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Defence/Security

Police places N5m bounty on Adamu Aliero-Yankuzo, Katsina bandits kingpin

Police places N5m bounty on Adamu Aliero-Yankuzo, Katsina bandits kingpin
Bounty
By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, June 15, 2020 (NAN) Katsina State Police Command has declared one Adamu Aliero-Yankuzo, Katsina bandits kingpin, wanted, and placed N5 million bounty on his head, dead or alive.
Aliero-Yankuzo, aged 45, is believed to be leading bandits operations that led to many deaths in Katsina and Zamfara states.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Sanusi Buba, made this known on Monday in Katsina during a press briefing.
“The command hereby wish to declare Adamu Aliero, 45, of Yankuzo village of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State wanted.
“Aliero, is a notorious leader of groups of bandits terrorising Katsina and Zamfara States.
“Similarly, the command has placed bounty of N5 million on his head, dead or alive.
“Any person or group of persons that have useful information that may lead to his arrest, should please report to the nearest police station or call these numbers: 08033666059 or 08035448128 or 08076666207,” he said.
Buba revealed that the command had carried out various sting operations after the Kadisau village attack, where over 20 people were killed by bandits.
According to him, during the operations, two bandits, Bello Usman and Usman Sule, were arrested.
“In the course of investigation, one of the suspects, Bello Usman, confessed to have participated in the attacks and killings at Kadisau village of Faskari and others at Musawa, Matazu, Karaduwa and Yantumaki.
“The suspect also stated that the attack was masterminded by a notorious kingpin of bandits, Adamu Aliero Yankuzo, in protest of the arrest of his son, Suleiman Adamu Aliero, 24, by the police”.
The police commissioner said that the suspects also confessed to have killed several villagers, rustled animals and kidnapped four women during the attack.(NAN)
ZI/ BOLA/MZA
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Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Maharazu Ahmed
Health

Katsina govt. employed 2,000 health workers in 5 years – Masari

Employment
By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, June 12, 2020 (NAN) The Katsina State government, on Friday, said that it had employed about 2,000 health workers from 2015 till date to improve health care services in the state.
Gov. Aminu Masari made the disclosure at an interactive session with newsmen in Katsina, as part of activities commemorating the 2020 Democracy Day.
He said that the health workers included medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, laboratory technicians and other auxiliary health staffers.
“We will continue to recruit health workers every three months because of those who will be retiring.
“We have invested heavily on the health personnel and in our facilities; that is what has helped us in the fight against COVID-19,” he said.
Masari stated that the pandemic had made the state government to convert the internally-displaced persons (IDPs) centre into a full hospital.
“Even after COVID-19, it will continue to function as a regular hospital and we will try to see that the members of staff there are specialists in specific fields,” he said.
According to him, the Health Care Under One Roof Act has been signed into law, all in an effort to enhance healthcare services in the state.
Masari noted that the state was collaborating with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to establish a total of 360 comprehensive healthcare centres across the state.
The governor assured the people of the state of his administration’s readiness to accord top priority to education, agriculture, health, water supply and security sectors.
Masari, therefore, urged residents of the state to continue to support his administration’s policies and programmes, aimed at moving the state forward and improving their living conditions. (NAN)
ZI/FLP/WAS
Edited by Folorunso Poroye and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Defence/Security

Bandits kill 18 in fresh attack on Katsina community – Police 

Bandits kill 18 in fresh attack on Katsina community—- Police
Attack
By Zubairu Idris

Katsina, June 10, 2020 (NAN) The Police Command in Katsina State, on Wednesday said that Monday’s attack by bandits has led to the death of 18 people in Kadisau village, Faskari Local Government Area of the state.

