By Ezinwanne Onwuka
● Soldiers killed 113 terrorists in a week: Defence Headquarters
The Nigerian military sustained its crackdown on terrorism-related crimes by using lethal force against 113 terrorists and arresting 300 others during operations during the first week of November. Observers who spoke to TruthNigeria noted that the pro-active operations of the current military leadership appears to be a course correction against the operational policies of the military under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“There is no doubt that these groups must be defeated and are indeed being defeated,” Major General Edward Buba said at a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, “It is for this reason we are inflicting severe damage on the terrorist, insurgents, and violent extremists through our operations across the country.”
Buba said the criminal gangs are already counting their losses as the face-off between terrorists and the military is yielding “amazing results.” “We are targeting their leadership, infrastructure, and foot soldiers,” he added.
The military also nabbed 25 oil bunkers in the oil-rich South-South region, rescued 91 kidnapped hostages, and recovered 129 assorted weapons and 717 assorted ammunition within the period. “All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action,” the Major General said.
Read more: https://frontpageng.com/military-eliminates-113-terrorists-nabs-300-others-in-one-week/
● Bandits impose harvest tax on farmers in Kaduna villages
Locals in agrarian communities in Kaduna State are compelled to pay hefty levies to bandits before harvesting their farm produce, as terror spreads like wildfire in the Northwest State according to Daily Trust. Local media reported that the criminal gangs charge farmers between N70,000 [$87] and N100,000 [$124] with non-compliance resulting in kidnappings, killings, or the seizure of harvested crops. The criminal rent system is parallel to the longstanding practice of bandit gangs in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
“The bandits’ warlord and his boys stay by the side while a farmer goes to negotiate with him before gaining access to the farm,” a resident told Daily Trust. While farmers from Kidandan and Galadima villages endure the harsh regime, those in Angular Fala’u and Kerawa are constantly harassed and kidnapped during farm work.
Despite the gravity of the situation, including potential food shortages, the state police authorities have yet to address the situation though the names of the gang leaders are out in the public.
Read more: https://dailytrust.com/villagers-paid-levies-to-bandits-before-harvesting-crops-in-kaduna/
● Nigeria launches e-passport centers in 5 European countries
The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier in the week opened e-passport processing centers at the Nigerian embassies in Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, and Switzerland.
The move is meant to streamline passport acquisition for diaspora Nigerians, according to the West African country’s Ministry of Interior.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, at a televised press briefing, said the e-passport facilities met all standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
The development makes Nigeria the first African country and the fifth globally to take such a step. “This accomplishment has garnered high regard from the international community,” the statement by the Ministry read.
Read more: https://thestreetjournal.org/fg-announces-opening-of-e-passport-offices-in-italy-spain-others/
● Man regains freedom after more than a decade in detention without trial
After spending 13 years and eight months in detention without trial, a man identified as Nyeche has regained his freedom, a case of unlawful detention that was denounced by the U.S. Department of State in 2022.
Nyeche, now 73, was arrested at 60. Though Nigerian law requires that detainees must appear before a magistrate within 48 hours and have access to lawyers and family members, government and security authorities do not adhere to this regulation, the State Department noted.
The Headfort Foundation, a non-governmental group, secured Nyeche’s release. The group said, via a post on X, that his case file was lost, which made the authorities keep him in custody for more than a decade. A court discharged Nyeche of the charge of theft and granted him bail on October 20.
Read more: https://twitter.com/HeadfortF/status/1722644657404805568?s=19
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Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
