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Sheikh Gumi met with bandits near military post, says ex-DSS director

Published

5 years ago

February 22, 2021

A former Assistant Director with the Department of State Services, Mr. Dennis Amachree, says the compound where Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi, met bandits in Niger State to discuss the release of the abducted students and teachers of Government Science College, Kangara, is very close to a military post.

Amachree, however, said the security officials were asked to drop their weapons at a nearby military outpost before they were allowed to gain entry into the compound where about 700 bandits were camped.

The former DSS official said this on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Monday.

When asked why Gumi was able to easily access bandits while security agents were finding it hard to do so, Amachree responded, “The security agencies are very much aware because if you remember, when Gumi went to see these bandits, remember there was a military post there and they asked everybody to drop their guns and even if they are policemen they should stay at the military post before they come to the camp where they are.

“That means the military themselves know that there are some people out there, 700 strong or 600 strong in there. So, it is not a matter of they don’t know. I think they know but you know, you just don’t jump into 700 fully armed people because the tactics have to be planned properly to handle things like that.”

When asked to explain why the security agents didn’t engage the bandits in a gun battle and rescue hostages, Amachree said it was possible that they were trying to avoid collateral damage.

The former DSS official said the bandits could easily use the captives as a human shield.

“So, if you go in there, there will be a lot of collateral damage. So, these are the considerations. I am not currently in the theatre of what is happening there. So, I don’t know what the commanders of that area are doing but I can tell you they are not just sitting down.”

He said it was possible that the Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed on Sunday, killing seven officers and airmen, was on a mission to pinpoint the exact location of the hostages.

Amachree, however, faulted governors for negotiating with bandits.

The former DSS official said rather than pay ransom to bandits, governors should use the money to fund security agencies so that they would be equipped to prevent crime and confront criminals.

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Breaking : Nigerian Soldiers Kill ISWAP Cameraman, Uncover Foreign Terrorist Network in Borno

Published

11 hours ago

July 12, 2026

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Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised an Islamic State West Africa Province cameraman and recovered video materials indicating the presence of three foreign facilitators, including a Palestinian Arab identified as a trainer and a Moroccan Arab serving as a medical doctor for the terrorist group in Borno State.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, the operational success was recorded on Saturday following a failed infiltration attempt by members of ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Goni said the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position and loot cholera medical supplies.

The statement read, “Troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray.

“The successful defence of the location further demonstrates the vigilance, combat readiness and operational effectiveness of troops who continue to deny terrorist elements freedom of action across the North East Theatre.”

The failed attack, he said, occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on July 11, 2026, when the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position.

“Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission of looting cholera medical supplies and withdraw in confusion after suffering severe losses,” Goni said.

According to him, the attempted looting further lends credence to recent intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, as well as reports of the execution of some affected members by the group.

“The neutralisation of a terrorist cameraman during the failed assault led to the recovery of a Sony camcorder containing highly sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, including operational footage and propaganda materials.

“Preliminary forensic analysis of the last available video recorded prior to the attack indicates that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders (Qai’ds), alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators. They include a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer; a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor serving within the terrorist network; and another Arab operative whose identity is yet to be established,” he added.

He said the presence and active involvement of the foreign nationals further reinforced intelligence assessments that ISWAP continued to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist linkages.

“Following the successful engagement, troops immediately dominated the area and conducted exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses,” he added.

The Army spokesman said troops recovered the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items during the operation.

He further stated that initial analysis of post-engagement satellite imagery revealed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their neutralised fighters during their withdrawal.

“This has since been corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, which confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with many others sustaining gunshot wounds during the engagement,” he said.

According to him, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care, adding that both personnel remained in stable condition.

“The failed infiltration attempt represents yet another significant operational setback for ISWAP and caps a costly weekend for the terrorist group following sustained offensive operations and intensified military pressure across the North East Theatre,” he said.

He added that the outcome underscored the increasing difficulty the terrorists faced in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops while further degrading their combat capability, morale and freedom of action.

“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North East,” he assured.

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BREAKING: Security Forces Rescue Kidnapped Pupils, Teachers in Oyo Forest Operation

Published

2 days ago

July 10, 2026

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Eight kidnappers arrested

Ibadan, Oyo State – Nigerian security agencies have successfully rescued a group of kidnapped pupils and teachers following a coordinated operation in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Photos circulating after the operation show the rescued victims gathered in a rural forest location alongside security personnel shortly after they regained their freedom.

