling on all parents and guardians to restrain their wards from indulging in the disturbance of the public peace.

    Hassan further said the command would not hesitate to treat such tendencies with the seriousness they deserve.

  • Gov Sani cautions against planned protests

    Gov Sani cautions against planned protests

    Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has emphasized the importance of strategic engagement with citizens and cautioned against joining the planned nationwide protests.

    Sani at a town hall meeting with critical stakeholders on the state of Kaduna and Nigeria in general on Monday in Kaduna.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the citizens’ welfare and security,  expressing  concerns about faceless groups planning protests under the guise of demanding good governance.

    Sani acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians, attributing them to years of mismanagement and corruption.

    He stressed that President Tinubu was working to reset the economy with policies aimed at sustainable growth, though some have caused temporary pain.

    The  governor emphasized efforts to rebuild trust, enhance security, and implement pro-poor policies were ongoing.

    He called the planned protests unnecessary and ill-timed, recalling that past protests in the state had often escalated into violence and destruction.

    Sani urged the stakeholders to prioritise stability and progress, advising against actions that could trigger unrest.

    He assured that the government was taking steps to address security challenges and improve socio-economic conditions.

    The governor called for unity and responsible actions to support the state’s development and the nation’s progress.

    The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamali, representing the traditional institution, appealed for patience and urged the communities to refrain from protesting.

    He emphasised the importance of coming together to find solutions for the issues facing the Northern region.

    Representatives from religious organizations, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and Rev. Joseph Hayab, also urged their followers to avoid protests organised by unidentified groups.

    Gumi acknowledged the constitutional right to protest but expressed concerns about potential hijacking by malicious actors.

    The State Chairmen TUC and NLC,  Abdullahi Danfulani and Mr Ayuba Suleiman, respectively,  stated that they would not participate in any protest, adding that they had not received directives from their national bodies.

    Alhaji Dayyabu Maigonjo, representing the Kaduna State market community, corroborated TUC and NLC, warning that protests could lead to theft and destruction, posing dangers to the people.

    He affirmed that the market community would not engage in such activities.

  • Kaduna announces date for LG election

    Kaduna announces date for LG election

    The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM) has scheduled the local government elections in the state for Oct. 19, 2024.

    The commission’s chairperson, Hajara Mohammed, announced the date at a Tuesday meeting with political parties and other concerned individuals in Kaduna.

    Mohammed said that the current council members were sworn into office on  Nov. 1, 2021 and would end their three-year tenure on Oct. 31, 2024.

    She said, ” KAD-SIECOM is responsible for organising the elections of chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, and councillors in the state.

    ”In consonance with the provision of section 25(1) of the KAD-SIECOM Law 2024, the general public is hereby informed that the LGA council election will be held in Kaduna on Saturday, 19th October 2024, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

    ”The commission issued the election timetable today, Tuesday 16th July 2024.” .

    The chairperson further said the 2024 election guidelines had been released with the election timetable.

    Mohammed assured concerned parties that the commission was ready to conduct the election on the set date.

  • Suspected smuggler kills Customs officer in Kaduna

    Suspected smuggler kills Customs officer in Kaduna

    The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, has announced the tragic death of an Insp of Customs (IC) Hamza Abdullahi-Elenwo.

    The incident, it was gathered, occurred on Friday during a stop-and-search operation at Achilafia along the Daura-Kano road in Jigawa.

    The details were contained in a statement issued by SP Isah Sulaiman, the Public Relations Officer for the Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, Kaduna.

    According to him, the suspect has been detained while Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu vowed to ensure justice for the slain officer.

    Sulaiman said, ”The incident happened when a vehicle, suspected of being smuggled into the country struck the operative while attempting to evade arrest.

    ”The late officer was rushed to General Hospital Kazaure and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Katsina, where he was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty.”

    Insp Hamza, an indigene of Port Harcourt, Rivers, was born on April 15, 1985.

    ”He joined the Nigeria Customs Service as Customs Assistant III (CAIII) in the Transport and Logistics Unit on October 17, 2013, and was promoted to the rank of Inspector of Customs (IC) in 2022.

    ”He is survived by his wife and two children and his remains had been laid to rest in Katsina according to Islamic rites.

    ”Shuaibu, on behalf of the entire officers and men of the unit, extended his heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family and prayed for his eternal rest.

    ”Shuaibu noted that the incident highlights the level of desperation among smugglers who operate with disregard for human life,” Sulaiman added.

    He added that this was one of many instances where smugglers killed and maimed personnel of the service in attempts to evade arrest.

