Nation
Troops Crush 10 Bandits, Loses One Soldier In Fierce Battle In Katsina
The Nigerian Army, yesterday, says it has neutralized not fewer than 10 bandits and inflicted injuries on several others in a fierce battle with the bandits in Batsari and Faskari local government areas of Katsina State.
This was also as it says it loses one of its gallant soldiers while two others sustained injuries from the encounter.
The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig-Gen Bernard Onyeuko, who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen, yesterday, also said the Army arrested three collaborators and informants of the bandits as well as recovered arms and ammunition.
Onyeuko said troops of the Operation Sahel Sanity carried out the offensive onslaught against the bandits which saw to the death of the five bandits in each of the council areas in the state.
According to him, “In furtherance of their operational activities and in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai’s directive extending Operation Sahel Sanity to March, the gallant troops have increased the momentum of the operation.
“They have continued to dominate the North-West theatre with confidence building patrols, robust and aggressive ambushes coupled with clearance operations. This is with a view to completely wipe out the remnant bandits and other criminal elements from the region.
“Consequently, on January 2, 2021, based on credible human intelligence about the movement of armed bandits sighted crossing Garin Inu in Batsari LGA heading towards Bugaje in Jibiya LGA both in Katsina State, troops deployed at Batsari swiftly mobilized and laid ambush along the bandit’s route at Garin Garus.
“While at the ambush position, the gallant troops made contact with the marauding armed bandits and engaged them with overwhelming firepower thereby neutralizing five bandits while others escaped with varying degrees of injuries as indicated by traces of blood along their escape routes.
“Further exploitation of the area by the gallant troops led to the capture of three AK-47 rifles and two AK-47 rifle magazines loaded with 18 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
“In another development, on January 10, 2021, troops deployed at Sabon Layi while clearing bandits enclaves around Maigora general area in Faskari LGA of Katsina State, came in contact with armed bandits at Unguwar Rimi leading to a fierce gun battle.
“The troops were swiftly reinforced by another team from Faskari and supported by helicopter gunship delivering a lethal blow to the criminals thereby forcing the bandits to withdraw in disarray into the forest due to the troop’s superior firepower.
“During the exploitation phase of the operation, five bodies of neutralized bandits were found while several others were suspected to escape with gunshot wounds as indicated by bloodstains on their escape route.
“Regrettably, one brave soldier paid the supreme price while two others sustained minor injuries during the encounter. The wounded soldiers are in stable condition and currently responding to treatment in a military medical facility.
“Relatedly, on January 3, 2021, troops deployed at Dan Ali village acting on reliable information from reliable sources arrested a suspected bandits’ collaborator named Ya’u Tukur at Sabon Gida village in Kankara LGA of Katsina State.
“During preliminary investigations, the suspect confessed to being working for a notorious bandit gang that has been masterminding nefarious crimes, including kidnapping for ransom in various places. Troops are on the trail of other members of the notorious gang.
“Furthermore, on January 4, 2021, troops deployed at Maraban Maigora, acting on credible information arrested one Yahaya Aliyu while riding on a new motorcycle.
“The arrest was executed following reports from reliable sources on the suspect’s alleged involvement in the kidnapping and facilitating payment of ransom for kidnap victims in the area.
“During preliminary investigations, the suspect admitted his involvement in the alleged crimes, adding that the motorcycle he was riding was part of a bounty as ransom from a kidnapped victim.
“Additionally, on January 8, 2020, troops deployed at Yankara while acting on a tip-off arrested a suspected bandit’s collaborator named Alhaji Adamu Mamman around Yankara general area in Faskari LGA of Katsina State. The suspect has been at large following his involvement in harbouring bandits in his house.
“To this end, the gallant troops of Operation Sahel Sanity are commended for the successes and their unequalled commitment. They are further urged not to rest on their oars until the North-West zone is rid of all criminal elements.
“Additionally, the good people of the North-West are once more assured of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the safety of lives and properties within the zone.
“They are also encouraged to avail the troops with timely and credible information that will assist in the conduct of their operations,” Onyeuko, however, appealed.
The Ogoni Dialogue Committee has assured the people of Tai communities in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State that their opinions and concerns will be articulated in the effort to present a unified demand from the Ogoni people to the Federal Government.
Co-Chairman of the Committee, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey (Rtd), made the assurance on Saturday during a meeting with Tai LGA communities at the Council Secretariat in Saakpenwa.
He revealed that the dialogue offers Ogonis an opportunity to ensure their voices are heard, urging Tai Communities members to participate actively in the process.
Archbishop Kattey announced plans for the committee to engage with all stakeholders including youth and women of Ogoniland.
He stated that the Federal Government has commenced the confidence-building process requested by the Ogoni delegation by signing the bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Tai stressed that the university has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for the Ogoni people, representing a beacon of hope and progress for the area.
“As we move forward, I encourage every community within Tai LGA to submit their positions on the resumption of oil activities in Ogoni.
“Your voices are vital, and I assure you that all collated views will be integral to our demands as we negotiate with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
” This is our chance to ensure that our collective concerns are heard and addressed, so I urge you to seize this opportunity.
“Additionally, we plan to meet with critical stakeholders, including our Ogoni youth and women, in line with the Dialogue Committee’s workplan.
“Your participation and insights are essential as we work together for a brighter future” Kattey stated.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary initiative in engaging in dialogue with the Ogoni people, calling it a crucial turning point in the quest for understanding, reconciliation, and progress.
He also thanked National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for his diligent facilitation of the dialogue process.
The Co-Chairman further thanked Rivers State Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara for his involvement and commitment, particularly for the prompt release of the Kira campus of the Rivers State University to enable the immediate establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology.
