News
More than 100 commuters perished along the Maiduguri Damaturu road before the advent of RRS to stop the carnage….Commander Babalola
More than 100 commuters perished along the Maiduguri Damaturu road before the advent of RRS to stop the carnage….Commander Babalola
By: Bodunrin Kayode
More than 100 commuters perished along the Maiduguri Damaturu route before the formation of the rapid response squad (RRS) in Borno state.
Some were killed on the spot while on their journeys but hundreds were wheeled into the savanna by dare devil insurgents who slaughtered them like cattle when they resisted certain crazy directives before the advent of the RRS.
Casualties caused by boko haram insurgents on the Damaturu Maiduguri road alone became so alarming that Governor Babagana Zulum had to step in with the formation of (RRS) five years ago to ameliorate the situation.
These were the words of the Commander of the RRS squad Abioye Babalola in a recent chat with this reporter during an operational visit of the Commissioner of Police Abdulmajid Naziru to their base.
Before now, he noted, there was no easy movement by commuters on this route but the coming of RRS has eased that wickedness by the insurgents on the road.
” RRS has become a single strike unit of the State government and it has been serving the state diligently without any fear.
“The CP is passionate about the squad which is why he came to see things for himself and know where we have challenges and where he can make his input.
” For instance about twelve officers do not have office accommodation to work effectively and many more of these similar challenges which the CP intends to handle for the squad” Assistant Commissioner of Police Babalola posited.
The RRS squad established Jan 10, 2010 is made up of men of the Nigerian police in charge of internal security and all the paramilitary agencies in the state including the civilian joint task force (JTF) known to have been fighting along side troops in the last fifteen years.
The visit further revealed that the Borno state Police command has been able to arrest 1,541 suspects for various forms of infractions against the laws of the land during the period under review.
This massive haul of arrests which occurred especially during the period of the arrival of the new CP includes 32 dismissed military personnel alleged to have been involved in various forms of criminal activities in the state.
The RRS commander revealed that 1,164 suspect were convicted, 247 released, 1,197 charged to court with 64 still under detention and awaiting trial.
Commander Babalola said that the squad also recovered exhibits from the suspects which include dangerous weapons, military uniforms. illegal drugs worth N27.1m and many more.
Meanwhile, the Borno Commissioner of Police Abdulmajid Naziru has commended the squad for their efforts in fighting all manner of criminality and charged them to be professional in all their duties.
RRS now has extra patrol routes between Mafa and Maiduguri apart from Maiduguri Gubio to Mongonu where they are stationed at Mongumeri along the way.
More than 100 commuters perished along the Maiduguri Damaturu road before the advent of RRS to stop the carnage….Commander Babalola
News
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised)/24 Task Force Brigade have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the attack occurred at about 2:44 a.m. on June 12 when terrorists launched coordinated assaults on the troops’ location from Wurge, Manawaji and Kinuba.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, supported by reinforcements from battalion headquarters, as well as mortar and artillery fire support, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.
Following the encounter, the fleeing terrorists retreating and scampered into the bushes.
At about 5:45 a.m., troops and auxiliary forces conducted a follow-up exploitation along the withdrawal route towards Wurge, during which three RPG-7 high-explosive unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and two torchlights were recovered.
The sources further disclosed that a main battle tank developed technical faults during the aftermath of the engagement, while one soldier sustained injuries from fragments of an RPG blast.
The wounded personnel was evacuated to the 3 Battalion Regimental Aid Post (RAP) for medical treatment.
Military authorities said clearance and follow-up operations were ongoing in the area to consolidate gains and prevent further terrorist regrouping.
They reaffirmed commitment to sustaining aggressive counter-terrorism operations across the North-East theatre.
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
News
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Government has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the captivity of bandits.
The government, in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, described the development as tragic and a major loss to the state and the nation.
According to the statement, the retired senior military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
The government said that despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, the situation ended in tragedy.
“The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” the statement said.
It noted that the late officer’s abduction and subsequent death represented not only a loss to his immediate family and Katsina State but also a monumental loss to the country.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a dark moment and a reminder of the need for intensified efforts against criminal elements threatening peace and security.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.
He also assured residents that the government remained resolute in its determination to eliminate banditry and safeguard lives and property across the state.
The government prayed for the repose of the soul of the late retired Major General and urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
News
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
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