    The spokesperson quoted Shuaibu as vowing to ensure that justice was served,  adding, ”one suspect has been arrested and is in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force, Gwiwa Division in Jigawa.

    “The unit’s operatives would not be deterred and would remain unwavering in the fight against smuggling.”

  • BREAKING: Abducted Kaduna journalists, wives, children regain freedom

    BREAKING: Abducted Kaduna journalists, wives, children regain freedom

    The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced the release of the journalists and their families who were kidnapped on July 6.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Council’s Chairman, Asma”u Halilu made the announcement on Saturday in a statement issued in Kaduna.

    Recall that the two journalists and their families were abducted by suspected kidnappers at their residences on July 6 at about 10: 30pm.

    Halilu said, “To the glory of God Almighty, our colleagues, Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Abduraheem Aodu and their families have been released.

    “The Council extends her profound gratitude to the office of the CP, Kaduna State Command, Office of the NSA, the D-G, DSS, the Inspector General of Police, Kaduna State Government, the NUJ President and all well-meaning Nigerians that prayed along with us during the trying time.

    “We will soon announce when they will join us in Kaduna so that we could visit, rejoice and glorify God with them,”Halilu said.

    It would be recalled that the two journalists – The Nation’s Abdulgafar Alabelewe and his Blueprint newspaper’s counterpart, AbdulRaheem Aodu, their wives as well as children were last Saturday night kidnapped by some bandits.

    Meanwhile, TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) can not ascertain whether or not ransom was, paid but gathered that the two journalists and their family members were rescued close to Abuja “this afternoon.”

  • NUJ condemns abduction of journalists, families in Kaduna

    NUJ condemns abduction of journalists, families in Kaduna

    The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has condemned the abduction of its members on Saturday at about 10:30 pm in Kaduna.

    The condemnation is contained in a joint statement issued by the Council’s Chairman  Asma’u Halilu and the Secretary,  Gambo Sanga, issued in Kaduna on Sunday.

    The statement said,  “NUJ has received with shock, the brazen and barbaric attack by suspected kidnappers.

    ”The attack resulted in the abduction of  the Kaduna State Correspondents of The Nation  Newspaper and the Blue Newspaper, alongside  their families last night at  their residences in Danhono area, a Kaduna suburb, in Chikun LGA.

    “We  strongly condemn the ugly incident and appeal to the security agencies in the state to swing into action with a view to rescuing the journalists and their families from the kidnappers’ den.”

    The statement expressed  dismay over the unfortunate abduction of the innocent journalists alongside their wives and children.

    It added, “We  implore the government at all levels to intensify efforts  towards guaranteeing the security of lives and property of the citizens at all times.

    ”The ugly phenomenon of kidnapping in Kaduna and environs is now resurfacing  and must be checked to avert the experiences of the recent past.

    “The Kaduna State Council of NUJ, however, enjoined all practicing journalists in the state to be vigilant in their daily activities while also praying for the safe return of their abducted colleagues and their families.”

  • Troops arrest suspected bandits, gunrunners in Plateau, Kaduna

    Troops arrest suspected bandits, gunrunners in Plateau, Kaduna

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, have arrested some suspected bandits and gunrunners in Plateau and Kaduna State.

    Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of OPSH disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Jos.

    According to Zhakom, the suspects were arrested following the joint operation conducted by the men of OPSH and 3 divisions.

    He explained that various types of arms and ammunition were equally recovered during the raid that lasted one week.

    “On June 21, troops conducted an operation to flush out armed militias and other criminals in a suspected bandits’ hideout at Pandam forest in Qua’anpan Local Government Area of Plateau.

    “During the operation, troops recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, 5 AK-47 magazines and 75 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

    “Also, in a combined operation with a sister security agency on June 21, troops tracked and arrested a notorious gunrunner along Jos-Abuja road, around Riyom local government area of Plateau.

    “The suspect was arrested while on his way to supply 35 AK-47 magazines to another gunrunner who, unknown to the first gunrunner, has been tracked and arrested in Kano state on June 20.

    “Information obtained from the arrested suspect led to the immediate arrest of the major arms supplier at Manchok, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

    “This is while he was making efforts to receive the 35 AK-47 magazines from the first gunrunner for onward delivery to bandits in Zamfara State,” he said.

    Zhakom said that the troops conducted further search operation at the home of the major gunrunner and recovered the 35 AK-47 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), three Bajaj motorcycles, three mobile phones and items suspected to be local charms.

    The media officer called on the residents of the two states to support and cooperate with the security agencies in their bid toward ending all forms of security challenges confronting them.

  • 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.

