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Hunters rescue kidnapped siblings, nab hoodlums in Anambra
The Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), says its operatives in Anambra State Command, have successful rescued two siblings who were kidnapped by gunmen in the state.
The Deputy Commander-General (Technical Operations), NHFSS, Dr John Metchie, made this known while addressing newsmen on the operations of the hunters, on Sunday in Abuja.
Metchie said the two siblings, Chijioke George Igwe and Uchenna Augustine Igwe, were returning from a wedding ceremony on Aug. 16, when they were kidnapped by gunmen at Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
He said the victims said that they were double-crossed by some armed men who opened fire, shooting sporadically into the air and then, bundled them out of their car and whisked them into the forest.
According to him, it was the rapid response of operatives of the NHFSS from Umueri in Anambra-East council area that saved their lives following a distress call from a concerned citizen.
He said the hunters had been working with the Nigerian army, the Police and the Department of State Service (DSS), to tackle the menace of kidnapping in the forests across the country.
Chief Joseph Obaelue, the Chief Security Officer of Umueri community and member of the NHFSS, said they got a distress call about 9 pm on Aug. 16 and immediately swooped into the forest for rescue of the victims.
Obaelue said the victims were abducted at Nkwelle-Ezunaka but were rescued at Umueri along Onitsha-Adani forest.
According to him, they were on their way to handover two other suspects earlier apprehended to the police when they suddenly saw a vehicle moving in the bush.
Obaelue said the suspects immediately opened fire on them indicating that they were in a gun duel with kidnappers.
He said that the abductors absconded into the thick forest leaving the victims behind and having compelled one of them to transfer the sum of N1.3 million into their account prior to their arrival at the scene.
“The two brothers were rescued alongside a Lexus Jeep 330 and a Toyota Highlander SUV that were recovered too.
“Earlier same day, we trailed and tracked down two criminal syndicate who specialise in calling people with strange numbers and threatening them to part with certain amount of money, if they still want to stay alive.
“The two suspects who operates with different SIM cards, threaten people that they were contracted to kill them but if they cooperate by paying the money they requested for, they won’t kill them,” he said.
Obaelue congratulated his men for their gallantry in the rescue operation.
He also acknowledged the collaboration of the military, police, Civil Defence, DSS, Vigilante service and others in the fight against kidnapping, banditry, armed herdsmen and other criminal elements in the forest.
He also thanked the Deputy Commander-General of NHFSS, Dr Metchie for the technical and logistic assistance to the command in actualising their operations.
Obaelue also thanked the Commander-General of NHFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, for ensuring discipline, cohesion and unity of purpose in the service. (NAN)
Zamfara State elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have lauded the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for his generosity in distributing over 100 cows to party members in celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
The distribution took place in Gusau, with APC State Chairman Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani represented by the party’s Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Umar Dangaladima, overseeing the process.
In a statement, the convener of the Zamfara APC Elders Forum, Dr. Mua’zu Haruna Gummi, praised Matawalle’s act, describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to the party and the people of Zamfara State.
“This gesture is not just about charity; it is a testament to Dr. Matawalle’s leadership, his concern for the well-being of our people, and his deep understanding of the values that bind us together as a community,” Gummi stated.
“At a time when unity and solidarity are crucial, he has stepped forward to remind us that true leadership is about service, about giving back, and about ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Gummi further described Matawalle as not only a political leader but also a father figure who prioritizes the needs of his people.
He called on party members to rally behind leaders like Matawalle, who are dedicated to the growth of the party and the development of Zamfara State.
Meanwhile, the Minister also urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country’s security forces as they intensify operations against armed groups, achieving notable successes.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to restore peace and stability in the region.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), on Saturday, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State Government and the Federal Government following the brutal mob attack that led to the killing of innocent Northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State.
The victims were reportedly returning home to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid Kabir with their families when they were attacked.
NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, in a statement, condemned the killings as “barbaric, extra-judicial, and cowardly,” calling for urgent action to address the situation.
He said: “The North has tolerated numerous such animalistic and cannibalistic acts of recklessness from some Southern part of Nigeria in the past. This must come to an end.
“The North will take stringent action in response to this inhumane attack on its peace-loving people. Consequently, the NEF hereby demands the following immediate actions from the authorities in Edo State and the Federal Government.
“The swift recovery of the bodies of the victims and their dignified transfer to their families for an honorable and befitting burial in accordance with their respective faiths. The arrest and trial of all individuals responsible for the attack and the brutal killings of the innocent travellers.”
The forum also demands a public prosecution of the perpetrators and those that aided the crime to ensure full transparency and accountability.
He add, “The due payment of compensation to the families of the victims, in line with the prescribed standards of their respective faiths. An unreserved apology from the people and authorities of Edo State, with a commitment to ensuring that such barbaric behavior never occurs again.
“An unreserved apology from the Edo State Government to the North for this heinous attack on its people. The punishment of the perpetrators must be witnessed by the public to serve as a deterrent to any such future acts of violence.
“The NEF demands that the Edo State Government and the Federal Government take concrete and visible steps to fulfill these demands within fourteen (14) days from the date of this release. Failure to do so will compel the North to take all necessary actions to seek justice for her people and the North.
“The Federal Government must ensure that justice is served to the victims and their families to preserve peace, stability, and the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians.”
The NEF urged Northern communities to remain calm and patient while it pursues the matter through the appropriate government agencies.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday stated that troops of Operation Delta Safe have sustained their operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta, recording significant successes in their efforts to curb illicit activities in the region.
A statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed that troops recovered a substantial quantity of stolen crude oil, illegally refined AGO, and PMS, totalling 392,174 litres, 138,757 litres, and 830 litres, respectively.
He stated that the troops also discovered and destroyed 29 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 48 boats, 21 storage tanks, 18 drums, and 16 illegal refining sites.
Additionally, they recovered various items, including pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and four vehicles.
The operation, according to General Kangye, resulted in the arrest of 11 oil thieves and other criminals, with assorted arms and ammunition, as well as dynamites, also being recovered.
In related developments, troops conducted successful offensive operations, arresting six criminals, including a suspected kidnapping kingpin, and recovering a locally made pistol and live cartridges.
The Director also stressed that troops rescued two kidnapped hostages and recovered a vehicle during counter-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State.
These successes, he said, demonstrate the effectiveness of Operation Delta Safe in combating crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Udo Ka foiled planned kidnapping and terrorism attacks in Anambra, Imo, and Abia states, arresting several suspects and rescuing kidnapped victims.
According to Kangye, “On 20 and 21 March 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Igbariam Local Government Area of Anambra State and Owerri Municipal Local Government Area of Imo State, resulting in the arrest of three suspected terrorists/kidnappers and the rescue of four attempted kidnapped victims.”
He stated that troops also recovered arms and ammunition, including several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and live cartridges, as well as a vehicle and tricycle.
He said that troops arrested many extremists in Imo and Enugu states, recovering one pump-action gun, live cartridges, and some quantities of illicit drugs.
Additionally, troops rescued a kidnapped victim in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, arresting the suspects and recovering a locally made pistol and a tricycle.
Also, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded significant successes against ISWAP/JAS terrorists in the North-east region.
Kangye said that between 21 and 26 March 2025, scores of terrorists, including adult males, females, and children, surrendered to troops following intense military operations.
He revealed that troops also conducted offensive operations in various locations, including Konduga, Gwoza, and Bama, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists, the apprehension of others, and the rescue of kidnapped hostages.