DEFENCE
Troops Rescue 22 Kidnapped Victims in Zamfara, Katsina
The Nigerian Army troops of Operation Sahel Sanity fighting banditry and kidnapping in the northwest region have foiled bandits’ attacks and rescued 22 kidnapped victims.
The troops also recovered arms and ammunitions in various operations in Zamfara and Katsina States.
Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Gusau on Friday.
According to him, troops deployed at Moriki and Jangeru, responded to a distress call on Sept. 13, and folied a planned bandits’ attack on Mai-Zuma village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara.
This, he said, followed severe shoot out along Kayawa axis forcing the bandits to withdraw and abandon three motorcycles recovered by the gallant troops.
Onyeuko said on Sept. 12, troops deployed at Dandume in Katsina State rescued two young girls kidnapped by bandits on August 18, adding that the bandits abandoned the victims after a hot pursuit.He said that on Sept. 17, troops also rescued 8 kidnapped victims from suspected bandits at Fankama and Sabon Layi area in Faskari LGA of Katsina.
“Troops on patrol at Chabas Chabas, swiftly rescued a truck driver, 11 women and children, on their way to Batsari Market but blocked by suspected bandits along Shimfida – Gurbi Road in Katsina State,” he said.
The Acting Director added that troops deployed at Forward Operation Base (FOB), Dansadau arrested a suspected bandit named Bello Ibrahim riding a motorcycle on his way to Dandalla village.Onyeuko noted that the troops recovered one Pump Action rifle and three live cartridges from the suspected bandit.
“On Sept. 16, troops deployed in Faskari arrested a suspected bandits’ informant named Isah Indo while spying on troops’ location.
“Following credible information; troops deployed at Yankara arrested a suspected bandits’ collaborator named Idris Isah from Yampa village in Faskari LGA of Katsina, who is engaged in illicit activities with bandits.“Also on Sept. 16, troops deployed at Magami arrested Yaya Rabiu at Magami checkpoint, the suspect was identified to be a member of a notorious bandit gang.”
According to him, the bandits recently attacked troops location at Ruwandawa-Kwankele village in Gusau LGA of Zamfara.Onyeuko reiterated commitment of the Nigerian Army to protect lives and property, and urged the people to provide credible information on suspicious movements and persons in their communities. (NAN)
DEFENCE
NDA Alerts Kaduna Communities Ahead of Shooting Practice
The Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna has urged residents of Mando, Tsamiya, Kauya and Afaka general areas not to panic over its scheduled shooting exercise.This
This is contained in a statement issued by the NDA Public Relations Officer, Maj. Mohammed Maidawa, on Wednesday in Kaduna.
Maidawa, said the exercise is for the Army cadets of 73 and 74 Regular Courses.
The exercises, he said, are scheduled to hold from April 18 to April 20 abd from April 26 to April 27.
“The NDA assures the general public that all necessary safety measures have been put in place for the successful conduct of the exercise.
“However, the general public is advised to avoid trespassing in the general area throughout the period of the exercise,” the army said.
.(NAN)DEFENCE
Police Arrest Enugu Resident with Fake Naira Notes
The Police Command in Enugu State has arrested an Enugu resident, one Mmaduabuchi Okonkwo, 24, suspected to be in possession of, and transacting in, fake Naira notes.
A statement by the Command’s spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, said that operatives serving in Abakaliki Road Police Division, with the support of law-abiding citizens, arrested Okonkwo of Mkpologu, Emene, Enugu, at the Old IMT Bus Stop, Abakaliki Road, Enugu, on April 10.
According to him, the suspect’s arrest is sequel to his alleged possession, and transacting in, counterfeited Naira notes.
“A total of ₦40,000 suspected counterfeited one thousand denominated Naira notes were recovered from him.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect boarded a minibus from New Haven Junction to Old IMT Bus Stop, Enugu, and gave the driver one of the counterfeited notes.
“The driver, however, scrutinised and observed that the currency was fake, and quickly raised an alarm that led to the suspect’s arrest.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to having paid the sum of ₦25,000 genuine Naira notes to his cohort at large for the counterfeited Naira notes worth ₦50,000,” he said.
Ndukwe said that he further confessed to having spent ₦10,000 out of the fake notes, with the remaining ₦40,000 recovered from him.
“The suspect will be arraigned and prosecuted once investigations are concluded,” he said. (NAN)
DEFENCE
NSCDC Official Calls for Increased Vigilance to Enhance Security
Umar Mohammed, the Kwara Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Tuesday in Ibadan called for an increase in vigilance.
He said the appeal was necessary to confront the challenges of insecurity, violence and other social vices in various communities in the state.
The Commandant said the recent rise in security challenges in the state necessitated the upgrading of the police outpost to a fully operational divisional office.
p”This is in order to address insecurity more effectively.
“The establishment of the division will no doubt improve operational efficiency, thereby reducing possible threats to peaceful coexistence,” he said.
The Commandant applauded the people of Ipee community, most especially Mr Olayiwola Oyebode, Deputy Speaker of Kwara House of Assembly, for their unwavering commitment and support for the project.
He assured the community that their efforts would not go in vain.
”I promise utmost security and well-being, and the NSCDC will work tirelessly to address all your security challenges,” Mohammed said.
He urged members of the community to remain vigilant and actively support the Corps by providing credible and timely information that would enhance their operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility and everyone should play their part in keeping their community safe, by working together and sharing information promptly,” the Commandant said.
The Deputy Speaker of State House of Assembly, Mr Olayiwola Oyebode, thanked the Commandant for his cooperation and efforts in ensuring the protection of lives and properties in the community and the state in general.
He urged the Commandant to deploy additional personnel to the new division in order to increase the safety and security of the people in the community.
In his remark, the Onipe of Ipee, Oba Lawal Adebayo, expressed gratitude to the Corps for the steadfast dedication to ensuring safety in the community and urged for sustained efforts.
Oba Adebayo also thanked Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his continuous support in upholding peace and security within the state.(NAN)