Metro

Troops Kill Top Terrorists Commanders, Turji Desperate To Escape — CDS

Published

1 year ago

February 7, 2025

Editor

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, has said the relentless military onslaught against terrorists in Zamfara State has thrown notorious terrorist kingpin Bello Turji into a desperate scramble for escape.

Musa also said the elimination of two of his top commanders, Kachalla Gwammade and Kachalla Shehu on Thursday night has sent shivers down the spine of Turji.

He stated this on Friday at the closing ceremony of the CDS Joint Task Force Commanders Conference in Abuja.

“In a follow-up operation, troops advanced into Tufan and Mashima villages, further dislodging armed groups and pushing them deeper into the forest.

“In a symbolic strike against banditry, the security forces also returned to the once-cleared area of Bello Turji.

“The remaining portions of his camp, previously targeted in past offensives, were obliterated in a final suit to erase his presence from the region.

“Reports indicate that both Turji and Sani Black are now in this area desperately seeking escape routes as the pressure mounts,” he said.

The defence chief said the ongoing offensives had shown no signal of a shift in the government’s approach to tackling banditry in Zamfara and the wider Northwest.

He said that the security forces had sent a strong message to all armed groups in the country that the era of impunity was over.

“For years, bandits, terrorists and criminals have exploded the difficult terrain within our country, creating well-fortified hideouts and lodging deadly raids on communities.

“However, with the current operations gaining momentum, the tide appears to be turning as troops start their drip and air assaults continue precision strikes.

“Special forces from the land, the maritime and the air are working assiduously to ensure that we secure the entire nation,” he added.

Musa reaffirmed that the military will sustain its momentum until all terrorist factions are neutralized.

“The past three days have been filled with engaging discussions, insightful presentations, and invaluable knowledge-sharing. This conference has provided us with the opportunity to reflect on our collective efforts and the challenges ahead,” he said.

Musa said the conference provided an opportunity to generate ideas on how to ensure the effectiveness and success of all joint operations.

Some of the key takeaways, according to him, are the importance of effort, resourcefulness, and the need for the political class to show more commitment to addressing the security challenges.

“Nevertheless, as an armed force, we must foster a culture of cooperation, collaboration, and synergy among our troops.

“By breaking down barriers, sharing our resources, and leveraging on each other’s strengths, we can maximize our collective impact and achieve our shared objectives.

“Let us therefore bring the spirit of jointness back to our respective task forces and integrate it into our daily operations,” he added.

The CDS charged commanders to remain committed, dedicated, and focused in all their activities and to understand the enormity of the task ahead.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu has given them a mandate to secure Nigeria and urged them to be innovative and adapt to the changing environment.

He said the ever-evolving security landscape, requires them to continuously assess and improve their strategies, tactics, and capabilities to effectively counter the emerging threats.

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

3 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.