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Wanted terrorist, Habu Dogo, 7 IPOB leaders arrested – DHQ
Wanted terrorist, Habu Dogo, 7 IPOB leaders arrested – DHQ
The Defence headquarters on Saturday disclosed that troops conducting counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations have arrested a notorious and wanted terrorist leader in the Northwest known as Abubakar Bawa Ibrahim aka Habu Dogo who is responsible for most of the terrorist attacks, killings and kidnappings, particularly in Sokoto State.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations said Habu Dogo was arrested in Rumji Village in Illela LGA of Sokoto.
“He (Habu Dogo) is a wanted terrorist on the watch list of security agencies both in Nigeria and in the Niger Republic because of the cross-border nature of his terrorist activities”.
Buba added that troops in the South East arrested 7 IPOB /ESN terrorists commanders and operatives during the week naming the terror operatives arrested as Dr Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha (aka Chapet) arrested in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, Mrs Ngozi Chukwuka and Mr Oyekachi Ohia arrested in Umuahia South LGA of Abia States.
Additional IPOB operatives arrested are Mr Ifeanyi Eze, Mr Augustine Udemba and Mr Onyedikachi Udemba arrested in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State. While Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke was arrested in Orsu LGA of Imo State.
Major General Buba disclosed that during operations across the country in the last week, troops neutralised 187 terrorists and arrested 311 other criminal elements including perpetrators of oil theft, while a total of 147 kidnapped victims were rescued.
“Troops in the Niger Delta area denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of one billion, two hundred and fifty-four million, nine hundred and forty-six thousand six hundred and thirty nairas (N1,254,946,630.00) only.
“Troops discovered and destroyed 98 illegal refining sites, 49 crude oil cooking ovens, 11 dugout pits, 72 boats, 21 drums, and 30 storage tanks among others.
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“Troops recovered 1,090,135 litres of stolen crude oil and 873,510 litres of illegally refined AGO.
During the encounters, “troops recovered 205 assorted weapons and 5,241 assorted ammunition comprising, 2 G3 rifles, 2 PKT guns, 89 AK47 rifles, 22 fabricated rifles, 22 Dane guns, 2 FN rifle, 2 pistols, 2 fabricated revolver pistols, 27 locally made pistols, 19 pump action guns, 2 pump action shotgun, one DICON pistol, 8 double barrel guns, one Beretta pistol and 32 magazines.
Others are 1,862 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,244 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 131 rounds of 7.62 by 54mm, 959 rounds of 7.62 by 39mm, 352 rounds of 9mm ammo, 51 rounds of 7.62 by 51mm ball ammo, 662 live cartridges, 2 baofeng radios, 6 vehicles, 29 motorcycles, 55 mobile phones amongst other items.
Detailing the operations, Major Gen Buba said, “In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 103 terrorists, arrested 64 suspects and rescued 15 kidnappers hostages.
“Troops also recovered 51 AK47 rifles, 2 PKT guns, 2 FN rifles, 16 fabricated rifles, 15 Dane guns, 5 double barrel guns, 2 pistols, 3 locally made pistols, 1,005 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 110 rounds of 7.62 by 54mm ammo, 661 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 653 rounds of 7.62 by 39mm ammo, 95 rounds of 9mm ammo, 123 live cartridges, 46 magazines, 15 motorcycles, 21 mobile phones amongst other items.
“Between 22 and 29 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with suspected BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Dikwa, Gwoza, Kukawa, Damboa, Konduga and Mafa LGAs of Borno State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 31 terrorists and arrested 12 persons.
“On 21 and 23 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations ambushed suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists and made contacts in Gwoza and Damboa LGAs of Borno State.
“Following a firefight, troops neutralized 33 terrorists and recovered 21 AK47 rifles,2 FN rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 6 Dane guns, 2 pistols, 542 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 341 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 221 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 54 rounds of 9mm, 24 magazines, one bayonet, one baofeng radio, 8 motorcycles and 7 mobile phones amongst others.
“On 21 October 2024, troops with hybrid forces raided a suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists enclaves and made contact in Mafa LGA of Borno State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 13 terrorists and arrested 5 suspects. Troops also recovered one PKT gun, 6 fabricated rifles, 3 double barrel guns, 2 Dane guns, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 110 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 81 live cartridges and 5 mobile phones amongst others.
“On 25 October 2024, following confirmatory ISR, air interdiction was conducted against terrorist leaders at Bula Marwa in Borno State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and logistics destroyed.
