TheNewsGuru

Tag: Niger State

  • Many feared dead as boat capsizes in Niger State

    Many feared dead as boat capsizes in Niger State

    Several passengers have been confirmed dead  following a tragic boat accident that occurred on the Shiroro Dam waterways in Niger State.

    TheNewsGuru reports that rescue operations are ongoing in the incident that took place around 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, when a local passenger boat capsized between Sherin Waterway and Kwata Market in the Shiroro Local Government Area.

    The boat, owned by Mallam Danlami Musa from Shaita Village in the Muya Local Government Area, was transporting an unknown number of passengers from Shaita to the weekly market at Kwata when it capsized.

    Upon receiving the report, a joint rescue team consisting of Marine Police officers and local divers was promptly mobilized to the scene to conduct search and rescue operations.

    As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties remains unconfirmed, but rescue efforts are ongoing to retrieve possible survivors and recover any bodies.

    The Niger State Police Command has urged boat operators to adhere strictly to safety regulations, including the use of life jackets and proper passenger management.

  • Police arrest suspected ritualists with human skull in Niger

    Police arrest suspected ritualists with human skull in Niger

    The Police Command in Niger State has arrested suspected ritualists with a human skull in Bida town.

    This is contained in a statement on Saturday in Minna by its Public Relations officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun.

    According to him, on July 19, while acting on credible intelligence, Police covert operatives arrested five suspects in a hotel in Bida with a human skull for money rituals.

    He said that in the course of investigation, it was discovered that the skull belonged to one Ahmadu Jiya, who claimed it was the skull of his maternal grandmother aged over 90 years as at the time of her demise.

    Jiya explained that he exhumed the corpse and obtained the skull to make quick money to enable him settle debts of over N2 million he had accrued over time.

    He added that one Ndache, a herbalist, instructed him to obtain a human head, dead or alive before he  could help him make money and that he presented the skull to the herbalist in the company of his friend, Muhammed Adamu.

    “But unfortunately, upon hearing the terms of the ritual, he decided that he couldn’t comply with the terms and returned to his village with the skull and hid it in his residence.

    “After two years, his friend Adamu who earlier accompanied him to the herbalist, approached Jiya in company of another individual, one Abubakar Mohammed, that they needed the skull urgently and were ready to buy the skull.

    “Jiya agreed to sell for N100,000 but he was given N40,000 as advance payment, and he gave them the skull.

    “Both individuals then proceeded to Ndache who introduced him to another herbalist, Malam Ali Mohammed who was described as a suspected money-doubler.

    “Muhammed charged them N500,000 to do the rituals for them which they paid in installments when he was done with the process involving a drum, the skull and other processes.”

    The suspected money-doubler then instructed them not to open the drum until he asked them to do so after while he left.

    “But unfortunately, after a few weeks with no response from the herbalist, both Adamu and Abubakar proceeded to his residence to complain and inquire as to why they had not heard from him or seen their money.

    “On arrival, they told Muhammed to refund their money so that they can sort out other family issues, since there was no result. He then convinced them to go to a hotel in Bida with him where they would receive their money.

    “Ndache was also invited since he was the link between the herbalist and the two individuals. But unfortunately, they were all arrested and brought to the State CID Minna for discreet investigation,” the statement added.

  • BREAKING: Cholera outbreak claims 12 lives, 230 hospitalised in Niger

    BREAKING: Cholera outbreak claims 12 lives, 230 hospitalised in Niger

    A cholera outbreak in Niger State has claimed at least 12 lives and left more than 230 others hospitalised across several Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    The outbreak was first detected on Sunday in Shiroro Local Government Area. As of Wednesday, cases had spread to at least six LGAs, including Minna, Bosso, Shiroro, Magama, Bisa, and Munya.

    Healthcare officials said that 239 individuals had been affected and were currently receiving treatment at various primary healthcare centres in the impacted areas.

    In response, the state government had opened an isolation centre at the old wing of the Late Sen. Idris Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre in Minna.

    Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, confirmed that a multi-sectoral response team had been deployed to curb the spread of the disease.

    “We have established treatment and isolation centres in the affected LGAs to contain the outbreak.

    “Aggressive sensitisation campaigns are ongoing, targeting religious organisations like CAN and Islamic groups, as well as the eight emirates in the state,” Dangana said.

