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12 Rescued as Nigerian Tugboat Sinks Off South Africa Coast, One Confirmed Dead

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12 Rescued as Nigerian Tugboat Sinks Off South Africa Coast, One Confirmed Dead

By: Michael Mike

A maritime tragedy has struck off the South African coastline after a Nigerian tugboat, LEO, sank in turbulent waters late Saturday night, leaving one crew member confirmed dead, five missing, and 12 others rescued in a coordinated emergency response.

The vessel, which had travelled to South Africa for repairs, was reportedly heading back to Lagos with 18 persons onboard when it ran into severe storm conditions about 18 nautical miles offshore between Cape Town and Durban. The rough seas forced the tug aground before it eventually went under.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the development on Monday, stating that the South African authorities had formally notified the Nigerian government.

According to her, one fatality has been recorded, while search-and-rescue operations are ongoing for five crew members who remain unaccounted for.

“The South Africa Ministry of Transportation informed us of this development,” the minister said, adding that the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is leading rescue efforts. She disclosed that survivors are being transported to Port Elizabeth, where officials from the Nigerian High Commission are en route to receive them and provide consular support.

Maritime sources indicate that the southern corridor between Cape Town and Durban is notorious for sudden weather shifts and heavy swells, conditions that can quickly overwhelm vessels — particularly those navigating after mechanical servicing.

While the immediate focus remains on locating the missing crew members, questions are expected to arise regarding the vessel’s seaworthiness, the intensity of the storm, and whether distress signals were transmitted in time to facilitate rescue.

The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is reportedly working closely with local authorities to support survivors and liaise with families back home, as anxiety mounts over the fate of the missing.

As search operations continue against the backdrop of unpredictable seas, the incident underscores the persistent risks faced by maritime operators navigating some of the world’s most volatile shipping routes.

Further details are expected as South African authorities provide updates on rescue efforts and investigative findings.

12 Rescued as Nigerian Tugboat Sinks Off South Africa Coast, One Confirmed Dead

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Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno

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Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducting an ongoing operation in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno have arrested suspected kidnappers and recovered two AK-47 rifles from them.

Sources involved in the operation disclosed on Friday that the suspects were apprehended during a targeted security operation ahead of Magumeri town.

According to the sources, the operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 assault rifles believed to have been used by the suspects in criminal activities within the area.

The sources further revealed that preliminary interrogation of the suspects had yielded valuable intelligence that could assist security agencies in tracking and arresting other members of the kidnapping network.

“The suspects have provided useful information that can aid further operations and lead to the arrest of additional members of the criminal syndicate,” the source said.

The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle kidnapping and other criminal networks operating in parts of Borno State.

Security authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the operation, while investigations and follow-up actions are continuing.

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno

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Police Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Zamfara

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Police Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Zamfara

By Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command have rescued six kidnapped victims and recovered a stolen motorcycle following a gun battle with armed bandits along the Anka–Gurusu Road in Zamfara State.

The command said the operation was carried out at about 4:30 p.m. on Thursday by personnel of the Violence Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) during ongoing anti-banditry operations.

According to the police, the operatives received credible intelligence that heavily armed bandits had blocked the Anka–Gurusu Road and abducted six travellers along with their two motorcycles while they were travelling from Mayanchi village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara to Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Acting on the information, the police team mobilised to the area and tracked the bandits to their hideout.

Upon contact, the suspects reportedly engaged the operatives in a gun duel.

The police said the operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to flee into the surrounding forest with suspected gunshot injuries.

As a result of the operation, all six abducted victims were rescued unhurt, while one of the stolen motorcycles was recovered.

The second motorcycle was, however, taken away by the fleeing bandits.

The command said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the suspects as well as recover the remaining motorcycle.

The Zamfara State Police Command reiterated its commitment to tackling banditry and other violent crimes across the state and urged residents to continue providing timely and actionable information to security agencies.

Police Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Zamfara

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Police Rescue Several Abducted Travellers, Recover Motorcycles After Gun Battle with Bandits in Zamfara

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Police Rescue Several Abducted Travellers, Recover Motorcycles After Gun Battle with Bandits in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command have rescued several abducted travellers after a fierce gun battle with armed bandits along the Anka-Bukuyum road in Zamfara State.

Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out on the evening of June 10 following intelligence on the activities of bandits operating along the route.

The sources said police operatives swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the armed criminals in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush.

According to the sources, the rescued victims were among travellers who had been intercepted and abducted by the bandits while transiting through the axis.

“The police responded promptly and engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

“The sustained pressure mounted by the operatives forced the criminals to abandon their victims and retreat from the scene,” a security source said.

The source added that several motorcycles used by the bandits for their operations were recovered during the encounter.

The rescued travellers were subsequently evacuated to safety, while efforts were being made to reunite them with their families.

Security personnel have since intensified patrols and clearance operations in the area to prevent further attacks and track down the fleeing suspects.

The Anka-Bukuyum axis is among locations that have witnessed recurrent attacks by armed groups due to its proximity to forested hideouts used by criminal elements.

Security sources say the latest operation illustrates the importance of rapid response and sustained security presence along vulnerable routes frequently targeted by kidnappers and bandits.

The police are expected to continue combing operations in the area as part of efforts to apprehend the fleeing criminals and sustain pressure on bandit networks operating across Zamfara State.

Police Rescue Several Abducted Travellers, Recover Motorcycles After Gun Battle with Bandits in Zamfara

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