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Soldiers kill six bandits, recover weapons in Kaduna

Published

2 years ago

June 14, 2024

Nigerian Military Troops

Soldiers kill six bandits, recover weapons in Kaduna

Troops of Operation Whirl Punch have killed six bandits terrorising the Birnin-Gwari general areas in the Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The state Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed this on Friday in Kaduna.

He said the troops successfully cleared Maidaro, Ngade Alha, Dogon Dawa, Damari, Saulawa, Farin Ruwa, Maganda, Sabon Layi, and Kampanin Doka villages, all in the troubled Birnin-Gwari general areas.

He, however, said four of the bandits were killed in Saulawa, and two others were neutralized at Farin Ruwa.

The Commissioner said the items recovered from the clearance operation embarked by the troops are One GPMG, Two AK47 rifles, Six AK47 magazines, One FN rifle magazine, Twenty-two rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, Fifty-one rounds of 7.62 special ammunition, and one motorcycle.

Aruwan said, “In another victory for the security forces against bandits and terrorists in Kaduna State, troops neutralized a total of six terrorist elements during a strong round of clearance operations in Birnin Gwari LGA.

“According to operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, the troops of Sector 4 Operation Whirl Punch and 198 Special Forces Battalion conducted the special operations in Birnin Gwari LGA, in response to precise intelligence on terrorist activities in the area.

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“The troops began their mission by successfully clearing hot spots at Maidaro, Ngade Alha, Dogon Dawa, Damari, Saulawa, Farin Ruwa, Maganda, Sabon Layi, and Kampanin Doka villages.

“On arriving at Saulawa, contact was made with the bandits, and two of the criminals were swiftly neutralized by the troops during the engagement. One motorcycle and a Baofeng Radio Set were recovered.”

He added, “The troops made further contact with bandits at Farin Ruwa, where four enemy fighters were neutralized in the ensuing firefight.

“The troops cleared the area and recovered the following items: – One GPMG, Two AK47 rifles, Six AK47 magazines, One FN rifle magazine Twenty-two rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, Fifty-one rounds of 7.62 special ammunition, One motorcycle.”

The Commissioner said the state governor, Uba Sani, congratulated the troops – led by Force Commander, Operation Whirl Punch and General Officer Commanding, One Division Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. MLD Saraso – for another remarkable outing and notable breakthrough in the push against banditry in the flashpoint location.

According to the commissioner, the governor lauded the victory as another testament to the power of efficient collaboration and coordination embraced by the forces and supported by the government.

“He urged the troops to remain unrelenting in their advance towards the heart of the bandits enclaves.

“Citizens are encouraged to render useful information to the government through Kaduna State’s Security Operations Room via the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999,” he added.

Soldiers kill six bandits, recover weapons in Kaduna

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BREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno

Published

59 minutes ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

BREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have arrested a 15-year-old suspect allegedly involved in the deadly attack that killed Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, another officer, and two soldiers in Borno State.

The suspect, identified simply as Tijjani, was apprehended on Sunday in Ngamdu while reportedly on an errand to procure food supplies for members of his group.

In a video recorded after his arrest, the teenager confessed to being part of the armed group responsible for coordinated attacks in Benisheik and Ngamdu, areas that have witnessed renewed insurgent activity in recent months.

According to the suspect, the group operated from Jilli, a location described by military sources as a known logistics and movement hub for insurgents in the region. He said they moved from Jilli to carry out the attack and later returned to the same location.

Tijjani further disclosed that he had been sent with about ₦850,000 to collect logistics supplies from Ngamdu before his arrest. He added that he left his colleagues behind at Jilli and was unaware of subsequent developments following the operation.

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The late General Braimah, who commanded the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI, was killed on Thursday when suspected Boko Haram fighters launched an assault on a military base in the area. The attack also claimed the lives of another officer and two soldiers, underscoring the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in the North-East.

Military sources indicate that the arrest of the teenage suspect is part of ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and cutting off their supply chains across Borno State.

Security analysts say the involvement of minors in insurgent activities highlights a disturbing pattern of recruitment by extremist groups, who often deploy young individuals for logistics, surveillance, and operational roles.

