Metro
Killings Rise in Kaduna, Niger, 24 Gunned Down
The Kaduna State Government says the attacks by gunmen on Zaman Dabo Village in the Atyap Chiefdom of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of the State in the early hours of Sunday claimed 11 lives while over 30 houses were razed.
This is just as over a dozen persons were reportedly killed and others injured during an attack on Galadima Kogo Community in Niger State on Saturday.
The state Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who confirmed the Kaduna incident, said as of 4.30pm, no fewer than 11 residents of the area had died.
It was learnt that gunmen, at about 3am on Sunday, stormed Atak Mawai ward in Zaman Dabo Village in the Atyap Chiefdom of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State and killed no fewer than 10 persons.
However, the commissioner, in a statement titled, “Eleven confirmed killed, others injured in Zangon Kataf LGA,’ said security operatives overseeing the southern part of the state said 11 people were killed while others were injured.
Aruwan identified the victims as Elizabeth Ayuba, Veronica Auta, Bege Daniel, Kephas Waje, Promise Jacob and Damaris Istifanus.
Others, according to him, are Hauwa Joshua, Dogara Gambo, Lidia Ishaya, Michael Achi and Gabriel Michael.
He said, “Security forces have reported to the Kaduna State Government that Kurmin Masara general area of Zangon Kataf LGA was attacked in the early hours of today.
“According to the reports, troops of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces who responded to distress calls from the area also fell into an ambush as they mobilised to the scene of the attack.
“The troops cleared the ambush and reached the general area, along with troops of Operation Safe Haven.
“As of 4.30pm, 11 residents were confirmed killed, and some inflicted with gunshot injuries.
“Over 30 houses and properties were burnt in the attack.
“The injured were evacuated for treatment. Search-and-rescue operations and pursuit of the attackers are in progress on different fronts.
“The Government of Kaduna State will make public further details as soon as they are received from security forces.”
The commissioner quoted Governor Nasir El-Rufai to have expressed sadness over the latest attack in the area.
“He (the governor) prayed for the repose of all those killed and conveyed his condolences to their families. He further wished the injured a speedy recovery,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, over a dozen persons were said to have been killed and several others injured as suspected terrorists believed to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province attacked Galadima Kogo community in Niger State on Saturday afternoon.
The Co-convener of the Concerned Youths of Niger State, Sani Kokki, in a statement made available to our correspondent in Minna on Sunday, said the terrorists came into the village in a convoy of motorcycles, shooting sporadically.
He however blamed the attack on the withdrawal of security operatives from the community.
The statement read, “Over a dozen of people were gruesomely killed and scores of others were as well injured through multiple gunshots.
“Yesterday (Saturday) afternoon, rampaging hydra-headed, venomous, murderous and heartless terrorists well-armed with assorted sophisticated weapons stormed Galadima Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State in broad daylight and unleashed mayhem on their victims at sight, including unsuspecting innocent and unarmed members of the community.
“The terrorists believed to be elements of Islamic State West Africa Province stormed the community in their large number on motorcycles in a convoy and went straight to security outfit stationed in the town.”
According to Kokki, the terrorists burnt down houses and rustled cattle that had been recovered by a team of vigilance group members.
“During the deadly invasion, the dreaded criminals set many houses ablaze, including other valuables, while carting away many herds of cattle that were recovered by vigilante in their previous encounters with criminals after being rustled,” he added.
Kokki blamed the attack on the withdrawal of security operatives from the community adding that the terrorists must have been informed by their informants that the security personnel have been withdrawn.
“Feelers are however pointing accusing fingers at bad elements and informants within the midst of people who had probably secretly informed the daredevils about the partial withdrawal of security personnel previously stationed in the town; whom based on our credible and thorough findings have been relocated to Kontagora axis for reinforcement,” he added.
He condemned the withdrawal of security personnel from the community, describing the decision as reckless and insensitive.
“This decision taken by government, notwithstanding the accompanying reason, is reckless and insensitive in its entirety, especially to the plights of innocent and unarmed law-abiding citizens already ravaged by incessant insecurity.
“Considering how porous, prone to insecurity and vulnerable to deadly attacks by the rampaging hydra-headed, venomous murderous and heartless terrorists, Galadima Kogo is, one can easily conclude that, withdrawal of security personnel at this material time is a deliberate attempt to further jeopardise people’s lives and put them in the line,” he added.
The Punch
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police incharge of Zone 2 Command, Onikan (comprising Lagos and Ogun States) on Saturday led Police officers on a fitness walk to enhance their physical wellness, mental health, and emotional well-being. The Walk which stretched from the Zone 2 Headquarters in Onikan to Eko Atlantic City turning on Ahmadu Bello Way, to Adeola Odeku and back to the Zone 2 covered about 10.2 km, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) can report.
The exercise, which was undertaken to complement the job of police officers as it demands high level of fitness and health, was to avoid breakdown and collapse, while in and out of duty.
Police officers are known to be on constant move throughout the day, standing for long hours under the rain and sun, and are always under intense pressure in the cause of performing their duties, hence the need for the walk.
Addressing a cross section of NAOSNP members after the tasking but refreshing fitness walk, AIG Adegoke Fayoade stated: ‘This walk is a strategic instruction of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun that we need to be healthy for the job. The Police job is a very tasking job and we require fitness and health to do the job. That is why we decided to do this Walk on a regular basis, it helps us to perform our job effectively which is round the clock.’
