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

I’m ready to defend myself anywhere, says Gov. Yahaya

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has praised his administration’s achievements within the past years, saying that with the feat achieved, he is ready to defend himself anywhere.

Speaking on Thursday in Gombe while receiving Jerry Joseph Damara and former Deputy Governor Tha’anda Rubainu, who both defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yahaya said that his administration had performed well.

He said that his administration’s effort at revamping the state could not be done overnight because of the “total decay of a very long time.”

According to him, his achievements in all sectors across the state were undeniable as there is visible progress on the ground that could be seen and confirmed.

In spite of recent criticisms by opposition parties in the state, accusing Yahaya’s administration of failing the state, the governor said: “I am proud to say that this government has done very well and I am ready to defend myself anywhere.”

He stated that he didn’t say he would do everything but pledged to put the right foundation for a better Gombe which he said with determination and proper planning had been done and more still being done.

“We can now beat our chest today and say we have done well.

“ A total decay of a very long time cannot be seen to be done maybe overnight, for a real capital project to see light of the day you need three, four or five years, at least planning and also to accept on a design and plan to achieve it by execution.

“ So, we are in for a long ride, but once you are prepared with God’s guidance you can reach the destination.

“What we did is across the state, I just talk about the south because you know it and nobody will deny that.

In response to claims by some opposition parties that he did nothing in Gombe South, Yahaya said: “You go to see the hospital in Kaltungo and say nothing have been done in it all this while.

“All the wards, the 40 wards you can’t go and say we have not worked on the primary health care in all the wards, we have done on the class rooms, yes we might not have done all, but we never say or claim that we will do everything, but if we are determined and are planning and are proactive and reactive we will get to the point where everything will be moving forward.

On Damara’s and other PDP chieftains defections to APC, Yahaya welcomed the development, describing it 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.

I’m ready to defend myself anywhere, says Gov. Yahaya