Zamfara State is often called a rich state because it has large deposits of gold and other valuable minerals. Gold mining takes place in areas such as Anka, Maru, Bukkuyum, and Talata Mafara, where many people extract gold from the ground.

The state is also believed to contain minerals like copper, iron ore, lead, zinc, and limestone, making it one of Nigeria’s most resource-rich regions.

However, despite this natural wealth, Zamfara State has not fully benefited from these resources due to issues like illegal mining and insecurity.

#Nigeria #Zamfara #GoldMining #NaturalResources

Bandits have killed an Islamic cleric, Malam Zainu AB Mada, in Zamfara State after collecting ₦2 million ransom, two phones, and ₦70,000 airtime from his family.

Malam Zainu was abducted along the Kwatarkwashi–Mada highway, a road now known for frequent bandit attacks. Despite his family meeting all the demands, the bandits still brutally killed him.

His funeral prayer was held on Thursday.

This tragic killing shows a painful reality: paying ransom no longer guarantees safety. Zamfara residents continue to live in fear as kidnappings, killings, and attacks on major roads persist, despite government assurances.

How many more lives will be lost before real action is taken?

#Zamfara #Banditry #Insecurity #Kidnapping #NigeriaNews #StopTheKillings

Zamfara Attack: Terrorists Ambush Troops, Kill Five Soldiers, Police Inspector

At least five Nigerian soldiers and a police inspector, Aliyu Ibrahim of 1 PMF Kaduna, were killed after terrorists ambushed security personnel travelling to Gusau in Zamfara State. The attack occurred near Gidan Goni village, Kwatarkwashi LGA, while the officers were on pass. Several others sustained injuries and were rushed to Yeriman Bakura Specialist Hospital. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue amid rising insecurity in the North-West.

#ZamfaraAttack #BreakingNews #NigeriaInsecurity #Banditry #OperationFansanYamma #SecurityCrisis

Are Nigeria’s Airstrikes Finally Turning the Tide? Nigerian Air Force Bombs Terrorist Hideouts in Borno’s Timbuktu Triangle Under Operation Hadin Kai

Is Nigeria’s intensified air campaign beginning to weaken terrorist strongholds in the North-East? The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed a major air interdiction operation targeting terrorist locations at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State, carried out under the joint task force Operation Hadin Kai.

According to a statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the mission followed multi-source intelligence that confirmed active terrorist presence, fortified structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area. Based on this intelligence, NAF air assets were deployed for integrated surveillance and precision strikes on identified targets.

The Air Force said the operation was carefully designed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlespace for advancing ground forces, while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting non-combatants. Targeted structures believed to be used by terrorist elements were destroyed, while a follow-up strike neutralised armed fighters observed converging on the location.

Speaking on the mission, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the operation as evidence of the Air Force’s determination to deliver precise and decisive airpower in support of ground troops. He stated that NAF would continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, hideouts, and logistics wherever they attempt to regroup.

“Our operations are intelligence-led and carefully planned to achieve maximum impact on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians,” Aneke said, reaffirming that pressure will be sustained until terrorist networks are completely dismantled. Ground troops who later advanced into the area reportedly confirmed the effectiveness of the airstrikes, validating the success of the joint air-land operation.

The Borno operation follows a similar strike in December 2025, when NAF targeted bandit camps in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State under Operation Fansan Yamma, destroying positions linked to a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Dogo Sule. Those strikes were also based on what NAF described as credible, multi-source intelligence.

As Nigeria continues to battle insurgency and banditry across multiple regions, the latest operation raises key questions: Are precision airstrikes beginning to weaken terrorist networks? Can sustained intelligence-driven operations finally deny extremists safe havens? And will joint air-ground campaigns restore security to communities long terrorised by violence?

Zamfara Govt Accuses Defence Minister Matawalle of Using NSA Office to Target Opposition Figures

The Zamfara State Government has accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of allegedly using the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to intimidate and harass opposition figures in the state. The claim was made in a press statement by Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, highlighting concerns over the politicisation of national security institutions.

The government alleged that Saleem Abubakar, a Technical Assistant in the Zamfara Governor’s office, was abducted in Abuja by operatives linked to the NSA without an arrest warrant. According to the statement, Abubakar was moved between undisclosed locations, raising fears of a deliberate attempt to conceal his whereabouts.

