Sokoto police arrest suspected arms dealers, sponsors of terrorism in major crackdown

 The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested several suspects over illegal possession of firearms and alleged links to terrorism.

According to Command spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, detectives from the State Intelligence Department apprehended Bello Ibrahim, popularly known as ‘Bello Currency’, alongside Alhaji Muhammad Danlato, Alhaji Abun Buhari, Alhaji Faruku Alhaji, and Abubakar Furniture.

Investigations revealed that Bello Ibrahim allegedly sold fabricated revolvers to the others under the guise of self-defence without valid firearm licenses, in violation of the Firearms Act.

Recovered items from the arrests include multiple illegal firearms, four rounds of LAR ammunition, and one round of AK-47 ammunition. The suspects were captured during a coordinated operation in Tambuwal Local Government Area.

In related operations, on April 23, 2025, officers from Tureta Police Station intercepted Yau Lawali from Yabawa Village, Bakura LGA, Zamfara State, during a stop-and-search. He was found carrying two locally fabricated guns and three rounds of AK-47 ammunition.

Similarly, on April 19, 2025, police at Kebbe Police Station arrested three suspects—Danagaji Bala, Sani Muhammad, and Danjuma from Dogon Marke Village—with a locally made revolver and 19 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition.

The Sokoto State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies rather than taking unlawful actions.

10 killed in fresh Plateau attack

 No fewer than 10 people have been killed and several cows rustled in renewed violence in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The recent surge of violence in Riyom reportedly stemmed from farm destruction, cattle rustling, and attacks on livestock carried out by individuals from both Fulani and Berom communities.

A statement from Operation Safe Haven disclosed that the recent insecurity in the council area began on Monday, May 12, 2025, when suspected youths slaughtered and rustled cattle that had encroached on their farms in Dayan village, Riyom Local Government Area.

Retaliating, suspected Fulani herders attacked Danchindo village on the evening of May 13, killing at least 4 people before fleeing ahead of security operatives’ arrival.

On Wednesday, May 14, at least 26 cows were killed and several others injured in Darwat community, allegedly in reprisal for the earlier killings of locals.

Later that day, suspected Fulani militias retaliated by attacking an isolated settlement near Wereng Kam community, killing six locals.

Officers of the Joint Security Task Force, upon receiving reports of escalating tensions in Riyom, engaged community representatives to broker peace and warned against actions that could further destabilise the fragile situation.

Responding to the allegations of cattle rustling and slaughtering, one suspect has been arrested and is currently under investigation, while 130 cows have been recovered and returned to their owners.

According to the statement, the troops’ swift response prevented the assailants from completely burning down Wereng village.

A mop-up operation was launched to neutralise fleeing militants, as troops continue to maintain a strong presence to restore order.

Commander of Operation Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, visited the area and met with stakeholders and community leaders.

Normalcy is said to have returned, supported by the presence of security operatives working to maintain law and order.

Don’t worry about insurgent attacks, we are in control — CDS Musa

 The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, has said Nigerians should not worry over insurgent attacks.

This was as he said that the military and other security agencies were firmly in control of the situation in the North-east despite the resurgence of insurgent activities in the region.

Musa said this while addressing newsmen on Thursday in Maiduguri.

“The pockets of attacks should not be a cause for concern as the military and security agencies are firmly in control. As you are all aware, I was in Borno State with the Ministers of Defence and other service chiefs three weeks ago to assess the security situation.

“I thought it wise to return to reassess the renewed attacks and engage stakeholders on the way forward. Security is not a one-man business. I appeal to everyone to join the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP, banditry, kidnapping, and all forms of criminality for the peace and development of our country.

“The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to bringing lasting peace and development to all parts of Nigeria.

“What we are witnessing here is an eclipse caused by pressure on terrorists in the Sahel region, forcing them to increase attacks in Nigeria, especially around the porous borders of the Lake Chad Basin.

“We are working diligently to address these challenges. During my recent trip to Russia, Nigeria maintained a non-aligned stance but engaged with key stakeholders ready to partner with us in this fight.

“We have procured more sophisticated weapons which will soon be deployed alongside new strategies to end the madness of terrorism,” Musa said.

