The prices of cement in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja have decreased between 22 per cent and 26 per cent for a 50kg bag in the last five weeks. A market survey in Jabi, Area 10, Kubwa, Lugbe, Utako, Lifecamp and Gwarimpa showed the price of Dangote and BUA cement dropped to N7,800 and N11,000 per 50kg bag from 10,000 and N15,000 on February 16, 2024. A retailer in Kubwa, Rukiyat Abdullahi said that the price has dropped to N7800 for Dangote while BUA is N11,000 per bag. “Dangote is now N7,800 while BUA is N11,000 per bag from N10,000 and 15,000 it was sold weeks ago.” At Gwarimpa, a retailer, Yinka Adebayo, confirmed that the cement price has dropped compared to what it was weeks ago. “We sell Dangote cement at N7800 per bag while BUA is N11,000 from 10,000 and 15,000; it was sold a month ago.” Cement was also sold at N7,800 and N11,000 per 50kg in Jabi, Utako, Area 10, and Lifecamp. Reacting to the development, the Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, said that the price reduction came as a result of an improved macroeconomic environment. “It results from improved supply chain and macroeconomic environment such as the Naira appreciation against the US dollar at the foreign exchange market.” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier asked cement manufacturers to revert to the old price. Source: Daily Post.
Nigerian afrobeat musician Bisade Ologunde is better known by his stage name, Lagbaja. His signature face mask denotes him as the country’s everyman—the faceless individual. As a Yoruba word, Lágbájá means a person whose name and identity are purposely concealed or an invisible person. He is somebody, anybody, and everyone. He is the soul of the community. It was pretty interesting, if not surprising, when in March 2021, the Chief of Army Staff, now deceased General Ibrahim Attahiru, appointed Major General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja as General Officer Commanding the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army. I initially wondered how anyone would bear Lágbájá as a name beyond just a generic appellation. I later learned the indisputable fact—that the military officer’s family name evolved from his father’s car dealership business, Lagbaja Motors, especially in Osun State. As the GOC in Enugu, this peculiar Lagbaja in the Army displayed the uncanny leadership trait of being both hot and cool in instilling a high level of discipline among the troops. He sought to refine every man—every officer—into the best version of their professional selves. With his carrot and stick approach deployed in equal measure, there was always the reward for gallantry and good conduct, in tandem with punishment for cowardice and misconduct. For instance, in June 2022, while inaugurating a general court martial to try some soldiers for alleged indiscipline, Lagbaja stated that the process was to instill overall discipline in the army by punishing erring officers in a manner that would serve as a deterrent to others. The following month, while honouring some soldiers with brand new motorcycles and awarding them letters of commendation for diligence in their duties, Lagbaja described their performances as laudable while charging other soldiers to emulate the exemplary conduct of the honourees. After the death of General Attahiru in a plane crash, the new Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Faruk Yahaya, redeployed Lagbaja to Kaduna as the GOC of the 1st Division due to the deplorable activities of bandits and terrorists in that axis, which had become a grave source of concern, and was spilling into and constituting a threat to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. It was in Kaduna that General Lagbaja rose into a household name as he led the battle against violent criminals from the front. Rather than simply mounting roadblocks, he and the troops he commanded waded deep into the forests, taking the war to the enemies in their conclaves. In the first month of his assumption of office as the 39th GOC of the 1st Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Lagbaja stormed kidnappers’ dens. He rescued the victims while leading fighting patrols in Manini village, Buruku, Udawa, Manini, Birnin Gwari, Doka, Maganda, Kuyello and Dogon Dawa communities. Apart from eliminating scores of bandits, others were captured alive. The following month, September 2022, the troops under his command struck the camps of the notorious banditry gangs of Boderi Isiya and Musti, which were responsible for the security breach at the Nigerian Defence Academy, the kidnappings of students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, the attack on the Emir of Bungudu, among other such atrocities. In the operation, the troops eliminated kingpins such as Musti, Yellow Mai-Madrid, and Dan-Katsinawa, among others, whose battered corpses littered the operational areas, especially along the Tollgate and other axis of Chikun and Sabon Gida. Similarly, in October 2022, the troops sustained their onslaught against bandits. They recovered massive caches of weapons during the Operation Forest Sanity