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VP Shettima Commiserates With Victims Of Military Airstrike In Sokoto
VP Shettima Commiserates With Victims Of Military Airstrike In Sokoto
- Pays condolence visit to Gov Namadi in Jigawa over demise of mother, son
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has extended deep condolences to the government and people of Sokoto State over those who lost their lives in the coordinated joint operation against the Lakurawa terrorist groups in their hideouts at Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area.
About 10 villagers were said to have lost their lives on December 25, 2024, when the military targeted a logistics base of the Lakurawa insurgent group in the Silame area of Sokoto State, leaving many others injured.
On Saturday, the Vice President extended his heartfelt sympathy to families of those mistakenly hit by the military onslaught on the terrorist group, noting that it was one of those rare sad moments when innocent civilians are caught in crossfire in the ongoing efforts to rid the country of all forms of terror.
He said, “I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the Government and people of Sokoto State, particularly families of those who lost their lives in the coordinated joint operation by the air and land components of Operation Fansan Yamma to eliminate Lakurawa terrorist groups at Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area.
“I must say we are sorry and dismayed at the civilian casualties incurred and the excruciating pain that ensues in these extremely difficult times. I call for understanding, especially when it is considered that our gallant men of the Armed Forces were fighting and paying the supreme price to protect the lives of those caught in the crossfire.
“My thoughts and prayers particularly go out to the relatives of those who perished in the tragic event. May Almighty God ease your pain and grant you the courage and patience to bear the loss.”
Senator Shettima on behalf of the military expressed regret over the incident, just as he solicited more support for the troops, noting that with useful information, the officers will maintain accuracy and precision in fishing out the terrorists from among innocent villagers they are staking their lives to protect.
He assured the people of the state of federal government’s support, vowing that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not rest on its oars until terror groups and other criminal elements are completely wiped out of the country.
“On behalf of our gallant officers, I apologize for this great loss. I urge you to continue to give our brave officers the assistance they need in carrying out their operations to ensure a safer country for all of us. We have all been impressed by the courage and dedication of our troops, and by the dignity and resilience which lies behind the determination to prevail against such monstrous evil.
“Security is not one man’s business. Together, we will surely make a difference as a people. I sincerely call for your support, especially from people in the flashpoints of the war against terror who have always helped the operations of our military.
“Let me assure you that the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is hell-bent on weeding out what is left of terror elements in the country and will stop at nothing in ensuring a peaceful Nigeria where farmers work freely in their farms and all Nigerians go about their businesses and other activities without fear of attacks from agents of death.”
Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima on Saturday led a delegation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on a condolence visit to the government and people of Jigawa State on the passing of the mother and son of the state governor, Alhaji Umar Namadi.
Within 24 hours after the passing of his mother, Hajiya Mariam Namadi, on December 25, the Governor suffered another tragedy, with the loss of his eldest son, Abdulwahab Namadi.
Senator Shettima was accompanied on the visit to Hadejia, Jigawa State, by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; some members of the National Assembly from Jigawa State and top government functionaries.
Speaking during the condolence visit, the VP noted that “death is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyone’s neck”, even as he said, “We are all from Allah, and at the train station with our baggage waiting for the train. From where? From Allah, to where, to Allah. Our bags and baggage are our deeds in this world.”
Stating the purpose of their visit to the state, VP Shettima said, “We are here on a very sad note to condole with you over the loss of the matriarch of your family and pillar of support for you and followed sadly by that of your beloved son. May Allah grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest and Aljannah Firdaus.
“May Allah also grant the family the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses,” the VP further prayed.
VP Shettima Commiserates With Victims Of Military Airstrike In Sokoto
Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 114 Battalion, in conjunction with Department of Intelligence and Analysis (DIA) operatives, have recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a cordon-and-search operation in Murubai Village, Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted on Jan. 22, followed credible intelligence regarding the presence of arms in the village.
The source said the search was carried out at the residence of one Bazoe John, who was not found during the operation. Authorities recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, which are now in the custody of the troops.
The source added that the operation comes after the earlier arrest of two suspected gunrunners, identified as Christopher Adamu and James Yangyang, at Sebos Joint in Mayo Dassa, Jalingo LGA and Tautre Village in Ardo Kola LGA on Jan. 11 and 12 respectively.
Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation
Vice chairman, 64 others released by bandits in Tsafe in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The vice chairman of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State and 64 other abducted persons have regained their freedom after a deadly ambush by bandits in the area.
The victims arrived safely in Tsafe on Tuesday, following intense efforts by security operatives and local stakeholders to secure their release.
The ambush, which occurred on Jan. 20, left a trail of destruction in Danjibga village, where a fierce gun battle broke out between the attackers and community protection forces.
During the encounter, one operative of the Community Protection Guard (CPG) and two residents were killed, while two others sustained bullet wounds.
Sources said the bandits also set ablaze four vehicles two Golf cars and two Mitsubishi Canter trucks during the attack.
Although the released victims have reunited with their families, an unspecified number of women and children are still feared to be in captivity.
The freed victims and the injured were taken to the Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau, where they are receiving medical care.
The return of the abductees was described as a moment of relief and gratitude, even as the community mourned those who lost their lives in the violence.
Meanwhile, in a related development, another attack in Bakura Local Government Area claimed the life of a 22-year-old farmer, Burhama Sani.
He was reportedly shot dead on his farm along the Bakura–Rabah road after bandits blocked the Fadamma axis and set two vehicles conveying food items ablaze.
Vice chairman, 64 others released by bandits in Tsafe in Zamfara
News
U.S. Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker Begins Strategic Foreign Visit Including Nigeria, Middle East, and Rome
U.S. Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker Begins Strategic Foreign Visit Including Nigeria, Middle East, and Rome
By: Michael Mike
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker has embarked on a week-long diplomatic mission that includes stops in Abuja, Nigeria; Muscat, Oman; Manama, Bahrain; and Rome, Italy from January 21–29, 2026, the U.S. State Department confirmed in a statement this week. 
In Nigeria, Hooker is leading the American delegation and serving as head of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group—a recently established platform aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on security and economic issues. During talks in Abuja, the delegation is expected to discuss strategies for protecting vulnerable communities, enhancing cooperation against terrorism, and expanding U.S. investment opportunities in the West African nation. 
The visit comes at a time of heightened focus on Nigeria’s internal security challenges and international efforts to support peace and stability across the region. Local and international observers have noted ongoing discussions between U.S. and Nigerian authorities on religious violence and security cooperation as part of broader diplomatic engagement. 
After concluding discussions in Nigeria, Hooker’s itinerary moves to the Gulf region, where she will lead strategic dialogues with officials in Oman and Bahrain. These talks are expected to advance cooperation on regional security, economic ties, and cultural exchange, reflecting shared interests between the United States and its partners in the Middle East. 
The final leg of the trip will take Hooker to Rome, where she will meet with counterparts from European governments and international organisations. In Italy, engagements will cover major global priorities including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, diplomatic efforts toward peace in the Middle East, and developments in Venezuela. She is also scheduled to hold meetings with senior officials from United Nations agencies based in the city—such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)—to discuss accountability and oversight of U.S.-funded assistance programs and to explore potential new agricultural trade opportunities for American producers. 
Hooker, who was appointed Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs in mid-2025, oversees key regional and bilateral policy issues and plays a central role in shaping U.S. foreign policy across multiple regions. 
Her current tour underscores Washington’s intent to reinforce diplomatic engagement across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe at a time of evolving geopolitical challenges
End
Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation
Troops ambush terrorists in Sokoto, recover six AK-47 rifles
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