Troops Take Down Zamfara Bandit Kingpins Baban Love, Mai Zamani, Three Others

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have killed at least five suspected bandits, including two notorious figures identified as Baban Love and Mai Zamani, during a gun battle in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The operation reportedly took place in the western axis of Tsafe LGA, where armed groups have maintained a presence and carried out attacks on communities and travellers.

Security sources said Baban Love, who was reportedly operating around Gunja, mobilised members of his gang before they encountered the troops, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

The troops eventually overpowered the armed group, killing at least five suspected bandits, according to reports on the operation.

Mai Zamani was also identified among those killed. He was reportedly the younger brother of Idi Mai Randa, another suspected bandit kingpin who was killed about five months ago.

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Residents of Kwarin Ganuwa were said to have celebrated the reported deaths of the two bandit leaders, while vehicles belonging to the group were reportedly recovered after the encounter.

Security sources said efforts were ongoing to identify the other suspected bandits killed during the operation and assess the weapons and other items recovered from the scene.

The latest operation is part of intensified military operations in Zamfara State aimed at disrupting the activities of armed groups and restricting their movement across the state’s forests and communities.

Zamfara has continued to experience attacks and abductions despite sustained military operations. Governor Dauda Lawal said on Monday that the state government was working to improve security response time, particularly in areas such as Tsafe, where notorious bandit leader Ado Alero and his gang have been active.

The governor said poor road access in some areas had affected the ability of security personnel to respond quickly to attacks, while the government was also deploying technology, including drones, to improve surveillance.

The military has yet to publicly release a detailed official statement on the reported killing of Baban Love, Mai Zamani and the other suspected bandits.

Troops Take Down Zamfara Bandit Kingpins Baban Love, Mai Zamani, Three Others

FG Donates N250m To Families Of 37 Miners Who Died In NSCDC Custody

The Federal Government has donated N250 million to the families of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the financial support on Monday during a condolence visit to Minna, where he conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sympathies to the bereaved families, the Niger State Government and the people of the state.

The 37 men died after they were arrested during an NSCDC operation against suspected illegal mining in Minna earlier in September. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation.

Shettima said the Federal Government was determined to establish what happened and ensure that anyone found culpable was held accountable in accordance with the law.

He said the deaths of citizens while in government custody raised serious questions that could not be ignored, stressing that every person deprived of liberty remained entitled to the protection of the state.

“The death of 37 young men in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps calls for initial questions,” Shettima said, adding that grief alone could not answer the questions being asked by the victims’ families.

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The Vice President assured the families that the Federal Government would get to the root of the tragedy and provide answers on the circumstances that led to the deaths.

He also urged Nigerians not to politicise the incident or use it to demonise Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, noting that the NSCDC is a Federal Government agency.

The Federal Government had earlier constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee to establish the identities of the deceased, investigate their arrest and detention, determine the cause and manner of death through medical and forensic examinations, and establish whether negligence, misconduct or other breaches of duty occurred.

Several NSCDC officers, including the Niger State Commandant, were also suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

The committee, inaugurated by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was given two weeks to complete its assignment and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable.

Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has reportedly put the overall death toll connected to the incident at 38, with one additional person said to have been killed by gunfire during the unrest that followed the deaths. The 37 victims covered by the Federal Government’s N250 million support were those who died in NSCDC custody.

Governor Bago thanked the Federal Government for the intervention and said the state government would continue to cooperate with the investigative committee.

He also announced additional financial support for the affected families, while calling for stronger regulation of the mining sector and the creation of safer and lawful economic opportunities for young people.

The cause of the 37 miners’ deaths has not been conclusively established. The ongoing investigation is expected to determine what happened to the detainees and whether any individuals or institutions should be held responsible.

The Federal Government said the families deserve both justice and answers over the deaths.

FG Gives N250m To Families Of 37 Miners Who Died In NSCDC Custody

FULL LIST: NAF Releases Names Of 25 Victims Killed In Ondo Crash

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people killed in the Ondo aircraft crash, confirming that five crew members and 20 passengers were on board the ill-fated aircraft.

The NAF 931 ATR-42 aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NAF said no survivors had been found.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims and directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The NAF also urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information.

The latest NAF figure of 25 people on board differs from the initial information released by aviation authorities on Monday, when the aircraft was reported to have had 25 passengers and seven crew members. The NAF’s subsequent review identified 20 passengers and five crew members. (State House Abuja)

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FULL LIST OF VICTIMS

Crew members

1. Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime — Flight Captain
2. Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
3. Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako — Co-pilot
4. Warrant Officer Abubakar A. — Aircraft Technician
5. Corporal Uguru H.C. — Aircraft Technician

Passengers

6. Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus
7. Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye
8. Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina
9. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F.
10. Master Warrant Officer Matini B.A.
11. Warrant Officer Nuhu F.S.
12. Flight Sergeant James R.B.
13. Flight Sergeant Mohammed A.I.
14. Sergeant Ani A.E.
15. Sergeant Izibenikien S.I.
16. Sergeant Alafuka C.
17. Sergeant Mbadugha A.N.
18. Lance Corporal Ugwuba F.C.
19. Lance Corporal Eledan G.E.
20. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
21. Godstmine Tarabina
22. Joy Micheal
23. Sunday Micheal
24. Ukeme David
25. Gideon Omotola

The Air Force said search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the accident in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.

Aneke described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation and assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.

The NAF said it would continue to provide verified updates as the investigation progresses.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died in the crash and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the accident. (State House Abuja)

The exact cause of the Ondo plane crash remains under investigation.

FULL LIST: NAF Releases Names Of 25 Victims Killed In Ondo Crash