campaign traversing Maidaro, Kagi Hill, Kusharki and Anguwan Madaki in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area. The clearance operation extended to Sabon Birnin – Zartake, Ungwan Lima Riyawa and Tungan Madaki general area, with the interception of numerous fleeing bandits from Kagi Hill. In fact, from November 2022 till June 2023, the military operations led by Lagbaja as GOC led to the wiping out of many terrorists and the rescue of kidnapped victims, besides the recovery of sophisticated weapons and hoards of ammunition and motorcycles in the general area of responsibility. The then Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, was so delighted with the various military successes that he regularly issued statements through his Commissioner for Internal Security, Samuel Aruwan, praising Lagbaja and his troops for the commendable feats and notable security breakthroughs made since he took command of the Division. Likewise, the then Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, through the Army Spokesperson, General Nwachukwu, applauded Lagbaja and his gallant troops for their unrelenting zeal in decimating banditry and terrorism in that axis. In July 2023, after the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, General Lagbaja, who was the arrowhead of the successes that troops were recording against armed bandits, terrorists and cattle rustlers in Kaduna and surrounding states, was redeployed to an administrative position in the military high command in Abuja, beyond the operational one that he had made a massive success of. Since then, Kaduna has not been the same, making me often ask where the Lagbaja of Kaduna was, as we are now – very unfortunately – inundated with reports of attacks on worship centres, homes and the abduction of vulnerable people, especially women and schoolchildren. The situation in Kaduna is so disturbing that almost every month, there are devastating stories of woe and routine assault on the people who have now become hapless victims of banditry and terrorism. The PRNigeria Monthly Security Reviews provide glimpses of many of these atrocities. For instance, in January 2024, terrorists attacked Ungwan Sako, Kunkurai, and Dokan Kaji in Dawaki Ward in Kauru Local Government Area, from where they abducted dozens of people after killing a number of the locals. In February, terrorists invaded Gindin Dutse Makyali village in the Kufana district of Kajuru and burnt several houses. At least 12 people were burnt to death in their rooms, as it became impossible for them to escape the bandits, who were also shooting sporadically. They also killed the Principal of Kuriga Secondary in Chikun for resisting a kidnap attempt while making efforts to escape with some women. The terrorists similarly invaded Gwada and Kassam in Igabi, as well as areas in Kauru, killing and maiming people. At the same time, scores were also abducted, including a retired Central Bank of Nigeria director. The month of March witnessed more daring attacks and massive kidnappings. After the daredevil bandits abducted over 280 Kuriga schoolchildren, another group of gunmen opened fire on worshippers during the Friday prayer at a Mosque in Angwar Makera, Kwasakwasa Community, a few days before the commencement of Ramadan. Terrorists also attacked the Kajuru-Station village and a nearby Dogon Noma community, where over 100 people were reportedly abducted, including women and children, as usual. Similar situations occurred as the miscreants stormed Tantau ward, looting local shops, before fleeing with dozens of men and women herded away like cattle. Even in the Buda community, also in Kajuru, no fewer than 61 people were reportedly abducted in another organised attack. Kidnappings for ransom payments have become an almost daily occurrence and lucrative businesses for criminal gangs as if the security services are powerless and helpless to stop them. While it is gladdening that the Kuriga kids’ freedom has been secured after they were held for more than two weeks in the criminals’ den, I still ask: Can’t we get another Lagbaja of Kaduna to re-strategise and lead the troops from the front towards degradations of criminal activities while restoring the people’s confidence in the safety of the axis?
Yushau A. Shuaib wrote in from Abuja www.YAShuaib.com
In a significant development, Justice Abubakar Kutigi of the FCT High Court today, March 28, dismissed all charges of fraud, bribery, and conspiracy filed against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Following a no-case submission by Adoke, Justice Kutigi ruled that the EFCC failed to substantiate its allegations of fraud, bribery, and money laundering, concluding that the defendant had no case to answer. Adoke was subsequently discharged and acquitted on all counts.
The court found the EFCC’s allegations of illegal tax waivers to Shell and Eni lacking corroboration from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) or any other authority. Additionally, the court ruled that the EFCC did not provide sufficient evidence to support the alleged N300 million bribe given to Adoke by Aliyu Abubakar.
While the EFCC acknowledged its lack of evidence to oppose Adoke’s no-case application, it maintained that Rasky Gbinigie, also charged in the case, had a case to answer for alleged forgery of company documents.
The case against Adoke and Abubakar before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja remains ongoing, with Adoke having filed a no-case submission.
This trial, while not directly related to the OPL 245 transaction, carries similar charges related to alleged bribery in connection with the oil block’s sale to Shell and Eni by Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd in 2011.
Adoke continues to deny all allegations, awaiting the ruling from Justice Ekwo in the separate trial.
The Nigerian Army Defense Headquarters has issued a list of eight individuals wanted in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama Community on March 14th.
Among them is HRM Clement Ikolo, the newly installed traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom in Delta State.
Also on the list is suspected militant leader Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono, known as Amagbein, who soldiers tracked to Igbomoturu community in Bayelsa State but missed capturing.
Other wanted individuals include Prof Ekpekpo Arthur, the president-general of Ewu, and Reuben Baru, who gained attention for a viral video explaining the soldiers’ killings.
Andaowei Dennis Bakriri and Igoli Ebi, purportedly the mother of one suspect, are also wanted. Atata Malaw David and Sinclear Oliki are believed to be associated with the Amagbein gang.
Former member of the Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who died on February 7, 2024, will, according to the family, buried on April 19 in Agbor, Delta State. The late Cairo Ojougboh died, aged 64. He was described as a grassroot politician who contributed immensely to the development of Delta State and the nation at large. Friends and colleagues said that he was a prominent, fearless and outspoken politician without prejudice to tribe or tongue. They said that the deceased was conscientious, amiable, accessible and generous to all who came across him and was committed to serving the public interest and improving the lives of citizens. Late Cairo Ojougboh represented Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007 and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State. He was also an Executive Director Project of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The family said that Internment will take place immediately after a Funeral Mass, scheduled to start by 10:00a.m. at the St. John The Baptist Catholic Church along Old Lagos/Asaba Road, Agbor in Delta State. Other lined-up burial activities that will precede the interment are Requiem Mass on Thursday, April 16, 2024 by 4:00p.m. at the Church for The Assumption, Asokoro, Abuja and Vigil Mass on Thursday, April 18, 2024 by 4:00 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State. The Christian Wake will take place on Thursday, April 18, 2024 between 6:00p.m. and 10:00p.m. at the Ojougboh Family Compound, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State. The burial activities shall be capped with a Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday April 21, 2024 at All Saints Catholic Church, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State by 9:00a.m.
“My family and I pray to God that you remain healthy and happy and continue to work for the betterment of the country.” This was contained in a birthday message from the immediate past Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari to his successor, President Bola Tinubu as he marks 72nd birthday tomorrow March 29. In the message by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, the former President acknowledged Tinubu’s “sustained efforts to overcome the many problems of the country.” Buhari wished Tinubu good health and long life in order for the country to continue to benefit from his “excellent leadership.” He further wished the man-of-the-moment many happy returns of the day, saying: “Happy birthday to you!” Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu was born on 29 March 1952 and is currently the 16th President of Nigeria. He was the governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, and senator for Lagos West in the Third Republic.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the participation of 17 political parties in the upcoming Edo governorship election slated for September 21st.
According to a statement today, March 27, by Mr. Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee at INEC, the 17 parties successfully submitted their candidates’ nomination forms before the March 24th deadline.
Olumekun mentioned that the personal details of the candidates and their running mates would be made public by the commission on March 30th, as required by Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
“The commission shall publish the personal particulars by displaying copies of Form EC9 along with all academic credentials and other documents submitted by each candidate at the State headquarters and the 18 local government offices across Edo,” he stated.
Olumekun urged Nigerians to examine the documents closely once published, emphasizing that any discrepancies could be challenged in accordance with Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act, 2022, through a petition filed in a Federal High Court.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has quashed rumors circulating on social media regarding a potential decrease in the pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
In a statement released today, March 27, by NNPCL spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, the national oil company clarified that there were no plans for price adjustments and urged the public to disregard the misinformation.
“The NNPC Limited wishes to clarify rumours suggesting a price adjustment for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) at its retail stations nationwide. The company asserts that these reports are false and urges Nigerians to disregard them entirely.
“NNPC Ltd. reaffirms its commitment to sustaining the current sufficiency in petroleum products supply across all its retail stations in the country,” the company stated.
President Bola Tinubu has announced scholarships up to the university level for all the children, including the unborn, of the Nigerian Army personnel killed in action at Okuama community in Delta State recently on March 14. The President, who announced this at the funeral of the personnel at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, today, March 27, directed the military authorities to ensure that the benefits of the departed are paid to their families within 90 days. The President also declared that the federal government would provide houses in any part of the nation to the families of the four officers and thirteen soldiers. At the event attended by some state governors, the military hierarchy, and families of the deceased, the President conferred posthumous National Honours on the 17 fallen heroes. Lt Col Ali, Major D.E Obi, Major S.D. Ashafa and Captain U. Zakari were given the award of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR). Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, Corporal Kabir Bashir, Lance Corporals Abdullahi Ibrahim, Bulus Haruna, Sole Opeyemi, Bello Anas, Private Alhaji Isah, Clement Francis, Abubakar Ali, Adamu Ibrahim, Hamman Peter, and Ibrahim Adamu, were conferred with the honour of Member of the Order of Niger (MON). President Tinubu vowed to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to account even as he commended the military for not embarking on a reprisal attack on the community. “I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them, and our departed heroes will get justice. “The elders and chiefs of Okuama also must help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men. “I wish to commend our Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks on Okuama or its neighbouring communities. We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuama are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.” President Tinubu sympathized with the families of the fallen heroes and the entire Armed Forces and prayed God Almighty to comfort the bereaved. “It is worth restating the debt of gratitude we owe these valiant soldiers and their families. “As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces for granted. I recognize your valour and bravery. I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers, and insurrectionists. “While we continue to grieve for the courageous men we lost that day, let us also, on this solemn occasion, be reminded of the unfinished business of working for peace and harmony in our communities. We must begin to rebuild our communities and make them into places where love, tolerance, and harmony will reign. ‘‘Leaders at all levels, especially community leaders and traditional rulers, must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must end the cycle of violence and bloodletting,” the President said. President Tinubu advised the Armed Forces not to be discouraged by the death of their fellow compatriots but to honour their memory by rededicating themselves to the service and defence of the nation. “As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have a message for you: Do not let the death of your compatriots discourage you. ‘‘There is no higher honour than the vocation you have chosen to pursue. We cherish you. We cherish your labour of love. We salute your daily sacrifice in protecting your fellow citizens from danger. We acknowledge your sacrifices to defend our nation.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted new economic management teams named “Presidential Economic Coordination Council” (PECC) and “Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce” (EET) with him as chairman while the chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum; business top brass, technocrats in both private and public sectors as well as others are members. In a statement today, March 27, the Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelare said that the PECC is made up of distinguished leaders and key government officials, including him, the President as chairman. Others are Vice-President as Vice-Chairman, the President of the Senate, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Others are Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Minister of Labour and Employment, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Minister of Power, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Minister of State, Gas, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Works. “The PECC will also comprise key members of the organized private sector, with the following members joining for a period not exceeding one (1) year, subject to the President’s directive: (1) Alhaji Aliko Dangote (2) Mr. Tony Elumelu (3) Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu (4) Ms. Amina Maina (5) Mr. Begun Ajayi-Kadir (6) Mrs. Funke Okpeke (7) Dr. Doyin Salami (8) Mr. Patrick Okigbo (9) Mr. Kola Adesina (10) Mr. Segun Agbaje (11) Mr. Chidi Ajaere (12) Mr. Abdulkadir Aliu (13) Mr. Rasheed Sarumi “In his determination to address immediate economic challenges and ensure the streamlined execution of economic strategies, President Bola Tinubu has established the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce (EET) with a mandate to formulate and implement a consolidated emergency economic plan. “The taskforce comprises key government officials and industry leaders in furtherance of the President’s collaborative approach toward achieving economic resilience and growth. “The EET is now mandated to submit a comprehensive plan of economic interventions for 2024 to the PECC, covering the next six months, for immediate implementation within two weeks of its inauguration. “The EET will meet twice weekly and is composed of the following members: (1) Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance (Chairman of the EET) (2) Minister of Budget and Economic Planning (3) Minister of Power (4) Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (5) Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare (6) Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (7) Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (8) National Security Adviser (9) Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (10) Governor of Anambra State (11) Governor of Ogun State (12) Governor of Niger State (13) Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (14) Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation (15) GCEO, NNPC Limited (16) Director-General, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (17) Special Adviser to the President on Energy (18) Dr. Bismarck Rewane, Economist (19) Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa, Economist.” The statement said that the Economic Management Team, established in October 2023, and chaired by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, serves as the working group under the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC), playing a crucial role in the economic governance structure established by the President. “The EMT traditionally meets monthly or as required, but will now suspend its meetings for the duration of the EET’s mandate (six months). “The EMT is composed of the following officials: (1) Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance (EMT Chairman) (2) Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (3) Minister of Budget and Economic Planning (4) Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (5) Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (6) Minister of Works (7) Minister of Labour and Employment (8) Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (9) Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (10) Minister of State, Gas (11) Minister of Power (12) Minister of Transportation (13) Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development (14) Minister of Marine and Blue Economy “The Chairman of the EMT may, as needed, call on any Federal Minister or Head of Agency to brief the EMT on key programmes and developments affecting the economy. “The President’s formation of the PECC, under his Chairmanship, alongside the creation of the EET, led by the Chairman of the EMT, and the EMT itself, is the manifestation of a unified strategy aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s economic management architecture for verifiably improved performance. The formation of these teams will complement existing economic governance structures, including the National Economic Council (NEC), which is chaired by the Vice-President.” The statement said that over the next six months, the EET will focus on the rapid implementation, monitoring and evaluation of critical initiatives, strengthening the administration’s collective approach to advancing Nigeria’s economic objectives.
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Kuriga Kids: Where Is Lágbájá Of Kaduna, By Yushau A. Shuaib
Nigerian afrobeat musician Bisade Ologunde is better known by his stage name, Lagbaja. His signature face mask denotes him as the country’s everyman—the faceless individual.
As a Yoruba word, Lágbájá means a person whose name and identity are purposely concealed or an invisible person. He is somebody, anybody, and everyone. He is the soul of the community.
It was pretty interesting, if not surprising, when in March 2021, the Chief of Army Staff, now deceased General Ibrahim Attahiru, appointed Major General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja as General Officer Commanding the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.
I initially wondered how anyone would bear Lágbájá as a name beyond just a generic appellation. I later learned the indisputable fact—that the military officer’s family name evolved from his father’s car dealership business, Lagbaja Motors, especially in Osun State.
As the GOC in Enugu, this peculiar Lagbaja in the Army displayed the uncanny leadership trait of being both hot and cool in instilling a high level of discipline among the troops. He sought to refine every man—every officer—into the best version of their professional selves. With his carrot and stick approach deployed in equal measure, there was always the reward for gallantry and good conduct, in tandem with punishment for cowardice and misconduct.
For instance, in June 2022, while inaugurating a general court martial to try some soldiers for alleged indiscipline, Lagbaja stated that the process was to instill overall discipline in the army by punishing erring officers in a manner that would serve as a deterrent to others.
The following month, while honouring some soldiers with brand new motorcycles and awarding them letters of commendation for diligence in their duties, Lagbaja described their performances as laudable while charging other soldiers to emulate the exemplary conduct of the honourees.
After the death of General Attahiru in a plane crash, the new Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Faruk Yahaya, redeployed Lagbaja to Kaduna as the GOC of the 1st Division due to the deplorable activities of bandits and terrorists in that axis, which had become a grave source of concern, and was spilling into and constituting a threat to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
It was in Kaduna that General Lagbaja rose into a household name as he led the battle against violent criminals from the front. Rather than simply mounting roadblocks, he and the troops he commanded waded deep into the forests, taking the war to the enemies in their conclaves.
In the first month of his assumption of office as the 39th GOC of the 1st Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Lagbaja stormed kidnappers’ dens. He rescued the victims while leading fighting patrols in Manini village, Buruku, Udawa, Manini, Birnin Gwari, Doka, Maganda, Kuyello and Dogon Dawa communities. Apart from eliminating scores of bandits, others were captured alive.
