Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD have neutralised four suspected kidnappers and rescued an abducted victim during an ambush operation in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The development was reported by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security analyst covering the Lake Chad region.

According to the report, the operation was carried out at about 4:00am. on July 22 by troops of Sector 1 deployed at the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Kaiama.

Makama reported that the troops acted on credible intelligence and laid an ambush at a known crossing point along the Jonloji Village riverine axis, where suspected kidnappers were expected to pass.

The report stated that troops engaged the armed suspects in a gun battle, during which four suspected kidnappers were killed.

According to the report, one kidnapped victim was rescued during the operation, while security operatives recovered a pump-action shotgun, four motorcycles and N64,000 believed to be linked to the suspected criminal gang.

“The troops also rescued one kidnap victim and recovered one pump-action shotgun, four motorcycles and the sum of ₦64,000 believed to be linked to the criminal gang,” the report stated.

The rescued victim was evacuated to the Kaiama General Hospital for treatment, the report added.

According to the report, the operation forms part of the ongoing Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD aimed at dismantling kidnapping and other criminal networks operating across Kwara State and neighbouring states.

The report added that troops have continued offensive operations against criminal elements as part of efforts to improve security and protect lives and property across the region.

The Police in Isiokolo Division,Ethiope-East Local Government Area of Delta State have arrested one Benjamin over the alleged murder of a suspected thief simply identified as Marvis, whom he accused of stealing his “Banga” in Okpara-Waterside Community.

Other suspects have fled the community to escape Police arrest.

At the time of filing this report, the Police have evacuated and deposited the remains of the deceased, Marvis and one Rawlings at the mortuary, DAILY POST learnt. 

The incident that led to the suspect’s arrest started on Tuesday. 

It was learnt that the suspect and his gang picked the deceased up from his father’s house and took him to an office in the community where he was mercilessly beaten until he fainted. 

The suspect and his gang quickly revived him by giving him Malta Guinness and later continued the beating till he gave up the ghost. 

It was gathered that the suspect later took the remains of the deceased and dumped same at his father’s compound. 

Angered by the development, friends of the deceased who are suspected cultists mobilised and entered the town in search of the suspect who is now in police custody. 

The cultists, then reportedly shot a man identified as Rawlings on their way, for appealing to them to keep calm. He also died instantly. 

An Indigene of the Community who craved anonymity said the suspect, farmer had been complaining that someone had been stealing from his farm until he laid an ambush leading to the capture of the deceased,

He added that the incident had divided indigenes as well as the Vigilante Group of the Community with some in support of the suspect and others in favour of the deceased. 

He also said the suspect’s gang members who joined him to beat the deceased to death were said to be hoodlums from Udu and other Communities in Delta State. 

Our Correspondent who had been monitoring the developments, reports that the suspect reported himself to the Police before the deceased died. 

When contacted for comments, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe asked for time to verify the incident.

A man has lost his life while two others sustained injuries after a truck overturned on Kara Bridge, inward Mowe-Ibafo, in the early hours of Friday, causing a multiple-vehicle crash and severe traffic disruption.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying its Response Team was deployed to the scene at about 5:46 a.m. after receiving reports of a truck accident obstructing the busy corridor.

According to the agency, responders arrived to find a truck loaded with bags of monosodium glutamate lying on its side across the carriageway, blocking about 75 per cent of the road inward Mowe-Ibafo.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the incident was caused by a mechanical failure, specifically brake failure, which led the driver to lose control and the vehicle to overturn,” the statement said.  

The impact triggered heavy traffic congestion and led to a secondary collision involving four other vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna, a mini truck carrying paint, a flatbed truck loaded with imported plywood, and another fully loaded truck.

The agency added that the collision caused paint and wooden sheets to spill onto the road.

“Sadly, an adult male was found trapped beneath the overturned truck and was confirmed dead at the scene,” the statement added. 

His body was carefully recovered by emergency responders and handed over to officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, for evacuation.

Two other adult males sustained minor injuries and received treatment at the scene.

To prevent further accidents, LASEMA said the affected area was immediately secured while traffic management measures were put in place to reduce risks and improve vehicular movement.

Recovery operations also commenced with the deployment of two private tow trucks to evacuate the affected vehicles and clear the obstruction.

The agency said the operation is being jointly coordinated by the LASEMA Response Team, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA.

It added that efforts are ongoing to remove the damaged vehicles, clear the spilled contents from the roadway and restore normal traffic flow along the affected route.

Motorists were advised to remain patient, obey traffic diversions and follow instructions from traffic officials while maintaining safe driving speeds, especially around Kara Bridge.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, sympathised with the family of the deceased and wished the injured victims a quick recovery.

He also appreciated the efforts of all emergency responders and the cooperation of motorists during the operation.

LASEMA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that it would continue working with other emergency agencies to ensure prompt and effective emergency response across Lagos State.