DHQ reveals how train attack victims were rescued – Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

DHQ reveals how train attack victims were rescued

Published

2 years ago

on

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed how the remaining 23 hostages of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack were released.

It said the victims, who were abducted on March 28, were rescued through a non-kinetic operation by the Nigerian Armed Forces, in conjunction with the security agencies in the country, on Wednesday.

The Director, Defence Media Operation (DMO), Major General Musa Danmadami, who made the disclosure, however, refused to give details on the rescue operations.

Gen Danmadami spoke at the biweekly media briefing on updates of military operations conducted between September 22- October 6, 2022, while responding to questions from journalists on how the hostages regained their freedom.

The DMO spokesman said: “Wanting to know details is not the issue for now. The important thing is that these people have been held captive for six months and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in collaboration with other security agencies, through the committee that was set up by the President and Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, secured their release.

READ ALSO:

“When it comes to operations, we normally tell you there are kinetic and non-kinetic operations. This is part of the non-kinetic operation that was conducted. We already know the trauma that the abductees and their family members went through. Giving you more details will subject them and their families to more trauma.”

Speaking on military operations conducted within the period under review, Danmadami said troops conducted several ambushes, clearance operations, fighting patrols, cordon and search, as well as kinetic and non-kinetic operations in the various theatres of operations that yielded tremendous successes.

He said two abducted Chibok school girls, Yana Pogu and Rejoice Senki, with their children, alongside 12 other abducted victims were rescued at Bula Davo village in Bama Local Government Area and Kawur village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

He further stated that another 418 suspected repentant terrorists, who claimed to have lost interest in the Boko Haram ideology surrendered to troops at different locations with their families. He listed the surrendered terrorists to include 44 adults males, 135 adult females and 239 children.

Danmadami added that 29 Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province logistics suppliers were arrested by soldiers who also nabbed suspected terrorists ammo technician at Gorom village in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State, with 300 empty cases of ammo suspected to be used for fabricating 7.62mm specials, while six terrorists informant and collaborators, including a foreigner were arrested at different locations.

Giving an update of military operations conducted within the period under review, Gen Danmadami said: “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East Zone have sustained operational activities in their general area, as they conducted operational activities in villages, mountains, towns and cities. Between September 22 to October 4, 2022, troops conducted ambushes, clearance operations, fighting patrols and cordon and search as well as other operations at different locations in Biu, Damboa, Kaga, Kukawa and Gubio Local Government Areas, all in Borno State.

“During the operations, troops arrested 29 Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province logistics suppliers. Items recovered from the Boko Haram include 50 big bags of dry fish, two big sacks of fried meat, 55 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit, one big bag of coal, 13 bags of breads, one bag of salt, one bag of beans, five cartons of detergent, three packs of batteries, 50 leathers of mosquito coil, 10 mobile phones, four vehicles, one bicycle and the a total sum of N2,479,740.00, as well as other sundry items.”

Related Topics:
Advertisement

metro

Adeleke presents staff of office to new Owa-Obokun amid protest

Published

2 hours ago

on

December 29, 2024

By

Oba Adesuyi Haastrup

Adeleke presents staff of office to new Owa-Obokun amid protest

ILESA — Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Sunday presented the staff of office to Oba Adesuyi Haastrup as the 41st Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland in a ceremony marked by mixed reactions.

Oba Haastrup’s selection follows the passing of the 40th Owa-Obokun, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, in September, after which the mourning period and succession process commenced. Last Friday, Prince Haastrup of the Bilaro Olu-Odo ruling house was elected by the Ijesa kingmakers and subsequently approved as the new monarch despite an existing court injunction restraining stakeholders from proceeding with the selection process.

At the installation ceremony, Governor Adeleke urged the new monarch to foster unity among Ijesa people and leverage his experience and connections for the development of Ijesaland and Osun State.

“Kabiyesi, now that the time of competition is over and you have become the father of all, I urge you to rally all citizens of Ijesaland for the development of the area and the State at large,” Adeleke said.

He emphasized the importance of collective efforts, stating, “There is much work to be done, and the Government alone cannot bear the responsibility. I call on all Ijesa sons and daughters to prioritise the development of our fatherland. Our administration is intensifying developmental efforts across the state, including Ijesaland.”

READ ALSO:

The selection and installation of Oba Haastrup were met with opposition from two royal families, Ofokutu and Fajemisin, within the Bilaro Olu-Odo ruling house.

In a statement signed by Prince Adetoyese Adegbohungbe, Secretary of the Ofokutu royal family, the process was described as a desecration of Ijesa traditions.

“We have witnessed not just compromise but the desecration of the noble tradition of the Ijesa, with the blatant disregard for the most sacred tradition, which is the selection of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland,” the statement read.

The family expressed shock at the selection, citing a pending court case, and accused stakeholders of undermining due process.

The Fajemisin family also condemned the process, describing it as flawed and unlawful. In a statement by Olufemi Fajemisin, the family rejected Oba Haastrup’s selection and demanded a transparent process that respects Ijesa customs.

“We categorically reject the purported elected Owa and demand a transparent, lawful process that honours our customs and traditions,” the statement said.

Both families have vowed to pursue legal action, dissociating themselves from the new monarch and alleging imposition in violation of tradition. They pledged to defend the rights of the Ijesa people and restore the integrity of their heritage.

As the controversy unfolds, the installation has spotlighted the delicate balance between tradition, legality, and governance in the selection of traditional rulers in Nigeria.

 

Adeleke presents staff of office to new Owa-Obokun amid protest

Continue Reading

metro

Paris-bound businessman excretes 74 wraps of heroin, cocaine at Abuja airport

Published

2 hours ago

on

December 29, 2024

By

Paris-bound businessman excretes 74 wraps of heroin, cocaine at Abuja airport

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), have arrested a 48-year-old businessman, Orizu Ifeanyi Arthur for ingesting 74 wraps of heroin and cocaine.

Mr Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesman, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Babafemi said that Orizu was intercepted while attempting to board an Air France flight 844 from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, (NAIA) Abuja to Paris, France.

He said that the suspect was arrested at the boarding gate of the Abuja airport on Sunday, Dec. 22 during the outward clearance of passengers on Air France.

READ ALSO:

“When he was pulled aside for a body scan, he turned down the request claiming his medical condition won’t allow him.

“He was thereafter taken into custody for excretion observation during which he excreted a total of 74 wraps of the Class A drugs over a period of seven days.

“In his statement, Orizu claimed he owns a shop at Balogun market, Lagos Island where he sells school and travel bags, adding that he was promised 3,000 Euros upon successful delivery of the consignment in Paris.

“He left his base in Lagos for the Abuja airport to connect his Air France flight to Paris, hoping to escape detection,” he said.

Paris-bound businessman excretes 74 wraps of heroin, cocaine at Abuja airport

Continue Reading

metro

Police rescue 13 kidnap victims, arrest five suspected robbers

Published

3 hours ago

on

December 29, 2024

By

Police rescue 13 kidnap victims, arrest five suspected robbers

Police Rescue 13 Kidnap Victims in Lagos and Kwara

In the past week, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) successfully rescued 13 individuals who had been abducted and held for ransom in Lagos and Kwara states.

The operation underscored the police’s commitment to combating kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities nationwide.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relation Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “In a determined effort to sustain the fight against  kidnapping, armed robbery, and other forms of criminality across the country, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have further intensified and reinvigorated their strategies, resulting in the successful rescue of numerous victims and the apprehension of several suspects.

“Over the past week, coordinated operations were conducted in various states, including Lagos and Kwara States, leading to  the rescue of 13 individuals who had earlier been kidnapped and held for ransom, and the arrest of several armed robbery suspects.

READ ALSO:

“On the 27th of December 2024, Police operatives attached to the Kwara State Command mobilized and stormed a den of kidnappers in the Idofin-Igbana area of the state, after receiving a distress call of the abduction of 13 persons. The operatives encountered resistance from the kidnappers but successfully overpowered the kidnappers, causing them to flee the scene with various degrees of injuries and leading to the successful rescue of the 13 kidnapped victims.

“Similarly, on the 28th of December 2024, following a report of a public disturbance at Pinnacle Depot, Lekki, Police operatives attached to the Lagos State Command visited the scene and accosted two individuals identified as Lawan Mustapha ‘m’ 38 years, and Aina Daniel ‘m’ 38 years. A thorough search was carried out, resulting in the recovery of one double-barrel rifle, 90 live cartridges, and five model rifles.

“The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and possible  prosecution. Furthermore, on the same day, at about 12:45 PM, Police operatives of the Lagos State Command arrested 3 suspected armed robbers at GRA Ikeja. A subsequent search led to the recovery of 1 locally made pistol, 4 live cartridges, and 2 cutlasses. These suspects are likewise in custody and will face prosecution upon the conclusion of the investigations”.

He said the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has reiterated the Force’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

Egbetokun said the Force will continue its operations, leveraging all available resources to eradicate these heinous crimes from our society.

He said the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to create a safer environment for all Nigerians.

Police rescue 13 kidnap victims, arrest five suspected robbers

Continue Reading

Trending