The Nation Newspaper

Tag: bandits

  • Bandits crippling farming in north, says Balarabe Musa

    A reign of terror by emerging  gangs in the Northwest is massively crippling farming in the geo-political zone, former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa has said.

    A sect which the Nigerian Army identifies as Hakika is also said to be holding sway around Ngwurore in Yola South Local government  Area of Adamawa State and Toto Local Government Area of Nassarawa State, indoctrinating its members  with alleged twisted interpretations of Islam.

    Musa said the situation in the Northwest is so bad now that owners and managers of large scale farms have abandoned their investments while farm hands fear being kidnapped for ransom by bandits.

    “At the moment, here in Kaduna, once you go to your farm few kilometres outside the city, anyone can get kidnapped,” the former governor said.

    “The farms cannot do well because the owners of the farms are too afraid to go to the farms for fear of being kidnapped.

    “The risk is that you do not have to be a rich man to get abducted; even if you are one of the poor farmers who only manage to produce few bags of maize per year, you can be abducted for a ransom of N50,000 or much more.

    “In fact, we have situations around Kaduna whereby almajiri boys who go to the farm to do labourer work are being kidnapped for a ransom of N3000 per almajiri.

    “That is what is happening here now; so, the situation is terrible,” he said.

    Recalling his personal experience with bandits who rustled 100 of his cattle, the former governor lamented that law enforcement agents appear incapable of tackling the worsening criminal activities.

    “These things (kidnapping killings, banditry) do not happen only around Birni-Gwari or Zamfara. They now happen everywhere, almost throughout northern Nigeria! Almost all the big farmers are affected.

    “For instance, this cattle rustling problem, we are experiencing it in our area too; I lost about one hundred cattle. My farm is more or less in a military zone as it is only a road that separates my farm from the Command and Staff College and military barracks in Jaji, along the road from Kaduna to Zaria.

    “But still, the bandits had the confidence to come and take away my cattle. I was able to identify the bandits, the police arrested them and out of the 100 cattle stolen, four were returned to me.

    “However, one of the identified suspects is now free, in spite of the evidence against him and the fact that I collected four of my cattle from him.

    “As a matter of fact, it was the police that arrested the culprit and gave me the four cattle and yet nothing significant has happened on the matter.”

    Alhaji Balarabe Musa said it is naïve for people to assume that the prevailing security threats across the country cannot lead to some historically serious situation.

    “There is now complete breakdown of law and order in this country; the only saviour is that somehow, we can all still get food to eat, no matter what.

    “What happens when food becomes unavailable and who can correct the situation? Has the government in power proven capable of dealing with the matter? Can the situation continue like this forever? If it continues, what will it lead to?

    “It will lead to either some very decisive constitutional measures or anarchy. Anarchy itself leads to something else, including maybe, a proletarian revolution which is not a myth – it has happened elsewhere to solve some problems.

    Efforts to get the Force Public Relations Officer, Moshood Jimoh to respond to our questions on the Hakida sect were unsuccessful at press time, as he did not respond to text messages sent to him.

     

  • Seven policemen die in battle with bandits

    Spokesman condemns calls for SARS disbandment

    The police have launched a manhunt for gunmen who shot dead seven policemen on Monday night at a checkpoint in Galadimawa, Abuja.

    Galadimawa is on the way to Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The “dare devil men of the underworld” outgunned a police patrol team at a spot close to the gate of the Africa Science and Technology University, it was learnt yesterday.

    The policemen were there on a stop-and-search duty.

    The police did not state the number of the policemen in the patrol team but said not all of them were killed.

    A policeman and some members of the public were said to have been injured.

    Commissioner of Police Sadiq Bello vowed that the police would bring the killers to justice.

    Bello visited the scene yesterday.

    He said the FCT Command’s Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CCIID) was investigating the incident.

    Bello commiserated with the families of the deceased officers. He said the Command had deployed proactive security measures to protect lives and property, according to a statement by spokesman Anjuguri Manzah.

    The statement said: “The FCT Commissioner of Police has reassured members of the public that the Command has deployed proactive security measures to protect lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory.”

    Force spokesman Jimoh Moshood said:  “The attack on police personnel and killing of seven policemen in Abuja on Monday is an indication that those who are calling for the disbandment or end to SARS (Special Anti-Robbery Squad) are not doing the nation any good.

