Bandits

By Uzair Adam

The military high command has vowed to bring Bello Turji, one of the notorious bandit leaders terrorizing Zamfara State and parts of the Northwest, to justice for his crimes against humanity.

General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, stated during a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja that the military is determined to put an end to the levies being imposed by Turji and other terrorists on farmers.

He assured Nigerians that the days of the bandit leader are numbered, urging citizens to support the military’s efforts to restore peace.Gen.

Musa revealed that despite the bandits’ attempts to disrupt the lives of farmers, the military is working tirelessly to end these atrocities.

He also warned communities against supporting or providing information to the bandits, as doing so only prolongs the conflict.This declaration follows a recent visit by Gen.

Musa and other service chiefs to Sokoto, ordered by President Bola Tinubu, to intensify the fight against insurgency in the region.

The Chief of Defence urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to collaborate with security forces to ensure the success of ongoing military operations.

By Uzair Adam  

Residents of Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State, affected by ongoing security challenges, have reported that terrorists are compelling locals to work on their farms.  

In an interview with Daily Trust, the residents recounted how the bandits are forcing the locals into hard labour on their farms.  

It was gathered that a terrorist leader reportedly seized over 20 bags of soybeans from farms in Allawa and nearby communities this year. 

During an emergency media briefing in Minna, Saidu Salihu, the Secretary of the Coalition of Shiroro Associations, called for the re-deployment of military forces to Allawa and surrounding areas.  

This, he said, would allow displaced residents to return to their farms.  Salihu explained that various terrorist groups have controlled these communities since soldiers withdrew from the area three months ago.  

He urged both federal and state governments to support local vigilante groups to protect the affected residents. 

He also requested compensation for those displaced and who have lost homes and livelihoods due to the continued attacks. Salihu also revealed that bandits have initiated negotiations with the local communities to facilitate their return.  

However, both the federal and state governments have not responded to these developments.

Abdullah Suleiman Erena, another resident, noted that insecurity in the area extends beyond banditry, involving groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Ansaru.  

He warned that if the government does not act urgently, these groups could create a more entrenched terrorist presence in the region. 

He described the situation as a growing terrorist ecosystem, noting how these groups force locals to farm and sell their produce on their behalf.  

Erena also highlighted the proximity of Shiroro to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which puts the FCT at increased risk. 

Sani Abubakar Yusuf Kokki expressed disappointment with the state government’s response, stressing the need for more decisive action.  

Also, Babangida Kudodo of the Lakpma Youth Forum mentioned that previous reports to the state government had led to little or no action, allowing the situation to worsen. 

Both men called for immediate steps to be taken to dislodge the terrorists from Shiroro LGA and protect the affected communities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Three Nigerian soldiers have released a video message challenging Bello Turji Kachalla, a notorious bandit leader, to emerge from hiding and face them.

The soldiers expressed frustration over the lack of action from higher authorities to apprehend Turji Kachalla, who has been responsible for a string of devastating attacks across northern Nigeria. 

The soldiers directly addressed Turji Kachalla, saying, “Since we have not received orders to come after you, we invite you to come out of hiding and face us. Let’s see what happens.” 

They taunted Turji Kachalla, saying, “Prove your courage, Bello Turji. If you’re a real man, come out and face us.” 

Condemning Turji’s actions, the soldiers said, “For the sake of Allah, stop kidnapping and killing innocent civilians. They are not your enemies.

“We eliminated Boko Haram in Maiduguri without even knowing what a soldier or a gun was. Now that we’re trained soldiers, you don’t stand a chance, Bello Turji. You’re just a madman.

“You have a gun, but so do we. Come out of hiding and face us. If you’re not man enough to face us, then leave innocent civilians alone.”

https://x.com/jrnaib2/status/1831037714508251247

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has raised concerns that bandits are now abducting and killing Nigerians, believing they are serving God.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Gumi reacted to the recent seizure of Mines Resistant Armour personnel (MRAPs) by bandits, led by notorious kingpin Bello Turji. 

Gumi stated that the bandits were initially fighting an “ethnic war that could easily be resolved” but warned against intensifying the kinetic approach, which he believes has led to their radicalization.

“I warned if the kinetic approach is intensified they will turn into ideologically motivated guerrilla warfare. Nobody listened,” he said. 

The cleric noted that the bandits now commit the same crimes, but with a twisted belief that they are serving God. “The picture is gloomy,” Gumi concluded. His warning comes as a video from 2023 resurfaced, showing bandits jubilating after setting the seized MRAPs on fire.

By Uzair Adam

Reports coming from northwest Nigeria have shown that bandits attacked the Moriki community in Zamfara State on Wednesday night, abducting over 10 residents and demanding a ransom of N50 million.

The attack has further intensified the sense of insecurity in the area.The Zamfara State Police Command, through its spokesperson ASP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident.

He stated that the Commissioner of Police has ordered immediate action to rescue the victims.

A resident of Moriki community shared with the BBC Hausa Service on Thursday that the bandits have been a constant threat to the community.

He revealed that they previously abducted other residents and claimed their cows were killed by a local commander.

