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NSCDC arrests 42 bandits masquerading as miners across Zamfara, Kogi, Niger states

Published

2 years ago

February 14, 2024

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), NSCDC Commandant, Olusola Odumosu

NSCDC arrests 42 bandits masquerading as miners across Zamfara, Kogi, Niger states

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has apprehended 42 suspected bandits and terrorists masquerading as miners.

This was revealed on Wednesday by FCT NSCDC Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

Odumosu stated that the operation was conducted on Monday, February 12, 2024, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army’s 176 Guards Battalion at Tsaumi Village in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to him, the suspected bandits were found with sharp objects like daggers, knives and cutlasses. He noted that preliminary investigations by the Corps revealed that the apprehended individuals were likely fleeing military operations in Zamfara State.

The commandant said that despite the bandits claiming to be miners, they failed to provide evidence of their purported mining activities. He noted that the suspects confessed to having sponsors, prompting further ongoing investigations.

“I am happy to announce to you today that the charge is paying off. Acting on credible intelligence and in collaboration with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, 42 suspected bandits and terrorists operating under the cover of being miners of solid minerals have been arrested. The arrest took place on Monday, 11th February, 2024 at about 0600hrs.

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“The suspects were intercepted at the forest of Tsaumi Village bothering Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

“Preliminary investigation by the Corps revealed that they may not be miners as they presented but rather suspected bandits fleeing the on-going onslaught of the military operation in Zamfara State through the forest zone of Niger State into the FCT through Gwagwalada Area Council enroute Pai Village of Kwali Area Council.

“In the course of interrogation, they were unable to disclose the mining site and company name they alleged to be working for.

“Further investigation revealed that this group of young men have been operating within Zamfara, Kogi and Niger States. At the time they were intercepted, they had no evidence to show they were going on mining activities which suggest they have a sinister agenda.

“They have also confessed to having sponsors, however investigation in that regard is still on going and you will be intimated when it is concluded.

“The suspects have been cooperating with the corps by giving useful information that will help determine their level of involvement in banditry and kidnapping activities in the FCT. When investigations are concluded and their level of involvement in crime is determined, necessary further actions will be taken.”

In a separate operation, the command in collaboration with the Department of State Security Services (DSS) led the arrest of one Bartholomew Anthony, a 27-year old from Kaduna State.

Anthony was apprehended in the Mabushi axis of the FCT with incriminating exhibits, including pieces of armored cables, a hacksaw, a jack knife, a Techno Bolton handset, and ₦20,000 in cash.

Odumosu further disclosed that Anthony’s statement uncovered three of his accomplices – Hakilu Muhammed, Abdulrahaman Abbas, and Samila Promise – all members of a syndicate invovled in the vandalisation and theft of armoured cables in the FCT.

He stated that the arrested suspects, linked to a vigilante group, will soon face court proceedings.

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“In the same vein our operational synergy with the men of Department of state security services led to the arrest of one Bartholomew Anthony, a male, 27yeaars old from kaura Local government area of Kaduna State. He was arrested at the mabushi axis of the FCT.
The said Bartholomew Anthony was arrested with the following exhibits… Pieces of Armoured cables, 1 hacksaw, 1 Jack knife, 1 Techno Bolton handset and Twenty (₦20,000) Thousand Naira cash.

“The suspect made useful statement that lead our operatives to arrest three of his other accomplices: Hakilu Muhammed ”M” 25 yers old from shango LGA Niger state, Abdulrahaman Abbas “M” 30 Yers old from Unguwan sarki Piako LGA, Niger state, Samila Promise “M” 20 YERS OLD from karim limido, Pitiko LGA, Taraba state all four arrested suspects belong to a syndicate that specialize in vandalization and theft of armoured cables in the FCT.

“The suspects through our discreet investigators, belong to a vigilante group and hence use their purported membership of the security outfit to commit heinous acts. We have profiled them and their statements obtained, they will soon be arraigned in court for justice to prevail,” the Commandant said.

Odumosu assured residents of the FCT that relentless efforts will be made to eradicate criminal elements within the territory and encouraged the public to report any suspicious individuals, while emphasizing the collective responsibility for maintaining security in the region.

He said, “I want to assure the residence of the FCT that we will not rest on our oars until we rid the FCT of all criminal elements that want to make the FCT unsafe for habitation. I want to also appeal to the general public to report all suspicious persons, as security is everyone’s business.”

Recall that the Commandant had summoned Heads of Intelligence teams, Area Commanders and all Divisional Officers to a meeting in order to review strategies over the current trends in the security situation in(FCT).

During the meeting, he charged the officers and men of the NSCDC to step up their game against criminal elements within the territory using intelligence gathering.

