Security
Troops rescue kidnapped victims, arrest 2 in Taraba
The Troops of 6 Brigade Garrison Nigerian Army on Anti kidnapping Patrol, have rescued kidnapped victims and captured 2 kidnappers.
The victims which were rescued around CBN- BABAYA- U in Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State, were acting on credible information which they conducted a rescue operation on kidnappers hideout at early hour of Sunday 26 November 2023.
Our correspondent gathered that, the swift response of the troops and conduct of raid operation on the terrorist’s hideout led to the capture of one Mr Awwal Bobo,32 and Mr Sallau Abdul, 33 as well as extrication and safe rescue of the victims named Mrs Fauziyya Yusuf and Mr Abdulsallam Abubakar.
Source also confirmed that, in the process, two of the Kidnappers were arrested, while others absconded upon sighting the troops. Troops are on their trail and are charging to apprehend them soon.
One of the rescued Victims have since been reunited with his family while the other is currently been offered necessary medical attention and support to ensure her physical and emotional well-being before been handed over to her family.
Meanwhile, the Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Frank Etim, has commended the timely response of the troops. He charged them not to relent in ensuring peace and safety of the citizens. He further enjoined the citizens to relentlessly cooperate and support the security agencies by providing timely security information to enhance troops’ prompt response to security issues.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Sirajo Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State for alleged N70 billion fraud.
He was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 alongside Aliyu Abubakar of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, an unlicensed bureau de change (BDC) operator and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator.
They were arrested in connection with investigations of money laundering, diversion of public funds and missapropriation to the tune of N70 billion.
The Commission is investigating the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, regarding the matter.
The EFCC said investigations showed that cash withdrawal of N59billion had been made through various bank accounts opened and operated by the Accountant General on behalf of the state government.
The money was allegedly moved to Abubakar and Sambo, who in turn made cash payments to party agents and associates of the governor.
The BDC operator, Abubakar, earlier jumped bail and has now been rearrested.
The Akwa Ibom police Command has arrested one Victor Okon, 42, for the alleged gruesome murder of his wife, Victoria Okoh, 38, at their residence in Oron.
The police public relations officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo, the state capital, on Monday.
Ms John said the command’s operatives swiftly responded to a distress call from concerned residents at 05:20 p.m. about the incident.
“On arrival at the scene, the officers discovered the mutilated body of the deceased lying outside the house she shared with her husband,” Mr John said.
She said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly attacked his wife with a machete over accusations of infidelity.
Ms John said further reports indicated that the suspect hid in the ceiling of the house in an attempt to evade arrest.
The PPRO said the officers went into the building and apprehended the man.
“The machete used in committing the crime was recovered by the police, and photographs of the scene were taken for investigation purposes,” she said.
Mr John said the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the state’s General Hospital morgue for an autopsy.
She said the suspect would be charged to court soon.
Ms John quoted the commissioner of police, CP Baba Azare, to have condemned the act and assured the public that justice would take its full course.
Mr Azare warned against all forms of domestic violence and called on residents to seek lawful means of resolving disputes rather than resorting to violence.
He pledged the commitment of the command toward ensuring the safety of citizens.
Mr Azare also urged the members of the public to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.
The United States Mission in Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest abducted and murdered by suspected bandits in Kaduna State.
Okechukwu, who served at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Tachiri, Kaura Local Government Area, was taken from his residence on Tuesday night. His body was discovered the following day, sparking outrage and calls for justice.
In a statement released two days after his death, the US Mission described the killing as “brutal and senseless” and urged Nigerian authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We strongly condemn this horrific act of violence,” the mission said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, congregation, and community of Father Okechukwu, who have suffered an immeasurable loss.”
The killing of clergy members has become a recurring concern in parts of Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target religious leaders, community members, and security forces. The US Mission’s statement reflects growing international concern over insecurity in the region.