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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

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

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