A security source said the operation followed actionable intelligence on the kidnappers’ hideout.

The source said the combined team mobilised to the area at about 4:23 p.m. on Wednesday and made contact with the criminals at about 5:59 p.m., forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding bushes.

“All eight victims were rescued unharmed and have been reunited with their families,” the source said.

Those rescued are Mrs Rashida Musa (19), Mrs Hafsat Nuhu (18), Mr Zakari Saleh (52), Miss Hasiya Yahaya (13), Mr Ahmed Yahaya (14), Mr Ibrahim Saiba (11), Miss Salma Yahaya (14) and Mr Sophan Idris (18).

The source added that follow-up exploitation and pursuit of the fleeing suspects were ongoing to apprehend those responsible and dismantle the criminal network.

Source: NAN

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The Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, made thhis in a statement in Mina on Friday, while congratulating the Muslim Umah on the occasion of Eid-Al-Adha, the celebration of sacrifice.

Saleh said, “All praise belong to Allah, for the privilege of witnessing another eid-al-adha; the celebration of sacrifice.

“On behalf of NAHCON, I heartily congratulate all Muslims on the occasion. We especially congratulate the fortunate pilgrims who witnessed the Day of Arafat.

“May Allah accept your prayers and sacrifices and those of other Muslims too.

“The return journey for Nigerian pilgrims will begin on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah (June 9),” he said.

The NAHCON chairman said that the first flights would include pilgrims from Imo with Air Peace, Bauchi State with Max Air, and Kebbi and Sokoto states with Flynas.

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He urged the first batch of pilgrims to be ready for their return trip and pray for a smooth return leg operation for all pilgrims.

He also enjoined Muslim faithful to remember the essence of the Hajj period and to imbibe the lessons contained in the exercise.

“Remember the trust in Allah that Sayyidatuna Hajara had that brought the existence of Zamzam.

“Remember the sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim made in abandoning his family in the desert alone in the care of Allah and how Allah rewarded that obedience with the boisterous town of Makkah.

“See how the reward of trust in Allah led to surplus blessings in foods and security in a desert land as a rewarding response to Prophet Ibrahim’s supplication,” he said.

According to him, trust in Allah, obedience to leadership and discipline will make communities and nations prosper.

“In celebrating the success of Hajj so far, let me start by appreciating the cooperation and orderly conduct of Nigerian pilgrims throughout this Hajj exercise.

“Their patience and discipline have been remarkable. This made NAHCON’s job easier.

“We in NAHCON also extend our appreciation to the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards. Their support and excellent organisation of pilgrims have contributed greatly to the success of the operations.

“To our dedicated NAHCON staff, many of whom were serving pilgrims even while in the state of ihram, your sacrifice is noted, and your reward is with Allah,” he said.

He also commended NAHCON board members and all ad-hoc staff for their tireless commitment and patience in serving the guests of Allah.

“We cannot fail to acknowledge the strong support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima. Their support has been instrumental in the smooth running of this year’s Hajj operations.

“We also commend the excellent services witnessed in the Mashair: Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

“We assure the public that NAHCON is committed to doing even better with the right cooperation and continued support from all stakeholders,” he said.

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Arafat Day, the ninth day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, is a highly significant day in the Hajj pilgrimage and Muslim calendar.

The prayer session was led by NAHCON Ulama team, using various Nigerian languages to preach and pray for the nation, President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and other leaders, including traditional rulers.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, said the day of Arafat and at the plains of Arafat are particularly unique for acceptance of prayers.

He therefore urged the Ulama and the generality of Nigerian pilgrims at Arafat to pray for Allah’s divine intervention in the affairs of Nigeria.

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“The Holy Qur’an says we should be showing gratitude to Allah for His favours and calling upon Him for assistance  over challenges,” he said.

Sheikh Muhd Bin Uthman, a member of NAHCON Ulama team, who urged pilgrims to love their country, prayed for unity and peaceful coexistence of the country.

Arafat Day is a day when millions of pilgrims converge on Mount of Arafat, located near Makkah, to perform the most important ritual of Hajj, known as Wuqoof-e-Arafat.