SP Gambo Isah, the command’s Public Relations Officer confirmed this while fielding questions from journalists in Katsina.
Isah said that the armed bandits numbering over 200 attacked the village on Monday, but their attempt to steal food items and other commodities was resisted by the unarmed villagers.
“Unfortunately, the bandits began shooting them with rifles, killing 14 people on the spot.
“The bandits injured 26 others who were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
“This morning, I spoke with the Area Commander in Funtua who told me that additional four persons died in the hospital, bringing the number of those who died from the attack to 18,” he said.
Isah said that the police, military and other security agents are doing their best to protect lives and property of the residents, particularly in those frontline local government areas.
“President Buhari has already directed the Service Chiefs, including the Inspector General of Police to deploy more personnel to bring an end to the problem.
“They are already here and different operations are ongoing. We have captured so many bandits camps, for instance, we have captured Dunya camp, which for the past 10-years cannot be reached by anybody.
“We have seized so many weapons from the bandits, killed a number of them and recovered many animals rustled into the area.
“What is happening now is like the bandits want to ridicule us, we are there doing our best.
“There are over 5,000 villages sharing borders with Rugu forest and other neighbouring states such as Zamfara and Niger Republic,” the command spokesperson said.
He pointed out that the security agents could not be at all those places at a point.
The PPRO urged people to provide security agents with credible information about the plans, movements and activities of the bandits.
“Our emergency line is 08156977777. Tell us what is happening in your area or what is going to happen,” Isah said.
He urged people to cooperate with security agents to bring an end to banditry and all forms of criminalities. (NAN)
ZI/CHIN/MZA
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Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Maharazu Ahmed
Agriculture

Katsina govt approves N2.7bn to purchase 30,000mt of fertilisers

Fertilisers

By Zubairu Idris

Katsina, June 10, 2020 (NAN) The Katsina State Government has approved N2.7 billion for the purchase of 30,000 metric tonnes of fertilisers to be sold to farmers at subsidised rates.

Alhaji Faruk Lawal-Jobe, the state Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, made the disclosure at a news briefing after the State Executive Council meeting in Katsina on Wednesday.

Lawal-Jobe said that the fertilisers would be for the 2020 farming season.

He said the government would bear the cost of transportation of the commodity up to the door steps of the farmers across the state.

He revealed that a bag of fertiliser would be sold to the farmers at a subsidised cost of N4,000, adding that sales would commence as soon as possible.

The commissioner also said that 22 civil servants, including medical doctors and other staff from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), have been sponsored to obtain higher qualifications both in Nigeria and abroad.

On bandits attacks, he said the council meeting also sent heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones to various banditry attacks across the state.

Lawal-Jobe assured citizens that the government would not relent on its efforts at continuously searching for ways and means to end heinous crimes in the state.

According to him, the state governor was in Abuja last week to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari and various security chiefs with the view to finding lasting solutions to criminal acts in the state. (NAN)

ZI/MAS/AFA

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Edited by Moses Solanke/Felix Ajide

 

 

General news

COVID-19: Katsina Govt reopens weekly markets

COVID-19: Katsina Govt reopens weekly markets
Markets
By Zubairu Idris

Katsina, June 4, 2020(NAN) The Katsina State Government has directed the reopening of all major weekly markets across the state.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa, and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Katsina.
He said that the markets would be reopened with effect from June 5.
“The decision was taken as a result of a drop in the emergence of new COVID-19 cases.
“Also as a result of concerns by the government on the adverse effects of the shutting down of markets on the socio-economic activities and means of livelihood of majority of people in the state,” he said.
Inuwa, however, warned that the easing and lifting of lockdown, ban, restrictions of movement and reopening of markets “does not mean that there is no more coronavirus in the state.”
“The disease still exists. Old people and those with health challenges must avoid crowded places,” he said.
The SGS stressed the need for people to abide by the health and security protocols, including wearing of face masks, maintaining social distancing, regular hand washing with soap and use of sanitisers.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the affected markets are located in Charanchi, Mai’adua, Mashi, Dandume, Zango, Danja, Bakori, Yankara, Kafur and Dankama.
Others are in Kaita, Kagadama, Dutsi, Garkin-Daura and Kayawa, among others.(NAN)
ZI/KTO/MZA
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Maharazu Ahmed
Defence/Security

Banditry: Don’t give breathing space to bandits –Chief of Air Staff urges NAF Special Forces

Bandits
By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, June 4,2020(NAN) The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has urged the troops deployed to fight against banditry and kidnapping in the North Central and North West, to continue to do everything possible not to give breathing space to bandits.
Abubakar gave the directive on Thursday when he paid operational visit to the 213 Forward Operating Base, Katsina, where he addressed NAF Special Forces.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abubakar was earlier briefed by the Air Officer commanding Special Operations Command of the Nigerian Air Force, AVM Charles Ohwo, on the operations.
“I appreciate your efforts, but I urge you to give no breathing space to bandits.
“Locate the bandits, identify their locations and ensure that they do not attack people.
“Do everything humanly possible and ensure that Nigerians conduct their legal activities without hindrance,” he said.
Abubakar further urged the officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force to ensure that farmers go to their farms during this rainy season.
“Do not allow bandits to interfere with farming processes,” he said.
He advised the bandits to surrender themselves and their weapons for their own good.
Abubakar said that the Nigeria Air Force has deployed 500 Special Forces to fight against banditry, kidnapping and other forms of crimes in the North central and North west zones of the country.
He said that NAF would continue to deploy serviceable aircrafts, surveillance aircrafts, gunship helicopters and aviation fuel to enable the air officers and men effectively fight the criminal elements.
Abubakar further said that the NAF has recorded 82 per cent success on serviceable operations of its aircrafts despite COVID-19 pandemic.
He therefore urged Nigerians to have confidence in NAF and give them intelligence information that would assist to achieve success in the fight against criminals.
“Security is not only a military affair, but is for all and sundry. Give intelligence information to NAF, Nigerian Army, police and other security agents about activities of bandits and other criminals.
“We will continue to work together with Nigerian Army and other security agencies to fight insurgency,” he said.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, AVM Charles Ohwo, spoke at length on their operations in the North Central and North West zones of the country.
He told the Chief of Air Staff that Operation Gama Aiki, Operation Thunder Strike and Operation Hadarin Daji, were introduced to tackle insurgency in those parts of the country.
Ohwo said that the NAF aircrafts involved in the operations so far covered about 1,400 flying hours covering areas in Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States.
He said that the major challenges they were encountering are poor whether conditions and lack of hanger space.(NAN)
ZI/BOLA/MZA
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Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Maharazu Ahmed

Defence/Security

Police kill 2 kidnappers, arrest 6 bandits, recover 130 cows in Katsina

Police kill 2 kidnappers, arrest 6 bandits, recover 130 cows in Katsina
By Zubairu Idris
Bandits
Katsina, May 29, 2020 (NAN) The Police Command in Katsina State says it killed two suspected kidnappers, arrested six notorious bandits and recovered 130 rustled cows.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Gambo Isah, said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Katsina.
“On Wednesday at about 22:00hrs, based on intelligence report, we gathered that a notorious syndicate of bandits have escaped from the Rugu forest to avoid the present Military and Police onslaught.
“Operation Puff Adder and other police patrol teams, led by an Area Commander, raided their hideouts near Fasada village, Dutsinma.
“The police engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel and succeeded in killing two kidnappers and rescued three victims,” he said.
Isah said that those arrested include Lawali Hali and Abdullahi Alhaji-Juli, from Shamushalle village in Zamfara.
Others are Rabe Bello and Auwalu Halilu from Nahuta village, Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
He further said that other bandits arrested were Lawal Hassan from Wurma village in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State, and Ibrahim Sani alias Nabuhari of Gamji, Zakka in Safana Local Government Area of the state.
The police spokesman addedd that the team also succeeded in arresting six notorious bandits/kidnappers, recovered 130 rustled cows, two 225 sheep and one AK47 rifle. (NAN)
ZI/CHIN/MST
Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Muhammad Suleiman Tola
General news

