Metro

How We Raided, Kidnapped FGC Yauri Students — Bandit

Published

2 years ago

October 12, 2023

Operatives of the Police Special Tactical Squad and the Intelligence Response Team of the Department of Force Intelligence, paraded a total of 54 criminals/suspects arrested for kidnapping, armed robbery, gun running and murders, among other crimes.

The suspects include one Auwal Abdullahi, who confessed his involvement in the kidnapping of some students of Federal Government College, Yauri, in Kebbi State.

The students were subsequently taken to Dansadau forest, in Zamfara State.

“Upon his arrest, he confessed to have participated in the kidnap of the students on June 17, 2021, which he did in collaboration with one Kachala Dogogide of Dansadau forest, in Zamfara State, who happened to be the gang leader who led about 100 men to the school for the raid.”

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, while conducting the parade of the criminals, disclosed that a gang among them was apprehended and found to be in possession of fake dollars.

He said: “The gallant operatives of DFI-IRT and DFI-STS recovered 92 different firearms, 760 live ammunition, 14 exhibit vehicles, one forged document, 120 magazines, two IEDs, one suicide belt, as well as cash sums of fake currencies totaling 970,000 US dollars, which were also marked as exhibits for the prosecution of the various cases.”

Giving details of the operations, the Force PRO said, “On August 8, 2023, while acting on credible intelligence, our personnel arrested two individuals, one Abdulmalik Abdurrahman from Kano State and Umaru Musa from Kaduna State, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“The arrest was a result of their possession of a whooping 970,000 United States Dollars, which raised suspicions of counterfeiting.

“On interrogations, both individuals openly confessed involvement in a counterfeit currency scheme.

“They disclosed that they had acquired the fake U.S. dollars at the cost of 250,000 Naira each from a supplier based in Lagos State. Our operatives are closing in on their supplier as we speak.

“Similarly, the IRT executed another highly successful operation, resulting in the apprehension of five principal suspects connected with the kidnapping of a Swiss national named Diego Tanner.

“This unfortunate incident occurred on May 30, 2023, when Mr. Tanner was abducted and subsequently released after a ransom payment of 2000 euros.

“The operatives of the IRT, tirelessly working to bring criminals to justice, put to use, the Nigeria Police Force’s ICT apparatus and arrested all the five principal suspects involved in this kidnapping case earlier listed.

“This operation not only led to the apprehension of the suspects but also resulted in the recovery of critical evidence; including an iPhone 12 belonging to the victim, forged documents, fake gold-plated bars, and a single-barrel rifle.”

He continued, “In an operation on August12, 2023, operatives of the D STS received critical intelligence about banditry syndicates causing havoc in Gus and its neighboring areas in Zamfara State.

“Swift, intelligent action was taken leading to the apprehension of Jabbi Nasani and Zayyan Muhammad, who are both major suppliers of arms and ammunition to these bandits.

“During this operation, four AK-47 rifles, five AK-47 magazines, three fabricated AK-47 rifles, and 17 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered. The suspects have already been charged to court.

“Another notable operstion is the arrest of Lamido Wakili, aged 35, on the 7th of September 2023, at approximately 10am. This operation took place in Jomaku village, Karim Lamido LGA of Taraba State, and it followed credible intelligence regarding Lamido Wakili’s involvement in criminal activities.

“While Lamido Wakili has been apprehended, others involved in this case are at large.During this operation, the Police recovered 1 AK-47 rifle and sixty rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from Lamido Wakili.

“Our relentless pursuit continues as we actively seek to bring the remaining suspects to justice. Lamido Wakili will face charges in accordance with the law upon the conclusion of our comprehensive investigation.”

Continuing he said, “On September 27, 2023, at approximately 08:30am, our dedicated operatives acted swiftly based on credible intelligence and arrested Suleiman Ibrahim, popularly known as Chairman Lolo, aged 40, in Rijani village, Kaduna State.

“During this operation, the Police recovered, one AK-47 rifle bearing breach number 56360611624X16, 14 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and a distinctive blue-coloured Bajaj motorcycle.

