Security

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Ismail Sahabi, a lecturer at the Federal College of Education in Zaria, Kaduna State, has been released after being held captive for 31 days.

Sahabi was abducted by suspected terrorists on July 18th, along with his brother, Sidi Aliyu Sahabi, and several others, at Kasuwar Magani in Chikun Local Government Area.

The abduction resulted in the tragic death of Mohammed Bashir (Govinda), Chairman of the Tudun Wada, Zaria Butchers Association.

According to Malam Musa Sahabi, a brother to two of the victims, the attack was carried out by an informant.

The victims were finally released on Friday and are currently receiving medical attention to assess their health condition.

While a family source confirmed their release, it remains unclear whether a ransom was paid to secure their freedom.

By Anas Abbas

A devastating clash between farmers and herders in Kodomun, Demsa Local Government Area, Adamawa State, has left at least eight people dead and several others injured.

According to Suleiman Nguroje, Police Command PRO, a joint security team has been deployed to restore order in the area, but no arrests have been made yet.

This latest incident marks a recurring pattern of violence, resulting in significant loss of life, livestock, and property over the years.

The Daily Reality gathered that the crisis allegedly began with the murder of a youth in Kodomun by suspected herders, escalating tensions and spreading to neighboring villages, including Kudiri, Sabonlayi, Kwayine, and Gorogbakai.

In response, Demsa LGA Chairman Akham Jalo called for calm during an emergency meeting at the palace of Hama Batta, HRM Homun Alhamdu Gladstone Teneke. Jalo urged stakeholders to work towards a lasting solution to the persistent conflict.

By Uzair Adam

The Army said yesterday that its troops on counter-insurgency operations recorded a significant breakthrough by dismantling a gun-running syndicate that specialises in supplying arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating in the North West.

Troops also apprehended a notorious kidnap syndicate and recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition from the suspects.

A statement by the army said, “On August 7, 2024, troops working in coordination with other security agencies arrested a notorious gun-runner, Mallam Yau Ibrahim, in Babinga Kudaru village of Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

This arrest followed an earlier apprehension of another syndicate member on July 31, 2024, by troops of Operation Safe Haven in Jos.

Among the items recovered are AK-47 rifle, AK-47 rifle magazine, 1,641 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and 49 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.

In a separate operation, while acting on credible intelligence, troops tracked down and arrested Abubakar Shehu, 25 years, in the Ijebu-Ode area of Ogun State.

Shehu is a member of a kidnap syndicate responsible for the assassination of Alhaji Mairuga Abubakar, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, in Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Following preliminary investigation, the suspect led troops to Okoka forest in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state, where they recovered four AK-47 rifles, a locally fabricated pistol, eight magazines, one cartridge, and 110 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

In Katsina State, troops laid ambush and neutralised a terrorist at Anguwa Boka in Faskari Local Government Area of the state.

Items recovered from the terrorists include one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, three rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, a mobile phone and assorted items.

The arrest of the notorious gun-runner, Mallam Yau Ibrahim, and the apprehension of the kidnap syndicate, as well as the elimination of a terrorist alongside the recovery of arms and ammunition, are a veritable testament of the NA’s unflinching commitment in safeguarding our nation from the scourge of terrorism and criminality

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Security Council under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, after a thorough review of the security situation in Kaduna and Zaria towns and environs, has unanimously agreed to relax the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on Monday 4th August 2024.

By this review, the curfew will now be in effect from 6pm to 8am daily. This implies that citizens may move freely and carry out their legitimate activities between 8am and 6pm, and will revert to the curfew from 6pm to 8am

The Kaduna State Security Council reiterates its total commitment to the peace and security of the State, and will continue to take all steps deemed necessary for their preservation.

Furthermore, the security forces will continue to vigorously enforce the curfew from 6pm to 8am, and will be decisive in confronting actions which may lead to a breakdown of law and order during periods of movement as well as restriction.

Uzair Adam

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kaduna State Police Command has successfully apprehended a notorious kidnapper.

Spokesperson of the Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, said “The suspect, identified as Abdulrahman ‘M’ of Karshi, Abuja, was arrested in possession of an AK-47 rifle along with twenty-seven (27) rounds of live ammunition in Karshi.”

He said upon interrogation, Abdulrahman confessed to being involved in several kidnappings in Ikara Local Government Area (LGA).

He stated that, “Further investigations are ongoing, and the suspect will be prosecuted upon the completion of preliminary investigations.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Ali Dabigi psc, commended the officers involved for their exemplary work and assured the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of life and property throughout the state,” he said.

