Bauchi

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command has launched an investigation into an armed robbery and kidnapping case linked to an incident that occurred along the Abuja–Kaduna highway, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of a stolen vehicle.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command.

According to the statement, the case was reported at the ‘A’ Division Police Station in Township, Bauchi, on May 27, 2026, at about 7:20 p.m., according to the police.

The complainant, a professional driver who resides in the Zanda area along Gwagwa Dede Road, Church Street, Abuja, told investigators that he was attacked and abducted by suspected criminals while carrying out a transport assignment.

Police said the driver explained that on May 21, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m., a man hired him to transport wedding guests from Kaduna State to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for an agreed fee of ₦400,000.

During the journey, the passenger reportedly asked the driver to take a different route through Kuyello Village in Kaduna State. Upon arrival in the area, armed men riding three motorcycles allegedly intercepted the vehicle.

According to the police, the passenger was later identified as Idris Mohammed, also known as Yellow, a resident of Badaromo Village in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Investigators said he allegedly instructed the driver to stop before the armed men attacked him.

The assailants reportedly beat the victim with rifle butts and held him captive for 24 hours.

Police said the driver eventually regained his freedom after paying a ransom of ₦3 million through a transfer to an OPay account.

The suspects were also accused of taking away the victim’s red Toyota Corolla with manual transmission, a Tecno Pop 10 mobile phone valued at ₦130,000, ₦15,000 in cash, and a wristwatch worth ₦10,000.

Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of ‘A’ Division, Township, coordinated an intelligence-led operation that lasted three days. The operation led to the recovery of the stolen vehicle and the arrest of the principal suspect.

The command stated that the suspect had confessed to involvement in the crime and had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for further investigation and prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc (+), assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects who remain at large and recover the remaining stolen property.

He also advised members of the public to be vigilant when engaging commercial transport services and to promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest police station.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

An initiative aimed at improving governance participation and digital access for women and girls took centre stage in Bauchi as the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) organised an event to commemorate the International Girls in ICT Day.

The programme formed part of the Agenda Winning Project, a CITAD initiative designed to strengthen governance engagement and expand opportunities for women and girls, with a strong focus on digital inclusion.

The event brought together students from eight schools. Teachers, panelists, and stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and the ICT sector also attended.

Organisers said the programme focused on building digital literacy, promoting online safety, and creating awareness about opportunities in the digital economy for girls. It also sought to reduce the gender gap in access to digital tools through mentorship and stakeholder collaboration.

The session opened with remarks by the Programme Officer of CITAD Bauchi Office, Mujahid Ibrahim, who spoke on behalf of the Executive Director. He outlined the objectives of the project and its key thematic areas.

Speaking at the event, Mujahid Ibrahim said, “This initiative is about equipping young girls with the knowledge and confidence to participate safely and meaningfully in the digital space. We want them to see technology not just as users, but as creators and leaders in the digital economy.”

A technical session followed. It addressed digital literacy and online safety. Speakers highlighted the need for responsible use of digital platforms, improved cybersecurity awareness, and the importance of equipping young girls with safe digital skills.

The event also featured a panel discussion with key experts. They included Dr. Khadija, Director of Research and Innovation at the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT; Muhammad Qaim Aliyu, a lecturer in cybersecurity at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU); and Hauwa Jidda, a representative of Z-Tech.

The discussion, moderated by Dr. Muhammad Qaim Aliyu, examined mentorship, opportunities in the digital space, and career pathways for girls in ICT. Dr. Khadija Aliyu Yahya expressed readiness to support interested participants through mentorship and inclusion in her ICT programmes.

Participants described the event as engaging and impactful. There was strong participation from stakeholders and enthusiasm among the students.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Hundreds of residents streamed back to their village on Wednesday, ending two months of displacement after a major military operation flushed out armed terrorists from forest strongholds across three states.

The homecoming turned into a celebration, with men, women, and children singing and dancing as they reclaimed their ancestral homes. Many immediately began clearing overgrown bushes and inspecting their houses for damage.

Mansur had been a ghost town since February 26, 2026, when terrorists overran the community, forcing families to abandon their farms and homes. For nearly two months, the village lay empty.

The return was made possible by Operation BUGUN KARKANDA III, a clearance mission ordered by Army Headquarters and executed by the 33 Artillery Brigade. That operation followed an earlier phase, Operation WUTAN DAJI, designed to root out terrorists from their hideouts.

