Police rescue couple, arrest five suspected kidnappers in Edo forest operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Police operatives in Edo State on Sunday rescued a couple kidnapped by armed men and arrested five suspected kidnappers in a forest operation in Igun Forest, Agbede, Esan West Local Government Area.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred after a distress call from Ochodo Community on Jan. 24, reporting sporadic shooting by unknown gunmen and the abduction of Mr. Michael Salisu and his wife, Mrs. Salisu.

“On receipt of the information, joint teams of police operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters launched an intensive manhunt.

At about 11:00 a.m. on Jan. 25, the suspects were engaged and dislodged from the forest, leading to the rescue of the victims,” the source said.

The source added that five suspects were arrested in connection with the crime, identified as Nura Ibrahim, 22; Suleiman Aruna, 23; Usman Abubakar, 30; Mohammed Abubakar, 32; and Isah Ibrahim, 27.

Items recovered during the operation included eight live 9mm ammunition rounds, nine 9mm empty shells, and five Android phones.

The source said preliminary investigation was ongoing, and further efforts were being made to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

Police rescue couple, arrest five suspected kidnappers in Edo forest operation

Bandit reprisal attack kills two, burns property in Pindiga, Gombe State

By: Zagazola Makama

At least two people were killed and several properties destroyed when armed bandits launched a reprisal attack on Garin Galadima village, Pindiga Ward, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State on Monday evening.

The attack followed the neutralization of three bandits in an earlier security operation, during which two AK-47 rifles and four motorcycles were recovered.

In retaliation, the bandits killed Yayaji Mallam Mustapha, 45, of Garin Galadima, and Bala Abdullahi, 65, of Jauro Musa, Akko LGA, and set fire to the Garin Galadima outstation as well as several houses and shops.

The victims were evacuated to Cottage Hospital Pindiga where they were confirmed dead.

Joint patrols involving troops of Operation Hattara, hunters, Mobile Police, and vigilantes were deployed to the area, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the attackers.

The sources said further updates will be communicated.

Bandit reprisal attack kills two, burns property in Pindiga, Gombe State

Nigerian Army troops, with air support and joint forces, repel bandits’ attack in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Nigerian Army troops, in collaboration with other joint security forces and supported by military air assets, have successfully repelled an attack by suspected armed herders on Edikwu Ankpali village in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to security sources, the incident occurred on 24 January at about 1:00 p.m., when a large group of armed men operating with cattle stormed the community, attacking residents.

Responding swiftly to a distress call, troops of the Nigerian Army, alongside personnel of the 80 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Operation Zenda, and the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the Benue Police Command, engaged the assailants.

The sources said that the combined superior firepower forced the bandits to retreat into the surrounding forest.

Military air support was immediately deployed, with an attack helicopter conducting precision strikes on two points along the Opaha-Ojapu axis, where the fleeing bandits were reportedly heading.

The extent of the damage caused by the air strikes is still being assessed as several bandits met their waterloo.

The troops have maintained a strong presence in Edikwu Ankpali, while troops continue to hold the Opaha axis with aerial surveillance, carrying out clearance operations and monitoring the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.

Nigerian Army troops, with air support and joint forces, repel bandits’ attack in Benue