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DSS Nabs ISIS Bomb Expert In Adamawa …22 Suspects Over Kaduna Monarch’s Murder
The Department of State Services yesterday thumped its chest following the arrest and recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition from kidnap kingpins, who had been terrorising parts of Kaduna, Katsina and other parts of Nigeria in recent times.
A statement made available by the DSS to newsmen and signed by its Spokesman, Peter Afunanya, said the arrest of the suspects followed its collaboration with the military to comb the hideouts of the malevolent elements.
Afunaya said that the raid came on the heels of the dastardly abduction and killing of the traditional ruler of Adara Chiefdom, HRH Maiwada Galadima in Kaduna State by the hoodlums.
“Relative peace has since returned to Kaduna State after the disturbances that followed his violent abduction and gruesome murder of the traditional ruler in Kaduna State. “It is to be noted that concerted efforts are being made to address the resurgence of organized criminal activities in the North-West,” Afunanya said.
“On 25th October, 2018, in Riga Chikun, Kaduna State, five members of a dreaded kidnap gang whose operations span between Kaduna and Katsina States were apprehended.
They are: Isa AHMADU (Gang Leader), Suleiman UMAR (Ransom negotiator), Ibrahim MALLAM, Ishaku SAIDU (aka ISHE) and MANSUR (Mallam). “After a preliminary investigation, the group’s hideout in Katsina State was raided.
This led to the arrest of two other members of the group namely: Muhammadu IBRAHIM and Muhammed ISA. Earlier on 19th October, 2018 Sirajo IBRAHIM, a suspected infamous kidnapper was arrested at Hayin Danmni, Igabi LGA of the State.
“On 30th October, 2018, at Sainyinan Dani, Yabo LGA, Sokoto State, the duo of Abubakar UMAR and Suleiman SANI were arrested for gun running.
Between 11th and 12th October, 2018, suspected armed bandits operating in and around Zamfara State were also arrested in Bakura, Tsafe and Bungudu LGAs of the State. Those arrested were Dan-Alhaji DAN-MINERI, Yusuf KHALIF and MUSA (Mallam).
“On 5th November, 2018, the tactical team of the Service, in collaboration with the military, arrested Muhammed AMINU, a suspected gunrunner and his accomplice, Dare OKUNWOLA (aka BODA) at Lere LGA and Agindi, Jos in Kaduna and Plateau States respectively.
During a search of Okunwola’s residence, several ammunitions and eight AK-47 rifles were recovered. “On the same date, in Toungo LGA, Adamawa State, Abbas Abubakar (aka Sambo), a suspected Improvised Explosives Device (IED) expert for the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) was apprehended.
“Other arrests were those made on 15th October, 2018, at North Bank, Makurdi, Benue State where renowned cultists, Yakubu MOHAMMED and Joseph ANDOAASIN were apprehended. Cartridges and a locally made pistol were recovered from them. “Also on the same date, at Ikot Akpan Idem, Ukanafun LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Otu EKONG, a serial kidnapper was arrested.
At the start of October, the trio of Abdulhamid ISA, Adamu ADAGIRI and Nuhu AHMED, who are members of a kidnap gang that operates between Kogi and Edo states, were arrested in the state.
“Investigations have so far uncovered leads that will enable the Service and other sister agencies to address the menace of kidnapping in the country. Suspects will undoubtedly be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The DSS reassures the public that the tempo of these operations will not only be sustained, but strengthened for greater impact on the well being of residents.
“The Service, therefore, enjoins everyone to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and avail them useful information that would assist them carry out necessary operations that will guarantee peace especially at the coming yuletide and general elections.”
Also the Department of State Service (DSS) yesterday, stated that it had arrested 22 suspects including the abductors and killers of the traditional ruler of Adara Chiefdom, the late Maiwada Galadima, during the recent violent crisis that rocked Kaduna State during which several lives and properties worth millions of naira were lost.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, on Thursday, by Mr Peter Afunanya, Public Relations Officer of DSS.
The statement disclosed that the suspects who were picked up at various locations in Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Akwa Ibom, Edo Plateau and Kogi State through joint operations with other sisters security agencies included high profile kidnappers and notorious elements who have been terrorising innocent citizens in the affected areas and beyond.
According to the statement, On 25th October 2018, in Riga Chikun, Kaduna State, five members of a dreaded kidnap gang whose operations span between Kaduna and Katsina States were apprehended.
“They are Isa Ahmadu (Gang Leader), Suleiman UMAR (Ransom negotiator), Ibrahim MALLAM, Ishaku SAIDU (aka ISHE) and Mansur (Mallam).
“After a preliminary investigation, the group’s hideout in Katsina State was raided which led to the arrest of two other members of the group, Muhammadu Ibrahim and Muhammed Isa.
“ Earlier on 19th October 2018 Sirajo Ibrahim, a suspected infamous kidnapper was arrested at Hayin Danmni, Igabi LGA of the State while on 30th October 2018, at Sainyinan Dani, Yabo LGA, Sokoto State, the duo of Abubakar UMAR and Suleiman SANI were arrested for gun running”.
It added that between 11th and 12th October, this suspected armed bandits operating in and around Zamfara State were also arrested in Bakura, Tsafe and Bungudu LGAs of the State.
“Those arrested were Dan-Alhaji Dan-Mineri, Yusuf Khalif and Musa (Mallam).
The statement further disclosed that during the operation, a suspected Improvised Explosives Device (IED) expert for the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) was also apprehended.
The statement revealed that investigations have so far uncovered leads that would enable the Service and other sister agencies to address the menace of kidnapping in the country.
It assured that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the land and pledged that the Service would continue to sustain its current effort to rid the society of the bad criminals.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol