Crime
SA on security to Niger Gov reels out mode of operation of bandits
From Naseer Mijinyawa Minna
It has been discovered that Armed bandits in Niger State usually carry out intensive initiatives on communities before launching their offensive attacks, Special adviser on security matters to the Niger State Governor, Gen(rtd) Ndagulu Abubakar Imam has indicated.
He spoke when he appeared before the Justice Danladi Ahmed Baddegi Judicial Commission of inquiry sitting in Minna.
He disclosed that 99 percent of the attacks on most of the communities were being carried out by armed bandits adding that whenever such incident occured in any of the communities, the first place to get information from is the Local Government chairman of the affected area as the chief security officer of the Local Government.
Testifying under cross examination by the counsel when he appeared before the commission, Barrister Musa Suleiman, the security adviser to Niger State Governor stated that his mandate is to advise the governor on security related issues and other matters that may pose any security threat to the state.
Equally he told the commission that his main function is to coordinate all the works of security agencies in the state whenever there is any security threat for prompt action.
Members of the Security council in the state according to the security adviser include the Governor who presides over the council meeting, commissioner of police in the state, and the director of Department of Security Services (DSS). “Other members of the security council are the Brigade commander of the Nigeria army, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) and the Commissioner for Locals Government and Cheiftancy and Internal Security who coordinates the activities of the vigilante group in the state.
He said the meeting of the council is being held monthly or weekly as the case may be adding that at times it is being presided over by the secretary to the state Government who is also a member of the council.
Continuing he said the permanent secretary cabinet and security in the Government House serves as the secretary of the council.
According to him, he at times preside over the meeting in his capacity as the security adviser whenever the need arose stating that in an emergency when any urgent security matter crops up he presides.
Speaking further, the retired military general explained that it is at the state security council meeting that some issues relating to security are always being discussed in the presence of all the security chiefs in the state.
He added that from then the next line of action would be taken collectively.
When further cross examined by the counsel on if he had any security map to identify any security risk proned area in the state, he told the commission that as a trained military officer the only map he was familiar with, was typographical map he is not aware of any security map that identifies security risk probed area in the state.
He explained to the commission that as a retired military general of the Nigeria army the typography map was the only map that they are familiar with.
“It is the only map we use to identify any of the terrains that the enemies are located for us to move in.
He maintained that the activities of armed bandits on most of the communities are carried out through offensive attacks that is usually well coordinated.
He explained further that immediately they launched their attack they will disappear in to the forest so they cannot be trace by security agencies.
He told the commission that being a fact finding panel the outcome of the commission will reveal those behind the killings in the affected communities”
He said for him, to say this or that were behind the killings will be prejudice.
He told the commission that with their permission he will make available to them some findings that will further assist them in their work.
However, the commission could not take the submission from the chairman of Mashegu local government area Alhaji Ahmed Mazakuka as some of the memorandum expected to be submitted to the commission were not completed.
At that point, the counsel representing the council chairman Barrister Musa Suleiman then requested for a date and the chairman of the commission Justice Danladi Ahmed Baddegi then adjourned the sitting to December, 29 2021.
The Chairman of Munya Local Government, Niger State, Mallam Aminu Najume, has confirmed the abduction of his Council Secretary, Mr. Daina Usman, in a Thursday night attack by bandits at his residence in Sarkin Pawa, the local government headquarters.
Najume, speaking to reporters on Friday, revealed that Usman was kidnapped alongside his wife and three other family members around 10:30 p.m. However, the Secretary managed to escape midway through the journey, while his wife and relatives remain in captivity.
As at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, no contact had been made with the victims or their abductors.
The Chairman expressed frustration over the military’s lack of response, stating that Usman’s residence is just 500 meters from a military base. Despite heavy gunfire during the attack, security forces failed to intervene.
“It is shocking and disappointing that such an attack happened so close to a military post, yet there was no response. Residents heard the gunshots, but the soldiers did nothing,” Najume lamented.
He recalled raising similar concerns in the past about security personnel failing to act during attacks in the area.
Najume attributed the resurgence of banditry in Munya to a peace deal between the Kaduna State government and armed groups, which has pushed criminals into Niger communities.
He noted that Munya shares a border with Chikun Local Government in Kaduna, from where the bandits infiltrate to wreak havoc.
He also recalled the mass abduction of over 150 people from Kuchi community in August 2024, where ₦30 million and six motorcycles were reportedly paid as ransom for their release after two months in captivity.
The latest attack has heightened fear among residents of Sarkin Pawa, who worry that the relative peace they had been enjoying may now be over.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has made significant strides in combating crime, arresting three suspects involved in a series of armed robberies and cult activities across the region.
A successful operation on Tuesday led to the apprehension of the criminals and the recovery of dangerous weapons and stolen goods.
Police Public Relations Officer
Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Timfon John in a statement indicated that the operation was prompted by a violent robbery that occurred in the early hours of the morning.
“A retired Nigerian Army Staff Sergeant reported hearing gunfire around 1:20 AM. Upon investigation, he found Kingsley Samuel, known as “Bobby,” leading a gang of armed robbers who broke into his son’s room, held him at gunpoint, and stole ₦100,000.
“The gang is believed to have been involved in another robbery on February 16, 2025, where they abducted a victim during a local ceremony in Akpautong Village. They coerced him into withdrawing ₦206,000 from an ATM and extorted an additional ₦10,000.
“A swift response by the police, following credible intelligence, led to the interception of the suspects while attempting to flee on a tricycle and motorcycles. “Three individuals were arrested, while others managed to escape into hiding.
He listed those arrested to include Saviour Ime Philip, 25, of Akpautong Village, Benjamin Joshua, 29, of Akpautong Village and Simeon Monday, 29, of Odoronkit Village
Exhibits recovered during the raid according to him in luded, Two shotguns, Eight machetes, A tricycle and a motorcycle, One generator, Assorted charms, Various food items and One television
Explaining further the statement indicated that the suspects are thought to belong to a violent gang of cultists and armed robbers responsible for terrorizing surrounding communities.
The police are continuing efforts to capture the remaining members of the gang the statement assured the public
CP Baba Mohammed Azare, the Commissioner of Police, reaffirmed the command’s dedication to eradicating criminal elements and ensuring the safety of Akwa Ibom residents.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station to further assist in maintaining peace and security.
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
In a decisive operation, the Kogi State Police Command has arrested a suspected car thief, Nnamdi Osita, aged 39, and recovered a Toyota Coaster Bus allegedly stolen from Nyanya, Abuja, over a year ago.
The cream-colored bus, bearing Registration Number GWA 488 ZD, was flagged down by operatives on Thursday, January 23, along the Abuja-Lokoja highway after intelligence reports indicated its movement in the area.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Kogi Command, SP William Ovye Aya disclosed that the arrest was a collaborative effort between the operatives of ‘B’ Division Lokoja and other security agencies.
“Our swift action underscores the commitment of the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Gajere Dantawaye, to eradicating criminal elements from Kogi State,” Aya stated.
He noted that the CP had issued a directive upon assumption of office, charging officers to strengthen security efforts and maintain a zero-tolerance policy against crime.
“The arrest and recovery are proof of our dedication to ensuring the safety of lives and property. We are working tirelessly in synergy with other security agencies to make Kogi State secure,” Aya said.
The CP also appealed to the public for their cooperation, urging them to provide credible and timely information to assist in clamping down on criminal activities across the state.
The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the circumstances surrounding the theft and determine any accomplices involved in the crime.
This operation is part of a broader effort by the Kogi State Police Command to restore public trust and bolster security within the state.
(Ends)
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