News

DHQ to release bandits leaders’ names

Published

8 months ago

March 18, 2024

There are indications that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is preparing to release the names and pictures of the new set of wanted terrorist and bandit leaders.

This was following the elimination of top terrorists and bandit leaders on the watchlist of the military and the emergence of a new crop of leaders.

The DHQ had in November 2022 declared no fewer than 19 bandit leaders wanted with a bounty of N5m on each of them to encourage Nigerians to volunteer information that could lead to their arrest.

Prominent among those declared wanted we’re Bello Turji from Fakai village, Zamfara State; Ali Kachalla, aka Ali Kawaje, from Kuyambara village in Danaadau Maru LG of Zamfara State; Ado Aliero, from Yankuzo village, in the Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State; Halilu Sububu from Sububu village, in the Maradun LGA, Zamfara State

Also on the list were Sani Dangote from Dumbarum village, Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State; Leko (Mozoj village, Mutazu LGA, Katsina State); Dogo Nahali (Yar Tsamiyar Jno village, Kankara LGA, Katsina State); Nagona from Angwan Galadima in the Isa Loa area of Sokoto State; Monore from Yantumaki village, Dan LGA, Katsina State; Gwaska Dankarami from Shamushele village in the Zuri LGA of Zamfara State; Baleri from Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State and Mamudu Tainange from Varanda village in Batsari LGA, Katsina State and others.

A source said that the military was planning to release a new list of wanted terrorists.

The source noted that work was ongoing on that.

“The authorities are working on a new list of another wanted terrorist and bandit leaders. It will also contain their pictures. Their lists are being compiled.

“We will urge Nigerians to cooperate with us to enable us to neutralise them as we have done in the past. There should be a bounty on them but I can’t say how much. Don’t worry; it will be released to the public very soon,” the source hinted.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, confirmed that work was ongoing on the new list.

“We are working on the list. It will be out soon,” he said.

Sunday PUNCH reports that the military had during several operations across the various theatres of operations killed many terrorist and bandit leaders.

This includes a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Boderi who allegedly orchestrated many high-profile kidnappings, including those of Yauri schoolgirls, Greenfield University, and the Nigerian Defence Academy attacks.

Boderi was said to have been killed alongside another kingpin, Bodejo in February 2024.

Between February 1 and 28, 2024, the troops killed 10 terrorist kingpins.

The terrorist kingpins are Ashiru, Kachambi, Dogon Rakumi, Sulen Nagala, Laushi, Bangis, Alhaji Kabiru, Alhaji Baldu, and Baban Yara.

In July 2023, a bandit leader in Zamfara, Dogo Gudali, was killed by the troops.

Similarly in January 2023, a bandit kingpin, popularly known as Alhaji Shadari, and some of his gang members were killed in Zamfara State.

News

Canada Introduces Stricter Visa Rules, Ends Automatic 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visas

Published

3 mins ago

November 9, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

Canada has revised its visa policies, discontinuing the automatic issuance of 10-year multiple-entry visas for tourists.

The new guidelines, released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), give immigration officers more discretion in determining visa validity and type.

Under the previous system, eligible visitors were routinely granted long-term visas that allowed multiple entries over a decade. However, the revised policy requires each application to be assessed individually, with officers deciding whether to issue a single-entry or multiple-entry visa and determining its validity period.

According to IRCC, “Multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered standard. Officers may exercise their judgement in issuing visas and deciding their duration.”

The IRCC clarified that this change is part of a broader strategy to address challenges such as housing shortages, rising living costs, and infrastructure constraints. The shift reflects Canada’s efforts to align its immigration policies with current economic and resource realities.

Prior to this change in policies, Canadian tourist visas were available in two forms: single-entry and multiple-entry. The latter was the default option, allowing visits for up to 10 years or until one month before the passport’s expiration. Single-entry visas, often issued for specific events or official visits, were less common.

Under the new guidelines, officers will tailor visas to the applicant’s needs and circumstances, moving away from the standard practice of issuing maximum-validity multiple-entry visas.

Although the application fee remains unchanged at CAD 100, the policy could result in higher costs for frequent travelers, who may need to reapply more often due to shorter visa durations.

In addition to the visa changes, Canada plans to reduce its permanent resident admission targets, lowering the 2025 target from 500,000 to 395,000, with further reductions expected in subsequent years. These measures are part of a broader effort to manage immigration levels and address the country’s economic and infrastructure pressures.

News

Nigerian Military Neutralizes Over 70 ISWAP Fighters in Borno State

Published

18 mins ago

November 9, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

The Nigerian Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has successfully conducted airstrikes resulting in the elimination of over 70 fighters and commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.

The strikes, carried out on November 6, targeted ISWAP camps in the southern Lake Chad region, specifically at Kwallaram and Arainna Ciki islands near Jibilarram in Marte Local Government Area. These camps were reportedly under the control of a prominent ISWAP commander known as Usman.

Credible sources on the ground confirmed that the operation dealt a significant blow to the group, with over 70 fighters neutralized at Kwallaram camp. While the exact number of casualties at Arainna Ciki remains unclear, reports indicate that several terrorists were also killed during the strikes.

Zagazola Makama, a trusted source, described the airstrikes as among the most effective operations conducted by the Nigerian Air Force under OPHK.

Following the assault, reports on November 7 revealed that ISWAP began mobilizing reinforcements, including fighters from its Sambisa Forest faction and elements from northern Cameroon. These reinforcements reportedly gathered in the Kusuma and Sigir areas of Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area, territories still controlled by Usman Russia, a senior ISWAP figure.

The exact intent behind the group’s regrouping efforts remains uncertain.

News

Just in: 24 people feared dead, others injured as bomb explodes in train station

Published

4 hours ago

November 9, 2024

Naijablitznews

No fewer than 24 people were killed and more than 40 injured in a bomb blast at a railway station in Quetta in southwestern Pakistan on Saturday, police and other officials told Reuters.

Pakistan is grappling with a surge in strikes by separatist ethnic militants in the south and Islamist militants in its northwest.

Inspector general of police for Balochistan, Mouzzam Jah Ansari, said 24 people have died from the blast so far.

The target was army personnel from the Infantry School,” he said, with many of the injured in critical condition.

“So far 44 injured people have been brought to civil hospital,” Dr. Wasim Baig, a hospital spokesman, told Reuters.

Senior superintendent of police operations, Muhammad Baloch, said the blast seemed to be a suicide bomb and that investigations were underway for more information.

“The blast took place inside the railway station when the Peshawar-bound express was about to leave for its destination,” Baloch said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast at Quetta’s main railway station, which is usually busy early in the day.

In August, at least 73 people were killed in Balochistan province after separatist militants attacked police stations, railway lines and highways.

The assaults in August were the most widespread in years by militants fighting a decades-long insurgency to win secession of the resource-rich southwestern province, home to major China-led projects such as a port and a gold and copper mine.