Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers’ Informant, Recover Pistol in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 8 of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested a suspected kidnappers’ informant and recovered a pistol during an operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said the suspect, identified as Yahaya Haruna, was arrested in the early hours of June 7 at Mungi village following intelligence linking him to criminal elements operating in the area.

According to the sources, troops of Sub-Sector 81 deployed at Gyambwas carried out the operation at about 12:15 a.m. after receiving credible information on the suspect’s alleged activities.

The sources said a search conducted at the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of one pistol believed to be connected to criminal operations.

“Acting on intelligence, troops arrested the suspect and conducted a search of his house, during which one pistol was recovered,” the sources said.

They added that the suspect and the recovered weapon were taken into custody for further investigation.

Security officials said preliminary investigations were ongoing to establish the suspect’s alleged links with kidnapping syndicates and determine the source of the recovered firearm.

They noted that efforts were also being intensified to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.

The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at disrupting kidnapping networks and dismantling criminal support structures across Plateau State.

Authorities urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers’ Informant, Recover Pistol in Plateau

Mali Offers Multi-Billion CFA Rewards for Information on Wanted Terrorist Leaders

By: Zagazola Makama

The Malian government has announced financial rewards running into billions of CFA francs for information leading to the capture or neutralisation of some of the country’s most wanted terrorist leaders, as authorities intensify efforts to combat insurgency across the Sahel.

The move, approved under the leadership of military ruler Gen. Assimi Goïta, targets key figures accused of orchestrating attacks against civilians, security forces and state institutions.

According to official information reported by state media, a reward of two billion CFA francs has been placed on Iyad Ag Ghali, leader of the jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), while a reward of 1.5 billion CFA francs has been offered for information leading to the capture of Amadou Koufa, a prominent militant commander associated with Katiba Macina.

Several other leaders of armed groups operating in Mali and the wider Sahel region are also covered by the reward scheme, with varying sums attached to them.

The Malian authorities said the rewards would be paid to individuals who provide credible information leading to the location, arrest or neutralisation of the wanted suspects. Citizens were urged to cooperate with security agencies by sharing relevant intelligence.

The announcement comes amid renewed military operations against jihadist groups in northern and central Mali, where insurgents linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have continued to launch attacks despite sustained counterterrorism campaigns.

Malian authorities have vowed to continue pursuing the leaders and support networks of armed groups until they are brought to justice.

Mali Offers Multi-Billion CFA Rewards for Information on Wanted Terrorist Leaders

Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Informant linked to bandit kingpin in Kogi Operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation MESA have arrested a suspected terrorist informant during a pursuit operation in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Security sources disclosed that the arrest was made at about 11:59 p.m. on June 1 during a joint operation involving troops of the 12 Brigade and local vigilantes.

According to the sources, the troops were pursuing fleeing terrorists along a known terrorist route within the Adankolo Forest when they intercepted a suspect in the Odo Ape Forest area.

Preliminary investigations identified the suspect as a close informant to a notorious terrorist leader known as Kachallah Baccujo.

The sources said two mobile phones were recovered from the suspect during the operation.

The arrested individual was subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and necessary action.

Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Informant linked to bandit kingpin in Kogi Operation