Crime
Escaped Kidnap Victim Rescued by Troops in Zamfara State Shares Harrowing experience
Escaped Kidnap Victim Rescued by Troops in Zamfara State Shares Harrowing experience
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have successfully rescued a kidnapped victim Salim Ishaq Umar, indigent of Gusau who escaped from a terrorist enclave in Munhaye Forest in Zamfara state after 47 days in captivity.
The escape reportedly occurred on the morning of November 12, after which the victim sought help from military personnel stationed nearby.
Following the rescue, the victim was transported to the CT 7 Headquarters in Tsafe, where military personnel conducted a preliminary debriefing.
Salim who shared the traumatic story of his abduction and captivity at the hands of armed kidnappers, revealed the brutal tactics used by criminal groups in Zamfara State. Umar recounted how he was abducted from his home on the night of August 8, 2024, when three armed men, one of whom wielded an AK-47 rifle, woke him from his sleep and took him into the bush.
During the attack, the assailants reportedly shot a security officer and confiscated Umar’s phone. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of 30 million naira and five motorcycles, which his family managed to pay.
However, despite meeting these demands, Umar was not released. After 47 days in captivity, the kidnappers raised their demands, requesting an additional 100 million naira and ten motorcycles.
Their leader allegedly threatened to kill him if his family did not comply. Facing the threat of death, Umar began to devise an escape On not released.
After 47 days in captivity, the kidnappers raised their demands, requesting an additional 100 million naira and ten motorcycles. Their leader allegedly threatened to kill him if his family did not comply. Facing the threat of death, Umar began to devise an escape plan. “On hearing that, I started to make up my mind to escape from them,” he explained.
Together with two other captives, he planned to flee, though, tragically, only he managed to escape. His two fellow captives were captured again on November 11, 2024, shortly after their escape attempt.
Umar revealed that he was subjected to harsh conditions, including limited access to food and water, and witnessed threats against his life if further ransom demands were not met. He was eventually transferred to a new location in the bush where he remained until he managed to escape. He made his way to the nearest military post, where troops took him into protective custody.
Escaped Kidnap Victim Rescued by Troops in Zamfara State Shares Harrowing experience
Police arrest 95 suspected cultists in Edo raid, recover arms and insignia
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police in Edo state has arrested 95 suspected cultists in a series of coordinated raids across the state targeting known cultist hideouts, the Command said on Friday.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the ongoing operation, which began on April 28, was carried out by combined Tactical Teams, who apprehended suspected members of three major cult groups notorious for violent crimes.
According to the police, 33 of the suspects are believed to be members of the Malphites Confraternity, 34 are linked to the Aye (Black Axe) Confraternity, while 28 others are associated with the Eiye Confraternity.
Items recovered during the operation include one single-barrel shotgun with four live cartridges, and two Malphite-branded caps.
The Police said that the suspects are being charged with multiple felonies, including cult-related murders and violent attacks in recent weeks.
The police sources assured the public that the crackdown will continue until all criminal elements are rooted out, warning that there will be no hiding place for cultists and their sponsors in the state.
Police arrest 95 suspected cultists in Edo raid, recover arms and insignia
Police successfully rescue kidnapped ward head in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
The Benue State Police Command has successfully rescued Dickson Idu, the Ward Head of Ehatokpe Ohimini, who was abducted on April 30, 2025.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim was kidnapped from his residence in Ohimini Local Government Area (LGA).
Upon receiving the information, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State, directed the Acting Area Commander Otukpo, the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and a team of officers to immediately proceed to the area and ensure the safe rescue of the victim.
At approximately 8:45 a.m., a combined team of armed conventional policemen, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and personnel from the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, supported by Ohimini youths, launched an operation in the Ojanu/Ijami Village forest. The team conducted an intense combing operation, utilizing smoke canisters to pressure the kidnappers.
The strategy paid off, and at about 3:25 p.m., the kidnappers, feeling the heat of the search, released their captive. Dickson Idu was successfully rescued and has been debriefed and reunited with his family.
The sources said while no arrests have been made so far, the police have assured that investigations are underway, with efforts to apprehend the suspects continuing.
Police successfully rescue kidnapped ward head in Benue
Police arrest suspected bandit in Kaduna over suspicious financial transaction
By: Zagazola Makama
The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Rabiu Usman, on suspicion of being a bandit associate following a report of suspicious financial activity in Giwa Local Government Area of the state.
A police sources confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, stating that the suspect was apprehended on April 28 by operatives of the Kidandan Division.
The arrest followed a complaint lodged by Kabiru Abdullahi, a 27-year-old Point of Sale (POS) operator in Galadimawa, who reported that the suspect had requested his account details on April 26 to enable a relative, identified as Ibrahim Bature, to send money to him.
Upon receiving intelligence that Ibrahim Bature is a suspected bandit, the complainant promptly alerted the police. Rabiu Usman was arrested when he arrived to collect the said funds.
The suspect is currently in custody and has provided useful information to investigators. Efforts are underway to track and apprehend Ibrahim Bature, who remains at large.
Police arrest suspected bandit in Kaduna over suspicious financial transaction
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Police arrest 95 suspected cultists in Edo raid, recover arms and insignia
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