Landmine Explosion Injures Three Police Officers…Bandit Leader Dies After Gang’s Failed Rescue Attempt…Troops Ambush Bandits, Free 30 Kidnapped Victims in Northern Nigeria…Surveyors Released as Families Pay Off Kidnappers
- Three Nigerian Police Officers Injured in Suspected ISWAP Landmine Explosion
Three police officers were injured after a landmine explosion along the key highway linking Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to Damaturu in neighboring Yobe State. The device was allegedly planted by ISWAP terrorists, sources informed Zagazola Makama.
The blast went off around 3:00 p.m. local time near Garin Kuturu village in Borno as a Rapid Response Squad patrol team was on duty. The explosion damaged their vehicle and left a crater three feet deep and five feet wide.
A bomb disposal team secured the area but found no additional explosives. Authorities later declared the road safe for travel. The injured officers were taken to Borno State Specialist Hospital for treatment and have since been discharged.
- Arrested 21-Year-Old Bandit Leader Dies in Shootout With Own Gang
Salisu Mohammed, a 21-year-old notorious bandit leader known as “Dogo Saleh,” was shot and killed by his own gang members after being arrested by Nigerian police, authorities said Wednesday.
Police captured Mohammed on March 3 while he was traveling to Bwari, a district in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. Officers recovered an AK-49 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of live ammunition, and ₦3 million (approximately $1,863) suspected to be ransom money, police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said.
The next day, police raided a known bandit hideout in Kaduna State, triggering a shootout as Mohammed’s gang tried to free him. “The operatives swiftly engaged the criminals… The suspect sustained fatal gunshot wounds inflicted by his own gang during the crossfire,” Adeh said.
Mohammed was linked to multiple kidnappings and killings, including a January attack in Kaduna that left two security personnel dead, reports The Punch. Police have vowed to continue efforts to dismantle his gang.
- Military Operation in Northwest Nigeria Frees 30 Kidnapped Victims
Nigerian troops have foiled a kidnapping attempt in Katsina State, rescuing 30 abducted victims and recovering 94 stolen animals after a gunfight with armed bandits, military sources said Tuesday.
The attack took place in the early hours of March 12 in Unguwar Sarkin Fulani, a rural settlement in Tafoki village where farming and livestock rearing are the primary means of livelihood. Heavily armed bandits stormed the village, abducted residents, and stole two cows and 92 sheep and goats.
Upon receiving a distress call, troops from Operation Fasan Yanma, working with police, ambushed the bandits along their escape route near Tafoki Village in Faskari Local Government Area. The operation, which translates to “sweeping away the enemy”, is a military effort targeting banditry and kidnappings in Katsina and surrounding states.
The bandits came under heavy fire and fled into the bush, leaving the victims unharmed. “All 30 kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt, and all rustled animals were recovered,” a source told local media.
- Kidnapped Surveyors in Nigeria Freed After Ransom Payment
Nine Nigerian surveyors kidnapped by armed bandits in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, have been freed after their families reportedly paid a ransom of ₦20 million (approximately $13,000).
The victims were abducted last week while working at a site. The kidnappers initially demanded ₦100 million ($65,069.55) but later lowered their demand after negotiations and community appeals.
“They have been released. We appreciate the media for standing and raising your voice,” said Ajibade Owolanke, a relative of one of the victims. He confirmed to Peoples Gazette that the freed surveyors were receiving medical care.
The abduction had sparked protests in Akure, with market women and youths calling on authorities to address rising insecurity.
Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
