The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Taraba

  • JUST IN: Two Taraba senators dump PDP for APC

    JUST IN: Two Taraba senators dump PDP for APC

    Two senators representing Taraba State on Wednesday officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the defections during plenary after reading letters submitted by the lawmakers.

    Read Also: Why Tinubu approved Southeast Investment Company – Shettima

    The senators, Haruna Manu and Issa Shuaibu Lau, in separate letters read by Akpabio, attributed their decision to extensive consultations, internal crises within the PDP, and their determination to better serve their constituents.

    Akpabio subsequently confirmed their defection and directed the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, to formally receive the lawmakers into the APC, a development that further reshapes the political composition of the 10th Senate.

    The defections followed the recent move by Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbu, who formally left the PDP for the APC last Saturday.

  • Troops arrest another notorious kidnap suspect in Taraba

    Troops arrest another notorious kidnap suspect in Taraba

    Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have apprehended another suspected kidnapper in Taraba.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by Lt. Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the brigade, said the suspect was arrested through a coordinated operation.

    “During a carefully coordinated operation on November 23, 2025, troops apprehended a suspect, identified as Alhaji Abubakar Bawa who is believed to be a close associate of Mr Umar Musa.

    “Umar Musa is another notorious kidnapping mastermind who was arrested by 6 Brigade troops on November 22 2025 in Wukari.

    “Preliminary investigations have established strong links between the two suspects and a wider criminal syndicate responsible for multiple kidnappings, violent attacks, and coordinated criminal activities across the Southern Taraba region,” the statement added.

    Brig. Gen. Kingsley Uwa, the Commander 6 Brigade has commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and operational precision.

    “The arrest of Bawa is a clear indication that Operation Zafin Wuta is achieving its intended objective of dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring security to affected communities.

    “This latest success reinforces the resolve of the Nigerian Army to rid Southern Taraba of all criminal threats and restore lasting peace to the area,” Uwa said.

    He urged residents to remain alert and provide credible information that will further assist security agencies in their ongoing efforts.

    (NAN)

  • Local investor to set up sugar project in Taraba

    Local investor to set up sugar project in Taraba

    The Lee Group in partnership with the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC)  have taken a significant step towards establishing a multi-million-dollar sugar production site in Taraba state, with the intent to ensure Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in sugar production.

    Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr, Kamar Bakrin who led officials of the Lee Group to the Governor of Taraba state, Agbu Kefas have appealed for collaboration and successful takeoff of sugar production by the investors, stating that NSDC’s core mandate includes developing capacity across the sectors through training, extension services, and sugarcane research, while also supporting investors in financing, feasibility studies, and land access for sugar projects.

    “Sugar is an incredibly significant socio-economic product globally, employing about 100 million people in over 120 countries, Sugar estates are often located in rural areas, they naturally drive local development without causing environmental degradation.

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq excited as Kwara Sugar Film Studios unveil maiden movie

    “Taraba State has passed all our technical and environmental suitability criteria with flying colours. We consider the state as one of the most promising locations for sugar investment in Nigeria. The Lee Group, through its subsidiary GNAAL Sugar, has also met our requirements as a credible investor with both financial strength and technical expertise,” Bakrin said.

    Speaking, the Project Director of Lee Group, Mr. Lam Wing Ki Wilkins, informed the governor of the group’s desire to set up a multi-million-dollar sugar project in the state, noting that the state possesses immense potential for agriculture and industrial growth as the proposed sugar project would significantly advance both local and national economic objectives.

    The governor assured that the state has addressed previous security challenges and is now peaceful and safe for local and foreign investments, investors should take advantage of the available opportunities, particularly in sugar production, a key focus of the state’s agricultural agenda.

    Governor Kefas identified Kurmi, Lau, and Ibi Local Government Areas as ideal for large-scale sugar cultivation and processing projects.

  • Two bandits killed in Taraba crossfire with soldiers

    Two bandits killed in Taraba crossfire with soldiers

    Troops of the Sixth Brigade Nigerian Army /Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have killed two terrorists and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

    Spokesman of the 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col Aliyu Danja, in a statement yesterday, said the troops engaged the terrorists after acting on credible intelligence that a community was about to be attacked.

    The statement read: “Acting on credible intelligence on September 15, 2025, on a planned attack on the Chanchanji community by the Bojo terrorist group, troops swiftly deployed to the area. The operation led to an armed engagement with the terrorists along the Demeva–Chanchanji road. The troops effectively neutralised one terrorist, forcing the others to retreat.

