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Unlawful Use of Power and Shooting of Innocent Civilians by Vigilante Group in Gujba LGA
Unlawful Use of Power and Shooting of Innocent Civilians by Vigilante Group in Gujba LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
On 30th September 2024, a disturbing incident occurred in Gujba Local Government Area (LGA), Yobe State, involving members of the vigilante group assigned to protect farmlands.
A Fulani man, Ibrahim Abdul, was walking on foot toward Katarko town when he was accosted by three members of the vigilante group. Despite a search that yielded no incriminating evidence, Ibrahim Abdul was accused of being a thief and shot in the leg with a pump-action gun.
As Ibrahim cried out in pain, his shouts attracted his nearby relatives, who rushed to the scene to assist him. Tragically, the vigilantes opened fire once again, injuring four more individuals: Isa Audu (22), Ibrahim Mohammed (21), Ibrahim Buba (23), and Adamu Abdul (22). All the wounded individuals were later transported to Specialist Hospital Damaturu for urgent medical attention.
While at the hospital, a relative of the wounded, Adamu Buba, who was not involved in the incident but had come to support his injured family members, was arrested by officers of the Police Crack Squad under the command of CSP Mai Baba. Buba was detained without any clear reason, raising concerns about the abuse of power by law enforcement in collaboration with vigilante groups.
There have been numerous reports of human rights abuses in the area surrounding Ngirbuwa, Goniri, Dadingel, and Gotala Gotumba villages, all within Gujba LGA. The vigilante group, led by Idris Commander, has been accused of conspiring with the Police Crack Squad in Damaturu to extort the local Fulani herders. Allegedly, herders are often falsely accused of cattle rustling or theft and are extorted for millions of Naira.
The vigilante group’s actions appear to have the backing of high-ranking officials, including the Governor’s Special Security Adviser, Brigadier General Abdul Salam (Rtd). This connection has raised concerns about impunity and a lack of accountability in addressing the ongoing violations of the rights of local communities.
The affected individuals and their families are calling for an immediate investigation into the unlawful actions of both the vigilante group and the police unit involved. They also demand that justice be served, and measures taken to prevent further exploitation and violence against innocent civilians in the region.
Unlawful Use of Power and Shooting of Innocent Civilians by Vigilante Group in Gujba LGA
Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Zamfara says its operatives have recovered 15 cows rustled by armed bandits during an attack on Gidan Kwagiri village in Damba District of Gusau Local Government Area.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 15 when the bandits invaded the community and carted away cows and sheep belonging to residents.
According to the sources, upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Damba Division mobilised personnel alongside patrol teams from the Department of Operations to pursue the attackers.
The team was said to have successfully recovered 15 cows, which were subsequently handed over to their owners.
Efforts, however, are ongoing to track down the suspects and recover the remaining rustled animals, while security patrols have been intensified in the area to forestall further attacks.
Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE have arrested suspects linked to cattle rustling in Benue State, following two separate security incidents in Guma Local Government Area.
Security sources said that on Feb. 15, troops responded to an attack on herders at Amua Village, located between Daudu and Umenger/Ukpiam. The attack left one herder dead, while another sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to Keana in neighbouring Nasarawa State for urgent medical attention. The remains of the deceased were handed over to community representatives for burial according to local customs.
In a related operation on the same day, troops stationed at Ukpiam acted on intelligence provided by vigilant youths concerning suspected cattle rustling. The troops arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Terngu Aondohemba, who reportedly confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders. He also implicated two accomplices, Akpehe and Ashinge, who are still at large.
Further investigation led security operatives to Korje Village in Daudu, where Mrs. Mercy Onban, wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat, was apprehended along with the recovered meat exhibits. Both suspects remain in custody pending further investigation.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, condemned the attacks and criminality, affirming the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to halting killings and cattle rustling in the Joint Operations Area.
He urged community leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence sharing is critical to restoring lasting peace. Major General Gara also reassured law-abiding residents of the strong resolve of the Joint Task Force to protect lives and property across the region.
Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue
Federal Government arraigns Nasir El-Rufai over alleged phone interception
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Government has charged former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents showed that El-Rufai, 65, appeared as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme on Feb. 13, 2026, where he reportedly admitted to involvement in the interception and to knowing individuals who carried out the act without reporting them to security agencies.
The charges, filed under TABU DET CR/99/2026, include: Count One, Allegedly admitting during the television interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, contrary to Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two, Allegedly stating that he knew individuals who unlawfully intercepted the same communications but failed to report them, in violation of Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. Count Three, Allegedly using technical systems to compromise public safety and national security, and instilling apprehension among Nigerians, in breach of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The case, filed by a team of Federal Government lawyers led by ME Ernest, OM Owan, UM Bulla, CS Eze, and VE G. Orubor, is set to proceed with investigations and trial proceedings.
Authorities said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the accused will be required to respond to the charges.
The trial is expected to attract significant public attention given the high-profile nature of the accused and the sensitive security issues involved.
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