Zamfara officials described the alleged actions as a dangerous abuse of power and a threat to democratic norms, warning that such incidents could tarnish Nigeria’s democratic credentials and international reputation. The statement urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure due process is followed, stressing that legal charges should be preferred over illegal abductions.

The state government vowed to monitor the situation closely, promising to pursue justice and hold accountable any parties involved in what it termed federal impunity. This development has intensified debates around the intersection of politics and national security in Nigeria, highlighting rising concerns over the misuse of security agencies for political purposes.

Tinubu Orders Military, Police, DSS to Hunt Kasuwan Daji Terrorists, Rescue Abducted Women and Children in Niger State

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security agencies, including the military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), to intensify operations to track down and apprehend the terrorists behind the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State. The directive was issued on Sunday and conveyed in a statement signed on January 4, 2026, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President ordered the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the DSS Director-General to urgently locate the attackers and rescue all abducted victims, particularly women and children. The Kasuwan Daji attack, which occurred amid a surge in terrorist activities in Niger State, led to the killing of villagers and mass abductions.

According to the presidency, the assailants are suspected to be fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara states following a U.S. airstrike carried out on Christmas Eve. President Tinubu condemned the killings, described the attack as a test of Nigeria’s resolve, and vowed that the perpetrators and anyone aiding them would be hunted down and brought to justice.

He also extended condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Niger State, while assuring that security operations would be strengthened around vulnerable communities, especially those near forest areas used as criminal hideouts. The President urged Nigerians to remain united and avoid divisive rhetoric, stressing that collective resolve is crucial to defeating terrorism and restoring peace to affected communities.

BREAKING: Bandits Burn Vehicles and Abduct All Passengers on Danjibga–Kalgo Road in Zamfara

Armed bandits attacked commuters on the Danjibga–Kuncin Kalgo road in Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State, on Friday, burning two vehicles and abducting all passengers onboard. The assailants reportedly blocked the road before the assault, and the whereabouts of the victims remain unknown.

Security alert platform Bakatsine confirmed the incident, highlighting the ongoing insecurity on major roads in Zamfara. This comes days after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion on the Gusau–Magami–Dansadau road, which killed at least eight people. Following that attack, Nigerian security forces, including Police and Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams and the Joint Task Force under Operation Fansa-Yamma, cleared the road to ensure safety.

The recent abduction underscores persistent security challenges in the region and raises concerns over the safety of travelers on Zamfara State highways.

Troops from Operation Fansan Yamma have arrested a 25-year-old woman, Shamsiyya Ahadu, who was acting as an ammunition courier for terrorists

She was intercepted in the Badarawa area of Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State, in possession of 764 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and six magazines intended for the camp of notorious kingpin Bello Turji.

Her accomplice, motorcycle rider Ahmed Husaini, was also apprehended.

POLICE/MILITARY TEAMS CLEAR GUSAU–DANSADAU ROAD OF IED THREATS

The Zamfara State Police Command has announced the successful completion of a joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Sweep Operation along the Gusau–Magami–Dansadau Road.

The Operation followed the detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device by suspected terrorists along the road on 27th December, 2025, resulting in the loss of eight lives and the destruction of property.

In a statement, the Zamfara State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar says the Road has now been cleared and declared safe for normal vehicular and human movement.

The Statement encourages people in the State to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious objects or activities to the nearest security agency for appropriate action.

Nigerian Police, Army Clear Zamfara Highway After Deadly IED Blast Kills Eight

Days after a deadly IED explosion on December 27 killed at least eight people along the Gusau–Magami–Dansadau Road in Zamfara State, Nigerian security forces have cleared the highway and declared it safe. The joint operation involved Police and Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams under Operation Fansa-Yamma, with armed security providing cover throughout the sweep. Authorities confirmed the road is now safe for public use but urged residents to remain vigilant amid ongoing security concerns in the state.

