News
Wanted bandit arrested at hajj camp, four other bandit set to travel to Saudi via Abuja– sources
Wanted bandit arrested at hajj camp, four other bandit set to travel to Saudi via Abuja– sources
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives have arrested a notorious bandit, Yahaya Zango, at the Hajj Camp in Abuja while he attempted to disguise as a pilgrim preparing for this year’s pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Zango, who has been on the wanted list of security agencies for alleged involvement in banditry and kidnapping across northern Nigeria, was apprehended during routine screening of intending pilgrims.
A reliable security source Zagazola Makama on Sunday that the suspect was intercepted while trying to board a bus alongside other pilgrims headed for the airport.
The source disclosed that the arrest followed credible intelligence which prompted enhanced surveillance and internal screening within the camp.
“Upon close monitoring and verification, the suspect’s identity was uncovered, and he was immediately taken into custody without incident,” the source said.
The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation while further investigations are ongoing to unravel his network and activities.
Meanwhile, impeccable sources have alleged that at least four other individuals with suspected links to banditry are currently among those listed to travel for the 2025 Hajj through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Those named include Madele, said to be the father of notorious bandit kingpin Ado Aliero; Bello Bazamfare; and a woman believed to be the mother of another infamous bandit leader, Gwaska Dankarami. One of the four is reportedly a sibling of Ado Aliero himself.
In 2024, similar concerns were raised after 14 suspected bandits were reportedly sponsored to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Three were apprehended on their return, while one was controversially released under unclear circumstances.
Security agencies are said to be intensifying screenings and intelligence operations around this year’s pilgrimage to prevent a recurrence.
Wanted bandit arrested at hajj camp, four other bandit set to travel to Saudi via Abuja– sources
Breaking: Kanu fails to open defence, cites former counsel’s retention of case file
By: Zagazola Makama
The detained leader of the proscribed separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday failed to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu attributed his inability to present his defence to the failure of his former legal team, led by former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Kanu Agabi, to hand over his case file, preventing him from adequately preparing.
The defendant was initially slated to open his defence on Thursday but instead announced the sacking of his legal team and requested a short adjournment until Friday.
On Friday, the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), informed the court that the case was scheduled for Kanu to open his defence. When called, Kanu informed the court he could not proceed as those responsible for delivering his case file to the Department of State Services (DSS) facility, where he is being held, had failed to do so.
Kanu prayed for an adjournment until Monday, October 27, to access the case file and familiarise himself with its contents. He further stated he was expecting witnesses from the United Kingdom, the United States, Kenya, and Ethiopia, and requested an order allowing him to meet with them over the weekend for preparation.
The court granted his request, instructing the DSS to allow Kanu receive visitors on Saturday and Sunday. Justice James Omotosho adjourned the trial till October 27 for Kanu to open his defence, warning that the six days initially granted for his defence, which began on October 23, will not be extended.
Breaking: Kanu fails to open defence, cites former counsel’s retention of case file
Farmer injured in herders’ attack in Konduga
By: Zagazola Makama
A farmer has been hospitalized after sustaining severe machete wounds in an attack by suspected herders at Jakana Village, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when a group of herders reportedly led their cattle into a beans farm belonging to locals and grazed on the crops.
During an attempt by Mohammad Ali Fantami, 30, of Kadamari Lamboa bush, to drive the cattle away, one of the herders allegedly attacked him with a machete, severing his left hand and inflicting deep cuts on his neck before escaping.
The victim was evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), where he is said to be responding to treatment.
Efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend the perpetrators as investigations continue into the incident.
End
Troops repel another ISWAP ambush, recover arms, motorcycles in Magumeri
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have foiled a series of ambush attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along the Damasak–Gubio road in Magumeri axis of Borno State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the troops, who were on a fighting patrol as part of Operation Desert Sanity IV, came under fire from suspected terrorists on arrival at Binduldul.
Sources stated that the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray. Reinforcements led by the Commanding Officer of the Battalion later exploited the scene, recovering two motorcycles, one AK-47 rifle, five blankets, three praying mats, a spare motorcycle tyre and two gallons of engine oil.
The sources added that one terrorist was neutralised during the encounter.
Furthermore, at about 3:05 p.m. on the same day, while withdrawing from the area, the troops encountered another ambush involving an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack followed by heavy gunfire from ISWAP fighters near Kardio village.
The soldiers successfully repelled the assault, safely detonated another IED along their main supply route, and returned to base without any casualty.
Photographs from the operation indicated successful recovery of items and neutralisation of threats in the area.
Troops repel another ISWAP ambush, recover arms, motorcycles in Magumeri
Breaking: Kanu fails to open defence, cites former counsel’s retention of case file
Decomposed body of kidnapped man found in mining pond in Jos South
Man abducted after delivering ransom for kidnapped child in Kogi
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