Police rescue 19 abducted passengers in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

The Benue Police has rescued 19 passengers abducted by suspected armed bandits along the Ohimini–Otukpo Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred in the early hours of Dec. 22, when gunmen blocked two commercial vehicles at Mechanic Village, along the Ohimini–Otukpo axis, and abducted the occupants into the bush.

The sources said that at about 2:00 a.m., following reports that a Toyota Hiace bus was attacked while travelling from Oju to Ibadan with nine passengers on board.

Also attacked was a Toyota Hummer bus with belonging to Plateau Ridders Company, driven by one Igoche John of Jos, Plateau State, en route from Jos to Bayelsa State with 11 passengers.

Upon receiving the report, the Police swiftly mobilised patrol teams and other tactical units within the axis and swiftly moved to the scene, where surrounding bushes were combed.

The heavy presence of police operatives forced the bandits to abandon the victims and flee, leading to the rescue of 19 passengers unhurt and without payment of ransom.

The rescued victims were subsequently debriefed and allowed to continue their journeys. However, one passenger, identified as Boniface Ndukwe of Jos, Plateau State, is still believed to be in captivity.

Police said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and secure the rescue of the remaining victim.

Police rescue 19 abducted passengers in Benue

COAS charges troops to flush bandits from forested areas as he vows “No safe haven for terrorists in Nigeria”

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has declared that bandits and other criminal elements would no longer find refuge in Nigeria’s forests, deserts or national parks, as he charged troops to intensify operations and flush them out of all hideouts.

Shaibu gave the charge on Monday while addressing soldiers and officers of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, in Ibadan during an operation visit.

The COAS commended the officers and soldiers for the successes recorded within their area of responsibility, while urging them to sustain the momentum.

“We must let them know that there is no safe haven anywhere. Come rain, come sun, forested areas, desert areas or mountainous areas, we are going after them,” the Army Chief said.

According to him, criminal groups had continued to exploit difficult and forested terrains to launch attacks on innocent citizens, stressing that such advantages would no longer be tolerated.

The COAS directed troops to intensify night operations, noting that dominance of the terrain especially forested zones was critical to denying bandits freedom of movement and operational space.

Shaibu specifically pointed to security challenges around the Kwara general area, Kainji Lake National Park and the Old Oyo National Park, saying firm directives were being issued to ensure that all criminal elements were flushed out of the areas.

“Directives are coming up so that you go and clear everything in that place. We are moving with ruthless determination to eliminate all those disturbing that terrain,” he said.

He praised the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and other senior officers for their leadership, saying the operational briefing he received reflected determination and clear focus.

The Army Chief urged officers to continue to lead from the front, describing leadership as a decisive factor in sustaining operational superiority and achieving victory over adversaries.

Shaibu also expressed satisfaction with the morale and responsiveness of the troops, adding that he expected more tangible results from the 2 Division area of responsibility in the coming days.

On welfare, the COAS assured officers and soldiers that their well-being remained a top priority for Army Headquarters, pledging that entitlements would be paid promptly and logistical needs addressed.

He disclosed that approval had been granted for additional renovation and construction of accommodation within barracks under the division to ease existing accommodation pressure.

“You will be given all you require, and all your entitlements will be paid as and when due,” Shaiwo assured the troops.

He added that sustained discipline, motivation and improved welfare were indispensable to maintaining operational superiority against bandits and other criminal elements threatening communities across the region.

COAS charges troops to flush bandits from forested areas as he vows “No safe haven for terrorists in Nigeria”

Jubilation as Borno Emerges Winner of the male category of the 2025 National Qur’anic Competition

By: Bodunrin Kayode

There was massive jubilation at the convocation square of university of Maiduguri as Borno State emerged as the winner in the male category of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition tagged, ‘Borno 2025’.

Announcing the results over the weekend, the Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies at Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Professor Abubakar Yelwa, declared Musa Ahmed Musa of Borno as the winner of the male category of the competition.

Also after a ten day stiff competition, in the unimaid campus, the winner of the female category was also Hafsat Muhammad Sada of Kano State

The ten day competition, which is the 40th in the series since inception, saw 296 contestants from 30 states competing across six categories to win grand prizes.

In his remark, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, stated that the successful hosting of the 2025 Qur’anic competition signalled the return of peace to the state.

He noted that the event symbolised the people’s commitment to peace, education, and the pursuit of knowledge which were key factors of development.

“To host this milestone 40th edition is not just an honour for Borno State, it is a profound affirmation of our enduring commitment to peace, education and the noble pursuit of knowledge, particularly the divine wisdom contained within the Holy Qur’an.

“Borno State remains resolute in its mission to rebuild, restore peace and prioritise education, both secular and religious.

“The successful hosting of this national event is a clear signal to the world. Borno is back, Borno is safe and Borno is a centre for learning and spiritual growth,

“To those who have emerged as the ultimate champions in their respective categories, I offer my most profound congratulations.

“Your success is not merely a victory in a competition, it is a crowning achievement born of countless hours of discipline, commitment, and reverence for the Word of Allah.

“And to every young man and woman who participated, who stood before the judges and recited from the Holy Book, I want you to know that you are all winners.

“The true spirit of this competition lies not just in the prizes won, but in the noble pursuit of knowledge and the courage to participate.” Said Zulum.

Governor Zulum also expressed appreciation for the support of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; his wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima; Governors and their deputies; royal fathers; Usman Dan Fodio University; and other prominent personalities who contributed to the success of the occasion.

Also speaking, Prof Attahiru Jega Pro Chancellor, Usman Dan Fodio university Sokoto said he believes that the whole exercise is about knowledge passed from generation to generation adding that the 40th celebration of the activity is a celebration of excellence that is worthwhile.

Chair of the local organizing committee (LOC) and secretary to the Borno State government, Tijani Bukar said he was excited that the program ended in peace and those who participated were happy with the officiating and entire conduct of the occasion.

The event was attended by Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima; the Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Dikko Umoru Radda; the Sokoto State Deputy Governor; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; other traditional rulers; members of the National and State Assemblies; the APC Deputy National Chairman; commissioners; Islamic scholars; and other dignitaries.

High points of the event was the presentation of gifts to the winners by wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima.
End