▪︎▪︎▪︎ recover AK-47 rifle in.

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have foiled an attempted kidnapping by a notorious bandit gang and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a midnight operation in the outskirts of the territory.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation followed credible intelligence from the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) of the Force Headquarters about a planned attack led by a gang leader identified as Idrisa, also known as Mai Duna.

Acting swiftly, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit laid an ambush between 9 p.m. on Oct. 10 and 1 a.m. on Oct. 11 along the rail track near Grow Home Estate, a location bordering the FCT and Niger State.

The armed gang, divided into two groups targeting Grow Home Estate and Royal Champion Church in Chikakore, Byazhin District, was intercepted by the police team.

A fierce gun duel ensued, lasting about 20 minutes, after which the bandits were subdued, forcing many to flee with suspected gunshot wounds.

During the search of the area, police recovered an AK-47 rifle with a defaced breech number, one magazine, and a live round of 7.62mm ammunition.

Reinforcement from the military, DSS, and local hunters was deployed to the area to secure the communities and block escape routes.

Sources said that the Commissioner of Police assured residents of continued security presence and renewed commitment to maintaining peace and safety in the FCT.

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit has commenced further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

From Hassan Taiye

The Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) has appealed for official recognition and financial support from the federal and state governments, citing its critical role in grassroots security efforts across the country.

Speaking during a public hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, in Abuja . Commandant General of the group, Navy Captain Umar Abubakar Bakori (Rtd), emphasized the importance of harnessing the vast reach and local intelligence of the VGN. He revealed that the group has over one million members spread across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

“We are over one million strong, embedded in the communities, and closer to the people than any other security agency. If all the security operatives in Nigeria were combined, they wouldn’t match our number. Yet, we receive no financial support despite our consistent efforts in community policing,” Bakori stated.

The public hearing focused on a bill to establish a regulatory body for private intelligence and investigation firms. The bill aims to provide a framework for accreditation, professional conduct, and improved synergy between private and public security operations.

While backing the proposed legislation, Bakori stressed that state policing alone is not a comprehensive solution to Nigeria’s security challenges. Instead, he called for a multi-pronged approach that includes integrating community-based initiatives like the VGN into the formal security structure.

“The military and the police cannot do it alone. We are partners in progress and should be treated as such,” he added.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Hon. Muhktar Shagaya, also echoed the need for urgent reforms in the country’s security framework. He stated that community policing, as provided in the Police Act 2020, must evolve from policy discussions to practical implementation.

“Security reform is a national priority. Beyond constitutional amendments, we must focus on strengthening existing structures like community policing to reflect the realities on the ground,” the Speaker said.

Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Hon. Ahmed Satomi, noted that the bill under consideration would improve regulatory oversight and professional standards within the private security sector. He stressed the need for innovative approaches in enhancing Nigeria’s overall security architecture.

Other stakeholders who made submissions during the hearing included representatives from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, Immigration Service, and Federal Fire Service, all of whom underscored the importance of collaboration between state institutions and grassroots actors in the fight against insecurity.

The hearing reflects growing momentum within the National Assembly to formalize and better utilize local security structures amid persistent security challenges nationwide.

By Dr. Zanna Hassan Boguma FCIPDM FWIP
(Zanna Boguma of Borno)

In a country plagued by rising insecurity, few names once commanded the respect and admiration accorded to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari. Celebrated for his daring exploits against kidnappers, bandits, Terrorist, and armed robbers, Kyari stood out as a rare symbol of courage and tactical brilliance in Nigeria’s troubled security architecture.

Yet today, he sits behind bars — incarcerated without bail on an allegation that the law has clearly stated its bailable, without trial, — as the nation watches in silence, Dangerous criminals, bandits and kidnappers who are very happy with Kyari’s absence became stronger and bolder with severe consequences against millions of Nigerians that are being terrorised, kidnapped and killed daily. The same man who risked his life repeatedly in service to his country has been all but abandoned by the very system he served.

With this type of our attitude as a nation, how can we build more HEROS like him in the future? How can we get officers that will be ready to fight and die for their country if we abandon our HEROS with such unprecedented and unparalleled records of Service like this easily?

A Record of Service and Sacrifice

Kyari rose to national unprecedented prominence as the head of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), where he personally led several high-stakes operations From dismantling kidnapping syndicates in the South South and South east, Vampire, Ability etc to confronting deadly terrorist in the North East by neutralising the Boko Haram terrorist group coordinating all Suicide bombings in Borno State, Arresting the Boko Haram terrorist that kidnapped the Chibok School Girls etc etc to effectively battling bandits and kidnappers in the Northwest, to Arresting the Boko Haram terrorist that Bombed Nyanya and kuje in Abuja 2015, to clearing Lagos and the South west from dangerous armed robbers and kidnappers like Evans, Godogodo, Offa Bank robbers, Ade lawyer, etc etc etc.

Decorated with unprecedented awards and commendations both nationally and internationally. Outstanding Service to the Nation award from the National Assembly of Nigeria with Standing Ovation June 2020, Presidential Medal for Courage from President Mohammadu Buhari April 2016, IGPs Medals for Courage 2012, 2013, 2024, Commendation Award from FBI 2018 amongst hundreds of other awards.