Crime
17 suspects nabed over Mangu attacks by suspected bandit militia
17 suspects nabed over Mangu attacks by suspected bandit militia
By: Bodunrin Kayode
17 suspects have been apprehended over the Christmas Eve and recent Mangu massacre, the plateau state command of the Nigerian police has said.
Briefing newsmen in Jos today, the AIG Zone 4 Ebong Eyibo said that as of Thursday, nine suspects were arrested in connection with the massacre of 30 people in Mangu so far, and manhunts are going on for more.
Parading the suspects in jos, Eyibo went on: “Before you are the eight suspects from the December 24th 2023 attack and the nine suspects arrested in connection with the recent attacks in the state.
He said that exhibits recovered from the suspects include dangerous weapons, such as machetes, kegs containing gasoline, and other items.
The area remains highly secured by security forces, and strict compliance with the curfew is being recognized, according to him.
The AIG said that: “On January 24 at about 2200 hrs, we received intelligence concerning an attack that was targeted on the Ntam community and the ASTC Company, both of Mangu LGA.
“Our team of agile police officers from the IGP Special Intervention Squad stationed at the ASTC, in conjunction with Area Commander Pankshin and the DPO, swung into action and thwarted the attempted attack.”
He said that in a separate incident, an attempt by some criminal arsonists in Panyam District to set fire to some worship centers was prevented by swift intervention from the police and with the help of some elders of the community.
“Also, in another development, to further strengthen the existing security architecture in the Mangu Council area, ensure compliance with the curfew imposed by the government, and prevent further escalation of the incidence, which is almost snowballing into an ethno-religious crisis, I have ordered the deployment of additional Special Intervention personnel to Mangu LGA to be commanded by the Area Commander, Pankshin, and restore normalcy in that area.
In another development, he said that a delegation from the Plateau State Government led by the Security Adviser to the Governor, heads of other security agencies, and leaders from both the Christian and Muslim communities gathered at the Mangu Township Stadium and the Miskam Mwaghavul Palace in Mangu yesterday, the 24th day of January 2024, to deliberate and chart a way forward to put a stop to the menace.
“We called on the leadership of both faiths to call their followers to order and ensure total compliance with the government-imposed curfew.
“Both parties have promised to comply in the interest of peace in their communities. So far, over 10 corpses have been recovered from various locations; two injured persons are currently receiving treatment at the hospital; one car; and ten houses were burned down,” he said.
The AIG commiserated with the government and people of the Mangu council area over the loss of lives and properties as a result of these attacks, adding that he will bear zero tolerance for any act of criminality and will continue to intensify efforts towards restoring peace, public confidence, and normalcy within the state.
He then urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with the security agencies, as they are working tirelessly to maintain peace and order in the region.
Meanwhile, the curfew imposed on Mangu still stands, as pockets of attacks are reported to be taking place in the wee hours of the night.
MUTFWANG CONVENES SECURITY MEETING TO TACKLE UNREST IN MANGU
Meanwhile, in response to the escalating security challenges resulting in the loss of lives and property in Mangu Council Area, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has convened an emergency State Security Council meeting.
The meeting, which took place at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, had in attendance heads of security agencies in the state.
A statement from his spokesman, Gyang Bere, stated that the primary focus of the meeting was a comprehensive review of the security situation in the state, with special attention given to the affected communities for swift and effective intervention.
Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens of the state.
“He pledged to pursue justice for all citizens affected by the recent incidents,” said the release.
17 suspects nabed over Mangu attacks by suspected bandit militia
Crime
Terrorism: DSS Secures Another Death Sentence, As Katsina Court Convicts Female Courier Arrested With Large Arms Cache
Breaking…..
Terrorism: DSS Secures Another Death Sentence, As Katsina Court Convicts Female Courier Arrested With Large Arms Cache
By: Michael Mike
A Federal High Court in Katsina State has sentenced a female arms courier to death by hanging after the Department of State Services (DSS) successfully prosecuted her for conspiracy to commit, aid and abet terrorism. This is the second death sentence secured by the DSS in the month of June.
The convict, Hauwa’u Mukhtar, was arrested by the DSS on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park, Katsina State, while attempting to transport 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to one Ado, a notorious bandit kingpin operating in Dunburum Forest, Zamfara State.
On 3rd June, a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four men arrested by the DSS to death by hanging for their roles in the June 5, 2022, terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed over 40 lives.
Security sources revealed that, in Katsina, the DSS filed a two-count charge against Hauwa’u Mukhtar
before High Court No. 3, Katsina, presided over by Justice A. B. Bawale.
After evaluating the totality of evidence, witness testimonies, tendered exhibits, and final addresses of both prosecution and defence counsel, the court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, finding Mukhtar guilty on both counts.
The judge subsequently sentenced the convict to death by hanging in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.
“The successful prosecution is a significant milestone for the DSS, demonstrating its capacity to not only intercept criminal actors but to follow through with decisive legal action that results in landmark convictions.’, stated the source.
It could be recalled that, about a month ago, a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted and sentenced one Halima Haliru Umar to 20 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 302 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition and attempting to provide support for acts of terrorism marking the second conviction of a female arms courier secured by the DSS this year.
Terrorism: DSS Secures Another Death Sentence, As Katsina Court Convicts Female Courier Arrested With Large Arms Cache
Crime
Troops Repel Terrorists in Yobe, Recover Communication Equipment and Bicycles
Troops Repel Terrorists in Yobe, Recover Communication Equipment and Bicycles
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops and local vigilante members have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists in Kanama, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, following intelligence reports on insurgent movements in the area.
Security sources said the operation was conducted in the early hours of June 15 after troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kanama, supported by vigilante personnel, acted on credible intelligence indicating the presence of suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists within the community.
The joint patrol team reportedly made contact with the insurgents at about 3:15 a.m., leading to an exchange of gunfire.
According to the sources, the terrorists were forced to retreat towards the Sambisa axis after coming under pressure from the security forces.
Items recovered from the scene included nine bicycles, one Baofeng radio set, a mobile phone, three pairs of slippers and three locally made water bottles believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
One member of the vigilante group sustained a gunshot wound during the encounter and was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
The recovered items have been taken into custody for further exploitation and investigation.
Military authorities said troops remain on heightened alert and are continuing operations aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of movement across the North-East region.
Troops Repel Terrorists in Yobe, Recover Communication Equipment and Bicycles
Crime
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace Arrest Two Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace Arrest Two Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected drug peddlers during a stop-and-search operation at Sabon Gari checkpoint in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the suspects, identified as Mr. Jerry Joshua, 45, and Mr. Williams Nwaso, 54, were intercepted at about 6:00 a.m. on June 15 at the checkpoint.

The troops, who were conducting routine security checks, reportedly discovered a large quantity of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa in their possession.

The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security authorities said the arrest is part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to curb drug trafficking and other criminal activities within Plateau State.
Investigations are ongoing.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace Arrest Two Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
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