News
Troops Intervene in Plateau Cow Poisoning Incident, Prevent Retaliatory Attack
Troops Intervene in Plateau Cow Poisoning Incident, Prevent Retaliatory Attack
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have swiftly intervened in an incident involving the suspected poisoning of livestock in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, where 32 cows belonging to a local herder were reported dead under mysterious circumstances.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred in an open field along the Zawura-Jebbu Miango axis, between Dutsen Kura and Jebbu Miango, a region historically prone to ethno-farmer-herder tension.
According to military sources, the affected herder, Mr. Samaila Nuhu, reported that his animals began showing strange symptoms after grazing in the area, prompting suspicions of deliberate poisoning.
Troops under Sector 3 of OPSH, deployed to the scene following a distress call, confirmed that the cattle had already been slaughtered by the herders themselves, in a bid to salvage any usable meat. A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of suspected poisoned tomatoes and garden eggs scattered across the field. No residential structures were found nearby, raising suspicion that the poisoned produce may have been deliberately placed by unknown individuals.
In response, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander OPSH led a high-powered delegation, including the Chairman of Bassa LGA, the Divisional Police Officer, and other stakeholders, to the site for an on-the-spot assessment. The visit served to calm tensions and forestall any reprisal attacks from the affected Fulani community.
A military source told Zagazola Makama under that the, “The situation was tense but under control. Our engagement with the community, especially the leadership of the herders, was crucial. We made it clear that investigations are ongoing and justice will be pursued through the appropriate channels.”
To further defuse tensions, the military facilitated dialogue with the herders and invited their representatives to an expanded stakeholders’ meeting at the Division Headquarters scheduled for Thursday. The goal, according to insiders, is to build trust and end the cycle of violence through transparency and proactive conflict resolution.
The herders have reportedly agreed not to retaliate, citing assurances from security agencies that their grievances will be addressed. Military authorities are also exploring options to support the affected families with compensation to mitigate their losses and maintain peace in the area.
As at the time of filing this report, the area remains calm but under close surveillance. Troop morale and operational readiness were reported to be satisfactory.
The incident is the latest in a series of provocations that call attention to the fragility of peace in parts of Plateau State, and the ongoing need for coordinated civil-military interventions to de-escalate conflict triggers in rural communities.
Troops Intervene in Plateau Cow Poisoning Incident, Prevent Retaliatory Attack
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
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
Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosion, Calls for Calm, Vigilance in Worship, Public Places
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has condemned in the strongest terms the explosion that occurred in some parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.
Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, described the attack as despicable, cruel, and cowardly, targeting innocent people in the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship, as the festive period beckons.
“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane,” said Zulum.
He added, “The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.
The Governor, therefore, assured people of the state that the military and other security agencies are on top of the situation, as adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach in Maiduguri and the entire state.
He called on residents to remain calm, go about their usual activities, and report any suspicious movement or activity to security agencies.
Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosion, Calls for Calm, Vigilance in Worship, Public Places
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Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened
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