    Read Also: You are a false alarmist out to instigate anarchy, APC slams Atiku

    “In a follow-up to intercept the fleeing suspects, troops pursued them to the Demeva-Gbudu axis. This location was identified as a planned crossing point into the Ananum community in Donga Local Government Area.

    The troops engaged the remaining terrorists in a second firefight, neutralising one more”.

    According to the statement, the items recovered from the operations include: one G3 rifle, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one motorcycle.

    The Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Uwa also “urged the public to remain vigilant and to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support the ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the region”.

  • Taraba gov’s aide stabs mentally challenged teenager

    Taraba gov’s aide stabs mentally challenged teenager

    Residents of Karofi, a suburb of Jalingo, Taraba State capital were thrown into shock and confusion on Wednesday when one of the Advisers to Gov. Agbu Kefas allegedly attacked and inflicted severe knife injuries on a 19-year-old mentally challenged teenager by name Adamu.

    Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred on Wednesday morning when a security guard of a pure Water factory by name Tapawa alerted the owner of the factory, Alhaji Bello Kasimu, an aide to Gov. Kefas that he apprehended a thief who gained access to the factory.

    Bello Kasimu, who is also one of the aspirants for the forthcoming Jalingo local government elections allegedly rushed to the factory. On getting there, he allegedly brought out a sharp knife from the booth of his vehicle and began to stab Adamu , calling him a thief, and inflicting severe injuries on his body.

    Kasimu’s action was swiftly reported to the police in Karofi police outpost and a Human Rights Activist, Gambo Dauda who also resides in the area.

    Read Also: Bitget brings tokenized stocks, RWAs to Nigerian traders

    The activist, Gambo Dauda, in an interview with our correspondent said that after thorough investigation it was discovered that the victim Audu was a  lunatic known to the people of the area.

    “We received a call from people of the area around 5pm yesterday about the incident and when we went there, we met the victim (Adamu)  with injuries all over his body. We were told that it was Bello Kasim who used a knife to inflict injuries on him.

    “According to the security guard by name Tapawa, he caught Adamu in the water factory by 3am. We learnt he did not catch Adamu with anything but he tied the victim and beat him up before calling on his boss (Bello). On arrival, the boss pulled out a knife and began to stab Adamu,” Dauda narrated.

    He added that his interaction with the victim showed he was mentally challenged as his responses were uncoordinated.

    Dauda also said that the police had intervened to save the boy who is currently receiving treatment at the Police clinic in Jalingo.

    “The police outpost at Karofi was alerted of the incident and so they rescued the victim and took him to a clinic at Karofi.

    He added that at the Jalingo police Division, the victim was brought in a pool of his blood and was immediately rushed to the police clinic where he is currently receiving treatment.

    A senior police officer attached to the Jalingo police Division told our reporter that the police invited Kasim and obtained his statement but released him on bail a few minutes later.

    Efforts by our correspondent to reach the Spokesman of the Nigeria Police, Taraba State command, did not yield positive results, as all his phone were switched off as at the time of filing this report.

    Meanwhile, when contacted on phone, Alhaji Bello Kasimu told our correspondent that he should be given time to enable him respond to the allegations against his person.

    Kasimu subsequently refused to pick all phone calls put across to him by our correspondent afterwards.

    The attack on Adamu has attracted widespread condemnation from residents of Karofi were Adamu roams around the streets in both day and nights.

  • Let’s stand by ailing deputy governor, Taraba governor pleads

    Let’s stand by ailing deputy governor, Taraba governor pleads

    Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas yesterday pleaded with the people to stand by his ailing deputy Aminu Alkali, saying everything should not be about law but also humanity.

    Alkali has not been seen in the state since January when he took ill and was taken out for treatment. His absence has sent tongues waging in the state with many accusing the governor of inaction.

    Speaking for the first time about the matter at the TY Danjuma (Govt) House in Jalingo, Kefas said: “I have no hidden agenda in the way we are handling this matter. If, in the course of time and circumstances, the need arises to act according to the constitution regarding his position, I will not hesitate to do so in the right way.

    “I understand the concerns and questions, and I want to speak to you directly – not just as your governor, but as a fellow human being guided by faith, morality and conscience.

    “The constitution gives us laws to follow and we have done everything required of us under the law. But laws alone are not enough; morality and conscience must also guide our decisions.

