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NAF to probe killing of Sokoto villagers in airstrike

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Hama Media
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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it will launch a thorough investigation into airstrikes on two villages in Sokoto on Wednesday,Daily Trust reports.

According to residents, the incident, which occurred around 7am at Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area (LGA), claimed the lives of 10 civilians and left many others injured.

Animals were also reportedly killed, with residents saying some of their houses were destroyed by the impact of the airstrikes.The locals said the fighter jet was targeting Lakurawa terrorists in the areas, but in the process, dropped explosives on some innocent people.However, in a statement, the joint media coordinator for the operation, Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, said the airstrikes targeted locations confirmed to be associated with the Lakurawa terrorist group.

Abdullahi said all military operations are based on “thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions” to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.

ALSO READ: JUST-IN: Jigawa Gov Loses Eldest Son 

“These reports have raised concerns; however, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions,” the statement reads.

Also reacting, the NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, insisted the airstrikes were carried out based on credible intelligence from multiple sources and confirmatory aerial surveillance.

He, however, assured that reports of civilian casualties would be thoroughly investigated.

“The airstrikes were conducted based on credible intelligence from multiple sources, along with confirmatory aerial surveillance. Nevertheless, reports of possible harm to civilians will be thoroughly investigated and we will update you appropriately,” he said.

JUST-IN: Jigawa Gov Loses Eldest Son 

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Hama Media
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Barely less than 30 hours after the passing of his mother, Governor Umar Namadi has again lost his eldest son, Abdulwahab Umar Namadi, who died in a fatal motor accident on Thursday,leadership reports.

The accident occurred around 3pm on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Agura village, less than three kilometers to Kafin Hausa town, the governor’s hometown.

Abdulwahab and his friend were on their way to Kafin Hausa from Dutse, the State capital, to continue to receive condolences from sympathisers over the death of his grandmother, late Hajiya Maryam Namadi, when the accident occured.Confirming the incident in a press statement, the chief press secretary to the state governor, Comrade Muhammad Hamisu Gumel, said: “To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.

ALSO READ: 2024: NAF recorded over 1,040 missions, neutralised bandit leaders in northwest…

“With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, announces the passing of yet another member of his family; his dear son Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

“A 24 year old, late Abdulwahab is survived by his parents, brothers and sisters.

“The corpse of Abdulwahab was taken to the House of Kafin Hausa chief Imam, Imam Abdulwahab Hassan for burial in according to Islamic rites,” the CPS stated.

2024: NAF recorded over 1,040 missions, neutralised bandit leaders in northwest –CAS

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Hama Media
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The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, has lauded the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) achievements in combating banditry in the Northwest through the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma. The CAS, represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal E.E. Effiong, made these remarks during a Christmas luncheon with troops from the Air Component Operation Fansan Yamma and 213 Forward Operating Base in Katsina on Wednesday,Daily Trust reports.

He highlighted the combined efforts of the Air Component, sister services, and other security agencies in significantly degrading the operational capabilities of bandit groups in the region. These coordinated operations, he noted, have led to the neutralization of many bandit leaders and fighters, disrupted their economic networks, and resulted in the rescue of numerous kidnapped victims.

Air interdiction and reconnaissance missions deep into bandit enclaves have further dismantled supply lines, reduced resources, and restricted the adversaries’ freedom of movement. “This year alone, the Air Component executed over 1,040 missions in 1,080 sorties, amassing more than 2,300 flying hours. These efforts have shaped the operating environment and weakened the adversaries’ will to fight,” he said.

ALSO READ: Customers Scramble For Cash As PoS Operators Raise Charges

The CAS commended the troops for their dedication and sacrifices, acknowledging their commitment despite being away from their families during the festive season. He assured them of the NAF’s unwavering support for their welfare and expressed appreciation for the support from the Governors of Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states. He also recognized the guidance and collaboration of the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji, Major General OO Soyele, and the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army.

Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, represented by his deputy, Hon. Faruk Lawal, praised the “unprecedented synergy between security forces” in addressing insecurity in the state. He noted that these combined efforts, alongside the state government’s initiatives, had liberated many communities and revived economic activities. The governor assured security forces of the state’s continued support to eradicate banditry and other forms of criminality.

The event concluded with the presentation of a souvenir to the governor in recognition of his contributions to the operations of the base.

Customers Scramble For Cash As PoS Operators Raise Charges

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Hama Media
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Amid the ongoing cash scarcity, Nigerians faced significant challenges on Christmas Eve as Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in many banks ran out of cash. This shortage allowed Point of Sale (PoS) operators to exploit the situation by hiking transaction fees,leadership reports.

