News
RANAO KADUNA STATE CHAPTER VISITS GOC 1 DIVISION…….as Birnin Gwari Progressive Union Commends the GOC for Significant Improvement in Security Situation
RANAO KADUNA STATE CHAPTER VISITS GOC 1 DIVISION…….as Birnin Gwari Progressive Union Commends the GOC for Significant Improvement in Security Situation
By: Michael Mike
The members of the Retired Army, Navy, and Air Force Officers (RANAO) Association Kaduna State Chapter led by the Chapters Chairman Commodore SO Ojediran (rtd) paid courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding 1 Division (GOC) on 10 October 2024 at the GOC’s Conference Room. The delegation include highly revered retired senior officers namely the Zonal Coordinator of the Association in the North-west, Maj Gen HA Saliu (rtd), Maj Gen Rabiu Aliyu (rtd) who is a member of NDA Course One, R/Adrm Nuhu Wyom (rtd), Gp Capt BO Mosugu (rtd), Col (Pastor) Anna Odey (rtd) and Wg Cdr Iye Ayefu (rtd)- Secretary of the chapter.
In his remarks during the visit, the Chairman stated that the aim of the visit was to further enhance and cement the already existing cordial relationship between the Division and RANAO with a shared goal of enhancing peace and development. He used the opportunity to thank the GOC who is also the Chapters Patron for his continuous support to the chapter and as well solicits for more.
Commodore Ojediran (rtd) reiterated the Association’s resolve to maintain its strong relationship with the Division. He emphasized that retirement should not signify abandonment and pleaded with the GOC to keep the association engaged by inviting its members to attend the Division’s activities.
In his remarks, the GOC 1 Division Major General Mayirenso Lander Saraso expressed his deep appreciation to the Chapter for the visit. He assured them of the Division’s unwavering support and highlighted his commitment to keeping them actively involved in the Division”s activities. He praised the resilience of RANAO and emphasized that retirement is not the end but a new chapter. In his words….. “My doors will always remain open for decision-making and problem-solving,”. He assured the Association of his continuous support and cooperation, adding that he also looked forward to joining their ranks in the nearest future. He supported with Associate with funds to enable them complete some ongoing projects at the Chapter’s Secretariat
Relatedly, the GOC 1 Division Major General MLD Saraso earlier welcomed members of the Birnin-Gwari Emirates Progressive Union (BEPU). During the visit, he discussed the ongoing security challenges in Birnin-Gwari, an area notorious for criminal activity, and outlined the Division’s efforts to restore peace. The GOC assured the delegation that the military remains dedicated to maintaining stability in the region and urged the community to stay vigilant while engaging with deployed forces whenever concerns arise.
BEPU’s Chairperson expressed her gratitude for the GOC’s warm reception and acknowledged the significant improvement in security under his leadership. “We have experienced a remarkable level of peace during your tenure, sir,” she remarked. She also called for the deployment of additional special forces in specific areas to ensure farmers have safe access to their farmlands, underscoring the importance of security for the local economy.
Highlights of the visits were, a minute silence observed in memory of the former RANAO Chairman late Col JIP Ubah, signing of the visitors’ book, exchange of souvenirs , and group photographs.
RANAO KADUNA STATE CHAPTER VISITS GOC 1 DIVISION…….as Birnin Gwari Progressive Union Commends the GOC for Significant Improvement in Security Situation
News
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
A local hunters’ group has successfully rescued a kidnapped herder, Alhaji Babawuro, from captivity in Yobe State without payment of ransom, following a coordinated operation with security authorities.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the Babawuro, a resident of Kurbunga village under Shamka District of the Ngelzarma Emirate in Fune Local Government Area, was abducted at about 2:00 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2025, and taken to an unknown location.
The sources said the incident was reported to the Damagum Police Division on Nov. 30, after which the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of N50 million.

“It was the fifth time the victim had been kidnapped, apparently due to his status as a wealthy herder,” the sources said.
They explained that while negotiations were ongoing and the police were making arrangements to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor and the Emir of Ngelzarma held consultations with the Commissioner of Police.
According to the sources, it was agreed that a hunters’ group with proven expertise in kidnap rescue operations should be engaged to assist the police.
“The hunters subsequently took over negotiations, which were reduced to N7 million, while efforts were intensified to trace the kidnappers,” the sources said.
They added that the hunters traced the victim and the kidnappers to Sandi village in Gulani Local Government Area.
“At about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, the hunters stormed the hideout and successfully rescued the victim without paying any ransom,” the sources said.
During the operation, the leader of the kidnap gang, identified as Ahmadu Shuwa, also known as “Sumo,” was neutralised, while another suspect, Mohammed Bello, sustained gunshot injuries.
The sources further disclosed that two other members of the gang were arrested and have confessed to the crime.
The rescued victim, who has since reunited with his family, was treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and later reported the incident at the Damagum Police Station.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the weapons used by the kidnappers ahead of handing over the suspects and exhibits to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.
The hunters’ group were commended for their role in the successful rescue operation.
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
News
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
A local hunters’ group has successfully rescued a kidnapped herder, Alhaji Babawuro, from captivity in Yobe State without payment of ransom, following a coordinated operation with security authorities.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the Babawuro, a resident of Kurbunga village under Shamka District of the Ngelzarma Emirate in Fune Local Government Area, was abducted at about 2:00 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2025, and taken to an unknown location.

The sources said the incident was reported to the Damagum Police Division on Nov. 30, after which the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of N50 million.
“It was the fifth time the victim had been kidnapped, apparently due to his status as a wealthy herder,” the sources said.
They explained that while negotiations were ongoing and the police were making arrangements to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor and the Emir of Ngelzarma held consultations with the Commissioner of Police.

According to the sources, it was agreed that a hunters’ group with proven expertise in kidnap rescue operations should be engaged to assist the police.
“The hunters subsequently took over negotiations, which were reduced to N7 million, while efforts were intensified to trace the kidnappers,” the sources said.
They added that the hunters traced the victim and the kidnappers to Sandi village in Gulani Local Government Area.
“At about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, the hunters stormed the hideout and successfully rescued the victim without paying any ransom,” the sources said.
During the operation, the leader of the kidnap gang, identified as Ahmadu Shuwa, also known as “Sumo,” was neutralised, while another suspect, Mohammed Bello, sustained gunshot injuries.
The sources further disclosed that two other members of the gang were arrested and have confessed to the crime.
The rescued victim, who has since reunited with his family, was treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and later reported the incident at the Damagum Police Station.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the weapons used by the kidnappers ahead of handing over the suspects and exhibits to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.
The hunters’ group were commended for their role in the successful rescue operation.
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe

News
EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi
EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi
By: Zagazola Makama
The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the establishment of a new Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, as part of efforts to expand the manpower and operational capacity of the Nigerian Army.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the new Depot would complement existing Army training facilities and ensure a steady stream of well-trained personnel for deployment across the country.

Military source said the initiative is in line with the Nigerian Army’s strategic plan to enhance national security and produce combat-ready soldiers capable of addressing diverse security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and other internal threats.

The new Depot is expected to provide specialist and mission-oriented training, focusing on marksmanship, fieldcraft skills, and operational readiness. It will also incorporate measures to safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of recruits during and after their service.

The establishment of the Depot in Abakaliki follows recent efforts of the federal government to improve manpower of the Nigerian Military.
EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi
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