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One dead, 76 rescued as NAF strikes bandits’ base in Katsina

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One dead, 76 rescued as NAF strikes bandits’ base in Katsina

The Nigerian Air Force has carried out a precision airstrike that destroyed a notorious bandit leader’s stronghold and rescued 76 kidnapped victims, including women and children, in Katsina State.

According to a statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, the operation targeted the hideout of bandit kingpin, Babaro and his gang, who were behind the recent deadly attack on Gidan Mantau in Malumfashi Local Government Area.

The statement, made available to newsmen on Saturday in Katsina, read, “This morning, the NAF carried out a decisive air operation at Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Government Area, successfully rescuing 76 kidnapped victims, including women and children.

“The precision air interdiction, conducted between 6 pm and 7 pm, specifically targeted Babaro’s stronghold at Pauwa Hill, one of his most notorious bases that has long been a source of terror to surrounding communities.”

Mu’azu confirmed that all those abducted during the Gidan Mantau attack were among the rescued victims.

However, he noted with regret that one child tragically lost his life during the ordeal.

He described the operation as a breakthrough in ongoing security efforts across Katsina State, adding that it formed part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal hideouts, disrupt bandit networks, and end the cycle of killings, kidnappings, and extortion terrorising innocent citizens.

“The rescue underscores the effectiveness of coordinated air and ground operations.

“The Katsina State Government commends the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, and other security agencies for their courage and professionalism.

“We remain committed to supporting them through logistics, intelligence-sharing, and community engagement until banditry is completely eradicated,” the statement continued.

Citizens were also urged to remain vigilant and provide timely information to assist security forces as operations continue to reclaim towns and villages from criminal elements.

 

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Dangote Cement, FRSC strengthen partnership for road safety in Ogun

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By Monire-Oluwa Lucas

Efforts aimed at further enhancing road safety in Ogun State received a boost following fresh collaborative engagement between the Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant and the State Sector Command for safer road use and general safety advocacy.

Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safer roads and strengthening stakeholder collaboration as it received the newly deployed Ogun State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, and members of his management team on a courtesy visit to the plant.

Speaking during the engagement, Ogunjobi commended Dangote Cement for its consistent support to the FRSC and its contribution to road safety initiatives over the years pointing out that the company has established itself as one of the Corps’ most reliable corporate partners through its commitment to safety and responsible transportation practices.

He said: “Dangote Cement has remained a dependable partner of the Federal Road Safety Corps over the years, and we deeply appreciate the support we have continued to receive from the company. As an organisation with extensive logistics and transportation operations, Dangote Cement understands the importance of safety on our roads. This shared commitment provides a strong foundation for even greater collaboration between our two institutions.”

The Sector Commander emphasised that promoting a culture of safety requires continuous engagement with stakeholders, particularly organisations that operate large fleets of vehicles and professional drivers.

“Road safety is not the responsibility of FRSC alone. It requires collective action from government agencies, private sector organisations, transport operators, and road users. We believe there is significant potential for us to work more closely with Dangote Cement in driving safety awareness and improving compliance with road traffic regulations,” he stated.

As part of the proposed areas of cooperation, Ogunjobi advocated the establishment of an FRSC Special Marshal Unit within the Ibese Plant, noting that the initiative would strengthen safety consciousness among employees and drivers.

“We would like to see the establishment of an in-plant FRSC Special Marshal Unit that will serve as a platform for promoting road safety advocacy and best practices among staff and transport operators. Such a unit will support specialized driver training programmes, regular sensitisation sessions, and proactive safety campaigns aimed at reducing road crashes,” he said.

He further assured the company of the Corps’ readiness to provide technical support through continuous engagement, capacity building and safety enlightenment initiatives that will ultimately benefit not just the company but all road users across the state.
Responding, the Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese, Ayyagri Subbaraidu, described the FRSC as a critical stakeholder in the company’s operations and commended the Corps for its dedication to preserving lives on Nigerian roads. He assured that safety remains a central pillar of Dangote Cement’s operational philosophy and long-term growth strategy.
“The Federal Road Safety Corps plays a strategic role in our operations because transportation is a vital component of our business. We therefore recognise and appreciate the tremendous work being done by the Corps in ensuring safer roads and protecting lives,” Subbaraidu said.

He explained that the company’s Vision 2030 places strong emphasis on responsible operations, sustainability, and stakeholder collaboration, making road safety an important priority.

“Dangote Vision 2030 clearly highlights the need for stronger partnerships with key stakeholders such as the FRSC. Safety is not merely a regulatory requirement for us; it is a core value that guides how we operate every day,” he stated.

“Our commitment goes beyond the movement of products. We are committed to ensuring that our drivers, contractors, employees and every road user interacting with our operations do so in the safest possible environment.”

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Washington attack: US orders review of all Green Cards from 19 countries

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The United States government has announced a sweeping review of all Green Cards issued to citizens of 19 countries, following Wednesday’s attack on National Guard troops in Washington, D.C.
The Trump administration disclosed the move on Thursday after authorities identified the detained suspect as a 29-year-old Afghan national who had previously worked with American forces in Afghanistan.
According to AfghanEvac, an organisation involved in the resettlement of Afghans after the 2021 Taliban takeover, the suspect was granted asylum in April 2025, not permanent residency.
In a statement on X, the Director of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Joseph Edlow, said, “I have directed a full-scale, rigorous re-examination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.”
The order had earlier banned nearly all nationals from 12 of those countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the United States.
Here is a full list of countries under the travel ban:
Countries with Full Travel Ban (12)
1. Afghanistan
2. Myanmar
3. Chad
4. Congo-Brazzaville
5. Equatorial Guinea
6. Eritrea
7. Haiti
8. Iran
9. Libya
10. Somalia
11. Sudan
12. Yemen

Countries with Partial Ban (7)
1. Burundi
2. Cuba
3. Laos
4. Sierra Leone
5. Togo
6. Turkmenistan
7. Venezuela

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EFCC summons ex-AGF Malami

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, for questioning.
Malami served as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Malami announced the development on his Facebook page on Friday, confirming that he had received a formal invitation from the anti-graft agency.
“I would like to inform my family and friends that I have been summoned by the EFCC to provide clarification on certain matters, and as a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I am determined to honour this invitation without any hesitation,” he wrote.
The former minister reiterated his commitment to the principles of honesty, integrity, and accountability, which he said guided his years in public service.
“I believe in the importance of honesty, integrity, and accountability in governance; these are principles that I have long supported and upheld over the years of my public service,” he added.
Malami also stated that he would keep Nigerians informed of any developments that may arise from the invitation.

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