Borno Police Explains Arrest, Prosecution of Five Over Alleged Thuggery

By: Michael Mike

The Borno State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest and prosecution of five persons in Maiduguri over alleged incitement, breach of public peace, thuggery and possession of suspected illicit substances.

The Command said the five suspects were arrested on September 25, 2026, during a routine township patrol around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri.

According to the police, the suspects were allegedly engaged in conduct capable of causing public disturbance when officers apprehended them at about 6:00 p.m.

The Command said a search allegedly led to the recovery of 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot and a pair of scissors.

It added that two T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go,” were also recovered from the suspects.

The development had generated public debate, particularly over the political inscription on the T-shirts and the subsequent decision of the police to prosecute the suspects.

But in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the Command said the prosecution followed preliminary investigations during which statements were obtained from the suspects.

The police said the case was subsequently charged before a competent court after the initial investigation was completed.

Clarifying its position, the Command stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remained a professional and non-partisan institution, insisting that it did not discriminate against citizens on the basis of their political affiliation or viewpoints.

“The Command remains committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability and transparency in the discharge of its responsibilities,” it said.

The police further explained that taking the matter to court was intended to allow the judicial process to determine the allegations against the suspects based on the evidence presented.

The Command therefore urged members of the public to rely on verified information rather than reports circulating on social media and other platforms.

It said: “Members of the public are therefore urged to rely on verified information and allow the court to determine the matter based on the facts and evidence presented before it.”

The development comes amid heightened political activities in the country ahead of the forthcoming elections, making allegations involving political expressions, public order and security enforcement particularly sensitive.

The Borno Command reiterated its commitment to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property.

Borno Police Explains Arrest, Prosecution of Five Over Alleged Thuggery

Troops gun down suspected Fulani militia member, recover two motorcycles after two female miners killed in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have killed one suspected Fulani militia member and recovered two motorcycles following an exchange of fire after an attack on three female civilian miners at an illegal mining site in Rakum community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2026, when troops received a distress call reporting an attack on civilians at the mining site.

The sources said that upon arrival, the troops confirmed that three female miners had been shot by suspected Fulani militias. Two of the victims died at the scene, while the third sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to the General Hospital, Barkin Ladi, where she is currently receiving medical attention.

The bodies of the two deceased victims were deposited at the mortuary of the same hospital.

The sources said troops subsequently launched an operation to track the assailants and made contact with suspected members of the militia at Rungan Jallo, where an exchange of fire ensued.

During the encounter, troops killed one suspected militia member and recovered two motorcycles believed to have been used by the attackers.

The exchange of fire also resulted in about seven huts being engulfed by fire at Digan Jallo.

Troops have continued to comb the area through aggressive patrols in search of other perpetrators who fled the scene.

Further details are expected as the operation continues.

Troops gun down suspected Fulani militia member, recover two motorcycles after two female miners killed in Plateau

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescue 49 travellers from suspected kidnappers in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 49 travellers from Kano State who were returning from Senegal after attending a Maulud programme, following an attempted kidnap incident in Zamfara State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the travellers came under threat from suspected kidnappers after their vehicle reportedly developed a fault while they were travelling through the area.

The troops responded to the incident and successfully rescued all 49 travellers from the suspected kidnappers.

The rescued victims were later handed over to the Chairman of Tsafe Local Government Area, Malam Garba Shehu Fanchers, during the night for immediate welfare and medical assessment.

The local government authorities were expected to facilitate their safe reunification with their families after the necessary checks.

The successful rescue highlights the ongoing efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protect travellers and communities against kidnapping and other criminal activities across the North-West.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescue 49 travellers from suspected kidnappers in Zamfara