“In the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized 14 violent extremists, arrested 25 persons and rescued 26 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, one locally made pistol, one Barreta pistol, 343 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 20 rounds of 9mm ammo, 46 live cartridges, 5 AK45 magazines, and 3 mobile phones amongst other items.
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“On 21 and 24 October 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 5 violent extremists/kidnappers which included 2 kidnap ring leaders in Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau. Troops were also arrested in Kaura LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 locally fabricated guns, one magazine, 196 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 46 live cartridges and 3 mobile phones amongst others.
“On 24 October 2024, troops while on patrol responded to activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. During the operations, troops rescued 2 kidnapped hostages and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one magazine amongst others.
“Between 23 and 28 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti-kidnapping operations responded to information on kidnapping incidences. Troops made contact with violent extremists in Jos East, Jos South, Bokkos, Mikang, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State.
“Troops also made contact with violent extremists in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 6 extremists/kidnappers, arrested 6 and rescued 11 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, one barrel pistol, 3 AK47 magazines, one pistol magazine, 113 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 20 rounds of 9mm ammo.
“
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 4 terrorists, arrested 27 violent extremists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, one locally made pistol, one fabricated revolver rifle, 94 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 21 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 21 rounds of 54mm ammo, 9mm rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 motorcycles and one mobile phone amongst others.
“Between 21 and 26 October 2024, following reports, troops arrested 20 violent extremists/terrorists including armed robbers in Gassol, Ussa and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba State. Troops made similar arrests in Guma and Makurdi LGAs of Benue State. During the operations, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one locally made pistol, 94 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 motorcycles and one mobile phone amongst others.
“On 21 and 23 October 2024, troops in separate operations responded to distress calls on kidnapping incidents in Ussa and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba State. During the operations, troops rescued 2 kidnapped hostages and apprehended one suspected kidnapper’s gang leader. Troops also recovered one fabricated revolver rifle and 21 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo.
“On 26 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations raided suspected violent extremists/kidnappers hideouts in Makurdi and Ukum LGAs of Benue State. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspects and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one fabricated gun and 21 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo.
“On 25 and 28 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti-kidnapping criminality operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Logo and Wukari LGAs of Taraba State as well as Gwer West LGA of Benue State respectively. During the operations, troops rescued 5 kidnapped hostages.
“In the North West, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 51 terrorists, arrested 55 persons and rescued 81 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 26 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, 3 Dane guns, 5 pump action guns, 3 locally made pistols, 414 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 297 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 210 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 51 rounds of 9mm ammo, 30 live cartridges, 6 magazines, 7 motorcycles and 6 mobile phones amongst others.
“On 21 October 2024, troops in separate fighting patrol operations made contact with terrorists in Maradun and Isa LGAs of Zamfara and Sokoto States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 13 terrorists and recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 3 pump action guns, 297 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 132 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 magazines, 3 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.
“On 23 October 2024, troops while conducting a fighting patrol responded to information on activities of suspected terrorists/kidnappers in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops rescued 4 kidnapped hostages and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm special as well as one mobile phone.
“Between 22 and 28 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Rabah and Tsafe LGAs of Sokoto and Zamfara States as well as Wasagu and Batsari LGAs of Kebbi and Katsina States.
“Additionally, troops conducted operations in Giwa and Kachia LGAs of Kaduna State. Following firefights, troops neutralized 17 terrorists, arrested 11 and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, 3 Dane guns, 2 pump action guns, 3 locally fabricated pistols, 210 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 51 rounds of 9mm, 30 live cartridges, 2 magazines, 4 motorcycles and 9 mobile phones amongst others.
“Between 22 and 28 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti-kidnapping operations responded to information on activities of suspected kidnappers in Danmusa and Jibia LGAs of Katsina State as well as Isa LGA of Sokoto State. During the operations, troops rescued 26 kidnapped hostages.
“On 20 October 2024, following confirmatory ISR, the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air interdiction on terrorist leader Alhaji Layi’s Enclave in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures destroyed.
“Troops of Operation Whirl Punch arrested 32 suspects and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 locally made pistols, one Dane gun, 11 rounds of 9mm ammo, 33 live cartridges one motorcycle and 3 mobile phones amongst other items.
“Between 21 and 27 October 2024, following credible reports, troops on separate patrols intercepted and arrested 16 violent extremists/kidnappers in Borgu and Tafa LGAs of Niger State as well as Lokoja LGA of Kogi State.
“On 22 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops raided violent extremists/kidnappers hideout in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.