    “These are policemen that were attacked and killed by armed robbers and other bandits.

    “When you now begin to call for end to SARS, this is a living witness that police personnel die in the process of protecting Nigerians and it is important that the SARS who are the fighting arm  remain.

    “SARS is what the police is using to curb and reduce forms of robbery and criminality in the country.

    “Investigation has commenced fully into this incident and the perpetrators would be prosecuted.”

    The police also said it recorded the high number of casualties because it was a confrontation between the gunmen and the policemen.

    The roundabout where the incident took place has a police post and it is about 100 metres away from the university.

    A Police source who pleaded no to be named confirmed that “so many policemen were killed” but he refused to give the exact figure.

    Some of those injured during the gun battle are receiving treatment in an unnamed  hospital.

  • Army kills 20 armed bandits, arrests three in Zamfara

    The Troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army in the ongoing Operation (IDON RAINI Corridor II) has neutralized 20 armed bandits and arrested three others in Jambrini Village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara state.
    Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Muhammad Dole disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna Saturday evening.
    Colonel Dole said, “The troops upon receiving information from residents in the area conducted a raid on the armed bandits in there hideouts in the general area of Jambrini village,made this known in a press statement.”
    According to him: “During the raid operations several camps were destroyed and 20 bandits were neutralized. Three bandits were also arrested while some escaped with gun shot wounds.
    “The items recovered includes  Four AK 47 rifles, One F 99 – Pistol, One PTT HH Motorola handset, 111 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, five AK 47 rifle magazines, two Dane guns, Three mobile phones and one power bank.”
    While assuring that the troops remain determined and committed to frustrating banditry activities in the area of operation, Dole urged the public to continue to share credible information with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.

  • Air force begins bombardment of Zamfara bandits

    The Nigerian Air Force commenced aerial bombardments on Monday, in a joint military offensive to end the banditry in Zamfara communities.

    The Commander of the 207 Quick Response Group of the air force, Group Capt. Caleb Olayera, made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen in Gusau.

    He was speaking after taking delivery of two airplanes deployed for the operation.

    Olayera described the operation as part of a joint military operation, involving the air force, army, police and civil defence to flush out the bandits.

    The Nation reports that Zamfara in Nigeria’s northwest has seen intense banditry in recent times that has left hundreds dead and displaced thousands in various communities.

    The Federal Government has since been battling the jihadist Boko Haram group in Nigeria’s northeast in a low intensity war that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions since 2009.

    Read Also: Fed Govt to deploy 2000 special forces in Zamfara

    Olayera said that two helipads had already been constructed by the air force for the Zamfara security operation.

    “We told you that the helipads will be used as the base for our fighter jets to neutralise any group of criminals and their hideouts.

    He assured that peace would soon return to troubled communities in Zamfara with the commencement of the military operation.

    The governor of Zamfara, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, in an apparent frustration over the banditry in the state, recently   renounced his position as chief security officer of the state.

    He cited his inability to take charge of security agencies in the state to end the banditry.

    NAN

     

  • Foundation urges Boko Haram, bandits to stop killings

    A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Fatima Charity Foundation (FCF) has called on bandits and Boko Haram to sheath their swords.

    It enjoined them to stop what it called “senseless killings” of innocent souls.

    Speaking at the annual Ramadan lecture held at Mercy Hall, Magodo, FCF President Hajia Bintu-Fatima Tinubu described various killings in some parts of the country as callous and ungodly.

    Hajia Tinubu called on those behind it to fear Allah and allow peace to reign in the country.

    “What do they stand to gain in shedding blood of innocent people? They should take advantage of the month of Ramadan to repent and stop the criminal acts. Allah has blessed mankind with this holy month. It is therefore very important for us to take its advantage to seek for His forgiveness.

    “We, on our part has taken the responsibility to organise this lecture as part of our effort to re-direct the minds of our Muslims brethren to their creator and appeal to Him to solve challenges facing us individually and collectively as a country,” she said.

    On the topic of the lecture, “Redefining our ways of lives before Allah,” Hajia Tinubu, who is also the Iyalode of Lagos, said it could not have been more relevant that now, adding “looking at the social environment in our country today, is a cause for concern to all well-meaning citizens going by the degree of moral decadence and the spate of security unrest, incessant killings and all forms of breakdown of law and order. These pose a threat to the future of our dear nation.”

