Connect with us

News

Troops neutralise notorious bandit commander Babangida Kachala in Kogi

Published

on

A notorious bandit commander, Babangida Kachala, who was the second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, leader of a gang operating within the Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas of Kogi State, has been eliminated by troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation ACCORD III, in collaboration with other hybrid forces.

The troops had recorded a similar feat barely a week earlier, when operatives neutralised another commander, Kachalla Balla, together with five of his gang members, as part of efforts to curb banditry in the state.

At a hideout near Tunga under Operation EGWUA A TITE II on September 5, the troops also ambushed a bandit courier at Agbede–Adankoo Bridge, recovering weapons and supplies intended to aid the criminals in their operations.

Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, in Lokoja, confirmed the operation, saying it was carried out by troops under Operation ACCORD III.

Following the operation, several kidnapped victims were rescued during follow-up clearance missions with air support. The breakthrough was hailed as a significant step towards restoring peace in Kogi State.

According to the statement, on September 11, 2025, following credible intelligence on the movement of bandits within Ofere Forest and the Ayetoro Gbede general area, combined troops laid an ambush at a suspected bandit crossing point. Although initial contact was not made, the troops, while withdrawing to base, ran into an ambush staged by the criminals along their route.

In the ensuing firefight, Abdullahi explained, the gallant troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, neutralising one of the criminals.

Abdullahi added, “the troops later exploited the area and recovered one fully loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, packs of Tramadol tablets, fetish charms, and N16,000 cash. Bloodstains at the scene indicated that several bandits escaped with gunshot wounds.”

He pointed out that subsequent intelligence confirmed that among those who fled with gunshot wounds was Babangida Kachala, a notorious bandit and second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, who was later confirmed dead.

According to Abdullahi, troops of 12 Brigade under Operation ACCORD III continue to dominate their area of responsibility with patrols and ambushes aimed at totally decimating bandits and other criminal elements within Kogi State. He explained that the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain high as they sustain unrelenting pressure on the criminals.

He further stated that the Nigerian Army remains determined to restore lasting peace and security in Kogi State, urging citizens to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing operations in order to bring criminal activities to a standstill.

Business

Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers

Published

on

 

The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance.

The statement read

“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.

The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges.

This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce.

Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”

Continue Reading

News

Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds

Published

on

 

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, March 23, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.

DailyTrust reports that in the judgment delivered, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.

According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.

Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.

The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.

Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.

The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.

Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He became acting Accountant General of the Federation in May 2022.

Continue Reading

News

11 more arrested over Ozoro “r@ping festival”

Published

on

The police in Delta state have arrested eleven more suspects over the sexu@l ass@ults recorded during what was described as a “r@ping festival” in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro last Thursday, March 19.

In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.

Edafe said operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the arrest of eleven additional suspects identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. Edafe mentioned that these latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)

“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexu@l v!olence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”the statement in part reads

Continue Reading

Trending