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Matawalle’s Magic Turning Tide Against Banditry in North West – Northern Youths

The Northern Youth Forum (NYF) has praised the significant progress made in the fight against banditry in the North West region, attributing the success to the leadership and dedication of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
According to the Forum, Matawalle’s recent visit to the region has brought instant results, likening his intervention to a fast-acting remedy that brings swift relief.
In a statement signed by its President, Alhaji Bagudu Mohammed Kudu, the Forum commended President Tinubu for appointing Matawalle, saying his presence has energized the troops and brought a new sense of purpose to the operation.
With bandits fleeing in disarray, the Northern Youth Forum expressed pride and gratitude towards the Minister and the security forces, urging the government to sustain the momentum.
Kudu said: “The Northern Youth Forum is thrilled to witness the remarkable progress in the war against banditry in the North West region, courtesy of the unwavering dedication and strategic leadership of Minister Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence.
“As President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s trusted lieutenant, Matawalle has brought a new era of hope and relief to the long-suffering people of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and other affected areas.
“His recent visit to the North West has been a game-changer, yielding instant results that are a testament to his unflinching commitment to ending the scourge of banditry.
“Maganin Kunama, in Hausa, refers to a fast-acting remedy that brings instant relief from the painful sting of a scorpion. Matawalle’s intervention is akin to this potent medicine, bringing swift and tangible results to the region.
“We have always believed in the capabilities of our Armed Forces, and their bravery and sacrifice will never be in doubt. However, what was lacking was the political will to tackle the bandits head-on.
“President Tinubu’s decision to send Matawalle to the theatre of operation has filled this gap, and the results are evident for all to see. Matawalle’s visit has been a masterstroke, and we urge the government to sustain this momentum.
“The Minister’s presence has energized the troops, and his strategic leadership has brought a new sense of purpose to the operation. As the bandits, led by the notorious Turji Bello, flee in disarray, we cannot help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude towards Matawalle and the entire security apparatus.
“This is a victory for the people, and we must ensure that it is sustained.”
The Forum called on stakeholders to support the government’s efforts and praised Matawalle for his courage and commitment to ending banditry. ” The people of the North West are forever grateful, and we look forward to a future free from the shackles of banditry,” Kudu stated.
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Trump revokes security details for Biden’s children

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, the adult children of former President Joe Biden, marking another step in his efforts to target political opponents.
In a post on his Truth Social platform Tuesday, Trump criticized what he called an excessive security detail for Hunter Biden, claiming he had up to 18 agents protecting him. He also announced that Ashley Biden’s security detail, reportedly consisting of 13 agents, would be withdrawn.
“Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection. Likewise, Ashley Biden… will be taken off the list,” Trump wrote.
Federal law grants lifelong Secret Service protection to former presidents and their spouses, while their children receive coverage only until age 16. However, adult children of presidents often receive extended protection for a period of time.
A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed Trump’s directive, stating, “We are aware of the President’s decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden. The Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible.”
Hunter Biden has long been a focal point of Republican criticism, with attacks intensifying after his father pardoned his tax and gun-related convictions before leaving office in January. On Monday, Trump declared that those pardons were void, a move with unclear legal standing.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has also revoked security clearances for Joe Biden, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the country’s COVID-19 response.
The White House defended the decision, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating in January that individuals are “not entitled to security protection and clearances for life.”
During his first presidency, Trump extended Secret Service protection for six months to his four adult children and several senior officials, a move that cost taxpayers $1.7 million, according to The Washington Post.
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Four suspected kidnappers shot dead in gun battle with police in Delta

Asaba, Nigeria – Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have killed four suspected kidnappers in a gunfight and recovered an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, according to a statement by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe.
Edafe said the police had earlier arrested a suspect on March 9, 2025, while he was attempting to buy ammunition for an AK-47 rifle. During interrogation, the suspect revealed the rifle’s location, leading the police to a bush along the railway line in Agbarho. Upon arrival, the gang engaged the police in a fierce shootout, leaving four suspects with fatal gunshot wounds.
The injured suspects were taken to the General Hospital in Ughelli, where they were later confirmed dead. Their bodies have been deposited in the morgue as police intensify efforts to track down other fleeing gang members.
In a separate operation, police operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area.
Edafe revealed that on March 12, 2025, a resident of Ibusa reported to the police that his friend’s wife had been kidnapped on March 7, 2025, and a ransom was paid. He also disclosed that he was responsible for delivering the ransom and food items to the kidnappers.
Acting on this information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ibusa mobilized a team alongside local vigilantes and stormed a bush hideout, leading to the arrest of Abdulahi Isah, a suspected member of the gang.
The suspect is currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
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