The Nigerian military has intensified surveillance and clearance operations across key corridors such as Jilli, Ngamdu, and Benisheik, following recent attacks, with the aim of preventing further assaults and restoring stability in the region.

Authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive official statement on the arrest, but security operations are expected to continue as efforts to track down other members of the group intensify.

The development comes amid renewed commitment by Operation HADIN KAI to sustain pressure on insurgents and disrupt their activities across the North-East.

BREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno

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Fayose Warns Makinde May Query Olubadan Over Absence at Ibadan Coronation Event

Published

2 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja

Fayose Warns Makinde May Query Olubadan Over Absence at Ibadan Coronation Event

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has suggested that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde may issue an official query to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, following his absence at a recent high chiefs’ coronation ceremony in Ibadan.

The event, held at Mapo Hall, saw Governor Makinde present beaded crowns to three newly elevated traditional rulers as part of ongoing chieftaincy reforms in Ibadanland. However, the absence of the Olubadan from the April 3 ceremony has sparked public debate and political reactions.

Fayose, speaking on the development, claimed that the monarch’s absence—reportedly due to a prior engagement in Lagos—alongside other alleged concerns, could prompt a formal government query in the coming days. He did not provide official documentation but insisted the situation could escalate into a government–palace dispute if not carefully managed.

The Olubadan’s palace has already clarified that his absence was not due to any disagreement with the state government, dismissing speculation of a rift between the traditional institution and Governor Makinde’s administration.

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Some critics of the ceremony have also described the event as a “failed coronation,” alleging that the exercise may have cost over ₦1.5 billion, though no official financial breakdown has been released to confirm the claim.

At the time of filing this report, neither the Oyo State Government nor the Olubadan-in-Council had issued an official response to Fayose’s latest comments or the circulating allegations.

The development comes against the backdrop of long-standing sensitivities in Ibadan chieftaincy politics, where traditional authority structures have often intersected with state governance and public debate.

Observers note that Fayose’s intervention adds a new political dimension to an already delicate issue, especially given his history of public disagreements with Governor Makinde during his tenure in Ekiti politics.

For now, the situation remains fluid, with stakeholders calling for restraint and clarification to prevent further escalation between the state government and the traditional institution.

Fayose Warns Makinde May Query Olubadan Over Absence at Ibadan Coronation Event

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Police Arrest Suspect Over Fake Job Interview Robbery in Magodo

Published

3 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Police Arrest Suspect Over Fake Job Interview Robbery in Magodo

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with a fake job interview robbery scheme in which unsuspecting job seekers were allegedly lured to Magodo area of Lagos and dispossessed of their valuables.

The incident came to public attention after a viral video posted on X by user @General_Somto on April 10, which triggered widespread concern over the rising trend of job scam robberies in Lagos targeting young applicants searching for employment.

In the video, one of the victims narrated how the group was deceived into attending what appeared to be a legitimate interview, warning the public to be cautious when responding to job offers online.

“Nigerians, let’s be careful out there. Not all job offers are legit. We went for a job interview in Magodo, Lagos only to be robbed. They took our phones, money, and everything we had on us,” she said.

The victims said the suspects created a convincing interview environment that appeared professional and trustworthy, which initially reduced suspicion. However, shortly after they were asked to step out briefly, they returned to discover that their mobile phones, cash, and personal belongings had been stolen.

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Security sources believe the operation may have been carefully planned and could be part of a wider network using fake recruitment adverts to carry out armed robbery and theft under the guise of employment opportunities.

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement released on Sunday, noting that the case was reported at about 11 p.m. on April 9, 2026.

According to the police, one suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang involved in the operation. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full structure behind the fake job recruitment scam.

Police authorities also warned members of the public, especially job seekers, to be extremely cautious when responding to job advertisements shared on social media and unofficial platforms.

They advised applicants to verify job offers through official company channels, avoid attending interviews in isolated or unverified locations, and always inform trusted contacts before attending any interview.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling emerging forms of cyber-enabled fraud, job scams, and violent robbery networks across Lagos State.