“In another significant case, on August 24, 2023, DFI-STS operatives acted on crucial intelligence and arrested three suspects, Emmanuel Ikechukwu (50), Ibrahim Isah (40), and Bijji Ruwa (35), for their involvement in gun running, and supply of arms to bandits.

“During the operation, three brand-new pump-action guns, 107 rounds of live cartridges, and three single-barrel rifles were recovered from the suspects.

“These individuals have been operating in this illegal trade since 2021. Charges will be filed upon the conclusion of investigation.

“Also, on September 7, 2023, at approximately 10:30am, vigilant operatives of th DFI-STS received crucial intelligence that led to the apprehension of one Abdullazeez Muktar Giwa, aged 35, in Kaduna State.

“Giwa was deeply involved in car snatching trade of stolen vehicles. As a result of this operation, several stolen vehicles were recovered, which included a distinctive blue-colored Toyota Hilux van, a white Toyota Corolla with registration number MKA 483 TA, an ash colored Toyota Camry with registration number XRZ 210, and a silver coloured Toyota Corolla

“Currently, Abdullazeez Muktar Giwa is actively cooperating with investigative team, providing valuable information that will aid in the apprehension of his collaborators in these unlawful activities”.

Furthermore he said, ‘”On the evening of August 6, 2023, around 8:00pm, a Toyota Corolla was reported stolen from its original location behind the NYSC Camp in Kubwa, Abuja.

“Swiftly responding to the report, the operatives of the DFI-STS, armed with valuable intelligence, embarked on a mission to track down the stolen vehicle.

“Their investigative efforts led them to a concealed location in Ado, situated within Karu LGA of Nasarawa State, where the stolen Toyota Corolla was successfully located. Remarkably, during this operation, not only was the stolen Corolla recovered, but another vehicle, a 2014 Ford Focus, was found in the same vicinity.

“The recovered Toyota Corolla has since been returned to its rightful owner, Mrs. Bridget Ekwerugbe, bringing a sense of relief and closure to the victim. On the legal front, the suspect responsible for the theft has been arraigned in court.

“Also, on September 30, 2023, the operatives of the DFI-STS executed an operation that led to the apprehension of one Emmanuel Simon.”

Metro

JUST IN: Gospel Singer Sentenced To Death For Killing Girlfriend

Published

3 hours ago

June 26, 2025

Editor

The High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced gospel musician Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Salome Adaidu.

Justice Simon Aboki on Thursday found Ajayi guilty of culpable homicide after months of trial.

Ajayi was convicted under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which prescribes the death penalty for culpable homicide.

“The evidence before the court clearly shows that the accused intentionally caused the death of the deceased. The law is clear on this, and the punishment is death. Therefore, the accused is hereby sentenced to death by hanging,” Justice Aboki ruled.

Adaidu, 24, was a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving at Nicon Insurance in Abuja.

Ajayi was caught with Adaidu’s severed head in January.

He told Channels TV that he did not regret his action. “I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time. It’s not something I planned. It happened on that day and it happened. Not that I have the plan in mind,” Ajayi said.

“She was cheating. She hides most of the things from me most times. I got to know from her phone. I saw her chats with other guys on the phone, that was why I decided.

“I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal, that is what I thought. If you must do something to someone, you have to be reciprocal with that person.

“You have to understand what that person is going through so that you can actually put yourself in the position that the person is going through. That is why I don’t have any regrets because we were actually compatible.”

However, the victim’s elder sister, Esther Adaidu, denied that any relationship existed between Adaidu and Ajayi.

Metro

Woman Killed, Five Others Injured In Imo Market Explosion

Published

6 hours ago

June 26, 2025

Editor

A landmine has killed a market woman, Mrs Ngozi Umeh and injured five others after it detonated inside the Eke Ubaheze Market Square, Awo-Idemili in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.

The explosion occurred at 2:40 pm on Tuesday while trading activities were going on at the market, killing one woman, Mrs Ngozi Umeh, from Ubaheze village, after she stepped on a planted landmine though locals said it was two people who died from the explosion.

The Imo State police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, explained to The PUNCH, on Wednesday, that the landmine was planted by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network.

Okoye who confirmed the incident to our correspondent said Mrs Umeh was rushed immediately to the hospital where she gave up the ghost adding that the five injured persons are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

According to him, the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, upon receipt of the incident, immediately deployed operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit who swept the area for yet-to-be-identified explosives and after screening, declared the place safe.

