…As Police neutralise notorious kidnap kingpin in Rivers

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of a notorious terrorist commander, Amir Abu Fatima, during a special military operation in the Kukawa axis of northern Borno.

The confirmation was made in a statement posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Nigerian Army on Friday.

The operation, which was conducted in the early hours of the day, was executed by the Special Forces of 19 Brigade under Sector 3 of Operation Hadin Kai. It targeted insurgent hideouts in the Lake Chad region.

A reliable military source also told the Newsmen that the operation was a “precision decapitation strike,” aimed at neutralising Abu Fatima, who had been on the most-wanted list of security agencies due to his role in orchestrating multiple high-profile attacks in the Lake Chad Basin.

The military source further said that the elite troops infiltrated the terrorists’ enclave and engaged the fighters in a fierce firefight.

“Abu Fatima was critically wounded and captured alive but later died from excessive bleeding due to gunshot wounds,” the source added.

The source further disclosed that his second-in-command, as well as several bomb-makers and foot soldiers, were also neutralised during the operation.

Items recovered from the terrorists include several AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, components for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and other military-grade weapons.

The sources described the success of the operation as a major tactical and psychological blow to terrorists’ networks operating within the region.

In another development, the Operatives of the Police Command in Rivers have neutralised a suspected notorious kidnap kingpin believed to be responsible for several abductions and killings across the state.

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday that the suspect, David Kamalu, was killed during a gun battle with police operatives.

She explained that the incident occurred during a raid on a criminal hideout in Rumuodogo One community, Emohua Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers.

“The operation at the criminal hideout commenced at about 1 a.m., following days of intensive intelligence gathering on Kamalu, who was popularly known as ‘M-Kaze’.

During the raid, our operatives encountered heavy armed resistance from members of Kamalu’s gang, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.

“In the ensuing shootout, Kamalu was neutralised, while several other gang members fled with varying degrees of bullet wounds,” she said.

Iringe-Koko described the deceased as a high-value target, reputed for allegedly masterminding multiple kidnappings of innocent citizens.

She also accused Kamalu of the brutal murder and beheading of a local security operative, known as Alete, alias ‘Hunter Commander’, in January.

According to her, the suspect was also linked to several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies targeting both Emohua residents and commuters travelling along the East-West Road.

“Owing to his heinous crimes and his leadership of a violent kidnapping syndicate, the then Chairman of Emohua LGA had placed a bounty on Kamalu’s head.

“The bounty underscored the grave threat he posed to the peace and security of the LGA,” she added.

Iringe-Koko confirmed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other gang members who escaped during the raid.

She urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest security agency.

Items recovered during the raid included a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, and various charms reportedly used by the kidnappers for protection and intimidation.

…As Kukah tells FG: Prioritise food security now

 The troops from Operation Hadin Kai have, in an overnight joint land and air operation, neutralised 60 terrorists in Bita, Borno, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

A reliable military source who confirmed this to NAN in Maiduguri said that the terrorists were overpowered during a fierce encounter at 1:09 a.m. on Friday.

The coordinated offensive, according to the source, which involved troops under the 26 Task Force Brigade of Sector 1 and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), took place after an attempted assault by the terrorists on a military position.

NAN also quoted a post on the army’s official X handle, @HQNigerianArmy, saying the operation marked a significant success in the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North-east.

The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai deployed A-29 Super Tucano aircraft and the Dragon platform, delivering precision strikes that destroyed two enemy gun trucks and neutralised scores of insurgents, the source said.

“Over 60 terrorists were confirmed neutralised in the initial engagement, while ground forces commenced exploitation operations to pursue fleeing elements,” the source added.

The source also said that the follow-up airstrikes were ongoing, with additional gun trucks destroyed and several terrorists fleeing into surrounding forests.

Another senior military official, who spoke on anonymity, described the operation as “one of the most decisive and devastating hits against ISWAP in recent months,” commending the synergy between air and ground forces.

The newsmen report that Bita, which is located in the Gwoza axis of southern Borno, has witnessed increased terrorist activities in recent weeks, prompting intensified military action in the area. 