    He commended Gov. Mohammed Bago for his swift intervention and also appreciated the support of donor agencies.

    Also speaking, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, Dr Ibrahim Idris, identified Chanchaga, Minna, Bosso, and Shiroro as the worst-hit areas.

  • Troops kill dozens of terrorists in Niger

    Troops kill dozens of terrorists in Niger

    Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) on Tuesday successfully intercepted and neutralised dozens of terrorists near Inana Village in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger.

    A statement by the Media Information Officer, OPFY, Capt. David Adewusi, on Wednesday, said the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight.

    Adewusi said the terrorists were advancing from the Baban Doka axis of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara in a large group towards Ragada and Warari communities in Niger.

    He said the troops, comprising joint teams from the Mariga and Zuru axes, swiftly launched a coordinated assault.

    According to him, the engagement of the Air Component of OPFY provided vital intelligence, surveillance, and air strikes in support of the ground troops, enabling a decisive response.

    “Several terrorists were neutralised, and numerous motorcycles and communication equipment were recovered.

    “The troops also recovered two AK-47 rifles, one magazine loaded with five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 18 motorcycles, among other items.

    “The successful joint assault thwarted the terrorists’ plans to destabilise the area and rustle livestock. Sadly , one brave soldier was fatally injured during the fire fight,” he said.

    The statement reiterated the commitment of  OPFY to remain resolute in its mandate to defeat terrorists and criminal elements operating across the North West and parts of the North Central region.

    “We assure the public of our unwavering commitment to achieving this mandate and urge continued cooperation through the provision of credible information that will support ongoing offensive operations,” he said.

  • NAF air strike eliminates 95 terrorists in Niger

    NAF air strike eliminates 95 terrorists in Niger

    The Air Component of Operation Fasan Yamma, has successfully eliminated no fewer than 95 terrorists in major airstrikes around Ragada and Warari villages in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger.

    A credible intelligence source revealed to NAN that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets intercepted the terrorists on their way from Zamfara in Tuesday at about 1500 hours.

    The sources said the bandits were moving from Zamfara axis through Kebbi state down to Niger.

    According to him, enquiry conducted revealed the bandits are moving with one hundred and eight (108) mortcycycles armed with sophisticated weapons are on their way to Warari and Rijau Local Government Areas of Niger.

    “NAF fighter jets intercepted them between Ragada and Warari villages at location general area coordinate 10° 54′ 1.51” N | 5° 25′ 4.96” E in Rijau Local Government Area.

    “It has been confirmed that out of the 108 bandits, mortcycycles only thirteen (13) mortcycycles of the bandits escaped, but the remaining were neutralised.

    “Residence of the villages of Makuku, Warari, and Ragada in Rijau Local Government Area have expressed their happiness and appreciation to the federal government commitment in the ongoing fight against banditry and other criminal elements in the northwest generally,” he said.

    The source revealed that intelligence source in the area had confirmed the information.

  • Popular pastor kidnapped in Niger State

    Popular pastor kidnapped in Niger State

    A Nigerian pastor, Sunday Musa has been kidnapped by Gunmen suspected to be bandits in Niger State.

    According to reports,  the incident occurred at about 4:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025 in Samunaka, a community near Babanna in Borgu Local Government Area of the state.

    Eyewitness disclosed the armed men, numbering about twenty, stormed the village and began shooting sporadically before whisking the cleric away to an unknown destination.

    According to the Nigerian police, they received information from the Officer-in-Charge of the Babanna Police Outstation, who immediately alerted tactical teams and local vigilantes in the area.

    Efforts are currently ongoing to track the kidnappers and rescue the victim unhurt, while patrols have been intensified across vulnerable communities in the Babanna–Borgu axis.

  • Police rescue 35 kidnap victims in Niger

    Police rescue 35 kidnap victims in Niger

    The Police Command in Niger says it has rescued 35 kidnapped victims from various locations across the state in recent operations.

    This is contained in a statement on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun.

    He said the rescue followed reports of bandits relocating from Birnin-Gwari forest due to clearance operations by security forces in the area.

    Abiodun said, “Between July 3 and July 5, 24 victims, including women and children kidnapped over a year ago, were rescued from different parts of the state.

