News
Military bombards bandits in North-West, North-Central forests
There were strong indications on Tuesday that the military had begun the bombardment of bandits’ hideouts in the North-West, North-Central and some parts of the North-East.
Top security officials, who confided in our correspondents, said the bombardment, which started in Katsina and Benue states would soon be extended to other states in the zones.
Recall that the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Mallam Garba Shehu, in an interview with the Hausa Service of the BBC in March, said the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had ordered crackdown on bandits terrorising farmers across the country.
Also, during his interview with Arise Television on Thursday, the President said he had ordered security agents to shoot bandits carrying AK47.
In Katsina State, The PUNCH gathered that the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and the police had increased attacks on the hideouts of bandits in various parts of the state especially in Batsari, Jibia, Sabuwa, Danmusa, Safana, Matazu, Kankara, Dandume, Dutsin-ma, Kurfi and Faskari local government areas, where bandits had been kidnapping farmers and other residents.
A top security source in the state said, “We now carry out operations on identified bandits’ hideouts in the state virtually on a daily basis and at anytime.
“At times, when you see fighter jets flying, it is either we are launching an attack against bandits or we are carrying out mop up operations.”
The Special Adviser to the state Governor on Security, Mallam Ahmad Katsina, had yet to respond to the SMS sent to him after futile efforts to get him on the phone.
But when contacted, the spokesman for the police in the state, Gambo Isah, said the command was “evolving strategies to ensure that all parts of the state are safe.”
The troops of Operation Whirl Stroke had started flushing out armed herders and militias from their hideouts in Taraba, Nasarawa and Benue states.
A security official, who confided in one of our correspondents, said, “We have carried out operations in the Sankera axis (of Benue State). That is the reason farmers can return to their homes and begin farming activities.”
When asked if state government could direct the military to help in sending troops to protect farmers, the source said, “We don’t take order from the state government. What we are doing is to send troops to flash points, like in Sankera axis, farmers are already going back to their farms.”
In Sokoto State, the police have intensified patrols of villages that are prone to bandits’ attacks.
The areas include Sabon Birni, Isa, Rabah and Goronyo local government areas.
But unlike in Katsina, military has yet to begin operations aimed at flushing out bandits from the areas.
A police source stated, “What we do is a routine patrol of areas under the jurisdiction of each divisional police officer. We have sensitised the villagers to quickly send distress calls in the face of attacks.”
On its part, , the Zamfara State Police Command said it had deployed more policemen in areas that were prone to bandits’ attacks.
Speaking to one of our correspondents on the phone, the spokesperson for the command, Mohammed Shehu, said, “The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have mapped out strategies to ensure the return of farmers to their farms.”
He maintained that the command would engage the services of the repentant bandits as well as other locals who would assist in the fight against banditry.
In Kebbi State, vigilantes who were assisting in providing security suffered heavy casualties when bandits attacked some communities a few weeks ago.
As Kebbi State farmers battled problems of bandits, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and the Benue State Government on Tuesday disagreed over a military operation at a boundary between the state and Nasarawa State.
There was a report on Tuesday that military aircraft killed over 1,000 cows during multiple attacks on Fulani settlements in Keana and Doma local government areas of Nasarawa State.
According to the report, victims said the military launched the attacks between June 10 and June 13.
But on Tuesday, while the Benue State Government said no human life or cow was lost in the attack, MACBAN said 500 cows were killed.
NAF bombs killed 500 cows, 200 missing
The MACBAN Acting Chairman in Nasarawa State, Bala Dabo, in an interview with one of our correspondents, expressed concern about the military operation.
He said 500 cows were killed during the military operation in the Kuduku community of the Keana Local Government Area and some parts of the Doma Local Government Area.
He alleged that two military aircraft that were deployed in Fulani settlements threw bombs, causing the death of the cows.
The MACBAN leader said that there was a deliberate plan to send the Fulani into extinction following the anti-open grazing law passed by some states in the country.
He stated, “The anti-grazing law in Benue State is meant to force the Fulani into extinction. We appeal to the Federal Government to rise up to the challenge and salvage our people.
“There is no justification for gunships to come to Nasarawa territory and kill cows. We are peace-loving people and not troublemakers.”
“The cows are our sources of livelihood. We are in pain at the moment and we are calling for help from Nigerians. We had just returned from grazing when the aircraft came and killed them around 6pm on Sunday.
“The cows killed were between 450 and 500. Some of them got injured. There are some of the cows that ran into the bush and up till now, we are still looking for them. About 200 cows are missing at the moment. I also got information that the herdsmen controlling the cows were also affected by the bombs thrown by the military.”