The CDS, who was on assessment in the state, also visited Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, where explosions occurred at the armoury due to heat waves.

The defence chief also met with key stakeholders alongside senior military officials from the Theatre Command Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai, at the 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment.

Stop these senseless killings, protect religious freedom – Christian youths to Nigerian govt

 Christian youths under the banner of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) have called for an end to what they described as “deliberate, well-funded attacks” against Christianity and its leaders.

In a statement issued by the convener of the group, James Paul Adama, the CCYF decried “a growing and dangerous trend of sponsored assaults on the Christian faith,” warning that such actions risk igniting religious tensions in the country if not urgently addressed.

“Christianity and our religious leaders are being targeted, our faith is being disrespected, and our values are being undermined, not just randomly, but in an orchestrated, well-financed manner,” Adama said.

The group said it has concluded plans to stage a peaceful protest in Abuja on May 21 in response to these attacks.

According to the group, beyond defending their faith, the protest also aims to draw government attention to the increasing wave of killings and insecurity across the country.

“We can no longer stay silent while blood is being shed and our faith is mocked. We are calling on the Nigerian Government to take immediate and decisive steps to stop these senseless killings and protect religious freedom,” the statement added.

Army records more victory as troops neutralize 21 terrorists in Katsina

 The troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation Fasan Yama have neutralized at least 21 insurgents terrorizing parts of Katsina State.

The Nigerian Army Headquarters disclosed this in a post on its official social media pages on Friday.

The post said the successful operation was recorded in Ruwan Godiya, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State today.

According to the army, the troops subdued the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing them to abandon their base and flee.

“During the ensuing pursuit, 21 terrorists were neutralized, with some succumbing to drowning in a nearby river.

“The operation also yielded a significant seizure of large cache of arms and ammunition, including guns, rifles, magazines, explosives, communication devices, mobile phones, and motorcycles”, the post added.

DAILY POST reports that there has been a significant victory against the insurgents causing havoc in the northern part of the country.

Co-wife allegedly kills three-month-old baby with acid in Kaduna

 A housewife, Zaliha Shuaibu, has been apprehended by the Kaduna State Police Command for allegedly killing her co-wife’s three-month-old baby by feeding him acid in Malari village, located in the Soba Local Government Area of the state.

The disturbing incident occurred inside the family compound shared by the suspect, her husband, and the baby’s mother, Maryam Ibrahim on May 13, 2025.

A statement issued by ASP Mansir Hassan, the state Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident, saying that the suspect was arrested following a swift investigation by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Soba Division.

The statement explained that trouble began when Maryam left her baby alone in the room to use the bathroom, stressing that upon her return, she found the infant in the arms of her co-wife, Zaliha.

Hassan stated that Zaliha handed the child back to Maryam, who immediately noticed that the baby was in distress, with foam coming out of his mouth and a visible injury on his neck.

According to him, “the child was rushed to a nearby hospital in the village but was pronounced dead on arrival.”

Following the incident, the statement explained that the DPO of Soba Division quickly mobilised his team and arrested the suspect, Zaliha Shuaibu, adding that during interrogation, she confessed to feeding the baby acid with the help of her husband’s younger brother, Lawal Muhammad, who is currently on the run.

According to Hassan, Zaliha confessed that it was Lawal who provided the acid used to carry out the heinous act.

The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has assured the public that no stone will be left unturned in the investigation and that all individuals connected to the crime will be brought to book.

He assured that the fleeing suspect would be tracked down and would face the full wrath of the law.

Women, children abducted in fresh Zamfara bandit attack

 Bandits on Thursday night launched a violent attack on Dogon Maje community in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, abducting several residents, including men, women, and children, and leaving four others injured.

The incident was disclosed by security analyst Bakatsine in a post on his X handle on Friday night.

According to the post, the assailants stormed the village under the cover of darkness.

“Last night, bandits attacked Dogon Maje community in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State. They injured four and abducted several people including men, women and children during the invasion,” Bakatsine wrote.

The exact number of abducted persons remains unclear as at time of filing this report.

