Armed bandits have kidnapped the wife and daughter of the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Patigi Local Government, Kwara State.

Alhaji Muhammad Swasun’s family were abducted late Sunday night in Sakpefu community.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers stormed the area around 11 p.m., with sporadic shootings apparently to scare off “uninvited” guests, before heading to the chairman’s residence.

READ ALSO:Police Arrest Man For Allegedly Dismembering Pregnant Sister-in-law In Kwara

The assailants reportedly forced their way inside and whisked away his wife, Hajia Fatima, and daughter, Amina.

Local vigilantes, who arrived late, were said to have mobilised in search of the victims, but no report of any rescue as at when filing this report.

Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under the ”Operation Fasan Yamma” have neutralised 23 terrorists and rescued 23 kidnapped victims in Katsina State.

A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria that the successes were recorded in a fierce encounter on Saturday.

The source said troops made contact with terrorists at Pauwa village in the Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State and, with support from the air and artillery components, killed about 23 terrorists.

The source added that troops rescued 23 kidnapped victims, made up of 12 women and 11 children. Motorcycles, spare parts, lubricants, farm machinery, and foodstuffs recovered from the terrorists were destroyed.

READ ALSO:NAF Kills 35 Terrorists In Border Airstrikes Near Cameroon

In the Northeast, he said that four family members of ISWAP/JAS terrorists—two adult females and two children—surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion in the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.

The source also said that troops apprehended a suspected terrorist logistics supplier in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno with a mobile phone, wristwatch, and ₦55,000 in his possession.

According to him, five other suspects linked to theft and drug peddling were apprehended during a raid at Muva village in Adamawa.

“In a separate operation, troops of Forward Operating Base Malumfashi in Katsina rescued three kidnapped victims at Shaiskawa village, Matazu Local Government Area, after engaging the terrorists in a firefight.

READ ALSO:How Terrorist Leader, Abubakar Abba, Was arrested – Niger Govt

“Elsewhere, under Operation MESA, three suspected criminals notorious for phone snatching around Dei-Dei, Dakwa and Zuba in the Federal Capital Territory were arrested with four mobile phones and a smartwatch,” he said.

The source further revealed that troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN mediated in a farmer-herder clash in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau to avert escalation.

He said the army would sustain pressure on terrorists and criminals until peace is restored, while urging the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.

READ ALSO:Troops Kill 10 Terrorists Near Nigeria, Cameroon Border

The operation “Fasan Yamma,” which literally means “Salvage the West”, is a major joint Nigerian military operation launched to combat banditry and terrorism in the country’s Northwest region, including states like Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger.

It was established by the Defence Headquarters in late 2024 by collapsing previous operations, such as Operation ‘Hadarin Daji’ and Whirl Punch, in a single theatre to improve coordination and effectiveness in fighting organised criminal networks.
(NAN)

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring order on major roads.

This is as the state enforcement team dislodged illegal street traders at 2nd Rainbow Junction, inward Mile 2.

In a video shared by the Commissioner on X on Monday, enforcement officers were seen clearing traders whose activities had obstructed traffic flow, endangered pedestrians, and littered the environment.

Wahab, in his statement, described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to keep Lagos roads safe and clean.

READ ALSO:Three Killed In Lagos Masquerader Festival Clash

“Our enforcement team is currently dislodging illegal street traders constituting nuisance at 2nd Rainbow Junction, inward Mile 2. These activities obstruct traffic flow, endanger pedestrians, and litter the environment,” he said.

He stressed that the government would not relent in its drive to ensure a sustainable urban environment.

“We remain committed to keeping our roads safe, clean, and free of all forms of environmental infractions,” Wahab added.

The Lagos State Government has in recent months intensified enforcement against street trading and other environmental infractions, insisting that the actions are necessary to safeguard lives, reduce congestion, and promote a cleaner city.