“During the operations, troops arrested 6 violent extremists and recovered 2 locally made pistols, one Dane gun, 11 rounds of 9mm ammo, 33 live cartridges one motorcycle and 3 mobile phones amongst others.
In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka neutralized 15 terrorists, arrested 20 violent extremists and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one G3 rifle, 14 pump action guns, 2 pump action shotguns, 4 Dane guns, one DICON pistol, 17 locally made pistols, 3 double barrel guns, one locally made revolver pistol, 31 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ball ammo, 171 rounds of 9mm ammo, 430 live cartridges, 3 large pipe-borne IEDs, one vehicle, 3 motorcycles, 11 mobile phones and amongst other items.
“On 22 and 27 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists in Orsu and Umunneochi LGAs of Imo and Abia States respectively. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and arrested 6 suspects. Troops also recovered 6 Dane guns, one locally made revolver pistol, 2 motorcycles, and 8 mobile phones amongst other items.
“On 22 October 2024, following credible reports troops while on patrol intercepted and arrested one suspected violent extremist in Uzo–Uwani LGA of Enugu State. Troops also recovered one pump action gun, 23 cartridges and one mobile phone.
“Between 22 and 27 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops intercepted and arrested 7 suspected IPOB/ESN/terrorists including a gunrunner in Aba South and Umuahia South LGAs of Abia as well as Ihiala and Owerri West LGAs of Anambra and Imo States. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Uwani and Ikwo LGAs Enugu and Ebonyi States respectively.
“During the operations, troops recovered 2 G3 rifles, 9 pump action guns, 3 double barrel guns, 17 locally fabricated pistols, 4 Dane guns, one DICON pistol, 286 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 171 rounds of 9mm ammo, 31 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ball ammo, 343 live cartridges, one motorcycle and 2 mobile phones amongst others.
“On 21 and 22 October 2024, troops in separate fighting patrol operations made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Ihiala and Aguata LGAs of Imo and Anambra States. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and recovered 4 pump action guns, 2 pump action shotguns, 64 live cartridges, one vehicle and 3 large pipe-borne IEDs amongst others.
“Troops of Operation Delta Safe rescued 4 kidnapped hostages and apprehended 39 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops also recovered 7 assorted arms, 3 magazines and 96 assorted ammunition.
“Troops also arrested violent extremists/kidnappers and conducted raid operations in Ndokwa East and West LGA of Delta State as well as Degema LGA of Rivers State respectively.
“Troops recovered 1,090,135 litres of stolen crude oil and 873,510 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 49 crude oil cooking ovens, 11 dugout pits, 72 boats, 21 drums, 30 storage tanks and 98 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 4 speedboats, one tricycle, 4 pumping machines, one outboard engine, 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and 3 vehicles among others.
“Between 23 and 27 October 2024, following credible reports troops in separate fighting patrols intercepted and arrested 5 suspected violent extremists/pipeline vandals including militant leader identified as Mr Eddy Edidiemokuma Korokoro in Ndokwa East and West of Delta State as well as Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State respectively.
“On 23 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops raided a violent extremist hideout in Degema LGA of Rivers State. During the operations, troops arrested 4 suspects and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated rifle, 3 magazines, 96 rounds of 7.62 by 39mm ammo and 3 smoke grenade launchers amongst others.
Major General Buba further said, “Troops continue to prevail over the terrorists and are winning the war. The terrorists are left with no choice but to surrender or be killed on the battlefield.
Wanted terrorist, Habu Dogo, 7 IPOB leaders arrested – DHQ
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Saraki Denies Offa Robbery Link, Accuses AbdulRazaq of Witch-Hunt
Saraki Denies Offa Robbery Link, Accuses AbdulRazaq of Witch-Hunt
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has strongly denied any involvement in the 2018 Offa armed robbery, accusing Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, of reviving “baseless allegations” to pursue a political witch-hunt.
In a statement issued on Friday, Saraki described attempts to initiate criminal proceedings against him as “insidious,” insisting he has no direct or indirect link to the crime or any form of criminal activity. He said he was compelled to respond due to growing public concern and what he described as deliberate efforts to mislead Nigerians.
Saraki further alleged that the Offa robbery case was politicised from the outset, claiming it was used during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari as a tool to weaken his political influence ahead of the 2019 general elections. According to him, the renewed claims are part of a broader attempt to tarnish his image following his recent comments on insecurity in Kwara State.
The former Senate President also cited legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, noting that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) had twice found no evidence linking him to the Offa robbery. He explained that the reports concluded there was no nexus between him and the suspects and that no prima facie case could be established for offences including armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, and culpable homicide.