According to available information, the victims were abducted by suspected kidnappers before security operatives launched an intensive search-and-rescue mission. The operation, carried out through coordinated efforts by security agencies, led to the safe recovery of the pupils and their teachers.

The rescued victims have since been reunited with security officials and are expected to undergo medical examinations and trauma counselling before being reunited with their families.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any arrests were made during the operation or if a ransom was paid. However, investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

The successful rescue has been welcomed by residents of the area, who commended the swift response of the security agencies while calling for increased security around schools and rural communities to prevent similar incidents.

The incident once again highlights the persistent security challenges facing some parts of the country, particularly the threat of school-related kidnappings, which have raised concerns among parents, educators, and community leaders.

Security agencies have assured the public that efforts are continuing to track down the perpetrators and strengthen measures aimed at protecting schools and vulnerable communities across the country.

Further official details are expected as the authorities provide updates on the operation.

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BREAKING: Tinubu Picks Shettima Again, APC Completes INEC Nomination Process

Published

2 days ago

July 10, 2026

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…party predicts landslide victory at the poll
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday formalised its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate. ExecutiveBranch

Displaying absolute confidence ahead of the polls, party leadership declared that its victory is already “assured,” citing a rock-solid foundation of over 12 million registered members and the visible milestones of the current administration.

The duly completed nomination forms for both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima were submitted to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at a colourful ceremony at the Ladi Kwaki International Conference Centre of Abuja Continental Hotel for onward transmission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, submitted the documents on the President’s behalf.

The high-profile ceremony drew heavyweights from across the party, including members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, representatives from the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and state party chairmen.

Welcoming dignitaries to the brief but solemn ceremony, APC National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu noted that the event was the natural climax of a highly transparent internal process.

“The presidential flag bearer emerged through a thoroughly transparent primary process,” Argungu said, while praising President Tinubu’s “positive strides” and urging party faithful to remain united, prayerful, and steadfast.

The ceremony culminated in the presentation of the completed nomination forms for the President and his running mate by the Presidential Adviser, Masari, who was accompanied by all the governors in attendance, members of the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Reinforcing the governors’ total commitment to the ticket, PGF Chairman Governor Hope Uzodimma stated that the transparent nature of the primaries had made marketing the candidates seamless.

“We are delighted that this event is coming after a well-organised and thoroughly supervised primary process,” Uzodimma said. “We reiterate our commitment to continue supporting President Tinubu and the party.” ExecutiveBranch

Uzodimma described the APC as a beacon of internal democracy and inclusiveness, promising that the governors would spearhead a total clean sweep at the polls.

“We will continue to support him in the larger interest of Nigerians and to take the country to greater heights. Together, we are going to deliver victory for President Tinubu and ensure the party wins all elective positions, including the National and State Assemblies,” Uzodimma added.

Receiving the nomination forms, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda stated that the revalidation of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket represents the authentic heartbeat of the party’s grassroots.

“Today is a reflection of the wishes of over 12 million members of our party who supported the President’s candidature,” Yilwatda remarked. “We are proud of the support already in the kitty of President Tinubu, and we are convinced that many more Nigerians will vote for him.” ExecutiveBranch

Yilwatda pointed to key initiatives such as the student loan scheme—which he noted has already benefited over 1.5 million students—alongside targeted agricultural interventions and nationwide infrastructure projects as verifiable proof of performance.

He urged party members to return to their local communities armed with facts rather than rhetoric to dismantle opposition narratives.

“While others are busy spreading propaganda, let us counter them with facts. Nigerians have seen governance that touches lives across the six geopolitical zones,” Yilwatda stated. GeographicReference

The National Chairman emphasised that the APC holds a distinct institutional advantage over its rivals, being the only political platform in the country backed by a fully digitalised and verified membership database.

“We already have about 12 million verified members. We are going round the country to mobilise support for the President. I am also confident that our governors will compete among themselves to deliver the highest number of votes,” Yilwatda said.

Sending a clear message to the President, the APC Chairman told Masari: “Go and tell the leader of our party (President Tinubu) that our members and Nigerians will vote for him to continue the excellent work he is doing. As a party, we are proud to be presenting the best candidate. There is no shaking at all. Come 2027, our victory is assured.”

Asked on the sidelines of the ceremony to confirm the party’s presidential running mate, as no name was mentioned throughout the ceremony, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said, “The presidential candidate of the party is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and our Vice Presidential candidate is Senator Kashim Shetima.” ExecutiveBranch

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