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NSCDC intercepts diverted Yobe government tractors, exposes alleged sabotage ring in ministry
NSCDC intercepts diverted Yobe government tractors, exposes alleged sabotage ring in ministry
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yobe have intercepted two government-owned tractors allegedly being smuggled out of the state for illegal sale, uncovering what sources describe as an “internal sabotage network” within the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the tractors, part of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s agricultural support programme, were reportedly diverted by officials who have long been suspected of selling government-owned farm machinery to neighbouring states.
It was gathered that the latest incident occurred on Oct. 22 when NSCDC personnel intercepted two tractors being moved from an estate along the bypass in Damaturu and headed towards the Nayinawa axis, allegedly en route out of the state.
A security source said that the tractors bore clear government insignia, leaving no doubt about their ownership. However, more than one month after the interception, no official from the Ministry of Agriculture including the Commissioner, Permanent Secretary or any departmental director, has stepped forward to officially claim the machinery or explain the circumstances surrounding the attempted diversion.
“These tractors carry bold government identification. Despite that, no authorised official has come to claim them or provide documentation. Instead, we have seen strong behind-the-scenes pressure to release them quietly,” the source said.
According to the source, the NSCDC officer who made the arrest insisted that all parties involved must appear to provide explanations before the tractors could be released. His refusal to bow to pressure allegedly angered influential interests both within the Corps and in the state bureaucracy.
Zagazola gathered that the officer was subsequently transferred out of Yobe State in what insiders described as an attempt to “bury the case and silence resistance”.
Investigations further revealed that this was not the first diversion of agricultural machinery under the state’s empowerment scheme. Some tractors were reportedly smuggled and sold in a neighbouring state months earlier, with no internal accountability action taken.
The diversion of the tractors undermines Governor Buni’s vision of strengthening mechanised farming, boosting food production and mitigating food shortages in Yobe.
A senior agricultural stakeholder, who pleaded anonymity, said: This is pure economic sabotage. These tractors were procured to support farmers and strengthen food security. Diverting them for personal gain is not just theft it is an attack on the state’s development.”
Zagazola reports that the tractors remain in NSCDC custody pending official claim and clarifications. Both the NSCDC and the Ministry of Agriculture have not issued public statements on the development as at the time of filing this report.
NSCDC intercepts diverted Yobe government tractors, exposes alleged sabotage ring in ministry
Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 13 Brigade, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected cultist and gunrunner during a raid operation in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 1:10 a.m. on April 3 along Effangha Spring Road in Ikom.
The sources disclosed that the suspect, who hails from Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, was apprehended during the coordinated raid.
According to the sources, troops recovered one revolver pistol, one sword, two laptops, four mobile phones, one digital camera, one wristwatch, three identity cards, and a sack of garri allegedly used to conceal the weapon.
The suspect and recovered items have since been handed over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security authorities said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb cult-related violence and illegal arms circulation in the South-South region.
Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons
Gunmen kill village head, wife in Adamawa, son hospitalised
By: Zagazola Makama
Unknown gunmen have killed a village head and his wife in Tunga Waja community, Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:50 p.m. on April 2, when the assailants attacked the residence of the village head and opened fire on him, his wife and their son.
The sources disclosed that the village head died on the spot, while his wife and son sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated to a medical facility in Tingno for treatment.
According to the sources, the wife later died at the hospital, while the son is currently receiving treatment.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The incident has heightened concerns among residents, as security agencies intensify efforts to restore calm and prevent further attacks in the area.
Gunmen kill village head, wife in Adamawa, son hospitalised
Three soldiers injured in road accident during pursuit of bandits in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Three soldiers have sustained injuries following a road traffic accident during an encounter with suspected armed bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on April 2, when troops of 2 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base Dogon Dawa were returning from an administrative patrol.
The sources explained that the troops reportedly sighted a group of armed bandits attempting to block the road at Ngede Allah and engaged them, forcing the criminals to flee.
During the pursuit, however, three soldiers fell off a military gun truck and sustained varying degrees of injuries, including fractures to the hand and leg.
The injured personnel were immediately evacuated to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, where they are currently receiving treatment and responding positively.
Security operations in the area have continued as troops maintain pressure on criminal elements within the axis.
Three soldiers injured in road accident during pursuit of bandits in Kaduna
Man O’ War personnel reports abduction of female colleague in Bayelsa
Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons
Gunmen kill village head, wife in Adamawa, son hospitalised
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