Metro

Military Arrests Two Security Agents, Others Helping Terrorists

Published

2 months ago

May 2, 2025

Editor

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrest of four collaborators aiding terrorist operations in the North-East, including two personnel from the hybrid forces who had been working alongside troops to combat insurgency.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday.

He said in operations from April 26 to 29 across Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali Local Government Areas, troops intercepted four terrorist logistics suppliers, two of whom were identified as hybrid force members.

He expressed concern over the betrayal and warned commanders to sensitise their personnel against acts that could sabotage ongoing military efforts.

“In a well-coordinated operation conducted from 26 – 29 April 2025 in Bama, Kukawa and Madagali Local of Borno and Adamawa States, troops intercepted 4 terrorists’ logistics suppliers. Sadly, 2 of them were confirmed to be members of hybrid forces. Commanders are to, therefore, sensitise hybrid forces personnel to desist from colluding with or encouraging terrorists’ acts capable of sabotaging their own operations, “Kangye said.

In another operation, Kangye said troops in conjunction with hybrid forces carried out offensive operations—including fighting patrols, raids, and clearance missions—in Gwoza, Dikwa, Bama, Chibok, Gujba, Geidam, and Yunusari local government areas.

He added that several terrorists were neutralised during the operations, six kidnapped victims were rescued, and caches of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and bicycles were recovered.

In the South-South, Kangye said troops also achieved significant success in curbing oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.

He said they recovered over 86,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 72,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, and over 2,600 litres of petrol.

In addition, troops destroyed dozens of illegal refining sites and seized boats, storage tanks, tricycles, mobile phones, and seven vehicles.

“Troops recovered 86,490 litres of stolen crude oil, 72,821 litres of illegally refined AGO and 2,650 litres of PMS. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 72 crude oil cooking ovens, 41 dugout pits, 13 boats, 2 speedboats, 29 storage tanks, 47 drums and 22 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 7 vehicles. Furthermore, 18 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered, ” he said.

Kangye reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding national security and urged citizens to remain vigilant and share credible information with security agencies.

He stressed that while some operational details must remain discreet for security reasons, the military remains focused on defeating terrorism, banditry, and other criminal threats to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

He said, “The Armed Forces will continue to be guided by clear objectives: to safeguard national security, support our allies, and maintain regional stability. We recognise the importance of transparency and accountability, and we remain committed to keeping the public informed through accurate and timely updates.

“While operational security requires discretion on certain details, we remain focused in our determination to defeat terrorism, banditry and other criminalities in the country in order to ensure the safety of all Nigerians. Against this backdrop, the Armed Forces is calling on all law-abiding citizens to continue sharing credible information with our troops in order to enhance our operations.”
(PUNCH)

Metro

Police Arrests Three Masterminds Of Abuja Kidnappings

Published

5 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

8 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

8 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.”