According to military statements, troops successfully cleared the dreaded Dajin Madam Forest in Plateau State and Kumbodoro Forest in Taraba State. Other cleared areas included the Yankari Game Reserve, Bogwas, and Rimi in Bauchi State, as well as Odere Forest, Shirnagol, Wanka, and Kukarlwa in Plateau State. In Taraba, Kumbodoro town and Angwan Jauro Sule were also secured.

With the clearance phase complete, the military moved to consolidate gains, handing over liberated towns to security agencies and government departments to maintain order and facilitate the return of displaced communities.

Local leaders praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for swift action, adding that the residents’ return marks a fresh start. For many villagers, the sight of soldiers on patrol now brings reassurance rather than fear.

By Uzair Adam

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue his ambition of becoming the governor of Bauchi State in the 2027 elections.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Tuggar’s resignation on Monday through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

It was gathered that the minister submitted his resignation letter to the president shortly after noon and is expected to contest the governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His resignation follows a directive issued earlier in March by the presidency.

The order, conveyed through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, required all political appointees intending to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign from their positions on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive affects ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants and heads of federal government agencies.

It is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and is aimed at preventing conflicts of interest as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Bugun Karkanda III have forced armed terrorists out of Mansur Village and nearby settlements in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

During the operation, soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle and re-established government control in the affected communities.

Military authorities described the development as “a major breakthrough.”

The army explained that the mission targeted locations where armed groups had attempted to establish influence. According to the military, the action weakened the fighters and disrupted their activities in the area.

Officials also said the operation forms part of a wider campaign to improve security and allow residents to return to their normal daily activities. The exercise followed the formal launch of the security initiative by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folusho Oyinlola.

In a statement released on Thursday in Jos, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 3 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya, said troops moved strategically against the armed groups.

The statement said, “Following a deliberate and well-coordinated offensive, troops of 3 Division rapidly advanced into identified flash points, establishing dominance over key areas and successfully dislodging armed terrorists who had attempted to assert control over Mansur Village.”

The army added that soldiers conducted a detailed search of the area after pushing out the attackers.

“A thorough clearance of the village led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, further weakening the terrorists’ operational capacity.”

According to the statement, troops have maintained their presence in the area after the operation.

“Troops have since consolidated gains and intensified aggressive fighting patrols alongside confidence-building patrols across Alkaleri LGA to sustain presence, maintain law and order, and prevent resurgence.”

The army also said the strengthened security activities have already produced positive outcomes in the local government area.

“The renewed military posture has yielded tangible results: disrupting criminal elements, rebuilding public confidence, and creating a safer environment for citizens to resume socio-economic activities without fear,“ he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security operatives have arrested two men suspected of supplying fuel to bandits who operate in parts of Bauchi State.

The arrest took place in neighbouring Gombe State during a security operation. Information about the incident appeared in a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Thursday.

Makama said security personnel carried out the operation on Wednesday at about 4:30 a.m. Officers conducted a stop-and-search exercise along the Kashere–Futuk Road in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

He explained that the action followed intelligence about how armed groups in Bauchi obtain fuel from Gombe.

“The operation followed intelligence reports indicating that bandits terrorising parts of Bauchi were sourcing fuel from Gombe,” Makama wrote.

During the exercise, security operatives stopped a red-tinted Golf 3 vehicle with registration number GME 221 XA. The car carried 29 jerrycans filled with Premium Motor Spirit, also known as PMS.

Makama added that the driver managed to escape.

“The vehicle’s driver, 20-year-old Aliyu Usman from Futuk Village in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi, reportedly fled the scene and escaped,” he wrote.

Two passengers inside the vehicle did not escape. Security agents arrested them at the scene. Authorities identified them as Bello Abdullahi, 52, and Sulaiman Musa, 40. Both men come from Futuk Village in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The suspects told investigators that they bought the fuel in Billiri town in Gombe State.

Police officers seized the vehicle and the 29 jerrycans as exhibits. Authorities have opened an investigation to determine whether the suspects supplied fuel to criminal groups.

Security agencies also continue efforts to capture the driver who escaped and to uncover other members of the suspected supply network.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Gwana District in Alkaleri Local Government Area, Bauchi State, have abandoned their homes and belongings as insecurity in the community intensifies.

Families are fleeing the area in large numbers, seeking safety in neighbouring states, leaving the settlement nearly deserted.

Pictures that have gone viral on social media show people hurriedly packing their belongings, loading household items onto vehicles and motorcycles, and preparing to leave the community amid palpable fear.

Witnesses state that repeated attacks and constant threats have made it impossible for residents to go about their daily activities. Some residents said the situation has become unbearable, with many unable to sleep peacefully at night.