  • El-Rufai fires at Kaduna Assembly, describes probe as politically motivated

    El-Rufai fires at Kaduna Assembly, describes probe as politically motivated

    The immediate past Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has dismissed the recent report by an ad-hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly that investigated his administration.

    El-Rufai, 55, who served as governor of Kaduna state from 2015 to 2023 labelled the probe as a “politically motivated” and defended his tenure, asserting that the committee’s findings are baseless.

    In April, the Kaduna State House of Assembly on Tuesday set up a committee to investigate the financial transactions, loans, and contracts under the administration of Nasiru El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of the state.

    Following the investigations, the ad hoc committee recommended the prosecution of the immediate past governor after presenting its findings revealing misappropriation of funds and abuse of power.

    El-Rufai’s Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, released a statement in which the former governor strongly criticised the committee’s process and conclusions, claiming that the investigation was biased from the start, aiming to tarnish his reputation rather than seeking the truth.

    “We are aware of news that the Kaduna State House of Assembly has adopted the report of the ad-hoc committee it asked to probe the El-Rufai government. We have not been availed a copy of the report, to which we will respond robustly whenever we obtain it. We affirm the integrity of the El-Rufai government and dismiss the scandalous claims being aired as the report of the committee,”

    “Malam Nasir El-Rufai is immensely proud of his record of governance and the legacy he left in Kaduna State. This record of consistently high performance in public and private office cannot be altered by any malicious effort to use the auspices of a state legislature for defamation and undeserved smears.

    “Many of the officials who served in the El-Rufai government appeared before the ad-hoc committee because of their confidence in the quality of their service and the rectitude with which they served Kaduna State.

    “They were under no illusion that they were participating in a fair process. It was obvious that the ad-hoc committee was merely going through the motions of an inquiry just to give some gloss to predetermined conclusions.

    At the presentation of its findings to the Kaduna state house of assembly during a plenary session on Wednesday, Henry Zacharia, the committee chair, reported that the loans from El-Rufai’s term were often misallocated, and the loan acquisition process occasionally lacked proper procedure.

    Yusuf Liman, speaker, received the report, noting that the El-Rufai administration misappropriated N423 billion, resulting in huge debt for the state.

    The committee also recommended the suspension of Shizer Badda, the current finance commissioner, who held the same role under El-Rufai’s administration, and the chairman of the state universal basic education board.

    El-Rufai condemned the findings as a breach of decency and fairness by the state legislature.

    “It is sad to see such a shameful departure from any notion of decency and fairness by a state legislature. We dismiss with contempt the claims being peddled in connection with the report.

    He further emphasised his pride in his administration’s achievements and the legacy he left in Kaduna State.

    “Malam El-Rufai wishes to assure discerning Nigerians that he has served Kaduna State with integrity and to the best of his capacity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team.

    “He complied with all extant laws in all his activities while he was the governor. This jaundiced probe should be disregarded as the politically motivated hatchet job it is.”

  • Police nab international car theft suspect

    Police nab international car theft suspect

    The Police Command in Kaduna State, said its operatives have arrested an international car theft suspect and recovered an anti-tracker jammer in Kaduna.

    The spokesperson of the command, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed this in a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna.

    Hassan said, “On May 27, at about 1830hrs, our operatives  received a tip-off from a good Samaritan.

    ”An individual reported that he was requested to assist in collecting a Lexus LX470 Jeep from a mechanic.”

    According to him,  upon collecting the vehicle, he suspected it to be stolen and promptly reported to the police.

    Hassan said following the report, the vehicle was recovered and brought to Magaji Gari police station in Kaduna metropolis.

    “A search was conducted, leading to the discovery of vehicle particulars bearing the name of the owner, along with his contact number.

    “When contacted, the owner recounted that the car was snatched from him at gunpoint by five armed men at his residence in Utako, Abuja, ” he said.

    Hassan added that the police mobilized surveillance and managed to arrest the suspect, identified as Mubarak Kabiru from Kano, along Alkali Road, Kaduna.

    He added, “A search of his room at Ishacool Hotel, Kabala Doki, Kaduna, resulted in the recovery of an anti-tracking jammer.”

    He said during interrogation, Kabiru confessed that, under the instruction of his boss, Dauda from Niger Republic.

    Kabiru also told the police that he has been transporting stolen vehicles from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Abuja using the jammer to prevent tracking of the stolen vehicles.

    “These vehicles were then taken to border towns through Sokoto and Katsina and sold in Niger Republic.

    “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplices, “Hassan said.

    He said the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigations.

    A GPS jammer is a typically small, self-contained, transmitter device used to conceal one’s location by sending radio signals with the same frequency as a GPS device.

    When this occurs, the GPS device is unable to determine its position due to interference.