Security
15 Killed in Katsina as ‘Repentant’ Bandits Strike Despite Ongoing Peace Moves
At least 15 people have been killed following a fresh attack by suspected bandits on Kadobe and Falale communities in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, raising fresh concerns over the effectiveness of ongoing peace efforts in the region.
Residents described the assault as unprovoked, noting that the attackers specifically targeted members of a local vigilante group, further heightening fear and tension across the affected communities.
Speaking to Arise News shortly after the incident, locals said the attack is part of a troubling spike in insecurity witnessed over the past three weeks, characterized by repeated killings and cattle rustling.
Some residents alleged that the perpetrators are among bandits previously declared “repentant,” casting doubt on the credibility and sustainability of current reconciliation initiatives.
Communities in the southern axis of Jibia also expressed frustration over what they described as their exclusion from ongoing negotiations between government authorities and armed groups.
They accused authorities at various levels of failing to provide adequate security, warning that rural populations remain exposed to persistent violence despite assurances of peace-building efforts.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has visited victims of the recent improvised explosive device (IED) attacks receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri.
During the visit, the police chief expressed sympathy to victims and their families, assuring them of the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to bring perpetrators of the attacks to justice.
Disu also conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the scene of the explosion at the Monday Market, one of the busiest commercial hubs in the city, as part of efforts to gain firsthand insight into the incident.
As part of his security tour, the IGP proceeded to the Borno State Government House and the State Police Command Headquarters, where he held high-level strategic meetings with key security stakeholders. The engagements focused on reviewing existing security frameworks and strengthening coordinated response strategies to emerging threats.
He assured residents that decisive steps are being taken to dismantle criminal networks behind the attacks, emphasizing that no effort would be spared in restoring confidence and maintaining order.
The police boss further disclosed that security has been significantly tightened across Maiduguri and its environs, with increased deployment of personnel, enhanced surveillance operations, and intensified joint security efforts aimed at preventing further attacks and safeguarding lives and property.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected gunrunner, Kelvin Ebikeniye Dugo, in Cross River State, intercepting a cache of 850 rounds of live ammunition.
The arrest, which took place on March 16 at Ivara Esu Estate in Odukpani Local Government Area, followed credible intelligence on the suspect’s alleged plan to acquire the ammunition.
Security sources said Dugo was apprehended shortly after receiving the consignment, which had been concealed inside food items. The ammunition was reportedly supplied by another suspected gunrunner, Azenda Barnabas, also known as Jagaban, based in Aliade, Benue State.
Items recovered during the operation included 850 rounds of live ammunition and two empty AK-47 magazines.
The sources noted that the DSS has stepped up operations nationwide in a bid to dismantle gunrunning networks and curb the proliferation of illegal arms.
They added that the latest arrest underscores the agency’s ongoing commitment to tracking down and prosecuting individuals involved in arms trafficking across the country.
General News
Ramadan Tragedy: 23 Killed, Over 100 Injured as Coordinated Bomb Blasts Rip Through Maiduguri
Multiple explosions have torn through Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, leaving at least 23 people dead and more than 100 others injured in what authorities have described as coordinated attacks.
The explosions, which occurred on Monday evening, triggered widespread panic across the city, with eyewitnesses recounting chaotic scenes as residents fled for safety.
One of the blasts reportedly occurred at about 6:45 p.m. at the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, just as Muslim faithful were breaking their fast during Ramadan. Another explosion struck the busy Maiduguri Monday Market, while a third went off near the Post Office Flyover.
The Nigeria Police Force in Borno State confirmed that the incidents were suspected suicide improvised explosive device attacks carried out at about 7:24 p.m. across the three locations.
Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Kenneth Daso, said 23 persons were confirmed dead, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Emergency responders swiftly evacuated the injured to medical facilities, including the Borno State Specialist Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Security agencies, including the police and military, were deployed to the affected areas to restore calm and secure the city. The Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit also conducted sweep operations to detect and neutralise any further threats.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the scenes of the explosions and reassured residents that security has been intensified across Maiduguri.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to uncover those behind the attacks.