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NAF Expresses ‘Concern’ Over Death Of Civilians In Zamfara Airstrike, Begins Probe

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expressed concern over reports that its airstrikes on terrorist hideouts, including areas linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, led to the death of civilians in Zamfara State.

Reports had said the airstrike on the Tungar Kara community under the Gidan Goga district of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, on Saturday evening, mistakenly hit members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), local vigilantes and residents, leaving at least 16 people dead.

A lawmaker representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Maharazu Salisu Gado Faru, who confirmed the report had described the airstrike as an accident, stating that it targeted local vigilantes who mobilised to counter the bandits.

Responding to the incident, NAF spokesperson AVM Akinboyewa in a Sunday statement titled, “NAF Conducts Decisive Air Strikes in Zamfara, Investigating Vigilante Casualty Reports.” said its operations were usually conducted with caution for human lives.

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While confirming an investigation is underway to ascertain the truth of these claims, Akinboyewa emphasised that no credible evidence supports reports of civilian casualties.

“The Nigerian Air Force, the recent airstrike at Tungar Kara in Zumi Local Government Area of Zamrafa State, dealt a decisive blow to bandits terrorising villages in the area.

“However, while the operation successfully eliminated several bandits and led to the recovery of some kidnap victims, the NAF views with great concern reports of the loss of civilian lives on the course of the operation.

“A responsible and professional custodian of airpower for the security of the nation, the NAF believes in the absolute value of the life of every Nigerian.

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“Accordingly, a comprehensive investigation is in progress, to ascertain the veracity of the report, the outcome of which will be duly communicated to inform and reassure the public.

“Please be rest assured that, while our mission in the North West remains to combat banditry and restore peace, the safety and well-being of all Nigerians are of utmost importance.

“We will therefore, work closely with relevant authorities to unravel the facts and take appropriate steps, as part of our unwavering commitment to prevent, minimise and mitigate any harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure in the course of our operations,” the statement said.

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PSC sacks two police officers, demotes six for alleged corruption, others

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The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the dismissal and prosecution of two Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) for alleged misconduct, dishonesty, corruption, sabotage and conduct unbecoming of public officials.
The Commission also approved the demotion of six other officers for similar crimes.

Among those affected are two police chief inspectors who have been demoted to deputy chief inspector, one deputy chief inspector who has been reduced to assistant chief inspector, and three assistant chief inspectors who are now inspectors.i

The information was disclosed in a statement from the PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, and shared with journalists on Monday, January 13, 2025.

The statement indicated that these actions were a key outcome of the closing phase of the Commission’s second plenary meeting, which took place at its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

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In addition, the Commission has imposed a severe reprimand on ten senior police officers found guilty of unauthorized disclosure of state secrets, dishonesty, sabotage and conduct unbecoming of senior police personnel.

In addition, nine senior officers were reprimanded, while a deputy police commissioner was acquitted and acquitted, and an assistant chief inspector of police received a warning letter.

The Commission has previously made recommendations regarding police promotions, which have resulted in the promotion of several senior police officers.

This includes the promotion of eleven Commissioners of Police to the rank of Deputy Inspector Generals of Police, 16 Deputy Commissioners to Commissioners, 21 Deputy Commissioners to Deputy Commissioners, 57 Chief Inspectors to Deputy Commissioners and 1,348 Chief Inspectors to Chief Inspectors.

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Notable among these promotions are Obi-Ejoh Nnamdi Patrick, the former Commander of the Anti-Narcotics Branch at the FCT Commando, who is now stationed at the Kaduna Command, and Milicent Amadi, the Officer in Charge of Surveillance at the State CID in Ebonyi State Command.

According to Channels Television, the statement issued to the media on Monday noted that 876 Deputy Chief Inspectors have been elevated to Chief Inspectors, including Daniel Ndukwe, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Enugu State Command.

DIG Hashimu Argungu, the Chairman of the Commission, emphasized the importance of discipline among Nigerian police officers to ensure that they effectively discharge their constitutional duties of law enforcement and protection of lives and property.

He also emphasized the Commission’s commitment to address pending disciplinary cases (PDM) to avoid unnecessary stagnation of police officers.

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These decisions have been formally communicated to the Inspector General of Police for implementation, as indicated in a letter signed by the Secretary of the Commission, Onyemuche Nnamani.

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Pregnant lady sets ablaze husband’s suspected side chic

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In Kubwa, Abuja, a pregnant woman was arrested after allegedly killing a woman she thought was her husband’s side chick.

A lawyer recounting the incident on X claimed that the victim had visited the couple on Christmas Day in 2024, after which the man’s pregnant wife had allegedly soaked her in petrol and set her on fire.

She was taken to the National Hospital, where she passed away from her wounds.

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The deceased’s friends took to X to identify her as Lisa (last name withheld to protect her identity).

They disclosed that she was merely the man’s friend.

They also mentioned that Gudu Cemetery is where Lisa was laid to rest.

They expressed their happiness that she is now receiving the justice she is deserved.

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Wike bans ‘pantekas’ for two weeks in Abuja

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has banned the operations of Pantekas (sellers of used items) in the FCT for two weeks.

The decision was part of the conclusions reached during the first meeting of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Security Council of the year 2025, which was chaired by the FCT Minister on Monday.

Wike said the ban on Panteka markets will come into effect from Tuesday, January 14, 2025.e

The minister has also banned scavenging in Abuja city center and its environs, restricting scavengers to be placed in dumping sites only.

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During the meeting, Wike also announced that all those arrested for destroying public infrastructure in the nation’s capital would be charged with economic sabotage and attempted murder.

“The activities of all Pantekas (sellers of used items) are banned for two weeks from tomorrow.

“Scavenging is prohibited in Abuja city center and its environs. Scavengers are now limited to landfills only.

“All those arrested for destroying public infrastructure will be charged in court with charges of economic sabotage and even attempted murder.” Wike said, according to a statement published by his media aide on Twitter (formerly X): Lere Olajinka.

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