Chief of Defence Staff Awards N1 Million to Troops for Eliminating Notorious Bandit Leader in Zamfara

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has announced a cash reward of N1 million for the troops involved in the recent successful operation in Zamfara State, which led to the elimination of Halilu Sububu Buzu, a notorious bandit leader responsible for numerous attacks and kidnappings in the region.

General Musa commended the bravery and precision of the troops, emphasizing their critical role in dismantling a major threat to the security of the North West. He added that the reward is to honor their dedication and encourage continued excellence in their duties.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that troops from the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) had reportedly neutralized Kachallah Buzu, a notorious bandits commander, along with several of his fighters in Mayanchi village, Zamfara State.

The operation took place on Thursday during a nighttime raid, where the troops killed the bandits and recovered weapons and motorcycles. According to a counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad area, the ambush was highly effective, resulting in the elimination of numerous bandits, including their leader, Buzu.

The operation, which followed a planned ambush, was based on intelligence about the bandits’ movements. In addition to the significant loss of lives on the part of the insurgents, the troops seized 30 motorcycles and a substantial cache of weapons.

The successful operation marks a critical blow to the bandit group’s operational capabilities and underscores the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian military to combat terrorism in the region.

On Thursday, SaharaReporters reported that the group of terrorists had blocked the busy Gusau-Funtua highway in Zamfara State and abducted an unspecified number of travellers on the road. This was confirmed to SaharaReporters during a telephone conversation with the State Police Command Spokesman, Yezid Abubakar.

The police spokesperson said the command had deployed several personnel to the scene of the attack and was yet to be briefed on the exact number of the people kidnapped by the terrorists.

“It is true but we are on top of the matter. Our men have been deployed to the place but they are yet to come back so I don’t know the exact figure of the people that were kidnapped. I will get back to you when I get the information,” the police spokesman had told SaharaReporters.

Defence Chief Commits to Safeguarding Farmers from Bandit Attacks in Zamfara

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has vowed to bolster security for farmers in Zamfara State, ensuring they can cultivate their land without fear of bandit attacks.

During a visit to the state on Friday, Musa assured the Zamfara government and its citizens that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) will implement necessary measures to ensure farmers can work their land safely.

The Defence Chief’s visit is part of a comprehensive effort to address insecurity in the region and restore peace to affected communities.

Musa met with Governor Dauda Lawal at the Government House in Gusau, expressing gratitude for the governor’s support to the AFN and other security agencies operating in the state. He commended the noticeable development in Zamfara over the past year, despite ongoing security challenges, and assured the governor of the military’s commitment to restoring peace.

“Ensuring the safety of farmers from bandit attacks is a priority,” Musa stated. “The AFN will provide the necessary security to guarantee a successful farming season, easing the current hardships faced by citizens.”

The Defence Chief also appealed to the people of Zamfara to cooperate with security agencies by refraining from aiding bandits and instead providing vital information to support ongoing military operations.

He announced a strategic change in military operations, renaming it Operation FANSAN YAMMA and upgrading it to a Theater Command with General Officers Commanding as component commanders to improve coordination between security actors.

Musa also reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with state-owned security establishments, stressing the importance of community involvement in achieving lasting peace.

Addressing troops from the 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, who had earlier ambushed and neutralized scores of terrorists, the CDS praised their bravery and assured them that all necessary tools and support would be provided for the continued fight against terrorism.

Governor Lawal, in his response, thanked the CDS for his dedication and expressed optimism that the new military measures would bring peace to the state. He noted that General Musa’s presence had already boosted the morale of Zamfara’s citizens, who now feel hopeful about an end to the insecurity.

In a related development, the Sector One Joint Task Force (NW) Operation Hadarin Daji recently ambushed a terrorist escape route along the Gusau-Funtua Road, neutralizing 40 terrorists, including the notorious bandit kingpin Halilu Buzu, and recovering arms and motorcycles.