In another development, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise food security in all national plans.

Kukah said that, given Nigeria’s abundant human and material resources, Nigerians should not be hungry or poor.

Kukah said this at his investiture as Trustee of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) on Thursday in Abuja.

“Poverty is a loss of dignity, and there is bound to be a crisis when a man cannot provide for his family,’’ he said.

He said though building infrastructure was important, ensuring a food-secure Nigeria should take prominence.

Commenting on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), Kukah stated that it was better for the food to be available before the debating on its safety. He said there was no basis to debate about hunger in Nigeria, as the lack of food meant lack of life.

The Catholic Bishop advised that regulatory agencies and other agencies of government should cooperate and salvage the situation.

Dr Bola Osinowo, President of NIFST, said that the current global food crisis has significantly impacted developing countries.

“Our country is at a crossroads, and the role of NIFST to ameliorate this challenge should not be underestimated.

“Food science plays a crucial role in addressing this crisis by offering solutions for increased food production, sustainable farming practices and food preservation.

“While we need to support the government at all levels for the eradication of poverty through food security,’ he said.

According to him, it is pertinent that the Federal Government should accelerate collaborations with NIFST.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, said that Kukah’s investiture embodied synergy among science, faith and national assignment.

Nnaji, represented by Dr Yemisi Asagbra, Director-General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, said that the voice of conscience was needed now more than ever on topical issues.

He expressed optimism that Kukah, as a Trustee of the NIFST, would ensure affordable and nutritious food for Nigerians and reposition NIFST.

Nnaji said: ” Food security is not a privilege, but a right for every citizen”.

In his keynote, Mr Ronald Olawale, former president of NIFST, said that celebrating the vitality that food brings also involves confronting the pressing challenges of the time.

He said such challenges included hunger, malnutrition, food waste, and the impact of climate change on agriculture.

He said there was growing need for investing in local farmers, supporting innovative agricultural practices and protecting the natural resources. 

Three members of Deeper Christian Life Ministry in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State were reportedly kidnapped on Monday evening.

According to a message sent to the church’s WhatsApp platform, the victims were kidnapped while returning from a Bible study session at Kasemola Area inside Ogbese axis of the council.

“Good morning, beloved. Kindly pray along with us. Three of our members were kidnapped yesterday after Bible study at Kasemola inside the Ogbese axis.

“We are seeking divine intervention to secure the release of our kidnapped members. The case has been reported to the police and Amotekun Corps in the state,” the message read.

DSP Olushola Ayanlade, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the incident to the Newsmen on Tuesday in Akure.

Ayanlade said that the men of the command were already tracking the kidnappers in the bushes and were working with the community to rescue the victim.

“I can confirm to you that there is an issue of kidnapping, but I can not confirm the number of the victims for now,” the PPRO said. 

In another development, the Nigeria Police, Kano State Command, says it has launched a thorough investigation into an incident that led to the death of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rano Division and one other individual.

The incident occurred on May 25 at about 8:15 p.m. in Rano Local Government Area, following the arrest of a motorcycle mechanic, Abdullahi Musa, who was alleged to be riding recklessly under the influence of substances.

This is contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, on Monday in Kano.

The statement said the suspect was taken into custody and later showed signs of weakness, he was rushed to Rano General Hospital, where he died on May 26 at about 6:00 a.m. while receiving treatment.

“Following the incident, miscreants reportedly mobilised and attacked the Rano Police Division. Parts of the station and two vehicles were set ablaze, while 10 other vehicles were vandalised”

“The DPO was seriously injured in the attack and later died at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital,” the statement added.

The command said 27 suspects had been arrested in connection with the violence.

It stated that normalcy had been restored in the area and that police personnel were on the ground to maintain law and order.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Bakori, who visited the scene of the incident, also paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Rano, Alhaji Mohammed Isah Umar (Autan Bawo 19).

He ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation to determine both the remote and immediate causes of the incident and ensure that those found culpable are brought to justice.

The police command condoled with the family of the deceased DPO, describing him as a gallant officer who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

The command urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands, assuring that justice would be served.

It also reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and public order, and called on the public to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations.