The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has announced the extension of Exercise Sahel Sanity to March 2021 to completely knock out bandits from the North West. ‘Exercise Sahel Sanity’ is a real-time military operation inaugurated by Buratai in July to decisively deal with the menace of banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other criminal activities in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto States. Buratai disclosed this while briefing newsmen during an operational visit to the Special Army Super Camp 1V Faskari in Katsina State on Monday. He informed that the Nigerian army had been able to stabilize the security situation in the North West since the commencement of Exercise Sahel Sanity in July.

Abductors of Alhaji Usman Sani, acting Ejeh of Akpa and the Director of Local Governmemt in Ankpa, Kogi set has set him free on Sunday. Sani, who is a First Class traditional ruler in Kogi State was kidnapped last week Friday 18th December, 2020, by unknown gunmen while observing his morning prayers. The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), William Aya, who confirmed the development to the press said the State Commissioner of Police Edeh Ayuba Edeh gave a directive that officers of the Nigerian Police be drafted to the scene of the incident and comb every area within the Eastern axis to ensure the release of the traditional ruler.

Gunmen once again struck a community in Zangon-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna state, killing atleast seven people and destroyed many houses and shops. The incident which happened on Thursday night threw the residence of Gora Gan community into confusion. It was gathered that the bandits who came in their large numbers surrounded the community and shot sporadically as residents who scampered to safety. The Kaduna state commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday in Kaduna.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has disclosed that the country got foreign help to secure the release of the 344 abducted schoolboys from Kankara, katsina state. The boys regained their freedom on Thursday night after spending nearly a week in captivity. During the press conference in Abuja today, he revealed that there was a foreign collaboration in the negotiation of the Kankara school boys. He said, “As to whether there was foreign collaboration, don’t forget I said that we thank all patriotic Nigerians and all friends of Nigeria” The Minister said.

President Muhammadu Buhari celebrated the release of the abducted students of the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara. Buhari, in a statement signed by Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu on Thursday, described their safe return as a big relief to their families, the entire country, and the international community. The President also assured Nigerians of the determination of his administration to rescue all citizens held against their will by either terrorists or bandits.

The 344 schoolboys abducted from the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara nearly a week ago by Boko Hram terrorist group have been freed and handed over to the Katsina State Government, a State official said.