In his remarks,the Senator representing Rivers South East at the National Assembly, Senator Barry Mpigi noted that the Tai people are not opposed to the resumption of oil activities in Ogoniland .
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the would-be operator and the communities for smooth operations.
“Tai people are not opposed to oil resumption in Ogoniland , but we want to see how it will be implemented.
” This is why we have submitted our memorandum to you.
“If the would-be operator listens to the terms of the Tai people, we can work together” Senator Mpigi stated.
Mpigi also thanked the Federal Government for assenting to the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Tai, promising that the university will operate smoothly.
Meanwhile, the Chairman Community Development Committee (CDC), of Korokoro Community in Tai LGA Mr Young Kigbara presented resolution on behalf of the oil-bearing community, while other communities made submissions through the King of Tai Kingdom, HRM King Samuel Nnee
Kiadum Edookor
The people of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas of Rivers State, have declared that the Ubeta Gas Project being proposed by TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, must be located in their domain.
The company had proposed that gas from Ekpeye land would be piped to a treatment plant that would be located at Obite in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
The declaration was contained in a communique signed by His Imperial Majesty, Eze (Dr) Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III; Akalaka XII, His Royal Highness, Eze (Dr) Chigemerem David, Eze Emene Echi Ubie I, Secretary, Ekpeye Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs; and Dr. Michael U Nyemenim, President General, Uzugbani Ekpeye, on behalf of themselves and the entire Ekpeye people, after a meeting held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the palace of Eze Ekpeye Logbo III in Ula Upata Community.
The communique, which anchored on six points stated that, “The Ubeta Gas Project shall be built at Ubeta Community or elsewhere in Ekpeye Ethnic Nation.
“That Ekpeye people will not allow TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited in conjunction with few persons in Ekpeye Ethnic Nation to pipe the gas to Obite Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“Ekpeye people have proscribed all groups or individuals discussing or dialoguing with TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited as regards to the Ubeta Gas Project.
All discussions on the Ubeta Gas Project shall be discussed by the people of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation.Igbu Ubie is a part in Ekpeye and all companies operating in Igbu Ubie, or any other parts of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation shall be answerable to the people of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation. TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited shall meet with the people of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation to discuss the issue bordering on the exploration of the gas in Ubeta Community.”
The declaration, according to the communique, was not foisted on the people but was taken after much deliberations that followed democratic process, in the presence of some Kings of the Kingdom , heads of important traditional, socio-cultural organs, women groups and youths from all the seven Kingdoms that make up the ethnic nation.
Some notable individuals that were present were the Eze Igbus such as HRM Eze Joshua Eyiba, Eze Igbu Igbuduya II, HRM Eze(Dr) Felix Enene Otuwarikpo; Eze Igbu Upata III, represented by HRH Nye Udu Nnodi Micheal; HRM Eze Anderson Egbuluka, Eze Igbu Ugbobi II; HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, Eze Igbu Orlukwor II.
Others were Uzugbani Ekpeye President General, Dr. Michael U. Nyemenim; Ekpeye Youth President, Senior Comrade Justice Ewoh; the National Chairman, Ekpeye Oil and Gas Pipelines Host Families Association (EOG), Comrade Dogini Chidi; Vice Chairman, Ekpeye Oil and Gas Contact Committee, High Chief (Engr.) Samuel Ekiye; and Ada Ekpeye, High Chief (Mrs) Patricia W. Ogbonnaya.
The statement acknowledged the indivisibility of the people, anchored on filial cultural heritage and further declared that; “Ekpeye Ethnic Nation is one and all parts of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation are what constitutes the people and the place known as Ekpeye! Ethnic Nation. All the stakeholders spoke for the unity of the Ekpeye Ethnic Nation.”
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has called for a more inclusive approach to tax reforms in Nigeria.
Yilwatda made the call in Abuja, yesterday at an Inclusive Tax Reform town hall meeting with leaders in the disability community.
The meeting was organised by The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa, in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
Yilwatda emphasised the importance of providing better support for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups.
According to him, there should be specific tax relief measures that will address the unique challenges faced by them.
The minister proposed that tax relief be introduced for disability-related expenses such as medical care, assistive devices, and accessibility modifications to existing structures.
He also suggested reviewing Value Added Tax (VAT) policies to reduce or exempt taxes on assistive technologies, mobility aids, and specialised healthcare services.
These measures, he said, would help ease the financial burdens often faced by PWDs, allowing them to live more independently and participate fully in society.
“We need to explore the possibility of tax reductions for disability-related expenses.
“Assistive devices and healthcare services can be very costly, and these tax exemptions or reductions will significantly reduce the financial strain on PWDs,” Yilwatda said.
The minister also emphasised the need for corporate incentives to encourage businesses to employ PWDs.
He proposed offering tax breaks or holidays for companies that exceeded a certain threshold of employees with disabilities, encouraging inclusive hiring practices and improving the economic standing of PWDs.
Yilwatda further called for a portion of tax revenues to be allocated to a National Disability Fund, which could provide long-term financial support for social protection programmes aimed at PWDs.
The Chairperson of the House Committee on Disability Matters, Rep. Bashiru Dawodu, highlighted the importance of tax reforms in strengthening the rights and social protection of PWDs.
He also mentioned the potential role of the Vulnerable Trust Fund in supporting PWDs in the future.
Mr Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a fair and inclusive tax system.
He stated that the ongoing tax reforms aimed to reduce economic burdens on vulnerable groups.
Additionally, the Founder of TAF Africa, Mr Jake Epelle, expressed support for the reforms and commended the government’s efforts to ensure accessible engagement platforms for PWDs.
The Tide source reports that the meeting aims to produce practical suggestions that will guarantee social justice, equity, and fairness in Nigeria’s tax policies.
