The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Zamfara State

  • Zamfara understudies Lagos’ land management

    Zamfara understudies Lagos’ land management

    • By Peculiar Balogun

    A high-level delegation from the Zamfara State Ministry of Finance had a knowledge-exchange visit to their counterparts in Lagos State with the primary objective to gain an in-depth understanding of the pioneering policy implementation and revenue management processes of the Lagos State Land Use Charge (LUC).

    Welcoming the team to the Ministry, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyemi, commended the delegation for choosing Lagos as a model for effective fiscal Management, noting that the state has continued to improve its internally generated revenue through transparent, technology-driven tax reforms and efficient land use administration.

    Abayomi said, “It is a mandatory property tax that consolidates various property-related payments and provides a vital source of internally generated revenue for the government to address the expanding needs of the ever-increasing population of the state.

    Read Also: China partners with Nigeria to advance global women’s empowerment

    Paying the land use charge is considered a civic responsibility that supports the government’s effort to improve the socio-economic status of all residents.

    Abayomi added, “We are pleased to share our experiences and lessons learned from administering the Land Use Charge. Lagos has consistently shown leadership in sub-national revenue generation, and we are always open to supporting our sister states in developing fiscal policies that drive development and improve the lives of our citizens.”

    Leading the delegation from Zamfara State, Dr. Yakubu Sanusi, expressed his appreciation for Lagos State’s transparency and willingness to share knowledge.

    “We are deeply impressed by the sophistication and success of the Land Use Charge system in Lagos. This study tour has been immensely insightful, and the knowledge gained will be valuable as we explore ways to enhance our own revenue generation capabilities in Zamfara State. We are committed to adapting these best practices to our local context”.

    The visit underscores a growing trend of peer learning among Nigerian states and highlights the Lagos State Land Use Charge policy as a national benchmark for effective property tax administration.

  • Bandits kill motorists, abduct many on Zamfara highway

    Bandits kill motorists, abduct many on Zamfara highway

    Several travellers were killed and abducted on Friday evening when heavily armed bandits attacked commuters along the Mayanchi–Anka Road in Zamfara State.

    Eyewitnesses said the gunmen laid siege to the busy highway, halting vehicles and forcing passengers into the surrounding bushes.

    One of the survivors, Malam Muhammad Ahmad, who narrowly escaped, recounted the horrifying encounter.

    Read Also: We’ve not been served court order on tinted glass permit – Police

    “The bandits blocked us on the road and kidnapped many people,” he said. “Some of us scattered and ran into the bushes. Those who managed to escape did so by hiding in farmlands covered with tall crops.”

    Ahmad added that his colleague, Abubakar Lawali Sardauna, was shot dead after resisting abduction.

    “He refused to go with them, saying he would not follow the bandits to the bush. They killed him on the spot,” Ahmad said.

    As of press time, the number of abducted victims could not be confirmed  as efforts to reach the Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful.

    The Mayanchi–Anka axis has long been a hotspot for bandit attacks, with residents and motorists repeatedly urging security agencies to intensify patrols and restore safety to the volatile route.

  • 16 die in Zamfara boat accident

    16 die in Zamfara boat accident

    The Gummi Emirate in Zamfara State has confirmed that 16 people died in a boat mishap while another two bodies are still missing.

    Secretary of the Emirate, Alhaji Surajo Zaki, confirmed this in a telephone interview.

    The mishap occurred when people from Danmaga village in Birnin Tudu District of Gummi Emirate were fleeing in fear of bandits after they received information that the marauders were on their way to attack the village.

    There are, however, discrepancies on the figure of the victims

    One of the relatives of the victims Rabi’u Birnin Magaji said they were still searching for 17 bodies but that 14 bodies had been recovered while three were missing and others were hospitalized.

    “What actually transpired is that my community had privileged information that bandits were on their way to attack us, and we tried to flee across the river on an overloaded boat which resulted in the boat mishap,’’ Rabi’u lamented.

    When asked about the number of people conveyed in the boat, Rabi’u said the canoe carried between 50 and 55 people, including babies and children.

