Drone Ban Enforced in North East Nigeria…Troops Push Back Terrorists in Sokoto and Kebbi…Nigeria’s Inflation Climbs to 34.80%…Police Reject $681 Bribe from Terrorists
Nigerian Military Bans Drone Use in North East to Counter Insurgency Threats
The Nigerian Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai has banned the use of drones in the region, citing security risks in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, three states worst-hit by terrorist attacks. Operation Hadin Kai is a military initiative combating insurgency in the country’s North East.
Air Commodore U.U. Idris, the Air Component Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, announced the decision on Wednesday, the Nigerian media reports. “The proliferation of drones for domestic and commercial purposes has raised significant security concerns. These concerns largely stem from their potential use by non-state actors and criminal elements for subversive and offensive activities,” the statement read.
Idris disclosed that unauthorized drone usage, including by government agencies, disregards regulations and poses threats to military assets and infrastructure. He warned, “Breaches of this restriction, no matter how minor, will be taken very seriously.”
20 Terrorists Killed as Nigerian Troops Intensify Operations in North
Nigerian Army troops dubbed “Operation Fansan Yanma” have launched successful counterterrorism operations in Sokoto and Kebbi States, killing over 20 terrorists and dismantling several camps.
The operations targeted Illela, Tangaza, and Gudu Counties in Sokoto, as well as Augie and Dandi Counties in Kebbi. Sokoto and Kebbi States are situated in Nigeria’s Northwest zone.
According to a report by Zagazola Makama, the troops cleared terrorist hideouts in surrounding forests. “The Army’s thrust pushed deep into critical locations, flushing out terrorists, destroying their camps, and recovering logistical items,” the security analyst stated.
The terrorists fled during the intense engagements with troops. Abandoned weapons, supplies, and makeshift camps were subsequently destroyed.
Inflation in Nigeria Rises for Fourth Month, Reaching 34.80% in December
Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 34.80 percent in December 2024, up from 34.60 percent in November, marking the fourth consecutive monthly rise, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported by local media. The NBS, similar to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, is the official agency responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data on Nigeria’s economy, population, and social conditions.
The NBS attributed the rise to festive season demand, with food and non-alcoholic beverages as key drivers. Food inflation eased slightly to 39.84 percent in December, down from 39.93 percent in November.
President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, including the naira devaluation and subsidy cuts in 2023, initially triggered sharp inflation, which began easing in mid-2024. However, petrol price hikes reignited inflationary pressures, worsening Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis.
The Central Bank of Nigeria raised interest rates six times last year to bring down the rising inflation. Tinubu anticipates inflation will drop to 15 percent in 2025, aided by reduced petroleum imports.
Police Reject $681 Bribe from Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists
Police in Kebbi State turned down a ₦1 million bribe from suspected members of the notorious Lakurawa terrorists, according to a statement by Police Public Relations Officer Nafiu Abubakar on Tuesday.
The suspects—Umaru Garba (53), Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji Mamman (51), and Usman Muhammadu (50)—offered ₦1,060,000 ($681.60) to compromise an investigation into banditry in northern Kebbi. The bribe offer was made at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Birnin Kebbi, the State capital, reports Channels Television.
Abubakar said the suspects conspired to offer the bribe to the lead investigator, but they were arrested immediately. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities say they will face prosecution upon completion.
What’s News Today? January 16, 2025, compiled by Ezinwanne Onwuka for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
