Connect with us

Metro

Soldiers Arrest 18 Suspected Terrorists In Abuja

Published

on

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that soldiers of the Nigerian military arrested no fewer than 18 suspected terrorists in the Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

The Defence Headquarters which made this known on Thursday stated that the suspected terrorists were arrested during operations conducted on February 14 in the nation’s capital.

Abuja Municipal Area Council serves as the central hub of Nigeria’s capital, hosting the seat of power – Presidential Villa, embassies and various prominent government, private, and international entities.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, while speaking during a press briefing on the activities of the troops across the country in Abuja, said that charms and bulletproof vests were among other items recovered from the arrested suspected terrorists.

Advertisement

Buba said, “Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Terrorists: On February 14, 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 18 suspected violent extremists in AMAC of FCT Abuja. During the operations, troops recovered a bulletproof vest, a substance suspected to be cannabis, assorted charms, and the sum of N9,000.00 amongst others.”

He said that in total, 244 terrorists were arrested while 286 were killed in operations conducted between February 13, and 22, of this year.

According to Buba, “During the week under review, troops neutralised 286 arrested 244 of them, and rescued 122 kidnapped hostages. Furthermore, troops recovered 587 assorted weapons and 7,943 assorted ammunition.

“The breakdown is as follows: 207 AK47 rifles, 56 locally fabricated guns, 17 pump action guns, 10 locally fabricated pistols, 22 Dane guns, one FN rifle, 6 double barrel automatic pump action, 2 double barrel guns, 2 x 36 hand grenades, and 10 IEDs.

Advertisement

“Others are 4,088 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2,529 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 138 rounds of 9mm ammo, 39 rounds of 7.62mm refilled ammo, 331 P445 rounds of 7.62mm special, 180 rounds 5.5mm ammo, 2 PKT link of 7.62mm special, 445 live cartridges, 67 magazines, 6 HH radios,14 vehicles, 32 motorcycles, 34 mobile phones and the sum of N4,876,950.00 amongst other items.”

Buba added that in the operations against oil thieves in the country, crude oil worth N2.5 billion was recovered, while 83 suspects were arrested during the period under review.

He said that “In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N2,565,479,720.00 only. Troops also arrested 83 perpetrators of oil theft. Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and discovered and destroyed 134 dugout pits, 79 boats and 116 storage tanks.

“Other items recovered include 149 cooking ovens, one speedboat, 11 vehicles, 8 motorcycles, and 74 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 2,947,770 litres of stolen crude oil, 251,800 litres of illegally refined AGO, 6,125 litres of DPK, and 6,790 litres of PMS.”

Advertisement

Buba, who also highlighted the Nigerian military’s efforts in combating terrorists and bandits, stressed the need for good governance to contain the widespread insecurity in the country.

“We have eliminated several terrorists, their leaders and commanders. Troops are continually going after the terrorist and dislodging them from their hideouts. In spite of all these, it would appear that there is more to be done to win this war outside the use of military pressure.

“Accordingly, we must now win this war by changing the conditions that make the insurgents willing to fight. We must also win the war by increasing support for the government at various levels through heart and mind projects indicative of good governance,” Buba said.

Recall that the Defence Headquarters in January said that troops of the Nigerian military killed 43 suspected terrorists and arrested 115 others during the operations conducted in the first week of the year.

Advertisement

The Defence Headquarters had also said that from January to December 2023, troops killed a total of 6,886 terrorists and other suspected criminals, while a total of 6,970 terrorists and other suspects were arrested.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Metro

Gunmen storm University of Benin teaching hospital, kill doctor

Published

on

By

Unknown gunmen have reportedly shot dead a doctor on duty at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Edo state.

The victim, simply identified as Dr. Alex, was said to be in the physiotherapy department inside the health facility when the tragic incident occurred.

Following the shooting, it was gathered that there was confusion in the hospital as healthy workers and patients scampered for safety.

The incident was said to have occurred on Friday, but became public knowledge after health workers protested the gruesome killing of their colleague inside the hospital facility.

Advertisement

The workers brandished various placards to register their displeasure over the incident.

The hospital’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Joshua Uwaila, confirmed the killing on Tuesday.

