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FCT police rescue 23 foreign nationals, bust kidnapping syndicate

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FCT police rescue 23 foreign nationals, bust kidnapping syndicate

By: Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have smashed a major kidnapping syndicate and rescued 23 foreign nationals who were being held hostage in Nasarawa State.

Zagazola Makama gathered from security sources that the operation, carried out by the elite Scorpion Squad led by ACP Victor Godfrey, followed a credible digital intelligence report and marked another major breakthrough in the ongoing effort to rid the FCT and its environs of criminal elements.

The sources said the suspects were arrested on Oct. 22, 2025, around 8 p.m., when the Scorpion Squad stormed Agwan Adamu Ruga Fulani, Zone B, River Side, Ado area of Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

According to the sources, 14 suspected kidnappers were apprehended during the raid, while 23 victims comprising 14 men, eight women, and a child were rescued.

Investigations revealed that the victims were foreign nationals mainly Malians who had been lured into Nigeria under the guise of securing employment but were subsequently abducted and held captive in two fortified two-bedroom apartments.

The police added that the breakthrough came after a formal complaint was lodged on Oct. 21, 2025, by Mr. Dembele Talibe, a 55-year-old Malian national and President of the Diaspora Malians Citizens Organization in Nigeria.

Talibe had reported the disappearance of several Malian citizens who, according to him, had been tricked with false job offers before being held for ransom.

“The kidnappers were demanding ransom payments from relatives of the victims using WhatsApp as their primary communication channel,” the police source said.

Upon receiving the report, the Scorpion Squad swiftly deployed digital tracking systems that led to the identification of the suspects’ hideout. The subsequent raid resulted in the rescue of the victims and the arrest of key members of the criminal network.

Among the rescued were one Cameroonian, one Nigerien, and one Burkinabé national. Items recovered from the scene included mobile phones, cooking utensils, mattresses, and other household items believed to have been used by the suspects.

Highest Police authorities confirmed that investigation was ongoing to apprehend the landlord of the property and other fleeing accomplices.

The operation illustrates the FCT Command’s renewed focus on intelligence-led policing, the use of technology in crime detection, and collaboration with local and international stakeholders to combat cross-border criminal networks.

The successful rescue has also drawn commendation from diplomatic circles and human rights advocates, who hailed the effort as a step toward dismantling transnational criminal enterprises operating within Nigeria’s borders.

FCT police rescue 23 foreign nationals, bust kidnapping syndicate

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NTAC DG Celebrates Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at 65, Commends His National Service Credentials

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NTAC DG Celebrates Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at 65, Commends His National Service Credentials

By: Michael Mike

Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt.Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub has commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for his trailblazing leadership as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and for his current role as the National Security Adviser.

The NTAC boss , who made the commendations on Saturday in Abuja, while celebrating the foremost lawyer and public servant, who turned 65 on Friday, also lauded Ribadu for steering Nigeria through complex security challenges with courage and integrity, stating that this has set an enduring example for all public officers to emulate.

In a message he personally signed and made available the media in Abuja,Buba emphasized the great roles Mallam Ribadu has continued to play in the evolution of the Nigerian state.

He said: “I have the honour to refer to the above subject-matter and avail myself of the opportunity of this auspicious moment to celebrate you, Dear Leader and Brother, on the occasion of your birthday celebration this year.

“Yesterday again marked yet another milestone of wisdom, dedication, and service as you celebrated 65 years of life, many of which you have invested in the service of our nation and humanity at large.

“Without the risk of reciting the obvious, Sir,
your trailblazing leadership as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where you transformed the fight against corruption, and now as the National Security Adviser, steering Nigeria through complex security challenges with courage and integrity, has set an enduring example for all of us to emulate.

“Your legacy of principled reform, selfless service, and steadfast patriotism continues to inspire countless Nigerians, especially the young professionals and Volunteers we work with every day. May Allah (SWT) continue to strengthen you for greater wisdom and performance as you age in wealth and wellness.

“For myself, my dear family and on behalf of the Management and staff of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), where with your kind support I have served as DG these past years, I extend heartfelt congratulations to you, Sir, on this remarkable milestone and solemn achievement.

“May Allah grant you good health, long life, and the special wisdom to keep guiding our nation toward peace, security, and prosperity.

“We pray that the years ahead bring you abundant joy, fulfillment, and the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of your tireless efforts in many more years of blessings.”

NTAC DG Celebrates Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at 65, Commends His National Service Credentials

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Jihadist reportedly overrun gendarmerie camp in niger, kill 21 officers

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Jihadist reportedly overrun gendarmerie camp in niger, kill 21 officers

By: Zagazola MAkama

Suspected jihadists on Friday attacked and seized control of the Gendarmerie Camp in Garbougna, Niger Republic, killing more than 21 gendarmes, according to security sources.

The attackers, believed to be affiliated with Sahel-based extremist groups, stormed the facility in large numbers, overwhelming security personnel during the early morning assault.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the insurgents also carted away several vehicles, along with a significant quantity of arms and ammunition stored at the camp.

“The situation is dire. The Garbougna gendarmerie post was overrun, and dozens of weapons and vehicles were taken. The number of casualties is still being compiled, but more than 21 gendarmes are feared killed,” one security source said.

The attack underscores the escalating insecurity in parts of Niger, where jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State continue to mount coordinated assaults on security formations and rural communities.

Niger’s military authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident as at the time of filing this report.

Zagazola recalls that the tri-border region spanning Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso has witnessed intensified jihadist activities in recent months, with security forces increasingly targeted in ambushes and camp raids.

Jihadist reportedly overrun gendarmerie camp in niger, kill 21 officers

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Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty

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Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty

By: Michael Mike

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has emphasized the critical role of independent broadcasters in promoting the country’s information sovereignty, national cohesion, and digital security. 

Represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, at the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference, on Thursday, Tuggar stressed that the broadcast sector is a key player in shaping Nigeria’s global narrative and ensuring internal stability.

The event’s theme, “Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Cohesion and Digital Security,” according to the minister aligns with the nation’s foreign policy objectives.

He urged broadcasters to produce locally relevant content, counter disinformation, and bridge ethnic and cultural divides, adding that a united Nigeria commands greater international respect.

He also highlighted the need for robust digital security measures to protect against cyber threats and misinformation campaigns, warning that breaches in the sector could undermine national security.

He called for stronger collaboration between the government and media to safeguard Nigeria’s information ecosystem and project a positive global image.

The conference aimed to address the evolving challenges of broadcasting in a digital age.

Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty

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