One killed, dozens abducted as bandits launch multiple attacks in Zurmi, Bungudu LGAs in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits have carried out a series of coordinated attacks across parts of Zamfara State, killing one person and abducting several others in Zurmi and Bungudu Local Government Areas, security sources have confirmed.

In the first incident, bandits invaded Tungar Tsamiya village in Moriki District of Zurmi LGA at about 10:40 p.m. on Nov. 30, shooting dead one resident and abducting 10 others.

Security forces launched a search-and-rescue operation to locate the victims.

Barely hours later, on Monday morning, another group of bandits attacked Doguwar Gona forest in the same Moriki District.

The assailants abducted 17 men and women who were in the area fetching firewood. Security personnel are tracking the movement of the attackers with the aim of rescuing the captives.

In a separate incident in Bungudu LGA, gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles stormed Makwa village in Kurar Mota District at about 12:15 p.m. on Dec. 1 and abducted an unconfirmed number of residents.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA and police operatives, supported by local vigilante groups, have intensified efforts to rescue all abducted victims and restore calm across the affected communities.

Search operations are ongoing.

One killed, dozens abducted as bandits launch multiple attacks in Zurmi, Bungudu LGAs in Zamfara

NSA Ribadu visits Kontagora Bishop, pledges swift rescue of abducted Niger schoolchildren

By: Zagazola Makama

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday paid a sympathy visit to the Bishop of Kontagora, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, following the recent abduction of students of St. Mary Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

The NSA, who arrived Kontagora by helicopter at about noon, was accompanied by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Tony Ajayi; the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs; and senior officials from the Office of the NSA.

Ribadu and his entourage proceeded to the office of the Bishop at St. Michael Church, where they met with representatives of families of the abducted students, the school principal, and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern States, Bishop Joseph Hayap.

During the meeting, the NSA assured the community that the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted pupils and staff.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending attacks on schools and ensuring the safety of students across the country.

NSA Ribadu visits Kontagora Bishop, pledges swift rescue of abducted Niger schoolchildren

Seven Cameroonians arrested over alleged involvement in banditry near border community in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives in Benue have arrested seven foreign nationals suspected of involvement in local criminal activities in Imande-Agbatse, a border community between Nigeria and Cameroon.

Zagazola learnt that the suspects, all Cameroonians, were intercepted by youths of the community in the early hours of Monday and later handed over to security forces.

The arrested suspects were identified as Titakung Cyril Gadinga, Nuvi Clifford Babila, Foyabo Godwin Nuvi T, Doh Collins Dobgima, Basil Smith, Dama Kenneth Babila, and Dingana Emmanuel.

The youths who apprehended them accused the men of engaging in banditry and aiding criminal networks operating along the border axis.

They are currently in the custody of the State Police Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where they are undergoing profiling and investigation.

Security sources say Benue remains relatively calm, even as investigations continue to determine the level of involvement of the suspects in cross-border criminal activities.

Further updates are expected as inquiries progress.

Seven Cameroonians arrested over alleged involvement in banditry near border community in Benue