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Police Arrest Notorious Kidnap Kingpin ‘Babawo’, Recover Weapons in Plateau

Published

2 months ago

February 28, 2026

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The Nigeria Police Force, through the Plateau State Police Command, has arrested Babangida Buba, popularly known as Babawo, a suspected kidnap kingpin, and recovered illegal firearms linked to his gang’s activities in the state.

The arrest followed a sustained manhunt after operatives dismantled a kidnapping syndicate in November 2024 that had been terrorising residents, particularly in Shendam Local Government Area. While several suspects were earlier arrested and remanded by a High Court in Shendam, the gang leader escaped during the initial operation.

Announcing the breakthrough, the Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Bassey Ewah, disclosed in a statement issued through the command’s spokesperson that the fugitive was apprehended by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team attached to the command.

“The said Babangida Buba, aka Babawo, who has been on the run, has finally been arrested by our gallant IRT operatives attached to the Command,” the statement said.

Police said the suspect confessed during interrogation and revealed that he sold one of the gang’s operational AK-47 rifles to Muhammadu Isiyaku, also known as Mamman, in the Baba Lamba area of Pankshin. Acting on the information, operatives tracked and arrested the buyer.

Further investigation led to the recovery of one Browning Sub-Machine Gun with breach number KR3541 and 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition, as well as another SMG rifle with a defaced breach number loaded with 16 rounds of live ammunition.

The command said efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate and recover more weapons, noting that the suspects will be prosecuted alongside those already standing trial.

Police also warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities, assuring residents of continued security operations and urging them to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements through official emergency channels.

Related Topics:‘Babawo’Kidnap Kingpin plateau police

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Musk’s xAI is running nearly 50 gas turbines unchecked at its Mississippi data center

Published

47 minutes ago

May 13, 2026

Preport

Elon Musk’s xAI is running nearly 50 natural gas turbines at its Mississippi data center, power plants that the state is currently not regulating thanks to a loophole.

The power plants are considered “mobile” by the state of Mississippi because they are sitting on flatbed trailers, thus allowing them to dodge to air pollution regulations for one year. The NAACP, which has filed a lawsuit on behalf of residents in the area, says the unchecked emissions from the turbines is worsening air quality in an already polluted region. This week, it asked the court for an injunction against xAI.

At issue is the “mobile” nature of the turbines. The Southern Environmental Law Center, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of the NAACP, says the turbines are being operated in violation of federal law, which says that power plants mounted on a trailer can still be considered stationary and subject to air pollution regulations.

XAI has been granted permits for 15 of its turbines. A Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce press release previously said that “about half” of the 35 turbines in operation in May 2025 would remain on site. However, xAI has continued to install more. Currently, it’s operating 46, according to a local news report.

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Plateau relaxes curfew in Jos North after attack by bandits

Published

2 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State Government has reviewed the curfew imposed on Jos North Local Government Area following a satisfactory security assessment carried out in the affected area.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by Joyce Ramnap, the commissioner for information and communication.

According to her, the decision followed a satisfactory assessment of the security situation in the area.

“Curfew earlier imposed on the area is hereby further relaxed. Effective Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the curfew will now run from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily,” Ms Ramnap said.

“Residents are advised to continue to comply strictly with the directive and cooperate with security agencies,” she added.

She urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and report suspicious activities to security agencies, while appreciating their cooperation and understanding.

Ms Rambap also advised residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

The curfew was imposed following a deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba community where more than 30 persons were killed in the attack.