TheCable

The Kaduna government says over 400 people were killed, while almost 1,800 others were abducted within six months in the state.

This was contained in the security report presented to Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, on Friday, by Samuel Aruwan, the state’s commissioner for internal security.

The report was on the security situation in the state within the second and third quarters of 2022.

For the second quarter — April to June — 285 fatalities were recorded “in attacks by bandits/terrorists, communal clashes, violent attacks, and reprisals”; 985 people were kidnapped; five were raped; while 156 sustained injuries.

Also, within the second quarter, security operations resulted in the killing of 59 bandits; while 279 suspects were arrested over link to drug trafficking/abuse.

For the third quarter — July to September — 161 deaths were confirmed; 804 people were abducted; five persons were raped; 94 were injured; while 86 reports on destruction of crops were received.

Within Q3, 93 “bandits/terrorists” were killed; while 375 persons were arrested for alleged drug abuse/trafficking.

Speaking on the report, the state government said efforts are ongoing to improve security in Kaduna.

“The Kaduna State Government has maintained a holistic approach to security management. Federal security agencies receive an expanded range of support and close collaboration in their operations. Non-kinetic efforts and peace-building engagements have also been emphasized,” Aruwan said.

“Strengthening of intelligence networks has been intensified, towards ensuring that action agencies gain the momentum, and remain ahead in the fight against terrorism in the State.

“The Kaduna State Government has continued to offer extensive and crucial recommendations in key engagements across relevant layers of government and the security infrastructure, to ensure that the right steps are taken against terrorism in the State and region.

“The volunteering of useful information on incidents, suspicious activities, or hideouts, for action by security agencies is still solicited, through the State’s 24-hour Security Operations Room on the phone lines: O9034000060 and 08170189999.

“Citizens are also encouraged to follow the social media pages of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs for regular security updates.”

The full reports are available here and here.