    The FCF President prayed to Allah to help bring the crisis to an end, saying “if it our sins that are causing these killings and crimes, may He forgive us.”

    Guest Speaker Sheikh Dr Muyideen Ajani Bello expressed optimism that the challenges facing Nigeria will come to an end if justice is returned to the polity.

    He warned Nigerian leaders to fear Allah in their dealing with the masses or face His wrath in this world and hereafter.

    Sheikh Bello enjoined the gathering to be fair in relating with their fellow human beings.

    “You should all know that one day, you will stand before Allah to give account of your activities on earth,” he said.

    Wife of Information Minister Alhaji Kudirat Lai Mohammed said redefining oneself is leaving ungodly actions for the ones loved by Allah.

    “We should observe our five daily prayers at their right time. Avoid wasteful spending during Iftar. Allah loves those who are moderate. If you obey Allah, your will live a life of ease and contentment. We should be generous and humble,” she said.

  • Troops kill 10 bandits in Adamawa

    The Nigerian Army said yesterday that 10 bandits had been killed in Numan, Adamawa State by troops who were on clearance operations in the general area.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen Texas Chukwu, said in a statement that one of the bandits was captured alive and was being interrogated by the police.

    Brig-Gen Chukwu said: “Troops conducting clearance operation in Numan general area of Adamawa State has neutralised 10 armed bandits following an encounter.

    “The ten bandits were neutralised during an operation which lasted for one hour.

    “Items recovered include 18 motorcycles, two Dane guns, one Sub Machine Gun, one double barrel, four cartridges, thirteen rounds of 7.62mm ammunition NATO special, and one cutlass.

    “Also, one of the bandits, Adamu Umar, was captured during the operation.

    “Preliminary investigation is ongoing.

    “Meanwhile, the suspect and the remains of the 10 bandits neutralized have been handed over to the Nigeria Police.

    “The general public is hereby advised once again to always report any suspicious activities to the law enforcement agents for prompt action.”

  • Troops kill 10 bandits in Adamawa

    The Nigerian Army said on Friday that 10 armed bandits have been killed in Numan, Adamawa state by troops who were on clearance operations in the general area.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen Texas Chukwu said in a statement that one of the bandits was capture alive and he is currently being interrogated by the police.

    Brig. Gen Chukwu said: “Troops conducting clearance operation in Numan  general area of Adamawa State has neutralized 10 armed bandits following an encounter.

    “The ten bandits were neutralised during an operation which lasted for one hour.

    “Items recovered include:  18 motorcycles,   two Dane guns, one Sub Machine Gun,  one double barrel,  four cartridges,  thirteen rounds of 7.62mm ammunition NATO special, and  one cutlass.

    “Also, one of the bandits, Adamu Umar was captured during the operation.

    “Preliminary investigation is ongoing meanwhile, the suspect and the remains of the 10 bandits neutralized have been handed over to the Nigeria Police.

    “The general public is hereby advised once again to always report any suspicious activities to the law enforcement agents from prompt action”.

    Read Also: Troops rescue 1,000 Boko Haram hostages

  • Troops kill 10 bandits in Adamawa

    Troops in Adamawa have killed 10 armed bandits and captured one other in an hour encounter with them in the Numan general area of the state.

    According to a statement by Brig.-Gen Texas Chukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations on Friday, the lone captured bandit and corpses of the neutralised ones had been handed over to the police.

    He named the captured suspect as Adamu Umar.

    Read Also: Troops arrest five ‘militias’, recover arms in Nasarawa

     Chukwu listed items recovered from them as 18 motorcycles, two dane guns, one sub machine gun, one double barrel, four cartridges, 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition NATO special and one cutlass.

    NAN

  • Bandits kill 45 in Kaduna

    El-Rufai: Army battalion for Birnin-Gwari

    Barely three days after Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris visited Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State over the spate of killngs, bandits at the weekend killed 45 people, including women and children.

    Condemning the attack, Governor Nasir El-Rufai said the Federal Government’s plan to establish an Army battalion in Birnin-Gwari would soon be implemented.

