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NSCDC Parades 13 Suspects for Unlawful Possession of Explosives, Illegal Arms, Ammunition
NSCDC Parades 13 Suspects for Unlawful Possession of Explosives, Illegal Arms, Ammunition
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has paraded 13 suspects arrested in connection with the unlawful possession of explosives, illegal arms, and ammunition among other crimes.
A statement on Saturday by the spokesman of the paramilitary outfit, Babawale Afolabi said the clampdown followed a recent directive of the Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Audi mandating personnel to intensify nationwide surveillance on critical national assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).
He said operatives of the Corps in the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad arrested 11 suspects for unlawful possession of explosive (dynamite), vandalism and illegal dealings in petroleum products.
He added that other offences committed for which the suspects were nabbed for include illegal dealing in arms and ammunition, vandalism of oil pipelines, attempted murder and criminal conspiracy as well as miscellaneous offences.
According to the statement, the CG at the parade disclosed that the arrests were made based on credible Intelligence.
The CG, who was represented by the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Chief Superintendent of the Corps, Babawale Afolabi, expressed the commitment and resolve of the Corps to fight crimes in the country in synergy with sister agencies to the barest minimum and called on the public to support this effort.
He said the first 5-member group of suspects who are all male gave their names as Ayibadenyefa Julius, 32 years, Derekebuna Owo, 28 years, Preye Wolson 32Years, Olofini Deseyei 29Years and John Samuel, age 32years.
He disclosed that the suspects were arrested around Tebetaba Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in Bayelsa State and the preliminary investigation revealed that they pretended to act as a Private Security Guards but ended up carrying out their evil deeds.
Exhibits recovered from the 5-member suspects include” an explosive dynamite, 1 Pumping Machine, 1 full park of Welding Electrode, 2 Spanners, 11 Bolts and knots and 5 Aprons tagged Dalon Security Services.”
Another suspect Jibrin Abdullahi (M) 35 years was also nabbed by the NSCDC operatives. He said the suspect attempted to stab the operatives of the Corps in the process of his arrest. Jibrin was caught with an iPhone 6s Pro owned by a Woman who was kidnapped on 10th January 2024 on her way from Deidei to Dupei behind Zuma Rock.
He noted that among the exhibits recovered from the suspect are: two packs of phones, a white Charger, a Zenith Bank debit card, an Issuance letter, and five packs of SIM cards: two Glo with three (3) Airtel.
He said others include one original with two photocopies of the National ID card with NIN: 56898998386, photocopy of BVN print out with the name Jibrin Abdullahi, four slips of DAS Int, Lafia Eye Treatment and payment slip, four different phone receipts purchased by Jibrin Abdullahi and one belonging to Mohammed Abdulahi, six passport photograph and a military camouflage shorts.
Babawale said also following the determination of the Corps to wage war against crime, five other suspects who are involved in the sales of arms and ammunition to suspected bandits and kidnappers at Bagaji Road, Keffi, Nasarawa State have been arrested.
He noted that the operation was successful due to the synergy between NSCDC CG’S SIS and other security agencies who overpowered them after a fierce gun duel.
The names of the suspects are John Ishaya (M) 37 years, Umar Ali (M) 29years, Dauda Idris (M) 39 years Ibrahim Mohammed (M) 36 years and Augustine Deyi (M) 49 years.
He revealed that the following exhibits were recovered from the suspects: one red-coloured Golf Car, 1 Infinix phone, 1 Itel button phone, 1 Sharp Knife, 1 Wristwatch and assorted Charms.
Also recovered from the trio is a sum of ₦175, 000 cash for the purchase of Ammunition at the point of purchasing about 130 pieces of AK-47 Ammunition.
He said investigation has uncovered that one of the suspects, John Ishaya is an ex-convict who led a robbery operation on 24th December, 2023.
He said in that robbery incident, the syndicate proceeded to the residence of one of their victims in Lafia town, Nasarawa State where the victim’s car was snatched at gunpoint.
He noted that Ishaya, a notorious criminal suspect is a kingpin in the robbery case and has been on the watch list of the Corps until his arrest.
He said he was arrested ab initio as a gun runner supplying ammunition to kidnappers, bandits and terrorists operating along Nasarawa-Abuja terrain.
Babawale said the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad also acting on credible intelligence, arrested two suspects for vandalism and conveyance of rail track slippers.
He said the suspects were caught with a trailer load of vandalized rail track slippers and tracks concealed under the Sugarcane plot at Kwoi- kangaroo- Tafa- Jere Road in Kaduna State.
He noted that arrest was made possible through prompt intervention of the CG Special Intelligence Squad who are poised to salvage the nation from vandals and economic saboteurs.
The names of the suspects, he said are Richard Istifanus (M) 31 years and Usman Yusuf (M) 44 years, stating that they would be charged to court after a thorough Investigation.
“We will dig deep to unravel and expose those sponsoring vandalism and trading of Railway Slippers across the nation and when we apprehend them, we will bring them to book,” the CG promised.
He added that: “As a lead and coordinating agency in the Protection of all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across the nation, our commitment to this task remains strong and unwavering.
“We reassure the public of diligent and professional investigation after which all the suspects would be charged to court.”
