By Our Reporter

The Joint Task Force South-East, Operation Udoka, has declared Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as “Gentle The Yahoo,” wanted over alleged threats to peace and security in the South-East.

The task force announced a N30 million reward for credible information that could lead to Okorienta’s arrest.

In a wanted notice issued by the military formation, Okorienta was identified as a person considered a threat to peace in the region, while residents were urged to assist security agencies with information on his whereabouts.

According to the notice, a “reward of N30,000,000” awaits anyone whose credible information leads to his capture.

The military also appealed to residents to support ongoing efforts to tackle violence and criminality across the South-East, with the message: “Give Peace a Chance.”

Members of the public who have useful information about the wanted individual were advised to contact security authorities through 193 or 0806 795 9570. The task force assured informants that they could provide information anonymously.

A photograph of Okorienta was included in the wanted notice alongside the inscription: “No Violence, No Criminality in the South East.”

The development comes against the backdrop of intensified military and security operations across the South-East aimed at tracking individuals suspected of involvement in violent and other criminal activities.

The task force further cautioned members of the public against attempting to apprehend Okorienta themselves if they encounter him.

Instead, residents were urged to promptly alert the security authorities through the designated telephone lines to enable security personnel to take appropriate action.

By Ebitu Ebukachukwu with agency report

A serving Colonel of the Nigerian Army, Abdussalam Ude, has been killed by gunmen during an attack on his residence in the Kurudu District of Abuja.

According to PRNigeria, the incident occurred on Monday evening shortly after the senior military officer returned home. His wife, driver and security guard also sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Security sources said the assailants allegedly attempted to abduct Colonel Ude but met strong resistance.

“He resisted them. From what investigators have gathered, they wanted to take him away, but he fought back. Unfortunately, he paid the ultimate price,” a source familiar with the preliminary investigation was quoted as saying.

The attackers reportedly shot the officer several times before fleeing the scene after the abduction attempt failed.

The killing has sent shockwaves through the military, particularly as Colonel Ude was reportedly on the verge of being promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.

A native of Enugu State, the late officer served in several strategic intelligence and counter-terrorism roles within the Armed Forces. He participated in military operations against insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East and undertook specialised international assignments in Chad and France, contributing to intelligence and security cooperation.

Colleagues described him as a courageous and highly respected intelligence officer whose commitment to duty earned him widespread admiration.

Security agencies have launched an investigation into the attack and commenced a manhunt for those responsible.

The incident has renewed concerns over the security of serving and retired military personnel in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly officers who have held sensitive operational and intelligence positions.

The attack comes about two years after retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere was killed by armed men who invaded his residence in the Lokogoma area of Abuja while he was defending his family. The attackers reportedly escaped with his firearm and other valuables.

Colonel Ude is expected to be buried at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja in accordance with Islamic rites.

By our reporter

A judge of the Kebbi State High Court, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, has been abducted by suspected bandits following an attack on his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of the state.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday at the judge’s home along Zogirma Road shortly after he returned from a trip to Sokoto.

Sources familiar with the development said the armed men stormed the residence around midnight and whisked the judge away.

“He had just returned from Sokoto when the gunmen stormed his residence and took him away,” a source said.

The source explained that no member of the judge’s household sustained injuries during the attack, although the assailants fired several gunshots before fleeing with their victim.

“Immediately the incident occurred, we reported to the appropriate authorities, including the leadership of the High Court,” he said.

Confirming the abduction, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Command, SP Bashir Usman, said security operatives had commenced efforts to secure the judge’s release.

He said, “I can confirm that Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza was abducted from his residence in Bunza around midnight”.

According to the police spokesman, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Muhammad Hadejia, immediately deployed tactical teams and intelligence personnel after receiving the report.

“As we speak, our personnel are combing identified locations, including forest areas, to ensure that the judge is rescued alive and unharmed,” the PPRO said.

A senior official of the Kebbi State High Court, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, described the incident as a disturbing development for the judiciary.

“I am not authorized to speak formally, but this is a painful moment for us. To hear that one of our judge was abducted at his residence is very disturbing”, he said.

The official added that the management of the High Court had already met with heads of security agencies in the state to coordinate efforts aimed at securing the judge’s immediate release.

As of the time of filing this report, no individual or group had claimed responsibility for the abduction.

(DAILY TRUST)