    “Report from the District Head of Birnin Tudu put the figure of passengers onboard at 50, which, in an ideal situation, was supposed to be 25 but due to the fact that the people running for safety from bandits, the boat was loaded. Sixteen bodies were recovered as the rescue team are still searching,’’ Surajo Zaki said.

    Read Also: 2Baba hails Burna Boy as Nigeria’s number one artist

    However, yesterday evening, the Emirate said the boat had on board 46 people before the mishap and that 15 bodies were recovered while two were still missing.

    “Based on the reports the Emirate gathered this Sunday evening from the Acting District Head of Birnin Magaji,14 death bodies were recovered.

     Zaki read the letter sent by the District Head of Birnin Tudu to the emirate.

     It stated: “I Alhaji Hamza Yusuf the District Head of Birnin Tudu, want to notify our Emirate that on Friday 29/08/2025 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) from Danmaga village under Birnin Magaji District on their way to cross river at Nasarawar Kifi in Birnin Tudu District and they were overloaded and the driver of the boat tried to convince the passengers to reduce the load but he was overwhelmed fear of Bandits attacks and the boat capsized,16 people were dead and the names are…’’

     Zaki said another report from the District Head of Birnin Magaji confirmed that the 46 passengers were onboard out of which 29 survives and are in hospital while 15 bodies were recovered and two are still on search,’’ the Emirate Secretary said.

    The Gummi Local Government has set a committee under the chairmanship of Alhaji Amadu Dogo to deliver relief materials to the family of the victims.

    “The local government delivered one bag of guinea corn and a millet with N50,000. This is the actual happening and I will notify his Royal Highness and if there is any development I will let you know,’’ the Emirate Secretary said.

    The state Executive Secretary, Emergency Management Agency, Amb. Bala, who spoke through his Director, Operations, said, the rescue team was yet to arrive at the village to access the situation.

  • Bandits kill 10 security guards, three missing in Zamfara

    Bandits kill 10 security guards, three missing in Zamfara

    Armed bandits have ambushed and killed 10 members of community protection groups in Bagega,  Anka Local Government Area in Zamfara State.

    Also, three security guards have been declared missing, and others sustained injuries during the incident.

    The incident occurred on Saturday night during a joint task force operation involving members of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards and vigilante groups.

    They were targeted after raiding bandit hideouts in the Sukai forest.

    Among those killed were six members of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards and four members of the vigilante group known as Yan Sakai.

    Read Also: Rivers: Tinubu will not keep emergency rule longer than necessary, says Minister

    Those missing include two members of the community protection guards and one local vigilante.

    Governor Dauda Lawal confirmed the incident on his verified Facebook page yesterday.

    He reported that the operation led to the deaths of several terrorists and the recovery of a significant amount of weapons from the bandits.

    Lawal ordered the deployment of more troops to the affected areas and the supply of emergency relief to the injured and the families of the victims.

    He expressed his sympathy to the victims’ families and reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring peace.

  • Former Zamfara lawmakers threaten legal action over suspension of eight Assembly members

    Former Zamfara lawmakers threaten legal action over suspension of eight Assembly members

    The forum of former legislators of the Zamfara State House of Assembly has threatened to take legal action against the current leadership of the House if it fails to reinstate eight suspended members within two weeks.

    Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna on Sunday, the Forum’s Secretary, Hon. Yusuf Alhassan Kanoma, condemned the suspension, describing it as a blatant violation of the rule of law. 

    He criticised the Assembly for failing to follow due process, stating that as a legislative body, it should uphold democratic principles rather than undermine them.

    Kanoma further expressed concern over the leadership of Speaker Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki and Clerk Mahmud Aliyu, accusing them of undemocratic practices within the state legislature.

    “We Members of Former Legislators Forum of Zamfara State, are here before you while our hearts are bleeding, our mindset is shaky with clear dismay on flagrant disobedience to Rule of Law by an arm of government that ought to have been the protector and maintenance of our lands rules of governance, the Zamfara State House of Assembly. 

