Bandits Shoot Prominent Resident As Zamfara Community Suffers Second Attack in One Week

Bandits launched a midnight attack on Bakura town in Zamfara State, marking the second assault on the community within a week. The gunmen shot a respected resident, Alhaji Kabiru Daket, before fleeing into the night, sparking fear and unrest among locals. The attack comes amid broader security concerns as investigations reveal that bandit networks linked to kidnapping, terrorism, and cattle rustling have migrated from Niger Republic and Nigeria’s North-West into Kwara and Niger forests. Security forces recently intercepted seven fleeing suspects from the Gbubu Forest enclave, disrupting their operations but highlighting the spread of organised criminal camps across multiple states. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the Bakura incident.

Intelligence Report Uncovers Hundreds of Kidnapping and Bandit Syndicate Members Across Northern Nigeria

A classified Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) report has exposed a vast network of kidnapping and bandit syndicates operating across the North-West and North-East. The investigation reveals detailed profiles of key kingpins, informants, logistics operators, and possible links to politically exposed persons.
Hotspot states like Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna dominate the findings, with suspects tied to ransom collection, weapons sourcing, international communication, and alleged collaboration with security and political figures. The report highlights how coordinated criminal networks sustain abductions, banditry, and cross-regional movement of armed groups.

Dalung Lauds Tinubu’s Benin Airstrike but Questions Failure to Tackle Insecurity in Nigeria

Former minister Solomon Dalung has praised President Bola Tinubu for Nigeria’s swift military intervention in Benin Republic, describing the airstrike against coup plotters as decisive and effective. However, he criticised the government for failing to apply the same urgency to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. Dalung questioned why operations against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers at home lack the coordination displayed in Benin, citing unanswered attacks such as the killing of Brig. Gen. Musa Uba and mass school kidnappings. He warned that Nigeria’s inability to protect its citizens fuels international calls — including past remarks by Donald Trump — for external intervention. Dalung urged Tinubu to deploy equal military strength to Sambisa, Niger, Zamfara, Plateau, and Kaduna, insisting that national strength must be proven within Nigeria’s borders.


#NigeriaSecurity

#TinubuAdministration

#SolomonDalung

Now that the man Nigerians admire and trust, General Musa, has been appointed Minister of Defence, one uncomfortable question refuses to leave my mind:

Will he truly be able to work with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle?

Before anyone answers that, let us remind ourselves who Oga Bello really is.

In 2021, when he was still Governor of Zamfara State, he boldly declared in a now-viral interview:
“Not all bandits are criminals.”
According to him, bandits only became violent because vigilante groups had cheated them.

But that is not even the most troubling part.

In November 2025, one of his former senior aides granted an explosive interview, alleging that Matawalle supplied 36 brand-new Toyota Hilux vehicles to notorious bandit commanders. Not only that, the aide claimed he maintained communication with these commanders even after becoming Minister.

And then came the most shocking accusation of all.

His successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, publicly accused Matawalle of harboring bandit leaders inside the Government House and diverting the resources of the state to enable banditry. He even went further to call for Matawalle’s removal from the Defence Ministry if the Federal Government is truly serious about ending terrorism and banditry.

So I ask again

General Musa may be ready to fight for Nigeria
but is everyone around him ready to fight the same enemy?

And how exactly are these appointments made without any background checks whatsoever?

This leads to the question I keep asking: can we truly separate our government from the terrorists killing us?

-KAA
#kaa_truths

Tinubu’s ‘Security Emergency’ Is Not a Constitutional State of Emergency — Odinkalu Warns Against State Police

In a detailed opinion piece, Chidi Anselm Odinkalu critiques President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a “nationwide security emergency,” arguing that it does not meet the constitutional requirements for a state of emergency and bypasses necessary oversight by the National Assembly. Odinkalu warns that the move appears politically calculated and masks the administration’s reluctance to acknowledge Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
He further cautions against the push for state police, citing historical abuses—from Native Authority Police to Bakassi Boys—and the failure of state-led security initiatives in Zamfara, Benue, and Anambra. Odinkalu warns that creating 37 separate police forces could decentralize despotism, enabling governors to weaponize security agencies against opponents. He argues instead for decentralizing the Nigeria Police Force with stronger oversight, autonomy, and professionalism.


