KACRAN Appeals for Resolution of Diplomatic Tensions Between Nigeria and Niger

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Republic of Niger to resolve ongoing diplomatic tensions through dialogue and mutual understanding.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National President, Hon. Khalil Bello, the association urged both countries to restore their long-standing relationship, stressing that Nigeria and Niger share deep historical, cultural and economic ties that predate colonial boundaries.

KACRAN highlighted that the two nations are connected by an extensive border stretching over 1,600 kilometres, linking Niger with several northern Nigerian states, noting that communities across the border share common ethnic identities, languages and religious beliefs, with many families divided between both countries.

The group noted that these close social connections were a major reason many residents of Northern Nigeria expressed opposition to any form of military action against Niger following the recent political changes in the country.

Beyond social ties, KACRAN emphasized the existence of strong economic interdependence between the two neighbours. It stated that Nigerian markets, especially in Kano and border towns, serve as major commercial hubs for Nigerien traders, while Nigerian business activities are also prominent within Niger.

The association warned that the current strain in diplomatic relations is having a negative impact on trade and pastoral livelihoods. It explained that seasonal livestock migration, particularly by herders from states such as Yobe who move into Niger during the rainy season to avoid farmland conflicts, has been disrupted. This disruption, KACRAN said, affected livestock supply during the recent Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

KACRAN also stressed the need for joint security efforts, noting that challenges such as insurgency and banditry affect both countries and require coordinated action rather than isolation.

Calling for restraint, the association urged Nigeria, Niger and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to prioritize diplomacy over confrontation. It maintained that peaceful engagement remains the most effective path to stability, economic growth and regional security.

The group appealed to leaders in the sub-region to place the welfare of citizens above political disagreements and preserve the spirit of cooperation that has long defined Nigeria-Niger relations.

KACRAN Appeals for Resolution of Diplomatic Tensions Between Nigeria and Niger

Army troops foil bandits’ attack on anyagba village in benue

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have foiled a planned attack by armed bandits on Anyagba village in Benue State, neutralising one assailant and recovering a firearm and ammunition.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the joint team,comprising Army, PMF elements and state-backed civil protection guards, was alerted at about 4:00 p.m. to the movement of armed bandits toward Anyagba community, apparently with intent to launch an attack.

“The troops mobilised immediately toward the Utange axis where the bandits were sighted,” the source said.

“On sighting the joint team, the bandits opened fire, leading to a brief exchange. One suspect was fatally wounded during the encounter and later died while being evacuated for medical attention.”

The source said the corpse was deposited at a morgue, while the remaining suspects fled into nearby bushes.

Items recovered at the scene include one AK-47 rifle with breech number 22446, two magazines, three rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and several expended shells.

“No casualty was recorded on the side of the joint forces,” the source added.

Following the incident, troops intensified combing operations in surrounding bushes to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

In a related development along the Katsina-Ala axis, a patrol team on stop-and-search duty recovered a locally fabricated pistol and a cartridge from a bag abandoned by a suspect who escaped on sighting the troops.

The military urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information to security agencies to help prevent attacks and protect communities across the state.

Army troops foil bandits’ attack on anyagba village in benue

Gunmen kill five, abduct passengers in attack on Abuja–Ilesha bus in Kogi

By: Zagazola Makama

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that five persons were killed and several others abducted in a deadly attack on a commercial bus along the Oshokoshoko/Agbede Highway near a military checkpoint in the state.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, when heavily armed hoodlums blocked the highway and opened fire on vehicles in transit.

According to the source, an 18-seater Toyota bus with Jigawa State registration number HJA 687 YD, conveying passengers from Abuja to Ilesha, was riddled with bullets during the attack.

“Five unidentified corpses with gunshot injuries were recovered at the scene,” the source said.

The sources added that one of the passengers, identified as Naziru Aliyu, was rescued with gunshot wounds and rushed to Fisayo Hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Federal Teaching Hospital mortuary in Lokoja.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Obajana was said to have mobilised joint security teams to the area for assessment and rescue operations.

Further bush-combing and intelligence-led operations later led to the rescue of 14 additional passengers. They were identified as Qorib Akere, Hamsatu Umar, Maryam Abubakar, Alpha Abdullateef, Alpha Uammi Adamu, Sanni Yahaya, Engr. Wojuola Olajide, Ademola Ibrahim, Fidelis Ajeh, Musa Muhammed, Nehemiah Gyang, Kanini Moses and Simon Obadiah.

Some of the rescued victims sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment at Fisayo Hospital.

The police said about four passengers from the bus are still unaccounted for.

The sources Investigation has commenced, while strategies for further rescue operations and the arrest of the perpetrators are being intensified.

The command assured residents and road users of its commitment to restore safety along the highway and bring the attackers to justice.

Gunmen kill five, abduct passengers in attack on Abuja–Ilesha bus in Kogi