Defence and Security

JUST-IN: Bandits Invade Defence Minister Hometown, Kill 2 Residents, Abduct 30

Published

3 weeks ago

April 26, 2024

Fear has gripped residents of Maradun town, the country home of Minister of Stat for Defence, Bello Matawalle, as bandits invaded the town in the early hours of Friday, killing two persons and abducting about 30 others.

Maradun is the headquarters of Maradun local government area of Zamfara State.

Reports indicated that the bandits attacked the town at about 2:00am and it lasted for about two hours, shooting sporadically and ranscking residents’ houses.

Abuja City Journal gathered that, although the actual number of the abducted persons was yet to be ascertained at press time, the figure was, however, put around 30, including women, children and adults given the number of homes affected.

A traditional ruler, whose house was ransacked by the bandits, expressed dismay over the high level of insecurity in the town.

“It was to my hearing the bandits burgled my palour’s door, coming towards my inner room, I managed to hide while my wives and children followed another passage and ran away to hide somewhere,” he narrated.

The traditional ruler, who don’t want his name in print, expressed concern over the rampant attacks on the town, saying even last week Friday similar attack was carried out on the town, where cattle and sheep were rustled by the bandits.

A resident of the twon, Hassan Ibrahim, lamented that the attack was terrible as bandits were stationed at different locations with sophisticated weapons.

“When I heard their movement close to my door, I crossed over to a nearby wall and ran for my dear life and luckily escaped but overheard them saying that we have all hidden,” he added.

He stressed the need for the Minister of State for Defence, who is the immediate-past governor of Zamfara State, to intervene in the security situation of his country home to avert further attacks.

Defence and Security

NSCDC Vows Enhanced School Security in Kogi Following Student Abductions

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2024

Chijioke Njoku

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has promised to put in place a strong system to protect schools and students from kidnappers in response to recent student abductions in Kogi state.

Dr. Hammed Abodunrin, Commander of the National Safe School Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC), gave this guarantee during a visit to the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara.

Expressing deep concern over the abduction of CUSTECH students by suspected bandits, Mr. Abodunrin emphasized the urgency of fortifying security measures around educational institutions to ensure the safety of students.

The recent incident at CUSTECH, where an unspecified number of students were abducted and 14 have since been rescued, underscores the pressing need for enhanced security protocols.

During his visit, Mr. Abodunrin reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to supporting the management and community of CUSTECH in their time of distress.

He emphasized the gravity of the situation and stressed the importance of solidarity and collaboration in addressing security challenges facing educational institutions.

Highlighting the establishment of the NSSRCC at the NSCDC Headquarters, Mr. Abodunrin emphasized the government’s determination to tackle the scourge of school attacks and the consequent disruption of education across Nigeria.

The NSSRCC serves as a strategic initiative aimed at proactively addressing security threats to schools and ensuring the safety of students and staff.

In emphasizing the need for proactive measures, the NSSRCC commander urged stakeholders to remain vigilant and attentive to their surroundings. He emphasized the importance of proactive security measures in preventing and mitigating the risk of future incidents.

Defence and Security

Troops Rescue 17, Boko Haram Kingpin Surrenders

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2024

Patrick Idowu

Nigerian Army troops have successfully rescued 17 individuals abducted by terrorists in the Solar General Area of Batsari Local Government Area in Katsina State. Engaging the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, the troops compelled the assailants to abandon their captives, who were subsequently returned safely to the care of Batsari Local Government officials.

The Army’s official communication on Sunday highlighted a series of successful operations across the nation, dealing significant blows to terrorist groups and resulting in the rescue of several kidnapped victims. Notably, a notorious militant identified as Alhaji Wosai, operating within Garno Village in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State, voluntarily surrendered to the troops. Wosai surrendered his AK-47 rifle along with a magazine containing two rounds of ammunition.

Additionally, troops collaborated with other security agencies and local vigilantes to rescue nine abducted students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara, Kogi State. A fierce confrontation with kidnappers’ scouts in the vicinity of Osara Forests led to the successful rescue of the students, demonstrating the superior firepower and rapid response capabilities of the troops.

In another operation in the North West, troops rescued two individuals abducted by terrorists in Danzara Village, Kanoma District, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Responding swiftly to a distress call, the troops pursued the abductors who fled and abandoned the hostages unharmed during the confrontation.

The Nigerian Army’s relentless efforts in combating terrorism and kidnapping underscore their unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all citizens. These operations exemplify the troops’ resolve in addressing the threats posed by terrorists and kidnappers, as they continue their efforts to restore peace and stability in the affected regions.

Defence and Security

More Escapees from Suleja Custodial Centre Recaptured, Minister Assures Heightened Security Measures

Published

1 week ago

May 10, 2024

Alvin Terhile

Following the escape of inmates from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre two weeks ago, more individuals have been successfully recaptured. The Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed this development during his inspection of security projects at the Medium Security Custodial facility in Kuje, Abuja, on Thursday, May 9.

In his statement, the Minister assured the public, stating, “Yes, we have recaptured a lot of people and work is actually going on. We are working with other sister agencies but the details of that, I won’t be able to disclose in front of camera for security reasons so as to avoid jeopardising the hard work of that our men in uniform are actually putting in. But Nigerians can be rest assured that it is not going to be business as usual but business unusual.”

The initial escape, which occurred on April 24, 2024, saw a total of 119 inmates fleeing from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State. However, swift action led to the re-arrest of 10 inmates on April 25, with an additional three captured later that same day. On April 29, three more fleeing inmates were successfully rearrested.