Bandit Leaders Surrender, Free Hostages… World Bank Uncovers Fraud in Nigerian Social Safety Nets Project… 708 Killed in 674 Terrorism Attacks in December… Nigerian Police Kill 7, Recover 109 Rustled Animals
● Notorious Bandit Leaders Surrender Amid Military Pressure
Two notorious bandit leaders, Abu Radde and Umar Black, in Northwest Katsina State have laid down their arms and released their captives, reports Zagazola Makama.
The duo, infamous for kidnappings and cattle rustling in Batsari and Safana Counties, turned themselves in following intensified military operations. Security sources told Zagazola Makama that relentless airstrikes and ground offensives left the bandits with no choice but to surrender.
The leaders handed over sophisticated weapons and freed several hostages previously held in their camps. Military efforts in the Northwest region have been targeting bandit hideouts in a bid to dismantle their strongholds.
● World Bank Debars Nigerian Companies for 30 Months Over Fraud in Poverty Relief Program
The World Bank has barred two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, along with their CEO, Norman Bwuruk Didam, from its projects for 30 months for fraud and corruption linked to Nigeria’s National Social Safety Nets Project (NSSNP). The NSSNP, funded by the World Bank, provides financial support to vulnerable households in Nigeria, aiming to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods.
As per AmBusinessNG, a Monday statement by World Bank revealed that the companies misrepresented conflicts of interest, accessed confidential tender information, falsified experience records, and offered bribes to public officials during a 2018 procurement process.
“These actions constituted fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices,” the Bank stated.
The debarment bars the firms and Mr. Didam from World Bank-financed projects and extends to other multilateral development banks under a mutual enforcement agreement
Meanwhile, the firms admitted guilt and have agreed to ethics reforms, including compliance training, to regain eligibility for World Bank-financed projects after the ban.
● Nigeria Witnessed 708 Deaths, 671 Abductions in December, Says Security Report
Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited reported 674 security incidents across Nigeria in December 2024, resulting in 708 fatalities and 671 abductions. The Northeast and Northwest regions were the hardest hit, accounting for 51.19 percent of the incidents.
Fatalities dropped 25.55 percent compared to November, with civilians making up 81.36 percent of the deaths. Abductions dropped by 14.63 percent, but the Northwest remained the most affected, with 72.13 percent of all cases.
The report highlighted governance gaps, socio-economic vulnerabilities, and the adoption of drones and IEDs by armed groups as persistent challenges. It called for a stratified counterterrorism strategy combining military action with systemic reforms.
“Nigeria cannot afford to overlook lapses that endanger lives,” Kabir Adamu, the agency’s managing director, warned.
● Seven Bandits Killed, 109 Livestock Recovered in Northwest Nigeria
Seven suspected bandits were killed and 109 rustled animals recovered following a foiled attack in Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria, Nigerian media reports.
The incident happened on January 18th when bandits armed with AK-47 rifles attacked Ruwan Doruwa village. “The security team engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, neutralizing seven suspects,” said DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the command’s spokesperson.
Recovered livestock included 61 cows, 44 sheep, two donkeys, one goat, and one dog. Commissioner of Police Aliyu Abubakar Musa commended the officers for their “bravery, professionalism, and commitment.”
What’s News Today? January 21, 2025, compiled by Ezinwanne Onwuka for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
