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Police Kill One Terrorist, Rescue Kidnap Victims In Katsina

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3 years ago

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The Katsina State Police Command, on Thursday, confirmed the death of a terrorist during a gun duel between its operatives and a group of terrorists who stormed Marina village, Safana Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.

The Command spokesman, SP Gambo Isah, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday evening.

Isah explained that the terrorists had, early Wednesday, invaded the village subsequent upon which the residents sent a distress call to the police.

According to him, the DPO in the area led a team of policemen and vigilantes to engage the terrorists in a gun duel.

The terrorists were reportedly repelled after one of them was shot and killed in a gun duel.

The police spokesman further revealed that one AK47 rifle and two operational motorcycles belonging to the terrorists were also recovered.

Isah also spoke about other police engagements during the week.

He explained, “On April 26, 2022, at about 9 am, a distress call was received that terrorists in their numbers, on motorbikes, shooting sporadically with AK47 rifles, attacked Kadage village, Kurfi LGA and rustled some domestic animals.

“[The] DPO, Kurfi Division, led a team of policemen to the area, engaged the hoodlums into a fierce gun duel, one of the terrorists was neutralized and all the rustled animals recovered. Many terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds.

“On April 26, 2022, at about 9 am, based on credible intelligence, the Command succeeded in recovering two more AK47 rifles and 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, in connection with the incident of April 21, 2022, that occurred at Tsamiyar Gamzako village, Kafur LGA of the state in which two terrorists were neutralized, one AK47 rifle and two locally fabricated pistols were recovered. The investigation is ongoing with a view to arresting the fleeing hoodlums.

“On April 25, 2022, at about 1 am, a distress call was received that terrorists, on motorbikes, shooting sporadically with AK 47 rifles, attacked Garin Zaki village, Batsari LGA, kidnapped three women, and rustled some domestic animals. The DPO led a combined team of Police and vigilantes to the area, engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, and rescued three kidnapped women and 15 rustled cows belonging to the villagers.

“Today (Thursday) April 28, 2022, at about 9.30 am, based on credible intelligence, the Command intercepted and recovered one motor vehicle, Toyota, Corolla, 2003 model, silver color, with registration number EPE 704 FQ, LAGOS, stolen at gunpoint from Abuja.

“On receipt of the report, DPO Danja Division led a team of policemen and blocked Bakori–Hunkuyi road, Danja LGA. On sighting the police team, the hoodlum abandoned the vehicle and took it to their heels. The Command has already established contact with the owner, as the investigation is ongoing.”

The police spokesman said the Commissioner of Police, Idrisu Dauda, commended and appreciated the efforts of the police and vigilante in repelling the terrorists.

He added that the CP assured members of the public that the police would continue to deal decisively with recalcitrant terrorists until they are all brought to book.

Dauda also reportedly urged residents to continue to cooperate with security agencies by giving out useful information that would assist them.

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BIG STORY

Federal Government Lifts Ban On Mineral Exploration In Zamfara

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11 hours ago

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December 22, 2024

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After more than five years of security restriction, the Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State, citing significant improvements in the security situation across the state.

Making the announcement during a press briefing at the weekend, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake stated that the nation has a lot to gain from reawakened economic activities in a highly mineralised state like Zamfara that is imbued with vast gold, Lithium, and copper belts. He noted that the previous ban, which was good intentioned, inadvertently created a vacuum exploited by illegal miners to fleece the nation of its resources. He emphasized that the state’s potential for contributing to national revenue is enormous.

It will be recalled that in 2019, the federal government imposed a total ban on mining activities in Zamfara State due to the escalating security concerns, particularly the links between banditry and illegal mining.

Since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, however, intelligence-driven, coordinated security operations have resulted in the neutralization of key bandit commanders, significantly reducing incidents of insecurity. A recent success was the capture of one of the most wanted bandit commanders, Halilu Sububu, in a covert operation in Zamfara.

