Kidnapping in the North

By Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia

Some years ago, a group of students from Kaduna state came to my office, lamenting how Muslim elders imposed a Christian candidate on them and rigged him into power. They even told how an Emir and some elders called Islamic scholars and warned them against remonstration in their preachings. “How can we bear this disgrace?” my students were frustrated.

I said, “You can solve the problem and make governance difficult for the imposed Governor”. The young people paid attention, expecting an “academic” solution to their problem. “The Governor cannot rule Kaduna state alone. Since the majority are against him, why not look for and beat up anyone who accepts his political appointment?” I offered.

My students looked at one another and said, “Sir, there will be chaos and mass arrest”. Poor them, they want to bring change, are not happy with what is happening, and are afraid of arrest. “The alternative is to support the unpopular Governor and struggle for your share of the haram”, I finalised the discussion.

In the case of my Kaduna state students, the problem was election rigging, even though there was relative peace in their state, at least up to that time. In the case of Katsina people, it has been killing, kidnapping, rape, stealing, etc. How have the people reacted to the politicians they elected to solve the problem of insecurity? 

Several people have asked why they no longer see my comments on insecurity, and I always reply that I am busy with other things. I am busy, but not too busy to write a few paragraphs to express my opinion. However, it reached a point where I began to ask, as far as insecurity is concerned, who is the culprit? Whom should I write to blame? The Government? The military? The masses?

Going by the advice I gave Kaduna youth, one would expect that no elected politician would have the guts to go to any community ravaged by insecurity in Katsina or nearby states. Unfortunately, that is not the case. I saw people who lost some of their closest relatives to banditry staunchly supporting a politician, whose actions mean that their losses do not matter. Bandits displaced a community, but I saw their youth on social media actively supporting politicians who were giving public money to bandits in the name of the peace agreement.

If you are actively fighting for those victims through writing or interviews, and you offend any politician, you should be ready to get a good beating from some of the banditry victims if that is what would please the politician.

So, whom should I blame? Do the people take no blame? What of the military? Should I write to blame the masses as weak as they are? Should I write to condemn the military as strongly as they are? Should I not be afraid of arrest like my Kaduna students? If I offend the military, and you must surely offend them if you will tell the truth about insecurity, who would bail me out when I am arrested and tagged a troublemaker or any name they decide to give me?

The cheapest people to blame are the politicians. Everybody is against them. Public money is in their hands, and they are spending it on weddings and musicians, just like we witnessed in Katsina. But are all the people criticising them sincere? Would they not do the same if they were in their position? Some of these things were the reason Nigerians voted PDP out ten years ago, and the “saints” they elected are doing the same.

If you are expecting me to continue directing my blame to politicians, you will be disappointed. While they have their fair share of the blame for insecurity, we also have our share as victims. 

The masses should take my advice to the Kaduna youth if they can. They can only beat the politicians or join them. For the politicians, I have no words. Only the masses can deal with them if they take the first side of my advice. For me, I shall keep mum about the military because I am a coward.

For other Nigerians, continue to enjoy yourselves before insecurity reaches your side. I pray it will not.

Prof Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has welcomed back Augustine Madubiya, a final-year student recently rescued unharmed from kidnappers, thanks to local security agencies. This is stated in a press release by Jamilu M. Magaji, Head of Information and Public Relations.

Augustine was officially returned to the university on Thursday in a ceremony held at the Council Chambers. The event was attended by Kebbi State’s Deputy Governor, Sen. Umar Abubakar Tafida, along with the Commissioner of Police Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M Sani, who personally handed over the student to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan Umar.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor attributed the successful rescue to the unwavering commitment of the State Governor, His Excellency Comrade Dr Nasir Idris. He emphasised the importance of the firm directives given to security forces to take urgent action in response to the kidnapping incident.

Augustine is currently receiving medical treatment, after which he will be reunited with his fellow students at the university. The Vice-Chancellor expressed profound gratitude to the state government and security operatives for their prompt response and mobilisation of resources in support of the university during this crisis.