#ZamfaraSecurity #IEDBlast #NigeriaNews #HighwayCleared #OperationFansaYamma #PublicSafety

Zamfara Man Allegedly Beaten to Death by Vigilantes Over 3 Watermelons, Family Demands Justice

A young man, Abdullahi Ibrahim, was allegedly beaten to death by members of a local vigilante group, Yansakai, in Gusau, Zamfara State, over suspicion of stealing three watermelons. The incident occurred in the early hours of December 21, 2025, along Gusau Hotel Road. His elder brother, Aminu Ibrahim, recounted that Abdullahi, who was mentally ill, was severely assaulted and denied immediate medical care.

The family condemned the act as “jungle justice” and a gross violation of human rights, demanding accountability for the vigilantes’ actions. Human rights lawyer Mubashir Umar confirmed involvement of the Yansakai group and stated that legal steps are underway to ensure justice. The Zamfara State Police have yet to release an official statement.

The incident has sparked public outrage, drawing comparisons to similar cases in Ondo State where young individuals were fatally beaten over minor accusations, highlighting ongoing concerns about vigilante justice in Nigeria.

Geregu Power Appoints Former Zamfara Governor Abdulaziz Yari as Chairman Following Femi Otedola’s Exit and N1.08 Trillion Stake Sale

Geregu Power Plc has appointed former Zamfara State governor and senator, Abdulaziz Yari, as chairman following billionaire investor Femi Otedola’s resignation. The board changes were approved during a Monday meeting after Otedola sold his majority stake in the company for N1.08 trillion to MA’AM Energy Ltd. Several new non-executive and independent directors were also appointed, including Abdulkadeer Njiddah, Usman Mohammed, Mohammed Jaafaru, Neka Adogu, and legal expert Mahmud Magaji. The appointments reflect a major restructuring of Geregu Power’s leadership, as the company seeks to leverage the experience of seasoned professionals in finance, operations, and governance, while Otedola retains a minority stake.

Nigerian Military Confirms Airstrikes On Bandit Kingpin Kachalla Dogo Sule’s IED Camp In Zamfara

The Nigerian military has confirmed launching coordinated airstrikes on the logistics and IED production camp of notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Dogo Sule in Zamfara State. The operation, carried out by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, also targeted Turba Hill in Tsafe Local Government Area, a known hideout for armed groups responsible for killings and roadside bomb attacks. Military authorities said the strikes followed recent deadly IED incidents along the Dan Sadau–Magami axis and resulted in the destruction of key structures and the neutralisation of several bandits. While the Nigerian Air Force described the mission as a major blow to the terror network’s operational capacity, concerns remain about the long-term effectiveness of airstrikes without sustained ground security and community protection.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Over 30 Women, Children Displaced by Bandits Forced to Share Single Room at Unofficial Zamfara IDP Camp

More than 30 women and children displaced by bandit attacks are crammed into a single room at an unofficial IDP camp in Gusau, Zamfara State. Videos shared by lawyer Mubashir Umar reveal horrific living conditions, with victims recounting abductions, killings, rape, hunger and prolonged captivity despite ransom payments. Umar blamed the worsening humanitarian crisis on the Zamfara State government’s failure to establish official IDP camps across the state’s 14 local government areas, leaving displaced persons to seek shelter in schools, unfinished buildings, markets and private homes amid escalating insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West.

BREAKING: On Wednesday, 24 Dec 2025, a violent clash erupted between two notorious armed group leaders in the Batsari axis: Namurjiya, younger brother of the late Sani Dangote and Lamo, deep inside forested areas bordering Katsina and Zamfara states.

The fighting reportedly stemmed from a killing carried out by Namurjiya two weeks ago. He allegedly murdered Abdulrahman, Lamo’s younger brother, at Shingi Tsohuwa in Ruma ward of Batsari LGA, Katsina State. Namurjiya had also been accused of repeatedly rustling cattle belonging to Fulani communities who had earlier accepted local peace agreements in Batsari and Jibia LGAs of Katsina State.

Residents say the confrontation began after Isha (night) prayers and lasted for hours, with heavy gunfire spreading fear across nearby villages. Casualties included civilians, among them women and children. Lamo’s faction reportedly seized weapons and motorcycles, while Namurjiya fled amid conflicting reports some claim he was killed, others say he escaped wounded. Inter-factional clashes among armed groups remain frequent in the region, echoing past deadly feuds such as the Gwaska Danƙarami–Sani Dangote conflict.