NSCDC Parades 13 Suspects for Unlawful Possession of Explosives, Illegal Arms, Ammunition
New Girema of Fika appreciates Emir for the honor.
By: Yahaya Wakili
The new Girema 1 of the Fika Emirate Council in Yobe State, Alhaji Abubakar Baba Dada (alias Basco), has expressed his appreciation and gratitude to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fika, and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, CON, CFR, for honoring him with the traditional title of Girema 1 of Fika.
Alhaji Abubakar Baba Dada expressed his appreciation while answering questions from the newsmen shortly after presenting him the letter of appointment at his residence on Masco Street, Potiskum.
“I feel highly honored; I am overwhelmed. The honor dishonored on me by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fika, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa CON, CFR, is unpalatable. Adding that, there is something special, I think he must find in me for him to have dishonored me with such a great title as Girema 1 of the Fika Emirate Council,” Dada said.
Alhaji Dada revealed that I will remain indebted and grateful to His Royal Highness for this honor done to me and our family entirely. He urged all of us to embrace one another and work hand in hand with all brothers because collectively we can build a better society for a better tomorrow devoid of other verses.
He calls on the entire people of Yobe South, even Yobe State at large, to come together on a common course; anything that was doing, let him do it well. The title of a Girema is a reverend title, a highly reverend title under the Kilishi of Tinja Fuya, down to the level of Barde, but actually I need to go deep for me to elaborate.
“There are two categories, the bigger one, Girema Gana and Girema Siri, and there is one Girema Gana so far. For me to have the honor of this kind of procedure title is actually worthy of reaction and worthy of commendation. I am highly honored,” he added.
Dada maintained that actually being a politician determined being a traditional titleholder because they work together hand in hand. The general purpose of working in every aspect of life is for the common good of the society. What do you bring to the table? What do you bring to the society? What do you bring to the populace? So virtually there are intermoving Siamese twins working together along the single course.
“I will remain ever grateful to the entire people of Potiskum and its environs for the dishonored disownment of me. Actually, you cannot comprehend the moment when the crowd that came from all works of life was in my honor. This is worthy of commendation. I feel highly indebted to the entire society and am looking forward to doing more within my reach for the betterment of our society at large.
New Girema of Fika appreciates Emir for the honor.
Passenger Abducted in Katsina-Ala–Takum Boundary Attack in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men have abducted a passenger from a commercial vehicle along the Katsina-Ala–Takum road, Benue State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, when the Toyota Carina II, with registration number KLD 108 AA, was heading to Katsina-Ala from Takum, Taraba State, with seven passengers onboard.
At Tsede Village, which lies on the boundary between Katsina-Ala and Takum, the gunmen blocked the road, robbed the occupants, and whisked away one passenger later identified as NYSC member Saadu Dauda from Zamfara State.
His identity was confirmed through a corps member ID card found in his bag left in the vehicle.
Security operatives have launched a coordinated operation to track the assailants and rescue the victim.
End
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Appoints New General Manager
By: Michael Mike
The Management of Transcorp Hilton Abuja has appointed Mr. Martin Zarybnicky, as the new General Manager. His appointment took effect on August 1st 2025.
This was disclosed in a statement made available at the weekend by the eCommerce Manager, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Ijeoma Osuji.
According to the statement, Martin brings over 30 years of global hospitality experience to the role, having held leadership positions at international hotel brands across EMEA and APAC, including tenures in Thailand, Egypt and Russia. The new role marks Martin’s return to Hilton, where he previously served as General Manager at Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort.
Speaking on the latest development, thr Managing Director/CEO Transcorp Hotels Plc, Mrs. Uzo Oshogwe, said: “We are delighted to welcome Martin Zarybincky to the Transcorp Hotels family. His wealth of international experience brings fresh perspectives that will enrich our culture and elevate the guest experience we are known for. We look forward to supporting him as he settles into his new role and to the impact his leadership will bring in driving excellence for our guests.”
A seasoned hotelier, Martin has a strong track record in driving operational excellence, enhancing guest satisfaction, leading major refurbishments, and repositioning hotels for long-term commercial success. His leadership has earned multiple industry awards and recognition across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
Andreas Lackner, Vice President, Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa & Indian Ocean, Hilton, said: “Martin brings a wealth of global hospitality experience and a strong history of impactful leadership to his new role. His background across diverse markets and brands makes him an excellent fit for Transcorp Hilton Abuja, and we are pleased to welcome him back to Hilton.”
In his new role, Martin will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, driving strategic growth, operational efficiency, and an elevated guest experience in line with Hilton’s standards of excellence.
“Nigeria remains a leading hub for inclusive growth across Africa. At Transcorp Hilton Abuja, we are committed to supporting the development of hospitality in this vibrant market. I am proud to be part of the amazing team here, and together, we are eager to continuously showcase the warmth and excellence of genuine Nigerian hospitality,” said Zarybnicky.
Located in Abuja’s commercial district, Transcorp Hilton Abuja is a 668-room iconic property that has welcomed guests since 1987. As one of the largest hotels in sub-Saharan Africa, it remains a national landmark, which is owned by Transcorp Hotels Plc and managed by Hilton under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand.
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Appoints New General Manager
New Girema of Fika appreciates Emir for the honor.
Passenger Abducted in Katsina-Ala–Takum Boundary Attack in Benue
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Appoints New General Manager
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