The university community has extended its heartfelt appreciation to Governor Idris for his ongoing commitment to the safety and security of all residents in the state, highlighting a collective effort to safeguard lives and properties.

As the university continues its mission of providing a safe learning environment, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced and the resolve needed to overcome them.

By Uzair Adam 

The Katsina State Government has confirmed that the winner of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, Abdulsalam Rabiu-Faskari, along with his father and brother, remains in the custody of their abductors.  

In a statement issued on Friday, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango, clarified that contrary to some media reports, the victims were still alive.  

Rabiu-Faskari, an ABU final-year medical student, was kidnapped alongside his father and brother two days ago while returning to Faskari from Katsina, shortly after being honored by Governor Dikko Radda for his outstanding performance in the competition held in Kebbi.  

The commissioner noted that Rabiu-Faskari was set to represent Nigeria at the upcoming international edition of the competition.  

“The government has been made aware of reports suggesting that the young scholar was killed by his abductors. However, the latest information reaching us confirms that he and his family members are alive and in captivity,” Salisu-Zango stated.  

He further revealed that the kidnappers were demanding N30 million for their release.  

Governor Radda condemned the abduction, describing it as unfortunate and assuring that efforts were underway to secure the victims’ safe return.  

“My heart is with the victims, their family, relatives, and friends. We pray for their safe release. The government is taking concrete steps to ensure their rescue,” Radda said.  

He urged security agencies to intensify efforts in tracking down the kidnappers while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to addressing the security challenges in the state.  

The governor also called on the public to offer prayers for the safety of Rabiu-Faskari and other abductees.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic kidnapping of one of its members, Abdussalam Rabi’u Faskari, a 300-level MBBS student. 

The incident, which also involved two members of his family, occurred as they traveled home from the Government House of Katsina State.

Abdussalam, known for his academic excellence and deep religious commitment, is not just a promising medical student but also an accomplished Islamic scholar. 

He is an Imam at the College of Medical Sciences mosque. He also secured the first position in the 60Hizb category at the last National Musabaqa (Qur’anic competition).

The MSSN community, along with the wider Muslim ummah, is now calling for fervent prayers for his safe return, as well as for other victims of similar tragedies. 

The statement from MSSN urged all students to remain steadfast in their faith, emphasizing that “with hardship comes ease” (Qur’an 94:6).

This unfortunate event is part of the growing security crisis affecting Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become alarmingly frequent. 

Calls for more decisive government intervention and lasting security solutions continue to mount as families and communities grapple with these distressing incidents.

By Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia

For nearly a decade, the North West geopolitical zone of Nigeria has been suffering from the menace of banditry. The bandits who live in the vast forest spanning several states in the Northwest and North-central zones started as cattle rustlers before metamorphosing into fully pledged armed robbers. They attack communities, schools, travellers, etc. Wherever they go, it is a story of killing, kidnapping, rape, arson and other unprintable atrocities. 

Bandits lack the civility of the erstwhile armed robbers. In those days, armed robbers only sought money and valuables like jewellery. Once they had them, they were satisfied and would leave without dropping blood. That is not the case with bandits. When they visit a community or block travellers on highways, they usually start by killing some before kidnapping others. 

Payment of ransom is not a guarantee of getting the kidnapped victim freed. They may collect ransom from relatives and still kill the victim. There are many examples. 

Bandits’ locations and leaders are well known to the Government and members of the communities in which they operate. Many of them serve as the de facto government in their domain of operation. This is not a story I am telling from one of those video clips circulating on social media. Some of my blood relatives have been going to work on the farm of the bandits’ kingpin, who is in charge of their area. 

To agree to live under the protection of an “officer”, the de facto rural government of Jibia and Batsari, a village has to send its elders with some money to go and beg for him to accept them. You may wish to go back to my writeup on “Submission to bandits authority”.