‘My charge to our Police officers is that we need to be fit for the job. During leisure, take out time to engage in exercise. It lowers blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Today we did about 10.2km, last time we covered 8.5km, maybe next time, we will do 15km.’
The Zonal Police PRO, Zone 2, CSP Umma Tunni Ayuba added: ‘This Walk plays a vital role in mental fitness which impacts what we do on a daily basis. It is also a means to unite us as officers and engage with members of the public. You can see that some members of the public join us because it goes a long way in the health of an individual.’
‘I didn’t know we did as much as 10.2km because it was fun and enjoyable with good music, like they say, ‘music is life’. I encourage officers to continue to engage in exercise, don’t wait for something to happen to your body before you look for what to do.’
The walk was spearheaded by the Zonal Sport officer, SP Mattias and Lagos State Command Sport Officer, ASP Abayomi Sonaike, SP Mattias and Supol Alex of Zone 2. ‘We thank God that we have an agile AIG who is concerned about our fitness and health. Our AIG Adegoke Fayoade knows that walks will help our agility to do the job better,’ ASP Abayomi Sonaike remarked.
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has commissioned a brand new modern and smart Divisional Police Station, at Katampe in Mpape, Abuja, to strengthen internal security and safeguard lives and property.
The brand new Divisional Police Station, constructed by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) was handed over to the Nigeria Police by the representative of the Honourable Minister, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya Nlia, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Katampe in Mpape, Abuja, according to a statement made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
The Minister said that the occasion marks a major milestone in their collective efforts to strengthen internal security and safeguard lives and property across the country noting that the completion of this police station—delivered through the Nigerian Police Trust Fund—is a clear testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, to promoting safer communities and enhancing police operations.
He recalled that for many years, the rapidly growing Mpape community has felt the pressing need for a befitting and functional police facility and the modern facility not only provides a professional and conducive workspace for officers but also serves as a symbol of progress, peace, and partnership between the police and the people.
In his words, “the Nigerian Police Trust Fund continues to be instrumental in transforming the operational landscape of the Nigeria Police Force by bridging critical resource gaps. The successful completion of this project here in Mpape highlights their resolve and strategic vision in providing infrastructure that supports effective policing. I commend the Board and Management of the Trust Fund for their dedication and service”.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to strengthening the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force and prioritizing internal security in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This police station is a clear demonstration of our resolve to ensure a safer, more secure Nigeria. Gaidam stressed.
The Minister charged the officers and personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and community engagement.” Let this station be known for prompt response, fairness, and respect for human rights. You are the face of justice and security in this community. He added.
According to him, “To the residents of Mpape and neighboring communities: this facility belongs to you. I urge you to embrace it, protect it, and collaborate with the officers stationed here. Effective policing thrives on mutual trust and active community participation. Your cooperation is not just welcome—it is essential”.
Gaidam pointed out that the facility, which would be replicated in the six geopolitical zones, embodies our collective resolve to entrench law and order, improve community-police relations, and ensure that every citizen can live without fear. It stands as a beacon of hope, a pledge of protection, and a commitment to service delivery at the grassroots.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mr. Mohammed Sheidu thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfastness, dedication to the security sector, reforms, institutions strengthening, and his unwavering support to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund that made impactful interventions like the modern police station.
This facility, consisting of a modern police station, perimeter fencing, sedentary CCTV surveillance, overhead water tanks for uninterrupted water supply, and a 30-kilowatt solar power system, stands as a mission and statement of a nation-building.
Receiving the facility on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, The Assistant Inspector General of Police AIG Victor Olaiya stated that officers and rank and file will walk tall with their head up because of the magnificent structure that will stand the test of the time and charged officers to guard the edifice and equipment with utmost priority.
Earlier, the Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, posited that his agency and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund are changing the narrative on the implementation of Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) signed last year by implementing the MOU.
“We are witnessing the first kind of implementation of MOU by creating sustainable, reliable and affordable electricity framework in different government agencies through deployment of smart police infrastructures in the country base on the thinking and innovation of the leadership of Nigeria Police Trust Fund by crystalizing agenda of Mr. President base on the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
In compliance with global best practices, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has again fulfilled all requirements by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO), and has therefore been recertified for ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Standards in Road Safety Administration and Traffic Management by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
The recertification, according to a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, ACM Olusegun Ogungbemide, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), came after a successful audit of FRSC processes and procedures by System Auditors from Standards Organisation of Nigeria among other mandatory activities carried out towards the recertification of the Corps.
It would be recalled that in the quest to bring its processes at par with world best practice, the FRSC was first certified on 26 March 2013 for ISO 9001:2008. It migrated to ISO 9001:2015 standards on 16 January 2016 and got recertified in 2019, 2022 and 2025 having met all requirements to sustain the feat.
Speaking on this enviable achievement, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed was quoted as saying; ” As the first and only Law Enforcement Agency in Africa to achieve this rare feat, this recertification is a milestone that reflects the true disposition of the Corps as a determined organisation that is committed to attaining excellence in all aspects of its operations and service delivery”.
While applauding the the entire workforce for their individual and collective contributions which led to the realisation of the recertification, the Corps Marshal affirmed that the feat is a testimonial, an evidence of a great deal of professionalism, well coordinated work processes, and quality service delivery in the work place.
He therefore assured the motoring public of sustainability of this certification through enhanced productivity, professionalism and effective service delivery.