During this latest attack, the bandits reportedly went from house to house, capturing people and setting a deadline for the ransom payment.

According to the resident, this isn’t the first time the bandits have attacked the community for ransom.

He recounted a recent incident where they extorted N20 million from the community, allowing locals access to their farms in return. “The community remains in a state of insecurity,” he said.

By Uzair Adam

A member of the Hunters Association of Nigeria (HAN), Aliyu Yahaya, was brutally killed by bandits in Magamar-Jibia town, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attackers set fire to his home, burning his body inside, and abducted his wife, son, and three neighbors during the raid, which took place on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage in the community, with residents calling on the government to take immediate action to address the increasing insecurity in the area.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Katsina State, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to apprehend the culprits and rescue the kidnapped victims.

Community leaders, including Alhaji Sani Salisu, have expressed frustration over the lack of security in the region and are urging the authorities to increase security presence to prevent such tragic events in the future.

Residents are also appealing for swift action to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped individuals and to help alleviate the trauma faced by their families and the community.

By Uzair Adam Imam

On Thursday night, a group of bandits stormed the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC) in Osara, Okene, Kogi State, kidnapping several students as they prepared for upcoming exams.

An eyewitness reported that the bandits arrived at the university around 9:00 p.m., entering through the bush and infiltrating three lecture halls where students were studying.

They fired shots into the air, causing panic and trapping students inside.

Despite efforts by local security guards and gate personnel to confront the attackers, some students were abducted before the bandits could be repelled.

Fortunately, their intervention limited the bandits’ access to only the first three lecture halls.

The targeted students were getting ready for their first semester exams scheduled to begin on Monday, May 13, adding to the shock and distress of the incident.

One student, who wished to remain anonymous, described hiding in the bush with classmates for over an hour until the area quieted down enough for them to cautiously emerge.

While confirming the incident, CUSTEC Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulraman Asipita, declined to provide further details on the number of students abducted, stating that the university is actively managing the situation.

Efforts to contact Kogi’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bethrand Onuoha, and Retired Cdre Jerry Omodara, the State Security Adviser, were unsuccessful, as their phones went unanswered.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Plateau State Government revealed on Monday that bandits operating in the Wase Local Government Area have handed over a significant number of AK47 rifles to the state authorities.

During a press briefing in Jos, the state capital, the Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Security and Commander Operation Rainbow, Brigadier General Gakji Shippi, made this disclosure.

Shippi explained that the surrender of weapons followed extensive negotiations between the government and the bandits, showcasing a willingness to pursue peace through disarmament.

He clarified that the bandits didn’t directly surrender the firearms out of fear but through an intermediary involved in the negotiations.

He further mentioned that alongside the AK47 rifles, various other categories of weapons were also surrendered by the bandits, illustrating their commitment to the peace process.

Shippi emphasized that these efforts aim to encourage more bandits to voluntarily surrender their weapons, with ongoing steps to recover additional firearms from other groups.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Suspected bandits have unleashed terror in Katsina State, kidnapping at least 28 individuals, including men, women, and children from Zamfarawar Madogara in the Batsari Local Government Area.

The abduction occurred Thursday night, as armed bandits raided the village, according to a reliable source who disclosed the incident to journalists on Saturday.

Batsari, a frontline area, has endured years of banditry, adding to the region’s longstanding security challenges.

In a separate incident within Batsari LGA, suspected terrorists targeted Naduai village, where they kidnapped villagers and set portions of the area ablaze.

This further compounds the plight of residents already reeling from insecurity.Meanwhile, in Na-Alma village, Malumfashi Local Council, gunmen on motorcycles abducted at least 20 individuals, predominantly women, in an early morning attack earlier in the week.

Describing the harrowing ordeal, a resident who narrowly escaped abduction recounted how the assailants not only kidnapped women and children but also looted homes, taking valuable possessions.

Despite these distressing events, inquiries made to the Katsina State Police spokesperson, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, regarding the incidents remained unanswered at the time of reporting, leaving the community anxiously awaiting updates on the situation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Dogo Gide, the notorious bandit leader responsible for spreading terror across the North, has met his end.

The demise of Dogo Gide marks the conclusion of his reign of terror that had plagued the region for an extended period. 

Dogo Gide succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained during a fierce confrontation with Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) forces.

The encounter occurred amidst the rugged terrain of Madada Forest, located within the Maru local government area, on March 12, 2024. 

Despite sustaining severe injuries during the clash, Dogo Gide was reportedly transported clandestinely to a hospital in Mabera, Sokoto, Sokoto State.

However, his injuries proved fatal, leading to his demise. The demise of Dogo Gide, a fugitive wanted for a string of atrocious crimes in the region, was followed by his burial in Dandalla Village on March 24. 

Nevertheless, concerns have arisen regarding the circumstances surrounding Dogo Gide’s hospital admission.

It has come to light that a security official, now under detention, allegedly facilitated his access to medical care, raising apprehensions about potential collusion within the security apparatus. 

The successful elimination of Dogo Gide stands as a significant accomplishment for the Nigerian security forces.