Metro

Many Vigilante Members Killed, Others Missing As Bandits Attack Sokoto Community

Published

2 months ago

May 4, 2025

Editor

No fewer than 11 local vigilante members have been confirmed dead following a fierce gun battle with heavily armed bandits and unconfirmed numbers of vigilantes in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

According to The PUNCH, the tensed standoff between these two parties occurred on Friday, when members of the community-based vigilante group intercepted a group of about 40 bandits attempting to raid Magonho village.

The assailants, according to a local source from the community, rode on about 20 motorcycles and were heavily armed, and they reportedly opened fire after their attack was thwarted.

The source said, “Initially, it was confirmed that two vigilantes were killed in the early exchange of gunfire.

“The number rose to 11 by Saturday after security operatives recovered more bodies from the surrounding Lakurawa forest enclave, believed to be a stronghold of the armed group.”

Another eyewitness revealed that the vigilantes had mobilised quickly in response to intelligence about the bandits’ movements, managing to repel the first wave of the assault and recover some of the rustled livestock.

He said following the retreat, troops from the Forward Operating Base in Masallaci launched a pursuit operation, successfully reclaiming some of the stolen animals.

“The bandits returned to Magonho shortly after their initial retreat, and they set fire on the community’s MTN communication’ mast, and unleashed sporadic gunfire before fleeing again into the forest”

The source, however, confirmed that efforts are ongoing to retrieve the remaining corpses and locate missing vigilantes.

“Security forces, including soldiers and personnel from other agencies stationed in Binji and Racca, are coordinating a search-and-rescue operation in the dense Lakurawa forest.”

The latest attack has reignited concerns over the persistent insecurity plaguing parts of Sokoto State, particularly in its rural communities, where vigilante groups often serve as the first line of defense against criminal gangs.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Sokoto Police Command, Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the attack and the MTN mast that was set ablaze, but could not confirm the figure of the vigilantes killed at the time of filing this report.

According to him, “Yes, there was a report of attack in the area and the setting up of MTN mast in the community.

“On the number of casualties, I would have to get back to you on the figure as I cannot confirm the figure for now”

Metro

Police Arrests Three Masterminds Of Abuja Kidnappings

Published

17 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

19 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

19 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.”