Nigeria Police disburses N22.98bn to families of fallen officers

 The Nigeria Police Force has disbursed a total of N22,978,602,488.25 billion to 8,311 families of fallen officers who died between 2018 to 2024 as part of its welfare package in the country.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, said the latest disbursement, which took place on May 23, 2025, saw 1,235 families receive N2,855,181,796.55.

The statement explained that the disbursement coverd insurance policies for the years 2018-2019, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024.

The IGP stated that the Force is deeply committed to the welfare of police officers and will continually honor the legacies of the fallen officers, as no compensation can truly replace a lost life.

According to him, “This initiative is significant in clearing long-standing arrears of death benefit claims.

“The Nigeria Police Force is built on the pillars of service, integrity, and sacrifice.”

Egbetokun further stated, “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to institutionalizing a responsive welfare towards a future where no Next-of-Kin would be left in uncertainty.”

Another petroleum tanker falls in Oyo

 Another petroleum tanker carrying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petroleum, has fallen in Oyo State.

DAILY POST gathered that the incident occurred along the Ibadan-Oyo Expressway on Friday.

It was learnt that the INVECO trailer with registration number MA 183 SA Katsina, swerved off the road and fell by the road side.

Chairman of Oyo State Fire Service, Hon Maroof Akinwande confirmed the development in a statement made available to DAILY POST Saturday morning.

He said, “The fire incident was reported at exactly 11:45hrs on Friday 23rd May 2025. The agency’s officers led by ACFS Tijani Bamidele promptly deployed to the scene of the incident.

Over 20 Benue LGs under siege – BEDA

 The Benue Democratic Ambassadors (BEDA) have raised alarm over a surge of violent attacks by armed herdsmen across Benue State, warning that over 20 of the state’s 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) are currently under siege by these invaders.

Addressing the media in Makurdi, BEDA’s National President, Mr. Daniel Pila, lamented the worsening security situation, accusing the government of failing to take effective measures to protect the state and its citizens from the deadly rampage of the herdsmen.

Pila expressed particular concern over a recent attack on Aondona, the hometown of the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Reverend Wilfred Anagbe.

The assault, which claimed numerous lives, occurred just days after Bishop Anagbe spoke before the United States House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa.

During the hearing in the US, the Bishop detailed the plight of Christians in Nigeria and the escalating violence in Benue, urging the American government to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

BEDA, a coalition comprising professionals from diverse backgrounds and political affiliations, described the attack on Aondona as especially disturbing.

They highlighted that Aondona lies near Raav, a location where the state governor has proposed establishing a cattle ranch, and emphasized the significance of the Bishop’s connection to the area.

“Bishop Anagbe recently addressed the global community on the killings of Christians, particularly in Central Nigeria, a speech that has provoked threats against him,” the group stated.

“We call on the Federal Government to thoroughly investigate the killings in Benue, especially the attack on Catholic priest Reverend Father Atongo and the wider assault on the faithful,” it added.

While criticizing Governor Hyacinth Alia for inadequate action against insecurity, BEDA appealed to all stakeholders to put aside political differences and unite in restoring peace to the state.

“Benue is effectively under siege; no part of the state is safe, including the capital, Makurdi. From Otukpo to Agatu, Gwer-West to Kwande, Makurdi to Ukum, Gwer-East to Katsina-Ala, and Guma to Logo, armed herdsmen have taken control of at least 20 of the 23 LGAs.

“Our people have nowhere safe to turn,” the statement said.

On the state government’s developmental efforts, BEDA also expressed disappointment, accusing the Governor of abandoning all initiated projects.

They cited stalled road works including Ishaya Bakut, Iyorchia Ayu, and Vaatia College roads, noting that Makurdi has become “painfully dirty.”

Responding to the allegations, Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, dismissed BEDA’s claims as baseless.

He stated, “Previously, people closed their businesses early out of fear due to insecurity. Today, people stay longer to conduct their commercial activities, which reflects the current security improvements in Benue State.”

Kula added that the Governor had recently flagged off 16 urban road projects in the state capital, completed them, and awarded contracts for 20 more.

“Several infrastructural projects are ongoing across the state. Teachers in Benue are motivated, and schools now provide a conducive environment for learning thanks to significant improvements in educational facilities,” he said.