But the Nasarawa State Government said the incident had not been confirmed. It assured that an investigation would be carried out to ascertain the actual cause of the issue and possibly find a lasting solution to it.
The state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dogo Shammah, who stated these in an interview with one of our correspondents on Tuesday in Lafia, said, “We heard something of that nature. We will investigate the issue to know what exactly transpired. I assure you that government will do everything possible to address the issue and restore normalcy in the affected area”
No cow, human being killed in military operation, Benue insists
But the Benue State Government denied allegations against the state Governor, Samuel Ortom, on the anti-open grazing law.
The state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Ngunan Addingi, in an interview with journalists in Makurdi on Tuesday, said the military was only carrying out operations at the boundary between Benue and Nasarawa states where terrorists had sacked and taken over communities.
She stated, “No farming activity takes place in the affected communities any longer. The military was only performing its duty of flushing out terrorists who wield AK47 and occupy the forests from where they launch attacks on innocent people.
“In the aerial surveillance carried out in border communities of Benue and Nasarawa states by Operation Whirl Stroke, no human life or cow was lost,” Addingi said.
Recall that Ortom had three weeks ago allayed the fears of people of the state. He said the aerial surveillance that would be carried out by the military in parts of the state was to flush out criminals and bandits.
Also, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, Edward Gabkwet, on Tuesday told one of our correspondents that NAF did not kill any cow. “It is a fake and unrealistic report,” Gabkwet simply said.
News
Grand Imam of Osun Presents New Olori-Ratib of Osogbo to Muslim Congregation
Grand Imam of Osun Presents New Olori-Ratib of Osogbo to Muslim Congregation
The Grand Imam of Osun State, Sheikh Musa Muhammad Rabi’i Animasaun, has officially announced and presented the newly appointed Olori-Ratib of Osogbo Land, Sheikh Imam Surajudeen Ademola Oloye-Irorun Iyalode, to the Muslim community during a special gathering at the Central Mosque, Oja-Oba, Osogbo.
The announcement, which marked a significant milestone in the religious leadership structure of Osogbo Land, came shortly after the Grand Imam formally introduced the new Olori-Ratib to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Abidemi Larooye II, during the monthly prayers of the Muslim community held at the royal palace.
Addressing a large congregation of Muslim faithful at the Central Mosque, Sheikh Animasaun described the new Olori-Ratib as a committed Islamic scholar, seasoned cleric, and a capable leader entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating and overseeing the activities of Ratib Imams across Osogbo Land.
The Grand Imam emphasized that the appointment was made after careful consideration and expressed confidence in the ability of Imam Oloye-Irorun Iyalode to provide spiritual guidance and strengthen the administration of Islamic affairs within the ancient town.
The formal presentation was greeted with enthusiasm and prayers from members of the Muslim community, who welcomed the new religious leader and pledged their support for his administration. The gathering also served as a demonstration of unity among Islamic scholars, clerics, community leaders and worshippers in Osogbo.
Speaking shortly after his presentation, the newly appointed Olori-Ratib expressed profound appreciation to the Grand Imam of Osun State, the Nahibul-Imam, the Grand Mufasir, Ratib Imams, Islamic scholars and members of the Muslim community for the confidence reposed in him.
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He assured the congregation of his commitment to preserving the values and traditions of Islamic leadership while promoting peace, unity and cooperation among Muslims in Osogbo and beyond.
According to him, his administration would focus on strengthening harmony among Islamic groups, advancing religious education and contributing to the overall growth and development of Islam across Osogbo Land and Osun State.
The event was attended by prominent Islamic scholars, clerics, community leaders and worshippers, who offered prayers for divine guidance, wisdom and success for the new Olori-Ratib as he assumes his new responsibilities.
Observers described the occasion as a landmark moment in the history of Islamic leadership in Osogbo, noting that it further reinforced the longstanding relationship between the Muslim community, traditional institutions and religious authorities in the town.
The presentation is expected to usher in a new phase of collaboration among Islamic leaders in Osogbo as efforts continue to strengthen religious activities and promote unity within the Muslim Ummah.
Grand Imam of Osun Presents New Olori-Ratib of Osogbo to Muslim Congregation
News
Recruitment: Board Releases Successful Immigration, NSCDC, Fire Service Applicants
Board Releases Successful Immigration, NSCDC, Fire Service Applicants
The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has released the list of successful candidates who participated in the November 2025 Online Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the ongoing 2024/2025 paramilitary recruitment exercise.
According to a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by the Board Secretary, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril, successful applicants across the participating agencies are now expected to proceed to the next stage of the exercise, which is physical screening and document verification.
