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Zamfara residents, other jubilate after Niger Rep-born bandit leader, followers were eliminated
Zamfara residents, other jubilate after Niger Rep-born bandit leader, followers were eliminated
More facts have emerged on the killing of notorious bandit kingpin, Halilu Sububu alias Buzu, who terrorised residents of Zamfara and neighbouring states before he was sent to his grave.
Daily Trust had reported how Buzu and his fighters were shot dead in a gun battle with troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, on Thursday.
According to multiple sources, Buzu and his fighters were killed in an ambush at Kwaren-Kirya, a village situated along Mayanchi-Anka road in Zamfara State.
A source in Mayanchi village confirmed that several bandits were killed by the troops during the encounter along Mayanchi-Mafara road.
“We learnt that the bandits were about to cross a stream when the troops, who laid ambush, descended on them and killed Sububu and his foot soldiers.
“We learnt that only three motorbikes of the bandits escaped the ambush during the encounter. The troops have recovered the weapons and motorbikes of the bandits.
“As I am talking to you, our people are jubilating in Mayanchi and the neighboring villages. We are more than happy today. We sincerely commend the Nigerian troops and we hope they will sustain the tempo until they capture or kill Turji and the rest of the bandits. We are tired of this banditry.”
Who was Buzu?
Buzu, who was from Niger Republic, resided in a forest in Zamfara, and often escaped to his country after operating in Nigeria.
He was said to have owned a thriving illegal gold mining site in Bagega and other communities around Sumke forest in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara.
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He had a camp on the western side of Bagega and controlled communities and all mining sites in the area.
He was declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in May.
He had been terrorizing several communities in Zamfara such as Maradun, Faru, Kaura Namoda, Dubuwa, Gidan Gogi and Bakura, among other communities.
Aminu Shehu, another resident, urged the Nigerian troops to double their efforts in the ongoing fight against banditry in North West.
He said, “We have confidence in the Nigerian Army and if the necessary support is given to them, they will surely crush all the bandits in the region within no time.
“The troops have now sent a signal to Turji and other bandits’ leaders in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger and Kaduna states. I hope the federal government will continue to support the troop in the ongoing fight against banditry in the affected states.”
How we got him – Military
Meanwhile, the military has released a statement on how Buhu met his waterloo.
According to a statement signed by Group Captain Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, the operation was part of an ongoing effort by NAF and ground forces to exploit intelligence and secure the area following contact with hostile elements.
“NAF Special Forces of Operation HADARIN DAJI in company of other ground troops initiated a follow-up exploitation mission after troops encountered terrorists in the vicinity of Mayanchi. During the mission, it was confirmed that 38 terrorists had been neutralized, with 4 bodies retrieved for verification.”
“In addition to the elimination of the terrorists, a significant cache of weapons was recovered, including 2 Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, 1 RPG bomb, 3 PKT machine guns, 5 AK-47 rifles, 29 magazines, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition of varying calibers.
“This operation underscores the effectiveness and professionalism of the NAF Special Forces in leading critical missions in conjunction with other services aimed at neutralizing threats and maintaining national security,” the statement read.
Zamfara residents, other jubilate after Niger Rep-born bandit leader, followers were eliminated
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Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers and the theft of their weapons by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
IPOB is a separatist group advocating for the creation of the Republic of Biafra, citing longstanding grievances over the marginalization of Nigeria’s South-East region since the Biafra-Nigeria civil war.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Nigerian Army explained that the incident occurred in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State, when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, returning from a routine patrol, responded to an emergency call about an attack on Osina Community by IPOB/ESN forces.
The statement revealed that upon arrival, the troops engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower, resulting in casualties among the attackers. However, the Army did not provide specific numbers, only noting that the “dissidents” eventually withdrew in disarray.
“Unfortunately, two security agents had been killed in action and one other missing in action, with their weapons—a AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher—being seized by the terrorists,” the statement said.
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The Army confirmed that the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been recovered, and the troops pursued the fleeing militants.
“Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralized while others, unable to withstand the troop’s firepower, retreated into the nearby forest. One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered, ” the statement said, adding that the troops continued their pursuit into Umalouma forest, where another intense exchange of fire took place.
“The dissidents eventually abandoned their weapons due to the troops’ superior firepower and scattered into the dense forest with severe gunshot wounds. An additional four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines were recovered,” the statement added.
The Army assured the public that operations would continue, with efforts to track down and eliminate the remaining criminals. “Further exploitation is ongoing as troops continue to track down the injured terrorists and flush them out of their hideouts and treatment locations,” the statement stated. “We urge all IPOB/ESN elements and other criminals hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops or face defeat, as the Brigade will ensure that the people of Imo celebrate the Yuletide season in peace, free from fear or intimidation.”
The Nigerian Army also called on the people of Imo State to continue providing timely intelligence to assist in the fight against criminal elements and help rid the state of lawlessness.
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
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13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.
Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Akure.
“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today 28 December, 2024 at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.
“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 AM claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.
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“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.
“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.
“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.
“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went up in flames. The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue,” he said.
The FRSC boss said that the injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.
He, therefore, advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.
“Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all,” Ibitoye said.
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
NAN
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NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to galvanise the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) by releasing N30 billion counterpart fund for the development of young entrepreneurs.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, restated the Commission’s commitment to empowering the people of the region through economic programmes.
He highlighted the NDCCITMA’s role in training youths, supporting SMEs, and designing industry-friendly skill development programmes.
He said, “We are providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to ensure the sustainability of our youth development initiatives.
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“We will release the matching funds so the entrepreneurs can access them to boost their businesses. In our 2024 budget, we have provision for N30 billion which we are to use as matching funds for the chamber of commerce. We are working towards releasing this fund so that the chamber of commerce can start work in earnest.
“The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce will strengthen young entrepreneurs in the region. It is no longer acceptable for our youths to be contented with receiving stipends while at home doing nothing.
Ogbuku remarked that the Commission was collaborating with the Bank of Industry, BOI, to ensure the success of NDDC’s youth development programmes.
“The current NDDC Board and Management choose to look at sustainable options in designing youth programmes. In the past, we did a lot in supporting entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta but these activities were not properly documented and backed with verifiable data.
“Our new strategy is to support genuine entrepreneurs rather than people who are just portfolio entrepreneurs because we know that the government alone cannot employ everybody. Many university graduates are coming out, and the government cannot employ all of them. However, we can empower them by creating an environment where they can engage other persons to expand their businesses.”
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
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