News
Police arrest UMCN/GMCN pastors, members over violation of executive order in Taraba
Police arrest UMCN/GMCN pastors, members over violation of executive order in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
The Taraba State Police Command has arrested two pastors and several members of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria/Global Mission Church of Nigeria (UMCN/GMCN) for allegedly violating an executive order banning their religious activities in the state.
The arrest, according to police sources, followed a reported defiance of the state government’s directive ordering the closure of all UMCN/GMCN church premises pending the resolution of leadership and security concerns linked to the factional crisis within the denomination.
A police sources who confirmed the development said the arrests took place at about 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, at Kasuwan Bera in Kofai Ward, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.
According to the source, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Sunkani Division led personnel to the church premises based on credible intelligence that members of the banned faction were holding an early morning service in defiance of the closure order.
“Upon arrival, the officers met some GMCN members actively engaged in religious activity. Despite repeated warnings, they defied police directives and were subsequently arrested,” the PPRO said.
The situation escalated when one Rev. Beziel Yayuba Yoila and another unidentified pastor arrived at the scene and allegedly incited members to resist the police.
“The group started pelting officers with stones, prompting the DPO to call for reinforcement from the Department of Operations (DOPS). The reinforcements arrived swiftly, and both Rev. Beziel and the second pastor were arrested,” he said.
Items recovered from the vehicle of Rev. Beziel include a cutlass, a canister of Police Body Guard Tear Gas, and a rearing stick, all of which have been taken into custody for further investigation.
The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Jalingo for discreet investigation, the PPRO added.
The Taraba State Government had earlier issued an executive order temporarily shutting down all UMCN/GMCN churches due to protracted leadership disputes and concerns over public safety.
Police arrest UMCN/GMCN pastors, members over violation of executive order in Taraba
News
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation Savannah Shield have arrested three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Security sources said the arrests were made at about 7:35 a.m. on March 15 by troops stationed at a Forward Operating Base in Kaiama.
According to the sources, troops initially apprehended a suspect who was allegedly planning to supply three motorcycles to a terrorist group.
Further investigation led to the arrest of two other suspected terrorists believed to be members of Islamic State West Africa Province/Boko Haram, who had reportedly arrived in Kaiama to receive the motorcycles.
The suspects were said to be planning to transport the motorcycles to terrorists operating in Nuku village.
The suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue.
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
News
Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened
Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigeria Police Force in Borno State has confirmed that 23 persons were killed and 108 others injured following multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening, in what authorities described as coordinated suicide attacks.
The incidents, which occurred at about 7:24 p.m., targeted crowded and strategic locations within the metropolis, including the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover, Maiduguri.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, preliminary investigations revealed that the explosions were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The coordinated nature of the attacks, which struck nearly simultaneously across different parts of the city, has raised fresh concerns about evolving tactics by insurgent groups seeking to undermine ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.
Zagazola noted that the choice of targets particularly a major market, a hospital vicinity, and a busy flyover suggests an intent to maximise casualties, spread fear, and disrupt socio-economic activities in the state capital.
In response, a combined team of Police Tactical Units, military personnel and other joint security operatives were immediately deployed to the affected areas.
The scenes were swiftly secured and cordoned off, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit conducted detailed sweep operations to rule out the presence of additional explosive devices.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, led a high-level assessment visit to the affected locations, where he commiserated with victims and their families.
He assured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, noting that enhanced security measures had been activated across the state.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, worked in coordination with medical teams to evacuate victims to hospitals, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Despite the scale of the attacks, authorities made the efforts to restore normalcy in the affected areas, with security presence significantly increased across Maiduguri and its environs.
Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, particularly in public places, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.
The command also commended the resilience and cooperation of residents, reiterating its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the state.
Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened
News
Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe
Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists after it successfully repelled a terrorist ambush along the Longlari–Kanama road in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 5:23 p.m. on March 14 when troops of the 159 Battalion Nigerian Army, B Company, stationed in Kanama, were returning from a routine patrol.
.According to the sources, the troops were ambushed by suspected terrorists along the Longlari–Kanama road near Mairari village.
The troops engaged the terrorists with heavy fire and neutralized several of them forcing many of them fo flee.
Following the encounter, the soldiers conducted exploitation of the general area to track the fleeing insurgents.
Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe
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