“The absence of an adequate security presence has emboldened criminal elements, leaving villagers vulnerable to further attacks,” one local resident said.

The mass displacement has also disrupted farming and other economic activities. Many residents have left behind farmlands, livestock, and personal property, relocating to safer communities or seeking refuge with relatives in neighbouring states.

Authorities in Bauchi State had not issued any official statement on the situation in Alkaleri at the time this report was filed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A cameraman with Channels Television, Kani Ben, who died after sustaining injuries in a road accident while on official duty, has been buried in Adamawa State.

The 44-year-old was laid to rest on Saturday in Kangling, his hometown in Girei Local Government Area. He was born on May 28, 1982, and died on February 15, 2026, following injuries he suffered in the crash.

The accident happened along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The media team was on assignment to cover a project inauguration by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

A total of 14 people were involved in the crash. Thirteen of them were journalists from different media organisations, including a reporter from Daily Post. Kani Ben was the only person who lost his life.

Before the incident, the delegation had handed over a Government Secondary School project in Yelwan Duguri to the Bauchi State Government. The team was led by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu. The Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, was also part of the entourage. The convoy was heading to inaugurate the Bara Bridge, which connects Bauchi and Gombe states, when the accident occurred.

Those who sustained injuries were first taken to Yelwan Duguri Hospital. They were later moved to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital and Bauchi Specialist Hospital for further treatment.

At the burial, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed sympathised with the family of the deceased and members of the media. The Commissioner for Information, Usman Shehu Usman, represented him at the event. He announced that the state government had approved automatic employment for Ben’s widow, Sarah, in the civil service.

The governor had earlier visited the injured journalists at ATBUTH and directed that they should receive proper medical care.

In a tribute, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, described the late cameraman as dedicated and professional in the discharge of his duties.

Also speaking, Rev. Cletus Dading, Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, Abuja Diocese, praised the Bauchi State Government for supporting the bereaved family.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 United States military personnel at the Bauchi Airfield to bolster the Armed Forces of Nigeria through training and intelligence-sharing initiatives.

In an official statement on Monday, Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, clarified that the deployment follows formal diplomatic engagements and was initiated at the request of the Nigerian Federal Government.

“The deployment forms part of the deliberations during a working group engagement by the Nigerian delegation and its US counterpart,” Maj. Gen. Uba stated. He emphasized that the presence of the US personnel is a “planned and deliberate” move designed to address specific military training requirements and enhance technical support.

The DHQ stressed that the collaboration is strictly non-combative. “The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces,” the statement read, adding that all activities will be conducted under the authority and control of the Nigerian government.

The joint exercises will focus on strengthening the capacity of Nigerian troops to identify and neutralize extremist threats. The partnership aims to provide Nigeria with access to specialized technical capabilities, ultimately helping to protect vulnerable communities and deter terrorist activities.

“These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralise extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilise the nation,” Maj. Gen. Uba added.

The Defence Headquarters reassured the public of its commitment to transparency throughout the cooperation, promising to provide clear and timely information regarding the military engagement.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected bandits have abducted the wives and daughters of Imam Abubakar Muhammad Digare, the Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), during an attack on Digare town in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The incident occurred on Saturday night. The assailants reportedly invaded the cleric’s residence under the cover of darkness and took several victims away to an undisclosed location. Authorities are yet to confirm the exact number of those kidnapped.

Residents said the attack has heightened fear across the community. Many people have remained indoors, while movement within the town has reduced sharply due to safety concerns. Witnesses added that women and children were among those abducted. Neighbours described the operation as chaotic, noting that the gunmen fled immediately after seizing their victims.

Security analyst Bakatsine spoke on the development, stressing the implications for security in the area.

He said, “The attack on the residence of Imam Abubakar Muhammad Digare is a clear indication of the growing audacity of criminal gangs in the region. Such acts are designed to instil fear and demonstrate the weakness of local security arrangements.”

He also warned about the broader social impact of targeting religious leaders.

According to him, “Abductions targeting prominent religious leaders are particularly alarming because they can destabilise communal trust and provoke tensions within the community.”

Bakatsine called for urgent government intervention to curb the trend.

He said, “Authorities need to respond swiftly and effectively to prevent further escalation. This incident underscores the urgent need for coordinated security strategies in Bauchi and surrounding states.”

The latest raid adds to a string of violent incidents recorded in parts of Bauchi State in recent times. Communities across the state have reported kidnappings, armed robberies, and other attacks, which continue to raise concerns about public safety.