Terrorists Execute Villagers in Grisly Retaliation Attack…New Nigerian Travel Policy Requires E-Visas and Pre-Arrival Forms…Intruder Shot, Arrested at Nigerian Vice President’s Home…Police Foil Arms Deal, Save 17 Abductees
● Villagers Executed, Bodies Dumped in Retaliatory Attack in Nigeria
Suspected armed bandits carried out a deadly revenge attack on Tafoki village in Katsina State, northern Nigeria, on April 9, dumping several bodies at the village entrance, reports Zagazola Makama.
The attack reportedly follows the February killing of three bandits by residents who repelled an earlier assault. One of the slain bandits was identified as Goje, a known gang leader.
Sources say the attackers, believed to be in their 20s, have been abducting villagers since the incident, binding their hands, and executing them with gunshots to the head before returning the bodies to the village.
Villagers are now recovering the decomposing remains of their loved ones, left traumatized by the brutality.
Katsina, like many parts of northwestern Nigeria, has struggled with armed gangs carrying out kidnappings and violent raids, with limited intervention from security forces. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
● Nigeria Moves Visa Applications, Entry Forms Online in New Security Push
Nigeria will roll out an electronic visa system and digital landing/exit cards beginning May 1, officials announced Wednesday. The move aims to streamline travel procedures and strengthen national security.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said the e-visa platform will allow applicants to submit visa requests and upload documents online without visiting consulates. In addition, travelers will be required to complete landing and exit forms online before arriving in Nigeria.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the new system will be free and will enhance background checks using global criminal databases. He added that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority will coordinate the digital forms with airlines.
“Better background checks will be conducted for travellers entering Nigeria. We aim to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure a transparent visa process,” said Tunji-Ojo. The reforms are part of efforts to improve security while easing access for visitors.
● Man Shot, Arrested Trying to Breach Nigerian VP’s Private Residence
A 35-year-old man was shot and arrested early Tuesday while attempting to unlawfully enter the private residence of Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Authorities identified the suspect as Musa Ibrahim, a resident of the Maduganari area of the city. He reportedly tried to scale the perimeter wall of the property around 5:30 a.m. local time.
Security guards at the residence spotted him and opened fire as he attempted to flee, wounding him in the leg. He was taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and is said to be responding to treatment.
The case has been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. Officials say security around the Vice President’s home has since been reinforced.
No motive has been disclosed, and officials have not indicated whether the Vice President was present at the time.
● Nigerian Police Rescue 17 Hostages, Recover 21 Fabricated AK-47 Rifle
Nigerian police rescued 17 kidnap victims and recovered 21 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles during separate operations in Kaduna State on April 9, according to a statement by police spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The victims, including women and children, were abducted on March 3 from Sarkin Pawa town in Niger State. Authorities said the rescue was achieved without force and involved collaboration between the Kaduna Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Office of the National Security Adviser. All hostages were found in good health.
For six weeks, the Nigerian military has refused to respond to TruthNigeria’s queries about a sprawling hostage holding camp near Rijana, in Chikun County, 13 miles south of Kaduna City. The camp reportedly has between 200 and 800 hostages there, according to survivors interviewed by TruthNigeria.
In a separate operation, police intercepted a vehicle at Kawo Central Motor Park in Kaduna and discovered 21 illegal AK-47 rifles hidden inside. A 27-year-old suspect was arrested and confessed to transporting the firearms for a union member.
Investigations are ongoing to identify and dismantle the arms trafficking network, police said.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
