Authorities Accuse Foreign Fighters of Fueling Terrorism… Bandits Shoot 2, Abduct 3 from Hospital… Abuja Black Spots Under Police Radar
Nigerian Military Blames Sahelian Fighters for Rising Terror Attacks
Nigeria’s military has attributed the recent surge in terrorist activities in the North-East and North-West regions to an influx of foreign fighters from the Sahel.
“The resurgence in terror attacks can be attributable to the influx of foreign fighters who came in as reinforcements for these terrorists,” said Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defense Media Operations, reports TheCable.
Buba also linked the rising terrorist attacks in both regions to the collaboration between the Sahelian fighters and local accomplices. “The other contributing factor is the support from local collaborators who serve as informants, reporting on troops’ movements,” he noted.
Despite the challenges, the Major-General reassured Nigerians of the military’s commitment to ending terrorism, stating, “Our strategic objective remains unhindered, and it is to break the terrorists’ will to fight.”
The military also reported killing 156 terrorists, arresting 464 suspects, and rescuing 180 hostages in the past week, according to This Day.
Gunmen Attack Hospital, Injure Doctor, Abduct 3
Gunmen, suspected to be bandits, stormed a government hospital in Katsina State on Wednesday, shooting two individuals and abducting three others.
The police confirmed in a statement cited by The Nation that Dr. Murtala Saleh, 30, a doctor, was shot in the thigh, while one Kamala Suleiman, 20, sustained a knee injury.
Police spokesperson DSP Abubakar Aliyu said the bandits, armed with dangerous weapons, stormed the hospital shooting sporadically. “The Divisional Police promptly mobilized and engaged the assailants in a gun duel, foiling further escalation.”
Dr. Saleh and Suleiman are receiving treatment and are in stable condition. Efforts are underway to rescue the kidnapped victims and arrest the perpetrators.
Police Launch Daily Raids on Criminal Hotspots in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has launched daily raids targeting criminal black spots across Abuja to combat crime and protect infrastructure.
In a statement on Tuesday cited by Peoples Gazette, FCT police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh said the operations aim to “maintain law and order, prevent crimes, protect infrastructure, and curtail drug abuse and trafficking.” Identified black spots include areas like Apo-Dutse Panteka, the Diplomatic Zone, Jabi Panteka, and Maitama under the Transcorp Bridge, among others.
Adeh revealed that the raids have led to 348 arrests, with 320 suspects already prosecuted. Authorities also seized 10 trucks carrying vandalized metals, 26 manhole covers, 20 solar street lights, and armoured cables. Additionally, large quantities of drugs, including Indian hemp, and 11 firearms were recovered.
What’s News Today? January 17, 2025, compiled by Ezinwanne Onwuka for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