Gov. Masari relaxes lockdown for Friday prayers, Church services

Gov. Masari relaxes lockdown for Friday prayers, Church services
Lockdown
By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, May 29, 2020(NAN) Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State has approved for the relaxing of the COVID-19 lockdown to allow Muslim faithful observe Friday congregational prayers in the state.
Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa the Secretary to the State Government, said this in a statement in Katsina.
Inuwa said that the governor also lifted the ban on Church services every Sunday as well as inter local government travel across the state.
He, however, advised the people to adhere strictly to health and security advises like wearing of facemasks, physical distancing, washing of hands with soap and running water and use of sanitisers.
Inuwa said that the decision was to enable Muslim and Christian faithful observe their religious activities. (NAN)
ZI/CHIN/ABI
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Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Ali Baba-Inuwa

Defence/Security

Security: Gov. Masari inaugurates Katsina State Community Policing Advisory Committee

Committee
By Zubairu Idris

Katsina, May 28, 2020 (NAN) Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State on Thursday inaugurated Katsina State Community Policing Advisory Committee as part of measures to reduce crimes in communities across the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Sanusi Buba, is the Chairman, while the Emir of Katsina and Chairman State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir, is the Co-Chairman of the committee.
Other members of the committee were one representative each of the Nigerian Council of Islamic Affairs and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Alhaji Suleiman Isah Mai’adua and Rev. Audu Bakwai, respectively.
Others were representative from each of the three senatorial districts of the state, state chairman, Police Community Relations Committee while all heads of security agents in the state are members.
In his remarks, Gov Masari, said that the formation of the committee is timely considering the security challenges bedeviling the state and the country in general.
He said that the composition of the state members is good because important stakeholders were selected as members.
“Those who live in a community knows their problems and can advised on how best the community can be secured,” he said.
Masari urged the police to prosecute and punish offenders to serve as deterrent to others.
In his remarks, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Finance and Administration, Mr Abdul Dahiru, said that he was in the state for the inauguration of the committee.
Dahiru said that the aim of the present I-G, Mohammed Abubakar, is to transform the traditional policing.
He noted that it was more proactive policing strategy,  by establishing partnership and collaboration between the police and members of the communities they serve.
“I wish to assure you that all relevant stakeholders and voluntary organisations duly registered will be carried alone in policing of their community,” he said.
In his remarks, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir, assured that the traditional rulers would contribute towards success of the committee.
He urged people to imbibe the habit of assisting their brothers.
Kabir, who said that community policing is good, pointed out that perpetrators of crimes must be punished for the society to live in peace.
The Emir also urged people to continue to pray for their leaders and do away with all sentiments. (NAN)
ZI/AO/AFA
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Edited by Angela Okisor/Felix Ajide
Health

COVID-19: Katsina builds 722-bed capacity isolation centres – Masari

Centres

By Zubairu Idris

Katsina, May 28, 2020 (NAN) The Katsina State Government says it is building isolation centres, with a combined 722-bed capacity, across the state for effective treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Gov Aminu Masari announced this when he received three ambulances, donated by BUA Foundation to the state, on Thursday in Katsina.

“On our own, we are building isolation centres at various locations across the state, with a combined 722-bed capacity, for treatment of COVID-19 patients.

“We have finished one of the centres and admission has started there.

“Rehabilitation and reconstruction of two others are in progress,’’ he said.

The governor, therefore, solicited for assistance in the area of hospital beds and beddings for the isolation centres from public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations.

“I am making this special request so that we can get further assistance from organisations and individuals.’’

Earlier, the Chairman of BUA Foundation, Alhaji Abdussamad Ishaq Rabiu, said the three ambulances were donated to enhance effective treatment of COVID-19 patients in the state.

Rabiu was represented by Abdullahi Aminu, the General Manager of BOA Rice, Kano office;

He said that the foundation had so far spent over N8 billion on equipment, buildings and beddings among others to fight against the disease in some states of the federation.

He urged individuals and organisations to assist the government in the fight against the virus through donations. (NAN)

ZI/CHOM/AIB

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Abdulfatah Babatunde