Police clampdown in Abuja: 71 suspects arrested as violent crimes, mysterious deaths draw concern

By: Zagazola Makama

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities across Abuja, arresting no fewer than 71 suspects during coordinated raids on black spots, uncompleted buildings, and criminal hideouts.

Sources confirmed the developments on Wednesday in Abuja, noting that the raids were carried out simultaneously on Sept. 8 across Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Nyanya, Apo, Karmo, Maitama, Mabushi, Dawaki, Galadima, Asokoro, Karu, Jikwoyi, Mpape, Lokogoma, and Utako Divisions.

“Some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and illicit drugs were recovered from the suspects. They are undergoing screening and interrogation, while those found culpable will be charged to court,” the sources said.

The mass arrests come amid a string of disturbing incidents reported in different parts of the FCT in recent days, point to the resolve of the security forces to deal with all security challenges confronting the nation’s capital.

On Sept. 9, police operatives from Byazhin Division rescued a 40-year-old woman, Ms. Mary Moore, who was allegedly abducted from Keffi, Nasarawa State, and later found wandering in the Byazhin axis.

The victim told investigators that her abductors sprayed an unknown substance on her face, after which she lost consciousness and was dispossessed of her valuables. She has since been reunited with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for medical care.

In another case, detectives in Gwagwalada are investigating the death of an unidentified mentally challenged man, whose decomposing body was discovered in the bush at Ibwa 1 Area on Sept. 9. Community leaders and police agreed to bury the body at the site in line with local customs.

Earlier on Sept. 9, a distressing case of culpable homicide was reported in Gwagwalada after a 24-year-old woman, identified as Ebubechukwu Sunday Kelechi, died suddenly in her fiancé’s home.

Sources said that Preliminary police findings indicated she had been ill from malaria prior to her death, with drugs recovered at the scene. No marks of violence were found on her body, though her fiancé is in custody as investigations continue.

Sources also reported an abandoned dead baby, barely a day old, discovered behind the premises of the Assembly of God Church, Durumi 2. The infant was confirmed dead by doctors at the Primary Health Centre, Durumi, and later buried according to local customs.

While the clampdown and arrests of 71 suspects are commendable, more coordinated community-police collaboration is needed to address the underlying drivers of violent crime, drug abuse, and neglect in the FCT.

Police clampdown in Abuja: 71 suspects arrested as violent crimes, mysterious deaths draw concern

Troops repel bandit attack in Katsina, rescue kidnap victims

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the Police and Community Watch Corps, have repelled an armed bandit attack in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Sources said that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when armed bandits invaded Gago and Ruwan Dorawa villages, kidnapping two residents, Labaran Jalli, 35, and Umma Sabon Gero, 30, and injuring others.

“During the attack, one Labiru Umaru, 40, of Gago village, and two members of the Community Watch Corps, Abba Mohammed, 30, and Suleman Shuaibu, 35, sustained gunshot injuries.

“The troops supported by the Police and vigilantes, mobilised to the scene and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat.

“The injured victims were immediately taken to the General Hospital, Dutsinma, for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and rescue the abducted victims,” the command said.

The troops assured residents that Operation FANSAN YANMA troops and other security agencies would sustain patrols to restore peace and stability in the area.

Troops repel bandit attack in Katsina, rescue kidnap victims

Zulum Appoints Ali Mamman Shuwa as BRTV General Manager

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the appointment of Ali Mamman Shuwa as the substantive General Manager of Borno Radio Television (BRTV).

Until his elevation, Shuwa served as Director of Current Affairs at the station. A seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience, he has held several key editorial and managerial positions at BRTV.

Born in 1970 in Maiduguri, Shuwa began his education at Abbaganaram Primary School before proceeding to the Arabic Teachers’ College, Maiduguri, where he obtained a Grade II Certificate in 1988. He later acquired a Diploma in Civil Law from BOCOLIS, an Advanced Diploma in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Maiduguri.

Shuwa began his career with BRTV in 1992 as a News Editor and Translator. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, serving as Current Affairs Officer, Controller of News and Current Affairs, Assistant Director, Deputy Director, and most recently Director of Current Affairs.

The Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijjani, announced that the appointment takes immediate effect. The outgoing Acting General Manager, Umar Gazali, will return to his previous position at the station.

Governor Zulum congratulated Shuwa on his appointment and commended Gazali for his stewardship while wishing him success in his future endeavours.

Shuwa, an ethnic of Shuwa Arab from Dongo village in Mafa Local Government Area, is widely travelled and has represented BRTV at numerous workshops and seminars.

Zulum Appoints Ali Mamman Shuwa as BRTV General Manager