    During his visit, the IG ordered immediate deployment of additional 200 policemen in the area.

    The bandits stormed Gwaska village around 2:30pm on Saturday, killing 45 people and setting many houses ablaze.

    Kaduna State Police Commissioner Austin Iwar, in a telephone interview with our correspondent, confirmed the 45 casualty figure.

    The CP also confirmed that the incident occurred in Gwaska, a Birnin Gwari village close to Zamfara State.

    Members of the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, who pleaded for anonymity, said the gunmen came in from Zamfara State.

    “The armed bandits came from neighbouring Zamfara State and encircled Gwaska up to neighbouring Kuiga village, shooting sporadically,

    “Most of those killed are even women and children,” a source said.

    “We will continue to appeal to the authorities to take urgent steps to forestall further attacks and extinction of communities in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.”

    The source said many people were still missing and that the injured would be evacuated.

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, El-Rufai commiserated with Birnin Gwari Emirate over the “fatal” attack.

    He said “to contain the situation, the military will be stationing a permanent Army battalion in Birnin-Gwari”.

    El-Rufai said he was concerned by the incessant banditry  and had been engaging the Federal Government on the matter.

    Said the governor: “The Kaduna State Government has received with sadness reports of the murder of our citizens by armed bandits in Birnin Gwari. The government has sent a message of condolence to the people of Birnin Gwari Emirate.

    “Kaduna State Government is deeply committed to overcoming the unfortunate criminality and banditry being carried out against innocent citizens in Birnin Gwari Local Government.

    “The engagements between the state and federal governments have yielded results. President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a permanent battalion of the Nigerian Army in the Birnin Gwari general area.

    “The new security arrangements also involve policing. The Inspector General of Police has already announced the creation of the Birnin Gwari Police Area Command and two new Divisional Police Headquarters.

    “The State Emergency Management Agency has also been directed to provide relief materials with immediate effect to the affected communities.”

  • Updated: Again, armed bandits kill 45 in Kaduna village

    Barely three days after Inspector-General of Police (IGP), visited Birnin Gwari local government area of Kaduna, suspected bandits have invaded a community in the area, killing 47 persons, including women and children.

    Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, while condemning the attack said, he has gotten the Federal Government’s nod for establishment of a permanent Army battalion in Birnin-Gwari.

    The IGP had during his last Wednesday visit ordered immediate deployment of additional 200 police personnel to the area.

    The dare-devil armed bandits stormed Gwaska village around 2:30pm on Saturday, killing 47 persons and setting many houses ablaze.

    Members of the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance who pleaded anonymity said the gunmen came in from the neighbouring Zamfara state.

    “The armed bandits came from neighbouring Zamfara state and encircled Gwaska up to neighbouring Kuiga village shooting sporadically,

    “27 people have been killed. Most of them are even women and children.

    “We would continue to appeal to the authorities to take urgent steps to forestall further attacks and extinction of communities in Birnin Gwari local government area,” the source said.

    The source added that  many people were still missing and that arrangements were being made to evacuate those who sustained injuries during the attack.

    When contacted, Aliyu Mukhtar, spokesman of the Kaduna state police command, promised to get the details and get back,  but he had not done so as of the time this report.

    However, Governor El-Rufai in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan commiserated with the people of Birnin Gwari Emirate over the attack he described as fatal.
    He said, “to contain the situation, the military will be stationing a permanent Army battalion in Birnin-Gwari.”

    El-Rufai said, he was concerned by the incessant banditry attacks and has been engaging with the Federal Government on the matter.

    According to him, “The Kaduna State Government has received with sadness reports of the murder of our citizens by armed bandits in Birnin Gwari. The government has sent a message of condolence to the people of Birnin Gwari Emirate.”

    “Kaduna State Government is deeply committed to overcoming the unfortunate criminality and banditry being carried out against innocent citizens in Birnin Gwari local government.

    “The engagements between the state and federal governments have yielded results. President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a permanent battalion of the Nigerian Army in the Birnin Gwari general area.

    “The new security arrangements also involve policing. The Inspector General of Police has already announced the creation of the Birnin Gwari Police Area Command and two new Divisional Police Headquarters.

    “The State Emergency Management Agency, has also been directed to provide relief materials with immediate effect to the affected communities,” said the Governor.