A survey conducted in Lagos revealed that PoS operators charged between ₦800 and ₦1,000 for withdrawals of ₦20,000, while withdrawals of ₦5,000 or less attracted charges of ₦200 to ₦300. This occurred despite warnings from regulatory authorities about imposing sanctions on banks failing to stock their ATMs with sufficient cash.

Visits to several bank branches showed that many ATMs were empty, while others limited withdrawals to ₦5,000 or ₦10,000 for non-bank-issued cards and ₦20,000 for their own cards. The few functioning ATMs had long queues, as many customers avoided the steep fees imposed by PoS operators.

ALSO READ: Many feared dead as fighter jet bombs Sokoto communities

A PoS operator named Okolie explained the reason for the increased charges. He noted that sourcing cash was difficult and that he often relied on customers paying cash for groceries in his shop. “But all the people buying things since morning are doing transfers, and I couldn’t get cash even in the banking hall. I had to hustle for the little cash I have, which is why I’m charging ₦300 for ₦5,000,” he said.

A bank customer, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared her struggles: “I’ve been making transfers for most of my last-minute Christmas shopping, but some things require cash, like paying for transport. I also can’t afford not to have cash for emergencies tomorrow, as it’s Christmas. If the bank networks fail, I’d be stranded.”

Many banks closed early ahead of the holiday, with some branches shutting their doors as early as noon, while others closed by 1 p.m. Customers who visited the banking halls to withdraw cash also faced challenges, as several ATMs were out of service.

Meanwhile, the volume of Nigeria’s currency outside the banking system reached a record high of ₦4.2 trillion in October 2024. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed a steep rise from ₦792 billion in January 2023, when the introduction of new Naira notes and the withdrawal of older ones began.

In October 2024, total currency outside banks rose from ₦4 trillion in September to ₦4.2 trillion, while total currency in circulation increased to ₦4.5 trillion, up from ₦4.3 trillion the previous month. The country’s total money supply stood at ₦107.6 trillion in October, slightly lower than ₦109.4 trillion recorded in September.

Many feared dead as fighter jet bombs Sokoto communities

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Hama Media
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A tragic incident occurred in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where a fighter jet targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group mistakenly bombed two communities, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa. The airstrike, which took place around 7 a.m. on Wednesday, reportedly left many villagers feared dead and several others injured,Daily Trust reports.

According to locals, the villages are situated near the Surame Forest, known to be a hideout for the Lakurawa group and bandits. A resident of Silame, Malam Yahya, described the area as peaceful before the tragic event.

Another source reported to Daily Trust that the attack claimed the lives of over 10 villagers and left many others with injuries. The chairman of Silame Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, confirmed the incident and stated that an assessment of the damage was ongoing.

ALSO READ: 3 killed, 4 injured as Tanker crushes tricycle in Jos

“The villagers were sitting peacefully when bombs suddenly began dropping on the communities. They were innocent, peace-loving people with no criminal records,” Daftarana said. He added that it was too early to confirm the exact number of casualties or the extent of the damage.

When contacted, the spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, declined to comment, stating that the incident was not a police operation.

3 killed, 4 injured as Tanker crushes tricycle in Jos

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Hama Media
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Tragedy struck Plateau State on Monday evening as a trailer collided with a tricycle, claiming three lives and leaving four others injured,Daily Trust reports.

The accident occurred along Farin Gada Road in Jos North near the University of Jos Student Village Hostel. The incident was confirmed on Tuesday by Peter Yakubu, spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state, and Nura Ussaini Magaji, State Branch Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

ALSO READ: Oil Theft: Children, Women Used As Shields At Illegal Refinery Sites…

Yakubu reported that some of the victims were mutilated beyond recognition. “The crash happened on December 23 and involved a trailer and a tricycle. Three people lost their lives, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” he stated.

Oil Theft: Children, Women Used As Shields At Illegal Refinery Sites – Diri

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Hama Media
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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has raised concerns over a disturbing new tactic in oil bunkering, where children and women are reportedly being used as human shields at illegal refining sites,Daily Trust reports.

Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with first-class traditional rulers and local government chairmen at the Government House in Yenagoa, Governor Diri disclosed that security operatives discovered this alarming practice during reconnaissance missions.

He called on traditional rulers to educate their communities about the health and environmental hazards of illegal oil activities. “Recent reports reveal that children and women are now being used at illegal bunkering sites, a development I had never encountered before,” the governor said.

