馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Nigerian security forces rescue 22 kidnap victims, arrest suspects in North-West and North-Central operations
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Security forces in Nigeria have achieved operational successes across the North-West and North-Central regions, rescuing 22 abducted individuals, thwarting kidnapping attempts, and apprehending suspected terrorists and criminal collaborators. Operations in Katsina and Zamfara states, conducted by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, led to the rescue of seven victims and the disruption of abduction efforts. In Katsina, troops stormed a terrorist enclave in Fafu Village, Matazu Local Government Area, rescuing four victims. In Zamfara, three additional victims were rescued after troops engaged armed criminals in Zurmi Local Government Area. In Kogi State, troops from the 12 Brigade rescued five kidnapped victims abandoned by fleeing bandits during ground and air operations. The Kebbi State police command arrested 12 suspects, including alleged members of the Mamudawa/Boko Haram group and Lakurawa bandits, and rescued one kidnapped woman. In Kwara State, nine residents of Idi-Iya community were released after weeks in captivity, reportedly following ransom negotiations. Additionally, four suspected criminals involved in looting abandoned communities were arrested in Kwara. These successes are attributed to intensified air and ground offensives, intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration, and community support, with authorities vowing to continue efforts against criminal networks.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed Deputy Inspectors-General of Police DIGs to their respective geopolitical zones, a move seen by security stakeholders as a strategic policing reform. This initiative aims to bring senior police leadership closer to communities, improve intelligence gathering, and strengthen the fight against various security threats like kidnapping and banditry. The deployment revives a policing model previously used by former Inspectors-General of Police Tafa Balogun and Ibrahim Coomassie, ensuring a stronger operational presence across regions. Security experts believe this will accelerate decision-making and operational response, fostering better police-community relations. Many deployed DIGs have extensive experience in their assigned regions, understanding local dynamics and cultural sensitivities, which is expected to build trust. This strategy aligns with community policing principles, encouraging collaboration between citizens and security agencies. Under this new arrangement, DIGs will work with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, traditional rulers, and other community leaders to address security concerns proactively. The initiative also supports intelligence-led policing, allowing senior officers to directly assess developments and gather real-time intelligence. Additionally, the IGP has introduced "Handshake Patrols" between neighboring states to counter criminals who exploit jurisdictional g
The Lagos State Government has organized a specialized HIV and AIDS sensitization program for individuals with hearing and visual impairments to promote inclusive healthcare services. The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency LSACA hosted the event, bringing together members of the disability community, healthcare stakeholders, and advocates to address HIV prevention, reduce stigma, and improve access to information and services. Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, CEO of LSACA, stated that the initiative highlights the government's commitment to ensuring equal access to quality healthcare and life-saving health information for all residents, regardless of disability status. She noted that persons with disabilities face unique challenges, including communication barriers, limited access to disability-friendly healthcare facilities, stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion, which can hinder access to HIV prevention and treatment. The program aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge on HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care, while reinforcing their right to non-discriminatory healthcare. Sessions covered the HIV situation in Lagos, stigma, discrimination, gender-based violence, and the rights of persons with disabilities, with practical demonstrations on HIV self-testing and condom use. LSACA reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to HIV services and strengthening partnerships for disability-inclusive healthcare. Participants were urged to advocate for HIV preventio
Must ReadMotorcycles, while essential for mobility in Nigeria, have become a significant concern due to their use in banditry and criminal activities, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions. A study from 2019 to 2025 indicated a 68% fatality rate in motorcycle-related road accidents. Bandits have increasingly deployed large numbers of motorcycles in attacks, as seen during the last Sallah when approximately 150 motorcycles were used in twin attacks in Sokoto State, resulting in 37 deaths. Despite this, some state governments have either failed to ban or have lifted restrictions on motorcycles. The Nigerian Army had previously banned motorcycle use in seven North-West states in 2019 under former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration. Examples from Mali show that restricting motorcycle movements in conflict zones can disrupt terrorist logistics. Former officials like Nasir el-Rufai and Babatunde Fashola implemented restrictions in Abuja and Lagos, respectively. Recent actions include Governor Seyi Makinde banning nighttime motorcycle movements in parts of Oyo State and the Kogi State Government banning commercial motorcycle operations in Bunnu District due to criminal use. Katsina has also banned motorcycles in two LGAs. The ease of procurement and deployment of motorcycles across difficult terrain makes them a preferred transport for criminals. States and local governments are urged to reinstate restrictions, aggressively intercept suspicious convoys, and ensure