Terrorists release abducted woman in Borno, search for others continues

By: Zagazola Makama

One of the victims abducted during a recent terrorist attack in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno has regained her freedom.

The release followed sustained efforts by troops of Operation HADIN KAI and pressure mounted on the terrorists

The victim, Aisha Mohammed, 27, of 500 Housing Units in Damboa, was freed by the terrorists on Wednesday evening, July 23, at about 7:00 p.m., according to her family members.

She was immediately taken to the General Hospital in Damboa for medical examination and was certified to be in stable condition.

The abductors had stormed the area on July 22, abducting multiple persons during the attack..

Efforts are being intensified by relevant stakeholders to secure the release of the remaining victims and ensure their safe return.
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Troops sustain pressure on terrorists, neutralized several, recover weapons, livestock in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, conducting clearance operations under Operation FANSAN YANMA in Zamfara State have sustained pressure on terrorists, neutralising several fighters, recovering arms, motorcycles, and rescuing dozens of livestock.

The coordinated operations, conducted between July 22 and 23, targeted criminal enclaves and key terrorist transit routes in Maradun and Anka Local Government Areas of the state.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that on July 23, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Fangaltama in Maradun LGA, acting on credible intelligence about terrorist activities, embarked on a fighting patrol and made contact with armed elements behind a tractia company location.

A fierce gun duel ensued during which three terrorists were neutralised. The troops recovered two AK-47 rifles with one empty magazine, two Honda motorcycles, a Tecno mobile phone with dual SIM cards, a wireless earbud, and some old naira notes.

Similarly, on July 22, based on intelligence on the movement of a large number of terrorists toward Taki Tawas village in Anka LGA, troops launched a fighting patrol.

In the course of the operation, the Brigade Commander, who was on an operational assessment visit, joined the troops and took command of the battle. The terrorists fled in disarray, abandoning two motorcycles which were later recovered during exploitation.

In another bold manoeuvre, troops in conjunction with local vigilantes, staged a night ambush in the early hours of July 23 near Taki Takwas village. The ambush team successfully engaged the terrorists, pursued them through their withdrawal routes, and destroyed eight Honda motorcycles.

Troops also recovered 14 camels abandoned by the fleeing terrorists, which are believed to have been stolen from local communities. Efforts are ongoing to reunite the recovered animals with their rightful owners.

In a follow-up exploitation on July 23, troops recovered an additional 56 cows and one camel, bringing the total livestock recovered to 78.

The recovered animals were formally handed over to the Chairman of Bakura Local Government Area, Hon. Saidu Danbala, who was represented by the Speaker of the LGA Legislative Council, Hon. Armaya’u Boyi Bakura. Representatives from Anka LGA, as well as councillors from Birnin Tudu and Damri villages, were also present during the handover.

A military source said the series of successful engagements have degraded terrorist capabilities and boosted civilian confidence.

“The general security situation within our Area of Responsibility remains calm but unpredictable. Troops continue to dominate key locations and routes to deny terrorists freedom of action,” the source said.

The ongoing operations are part of the Nigerian Army’s intensified efforts to restore peace and security in the North-West zone, especially in Zamfara, where terrorists have for years disrupted socio-economic activities.

Troops sustain pressure on terrorists, neutralized several, recover weapons, livestock in Zamfara

VP Shettima: President Tinubu’s Bold Policies In The Interest Of Nigerians

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has affirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold policies are being implemented in the interest of Nigerians, emphasising that the administration has created an enabling environment for serious business operations in the country.

He identified some of the bold initiatives taken by the administration in this regard to include the removal of fuel subsidy, the realignment of the multiple exchange rates system, and the ongoing tax reforms in the country.

Senator Shettima, who stated this on Wednesday when he met with the newly elected executives of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), led by their National President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, assured the association of President Tinubu’s support.

“I can assure you that Nigeria is ready for business, and you are the drivers of change. I plead guilty to romancing with the business community – the manufacturing sector; the productive sector. This is how great nations build; this is how Korea became what it is,” he told the delegation.

The Vice President noted that while undertaking the ongoing reforms in the country, President Tinubu has refused to shift ground on his bold initiatives, saying they are being taken by his administration for the interest of the Nigerian people.

He said, “I want to assure you that the current administration is your own because the President speaks your language – the language of commerce. He grew up in that ecosystem; he knows how businesses are run. He was the financial controller of Mobil.

“And he (the President) has taken some bold initiatives. For instance, while fuel subsidy had been an albatross around the neck of successive administrations, he had the courage and the conviction to withdraw fuel subsidy.

“And we know the consequence of unveiling a masquerade. The oil cabal is richer than the Nigerian nation; they fought back, but he (President Tinubu) refused to budge. He stood his ground because what he did was in the best interest of Nigerians.”

Earlier, the National President of NACCIMA, Engr. Ibrahim explained that he became the national president of the association and chairman of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) a month ago at the annual general meeting of NACCIMA, where new executive members were elected.

He commended the unwavering leadership of the Vice President as the Chairman of critical national economic bodies such as National Economic Council (NEC), National Council on Privatization (NCP), Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), PEBEC and MSMEs, among others, adding that VP Shettima’s strategic role offers invaluable platform for allowing public private action towards sustainable national development.

“National prosperity is anchored on strong collaboration between government and private sector. We recognise the private sector as the engine of growth while the government sets the enabling framework.

“We respectfully request a mechanism for regular engagements between the organised private sector and your office, including bi-annual consultative sessions,” the NACCIMA President stated.

Ibrahim also requested that organised private sector representatives be included in key government councils and technical bodies, particularly in areas relating to trade, industry, privatisation and small and medium enterprises.

Jani and other executives were last month elected at the 65th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Investiture of the association in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital.

VP Shettima: President Tinubu’s Bold Policies In The Interest Of Nigerians