ALSO READ: Borno NNPP Disowns Ex-Senatorial Candidate Detained For ‘Criticising’ Gov Zulum

“Military personnel authorized to dismantle these camps have found themselves in situations where children and women are present, forcing them to withdraw. This calls for collective action to educate our people and address this issue.”

Governor Diri urged traditional rulers and council chairmen to take decisive steps to combat the menace, which has been reported in Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Brass, and Nembe local government areas. He also encouraged monarchs to report oil bunkering activities in their territories, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to tackle the problem effectively.

Borno NNPP Disowns Ex-Senatorial Candidate Detained For ‘Criticising’ Gov Zulum

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Hama Media
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The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Borno State has disowned its senatorial candidate for Borno Central senatorial district in the 2023 elections, Atom Magira, who was arrested and detained by the State’s Police Command,Daily Trust reports.

Magira’s personal assistant, Mohammed Yahaya, who confirmed the detention of his principal, said that he was taken into custody by operatives of the Borno State Police Command on Sunday night over alleged criticism of Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum.

But, reacting to the development, the chairman of NNPP in Borno State, Barr. Mustapha Mohammed, said the embattled politician resigned from the party over a month ago, adding that Magira has since left the party.

ALSO READ: Police Arrest 15 Suspected Arsonists Linked to Burning Bauchi School 

He further said as a lawyer, what the detained former NNPP chieftain did, which was addressing himself as ‘His Excellency’ was an offence of impersonation and breaking of electoral law.

“Atom Magira is no longer a member of our party. He left the party over a month ago. So there is no chieftain of NNPP in police custody in Borno,” the party chairman said.

Magira, a former All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in the 2019, is known as a leading opposition figure in the state. He had been vocal in challenging Governor Zulum’s policies.

Police Arrest 15 Suspected Arsonists Linked to Burning Bauchi School 

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Hama Media
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Police in Bauchi have arrested 15 suspected thugs in connection with the burning of a primary school block in Kandahar, an inner-city area of Bauchi metropolis,WikkiTimes reports.

According to WikkiTimes, the thugs set the school ablaze following a clash with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the area. The CJTF office, located near the school, was also torched during the incident.

The spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, SP Ahmed Wakil, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. He revealed that during the unrest, CJTF members confronted the attackers, leading to one of the assailants, 22-year-old Saidu Musa, sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest from a locally-made firearm.

ALSO READ: Rice stampede: Anambra police confim 22 deaths, Soludo mourns

Musa was rushed to Bauchi Specialists Hospital for treatment. SP Wakil appealed to residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to report any grievances or security concerns to the appropriate authorities.

The Commissioner of Police for Bauchi Command, Auwal Mohammed, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. He assured the public that those responsible for the violence would be brought to justice.

Rice stampede: Anambra police confim 22 deaths, Soludo mourns

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Hama Media
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The Anambra State Police Command confirmed on Sunday that 22 people lost their lives in a tragic stampede during a rice distribution event in Ihiala Local Government Area on Saturday,Daily Trust reports.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, disclosed the casualty figure after visiting the hospital where injured victims were receiving treatment. Expressing sympathy to the families and friends of the deceased, he wished the injured a swift recovery.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, issued a statement on behalf of the CP, announcing that an investigation into the incident is ongoing. He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Ndi Anambra through crime prevention, emergency response, protection of vulnerable populations, and fostering community security.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, also expressed profound grief over the loss of lives, particularly among women, the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children. In a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, the governor extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

ALSO READ: 2025: Kano targets over N80bn revenue, to prosecute tax defaulters

The statement explained that the event, organized by the Obi Jackson Foundation under Chief Ernest Obiejesi, aimed to distribute relief materials to underprivileged community members during the festive season. However, the governor noted that the tragedy highlighted the need for a more structured and secure approach to such charitable initiatives.

In response, the state government has launched an investigation to uncover the causes of the stampede and identify any lapses in safety protocols. Governor Soludo assured that the findings would guide actions to prevent future occurrences.

The government also urged charitable individuals and organizations to prioritize safety during relief distribution efforts. Governor Soludo recommended measures such as establishing multiple distribution points to minimize overcrowding, implementing systems to prioritize vulnerable groups, employing trained personnel for crowd control, and conducting public awareness campaigns on safety protocols.

“These measures will ensure that relief activities are carried out in a safer and more organized manner, safeguarding lives while supporting those in need,” he stated.

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