Okoye said normal business activities had resumed under increased police surveillance.

He said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the explosion occurred when Ngozi Umeh ‘F’, a middle-aged woman from Ubaheze village, stepped on a landmine suspected to have been planted by IPOB/ESN terrorist. She was critically injured and later confirmed dead at the hospital, while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.

“Upon receipt of the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, swiftly deployed operatives of the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, tactical teams, and personnel from Orsu and Orlu Divisions to cordon off the area, evacuate victims, and sweep the market vicinity for any other planted IEDs. The area has since been declared safe, and normal activities have resumed under enhanced security surveillance.”

Meanwhile, the Imo police boss, Danjuma, has commiserated with the family of Mrs Umeh and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured victims.

He however restated the commitment of the Imo State Police Command to weed out all criminals threatening the peace of Orsu and Imo State as a whole.

The police spokesperson assured the state that adequate security measures had been put in place against a recurrence adding that they should go about their lawful activities.

Furthermore, he called on Imo people to strongly report any suspicious items, persons, or movements to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency number 08034773600.

Also, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department has been directed to commence a comprehensive investigation to unmask and apprehend the perpetrators.

Metro

20 Soldiers, Scores Of Bandits Die In Niger Clash

Published

6 hours ago

June 26, 2025

Editor

We lost 17 men, not 20 —Army

No fewer than 20 soldiers were reportedly killed by bandits, who stormed two military camps in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State on Tuesday while several others were injured.

However, an unspecified number of the bandits were gunned down by the soldiers during the gun battle that ensued.

But the army said 17 soldiers were killed in the encounter.

Seventeen corpses of the soldiers were, however, said to have been recovered from the bush while the search for the recovery of others continues.

This came as the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, at a different event, said the military was set to deploy over 800 well-trained and combat-ready special forces into operational areas to tackle a myriad of security challenges facing the nation.

Vanguard gathered that the bandits numbering over 200 rode on motorcycles and invaded two military camps in Kwanan Duse and Gulbin Boka communities in Mariga council of the state in the morning.

According to a source from the area, the bandits’ first point of call was the military camp at Kwanan Duse, where they engaged the security men in a fierce gun battle, which lasted for about four hours.

It was gathered that the chairman of the Mariga council, Abbas Adamu, immediately alerted the Military Cantonment in Kontagora for reinforcement, while the gun battle at Kwanan Duse was going on.

In a swift response, the soldiers from Kontagora took off but before their arrival at the Kwanan Dutse camp, the bandits had left for Gulbin Boka camp for another onslaught against the soldiers.

However, the soldiers engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle at Gulbin Boka camp where some of the bandits were felled by the bullets.

Adamu, who confirmed the incident said the gunmen were suspected to have invaded the state from Zamfara, through the Shadadi forest.

He said: “We got the information about their movement and we immediately alerted the Military but we did not actually know where they were heading to.

“Surprisingly, about 9:30a.m., on Tuesday, we learnt they were already attacking the soldiers at Kwanan Duse.

“The bandits did not kidnap anybody but lives were lost, shops looted at Gulbin Boka town while several cattle were rustled from the neighbouring communities.

“From all indications, the aim of the bandits was to dislodge the military from their camps and have unhindered access to some communities in the council because since the soldiers were stationed there, the bandits have been prevented from frequent attacks on the communities.”

Head of vigilante group in the area, Mallam Abubakar Sani also confirmed the incident but could not ascertain the casualty figure on the side of the bandits.

Meanwhile, the military in conjunction with the local vigilante have mobilised to Gulbin Boka forest along Kontagora-Rijau road suspected to be the hideouts of the bandits.

At press time, no official statement has been issued by either the state government or the military.

We lost 17 men —Army

Lieutenant Colonel Apolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations in a statement, said that the troops in collaboration with the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force, engaged bandits numbering over 300 in Kwanar Dutse Forest.

He said: “Sadly 17 brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter, while 10 others sustained varying degrees of injury.

“The wounded personnel have been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving treatment and are in stable condition.”

(VANGUARD)