News
Foiled kidnap attempt on police couple, cleric in Abuja — suspects escape with bullet wounds
Foiled kidnap attempt on police couple, cleric in Abuja — suspects escape with bullet wounds
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have foiled an attempted kidnapping of two police officers and a cleric in Abuja.
The officers DSP Gabriel Tanko, attached to the Force Intelligence Department, and his wife, Mrs. Jummai Tanko, serving at Zone 7 Headquarters were targeted by suspected bandits who attempted to invade their residence at Aco Phase 2 along GAU Road in the early hours of Monday.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred between 12:00 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 10 after intelligence indicated that the armed group had concluded plans to abduct the couple.
Acting on the intelligence, the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led a tactical team to lay an ambush around the hilly terrain behind the targeted residence.
“At about 1:02 a.m., the hoodlums, numbering several, approached the house,” the police source said. A gun battle ensued and lasted about 15 minutes. The team overpowered the suspects who fled with possible bullet injuries,” the source added.
Police recovered one AK-47 magazine loaded with 15 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition at the scene.
The couple was immediately evacuated to a safe location, while residents of the neighbourhood who panicked during the exchange of gunfire were reassured of their safety.
The FCT Police Command also reinforced security around the residence of a cleric near ECWA Church in the same axis, which was believed to be among potential targets.
Follow-up patrols are being conducted in collaboration with hunters, vigilantes and other security operatives.
Residents and medical facilities have been advised to report anyone found with bullet wounds to the nearest police station.
The police said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
Foiled kidnap attempt on police couple, cleric in Abuja — suspects escape with bullet wounds
News
Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia
Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia
By: Zagazola Makama
Less than 24 hours after three Fulani youths were reportedly killed in an attack in Plateau state, another youth has allegedly been killed and one abducted in targeted attack in Riyom LGA by Birom Militia.
Security and local informants told Zagazola Makama that the latest incident occurred on Feb. 21 in Jol community, where suspected Birom militia members attacked herders, killing one Muhammed Sani, while another victim, identified as Faruq Jamilu, was abducted. An unspecified number of cattle were also reportedly killed or injured during the assault.
The development came barely a day after three youths Tahiru Muhammad, Jibrin Salisu and Abdulmumin Isyak were said to have been ambushed and killed on Feb. 19 while returning from Dorowan Babuje in Barkin Ladi area.
Zagazola report that the earlier attack occurred at about 7:00 p.m. near Jong Fulani community. Sources alleged that the victims were intercepted by armed Birom Militia assailants, and security personnel later recovered spent cartridges and a motorcycle and a bottle of alcohol otherwise known as Goskolo at the scene.
Community representatives alleged that the succession of incidents reflected sustained pattern of attacks targeting pastoral settlements and livestock in parts of the state in recent months.
Zagazola report that repeated cases of attacks and killing, cattle poisoning, rustling and arson had heightened tensions and triggered fears of reprisals across the affected areas while the state government and concerned authorities have done little or nothing to fish out the perpetrators.
Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia
Former CP David Danjuma Auta dies at Air Force Military Hospital, Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
A retired Commissioner of Police, CP David Danjuma Auta (Rtd), JP, KSM, KSS, has died.
He passed away on Feb. 19, 2026, at the Air Force Military Hospital, Jos, after a brief illness.
Born on June 11, 1941, CP Auta enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on Feb. 26, 1962, and served in several capacities, culminating as Commissioner of Police in Ogun State before retiring on Feb. 26, 1997.
He hailed from Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
He is survived by his wife and seven children. The corpse has been deposited at the hospital morgue, and burial arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Former CP David Danjuma Auta dies at Air Force Military Hospital, Jos
Five killed, house burnt in cross-border communal attack in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Five persons have been killed and a house razed following a late-night attack on Azoke village in Ado Local Government Area of Benue.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Feb. 19 when suspected assailants from Akparata community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi allegedly invaded the village.
The victims were identified as Nwefuru Elu, Nwefuru Agnes, Nwali Nworie Christianana, Obasi Nwode and Nwozo Nwode.
It was gathered that the attackers also set ablaze a house belonging to one Elumu Nwokwo during the assault, heightening tension in the area.
Security personnel who responded to a distress alert visited the scene and documented evidence as part of preliminary investigation.
Authorities said efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible, while further investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Residents were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as measures were being intensified to prevent escalation of violence in the area.
Five killed, house burnt in cross-border communal attack in Benue
APC conducts congress in 17 local councils in Yobe
Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia
Police arrest officer previously at large over missing firearms in Riyom Division in Plateau
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