    Read Also: Benue, Taraba, Adamawa prone to flooding in next three days – NiMet

    “Whether you are Christian, Muslim, or of another faith, one truth binds us all: God calls us to care for one another.

    Quoting from the holy books, Kefas said it was time for Tarabans to stand by the ailing deputy governor in his time of need.

    Kefas added: “In the Holy Bible, Galatians 6:2 teaches us to “bear one another’s burdens.” In the Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32) reminds us that “whoever saves one life, it is as though he has saved all mankind.”

    “Our deputy governor served this state with loyalty. Now, in his moment of need, it is our turn to stand by him.

    “Let us lift him in prayer, support his family and show that in Taraba State, leadership is about humanity before politics. But for now, our duty is clear – to care, to support and to let compassion lead us. This is not just about politics – it is about humanity.”

    The governor challenged those seeking to sack the deputy governor to go ahead, adding: “I will continue to act in full transparency”.

    Defending his frequent trips out of the state, the governor gave the assurance that he is still in charge of affairs. He also spoke about the 2027 elections.

    He stated: “I’m not a sadist, I’m well cultured. I want the people of Taraba to change from the way we are doing things. I want to state here clearly that there is nothing happening in the state that I don’t know.

    “There are people who said they are waiting for me in 2027. 2027 is in God’s hand. I am here to do the will of God, not the will of anybody. I did not shed any human blood to be a governor.”

  • Customs makes 28 seizures in Adamawa, Taraba smuggling flashpoints in three weeks

    Customs makes 28 seizures in Adamawa, Taraba smuggling flashpoints in three weeks

    The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) made 28 seizures of contraband petrol, diesel and hard drugs in smuggling flashpoints in the last three weeks

    The contrabands have the duty paid value of N33,994,900 million.

    The Adamawa/Taraba Comptroller of Customs, Controller Garbar Bashir said during a press briefing at the Area Command headquarters in Yola on Monday that the seizures were made at different smuggling flash points on different dates and times.

    He listed the seized materials as 36,435 litres of petrol and diesel packed in 1,194 25-litre Jerry cans and two 200-litres drums of petrol; 115 Jerry cans of diesel with capacity for 25 litres, 30l, and 200 litres each, all being intended to be snuggled out of the country.

    Read Also: Customs resolves glitch on B’ Odogwu, clears cargo backlog

    The locations where the contrabands were found and confiscated, according to him, are Likitaba-Gembu axis, Mubi-Sahuda axis, Malabu-Belel axis, Girei-Wuro Bokki axis, Ganye-Toungo axis, and Damare/Gurin-Fufore axis, all at frontiers of Adamawa and Taraba states.

    The Command also seized eight 200-litre drums and  35 25-litre Jerry cans of Dichlomethane, otherwise (suck and Die), which were handed over to representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

  • Troops rescue 11 hostages, recover arms in major offensive in Benue, Taraba

    Troops rescue 11 hostages, recover arms in major offensive in Benue, Taraba

    Troops of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued 11 kidnapped victims and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in a coordinated offensive across parts of Benue and Taraba States.

    A credible military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that the daring operation was conducted by troops of Sector I Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), between Saturday and Sunday.

    He added that the operation was led by the Commander, Col. KO Bukoye with aerial support from the Air Component and blocking maneuvers by Sector III in Gindin Mangoro, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba.

    According to the source, the simultaneous assault targeted criminal hideouts in Tse-Ahur and Chito general areas of Ukum Local Government of Benue.

    “The operation, which demonstrated strategic joint-force coordination, resulted in a successful engagement with suspected kidnappers.

    “Upon contact, the troops overwhelmed the adversaries with superior firepower, leading to the arrest of two suspects while others fled, abandoning both captives and weapons.

    “A follow-up search-and-rescue mission led to the recovery of 11 hostages, comprising four women and seven men. All victims received medical attention and are being processed for reunification with their families.

    “Items recovered from the criminal enclave included four FN rifles, three G3 rifles, four AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, one locally fabricated dane gun, and multiple magazines and rounds of various calibres.

    “Troops also recovered smoke canisters and fetish charms,” he said.

    The source revealed that the operation culminated in the destruction of the bandits’ camp and logistical infrastructure, thereby denying the criminals freedom of action in the region.

    He said the Force Commander OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, who was on ground to oversee the mission, commended the troops for their gallantry and tactical discipline.

