Bandits ambush joint security team in Zamfara, officials trapped

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected armed bandits on Monday ambushed a joint security team, including the Chairman of Tsafe Local Government Area, along the Kunchin Kalgo–Danjibga road in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State, the police have said.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 20.

According to the sources, the joint team was travelling to Danjibga to reunite some villagers from the Keta area who had recently regained their freedom from their abductors when the attack occurred.

The suspected bandits, who appeared to have had prior knowledge of the movement of the team, laid an ambush along the route.

The sources added that following the attack, the local government chairman and members of his entourage were trapped in Danjibga, with some persons feared kidnapped, while some vehicles were believed to have been set ablaze.

The sources said reinforcements had been dispatched to the area to secure the release of those trapped and restore normalcy.

Efforts are ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the incident, while security forces have intensified operations in the area, the sources added.

Bandits ambush joint security team in Zamfara, officials trapped

Troops arrest three suspected ISWAP recruitment agents in Banki

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested three suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) recruitment agents in Banki town, Borno State.

Sources told the Zagazola Makama that the suspects were arrested on Jan. 17 following a tip-off from the Banki District Head.

The sources said intelligence operatives were deployed to Banki on a covert operation, where they apprehended the suspects while attempting to recruit and move youths for terrorist training.

“They were identified as Gajibo Kayama, 23; Tahiru Modu, 22; and Bulama Modu, 24. They are suspected to be involved in the recruitment of youths aged between 17 and 20 from Banki town for ISWAP elements operating in Adamawa State,” the source said.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspects were former ISWAP members who claimed to have repented about five years ago but were allegedly re-engaging in recruitment activities.

“They were arrested while trying to recruit and convey youths within Banki town for training in Adamawa State,” the source added.

The suspects have since been handed over to Military Intelligence Regiment for detailed interrogation and further action.

Troops arrest three suspected ISWAP recruitment agents in Banki

Gunmen attack churches, abduct unspecified number of worshippers in Kajuru, Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

Bandits have attacked two churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and abducted an unspecified number of worshippers.

A reliable source told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on Jan. 18 at about 11:25 a.m., when the assailants, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and Cherubim and Seraphim Church II in the community.

The source said the exact number of worshippers taken to an unknown destination was yet to be ascertained as the community was still gathering details.

Kurmin Wali, he noted, is located in a remote, forested area with difficult terrain, which has complicated immediate access to the scene.

Following the incident, troops of 1 Division and other security forces were mobilised in collaboration with community stakeholders to the area, while concerted efforts were intensified to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

Gunmen attack churches, abduct unspecified number of worshippers in Kajuru, Kaduna