The military has declared notorious bandit and kidnap kingpin Halilu Buzu wanted for terrorism, illegal arms supply, illegal mining, and cattle rustling.

This announcement was made by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, during a bi-weekly media briefing on Thursday, May 16.

Buba stated that Buzu, a native of Niger State, resides in a forest in Zamfara State and often escapes to Niger Republic after conducting operations in Nigeria.

However, the military is collaborating with counterparts in Niger Republic to ensure Buzu’s capture, noting that he has many subordinates working for him.

Buba also revealed that Nigerian Army troops have rescued 253 kidnapped victims over the past two weeks.

This achievement was credited to the efforts of Troops of Operations Y-Watch, Troops of Nokia-Fighting Patrols, and Troops of Operations Delta State.

Additionally, Buba announced the killing of several insurgents, emphasizing that the fight against terrorism is one that “must be won.”

He reported that troops neutralized 227 terrorists and arrested 529. Eleven individuals involved in oil theft were also apprehended during the period under review.

“We relentlessly target these terrorists to take them out of action as soon as possible. The fate of such terrorists will be decided swiftly and violently, and we will stop at nothing to remove them from the battlefield,” he stated.

Motorists and passengers on the University of Ibadan-Ojoo Road in Ibadan, Oyo State, are currently stranded.

Our correspondent reports that this situation is due to the collapse of a large billboard on the road.

The billboard fell at Ajibode junction on the University of Ibadan-Ojoo dual carriageway.

We learned that the billboard collapsed during heavy rainfall on Thursday.

As a result, commercial buses and taxis have abandoned the road, leaving many commuters stranded.

Car owners are also seeking alternative routes to avoid the blocked road.

As of the time of filing this report on Thursday, the collapsed billboard had not been removed, rendering the road inaccessible.

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has urged President Ahmad Bola Tinubu to take the lead in strengthening Nigeria’s Local Government areas.

Senator Barau Jibrin also recommended transferring the responsibility for Local Government Chairmen elections to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to empower these leaders with execution and decision-making authority.

Responding to a motion on restoring local government powers, Senator Jibrin noted that the issues arise because state governors exert control over Local Councils through various methods.

He said, “We observed that when INEC conducted Local Government elections, the councils were more vibrant, with even Councillors awarding contracts, and operations were smoother.”

”Currently, Local Government Chairmen operate at the discretion of state governors, who control their elections and finances.”

“We are dissatisfied with the current situation, and I believe no one is happy with it. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to advocate for the restoration of local governments in Nigeria.”

”We need dynamic Councils that can enhance the economic well-being of the grassroots.”

“I believe everyone is concerned about the current state of affairs, and that is why I urge Mr. President, a true Democrat who upholds democratic norms and culture, to lead the effort in restoring local government powers in the country.”