Four die, 18 injured in zakkat distribution stampede in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Four persons have died while 18 others sustained injuries following a stampede during the distribution of annual Ramadan Zakkat (alms) at a residence in Katsina metropolis.

Sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the residence of Alhaji Dahiru Usman Sarki, located in Kofar Guga Quarters.

According to the sources, a large crowd had gathered at the residence to receive Ramadan alms when some individuals allegedly forced their way into the compound, triggering a stampede.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Central Police Station (CPS) Katsina, swiftly mobilised to the scene and was able to bring the situation under control.

As a result of the stampede, 18 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital, Katsina, for medical attention.

Four persons were later certified dead by a medical doctor. They were identified as Bilkisu Mamman, 40, of Kerau Quarters; Ihsan Musbahu, 40, of Abattoir Quarters; Aisha Sani, 16, of Kofar Sauri Quarters; and Salamatu Kabir, 45, of Sabuwar Unguwa Quarters.

Another victim, Hafsat Zubairu, 15, of Masanawa Quarters, was referred to the Federal Teaching Hospital for further medical evaluation.

Police authorities said the organisers of the Zakkat distribution had been invited for questioning, while investigation into the incident was ongoing.

Four die, 18 injured in zakkat distribution stampede in Katsina

Troops neutralise terrorists’ structures, arrest two logistics suppliers in Sabon Garin Fishingo in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, Sector 2, have destroyed terrorist life-support structures and arrested two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers during clearance operations around Sabon Gari Fishingo in Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola that the troops, in conjunction with quasi-security forces, conducted the operation at about 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 28.

The troops reportedly made contact with terrorists at Kayawa and engaged them with superior firepower, forcing the insurgents to flee in disarray.

The fleeing terrorists abandoned two motorcycles and five bicycles at the scene. No casualty was recorded among the troops.

Following the encounter, the troops set ablaze structures believed to be used as life-support bases by the terrorists.

The operation later extended to Sabon Gari Fishingo, where troops conducted a cordon-and-search exercise.

During the operation, two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers identified as Dahiru Haruna and Salele Lawali were arrested.

Items recovered from the suspects included a large quantity of drugs, medical consumables and one tricycle, popularly known as “Jega.”

Sources said the suspects were in custody for further investigation, while the recovered items were being documented.

The operation is part of sustained offensive actions under Operation Desert Sanity aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and disrupting their logistics networks in the North-East.

Troops neutralise terrorists’ structures, arrest two logistics suppliers in Sabon Garin Fishingo in Borno

Troops arrest suspected jas/iswap logistics supplier on Maiduguri –GUbio road

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected logistics supplier to Boko Haram terrorists along the Maiduguri–Gubio Main Supply Route (MSR) in Borno State.

Sources told Zagazola that the suspect was intercepted at about 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 27 by troops of the 212 Battalion deployed at No. 2 Gate during a routine stop-and-search operation.

The troops reportedly intercepted an ash-coloured Golf vehicle conveying one adult male and two male minors.

During a search of the vehicle, the troops recovered items suspected to be logistics supplies for terrorists. The recovered items included motorcycle spare parts, tricycle spare parts, water pumping machines, water hoses, six bags of grains and one mobile phone.

According to the sources, the two minors were released to their guardian, Alhaji Ali Bukar, identified as the manager of Kaka Lawal Filling Station in Maiduguri.

The adult suspect, the vehicle and the recovered items have been handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation and necessary action.

Troops arrest suspected jas/iswap logistics supplier on Maiduguri –GUbio road