Crime
Bandits abduct Zamfara monarch after deadly NAF airstrike that kills scores of bandits in Tsafe
Bandits abduct Zamfara monarch after deadly NAF airstrike that kills scores of bandits in Tsafe
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have abducted the traditional ruler of Yankuzo, Alhaji Babangida Kogo, in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, barely hours after a devastating Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike killed dozens of bandits in a forest enclave near the area.
The monarch was reportedly abducted on Tuesday evening along the Mararraba axis as he attempted to flee his community amid fears of reprisal attacks by the terrorists.
Sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that the abduction was carried out by a large group of armed men riding on over 10 motorcycles. The assailants intercepted the monarch and his entourage near the abandoned farm of the late Alhaji Malami Yandoto and took him away, leaving others behind.
The abduction followed a precision airstrike carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji on the same day, targeting a large bandit assembly believed to be a wedding or celebratory gathering in a forest location between Yankuzo and Munhaye.
Zagazola gathered that the air raid followed credible intelligence and aerial surveillance, which tracked the movement of over 100 armed bandits converging at the location. The strike led to the killing of scores of terrorists and left many others wounded.
Security sources said the gathering was attended by fighters loyal to notorious bandit kingpins operating in the Tsafe–Zurmi axis, some of whom had crossed over from neighboring forests in Katsina and Sokoto states.
“The impact was massive, charred bodies and destroyed motorcycles littered the area after the strike,”said a source.
Following the air raid, fear gripped surrounding villages, with many residents fleeing in anticipation of retaliatory attacks by the surviving bandits.
“We knew they would strike back. That’s why our district head was leaving. Unfortunately, he ran into them before reaching safety,” said a Yankuzo resident who requested anonymity for security reasons.
Local vigilante sources confirmed that efforts were ongoing to trace the whereabouts of the abducted monarch. Military ground troops have also been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks.
The abduction point to the growing desperation of bandit groups under sustained military pressure in Zamfara and the wider North West region.
Bandits abduct Zamfara monarch after deadly NAF airstrike that kills scores of bandits in Tsafe
Troops foil kidnap attempt, repel gunmen in Sokoto community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have foiled a kidnap attempt and repelled suspected terrorists in Gesa village, Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
A military source said the troops of 248 Reconnaissance Battalion, deployed at Forward Operating Base Sauna, responded to a distress call at about 10:30 a.m. on March 27.
The source disclosed that on arrival, troops discovered that two armed men on a motorcycle had stormed the village, firing sporadically in an attempt to abduct a nurse who was in the community for a medical outreach.
“On sighting the troops, the terrorists fled the scene, abandoning their mission,” the source said.
He added that troops subsequently dominated the general area to forestall further attacks.
The source also said the troops warned residents on the need to provide timely and credible information to security agencies for prompt response.
Troops foil kidnap attempt, repel gunmen in Sokoto community
Troops arrest suspected cult members, recover locally made pistol in Ebonyi state
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have arrested three suspected cult members and recovered a locally made pistol during a swift response to a distress call at the Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo in Ebonyi State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 9:25 p.m. on March 25 by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Ikwo, following reports from the Chief Security Officer of the university about gunshots suspected to be linked to cult activities around the campus.
The sources said troops moved immediately to the scene, where they apprehended three suspects found in possession of knives and scissors.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly disclosed that another accomplice was in possession of an illegal firearm.
Acting on the information, troops proceeded to the suspect’s accommodation; however, he was said to have fled before their arrival.
A subsequent search of the room led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, concealed inside a handbag placed in the suspect’s wardrobe.
The sources added that efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspect, while the three arrested individuals remain in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Troops arrest suspected cult members, recover locally made pistol in Ebonyi state
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in ambush near Nigeria–Cameroon border
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist and recovered arms and logistics during an ambush operation along the Nigeria–Cameroon border axis.
Security sources said the ambush was conducted by troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised), 24 Task Force Brigade, following ongoing operations across the Madari–Segeme axis in Cameroon.
The sources disclosed that at about 11:40 p.m. on March 24, the ambush team made contact with fleeing terrorists along the Abari axis, leading to the neutralisation of one insurgent.
Items recovered from the scene included one M-19 assault rifle, assorted rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two mobile phones, one GSM battery, two Airtel SIM cards, five sachets of mebendazole tablets, a tactical gear bag, and one motorcycle.
According to the sources, the operation forms part of sustained efforts to track and eliminate fleeing terrorist elements along border corridors.
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in ambush near Nigeria–Cameroon border
Reverend Dachomo insist “I was a notorious criminal in this village, a drug cartel… but I found Jesus”
Troops foil cattle rustling, recover 84 livestock in Kaduna
Troops arrest 14 suspects in cordon-and-search operation in Borno
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News11 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
