Metro

Kidnapped Ogun Journalist Rescued After Gun Battle

Published

3 years ago

March 14, 2023

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of a journalist, Olusegun Oduneye, three days after he was kidnapped by gunmen at Mobalufon, in the Ijebu Ode area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed the development in a statement on Monday, said after the journalist was kidnapped on Thursday, the abductors contacted Oduneye’s wife the following morning and demanded N30m ransom.

The statement read, “Upon the report, the state Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba, directed the Divisional Police Officer, Obalende Divisional Headquarters, SP Murphy Salami, whose jurisdiction the incident happened, to ensure the safe rescue of the victim.

“In compliance with the CP’s directive, the DPO mobilised his detectives and embarked on a technical and intelligence-based investigation of the incident.

“Their efforts paid off when the Toyota Camry of the victim was traced to the Idimu area of Lagos, where the kidnappers were hibernating waiting for the ransom.”

Oyeyemi said on sighting the policemen, the hoodlums engaged them in a shootout which lasted for about 45 minutes, adding that the abductors abandoned the car and took to their heels after sustaining varying degrees of gunshot injury.

“The victim’s car which was soaked with the kidnappers’ blood as a result of gunshot injuries was recovered by the police team. Having realised that the game is over, the kidnappers were left with no alternative but to abandon the victim, and he was rescued unhurt,” Oyeyemi said.

The PPRO said Mba commended his men for their gallantry and professional conduct.

He appealed to members of the public, especially hospitals and traditional healers, to inform the police if anybody with a gunshot injury had been seen in their areas.

Oyeyemi also said the CP warned criminals to stay clear from the state as the command was battle-ready to take the fight to their doorsteps.

Metro

Tension As Civilian Task Force Member Opens Fire Inside Kebbi Mosque

Published

5 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

Residents of Faransi village in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State were thrown into shock after a member of the civilian Joint Task Force, popularly known as Yansakai, allegedly opened fire inside a mosque.

According to a report on Sunday by security analyst Zagazola Makama via his X handle, the incident left one youth, identified as Bawa Kiri, with gunshot injuries. His father, Kiri Nyako, reported the case to troops of 1 Brigade at Unashi.

Military sources said efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend the suspected Yansakai member behind the attack.

Meanwhile, the injured victim has been evacuated to Ribah General Hospital in Zuru Local Government Area, where he is receiving treatment.

Details of the incident remain sketchy as investigations continue.

Metro

Bandits Leader Who Allegedly Killed 34 Katsina Worshippers Seen In Peace Meeting

Published

5 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

A picture has surfaced showing Babaro, a notorious bandit leader, at a peace dialogue held on Sunday in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security analyst, Zagazola Makama shared the photo on X, noting that Babaro has been terrorising the Kankara and Malumfashi areas.

Makama said Babaro is alleged to have led the recent attack on worshippers in Mantau, Malumfashi LGA, where 32 people were killed and many others injured during Isha prayers.

The development comes as security analyst Bakatsine also confirmed on Sunday that Faskari residents and bandits agreed on a peace deal that included mutual forgiveness, unarmed entry into towns, safe farming, grazing, and the release of captives without ransom.

“Peace deal in Faskari LGA, Katsina State as residents and bandits agree on unarmed entry into town by bandits, safe farming/grazing, mutual forgiveness, captives freed without ransom. Notorious figures like Ado Aleru, Babaro and Kwashen-garwa attended,” Bakatsine wrote.

Authorities were yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, DAILY POST reports.

Metro

NAF Air Raids Kill Three Boko Haram Commanders In Borno

Published

5 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

Boko Haram fighters are reportedly in disarray following sustained airstrikes by the Nigerian military on their hideouts in Borno State.

According to a report on Sunday by security analyst, Zagazola Makama via his X handle, the air raids targeted insurgent camps in Gobara and Balangaje, near Sambisa Forest in Gwoza Local Government Area, destroying several structures.

At least three senior commanders, identified as Mustafa, Ba Bunu, and Awana Kura, were said to have been killed in the operation.

The development has heightened anxiety among fighters, women, and children in the affected enclaves. A senior commander, Modu Kunduli, was reported to have informed another top leader, Bakura (alias Weeze), that the group’s ranks were unsettled by the bombardments.

Bakura, who operates around Kwajaffa–Ngabur village in Hawul LGA, was also quoted as expressing concern after sighting Nigerian Air Force jets over Garkida and Gombi areas.

Intelligence reports further indicate that the insurgents are considering retreating to their hideouts in Ngulde, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, pending further directives from their leaders.

Security sources said troops have been placed on alert to monitor possible movement of fighters as they attempt to evade additional air raids.