Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

A local hunters’ group has successfully rescued a kidnapped herder, Alhaji Babawuro, from captivity in Yobe State without payment of ransom, following a coordinated operation with security authorities.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the Babawuro, a resident of Kurbunga village under Shamka District of the Ngelzarma Emirate in Fune Local Government Area, was abducted at about 2:00 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2025, and taken to an unknown location.

The sources said the incident was reported to the Damagum Police Division on Nov. 30, after which the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of N50 million.

“It was the fifth time the victim had been kidnapped, apparently due to his status as a wealthy herder,” the sources said.

They explained that while negotiations were ongoing and the police were making arrangements to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor and the Emir of Ngelzarma held consultations with the Commissioner of Police.

According to the sources, it was agreed that a hunters’ group with proven expertise in kidnap rescue operations should be engaged to assist the police.

“The hunters subsequently took over negotiations, which were reduced to N7 million, while efforts were intensified to trace the kidnappers,” the sources said.

They added that the hunters traced the victim and the kidnappers to Sandi village in Gulani Local Government Area.

“At about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, the hunters stormed the hideout and successfully rescued the victim without paying any ransom,” the sources said.

During the operation, the leader of the kidnap gang, identified as Ahmadu Shuwa, also known as “Sumo,” was neutralised, while another suspect, Mohammed Bello, sustained gunshot injuries.

The sources further disclosed that two other members of the gang were arrested and have confessed to the crime.

The rescued victim, who has since reunited with his family, was treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and later reported the incident at the Damagum Police Station.

Efforts are ongoing to recover the weapons used by the kidnappers ahead of handing over the suspects and exhibits to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.

The hunters’ group were commended for their role in the successful rescue operation.

Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe

EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi

By: Zagazola Makama

The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the establishment of a new Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, as part of efforts to expand the manpower and operational capacity of the Nigerian Army.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the new Depot would complement existing Army training facilities and ensure a steady stream of well-trained personnel for deployment across the country.

Military source said the initiative is in line with the Nigerian Army’s strategic plan to enhance national security and produce combat-ready soldiers capable of addressing diverse security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and other internal threats.

The new Depot is expected to provide specialist and mission-oriented training, focusing on marksmanship, fieldcraft skills, and operational readiness. It will also incorporate measures to safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of recruits during and after their service.

The establishment of the Depot in Abakaliki follows recent efforts of the federal government to improve manpower of the Nigerian Military.

EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi

COAS charges 3,439 new Nigerian Army recruits to uphold professionalism, soldier ethos

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, on Saturday charged 3,439 newly enlisted recruits of the Nigerian Army to uphold professionalism, soldier ethos, and the core values of the service as they begin their military careers.

Speaking at the passing out parade of the Regular Recruits Intake at Depot Nigerian Army Zaria, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the event as a milestone in the Nigerian Army’s strategic drive to expand its manpower and strengthen national security.

“It is indeed gratifying to note that the Nigerian Army’s strategic goal of expanding its manpower has been given a significant boost with this passing out parade.

“For these young Nigerians, today marks the beginning of a journey of sacrifice, patriotism, and commitment to the service of our nation,” he said.

The COAS urged the recruits to take pride in joining the Army at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history, when the country faces multiple security challenges including terrorism, insurgency, and other threats to national stability.

“You are now stakeholders in the noble task of securing our fatherland. The challenges ahead are daunting, but the rigorous training you have received, coupled with the purposeful leadership you will encounter in the field, will prepare you for whatever the future holds,” he said.

Shaibu charged the recruits to exhibit warrior ethos, diligence, discipline, and professionalism as they integrate into various formations and units.

He assured that their welfare and wellbeing have been prioritized, with all necessary measures put in place to support them in and out of service.

The COAS highlighted reforms in Army training across the three depots, emphasizing the streamlining of curricula to focus on marksmanship, fieldcraft, and mission-oriented skills necessary to produce combat-ready and lethal soldiers.

He also noted that recruits would have access to specialist training to maintain operational readiness throughout their careers.

In addition, Lieutenant General Shaibu informed the recruits that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, aimed at boosting training capacity and providing more well-trained troops for deployment across the country.

He further announced that other depots, including Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, will soon hold similar passing out parades.

“Our command philosophy is to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force, capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

“Our soldiers are the core and enduring strength of the Nigerian Army, and your training and welfare remain critical to our success,” he said.

The COAS commended the commandants, staff, and instructors of Depot Zaria for producing a steady stream of well-trained manpower capable of contributing effectively to national security objectives.

He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, and the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Alhaji Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, for their steadfast support to the Nigerian Army and hosting the Depot.

Lieutenant General Shaibu concluded by congratulating the families of the recruits for supporting their decision to join the Nigerian Army and urged the soldiers to act with hope, courage, and determination.

“Always act with the hope for success and never with the fear of failure. Uphold the values and ethos of the Nigerian Army as you serve the nation,” he said.

The parade, which included full military drill, inspection, and symbolic handing over of the Nigerian Army insignia to the recruits, demonstrated the Army’s commitment to producing disciplined, professional, and combat-ready personnel capable of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

COAS charges 3,439 new Nigerian Army recruits to uphold professionalism, soldier ethos