Three Suspected Kidnappers Lynched by Mob in Delta, Victim Rescued

By: Zagazola Makama

Three suspected kidnappers were lynched by an angry mob in Ozanogogo, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State after they allegedly abducted a local hunter.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on March 6, 2025, around 6:45 p.m. when youths of the community captured the suspects after tracking them through a ransom call made with the victim’s SIM card.

The victim, identified as Oza Smart, was abducted while hunting in the bush. His captors later contacted his wife to demand a ransom, which alerted the community.

“Youths of Ozanogogo mobilized and stormed the forest, successfully rescuing the victim and capturing three of the five suspected kidnappers,” the source said.

The sources said that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Agbor Division, DSP Jafaru Umaru, swiftly mobilized two patrol teams to the scene to prevent the suspects from being set ablaze. However, the mob had already inflicted severe injuries on them.

The victims were rushed to General Hospital, Agbor, for medical attention, while the bodies of the lynched suspects were evacuated to the hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.

No arrests have been made in connection with the mob action, but police have intensified patrols in the community to restore calm and prevent further violence.

Three Suspected Kidnappers Lynched by Mob in Delta, Victim Rescued

Retired DSP Arrested with 7 Pump-Action Guns, 1,600 Cartridges in Delta

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Police Force in Delta State has arrested a 69-year-old man and his 17-year-old companion for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Asaba-Benin Expressway.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the officers of Dragon Patrol Team 02, intercepted a Navy Blue Sharon Space Bus with registration number DKA 408 LM (Kaduna) near the National Open University, Onicha-Ugbo, Aniocha North Local Government Area.

“Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered seven pump-action guns and 1,600 cartridges hidden beneath the back seat,” the source said.

The suspect, identified as Yahuza Magaji, claimed to be a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and confessed to purchasing the weapons in Onitsha, Anambra State, while allegedly transporting them to Kaduna State.

His accomplice, Abba Sani, 17, was also taken into custody as investigations continue to uncover the intended purpose of the arms shipment.

Retired DSP Arrested with 7 Pump-Action Guns, 1,600 Cartridges in Delta

NAF Chief Visits Zamfara Airstrike Victims, Takes Responsibility

By: Our Reporter

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has visited Zamfara State to meet with victims and families affected by the recent Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike, expressing deep regret over the tragic incident.

During his visit on Thursday, the CAS acknowledged the grief and pain suffered by the victims, their families, and the entire community, describing the event as a painful departure from the NAF’s commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens.

Abubakar also met with Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, where he reaffirmed the NAF’s dedication to safeguarding lives and ensuring that such incidents are minimized.

He commended the governor’s leadership and commitment to the state’s 6-Point Development Agenda, which prioritizes security, agriculture, education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and welfare.

Providing an account of the airstrike, the CAS said intelligence reports on January 11 indicated the movement of suspected terrorists on motorcycles through Dangebe Village in Maradun Local Government Area. The area had been targeted a day earlier as part of efforts to neutralize terrorist elements loyal to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader.

“Further surveillance confirmed the presence of armed motorcyclists whose movements matched the tactics of terrorist groups operating in the region,” he explained.

However, reports later emerged that the strike may have mistakenly killed members of a local vigilante group returning from a successful operation against terrorists.

Following these allegations, Abubakar said he immediately deployed a fact-finding team to assess the situation in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Their findings confirmed that 11 members of the vigilante group were unintentionally killed, while another 11 sustained injuries ranging from fractures to minor shrapnel wounds.

Expressing deep regret, the CAS assured that the NAF fully acknowledged the pain caused by the incident and was taking steps to ensure such occurrences were prevented in the future.

To mitigate the suffering of the victims and their families, the CAS announced a series of support measures, including financial assistance for the families of those who lost their lives.

He also pledged the reconstruction of a damaged building in the affected village and the replacement of two motorcycles destroyed in the strike. Additionally, he directed the NAF Director of Services to provide a solar-powered borehole in Kambarawa Village to serve the local community and neighboring settlements.

“While these efforts cannot undo the loss suffered, they demonstrate the Air Force’s resolve to make amends and provide relief to those affected,” Abubakar stated.

The CAS highlighted the NAF’s newly developed Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), which is aimed at enhancing operational precision, improving assessments and investigations, and ensuring effective response mechanisms when civilian harm occurs.

According to him, the plan is designed to be flexible and scalable, ensuring improved strategic outcomes and refined operational assessments to prevent collateral damage during military operations.

He reiterated that the NAF remains committed to working closely with local authorities and security agencies to curb terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities threatening peace in the North West.

Governor Lawal expressed gratitude to the CAS and his delegation for their visit and for standing in solidarity with the affected families. He also commended the proactive measures taken to prevent future occurrences.

As part of the visit, the governor presented the NAF with a Certificate of Occupancy for a parcel of land near Gusau Airport, designated for the establishment of a new Air Force Base in Zamfara.

NAF Chief Visits Zamfara Airstrike Victims, Takes Responsibility