    “The rescued victims were taken from locations such as Pandogari, Madaka, Allawa, Sarkin-Pawa, Taraba, and other areas while heading to Yauri, Kebbi.

    “Police tactical teams intercepted many of the victims on the Madaka-Makujeri road in a vehicle driven by Yusuf Abdullahi from Birnin-Gwari.

    “He was reportedly conveying the victims to Yauri to be handed over to other members of the group, while some were dropped in Tegina.

    “The driver was arrested. The victims received medical attention before being reunited with their families.”

    The Police spokesperson said investigations are ongoing to rescue more victims and arrest the fleeing suspects.

    According to him, on July 4 at about 4.30 p.m., 11 victims — five women and six children — were intercepted in Agwara while trying to cross to Yauri, Kebbi.

    Abiodun said the Divisional Police Officer in Agwara took them into custody. Two magazines and 60 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.

    He said they were later transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Minna for further investigation.

    The Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, praised the joint security forces and urged the public to provide useful information to aid further rescues.

  • BREAKING: Nigerian Army confirms 17 soldiers killed in Niger State

    BREAKING: Nigerian Army confirms 17 soldiers killed in Niger State

    The Nigerian Army has confirmed that 17 “courageous” soldiers lost their lives in the line of duty at Kwana Dutse, in the Local Government Area of Niger State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Nigerian Army confirmed this in a statement declaring a three-day mourning period to honour the soldiers.

    According to a statement posted on the official X account of the Nigerian Army, the mourning period will begin from June 25th to June 27th, 2025.

    “It is with profound respect that the Nigerian Army declares a three-day mourning period, from June 25th to June 27th, 2025, to honor the bravery and sacrifice of 17 courageous soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty at Kwana Dutse Local Government Area, Niger State.

    “As a mark of solemn tribute, all Nigerian Army formations and units have been directed to fly the Nigerian Army flag at half-mast.

    “During this period, we pay our deepest respects to these fallen heroes and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.

    “Their unwavering dedication, valor, and sacrifice in defense of our nation will forever be remembered and cherished,” the statement reads.

    It was gathered that the courageous soldiers were killed in a fierce battle between troops and terrorists, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

    TNG reports the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had visited the troops to assess the security situation in the area, following recent encounter.

  • Niger govt orders immediate closure of IBB University

    Niger govt orders immediate closure of IBB University

    Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has ordered the immediate closure of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) University, Lapai, due to security concerns.

    This is contained in a statement by Alhaji Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), on Wednesday in Minna.

    Usman said the decision followed recent security breaches and the tragic loss of lives within the University community.

    He stressed that the safety of all citizens, particularly students, remains a top priority for the government.

    “We are deeply saddened by recent incidents. Government is taking proactive steps to swiftly address the situation,” Usman said.

    Usman urged members of the University community to stay calm, remain vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies during this period.

    He noted that government efforts were underway to restore order and ensure the peace and safety of all.

    The SSG assured that the perpetrators of the security breaches would be identified and prosecuted accordingly.

    He reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding law and protecting lives and property across the state.

    Usman appealed for calm and patience, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation evolves.

    The closure followed the killing of a student on Monday, June 23.

  • COAS visits troops in Niger after bloody encounter with terrorists

    COAS visits troops in Niger after bloody encounter with terrorists

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has departed for Niger to visit troops of the Nigerian Army and assess the recent security situation in the area following recent encounter with terrorists in the area.

    The visit comes after a fierce battle between troops and terrorists which resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

    A credible source at Army Headquarters confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the COAS was expected to meet with troops and commanders to assess the situation and provide guidance on how to intensify the fight against terrorism.

    The COAS has vowed to ensure that the military does everything possible to protect lives and property, and to defeat the terrorist groups that have been terrorising communities in the region.

    The visit is also expected to boost the morale of troops who have been battling terrorists in the region.

    The military has been working tirelessly to restore peace and security in the area, and Lt-Gen. Oluyede’s visit is seen as a demonstration of the Army’s commitment to supporting its troops and ensuring their safety.

    The COAS’ visit is expected to shape the military’s strategy in the region, with a focus on enhancing security measures and protecting civilians.

    The Nigerian army’s efforts to defeat terrorism in Niger and beyond will be reignited with Oluyede’s leadership playing a key role in guiding troops on the ground.