Army Captures 23 Bandits, Kills One in Gunfight…Nigerian Government Allocates Over $3 Million for HIV Treatment…8 Children Kidnapped in Midnight Attack…Officials Blame ‘Strangers’ After Violent Attack Leaves 10 Dead
● Local Chief Accused of Sheltering Bandits for $1,006 as Army Strikes
Nigerian Army troops captured 23 suspected bandits, including four women, and killed one in a raid on a hideout in Taraba State, Northeast Nigeria, on Sunday.
Military officials said a local chief received ₦1,500,000 ($1,006) to provide the group, which had relocated from Plateau State in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, with a hideout.
“Acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of suspected bandits, the gallant troops conducted a fighting patrol to the identified hideout,” a statement by Captain Oni Olubodunde, spokesperson for the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, cited by SaharaReporters read. “On sighting the patrol team, the bandits opened fire, prompting an immediate and overwhelming response.”
One member of the gang fell to the military’s bullets, prompting others to surrender without further resistance. Troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, an English pistol, locally made guns, 16 motorcycles, and other weapons.
● Nigeria to Procure 150,000 HIV Treatment Packs Following U.S. Policy Shift
Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦4.5 billion ($3,013,177) for HIV treatment packs following an emergency humanitarian waiver from the U.S. government, which reversed a previous funding pause on HIV programs in developing nations.
“This allocation is critical for ensuring that those living with HIV continue to receive necessary treatments without interruption,” said Ali Pate, Nigeria’s minister of health and social welfare. The funds will procure 150,000 treatment packs for Nigerians living with HIV over four months, TheCable reports.
Nigeria has been heavily reliant on international assistance for HIV initiatives, particularly from the US president’s emergency plan for AIDS relief (PEPFAR). Following the U.S. policy shift under President Donald Trump, Pate emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to self-sustaining healthcare funding, noting that a new committee has been formed to develop a long-term financing plan.
“This allocation is critical for ensuring that those living with HIV continue to receive necessary treatments without interruption,” the health minister said.
● Bandits Abduct 8 Children, Kill One in Northern Nigeria
Eight children were abducted, and one person killed when suspected bandits attacked Jimlari, a community in Taraba State, Northeast Nigeria, late Saturday night.
Residents reported that the assailants arrived around 11:30 p.m. GMT, firing indiscriminately. “We were caught off guard,” Ibrahim Hassan, a local resident, told Premium Times. “They were shooting indiscriminately, and because of their sophisticated weapons, we couldn’t mobilize to confront them.” The victims were between seven and 12 years old.
Police State police spokesperson Abdullahi Usman confirmed the abductions, stating that security forces, including the police and military, were working to secure the victims’ release. “Security forces, including the police, military, and other agencies, have been deployed to the area,” he said.
● Governor Urges Calm After Herders Kill 10 in Southeast Nigeria
At least 10 people were killed, and several homes were burned in an attack on Amagu village in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria, on Sunday. The Nigerian media reported the attack was a reprisal by herders after the killing of their cattle by the Eastern Security Network, the armed wing of the separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Many houses were torched, and dozens of residents injured in the attack.
Governor Francis Nwifuru condemned the violence, calling it a “flagrant disregard for the sanctity of human life” in a statement cited by Premium Times. He avoided naming herders but blamed “strangers” for the attack. “Our people are very accommodating, but strangers should not take advantage of their calmness to unleash terror on them,” Nwifuru said.
Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu confirmed the fatalities and said an investigation was underway. Nwifuru urged residents to remain calm and avoid retaliation, assuring that “the perpetrators will surely be brought to book.”
What’s News Today? February 4, 2025, compiled by Ezinwanne Onwuka for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
