News
DSS, forest guards rescue 7 abducted victims from ISWAP enclave in Borno
DSS, forest guards rescue 7 abducted victims from ISWAP enclave in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with forest guards, has rescued seven persons abducted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno State after a heavy gun battle in a forest enclave.
Sources told Zagazola Makama on Wednesday that the victims were seized on Jan. 19 while they had gone into the bush to fetch firewood near Ajiri Camp in the outskirts of Maiduguri.
The source said the seven were intercepted by the terrorists during the scavenging exercise and taken into the forest.
“In the process, two of them managed to escape and returned to Ajiri Camp to alert the community. The abductors also sent one of the boys on a bicycle to go home and raise a ransom of N20 million,” the source said.
He added that upon receiving the information, forest guards working with the DSS mobilised to the area and stormed the terrorists’ enclave.
“The operatives switched off their motorcycles and trekked for almost an hour to avoid detection before engaging the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, which forced the ISWAP elements to flee and abandon their captives,” the source said.
According to him, the victims were freed unhurt and are currently receiving support and profiling by the relevant authorities.
The Commander of the Forest Guards, Hassan Modu, who coordinated the operation with the said the success was due to timely intelligence and joint action.
“We moved quietly, on foot, and engaged them. The terrorists fled when they realised we had closed in on their enclave,” Modu said.
He commended the DSS for their support and urged residents to continue to provide credible information to security agencies to curb criminal activities in the state.
Zagazola recalled that the forest guards were trained, equipped and are continuously supervised by the Department of State Services (DSS) to operate as an auxiliary community-based security outfit.
The DSS provides them with basic intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance skills, conducts regular drills on tracking and bush operations, and embeds its officers to guide their activities.
Through this structure, the forest guards work under the strategic control of the DSS, ensuring professionalism, discipline and effective coordination in joint operations against terrorists and other criminal elements.
DSS, forest guards rescue 7 abducted victims from ISWAP enclave in Borno
Military
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
By Zagazola Makama
Security was significantly reinforced around Niger’s Presidential Palace in Niamey following reports of unrest involving elements of the country’s armed forces, security sources told Zagazola Makama.
According to multiple security sources, the heightened deployment of the Presidential Guard, supported by armoured vehicles around the Presidential Palace on the night of July 3 and into July 4, followed what was described as a limited protest by personnel of an armoured unit within the Niger Armed Forces (FAN).
The sources said some soldiers reportedly declined deployment to frontline positions in northern Tillabéri Region, particularly around Inatès and Chinagodrar, citing inadequate heavy equipment and insufficient operational resources to confront the growing security threats in the area.
The protest was described by one source as a “small mutiny,” although there has been no official confirmation from the Nigerien authorities.
Security sources said the development triggered concern within the country’s leadership, prompting the reinforcement of security around the Presidential Palace and temporary restrictions on movement in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The Tillabéri Region remains one of Niger’s most volatile security zones, with recurrent attacks by armed extremist groups, including factions linked to the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerien government and military authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the reported protest or the increased security presence around the Presidency.
The situation remains under close observation.
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested two suspected criminals during a routine patrol in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects, identified as Azi Ezekiel, 21, and Ajiji Emmanuel, 19, were apprehended at about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday along the road leading to Forbur Village.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, while conducting a routine patrol in the area.
According to the sources, the two suspects have been handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Forbur for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at combating criminal activities and enhancing safety across Plateau State.
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Mohamdu Surajo, 29, was arrested at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday at Sabon Layi Village following sustained security operations in the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing preliminary interrogation to aid ongoing investigations.
They added that the arrest is part of continued efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
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