“The existential threat to lives and properties that led to the 2019 ban has abated. The security operatives’ giant strides have led to a notable reduction in the level of insecurity, and with the ban on exploration lifted, Zamfara’s mining sector can gradually begin contributing to the nation’s revenue pool,” Alake asserted.

The minister added that the lifting of the ban would also facilitate better regulation of mining activities in the state. This will enable more effective intelligence gathering to combat illegal mining and ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources.

Commending members of the fourth estate of the realm for championing the propagation of reforms and initiatives of the ministry in 2024, Alake noted that the press have been key allies in efforts to sanitise the mining sector, and promote market reforms which have made the industry attractive to indigenous and foreign investors.

On the recent controversy surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with France, Alake reaffirmed the Federal Government’s position that the agreement does not imply Nigeria is relinquishing control over its mineral resources or entering into any military pact with France. He emphasized that Nigeria’s military remains fully capable of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.

“The high point of the MOU is on training and capacity building for our mining professionals. We need all the assistance we can get in terms of capacity, technical, and financial support from abroad, and that wasn’t even the first we are signing. We’ve signed similar ones with Germany and Australia. Deliberate peddling of misinformation, despite facts to the contrary, is uncalled for, “the minister emphasised.

Dr. Alake also urged the media to continue to play its crucial role in educating the public about government policies in order to prevent ignorance, mischief, and the spread of misinformation.

Looking ahead to 2025, the minister hinted at upcoming policy initiatives aimed at revitalizing the mining sector. He revealed that the ministry plans to further consolidate reforms, enhance the enabling environment for investments, and continue efforts to reposition the sector for long-term, sustainable growth.

 

Segun Tomori, FSCA

Special Assistant on Media

to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development

 

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BIG STORY

Emefiele Loses Warehouse Built On 1.925 Hectares To Federal Government

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2 days ago

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December 21, 2024

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the final forfeiture of a warehouse linked to Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to The Guardian, top sources revealed that Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos issued the forfeiture order on Thursday, December 19, 2024, with the property forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The warehouse, built on a 1.925-hectare piece of land located at Km 8 along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Magboro, contained 54 general-purpose steel containers.

The containers were filled with various types of sewing machines.

Earlier, on November 28, the judge had ordered the interim forfeiture of the assets after the Commission filed an application for their forfeiture.

Following the court’s directive for the EFCC to publish the order in two national newspapers, allowing any interested party to show cause why the assets should not be finally forfeited, the Commission later returned to court to request the final forfeiture of the assets.

According to the source, the court also ordered the forfeiture of the land on which the warehouse is situated to the government.

“At the resumed hearing of the matter on Thursday, EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that the EFCC had complied with the court’s directives to publish the assets in two national newspapers,” the source said.

“Citing Section 44(2)(B) of the constitution and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, he prayed the court to grant the final forfeiture of the assets.

“Justice Dipeolu granted the order, making the forfeiture another milestone in the asset recovery drive of the EFCC.”

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BIG STORY

10 Feared Dead, Several Others Injured At Catholic Church’s Palliative In Abuja

Published

2 days ago

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December 21, 2024

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A stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama District of Abuja on Saturday morning has resulted in several deaths and numerous injuries.

The tragic incident occurred during a palliative distribution event organized by the church to assist struggling residents.

It was reported that chaos erupted as thousands of residents rushed to receive relief items, leading to the deadly crush.

Over 3,000 people, including children, mostly from nearby areas such as Mpape and Gishiri Village, had gathered for the event before the unfortunate incident took place.

Mike Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the incident.

“Yes, it’s true, but the details are sketchy,” he said in a brief statement.

On the same Saturday, a stampede in Okija, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State in Nigeria’s South-east, also left many people dead.

According to Premium Times, witnesses reported that the victims had gathered to participate in the distribution of bags of rice donated by a well-known entrepreneur, Ernest Obiejesi, commonly referred to as Obijackson.

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