DSS files charges against arrested Ansaru commanders Abu Baraa and Mahmuda

By: Zagazola Makama

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed multiple charges against two arrested commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group, Abu Baraa and Mahmuda.

A security source confirmed the development to the Zagazola Makama on Friday.

The source said the suspects, who were recently apprehended in a covert operation, are facing terrorism-related charges under Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.

The sources explained that the charges border on leadership of terrorist organisation, financing of terrorism, recruitment, and coordinating violent attacks in Nigeria.

According to the sources, the DSS has expedited investigations to ensure speedy prosecution in line with the directive of its Director-General, who emphasised professionalism, justice, and the protection of human rights in handling terrorism cases.

He added that the arraignment of the suspects before the Federal High Court, Abuja, is expected in the coming days.

DSS files charges against arrested Ansaru commanders Abu Baraa and Mahmuda

Troops intercept militia, recover weapon in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, under Operation Enduring Peace, have intercepted an armed militia mobilised for an attack on communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, acting on a distress call, apprehended the suspect on Sept. 4 at about 1:40 p.m. at Kaskra in Ropp District of the LGA.

The militia, identified as Umar Yakubu, 20, was found in possession of one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Yakubu was allegedly mobilised from Kuka Bakwi Fulani Camp in Barkin Ladi to launch attacks on communities in Nding village.

The suspect is currently in custody undergoing interrogation, while troops have intensified operations to track down other militias and recover their weapons.

Troops intercept militia, recover weapon in Plateau

Gombe PDP chieftain Joins APC, lauds Tinubu, Yahaya’s infrastructure revolution

Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Jerry Damara, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging his full support for the administration of Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya.

Damara, well known in Kaltungo Local Government Area for his grassroots and community development projects, announced his defection and presented his membership card to Yahaya alongside some notable PDP stakeholders from Gombe South, including Tha’anda Rubainu, former Deputy Governor of Gombe State.
He commended Governor Yahaya’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, and the education sector, which he said have significantly transformed Gombe State.

Damara, who is the Managing Director/CEO of Mesotho Group Limited, explained that his decision to join the APC was inspired by two individuals.

He said ” I was inspired by Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya , it took me a while before I came to Gombe, but when I did, I saw real infrastructure.

“I’m a lover of infrastructure because it’s my business. I ran to his office and said, ‘Your Excellency, what is going on here?’ He laughed, and I told him I would follow him.

“I don’t follow people who make noise, I follow people who take action. And he said, ‘You are welcome.’ That was how we began, and today, the dream has come true.”

“The second person who inspired me was President Bola Tinubu. When I saw him declare the road project from Lagos to Calabar and Sokoto, I said, ‘The messiah has come,’ and I decided I would follow him. That’s how it happened.”

“Today, we have defected along with some notable PDP stakeholders from Gombe South, including Tha’anda Rubainu, former Deputy Governor of Gombe State. We have moved to the APC, and we’ve moved for good,” he said.

In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya welcomed the defectors, describing their move as a significant boost to the APC’s political strength in the state.

He noted that the increasing number of high-profile defections reflects growing public confidence in his administration.

“This is a landmark moment. The strength of the opposition in Gombe is rapidly fading,” he declared.

Gombe PDP chieftain Joins APC, lauds Tinubu, Yahaya’s infrastructure revolution