Uwaila said: “A physiotherapist with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital was shot dead on Friday.

“The authority of the hospital has reported the matter to the security agencies and are awaiting the outcome of their findings.”

Advertisement

Blueprint reports that the killing occurred amid renewed cult clashes between members of the notorious Black Axe and Maphites confraternity groups.

A member of the Edo State Security Corps, an Estate developer and three others are said to have been feared dead between Thursday and Monday.

The Edo state police spokesman, CSP. Moses Yamu, was yet to respond to the developments as at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the Edo state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of cult-related violence in some parts of the state .

Advertisement

In a statement issued by his apecial adviser on Media and Publicity, Bugie Okhuemoi, the governor directed security agencies to move in decisively against papetrators.

The statement noted, “The Governor had made it abundantly clear that the State would no longer tolerate the senseless killing of our youths and the destabilization of our communities.

“Regrettably, recent developments indicate that some individuals and groups have chosen to defy that understanding.

“This administration remains unshaken in its commitment to rid Edo State of cultism, criminality, and all threats to peace and order.

Advertisement

“We urge all law-abiding residents to remain calm and continue with their daily activities.

“The security agencies are fully mobilised and working around the clock to restore and maintain peace.”

Continue Reading

Metro

FCTA destroys 601 motorbikes over violations

Published

on

By

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has destroyed 601 impounded motorcycles in Abuja, in a move to reinforce traffic regulations and address security concerns.

Mandate Secretary for Transport in FCTA, Dr. Elechi Chinedum, explained that the exercise carried out on Tuesday by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) was in compliance with the regulation of the FCT.

“The most recent regulation, effective from January 1, 2023, was signed into law by the immediate-past administration of Mohammed Bello. Using motorbikes in certain areas is against the law, and today we are here to enforce that,” the mandate secretary said.

Chinedum emphasised the importance of following the law, saying, “All laws are made, and people take it upon themselves to violate the law. Initially, it was about aesthetics for the FCT, but now it concerns security and criminality. The DRTS is here to enforce regulations and ensure safety.

Advertisement

“If you have a motorcycle at home, we’re not coming after you. However, if you bring it into a prohibited area, we will impound it. We will continue to enforce the law, and if there are defaulters, we will be relentless,” he said.

The head of DRTS, Dr Abdulateef Bello, also highlighted the ongoing ban on commercial motorcycles initiated in 2006 as a measure to curb traffic abuses.

“This exercise supports the existing ban on the use of commercial motorcycles in the Federal Capital City,” he said. Adding, “Today, we are sending a message to those still investing in this business: think twice, as we will continue to impound and crush motorcycles forfeited by the court”.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, FCT Command, Mode Magawata, stressed the criminal implications associated with motorcycles.

Advertisement

“We cannot fold our hands. These motorcycles are often used in crimes, including armed robbery and kidnappings.

“The minister emphasises that there should be no motorcycles in restricted areas, and we are here to ensure that the law is enforced,” Magawata said.

Continue Reading

Metro

Man commits suicide after wife’s death in Niger

Published

on

By

A young man identified as Stephen Moses has reportedly committed suicide after the death of his youngest wife in Ikumi Village, Shako District, Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State,

Sources told Daily Trust that Stephen, 30, had battled mental and emotional health challenges since the death of his second wife in March this year.

Sources said he had constantly stated that he could not have a comfortable life without his late wife.

Daily Trust gathered that he used his dane gun with which he hunted to kill himself on his farm.

Advertisement

One of the sources said he left behind his first wife and two children.

Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust.

He said the incident happened on April 24, 2025.

According to him “On 24th April, 2025 at about 8pm, report received that one Stephen Moses 30yrs of Ikumi village via Shako District of Gawu-Babangida, Gurara LGA earlier around afternoon period shot himself on the chest with a Dane gun in his farm.

Advertisement

“Police operatives of Gawu-Babangida Div visited the scene, found a Dane gun and the body on the ground, corpse was taken to the hospital while preliminary findings revealed that the deceased was mourning the death of his wife who recently passed on, and has been threatening to commit suicide, and his relatives didn’t inform the Police for preventive measure”.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News