Ariko Terror: IGP Orders DIG Nadada To Kaduna To Lead Security Response

IGP directs DIG Nadada to coordinate operations after deadly Ariko attack, five killed, 14 abducted in Kaduna.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has ordered Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of operations, Shehu Nadada, to relocate to Kaduna State to coordinate security operations following the recent terror attack in Ariko Village near Gurara Dam.

According to a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the attack occurred on April 5 when armed terrorists stormed ECWA and Catholic churches in the community and opened fire indiscriminately.

“The assault left five people dead, while about 14 others were abducted,” Placid said.

In response, the IGP directed an immediate operational intervention, deploying the DIG Operations to assess the situation on the ground and lead coordinated efforts aimed at restoring order and ensuring the safe return of the abducted victims.

During the ongoing operation, a joint team led by Nadada, working in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and Department of State Services (DSS), successfully rescued seven of the kidnapped victims.

The victims were subsequently taken to Katari Hospital for medical attention and were reported to be in stable condition, pending reunion with their families.

The IGP said operations were continuing to secure the release of the remaining victims and track down those responsible for the attack.

He also called on members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information to support the ongoing efforts.

Forces Uncover Reprisal Plot in Zamfara After Ado Aliero’s Son, 65 Others Killed

State security forces uncovered plans by armed bandits to launch a coordinated reprisal attack in communities in Zamfara State following recent operations that led to the killing of notorious bandit leader, Ado Aliero’s son, and about 65 other fighters.

The planned retaliation was believed to be in response to sustained offensives by Nigerian military personnel, working alongside hybrid security units under Operation Fansan Yamma.

The operations targeted bandit hideouts in Tsafe Local Government Area and adjoining forest corridors, dealing a significant blow to the criminal network.

Security sources said the offensive resulted in the neutralisation of several high-profile commanders linked to Ado Aliero, a notorious figure associated with years of violent attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling across Zamfara and neighbouring states.

Among those killed was Kachalla Iliya Sarki, identified as Aliero’s son, alongside other key field commanders who played critical roles in coordinating attacks in the region.

Equally reportedly eliminated were Dogo Sule, Iliya Mai Rasha, and other senior operatives who had led attacks across Tsafe, Maru, and nearby communities.

The losses were said to have disrupted the operational structure of the group, weakening its command and control capacity.

Despite thE setback, intelligence reports indicated that surviving members were attempting to regroup, with plans to carry out retaliatory attacks targeting security formations and vulnerable communities.

The mobilisation was said to involve large-scale movement of fighters along forest routes, with motorcycles deployed for rapid coordination across multiple locations.

According to sources, more than 200 motorcycles were sighted conveying suspected bandits assembling around the Unguwar Tsamiya forest axis.

The movement had also been linked to another notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, raising concerns over a broader coordinated response.

Further details revealed that the operations also led to the dismantling of several bandit enclaves in Munhaye and nearby forest belts, disrupting supply lines and facilitating the rescue of abducted victims.

Among those neutralised was Kachalla Biyabiki, who was reportedly holding captives at the time, as well as Kachalla Dogon Bete.

Intelligence officials said while the recent offensive significantly weakened Ado Aliero’s network, it might also provoke retaliatory violence from remaining fighters seeking revenge.

Obi Hits Tinubu over Easter Killings, Says Another Failed Promise

Presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, criticised President Bola Tinubu over the continued wave of killings across the country, declaring that recent assurances by the president have not translated into improved security.

In a statement posted on X, Obi referenced the president’s visit to Jos on April 2, where he had assured grieving residents, “I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself.”

However, Obi lamented that less than 24 hours after the pledge, another deadly attack occurred in Nyamgo Gyel, Jos South Local Government Area, resulting in the loss of innocent lives.

He described the development as troubling, stating that the country has since witnessed a series of violent incidents across multiple states.

The former Anambra State governor cited fresh attacks in Nasarawa State, where gunmen reportedly killed at least 11 persons in Akyawa and UdegeKasa communities, forcing residents to flee while homes were destroyed.

In Zamfara State, Obi pointed to the abduction of about 150 persons in KurfaDanya and Kurfan Magaji communities, describing it as one of the most significant mass kidnappings in recent times.

He highlighted incidents in Borno State, where attackers stormed Chibok, killing security personnel and razing houses, as well as renewed violence in Benue State on Easter Sunday, which left several people dead and communities devastated.

Obi pointed to recent killings and abductions in parts of Kaduna State, including attacks on worshippers and residents in Kachia Local Government Area.

Reacting to the developments, Obi stressed that the continued loss of lives across the country contradicted Tinubu’s assurance that, “This experience will not repeat itself.”

He described the situation as a failure of leadership and responsibility, adding that Nigerians are paying the price with their lives.

Obi stated that the persistence of such attacks sug-gested that perpetrators were emboldened by inaction. He questioned how such a strong presidential promise could be followed almost immediately by renewed violence across different parts of the country.

According to him, the primary duty of any government is the protection of life and property, a responsibility he said was currently not being effectively discharged.

He warned that citizens were increasingly unsafe in their homes, communities, and even in places of worship.

Describing the situation as a national emergency, Obi said, “Nigeria is bleeding, and the situation is worsening and increasingly helpless.

He urged authorities to take urgent and decisive steps to address the security crisis.

Troops Arrest 5 over Illegal Use of Firearms