News
Again, Bandits Ambush Security Personnel In Katsina
The new tactics of ambush of security personnel employed by bandits operating in Katsina State apparently paid off for them again at the weekend as the hoodlums shot on the tyres and demobilised an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicle on a rescue mission at Safana Local Government Area of the state.
The Katsina State Police Command said in a press statement, yesterday that a soldier and an NSCDC operative on the team were injured in a gun duel that ensured.
According to the statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Gambo Isah, the attack frustrated efforts of the security, who were on their way to Kirtawa where a cross section of the bandits said to number over 300, invaded the village, killed 10 residents and rustled an unspecified number of cattle.
“By the time the combined ground forces were mobilised into the village, the hoodlums had already operated and escaped into the forest,” the statement said, adding that, “joint security forces have been deployed to the area to arrest the situation, pursue and arrest the fleeing hoodlums.
“The command commiserates with families of the deceased and the entire people of Katsina State over the unfortunate incident.
“It also assures the people that government and security forces are mapping out formidable strategies toward containing and bringing to an end the menace of banditry in the state.”
The bandits had during a separate operation, last week, waylaid a security team at Kankara Local Government Area, killing a policeman while four others were injured.
The security personnel were responding to distress calls from the Dan-Sabau community but before the police could get there, the bandits had fled into the nearby Rugu forest after killing about 17 villagers, according to reports.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
-
News5 days ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
News5 days ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Niger Delta5 days agoRoyal Father Endorses PH Arsenal Community, Pledges To Support
-
Sports5 days agoKhana, Akpajo All-Stars Set For Friendly Match ” Morrow”
-
Sports5 days ago
PH To Host 2026 NWFL Super Six
-
Business5 days ago
Dangote Refinery Ending Nigeria’s Dependence on Imported Fuel – EIU
-
Business5 days ago
Commercial Aviation: Bayelsa Begins Operations As Pioneer Airline Launches Maiden Flight
-
Sports5 days ago
FG Approves Nationwide Stadium Overhaul