Nigerian Troops Eliminate Bandit Kingpins in Zamfara, Capture Key Suspect in Plateau

In a significant victory against armed banditry, troops from Operation Hadarin Daji have successfully neutralized four notorious bandit kingpins in Zamfara State, according to reports from PRNigeria.

The eliminated criminals, identified as Ibrahim Nagure, Lawali Dodo, Kadiri, and Jambaleri, were taken down following a successful operation that also resulted in the neutralization of Halilu Sububu, a prominent orchestrator of terrorist activities in the North West.

Simultaneously, military forces apprehended another high-profile terrorist kingpin, Hosseini Osman, in Plateau State. Osman was captured in Ganawuri village, located in the Riyom local government area, where he confessed to masterminding numerous deadly attacks across the state, including a recent assault on Ganawuri village that led to the tragic loss of innocent lives. He also admitted his involvement in a local kidnapping syndicate linked to a series of abductions.

Leveraging intelligence obtained from Osman, military troops swiftly mobilized to Kyaram village in Kanam local government area, successfully rescuing several kidnapped victims.

In parallel operations, PRNigeria reported that troops launched a strategic ambush against fleeing terrorists from the Sambisa Forest heading toward the Mandara Mountains in the Gwoza local government area. This operation resulted in significant casualties among Boko Haram fighters, with a substantial cache of arms and ammunition seized.

In Kaduna State, troops executed a raid on a suspected terrorist hideout in Gobarawa Forest, situated in Birnin Gwari. The operation sent criminals into disarray, leading to the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 16 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and five motorcycles left behind by the fleeing terrorists, as confirmed by a military defense source.

Earlier reports indicated that Sububu had been a significant player in fomenting violence in Zamfara until his recent elimination on Thursday. A reliable intelligence source confirmed that military efforts culminated in the removal of the infamous Halilu Sububu and numerous bandits in an aggressive clearance operation. Troops also confiscated lethal firearms, ample ammunition, and motorcycles used by the terrorists.

Investigations by PRNigeria revealed that Sububu was implicated in the death of a drone pilot and operative of the State Security Service, SSS, approximately two months ago and had been responsible for the abduction and killing of several civilians in Zamfara.

Monkeypox Cases in Benue Surge to 20, with Many Treated and Discharged – State Government

The number of confirmed Monkeypox cases in Benue State has escalated to 20, with four new samples testing positive, according to recent reports.

Dr. Asema Msuega, the State Epidemiologist, shared this information with journalists in Makurdi. He revealed that the confirmed cases are concentrated in two local government areas: Makurdi and Gwer West. Meanwhile, suspected cases have been reported across five additional local government areas: Ushongo, Katsina-Ala, Gboko, Makurdi, and Gwer West.

Dr. Msuega also noted that the most recent suspected case is from Gwer East, with samples already dispatched to the laboratory for testing.

He further stated that three previously confirmed cases have been successfully treated and discharged from the isolation center at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. The fourth confirmed case, identified last week, is currently receiving treatment at the isolation center and is responding positively to the medical intervention.

“Not all cases require hospital isolation; we advise some individuals to self-isolate at home, similar to our approach during the COVID-19 outbreak,” Dr. Msuega explained.

To combat the spread of the disease, the state government is implementing extensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about Monkeypox and promote preventive measures such as handwashing and avoiding unnecessary contact with suspected individuals.

“Early detection and reporting of suspected cases to the nearest health centers—whether primary, secondary, or tertiary—are crucial,” Dr. Msuega emphasized.

Benue State Government Initiates Demolition of Illegal Structures in Makurdi

The Benue State Government has launched a campaign to dismantle unauthorized buildings constructed along road setbacks and major highways in various parts of Makurdi, the state capital.

Terhemen Mende, the General Manager of the Benue State Urban Development Board, spearheaded the demolition operation, emphasizing the board’s commitment to the urban renewal and upgrade of Makurdi.

Mende explained that the demolition was essential to facilitate the Federal Government’s Benue-Enugu Highway construction project and to support the broader urban regeneration efforts in the state capital.

“This demolition is integral to the government’s strategy to clear the path for the Benue-Enugu Highway project and to enhance the overall appearance and safety of Makurdi,” Mende stated.

He further noted that the board is dedicated to revitalizing the urban environment of Makurdi through comprehensive renovation and modernization initiatives.

Additionally, Mende highlighted ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the demolition of unauthorized structures in other parts of the state that present significant security risks.

While some residents affected by the demolition expressed a mix of emotions regarding the process, they urged the government to offer financial support to help them explore alternative opportunities.

Communiqué Issued by All Support Groups and Obidient Stakeholders in Kaduna Following an Interactive and Strategic Meeting.

Following a comprehensive interactive and strategic meeting of all support groups and Obidient stakeholders in Kaduna, the following resolutions were reached:

1. Expression of Gratitude: We extend our sincere appreciation to His Excellency Peter Gregory Obi, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, and the members of the Expanded Stakeholders Committee of the Labour Party for the appointment of the following esteemed individuals from Kaduna State: Distinguished Senator Nenadi Usman as the National Caretaker Chairperson of the Labour Party, Hon. Solomon Danbaki as the State Chairman of the Labour Party, Dr. Yunusa Tanko as a key member of the Obidient National Leadership, and Mallam Abdulkareem Ibrahim as the Presidential Candidate’s Spokesman.

Since the appointment of Hon. Solomon Danbaki, we have observed a marked improvement in the trust and confidence within the Party. Activities are being revitalized at all levels, and we are committed to offering our unwavering loyalty and support to the Party and the Obidient Movement across all levels.

2. Congratulations to the New Leadership: We formally congratulate Distinguished Senator Nenadi Usman and her team for accepting the responsibility to serve in their respective capacities. Their leadership marks a significant step forward for the Party and the Movement.

3. Condemnation of Anti-Party Activities: We condemn in the strongest possible terms the actions of the immediate past Chairman of the Party, Barrister Julius Abure, and his associates for their involvement in anti-party activities. These actions have caused significant disruption to the Party and its supporters. We urge Barrister Abure to embrace peace and accept the current reality for the greater good of the nation.

4. Reaffirmation of Labour Party’s Position: The current leadership has restored the Labour Party’s rightful position as Nigeria’s main opposition party. We call on all Nigerians to seize this opportunity and rally behind the Party as we work to reclaim the greatness of our nation.

5. Call for Membership Drive and Asset Recovery: We advise the new leadership to immediately embark on a membership drive at all levels and to create a new membership register, as we no longer have confidence in the old one. Furthermore, we recommend that deliberate efforts be made to recover all assets and funds belonging to the Party, which remain in the possession of individuals from the previous executive, led by Barrister Julius Abure.

6. Appeal to Aggrieved Members: We extend a call to all aggrieved members who may have left the Party or felt disillusioned to return and join us in our shared mission to free Nigeria from the clutches of failure. Additionally, we appeal to all Nigerians, particularly those in Kaduna, to vote massively for the Labour Party and to ensure the protection of ballots cast in favor of the Party.

7. Assurance of Commitment: We acknowledge that mistakes were made during the last general elections, which led to a loss of trust despite the many sacrifices of our supporters. We assure all members that every effort is being made to address these anomalies. We remain steadfast in our determination to reclaim Nigeria for ourselves and future generations.

8. Adoption of New Slogan: The Kaduna State Chapter of the Global Obidient Movement has adopted the following slogan: “Obidient Movement! Doing the right thing! Doing the right thing! Go and verify!”

In conclusion, we pray for divine strength and guidance for all the courageous men and women who came out in support of the Labour Party, despite the challenges. We are committed to continuing our efforts and will not be swayed by any opposition, including from figures like Julius Abure.

Thank you all for your attention.

Long live the Labour Party.
Long live Kaduna State.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.