With repeated breakdowns of local peace accords, rival armed leaders settling scores in forests, and civilians paying the heaviest price, what realistic options remain for ending the cycle of retaliation in northwest Nigeria — tougher military action, renewed dialogue, or a completely different security approach?

Fresh Explosion Rocks Zamfara State, Kills at Least Nine Along Dansadau Road

No fewer than nine people have reportedly been killed following a fresh explosion along the Dansadau Road in Zamfara State, marking the second such incident in the area within one week. The blast occurred around Mai Aya Aya before the Kwankelai junction on the old Danguibi Road, near Ruwan Dawa village and Magamin Maitarko. Details surrounding the cause of the explosion remain unclear, but the incident has heightened fears over growing insecurity in northern Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara, which has witnessed repeated violent attacks and explosions in recent times.

Many Feared Dead as Suspected Bomb Explosion Hits Zamfara Highway, Commuters Caught in Blast

Several travellers are feared dead following a suspected bomb explosion along the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau road in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The blast, believed to have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), reportedly struck commuters on Saturday, triggering panic as security agencies moved to assess the situation. Police authorities confirmed the explosion but said details on casualties remain unclear, further heightening concerns over worsening insecurity in the region.

Six Zamfara Assembly Members Defect From PDP To APC, Strengthening Ruling Party’s Grip

Six members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant shift in the political balance of the state legislature. The lawmakers, who were elected on the PDP platform, formally announced their defection, further consolidating the APC’s influence in Zamfara State.
The defecting lawmakers are Hon. Muktar Nasir Kaura of Kaura North, Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maru representing Maru North, Hon. Amiru Ahmad Keta from Tsafe West, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi of Gummi I Constituency, Barrister Bashir Abubakar Masama representing Bukkuyum North, and Hon. Bashir Bello of Bungudu West. Their exit alters the composition of the House and weakens the opposition PDP in the state.
The development comes amid a broader wave of defections affecting the PDP at both state and national levels. SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the PDP was reduced to just two members in the Rivers State caucus of the House of Representatives after six federal lawmakers defected to the APC, citing unresolved internal crises and divisions within the opposition party.
In the House of Representatives, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas attributed the defections to deep-seated political conflicts within the PDP, while the defecting lawmakers said the party’s internal instability had hindered their political ambitions. They declared their decision to align with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” under the APC.
The Zamfara defections further underscore the growing challenges confronting the PDP as the APC continues to attract lawmakers across states, tightening its grip on legislative institutions and reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future elections.

Bandits Impose ₦8 Million Levy on Zamfara Community in Retaliation for Commander’s Death

Bandits in Kaya village, Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, have imposed an ₦8 million levy on the community as retaliation for the killing of notorious bandit commander Isuhu Buzu during a joint security operation by the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). Residents, who deny involvement in the operation, describe the levy as collective punishment against innocent civilians. The threat has heightened fear and tensions in the village, with concerns over potential violent reprisals, loss of lives, and property destruction. Community leaders have appealed to the Zamfara State Government and security agencies to intervene by deploying more security personnel, intensifying patrols, and ensuring the protection of Kaya village and surrounding areas.

#ZamfaraBandits #CommunityLevy #SecurityCrisisNigeria

Tinubu Urged To Suspend Defence Minister Bello Matawalle Over Alleged Links To Bandits, Terror Financing Claims

A constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Hamza N. Dantani Esq., has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, or compel him to step aside, citing grave national security concerns linked to persistent allegations of banditry collaboration.
Dantani said Northern Nigeria continues to suffer devastating insecurity, arguing that allegations against Matawalle — dating back to his tenure as Zamfara State governor — have never been independently or conclusively investigated despite their seriousness. He referenced repeated claims by Sokoto-based cleric Sheikh Murtala Asada and former aide Musa Kamarawa, who accused Matawalle of fraternising with bandits, providing material support, facilitating the release of known criminals, and allegedly funding terrorist activities.
While stressing that the allegations do not amount to a conviction, Dantani warned that retaining a defence minister under such scrutiny undermines Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts. He urged the president to prioritise transparency and national security by ordering an independent investigation, warning that failure to act could lead to court-mandated probes into the claims.