In Taraba State, Northeast Nigeria, four women were captured among 23 bandits reportedly harboured by a local chief.

The chief allegedly received N1.5 million and provided a hideout for the terrorists.

Nigerian Army troops also killed one of the terrorists and recovered a cache of firearms, including four AK-47 rifles.

The incident happened at the weekend, at Angwan-Bala, in the Karim Lamido Local Government Area of the state, according to the military.

The spokesperson for the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo, Captain Oni Olubodunde, who disclosed this to SaharaReporters, noted that a local chief had harboured the terrorists in exchange of N1.5 million.

Olubodunde added that the terrorists relocated from Plateau State and were received and settled by the village head of Amar, Karim Lamido.

He said, “Acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of suspected bandits, the gallant troops conducted a fighting patrol to the identified hideout.

“On sighting the patrol team, the bandits opened fire, prompting an immediate and overwhelming response from the troops. In the ensuing firefight, one bandit was neutralized, while 23 others including 19 males and 4 females surrendered without further resistance.”

“A comprehensive search of the camp led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including, 4 AK-47 rifles, 5 AK-47 rifle magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 1 English made pistol, 2 locally made guns, 28 cutlasses, 16 motorcycles, 48 daggers and jack knives,” he said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the bandits, originally from Plateau State, had paid a local chief in Amar village the sum of ₦1,500,000 to acquire and establish their camp in the area.”

Commenting on the operation, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to the security and stability of Taraba State and its environs.

“This operation is a testament to our resolve to eliminating criminal elements, restoring lasting peace, and ensuring that Taraba State does not become a safe haven for terrorists. We will continue to work tirelessly with relevant stakeholders to sustain the fight against insecurity,” Uwa said.

The Commissioner of Police Force Provost Marshal, Force Headquarters, CP. Olusegun Eyitayo Omosanyin, has ordered the eviction of adults from the Dei Dei Police Barracks in Abuja.

This directive was issued amid concerns about brigandage in the barracks.

A statement signed by Omosanyin described the criminal activities occurring in the barracks as alarming.

He, therefore, directed that all adults that are 18 years and above excluding serving policemen and their spouses should vacate the barracks immediately.

The police issued a 14-day notice which took effect from Thursday, January 30, 2025.

The statement read, “The Commissioner of Police Force Provost Marshal, Force Headquarters Abuja has directed that incessant cases of criminal activities being recorded within the neighbourhood of the MD Abubakar barrack is alarming.

“Henceforth all adults from eighteen (18) years and above excluding serving policemen and their spouses should vacate the barrack immediately.

“You are issued a fourteen days notice to vacate the quarters. This takes effect from today 30th January, 2025 to February 13th 2025 to vacate the barracks. Those who violate this order will be seriously dealt with.”

A bricklayer, Enoch Ganogbe, has developed hypertension after his daughter, Abigail Ganogbe, and granddaughter, Yenukunme Ajovi, went missing.

He said Abigail and Ajovi have been missing since January 2015.

It was gathered that it could not be ascertained whether they were abducted or disappeared in the Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Speaking with The PUNCH, Enoch lamented that their disappearance had taken a toll on him, causing him a lot of stress. He added that the situation made him developed hypertension.

“Sometimes, I worry about how much this is affecting my health. I just pray it doesn’t end up taking my life,” he said.

The worried father said her daughter supported him and had always been there for him.

“She was helping out in so many ways. She’s a really good person and does a lot for me. I haven’t felt any joy or peace since she went missing. I’ve searched everywhere and asked everyone I could, but nothing has led me to her. At this point, I can only leave it in God’s hands, hoping that someday, I’ll find her,” he lamented.

Enoch stressed that before their disappearance, his daughter had a disagreement with her husband, “but we were able to help resolve that”.

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He said, “My daughter’s husband reported her disappearance to the police, but there has been no progress. Since then, my life hasn’t been the same.”

Abigail’s husband, Noah Ajovi, described his wife and daughter’s disappearance as a big loss and disaster.

He stated that he had been with the victim since 2007 before they got married in 2011.

“I spent 10 years of my life with her, and she disappeared with the only daughter she has with me. I did a registry with her. I didn’t just meet her on the street and impregnate her. All I want now is my daughter. If I see my daughter, I’ll be happy that what I spent 10 years of my life on still exists,” Ajovi explained.

The husband further explained that, “She left home in January 2015, and I was travelling at that time. Whenever we have issues, she always leaves the house.

“We haven’t seen her since she left the last time. I reported the issue at the police station. We’re not sure if they were kidnapped.”

Meanwhile, efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, proved abortive.
(PUNCH)