Mount Arafat is also believed to be the place where Prophet Muhammad delivered his final speech, known as the Farewell Sermon, at the sacred mount 1,435 years ago.

In the sermon, the prophet called for equality and unity among Muslims.

The Day is considered the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage, with pilgrims spending the entire day in prayer and supplication at Mount Arafat.

It is also the day Muslims who are not performing Hajj fast, repenting for their sins and seeking God’s forgiveness.

Source: NAN

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The chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, gave the advice while speaking to newsmen in Makkah on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia, through its National Centre of Meteorology, NCM, had on Sunday issued heatwave warnings for Hajj 2025, urging pilgrims to take precautions amid soaring daytime temperatures between 40°C and 47°C.

The NCM forecast challenging weather, including high temperatures, potential thunderstorms, and reduced visibility.

Saleh said NAHCON had a stakeholders’ meeting where all the Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Boards were mandated to tell their pilgrims that no pilgrim would be allowed out of their tents in Mina and Arafat due to soaring temperature.

“Yesterday we called all the stakeholders. We met with them and mandated them to announce and tell their people that nobody is allowed to be out of the tent from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.

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“It is not advised to go out because the temperature is not normal this year. We also advised them to continue drinking water.

“If it is necessary to be outside, let them go with water in hand. Let them take their umbrellas and use them, just because the temperature is not normal.”

The NAHCON chairman urged the media to help the commission to disseminate the information to the pilgrims to adhere to the heatwave warnings.

“So, media, please you are our eyes, you are our voice to the public. Help us tell our people to regard this instruction.”

Approximately 63,000 Nigerian pilgrims are expected for the 2025 Hajj.

Source: NAN

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The commission said that any Hajj fare deposit received after May 2 would be duly refunded.

Hajia Fatima Usara, Assistant Director, Information and Publication Division, NAHCON, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Usara, an extension was earlier made possible through the intervention of NAHCON chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, despite closure of contract by March 25.

“Stoppage of further registration became necessary in order for the commission to concentrate on airlift of pilgrims, with sufficient resources to ensure their comfort.

“Any Hajj fare deposit received after May 2 will be duly refunded.

“Meanwhile, movement to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj commences from May 9,” she said.

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She said that the inaugural flight for this year’s Hajj was scheduled to take off from Owerri, with Governro Hope Uzodimma of Imo as host.

The NAHCON spokesperson said that 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia and Bayelsa were scheduled to board the Air Peace airline for the trip.

“Vice-President Kashim Shettima is expected to grace the occasion as Special Guest of Honour.

“Already, the NAHCON advance team arrived Owerri earlier on May 7 to monitor preparations for the inaugural flight,” she said.

She said that registration for the 2025 Hajj ended with a record of 40,671 pilgrims.

“Four flights are scheduled to take off simultaneously on May 9 for the pilgrimage.

“The flights are expected as follows: Max Air from Bauchi, two Flynas flights, one from Kebbi and the other from Osun through Lagos departure center.

“There is a fourth flight from Niger, totaling 2,528 pilgrims to arrive Madina on the first day.

“Further details will be shared as the activities unfold,” she said.

Source: NAN

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This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by Shafii Mohammed, Principal Information Officer, NAHCON.

Mohammed stated that the team, comprising key operational staff and senior members of the National Medical Team, departed Abuja on Monday following a farewell ceremony held at the Hajj House.

The Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Babagana Bukar, commended the team’s performance during the previous Hajj and reaffirmed his trust in members of the team.

He appealed to the NAHCON chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, and the management to continue to extend support to the team to ensure successful outing.

In his address, the NAHCON chairman urged the team to approach the assignment with deep sense of duty and commitment, emphasising the sanctity of the task ahead.

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Saleh said “you are not going there to sleep, you are going there to serve the guests of Allah.

“Please cooperate, help one another, work as a team, and discharge your responsibilities with sincerity. If you succeed, the commission succeeds.”

He assured them of the commission’s backing and reminded them to fear Allah as they execute their duties.

On his part, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, the Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, PRSILS, described the team’s role as central and strategic to the success of the operation.

He said, “you are expected to carry out your responsibilities with the highest level of responsibility, dedication and patience.”

He urged the team members to approach the tasks with purpose and integrity.

Dr Mustapha Sani, the commission’s secretary, assured the team that welfare packages had already been approved by the chairman, reiterating NAHCON’s commitment to staff support throughout the Hajj period.

“You are laying the foundation for this year’s operation. Your success is the commission’s success,” he affirmed.

Malam Alidu Shutti, the Director of Inspectorate and Compliance and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, who spoke on behalf of the team, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them.

He added that “we are professionals. We are tested and capable hands. We will not let you down.”

He also sought for the chairman’s continuous support as they undertake their responsibilities.

The advance team is responsible for establishing the groundwork for the entire Hajj operation, including accommodation arrangements, airport reception protocols and coordination with Saudi Hajj authorities.

The team’s efforts will pave the way for seamless arrival and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, medical personnel and state officials.

The departure of the advance team marks a major milestone in the 2025 Hajj preparations and the official start of Nigeria’s participation in this year’s pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

Source: NAN

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The Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, made this known in a statement by Malam Shafii Sani of Information and Publications Division on Thursday in Abuja.

Saleh, who spoke while inaugurating the teams, described their assignments as a sacred trust, urging members to uphold sincerity, patience, and dedication in serving the guests of Allah (SWT) during the pilgrimage.

The NAHCON chairman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring the health and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims through a robust, coordinated, and spiritually conscious medical operation.

Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, the Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, PRSILS, emphasised the divine nature of the selection and the need to protect the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims throughout the exercise.

Also present at the inauguration were the Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, OIL, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, and the Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance, PPMF, Alhaji Aliu Abdul-Razak.

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They called on the newly inaugurated officers to discharge their duties diligently, with a strong sense of responsibility and the fear of Allah.

Speaking on behalf of the medical professionals, Dr Saidu Ahmad Dumbulwa, described the Hajj assignment as a journey from sunrise to sunset.

According to Dumbulwa, what happens in between defines the teams’ true impact.

“We have been entrusted with an amana—to provide care, protection, and medical support to pilgrims who have sacrificed for this spiritual journey,” he said.

He said that the steering committee was formally assigned the responsibilities to oversee the selection, screening, and orientation of NMT applicants, and to develop and implement the medical strategy for the 2025 Hajj.

He said that they would also test-run and integrate the Electronic Medical Records, EMR, system into NAHCON operations, and facilitate passport data capture and visa processing.

“They are also expected to ensure full compliance with NAHCON’s medical screening protocols, and to undertake any other responsibilities as directed by the commission,” he said.

Source: NAN

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This is contained in a statement by the NAF Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, on Monday in Abuja.

Akinboyewa said that the air interdiction was conducted on November 16, adding that a critical arms depot and residence of the notorious kingpin, Mallam Saleh, a loyalist of Dogo Gide were destroyed.

He said that Saleh’s reign of terror had plagued vulnerable communities in Shiroro, with attacks, abductions, and extortion leaving a trail of fear.

According to him, the air component had been tracking his movements, gathering crucial intelligence to dismantle his operations.

“As NAF aircraft swooped in, terrorists on motorcycles were spotted in the target area.

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“With swift and precise action, the NAF assets unleashed devastating strikes, obliterating the weapons cache and dealing a crushing blow to the terrorists.

“A secondary explosion confirmed the destruction of the munitions, crippling Saleh’s capabilities.

“This bold operation is part of the NAF’s logistics strangulation strategy, aimed at decimating terrorist strongholds and restoring peace to the region,’’ he said.

Akinboyewa assured that the NAF would maintain dominance through the collaboration with surface forces, constant patrols, situational awareness, and targeted interdictions.

According to him, the mission has significantly degraded the terrorists’ operational capabilities.

Source: NAN

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The command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement in Kaduna on Thursday.

Hassan recalled that a district head was kidnapped on August 14 and released on August 16.

He said, “On September 2, at about 0500hrs, police operatives of Saminaka in collaboration with a team of local hunters group while acting on credible intelligence, carried out raids in three different villages in Lere local government area.

“The villages are Maraban Wasa, Gurzan Hakimi Mariri, and Abugan Kurama. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnapped of the district head.”

The command’s spokesman said the five suspects included Abdulhamid Abubakar (a.k.a. Bala);  Danjuma Luka (a.k.a. Uba), Ayuba Simon and Idi Saleh.

“The exhibits recovered from the suspects included one  fabricated single-barrel gun, one green Golf car, one Bajaj motorcycle, and eight mobile phones.”

He added that, “On September 2 at about 2100hrs, the police operatives while acting on credible information about a suspicious movement of bandits, laid an ambush in a motor park.

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“At about 0510hrs the following morning, six suspects were arrested in connection with the incident.

“The suspects included Lawal Murtala; Isa Kabiru;  Auwal Surajo; Kamala Lawal; Umar Adamu and Kabiru Liman.”

He said exhibits recovered from the suspects included  four fabricated AK-47 rifles, two English pistols, two pump-action guns, 24 cartridges, 29 rounds of live ammunition of various calibers and large quantity of assorted charms.

He said others included one walkie-talkie, one axe, a cash sum of N908,600.

In a related development, Hassan said, “on September 3, at about 2200hrs, the police operatives were informed that a suspected bandit was lodging in a hotel within the Tafa area of Kagarko local government, Kaduna State.

He said in response, a patrol team was swiftly mobilised and dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, the team arrested one Yahaya Yusuf, a 41-years-old male from Kabo Village, Gurara local government area of Niger State.

He added that during investigation, the suspect confessed his involvement in cattle rustling and kidnapping in Niger and Kaduna, adding that one Tecno cellphone was recovered from the suspect.

Hassan said that the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, urged the public to continue cooperating with the police as the command intensified its efforts to clamp down on criminals and their activities within the state.

Source: NAN

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The command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna.

Hassan said the operatives also foiled a kidnapping attempt and recovered one fabricated AK-47 rifle with ammunition.

He said, “On Thursday, Police operatives, acting on a credible intelligence report, conducted a successful raid.

“It was on a hideout used by a notorious syndicate involved in the rustling of cattle from innocent farmers in the Kasuwa Magani area of Kujama, Kaduna.”

According to him, during the operation, the Police apprehended two suspects – Aminu Saleh,  25 and Jafar Ibrahim,  24, all male.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime and revealed that they have been working with four other syndicate members who are currently at large,” he said.

Hassan also disclosed that on the same Thursday, one Shafiu Abdullahi reported to operation Fushin Kada, that he had been receiving threatening phone calls demanding N10 million.

He alleged that the callers were threatening to kidnap him, if the ransom was not paid.

“The Tracking and Response Team immediately took action, using advanced techniques to locate and apprehend the suspects.

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“The suspects detained are Umar Baso, Shehu Filani, and Babangida Abdulkarim, all residents of Soba and Kajuru L.G.A.s of Kaduna State.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime, providing detailed accounts of their actions.

“Additionally, On Saturday, the operatives arrested two suspects involved in supplying arms and ammunition to kidnappers operating in Kaduna and Katsina States as well as Zamfara,” he said.

Hassan identified the suspects as  Dahiru Liman,  47,  Garin Kurama village; Lere local government area of Kaduna State and Sani Abdullahi Makeri, 45 , of Kankara local government area of Katsina State.

They were apprehended with one fabricated AK-47 rifle and five rounds of 9mm live ammunition recovered during the operation.

Hassan said the suspects confessed to the crime and their long-term involvement in other illegal activities.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Mr  Audu Dabigi, has called on the public to stay vigilant.

Dabigi also called on them to promptly report any suspicious activities to strengthen the collective effort in maintaining security across the state.

He reassured the residents that the command was unwavering in its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding the well-being of all the citizens.

Source: NAN

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