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He added that suspects arrested in connection with the robbery were prosecuted and convicted, with their convictions upheld on appeal, while the matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court. Saraki argued that revisiting the case despite these outcomes amounts to an abuse of judicial process.
Saraki also vowed to challenge any fresh move against him in court, stating that his legal team is prepared to defend his innocence. He further alleged that attempts were made to involve families of victims in civil actions against him, but claimed those efforts failed.
The Offa robbery incident, which occurred in April 2018 in Offa, involved coordinated attacks on banks and police facilities, resulting in the deaths of several people, including security personnel. The case drew nationwide attention and led to multiple arrests by the Nigeria Police Force.
The renewed controversy highlights ongoing political tensions in Kwara State between Saraki and Governor AbdulRazaq, with analysts suggesting the dispute may be linked to evolving political alignments and early positioning ahead of future elections.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Government has not issued a detailed response to Saraki’s latest claims.
Saraki Denies Offa Robbery Link, Accuses AbdulRazaq of Witch-Hunt
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Troops Arrest Bandit Kingpin’s Deputy, Wife in Gombe
Troops Arrest Bandit Kingpin’s Deputy, Wife in Gombe
Nigerian troops have arrested the deputy to a notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Auta, alongside his wife in Gombe State following an intelligence-driven operation that tracked the suspects across multiple locations in northern Nigeria.
Security sources confirmed that the suspects, identified as Bala—popularly known as “Pakapaka”—and his wife were intercepted after fleeing from the Dajin Madam Forest in Plateau State, where the criminal group was previously believed to have maintained a hideout.
The arrest followed sustained intelligence surveillance and coordinated ground tracking by security operatives targeting fleeing members of the armed network.
The suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing interrogation to determine their level of involvement in the group’s activities, logistics operations, and possible links to other cells operating across state boundaries in the North-Central region.
According to counter-terrorism analyst Zagozola Makama, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle bandit networks that frequently relocate across forest corridors linking Plateau, Bauchi, Taraba, and Gombe states to evade security pressure.
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Follow-Up Operations in Duguri Axis
In a related development, troops reportedly conducted follow-up patrols around Bayar village in the Duguri axis after intelligence suggested that the main bandit kingpin, Kachalla Auta, may have fled into the area.
However, security sources confirmed that no contact was made during the search operation.
Despite the absence of direct engagement, troops have maintained heavy presence in the area, carrying out sustained patrols aimed at restricting the movement of armed groups and preventing regrouping.
Sustained Pressure on Bandit Networks
Security officials say ongoing operations are part of a wider strategy to disrupt criminal networks operating in forested areas across Plateau, Taraba, and neighbouring states.
The Nigerian military has intensified surveillance, reconnaissance missions, and joint patrols in recent months as part of efforts to degrade bandit command structures and cut off escape routes used by fleeing fighters.
Authorities say investigations into the arrested suspects are ongoing, while efforts continue to locate other members of the group still at large.
Troops Arrest Bandit Kingpin’s Deputy, Wife in Gombe
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Power Supply Drops in Lagos as Transmission Faults Trigger Load Shedding
Power Supply Drops in Lagos as Transmission Faults Trigger Load Shedding
Electricity supply across parts of Lagos has been significantly disrupted following a reduction in power allocation from the national grid, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has said.
In a public notice issued on Friday, the distribution company attributed the development to forced outages on two major transmission خطوط—Benin–Egbin and Oshogbo–Ikeja West 330kV lines—which have constrained the volume of electricity available for distribution.
According to EKEDC, the outages have resulted in a sharp drop in power supply, making it necessary to implement extensive load shedding across its network to manage the limited electricity.
“These constraints have led to a reduction in power allocation, resulting in widespread load shedding across our network,” the company stated.
The affected transmission lines are operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which is responsible for the bulk transfer of electricity from generation companies to distribution firms nationwide.
Industry analysts note that the Benin–Egbin and Oshogbo–Ikeja West lines are critical infrastructure for power supply into Lagos and surrounding areas. Any disruption along these routes often has immediate and far-reaching consequences for consumers.
Residents and businesses in EKEDC coverage areas have already begun experiencing prolonged outages and erratic supply, raising concerns about economic losses and disruptions to daily activities.
EKEDC, however, appealed for patience, assuring customers that efforts are ongoing to restore normal supply once the transmission faults are resolved.
The company did not provide a specific timeline for restoration but reiterated its commitment to keeping customers informed as the situation evolves.
Power Supply Drops in Lagos as Transmission Faults Trigger Load Shedding
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