The following month, September 2022, the troops under his command struck the camps of the notorious banditry gangs of Boderi Isiya and Musti, which were responsible for the security breach at the Nigerian Defence Academy, the kidnappings of students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, the attack on the Emir of Bungudu, among other such atrocities.
In the operation, the troops eliminated kingpins such as Musti, Yellow Mai-Madrid, and Dan-Katsinawa, among others, whose battered corpses littered the operational areas, especially along the Tollgate and other axis of Chikun and Sabon Gida.
Similarly, in October 2022, the troops sustained their onslaught against bandits. They recovered massive caches of weapons during the Operation Forest Sanity campaign traversing Maidaro, Kagi Hill, Kusharki and Anguwan Madaki in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area. The clearance operation extended to Sabon Birnin – Zartake, Ungwan Lima Riyawa and Tungan Madaki general area, with the interception of numerous fleeing bandits from Kagi Hill.
In fact, from November 2022 till June 2023, the military operations led by Lagbaja as GOC led to the wiping out of many terrorists and the rescue of kidnapped victims, besides the recovery of sophisticated weapons and hoards of ammunition and motorcycles in the general area of responsibility.
The then Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, was so delighted with the various military successes that he regularly issued statements through his Commissioner for Internal Security, Samuel Aruwan, praising Lagbaja and his troops for the commendable feats and notable security breakthroughs made since he took command of the Division.
Likewise, the then Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, through the Army Spokesperson, General Nwachukwu, applauded Lagbaja and his gallant troops for their unrelenting zeal in decimating banditry and terrorism in that axis.
In July 2023, after the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, General Lagbaja, who was the arrowhead of the successes that troops were recording against armed bandits, terrorists and cattle rustlers in Kaduna and surrounding states, was redeployed to an administrative position in the military high command in Abuja, beyond the operational one that he had made a massive success of.
Since then, Kaduna has not been the same, making me often ask where the Lagbaja of Kaduna was, as we are now – very unfortunately – inundated with reports of attacks on worship centres, homes and the abduction of vulnerable people, especially women and schoolchildren.
The situation in Kaduna is so disturbing that almost every month, there are devastating stories of woe and routine assault on the people who have now become hapless victims of banditry and terrorism. The PRNigeria Monthly Security Reviews provide glimpses of many of these atrocities.
For instance, in January 2024, terrorists attacked Ungwan Sako, Kunkurai, and Dokan Kaji in Dawaki Ward in Kauru Local Government Area, from where they abducted dozens of people after killing a number of the locals.
In February, terrorists invaded Gindin Dutse Makyali village in the Kufana district of Kajuru and burnt several houses. At least 12 people were burnt to death in their rooms, as it became impossible for them to escape the bandits, who were also shooting sporadically. They also killed the Principal of Kuriga Secondary in Chikun for resisting a kidnap attempt while making efforts to escape with some women. The terrorists similarly invaded Gwada and Kassam in Igabi, as well as areas in Kauru, killing and maiming people. At the same time, scores were also abducted, including a retired Central Bank of Nigeria director.
The month of March witnessed more daring attacks and massive kidnappings. After the daredevil bandits abducted over 280 Kuriga schoolchildren, another group of gunmen opened fire on worshippers during the Friday prayer at a Mosque in Angwar Makera, Kwasakwasa Community, a few days before the commencement of Ramadan.
Terrorists also attacked the Kajuru-Station village and a nearby Dogon Noma community, where over 100 people were reportedly abducted, including women and children, as usual. Similar situations occurred as the miscreants stormed Tantau ward, looting local shops, before fleeing with dozens of men and women herded away like cattle. Even in the Buda community, also in Kajuru, no fewer than 61 people were reportedly abducted in another organised attack.
Kidnappings for ransom payments have become an almost daily occurrence and lucrative businesses for criminal gangs as if the security services are powerless and helpless to stop them.
While it is gladdening that the Kuriga kids’ freedom has been secured after they were held for more than two weeks in the criminals’ den, I still ask: Can’t we get another Lagbaja of Kaduna to re-strategise and lead the troops from the front towards degradations of criminal activities while restoring the people’s confidence in the safety of the axis?
Yushau A. Shuaib wrote in from Abuja www.YAShuaib.com