However, an “officer” is not the only bandit leader known to the government and the people. There are more deadly and more popular “officers”. One of them is Ado Aleru, who killed dozens of villagers in Katsina State and told the BBC Hausa service that he doesn’t kidnap; he only kills. Asked to give the number of people he killed, he said it is too large to remember.

Another officer is Bello Turji, who, among other crimes, once burned a passenger bus with 30 people in it days after opening fire on a village market that claimed 60 lives in Zamfara state. He is popular because he speaks frequently to the public. That, however, doesn’t make him the deadliest.

Dogo Gide is another “officer” who was notorious for, among other things, the abduction of 90 students and teachers of FGC Yauri, 11 of whom he married off in the process. 

Among the many popular “officers” is Dankarami, who publicly confessed to killing many combined troops of Nigeria and Niger Republic in addition to kidnapping and killing many innocent citizens in Katsina and Zamfara state. 

The above crime leaders and several others in their category are still alive and active.

The Buhari administration made the first blunder in dealing with the menace of banditry. The federal government under Buhari asked governors of the affected states to strike a peace deal with the bandits. Peace agreements were sealed between some state governments and bandits in 2016 and 2019; in both cases, the latter reneged. 

Unlike what some of their sympathisers would want us to believe, the bandits are not freedom fighters but pure criminals and stark illiterates. The only thing that would make them drop their weapons is a continuous flow of cash from the Government, the kind of cash they make from their criminality. That is unrealistic for a Government struggling to pay its civil servants a paltry minimum wage. Hence, the peace deals were failed under Buhari.

Bandits’ sympathisers who gave Buhari the wrong advice have found their way into the Tinubu Government. The first indication of that is what a young Islamic scholar revealed early this year. The scholar alleged that, under the financial influence of unnamed federal defence officials, some Islamic scholars are campaigning for not just amnesty for bandits but their appointments into public offices by the government. He alleged that he was among those invited to participate in the campaign but refused.

As far as we know, the federal government did not deny Sheikh Koza’s claims. If he had lied, he would have been arrested and asked to name the defence officials. Neither of those things happened.

Then came the kidnap and murder of the Emir of Gobir. With the public outcry that followed, the Federal Government had to show its will to fight banditry. Thus, the Minister of State of Defence and service chiefs were asked to move to Sokoto and end banditry. However, despite the budget, since the movement of the minister and service chiefs to Sokoto, the only bandit of note who was killed/arrested by the Government is Halilu Sububu. Banditry business has continued as usual, even with the presence of our nation’s security heavyweights.

For example, as reported by national dailies, the Funtua-Gusau highway was blocked by bandits on several occasions during this period with no consequences. For frontline local Governments in Katsina state, the attacks became worse. The only place considered safe in my local Government area was Jibia town, the local government headquarters. However, since the so-called “Operation Fansan Yamma” started, Jibia town has lost its safety as bandits attacked, killed and kidnapped with impunity.

As Nigerians were waiting anxiously for the expected miracle due to the presence of security chiefs, the Lakurawa issue came up. According to sources, Lakurawa is a group with similar ideologies to Boko Haram. They have a total number of just 250 in Nigeria and no cases of frequent attacks on communities. Lakurawa militants are said to have been in Nigeria for some years at the instance of some Kebbi communities who sought their protection against bandits. 

The question here is, why is the issue of Lakurawa now being brought up when we have a more serious problem to solve? Lakurawa are obviously not as dangerous as the bandits, and their presence in Nigeria has been linked to the failure of the government to protect citizens from bandits.

From day one, the approach of this and immediate past governments has made Nigerians believe they are not ready to end banditry. If they are now talking about some Lakurawa instead of our real problem, why should we not think they are using it to divert our attention?

My advice to President Tinubu is to remember that he was elected by Nigerians. Ribadu, Badaru, Matwalle or Christoper Musa did not contest and win an election. The president is responsible for appointing his aides, continuously monitoring them, and ensuring they are doing the right thing.

That the officials mentioned above are Northerners is immaterial.

Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli, ANIPR 

In a dramatic move, Bello Turji, the notorious kidnapper and the most wanted bandit who has claimed responsibility for most prominent terrorist attacks in Northwest Nigeria, released a video clip where his deadly gang surrounded him and passed a vote of confidence in the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa.

The terrorists described General Musa as their ‘leader’ “Shugaban mu mai albarka”, and suggested that he should grant Musa Asada (an Islamic scholar) a military or paramilitary appointment. Turji’s expression of loyalty to the military boss suggested an unofficial relationship between him and military insiders.

That aside, for now, Turji’s trending video clip is evidence of system failure, intelligence weakness, and political will to nail the enemies of the state. The military might be challenged, and a terrorist rubbished the ‘technological know-how’ of the giant.

His outlandish accusations sparked widespread debate and concern, with some on social media misinterpreting Turji’s words and using them to question the integrity of the Nigerian military, especially General Christopher Musa’s role in combating insecurity.

As a staunch advocate of good governance, I have long been calling on the government to take more decisive action against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping. For the past five to six years, I have consistently raised awareness about the threats posed by these criminal elements to the safety and prosperity of Nigeria, particularly in the North. Unfortunately, much of this advocacy seems to have fallen on deaf ears as banditry continues to ravage communities. Nonetheless, I feel compelled to discuss the issue, especially to analyse the confusion and misinformation that Turji’s statements have caused.

Let it be clear that Turji’s claims are false, and the military has the responsibility of taming him. No evidence supportsthe insinuation that General Christopher Musa is associated with Turji or any criminal network. General Musa has been instrumental in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity, including taking decisive action against high-profile criminals like Turji.

Since being appointed CDS, General Christopher Musa has demonstrated endless commitment to restoring peace and order in Nigeria. He has led several strategic military operations aimed at dismantling the networks of bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers that have terrorised communities across the country, especially in the Northwest. One of the most significant achievements under his leadership was the recent elimination of Halilu Sububu, a key figure in the banditry networks terrorising Zamfara and surrounding areas. Sububu’s death dealt a major blow to these criminal gangs, sending shockwaves through their ranks.

It is no coincidence that Turji, now cornered by relentless military pressure, has resorted to making baseless accusations against the institution that has been dismantling his operations. His statement is nothing more than a desperate attempt to divert attention from the military’s successes in combating his criminal activities. Turji, like other criminals of his kind, understands the power of propaganda and is trying to manipulate public perception by targeting prominent figures like General Musa.

Furthermore, Turji’s threats against notable voices such as Bulama Bukarti, Musa Asada, and Bello Yabo, three fearless advocates who have stood against his reign of terror, reflect his growing desperation. These individuals, alongside many others, have been instrumental in raising awareness about the accurate scale of banditry and advocating for more decisive government action to protect communities. Turji’s frustrations with these figures only further reveal the pressure he is under from public opinion and military action.

Despite these military gains, it is essential to recognise that Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in the North, require more than just military action. The complexity of the insecurity crisis demands a comprehensive approach that includes social, economic, and political dimensions. The government must continue to invest in addressing the root causes of banditry, which include poverty, lack of education, and underdevelopment in many rural areas.

For the people of the Northwest, the situation has become unbearable. Many can no longer farm their lands, as bandits have taken control of vast territories, instilling fear in local communities. Despite having fertile land, farmers cannot plant crops because of the constant threat of violence. The government must prioritise providing immediate relief to these communities, ensuring they are protected and given the necessary resources to rebuild their lives.

In addition, efforts must be made to strengthen local intelligence networks, improve border security, and ensure that arms do not flow freely into the hands of bandits. Collaboration with neighbouring countries, particularly Niger and Chad, is crucial to stop the transnational flow of weapons and fighters. The government should also foster stronger partnerships with local vigilante groups, civil society organisations, and community leaders who have an intimate understanding of the terrain and the dynamics of banditry.

