Boko Haram Fighter Surrenders with AK-47, 26 Rounds in Borno

By Zagazola Makama

A 23-year-old suspected Boko Haram fighter, identified as Ali Saidiq, has surrendered to troops in Borno State with an AK-47 rifle and 26 rounds of ammunition, as sustained military pressure continues to weaken terrorist networks in the Lake Chad region.

Saidiq, a native of Garere in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, surrendered at about 4:45 p.m. on August 20 during a stop-and-search operation conducted by troops of 196 Amphibious Battalion and the Nigerian Army Brigade Lake Chad at Kwatan Alkama checkpoint.

According to sources the suspect voluntarily surrendered one AK-47 rifle, with registration number 02657, and one magazine loaded with 26 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition.

Preliminary investigation indicated that Saidiq decided to surrender following sustained military pressure against terrorist elements in the area and after losing interest in continuing with terrorist activities.

Security sources said his surrender represents another indication of the impact of intensified military operations on the operational capacity and morale of terrorist fighters operating in the Lake Chad axis.

The suspect is currently in military custody for profiling and further investigation to establish his role within the terrorist group, his operational history and possible links to other members of the network.

The development comes amid continued efforts by Nigerian troops to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement, disrupt their logistics and encourage fighters who are willing to abandon terrorism to surrender.

The military has continued to combine offensive operations with intelligence-led security measures, including stop-and-search activities, aimed at intercepting terrorists and recovering weapons before they can be used against troops or civilians.

The surrendered rifle and ammunition have been secured as part of the ongoing investigation.

Boko Haram Fighter Surrenders with AK-47, 26 Rounds in Borno

Police Arrest Two Suspected One-Chance Robbery Syndicate Members in Lagos

By Zagazola Makama

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a “one-chance” robbery syndicate over the alleged theft of a commercial tricycle in the Ojo area of the state.

The suspects, identified as Emeka Obi, 51, from Enugu State, and John Eze, 54, from Anambra State, were arrested at about 7 a.m. on Aug. 17 in the Iyana-Iba area of Ojo.

The suspects allegedly hired a tricycle belonging to a man identified as Ekene on Aug. 16, claiming they needed transportation to a hospital where their wife had delivered a newborn baby.

However, during the journey, the suspects allegedly stopped at a beer parlour around Kila Bus Stop, Ejigbo, where they took alcohol.

The report said the suspects subsequently asked the tricycle rider to purchase cigarettes.

While the rider was away, the suspects allegedly laced his drink with an unidentified substance.

The rider reportedly became unconscious and, upon regaining consciousness, discovered that his tricycle, with registration number KTU-334-QS, had been taken.

Following police investigation, the two suspects were arrested and the stolen tricycle was recovered and registered as an exhibit.

The suspects remain in police custody as investigation continues to establish their alleged roles and determine whether they are linked to other “one-chance” robbery incidents in Lagos.

Police Arrest Two Suspected One-Chance Robbery Syndicate Members in Lagos

Troops Arrest Suspected Bandits’ Informant in Katsina

By Zagazola Makama

KATSINA — Troops have arrested an 18-year-old suspected informant for armed bandits after he was found allegedly gathering information on the deployment and capabilities of security forces in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The arrest followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed bandits around the Katsina-Kano border, prompting troops to maintain blocking positions and surveillance across their area of responsibility.

According to a Special Situation Report obtained by Zagazola Makama, locals in Tsaure alerted troops at about 10:25 a.m. on Aug. 19 after observing a suspicious young man identified as Sa’adu Sama, from Girtaji village in Musawa LGA.

The suspect was reportedly seen loitering around the community and asking children questions about the deployment of troops, including their strength, vehicles, motorcycles and equipment.

The children quickly reported the suspicious activity to community elders, who subsequently alerted troops of the Forward Operating Base in Tsaure.

The troops immediately moved in and arrested the suspect.

Security sources said the suspect was subsequently moved to the Brigade Headquarters for further interrogation and investigation.

The arrest highlights the importance of community vigilance and timely information-sharing between residents and security forces in disrupting criminal networks and preventing bandit attacks.

The security situation around the Forward Operating Bases and Joint Task Force locations was described as calm, while troops continued monitoring activities in the area.

The morale and fighting spirit of the troops were also reported to remain high.

Troops Arrest Suspected Bandits’ Informant in Katsina