Metro

Gunmen Kill Man, Burn Houses In Kwara

Published

1 week ago

June 10, 2025

Gunmen believed to be members of ‘Mahmuda’ group on Sunday attacked Karongi town in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara state, killed one person and burnt many houses in the community.

The bandits who invaded the town early in the morning reportedly killed a resident before setting some houses ablaze.

According to The PUNCH, the gunmen took advantage of the absence of the vigilantes in the community who had travelled to attend a workshop while others had travelled out to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir outside the community.

It was further gathered that the gunmen who had a field day in the community between 6am and 11am were however dislodged by the combined team of soldiers and vigilantes mobilised from the adjoining settlements in the area.

Though the police feigned ignorance of Sunday’s attack in Karongi, the Nigerian Army confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

The Emir of Yashikira Emirate in Baruten Local Government Area, Alhaji Umoru Sariki, also confirmed the incident to The PUNCH.

The Emir who spoke in a telephone conversation on Sunday night said one person was killed during the attack while many houses were burnt.

Umoru said, “Yes, the bandits from Mahmuda group struck at about 6 am on Sunday. They attacked Karongi town in my Emirate. They killed one person and burnt many houses in the community.

“They took advantage of the absence of the vigilantes who had travelled for Sallah while some had also gone for training. They invaded the town for hours, from 6 am to 11 am. We have to go to the surrounding communities in the Emirate to mobilise local vigilantes who succeeded to chase them away at about 11o’clock.”

The Emir said that “the soldiers were far away adding, that the army was stationed in Chikanda which is far away from the community.”

When contacted earlier, the Police Public Relations Office in Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said she was not aware of the attack.

She said, “I’m not aware of this incident. I will do my findings and get back to you.”

The Public Relations Officer of the 22 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Sobi, Ilorin, Lt. Stephen Nwankwo, however, confirmed the attack on Monday.

He said, “Yes, the incident happened. I’m aware. One of the vigilantes was killed while some makeshift houses were set ablaze by the gunmen. The soldiers were alerted about the incident and they went to the village. The person who was killed was one of the vigilantes who escorted the soldiers to the village.

“The bandits ran away on sighting the soldiers and escaped from the area”, the Army spokesperson said.

Metro

Police Arrests Three Masterminds Of Abuja Kidnappings

Published

3 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have arrested three notorious kidnap suspects linked to a spate of deadly abductions in Abuja and neighbouring states.

According to a statement signed by the Force PPRO, Abuja Command, SP Josephine Adeh, on Thursday, the suspects, 27 years old Ya’u Shittu from Kaduna State; 30 years old Sale Usman from Niger State; and 28 years old Ibrahim Abdullahi from Abuja, were captured during sting operations carried out between June 13 and 18, 2025, in Kaduna, Niger, and Nasarawa states by the Command’s elite Scorpion Squad.

The suspects, who have been on the Command’s wanted list, reportedly confessed to multiple kidnappings and murders, including the 2024 killing of a pastor in Mpape and the abduction of children in the same area where their father was shot dead. Police also tied them to the kidnapping of a woman for whom N10 million was paid in ransom, with each gang member pocketing N500,000.

Adeh said the breakthrough followed “credible digital reconstructive intelligence” and was led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey.

According to the police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who also doubled as the gang’s arms supplier, led officers to a hideout in Bukuru, Nasarawa State on June 18. Upon arrival, the police team was met with gunfire from other gang members, prompting a shootout.

“Abdullahi attempted to flee but was shot and rearrested. Other gang members escaped and are currently being pursued,” the statement added.

Exhibits recovered from the scene included a long knife and various charms.

FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, commended the bravery of the Scorpion Squad and reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to public safety. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security operatives.

“This is a major blow to violent crime in the FCT. We are determined to rid our communities of criminal elements,” he said.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Meanwhile, police have intensified efforts to track and arrest the fleeing members of the gang.
(PUNCH)

Metro

FG Closes Case In Alleged Terrorism Trial Against Nnamdi Kanu

Published

5 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government, on Thursday, closed its case in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in the allegations bordering on terrorism and treason.

The FG’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, announced this after the 5th prosecution witness (PW-5), identified as EEE for security reasons, was led in evidence and cross-examined by Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Awomolo told the court that after calling five witnesses in the trial, the prosecution was satisfied that from the avalanche of evidence tendered, including the broadcast of activities of the leader of the IPOB, the government had sufficiently satisfied the need to close its case.

“I therefore close the case,” the senior lawyer said.

After the announcement, the lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, informed the court that they would be opting for a no-case submission, which would be filed in due course.
(NAN)

Metro

NAF Air Strikes Destroy IED Factory, Terrorists’ Gun Trucks In Borno

Published

6 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Thursday that its fighter aircraft operating under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has destroyed an IED factory and terrorist gun trucks and eliminated dozens of fighters in Kwaltiri, within the Tumbuktu Triangle, Borno State.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations, said, “The 18 June 2025 airstrike followed intelligence reports of terrorist activity in the area.

“Surveillance confirmed the presence of an IED-making site and vehicles, which were struck in precision passes by NAF aircraft.

“The operation is a major blow to terrorists’ fighting capabilities, as the successful strikes not only disrupted their command and control as well as logistics chains but also sent shockwaves through their ranks, significantly degrading their morale and operational momentum.

“It reinforces NAF’s resolve to degrade terrorist capabilities and enhance security in the North East.”