Nigerians must approach security issues with a balanced and informed perspective. We must avoid being swayed by the propaganda of criminals like Bello Turji, whose only objective is to sow discord and confusion. Rather than focusing on baseless accusations, we should channel our energy into supporting efforts to restore peace and security in affected regions.

General Christopher Musa and the entire military deserve our support as they continue to risk their lives to protect our nation. Their task is enormous, and while there may be challenges along the way, there is no doubt that significant progress is being made. The military’s recent successes, such as the killing of Halilu Sububu, prove that with the right strategy, it is possible to turn the tide against insecurity.

Bello Turji’s recent comments are nothing more than the desperate outbursts of a criminal whose days are numbered. His attempts to drag General Christopher Musa and other figures into his web of lies should be seen as a distraction. Under General Musa’s leadership, the Nigerian military has made notable strides in combating banditry and terrorism, and we must continue to support their efforts.

At the same time, we must recognise the urgency of the situation in the Northwest and other affected regions. A holistic approach that addresses both the security and developmental needs of these communities is essential for lasting peace. Only through a combination of military action, community engagement, and sustained government investment can we finally put an end to the scourge of banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping in Nigeria.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

Details have emerged on the death of Halilu Sububu, a notorious bandit leader who had been terrorizing Zamfara State and neighboring areas.

Sububu, also known as Buzu, was killed in an ambush set by Operation Hadarin Daji troops on Thursday.

Sources indicate that the ambush occurred at Kwaren-Kirya village on the Mayanchi-Anka road in Zamfara.

The Daily Reality gathered that Sububu and his fighters were engaged by the troops while attempting to cross a stream.

Only three of their motorbikes managed to escape the scene.

Local residents in Mayanchi and surrounding villages are celebrating the operation and expressing gratitude to the military, calling for continued efforts to address banditry in the region.

Originally from Niger Republic, Sububu had established control over illegal gold mining sites in the Anka Local Government Area and was a significant figure in the region’s criminal activities.

Several media reports have indicated that he had been wanted by the Defence Headquarters since May.

The military has reported recovering weapons and motorbikes from the bandits, marking a notable success in the ongoing anti-banditry campaign in Nigeria’s northwest.

By Uzair Adam

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have arrested a suspected female informant involved in kidnapping activities in Taraba State.

The suspect, identified as Miss Markus Grace, was apprehended in Sondi Village, Wukari Local Government Area (LGA).

According to a statement by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Grace is believed to be the girlfriend of a notorious kidnapper known as Chen, who has been terrorizing the region.

The arrest occurred following the abduction of one Malam Saidu in the Vesee community of Ukum LGA, Benue State.

Troops acted on intelligence to carry out the operation on September 6, 2024.

Captain Oni disclosed that the suspect is currently in custody, and further investigations are ongoing to determine her involvement in criminal activities in the area.

In a separate operation on September 5, 2024, troops stopped a suspicious Blue Toyota Yaris vehicle during routine patrols in Bantaje town, Wukari LGA.

The driver abandoned the car and fled into nearby bushes.

A search of the vehicle revealed an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and two identity cards belonging to individuals associated with the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mutum Biyu Branch, Gassol LGA, Taraba State.

Investigations are ongoing to track down the driver and other involved parties.

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 Muhammadu Sabiu

Police in Bauchi State have apprehended a teenager, 12, for allegedly kidnapping a 3-year-old kid in Magama Gumau, Toro Local Government Area.

The police spokesman for the state, SP Ahmad Wakil, made a statement on the incident on Saturday in Bauchi.

The suspect was said to have lured the victim into an isolated area and phoned to her father demanding N150,000 as ransom.

SP Wakili said in the statement, “A discreet investigation revealed that the suspect lured the victim to an isolated place near a football field at Kara Area of Magama Gumau and called the victim’s father on phone and made the demand.

“On hearing the demand, the victim’s father hung up and refused to take subsequent calls.

“After a while, the victim’s father called the suspect and identified him through his familiar voice.”