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Many bandits killed during military air raid in Zamfara – Matawalle

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Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle, has said that several bandits were killed during a recent military air raid in the state.

Matawalle, in a state broadcast on Wednesday, also confirmed that some security operatives also lost their lives during the operation in Dansadau district in Maru LGA of the state.

Maru is one of the LGAs in Zamfara facing attacks by bandits who invade communities to kill and destroy the properties.

The governor said the military air raid was conducted in Malele, Mutunji and other villages around Dansadau on December 18.

“To address you this evening about the ongoing crackdown on notorious bandits who have been terrorizing locals around Dansadau emirate, particularly, in Malele and Mutunji district and nearby communities,” Matawalle said.

“On Sunday, December 18, 2022, our security forces carried out a well-coordinated air raid and ground onslaught on the recalcitrant bandits while planning to invade Mutunji, Malele and other surrounding villages near Dansadau district.

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“The successful preemptive offensives of the gallantry forces, as a result, several bandits have been neutralised, their settlements destroyed and a large cache of their weaponry recovered. It was a complex and daring operation that our security forces have immensely contributed to making the community around Dansadau safer.

“The successes of this operation are a testimony to the bravery and dedication of our armed forces. I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to them for the sustained efforts in protecting our communities and crushing banditry and other crimes in all parts of our state.”

Matawalle expressed concerns over the active operations of bandits around the region, adding that citizens have suffered severely in the hands of the criminals.

He commended the troops and other security operatives for their relentless efforts in tackling banditry across the state.

“For far too long, the good people of the state have lived in fear of the bandits who have invaded our communities causing sufferings and hardship. Those criminal elements have shown no regard for the lives and wellbeing of our citizens and have terrorised our states with their ruthless act of violence in various forms,” he said.

See also  Many bandits killed as security operatives repel attack on Zamfara community

“Again, to the efforts of our security forces, particularly, the Nigerian army and air force, we have witnessed a significant pulling point in the fight against bandits in a recent operation. Our armed forces have successfully taken out scores of bandits bringing an end to their reign of terror and bringing much-needed relief to our people.

“This is a momentous occasion and I want to take this opportunity to thank the brave men and women of the Nigerian army and air force who have risked their lives to protect our community. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten and I am deeply grateful for their services to our dear state.

“I am aware that in the course of the onslaught against these barbarous elements, scores of lives have been lost from the side of the friendly communities and the security forces.”

The governor commiserated with the military and families of the security forces who lost their lives during the air strike operation, adding that their sacrifices will be remembered.

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“The fight against banditry is ongoing and we must remain vigilant in our efforts to bring those criminals to justice and ensure the safety and security of our communities,” the governor noted.

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Woman jumps into Lagos lagoon, rescued by boat operators

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A yet-to-be-identified woman has been rescued after reportedly jumping into the lagoon from the Idumota end of the Carter Bridge in Lagos state.

The incident, which reportedly drew the attention of passersby and local boat operators, occurred on Tuesday afternoon.

According to eyewitnesses, nearby boat operators responded and brought the woman back to safety.

video circulating on social media showed the woman, seated in a rescue boat shortly after she was brought out of the water.

The footage, shared on X by a user identified as CHUKS, also showed people gathered on the bridge expressing concern about the woman’s condition.

Some bystanders could be heard appealing to the boat operators to ensure that she received appropriate care.

The circumstances surrounding the incident were unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident or confirm the woman’s identity and condition.

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Police seize truck-load of fake drug warehouses in Lagos, arrest two

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The Lagos State Police Command says its operatives have uncovered two warehouses allegedly used for repackaging counterfeit pharmaceutical products and arrested two suspected members of a syndicate involved in the interstate and cross-border distribution of fake drugs.

Fatai Tijani, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command,  disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen at the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit in the Ijora Olopa area of the state.

The suspects, identified as Eze Okwudilichukwu, 52, and Chukwudi Mba, 42, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation by detectives attached to the unit.

The police boss said the suspects were apprehended at a warehouse located at Number 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, where they were allegedly repackaging suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products for distribution to various parts of Nigeria.

He said the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of the syndicate.

According to the police commissioner, “The suspects, Eze Okwudilichukwu ‘m’ 52 years, and Chukwudi Mba ‘m’ 42 years, were arrested at their warehouse located at No. 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, where they were found repackaging suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products for distribution to different parts of Nigeria.

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“Following their arrest and interrogation, the suspects led detectives to another warehouse, where a duly executed search warrant was carried out. During the search, a truck loaded with large quantities of suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products, bearing registration number KFR 241 XA (Katsina), was recovered alongside other exhibits.”

The police boss said items recovered during the operation included about 300 cartons of suspected adulterated Omeprazole; six bags containing unpackaged suspected adulterated Viagra, Ampiclox, Septrin, Piriton, and other pharmaceutical products; and about 10 cartons of suspected adulterated Ampiclox, Viagra, and other drugs.

The CP noted that more than 300 empty printed packs and cartons were used to repackage counterfeit medicines.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate had been involved in the repackaging and distribution of suspected adulterated drugs for over two years.

He added that detectives uncovered evidence suggesting that the products were supplied to different parts of Nigeria, while large consignments were also destined for Lomé, Togo, indicating the existence of a transnational distribution network.

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“The investigation also suggests that the suspected adulterated drugs are being manufactured somewhere within Lagos State.

“While the production facility has not yet been located, detectives have intensified efforts to identify and dismantle the factory, arrest all those connected with the operation, and bring them to justice,” Fatai said.

The commissioner also alleged that attempts were made to compromise the investigation after the suspects were arrested.

“It is pertinent to state that since the arrest of the suspects, desperate attempts have been made through different channels to induce officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit to release both the suspects and the recovered exhibits.

“I wish to categorically state that these attempts were firmly resisted. The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, integrity, and the rule of law, and no amount of pressure or inducement will derail the course of justice,” he added.

Tijani said the suspects, recovered exhibits, and case file had been handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for further investigation and possible prosecution.

See also  Many bandits killed as security operatives repel attack on Zamfara community

He explained that the handover was necessary because the case falls within the regulatory mandate of the agency.

The CP commended operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for what he described as a professional and intelligence-driven operation while urging members of the public to provide useful information on the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit pharmaceutical products and other criminal activities.

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NDLEA uncovers cocaine hidden in wooden mortar, backpack bound for China, Italy

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives have uncovered fresh attempts by drug syndicates to export cocaine concealed inside a traditional wooden mortar and a specially modified backpack destined for China and Italy.

This was contained in a statement released by Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, and shared on X on Sunday.

According to Babafemi, one of the consignments involved cocaine concealed inside a traditional wooden mortar, a local tool commonly used for pounding yam and grains, which was being shipped to China.

The agency added that another cocaine shipment destined for Italy was discovered concealed in the false bottom of a backpack hidden among lace materials.

He wrote, “Mortar is a traditional local wooden tool commonly used for pounding yams or grains but was used to conceal cocaine consignment heading to China in one of the latest seizures by #ndlea_nigeria officers who also discovered another shipment of cocaine going to Italy in the false bottom of a backpack hidden in lace materials.

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“Beware of every parcel you’re given to deliver. Remember the key word for liability is possession!”

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