#StatePoliceDebate

#ChidiOdinkalu

#NigeriaSecurity

BREAKING NEWS: Rural communities in Bungudu LGA, Zamfara State, are facing escalating pressure from armed bandit groups. Farmers in Durkai, Honkarhe, Makwa and Kiluta communities say they are being forced to pay steep levies before they can harvest:
Durkai community ₦5m
Honkarhe community ₦5m
Makwa community ₦9m
Kiluta community ₦5m

Residents also report that motorcycle prices are being dictated to them, with Honda bikes pushed to ₦1.7m. They are urgently calling on Defence Minister Christopher Musa to intervened and restore security so people can return to normal life in their communities.

▪︎ How long can these communities survive under such conditions?

▪︎ When will real protection reach Nigeria’s rural farmers?

Two Zamfara Lawmakers Dump APC for PDP Over Internal Crisis and Poor Leadership

Two members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Shamsudeen Hassan Basko and Nura Dahiru, have resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing persistent internal crises, divisions, and poor leadership within the party. Their resignation letters were read by Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki, with both lawmakers announcing their defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Hassan, from former Governor Abdulaziz Yari’s hometown, said the APC’s sidelining of members made continued participation impossible, while Dahiru stated that joining the PDP would better serve his constituents’ interests. The move strengthens the PDP’s position in Zamfara, where the party has recently gained momentum following Governor Dauda Lawal’s emergence and ongoing leadership disputes within the APC and PDP.

JUST IN: Wife of the Zamfara State Governor, Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has distributed comprehensive welfare packages to women drawn from various groups, organisations, unions and security formations to cushion economic hardship during the 2025 Christmas

JUST IN: The University of Ilorin has conferred an Award of Excellence on the Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, in recognition of his outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to public service, and notable contributions to national development.

SAD NEWS: Bandits that attack Abare community in Anka LGA, Zamfara State, yesterday evening. They succeeded in killing two residents and stole a motorcycle during the attack.

Which policy gaps continue to expose these communities and who is accountable for addressing them?

This video shows bandit kingpin Mustapha Babaro during interrogation after his April 2024 arrest in Zamfara State.

"Flush out these bandits"- Tinubu orders Police, DSS to storm forests in Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, directing security agencies to intensify operations against terrorists and armed groups hiding in forests across the country.

In a national address on Wednesday, the President ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy trained forest guards to comb and secure wooded areas where bandits and insurgents are believed to be operating. He also authorised the agency to embark on fresh recruitment to strengthen manpower for the operation.

“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” Tinubu warned, instructing the DSS and police to storm forested regions and flush out criminal elements responsible for recent deadly attacks.

As part of the emergency measures, the President approved the recruitment of an additional 20,000 police personnel, increasing the force to 50,000 officers nationwide. He further directed that National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps be used as temporary training facilities to fast-track the process.

Tinubu also ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs, saying the personnel would undergo rapid retraining and be redeployed to areas facing heightened security threats.

“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground,” he said, urging citizens to support security agencies and report suspicious activities.

The President commended security operatives for securing the release of kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State and worshippers abducted in Kwara, assuring that efforts to rescue remaining hostages including students kidnapped in Niger State would continue.

While praising the Armed Forces for their sacrifices, Tinubu cautioned against indiscipline, collusion, or negligence, stressing that the military must restore peace across all operational zones.

He also encouraged states with established security outfits to intensify local efforts and called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws that would allow states to create their own police structures where necessary.

Addressing the long-running clashes between herders and farmers, Tinubu urged herder groups to embrace ranching and take advantage of the newly created Livestock Ministry, warning against continued open grazing and illegal possession of weapons.

The President extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara, and paid tribute to military personnel who lost their lives, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.

“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he stated.

“We need our governors to do more. The president cannot be everywhere, he cannot be in Sokoto, he cannot be in Zamfara, he cannot be in Ogun, and he cannot be in Lagos, his own state.

BREAKING NEWS: Zamfara State Government marries off 200 orphans and disburses grants
https://x.com/i/status/1993252234365436054

Zamfara State Government marries off 200 orphans and disburses grants.