NSCDC Arrests 42 Bandits Claiming To Be Miners In Zamfara, Kogi, Niger States pic.twitter.com/sm8w9lp7hN

— The Whistler Newspaper (@TheWhistlerNG) February 14, 2024

NSCDC arrests 42 bandits masquerading as miners across Zamfara, Kogi, Niger states

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Tragic Tree Collapse in Enugu Kills 18 Passengers on Commercial Bus

Published

11 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Tragic Tree Collapse in Enugu Kills 18 Passengers on Commercial Bus

Awhum, Udi LGA, Enugu State — At least 18 passengers were killed after a massive ancestral tree, locally known as “Ukwu Akpu Awhum,” collapsed onto a commercial 18‑seater bus on Tuesday, during a heavy thunderstorm and rainfall. The bus was en route from Ukehe in Igbo‑Etiti LGA to Enugu metropolis when the tragedy occurred.

Eyewitnesses said the ancient tree fell without warning, crushing the bus and its occupants instantly. “The rain was very heavy, the wind was strong, and we heard a loud crash,” one resident recalled. All passengers were reportedly killed on impact.

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Local resident Charly Okeke suggested that recent human activity, including tying red and white cloths around the tree trunk for spiritual purposes, may have weakened the tree, contributing to the collapse. The community has been thrown into mourning, as families grapple with the sudden loss.

Emergency responders and local volunteers rushed to the scene, pulling survivors from the wreckage and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the collapse, though no official statement has been released by Enugu State authorities as of now.

The tragedy highlights the dangers posed by aged trees along busy roads, especially during periods of torrential rain and strong winds, and underscores the need for public safety measures and regular assessments of roadside trees to prevent similar disasters.

Tragic Tree Collapse in Enugu Kills 18 Passengers on Commercial Bus

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Carbon Monoxide Leak Kills 37 Miners in Plateau

Published

11 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Over 200 Killed as Deadly Landslide Hits Mining Community in Congo

Carbon Monoxide Leak Kills 37 Miners in Plateau

Kampani Zurak, Wase LGA, Plateau State — Tragedy struck early Wednesday morning as a carbon monoxide gas leak at an underground mining site claimed the lives of at least 37 miners and injured more than 20 others. The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m., shortly after workers returned from morning prayers.

According to eyewitness Safiyanu Haruna, survivors and local residents discovered miners unconscious inside the poorly ventilated tunnels. “It’s heartbreaking to wake up to the news that 37 miners, who had been struggling to make ends meet, have died,” he said.

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The injured miners were immediately transported to a hospital in Wase town for treatment. Authorities and emergency response teams had not yet arrived at the site when the leak occurred, highlighting the dangers of underground mining in poorly regulated areas.

Funeral prayers for the deceased are currently being held in the community, with the Local Government Area chairman reported to have attended. Security forces have sealed off the mining site to prevent further casualties and aid ongoing investigations.

The tragedy underscores the critical need for improved mining safety regulations, particularly in remote areas where miners often work under hazardous conditions with limited safety protocols. Experts warn that carbon monoxide exposure in mines can be deadly within minutes if ventilation and gas detection measures are inadequate.

Carbon Monoxide Leak Kills 37 Miners in Plateau

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Kano Closes Entertainment Centres Ahead of Ramadan

Published

13 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf

Kano Closes Entertainment Centres Ahead of Ramadan

The Kano State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all entertainment centres across the state as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and spiritually focused observance of Ramadan. The directive, issued by the Kano State Censorship Board, affects entertainment venues popularly known as gala houses, as well as disc jockey (DJ) operators and related entertainment outlets under the board’s regulatory jurisdiction.

Abdullahi Sulaiman, the board’s Public Relations Officer, announced that the closure will take effect from 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, and will remain in force throughout the holy month. He explained that the action aims to create a calm and morally conducive environment for Muslim residents to observe fasting, prayers, and other religious activities without distractions.

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The board emphasised that reopening dates, particularly for Eid‑el‑Fitr celebrations, will be communicated at the appropriate time. Enforcement teams have been mobilised to ensure compliance, with sanctions for violations under the board’s regulatory mandate.

Officials clarified that the closure does not apply to event centres used for weddings, conferences, or political gatherings, which fall outside the board’s jurisdiction. Board director Usman Dankwano reiterated that only entertainment outlets such as gala houses are affected by the directive.

The government said the decision aligns with efforts to promote social harmony, maintain public order, and respect religious observances during Ramadan. Residents and business operators are urged to comply fully to avoid penalties.

The move reflects a broader pattern in northern Nigeria, where authorities adjust entertainment and public activities during Ramadan to respect cultural and religious practices while maintaining community peace.

Kano Closes Entertainment Centres Ahead of Ramadan