By Uzair Adam

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced that the police have apprehended individuals responsible for sponsoring rioters who displayed foreign flags and called for a change in government.

The Daily Reality learned that an investigation is underway to determine their motivations.

The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, revealed that some sponsors are based in the diaspora and have been identified and watchlisted.

He said that any attempts by them to enter the country will be met with arrest.

IGP Egbetokun also stated that funders of violence and subversion, both within and outside Nigeria, have been tracked, and their accounts have been blocked.

The security agencies assured that they have been managing the crisis carefully, using only tear gas and not live ammunition or rubber bullets.

He added that the reported shooting of a protester in Abuja is being investigated and may have been the work of armed robbers or hoodlums.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, emphasized the commitment of security agencies to their task and the respect they have for the country.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, assured that the Nigerian Army will protect Nigeria’s democracy, peace, and harmony.

The DSS spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, confirmed that some sponsors of the foreign flags have been arrested and urged patience as their identities will soon be disclosed.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Government has announced a relaxation of the curfew, which will now be in effect from 6 AM to 6 PM.

This decision was revealed by Kano Police Commissioner Dogo Salman following a joint security meeting with Governor Abba Yusuf at the Government House.

Commissioner Salman highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining peace and order while gradually lifting restrictions to allow residents to resume normal activities.

The adjustment in curfew hours reflects the improved security situation and the efforts of security agencies in restoring normalcy to the state.

Governor Yusuf urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement and adhere to the revised curfew regulations to ensure continued safety and stability in Kano.

By Uzair Adam

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the manner in which President Bola Tinubu’s administration removed the fuel subsidy in 2023.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Obasanjo argued that the government should have implemented certain measures before taking such a drastic step.

Obasanjo emphasized that the sudden removal of the subsidy led to a significant rise in petrol prices, from about N200 to over N600 per litre.

He noted that the subsidy, which was declared “gone” by Tinubu during his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, has now effectively been reintroduced due to inflation.

“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done. Not just wake up one morning and say you removed the subsidy. Because of inflation, the subsidy that we have removed is not gone. It has come back,” Obasanjo stated.

He further highlighted the need for investor confidence in Nigeria, stating, “You have to go from a transactional economy to a transformational economy.”

The Daily Reality reports that among the demands of the ongoing nationwide protest is the reinstatement of the fuel subsidy.

However, in a recent broadcast, President Tinubu dismissed the possibility of bringing back the subsidy.

He described the decision to remove it as painful but essential, stating that it had been a “noose around the economic jugular of our nation” and had stifled economic growth and progress.

By Uzair Adam

A Kano State Mobile Court ordered the remand of 632 protesters for alleged vandalism of public and government properties during the “Endbadgovernance” nationwide protest.

The charges against the defendants include criminal conspiracy, theft, unlawful assembly, inciting disturbance, trespass, and mischief by fire.

The court session was overseen by Senior Magistrate Ibrahim Mansur-Yola, Senior Magistrate Hadiza Rabiu-Bello, and Chief Magistrate Abba Muttaka-Dandago.

The court adjourned the hearing to August 19.

State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Salisu Tahir stated that the defendants committed the alleged offenses on August 1.

He claimed that during the protest, the defendants trespassed, vandalized government and public properties, broke into shops, and looted goods.

The prosecutor noted that the charges violate sections 97, 287, 229, 336, 349, and 247 of the Penal Code.

While some defendants pleaded guilty, others maintained their innocence.

State Attorney General Haruna Isa-Dederi told reporters that three mobile courts were set up to handle the large number of defendants.

He emphasized that the Ministry of Justice would review the case diary and provide appropriate advice before the next court session.

By Anas Abbas

The Kaduna State Security Council, led by Governor Uba Sani, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria metropolitan cities, effective immediately.

This decision comes after a review of the state’s security situation, which revealed that ongoing protests have been hijacked by criminal elements.

According to the council, these criminal elements have resorted to looting shops and destroying private and public property. To maintain safety and security, citizens are advised to remain indoors while security forces work to contain the situation.

The curfew will be continuously monitored, with the possibility of review as necessary. The Kaduna State Government has urged citizens to cooperate with security forces to restore peace and order in the affected areas.

This development follows a wave of protests that have turned violent, prompting concerns about public safety. The government’s swift response aims to prevent further escalation and protect citizens’ lives and property.