Two Policemen Killed in Shootout with Kidnappers…Four Students Kidnapped as Gunmen Strike on Campus…World Bank to Fund Six Nigerian Projects with $2.2 Billion Loan in 2025…Army Arrests Wanted Terrorists
● Two Police Officers Killed in Foiled Kidnapping Attempt in Nigeria
Two police officers were killed Tuesday night when gunmen attempted to abduct individuals in Jos, the capital city of Plateau State in Central Nigeria, authorities said.
The officers, Fatoyo Femi and Inspector Dafur Dashit, were in Jos on special duty from Abuja, according to Plateau State police spokesperson DSP Alabo Alfred. They were killed “during the exchange of gunfire with the suspected kidnappers.”
Meanwhile, four suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, according to DSP Alfred. The police spokesperson said an investigation is ongoing.
“The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, psc appeals for calm in the State as the situation is under control,” a statement by authorities, cited by Daily Trust, reads.
● Four University Students Kidnapped in Central Nigeria
Gunmen kidnapped four female students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, the capital of Benue State in Northcentral Nigeria, on Tuesday night, reports the Nigerian media.
“The students were going to read that night when they were kidnapped between their hostels and the reading point,” a university staff member, who requested anonymity, confirmed to the Nigerian Tribune.
Benue State police spokesperson CSP Catherine Anene confirmed the abduction but said only two students were taken. “An investigation is ongoing,” she added.
The incident sparked protests on campus as students demanded immediate action. University officials later confirmed that three students were kidnapped. The school announced a one-week break and ordered students to vacate hostels by 4 p.m. local time on Wednesday as security measures were reviewed.
● Nigeria to Receive $2.2 Billion World Bank Loan in 2025
Nigeria will receive a $2.2 billion loan from the World Bank in 2025 to fund six key projects in education, health, digital infrastructure, and economic resilience.
According to the World Bank’s project list, $500 million will go to the Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme by March 17. An additional $552 million will be allocated to the HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All, and $800 million to Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria 2.0, both set for approval on March 31. Other allocations include $300 million for internally displaced persons in July, $300 million for health security in August, and $500 million for digital infrastructure in September.
TheCable reports that the World Bank provided Nigeria with $1.5 billion in 2024. As of December, Nigeria remained the third-largest borrower from the institution’s International Development Association, with loan exposure of $16.8 billion.
● Authorities Capture Key Terror Suspects in Plateau
Nigerian troops have arrested two notorious terrorists in Barkin Ladi, a County in Plateau State that have endured years of violent, unprovoked attacks by terrorists. Communities in Barkin Ladi have been repeatedly raided, with gunmen killing residents, burning homes, and abducting victims for ransom.
The arrests took place during an operation dubbed “golden peace” on February 24, following intelligence from a suspect arrested two days earlier, according to Zagazola Makama
The suspects are providing useful confessions regarding past criminal activities, including multiple kidnappings in Plateau and Nasarawa States. They have also disclosed the identities and locations of their accomplices operating in various parts of Barkin Ladi.
The military are now pursuing the remaining members of the gang as the region remains under siege from relentless terrorist attacks.
Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