    “He reaffirmed the commitment of OPWS to rooting out criminal elements in line with the strategic directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the broader vision of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    “Gara also appreciated the CDS and Service Chiefs for their continued support, noting that recent gains were due to prompt deployment of resources, effective inter-agency collaboration, and sustained operational momentum.

    “He assured that troops would maintain pressure on criminal elements and intensify efforts to restore lasting peace across Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa,” he added.

    (NAN)

  • JUST IN: Police rescue 31 kidnap victims in Edo, Taraba operations

    JUST IN: Police rescue 31 kidnap victims in Edo, Taraba operations

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully rescued 31 kidnapped victims in two coordinated operations across Edo and Taraba States.

    The operations, carried out in collaboration with local security outfits and other security agencies, reflect the Force’s intensified efforts to combat kidnapping and restore public trust in security.

    Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the first rescue took place on Friday, July 11, 2025, in Edo State, where armed men had earlier ambushed commuters along the Fugar-Agenebode Road in Etsako East Local Government Area.

    “The attack led to the tragic death of two persons and the abduction of several others.

    “Acting swiftly on intelligence, a combined team of police operatives and local security outfits launched a search-and-rescue mission in the Obe Hill area near the Ajaokuta axis.

    “The operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the bush with various degrees of gunshot wounds. Fourteen abducted persons were successfully rescued unhurt from the scene”, the Police said.

    Adejobi said security forces have intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers and bring them to justice.

    READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife in private ceremony

    In a related development in Taraba State, police operatives on Saturday, July 12, 2025, responded to a distress call around 11:45 p.m. reporting a kidnapping incident on the Wukari highway near the Federal University Wukari.

    He said; “A white Toyota bus carrying 17 passengers from Enugu to Yola, Adamawa State, had been intercepted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers. Upon arrival, the operatives, working alongside other security agencies, advanced toward the scene.

    “The suspects, sensing the presence of law enforcement, abandoned their victims and fled into the bush. All 17 passengers were rescued unhurt”.

    The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun lauded the swift and courageous efforts of the officers involved in both operations.

    He emphasized that the successful rescue missions demonstrate the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to public safety and national security.

    Egbetokun also reiterated the Force’s determination to sustain and intensify targeted operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the country.

    “These operations are a testament to our proactive stance and resolve to ensure the safety of every Nigerian. We will not relent until all criminal elements are flushed out,” he said.

    The force assured the public that similar tactical interventions will continue nationwide to restore peace and order in troubled areas.

  • NEMA distributes food items to victims of fire disasters in Taraba

    NEMA distributes food items to victims of fire disasters in Taraba

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Monday distributed relief materials to victims of fire disasters in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Taraba.

    Hajia Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, at the distribution ceremony in Jalingo, advised the beneficiaries not to sell the relief materials to merchants.

    Umar listed the LGAs as Jalingo, Lau and Zing in Taraba.

    Represented by Mr Giwa Kurutsi, Head of Search and Rescue, Yola Operations Office of the agency, she said that the relief materials were basically food items.

    She listed the items to include: rice, maize, vegetable oil, tomato paste, Maggi and salt.

    While sympathising with the victims for their losses, Umar said that the gesture was aimed at bringing succour to them rather than compensation.

    In her remark, Dr Echuse Audu, Executive Secretary, Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TASEMA) commended NEMA for coming to the aid of the victims.

    Represented by Mr Yusuf Ubandoma, Secretary of TASEMA, she said that NEMA had always given assistance to victims of disasters in the state.

    She expressed the determination of the agency to sustain the robust partnership with NEMA while appealing to the agency not to get tired with the state in its situation of need.

    “As Oliver Twist, we will still ask for more assistance from you especially now that the state is hit by many disasters.

    Read Also: NEMA takes flood prevention campaign to Bayelsa stakeholders

    “Government cannot do it alone and we are therefore, calling on well spirited individuals and corporate organisations to also assist in bringing succour to victims of these disasters in the state,” Audu pleaded.

    Mr Jetro Yakubu, one of the beneficiaries who hails from Lau LGA appreciated NEMA for the provision of relief materials to them.

    Yakubu said that the items would go a long way in cushioning the effect of the disasters on the victims.

    Also speaking, Mrs Aisha Inuwa, another beneficiary form Jalingo LGA thanked NEMA for its intervention to the victims of the fire disaster.

    Inuwa  assured that the items would not be sold out as all the victims were in need of them.

    (NAN)