Crime
3 civilians killed as troops contain escalation, restore calm in Jos after unrest spreads to flashpoints
3 civilians killed as troops contain escalation, restore calm in Jos after unrest spreads to flashpoints
By: Zagazola Makama
Three civilians have been confirmed dead following a wave of unrest that spread across multiple communities in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau, before troops and other security agencies intervened to restore calm.
Security sources said the violence, which erupted on April 1, was a spillover from the March 29 attack on commuters and residents around Angwan Rukuba Junction along the Jos–Bauchi highway.
The initial incident had heightened tensions in the area, with fears of reprisals, which later manifested into coordinated disturbances in parts of Jos metropolis.
According to the sources, the unrest began at about 9:30 a.m. in Nasarawa area of Jos North and quickly escalated, spreading to other volatile locations including Katako Junction, Farin Gada, Gada Biu, Angwan Rogo, Rikos and adjoining communities.
“The situation deteriorated rapidly as hoodlums took advantage of the tension to cause mayhem, attacking properties and attempting to ignite further violence across the affected areas,” the source said.
Troops drawn from Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), and other special forces, alongside personnel of sister security agencies, were immediately deployed to the flashpoints.
The swift and coordinated response, according to security officials, helped to contain the disturbances before they could degenerate into widespread communal clashes.
“The troops responded decisively and were able to stabilise the situation across the affected locations. Their presence prevented further escalation and restored relative calm in the metropolis,” the source added.
During the operations, security forces foiled several attempts by miscreants to set ablaze some places of worship, particularly in Katako Junction, Angwan Rogo and along Bauchi Road.
Despite the success in containing the unrest, three civilians lost their lives in the course of the disturbances. Their corpses were evacuated to medical facilities, while normalcy has gradually returned to the affected areas.
Following the restoration of calm, troops have maintained a strong presence across Jos metropolis, conducting aggressive patrols and surveillance operations to deter further breakdown of law and order.
The deployment has also been extended to neighbouring local government areas, including Jos South, Riyom and Bassa, where security presence has been reinforced.
Residents in the affected communities have expressed cautious relief as normal activities gradually resume, though tension remains in some quarters.
Security authorities assured that the situation is under close monitoring and urged residents to remain law-abiding, avoid spreading unverified information, and cooperate with security agencies.
In a related development, troops also recorded operational success in rural parts of the state.
At about 2:30 p.m. on April 1, security operatives responding to reports of cattle rustling in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area engaged suspected rustlers heading towards Farin Lamba in Riyom LGA.
The criminals, upon contact with troops, abandoned 30 rustled cows and fled into nearby bushes. The livestock were recovered and handed over to their rightful owner.
Security sources noted that routine patrols have been intensified across the Joint Operations Area to safeguard critical national infrastructure, schools, markets and places of worship.
They reiterated commitment to sustaining peace and preventing any resurgence of violence in Plateau and its environs.
3 civilians killed as troops contain escalation, restore calm in Jos after unrest spreads to flashpoints
Troops Arrest Suspect Over Killing of More Than 50 Cattle in Edo
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have arrested a suspected criminal linked to the killing of more than 50 cattle belonging to Fulani herders in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Security sources said that the suspect was arrested at about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday following credible intelligence on his whereabouts.
According to the sources, troops of 4 Brigade operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Uromi apprehended the suspect at his residence in Oloshi Main Town.
The suspect had reportedly been on the run since May 31, when he allegedly led an attack that resulted in the killing of over 50 cattle in the Oloshi general area.
The sources said the arrest was made after sustained efforts by security agencies to track down those involved in the incident.
Following his arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security agencies have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals connected to the attack.
Troops Arrest Suspect Over Killing of More Than 50 Cattle in Edo
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
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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