News

Troops of Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV Neutralize Bandits, Rescue Kidnapped Victims, and Recover Arms in Plateau

Published

3 years ago

July 27, 2023

vicky

Troops of Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV successfully neutralized suspected bandits, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during several operations in Plateau State on July 26 and 25, 2023.

The operation commenced on July 26, 2023, when troops were conducting a mission in the Rugan/Basiru village of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area. Suspected bandits opened fire on the troops, prompting a swift and decisive response. The fierce encounter forced the bandits to retreat, leaving behind significant evidence of their criminal activities.

Among the items recovered were 2 x AK 47 Rifles bearing Registration Numbers 07873 and B-32134, along with 15 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition, 3 x locally fabricated guns, and a pair of military desert camouflage uniforms. Additionally, ten suspects were apprehended and are presently undergoing profiling to determine their involvement in criminal activities.

In a separate incident on the same day, troops thwarted an attempted attack on Mangun and Patlong villages in Mangu Local Government Area. The troops responded promptly, leading to the neutralization of several bandits, while others managed to escape with gunshot wounds.

On July 25, 2023, troops operating along the Janneret/Washina Changal and Gyambwas roads in Mangu Local Government Area encountered more suspected bandits. The criminals quickly fled upon spotting the approaching troops, leaving behind 3 x motorcycles and 1 x locally fabricated gun.

Furthermore, troops responded to a distress call at Rumfar Gwamna village on the same day, where they successfully rescued five kidnapped victims. The operation also resulted in the recovery of a Toyota Camry and a Sharon car, both of which were presumably used by the kidnappers.

The relentless efforts of Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV continued to bear fruit during subsequent operations. At criminal hideouts in Unguwan Haruna, Kibam, and Dogon Daji forest, four more kidnapping victims were rescued, and two suspected kidnappers were apprehended.

Earlier, on July 22, 2023, troops responded to a distress call from Makabat village in Bokkos, leading to the capture of two miscreants and the recovery of two locally fabricated rifles.

In addition to their courageous anti-banditry efforts, the troops also worked to address incidents of cattle rustling and grazing on farmlands. A Combat Team operating in the Fan District of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area successfully recovered 15 rustled cows. Meanwhile, 37 cows were detained for grazing on farmlands owned by locals in Shimlan and Barkin Ladi villages.

In a significant breakthrough, troops captured a notorious gunrunner responsible for trafficking arms and ammunition in the North West and North Central regions. The operation, conducted at Soi village in Gidan Akwati Gashish District, resulted in the recovery of 1 x AK 47 Rifle and its magazine.

Captain Oya James, the Media Information Officer for Operation SAFE HAVEN, commended the troops’ dedication and called on law-abiding citizens to continue providing credible and timely information to support prompt responses to security challenges.

Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV remains committed to protecting communities and combating criminal elements in Plateau State, ensuring the safety and security of its residents.

News

Archery Federation’s Marketing Director Emmanuel Oyeleke Reveals How Champions Can Be Discovered In Every Nigerian State

Published

9 minutes ago

July 30, 2026

Preport

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Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED) director of marketing, Emmanuel Oyeleke has spoken extensively on factors and processes that can lead to the discovery of champions for the sport from every state across the country, Sports247 reports.

Oyeleke gave the expose while speaking in the wake of the country’s best-ever outing at the African Archery Championship, where the contingent won a medals’ haul of one gold, five silver and one bronze across the various events in Oran, Algeria.

While enthusing that the successful outing will inspire young talents to get involved in archery, Oyeleke added that there is a need for government backing, corporate support, philanthropic partnerships and greater investment in the sport all across Nigeria.

He revealed further that NAFED sent 18 archers to the competition, which marked the country’s largest contingent ever at the African championship, which took place from July 21st to 26th, with a total of 138 archers from 18 countries taking part under the auspices of World Archery Africa (WAAf).

Oyeleke commended all members of NAFED for their efforts and appealed to corporate organisations, commercial brands and individuals to support the national team through sponsorship, athlete development, equipment provision, travel logistics and media partnerships, as they seek to build on the outing in Oran.

“Behind every medal in Oran are thousands of young Nigerians picking up a bow for the first time. Our athletes have trained with discipline and sacrifice. What they need now is the backing of corporate Nigeria.

“The athletes have shown discipline and determination. What they now need is stronger support from the private sector and partners who can be part of a story of excellence at the very beginning of its arc.

“With the right partners, we can turn today’s headlines into ranges, coaches and champions in every state. This is how a sport is built and we’re inviting Nigeria to build it with us,” the marketing expert affirmed philosophically.

Sports247 gathered further that the team to Oran, which competed across six divisions during the competition, was led by NAFED president, Mohammed Baba Abdullahi, alongside the vice-president Augustine Obiefuna Chigbolu, with Aliyu Garga serving as coach.

Nigeria’s biggest success came in the barebow women’s team event, where Faith Adekogbe, Mandu Eteidung and Precious Fanny-Amun defeated hosts Algeria 5-3 in the final to claim the continental title, while reaching podium in both the barebow and compound categories.

The victory marked Nigeria’s first-ever team gold medal at the African Archery Championships and builds on their recent progress, after medal-winning campaigns in Pretoria (2022) and Tunisia (2023), as well as gold at the 2025 African Championship and 1st Run Archery Tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.

Business

Otedola acquires 1.78 billion First HoldCo shares, lifts stake to 25.86%

Published

1 hour ago

July 30, 2026

Preport

Femi Otedola, chairman of First HoldCo Plc, has increased his stake in the financial services group to 25.86 per cent after acquiring 1.78 billion additional shares worth about ₦222.20 billion.

In a regulatory filing on Thursday, First HoldCo disclosed that Mr Otedola, through Calvados Global Services Limited, purchased 1,779,094,976 ordinary shares at ₦124.90 per share. The new share purchase represents 3.91 per cent of the company’s outstanding shares.

Following the transaction, Mr Otedola’s total holding in the banking group rose to about 11.8 billion shares, which is equivalent to 25.86 per cent of the company’s issued share capital.

Based on the company’s share price of ₦122.95 as of 11:24 a.m. (WAT) on 30 July, Mr Otedola’s stake is valued at about ₦1.45 trillion.

READ ALSO: FirstHoldCo delivers massive ₦653.5bn profit before tax in H1 2026

Mr Otedola has steadily increased his investment in First HoldCo since emerging as the company’s largest shareholder in 2021.

Most recently, on 22 July, he acquired an additional 706.1 million shares valued at ₦77.6 billion, raising his stake to 21.95 per cent at the time. In June, he also purchased 672.9 million shares worth ₦29.6 billion.

The June acquisition was completed during the ₦45 billion second tranche of First HoldCo’s ₦350 billion private placement programme, in which shares were offered at ₦44 per unit.

The group plans to inject the proceeds from the capital raise into First Bank of Nigeria Limited, its flagship commercial banking subsidiary, as part of its capital restoration and broader balance sheet strengthening programme.