News
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 Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi