Senator distributes 700 rams to his neighbours for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations

Sen. Abdul’aziz Yari (APC-Zamfara) has purchased 700 rams for distribution to his neighbours and less privileged families in Talata Mafara town, Zamfara, ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Alhaji Sha’ayau Sarkinfawa, Coordinator of the Zamfara West Senatorial District Constituency Office, disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday in Talata Mafara.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yari represents Zamfara West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

“The ram distribution is an annual initiative by Sen. Yari aimed at helping less privileged households celebrate Eid-el-Kabir with ease,” Sarkinfawa said.

He noted that Sen. Yari directed that all the 700 rams be distributed to his neighbours and other vulnerable families.

“People of Talata Mafara and the entire Zamfara West Senatorial District enjoy various forms of support from the senator through the constituency office,” Sarkinfawa added.

He commended the former governor for his numerous socio-economic intervention programmes supporting people at the grassroots.

Sarkinfawa called on Muslims to use the Eid-el-Kabir period to pray for peace and stability in the state and in Nigeria at large. (NAN)

Gunman shot dead by US Security Operatives after shooting near White House

A gunman was shot dead by United States Secret Service agents after opening fire near the White House on Saturday evening, triggering panic around the heavily guarded presidential complex in Washington, DC.

Authorities said the incident occurred shortly after 6pm local time when the suspect approached the White House security perimeter and suddenly pulled out a firearm from his bag before opening fire.

Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the Secret Service, said agents immediately responded to the attack.

“Secret Service Police returned fire striking the suspect who was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. During the shooting, one bystander was also struck by gunfire,” he said.

President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the shooting but was not harmed.

The US president later praised security operatives for their response to the incident.

“Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House, who had a violent history and possible obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure,” Trump wrote on Truth Social early Sunday.

Several American media outlets identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best from Maryland. Reports said he had a history of mental health concerns and had previously interacted with Secret Service personnel.

The shooting caused chaos around the White House area as heavily armed security agents and police officers sealed off nearby streets while National Guard troops restricted movement around the scene.

Eyewitnesses described hearing repeated gunshots moments before people began fleeing the area.

“We heard probably 20 to 25 what sounded like fireworks, but they’re gunshots, and then everyone started running,” Canadian tourist Reid Adrian told AFP.

Journalists stationed on the White House North Lawn during the incident were reportedly ordered to take cover inside the press briefing room.

ABC News correspondent Selina Wang, who was filming a social media video when the shooting began, captured the sound of the gunfire before diving for safety.

“It sounded like dozens of gunshots,” she wrote on X.

The latest incident adds to a growing list of security threats involving Trump.

In July 2024, the president survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman killed a supporter and grazed Trump’s ear with a bullet.

Another armed suspect was later arrested near Trump at a golf course in West Palm Beach, while an additional security breach occurred in April when a man armed with a weapon stormed a checkpoint at a hotel event attended by the president.

Following Saturday’s shooting, House Republicans reacted on social media, saying: “Thank God President Trump is safe.”

“Endless gratitude to the Secret Service for their immediate, heroic response. Political violence has to stop.”

Trump has repeatedly cited security concerns as part of the reason for expanding security infrastructure around the White House, including the ongoing construction of a new ballroom project expected to include a fortified underground facility.

JUST IN: Soldiers rescue 92 kidnapped victims, foil terrorists’ IED ambush

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have rescued 92 kidnapped civilians and foiled an improvised explosive device (IED) ambush in a swift rescue operation along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno.

This is contained in a statement by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, on Sunday.

Uba said the operation was carried out by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Dutse Kura, following detection of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists moving abducted civilians and vehicles into the bush at about 1122 hours.

He said the troops immediately deployed a Quick Reaction Force, with reinforcement from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison, to intercept the terrorists.

He said the coordinated pursuit forced the insurgents to abandon their captives and flee in disarray towards the Mangari–Dora general area.

According to him, a total of 92 kidnapped victims comprising 52 males, 33 females and seven children, as well as eight vehicles, were successfully rescued.

“The fleeing terrorists, in a bid to delay pursuit, reportedly planted three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis.

“Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams swiftly responded and successfully neutralised all three devices, clearing the route for continued pursuit operations.

“Troops advanced about five kilometres beyond the Mangari general area, while follow-up search operations indicated that the terrorists had dispersed in disarray, abandoning their objectives,” he said.

Uba confirmed that no personnel or equipment casualties were recorded during the operation.

He said the rescued civilians were provided with immediate welfare support and escorted to Damaturu for onward movement to their destinations.

According to him, the military high command commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response, describing the operation as a demonstration of improved surveillance capability, operational reach and combat readiness.

He reiterated the resolve of the theatre command to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and ensure the protection of civilians across the North East theatre. (NAN)