The recruitment covers four major paramilitary agencies under the board, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
Applicants who took part in the CBT are to check their status on the official CDCFIB recruitment portal between June 15 and June 20, the Board announced.
Candidates are required to log in using the application number generated during registration to confirm whether they have been shortlisted for the next stage of the recruitment process.
Shortlisted applicants will also be required to upload their credentials and select preferred dates and venues for their physical screening and document verification exercise, in line with instructions provided on the portal.
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The Board advised all applicants to carefully follow every guideline issued on the portal to avoid mistakes that could affect their eligibility or progression in the recruitment exercise.
According to CDCFIB, successful candidates will proceed to the physical screening stage, where their documents, identity, and eligibility details will be thoroughly verified before final selection.
Officials explained that this stage is critical in determining final qualification into the various paramilitary services, as only candidates who meet all requirements will advance.
Applicants were urged to ensure that all submitted documents are authentic, accurate, and properly uploaded, warning that inconsistencies could lead to disqualification.
The CDCFIB also reiterated that the entire paramilitary recruitment exercise remains completely free of charge, warning applicants against fraudsters demanding payment at any stage of the process.
It stressed that no individual, agent, consultant, or organisation has been authorised to collect money for shortlisting, venue allocation, or final selection.
“The recruitment exercise remains absolutely free. Applicants should not pay money to anyone claiming to assist with the process,” the statement warned.
The Board further advised candidates to ignore fake messages, fraudulent links, and unofficial social media accounts spreading false recruitment information.
It emphasised that all official updates on the CDCFIB recruitment process will be communicated strictly through the official recruitment portal and approved communication channels.
Applicants were urged to rely only on verified sources to avoid falling victim to scams targeting job seekers during the recruitment exercise.
Finally, Board Secretary Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril reaffirmed CDCFIB’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, credible, and merit-based recruitment process in line with public service rules.
He added that the exercise is designed to ensure fairness across all participating agencies, including the NSCDC, Immigration Service, Fire Service, and Correctional Service.
Board Releases Successful Immigration, NSCDC, Fire Service Applicants
News
Senior Lawyers Drag NYSC to Court Over Deployment of Corps Members to Insecure States
Senior Lawyers Drag NYSC to Court Over Deployment of Corps Members to Insecure States
WARRI — Two prominent legal practitioners, Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun (SAN) and John Aikpokpo-Martins, have instituted a Fundamental Rights Enforcement action before the High Court of Delta State, Warri Judicial Division, challenging the continued deployment of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to states and communities affected by severe insecurity across Nigeria.
The suit seeks judicial intervention against what the applicants describe as the persistent posting of corps members to areas plagued by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed attacks and other forms of violent criminality, despite widespread concerns over the safety of young graduates participating in the national service scheme.
According to the applicants, the deployment of corps members to locations where lives are constantly under threat amounts to a violation of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to life, dignity of the human person, personal liberty and security.
The legal action comes amid growing public anxiety over the security of NYSC members, following several incidents in recent years involving the abduction, harassment and killing of corps members in different parts of the country.
Edun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and Aikpokpo-Martins contend that the authorities responsible for administering the NYSC scheme have a legal and constitutional duty to protect participants from foreseeable dangers. They argue that compelling or assigning corps members to regions with known security challenges exposes them to unnecessary risks and undermines the government’s obligation to safeguard citizens.
The applicants are asking the court to determine whether the continued deployment of corps members to areas designated as security flashpoints is compatible with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Nigeria’s obligations under relevant human rights instruments.
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They are also seeking orders that would compel the NYSC and other relevant government agencies to review and reform deployment policies in a manner that prioritises the safety and welfare of corps members.
Observers say the case could have far-reaching implications for the future of the NYSC scheme if the court rules in favour of the applicants. A favourable judgment may require the scheme to establish stricter security benchmarks before deploying corps members and could potentially limit postings to locations considered unsafe.
The lawsuit has already generated significant interest among stakeholders, including parents, civil society organisations and youth groups, many of whom have repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of participants in the mandatory one-year national service programme.
Security experts have also argued that the increasing wave of insecurity in parts of the country necessitates a review of policies affecting young Nigerians serving under the NYSC scheme.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the NYSC Directorate Headquarters nor relevant federal authorities had issued an official response to the suit.
The case is expected to test the extent of the government’s constitutional responsibility to protect corps members and may shape future policies regarding the deployment of young graduates under the nation’s compulsory service programme.
Senior Lawyers Drag NYSC to Court Over Deployment of Corps Members to Insecure States
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