This sheikh is condemning the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for arriving in his home state of Zamfara with a convoy of over 70 vehicles and a massive military escort to protect him, while insecurity in the state continues to worsen.

WATCH: Fully Armed Terrorists Dressed as Soldiers Attend Wedding Fatiha of Top Kingpin in Zamfara As Nigeria’s Security Crisis Deepens

PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike-Backed Faction Expels Governors Makinde, Balance Mohammed & Dauda Lawal.

The internal turmoil within the PDP escalated sharply on Tuesday as the factional National Executive Committee (NEC) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ratified the expulsion of several high-profile party figures, including Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).

Also expelled were former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former National Vice Chairman, Bode George; and the recently elected National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN.

Tuesday’s actions follow last weekend’s contentious PDP national convention in Ibadan, where Wike and his loyalists were themselves expelled—sparking a fresh wave of confrontations. 

The tension peaked at the PDP national secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, where rival factions attempted to hold parallel NEC and Board of Trustees meetings, resulting in a heated standoff.

During its meeting at the secretariat, the Wike-backed factional NEC also dissolved the state executive councils in Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti, directing that caretaker committees be set up and new congresses conducted.

Reading the communiqué, National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu said, “NEC received the report of the Acting National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, detailing breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1), including anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct bringing the party into disrepute.”

He added that NEC had approved disciplinary proceedings against several members, including Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben N. Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel, and Emmanuel Enorden.

"Majority of Bandits Neutralised, Only Few Scattered Elements Remain"— Defence Minister,Matawalle.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has stated that most b+ndit leaders and their followers have been neutralised, noting that only a few scattered elements remain. He added that President Bola Tinubu has directed Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops to eliminate the remaining bandits in the North-West.

SaharaReporters previously reported that the Kebbi State Police confirmed the abduction of at least 25 students from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Danko/Wasagu LGA, on Monday morning.

The attack by heavily armed bandits resulted in the d+ath of one staff member and injury to another, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi said. The incident reportedly occurred around 4am, with assailants engaging police officers in a gun battle.

Matawalle made his remarks during a visit to the Theatre Command Headquarters, following Juma’at prayers at the Command Mosque.

According to his Director of Information, Ibrahim Sule, he conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation for the troops’ courage, patriotism, and achievements in dismantling bandit formations across the Northwest.

He told the soldiers: “Most key bandit leaders and their foot soldiers have been neutralised through your gallant effort. What remains now are scattered elements, and the Commander-in-Chief has directed that these must be completely eliminated. You have every support needed logistics, equipment, welfare, and morale to finish the job.”

Matawalle was received by Theatre Commander Maj. Gen. Warrah Bello Idris, who briefed him on recent operations, including neutralising high-value targets and reclaiming communities previously under bandit control. The minister praised the troops’ resilience, calling their sacrifices the foundation for peace returning to Zamfara and neighbouring states.

Addressing officers and soldiers, Matawalle urged sustained vigilance and discipline, assuring them that total victory was near. “Your sacrifices will never be in vain. The President, the nation, and soon the people of this region will sleep peacefully,” he declared.

NAF Crushes ISWAP Fighters, Destroys Bandit Camps Across Borno, Kwara, Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its nationwide counterterrorism and anti-banditry campaign, carrying out a series of precision airstrikes that eliminated ISWAP fighters and dismantled multiple criminal hideouts across the northern region.

According to a statement released by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the coordinated strikes targeted ISWAP strongholds in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram in Borno State, as well as bandit enclaves in Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara State, and Zango Hill in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State. Additional operations were also conducted in parts of Zamfara and Kaduna States.

Ejodame noted that the missions mark a significant phase in ongoing joint operations under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation FANSAN YAMMA, designed to degrade terrorist and criminal networks operating across Nigeria’s northern corridors.

He added that the success of these precision-led offensives reflects the renewed operational tempo of the Air Force, in line with directives issued by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.

Each strike, he said, reinforces NAF’s commitment to deploying intelligence-driven, smarter airpower to deliver decisive blows against insurgents and bandits, while safeguarding citizens and strengthening national security.