News
Former Katsina Governor’s Ex-Aide Arrested Over Alleged Kidnap Ransom Share
Former Katsina Governor’s Ex-Aide Arrested Over Alleged Kidnap Ransom Share
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Katsina State have arrested a former Senior Special Adviser on Community Development to the state governor, Nuru Aliyu Garwa, over alleged links to a kidnapping syndicate operating in the state.
Security sources disclosed that the suspect, who recently resigned from his appointment to contest for a seat in the State House of Assembly, was arrested on May 24 following an ongoing investigation into the abduction of an eight-year-old boy.
According to the sources, the victim was abducted on May 13 while returning home from a Quranic school.
The kidnappers reportedly contacted the family and initially demanded a ransom of N50 million before negotiations reduced the amount to N17 million, which was eventually paid.
The sources said the family later contacted the Violent Crime Response Unit in Katsina State, which commenced a discreet investigation into the incident.
Preliminary investigation reportedly led to the arrest of six suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate on May 23.
“The arrest of the initial suspects provided further intelligence that led operatives to the alleged kingpin identified as Nuru Aliyu Garwa,” the sources said.
Security operatives who searched the suspect’s residence reportedly recovered N7.5 million cash concealed inside a “Ghana-Must-Go” bag, believed to be part of the ransom proceeds.
The sources added that investigators also recovered a motorcycle allegedly used for operational activities by the gang, alongside other items considered relevant to the investigation.
The suspect is currently in custody while investigations continue to determine the full extent of his alleged involvement and identify other possible accomplices linked to the kidnapping network.
The incident has generated widespread reactions within the state, particularly due to the suspect’s previous role in government and his political aspirations.
Former Katsina Governor’s Ex-Aide Arrested Over Alleged Kidnap Ransom Share
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt and rescued a gunshot-wounded victim along the Rafin Sanyi axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 6 OPEP, deployed at Sopp, responded to a distress report at about 9:40 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, after suspected kidnappers blocked the road in the area.
The swift intervention of the troops reportedly forced the criminals to flee before they could carry out their operation.
The troops subsequently combed the area and rescued one occupant of a Sharon vehicle who had sustained a gunshot wound.
The victim was evacuated to the Nigerian Army Medical Outpost at Tigi, where he received first aid treatment.
Troops have continued to dominate the general area through fighting patrols to prevent the criminals from regrouping and forestall further attacks.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau
Troops Raid Jos Hotel, Arrest Five Suspects Over Phone Snatching, Recover 26 Phones
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have raided a hotel along Baring Road in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, arresting five suspected criminals and recovering 26 mobile phones and other items.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 1 OPEP, while on patrol, responded to a report of phone snatching at about 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026.
Following the incident, the stolen phone was reportedly tracked to Prime House Hotel within the area, prompting the troops to conduct a raid on the facility.
The operation led to the arrest of five suspects identified as Tahir Suleiman, 25; Muhammed Ahmed, 25; Muhammed Labaran Haruna, 27; Yahya Yunusa, 20; and Aisha Mohammad, 22.
The suspects were reportedly found in possession of the tracked phone, while a further search led to the recovery of 26 mobile phones, 27 pouches, three MP devices, two earpods, an HP laptop, a knife and four power banks.
The vehicle belonging to the suspects was also towed to the headquarters of Sector 1 for a comprehensive search.
The suspects and recovered exhibits remain in custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops Raid Jos Hotel, Arrest Five Suspects Over Phone Snatching, Recover 26 Phones
Troops Rescue 119 Civilians, Recover Eight Vehicles from Terrorists in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 119 civilians, including women and children, and recovered eight vehicles after confronting terrorists who blocked a major road and abducted travellers in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 3:45 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, by troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion, 27 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2, while conducting surveillance along the Dutsen Kura–Bulazarma–Kamuya road.
The troops reportedly sighted terrorists blocking the road and abducting civilians alongside their vehicles, prompting the mobilisation of the battalion’s Special Forces Quick Reaction Force and another QRF team from 27 Task Force Brigade headquarters.
The teams moved through the Mangari–Dora route, pursued and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon the abducted civilians and vehicles in confusion.
The operation led to the rescue of 119 civilians comprising 69 men, 35 women and 15 children, while eight vehicles were also recovered.
The rescued victims were subsequently reunited safely with their families.
However, during the withdrawal, troops discovered an improvised explosive device (IED) around the Bam Buratai Junction–Bula Zarma general area.
The unit’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team marked and secured the location for safe disposal of the device.
The troops returned to base at about 7:36 p.m. the same day.
Troops Rescue 119 Civilians, Recover Eight Vehicles from Terrorists in Borno
Borno APC 2027: Betara’s Wisdom and Generosity Take Centre Stage at Campaign Council Inauguration
NDLEA Arrests Ugandan Woman with Cocaine Concealed in Private Parts, Uncovers Multi-Billion-Naira Drug Cartels
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News3 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions5 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News2 years agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions5 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News3 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS3 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns3 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