    “This is perceptible, series of events that are going on at Zamfara State House of Assembly under the Leadership of Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki as the Speaker and Mahmud Aliyu as the clerk to the House.It is known facts that, Democracy is a system upon which people are represented and heard, through representations at the State Assembly vide the provision of Section 90 of 1999 Constitution (as amended) as a right not privilege. 

    “To this end, many constituencies were deprived of this representation unjustly, numbering about nine (10) out of 24 electoral constituencies as provided by the Constitution just for personal gain. What a pity? We consider it imperative to voice out our concern to the general public, our true position on this atrocious act perpetuated by the current leadership of the Zamfara State House of Assembly in betrayal of what they swore to protect and preserve as oath of office.

    “The reality and fact of the matter was, somewhere in 2024, eight (8) Members of Zamfara State House of Assembly were unjustifiably suspended without following due process of law. Members representing Bakura, Maru North, Bungudu East, Gummi I, Bukkuyum West, Tsafe West, Mafara North, Kaura Namoda South and Maradun I respectively (Hon. Ibrahim T Tukur, Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi, Bashir Sarkin Zango, Hon. Bashir Gummi, Hon Bashir Abubakar Masama, Hon. Amiru Keta, Hon. Shamsudeen Hassan Basko, Hon Jikan Shehu and Hon. Faruku Musa Dosara) via a flimsy excuses of violation of unstated rules of the House while exercising their constitutional duties”. He said.

    The forum also vowed to drag the house before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) because, “Very disheartening and in deliberate disobedient of laid down Rules as provided in the Zamfara State House of Assembly Standing Orders of 2014 (as amended) including the caricatured new Rules passed in 2024 by the House (as it cannot pass the test of a competent court), their salaries were stopped, all their entitlement were hurriedly and dishonestly shared between the Principal Officers of the House, in contravention of exiting Financial Instruction Rules of the State. It is crystal clear how in violation of Section 36(1) (Fair Hearing) of 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and S3 (a&b) of Legislative Houses ( Powers and Privileges) Act 2014, the Hon.

    Read Also: US-based Nigerian doctor allegedly ‘commits suicide’ over $15,000 child support

    “Members were arraigned before Magistrate Court 1 Gusau, labeled with criminal charges from the Office of the State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice under the influence and directive of the Executives. 

    “This is direct strangulation of democracy and its principles of power separation as contained in the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). The penalty if any contempt may have been in place is not more than 14 LEGISLATIVE DAYS as provided by Standing Orders of the Hon. House, which is now over 350 days what a mirage.

    “Indeed, many influential personalities, Ulama, National Assembly, Legislative Forum, political parties, political allies of the Governor ie (Sambo Gusau) and another committee head by the SA Assembly matters Hon Shehu Ahmad Sarkin Fulani with another committee head by the Governor himself and other well-meaning Nigerians including (General Ali Gusau) waded in to settle this rift, but it all proved abortive as the result of interference and ill-mannered administrators of the House under the leadership of Clerk (Mahmud Aliyu) upon whom provide wrongful advices scampering through the inexperience of the House leadership. 

    “The aggrieved Legislators were persuaded to withdraw their pending matters before Federal High Court Gusau and Zamfara State High Court of Justice as proposed by the Sambo committee which they obliged in the interest of peace and harmony, but the Leadership of the State Assembly under Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki failed to play their part and refused to allow peace to reign.

    “Unanimously, we are of the view that, the recent declaration of Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara’s(minority leader) seat vacant is in nullity and is done on premise to open a new theater of war as the Leadership realizes how it was cage in a tight corner by his protest of not participating in any Legislative function until rule of law is restored and adhered to as provided by Order X Rule 5 &6 of Zamfara State House of Assembly Standing Orders 2024 (as amended) by calling back the suspended Hon. Members in line with the subsidiary Legislation of the House. 

    “We condemned the act and inaction of Zamfara State House of Assembly in all its act of disobedience to rule of law hypocrisy and strangulation of democracy for selfish interest. Laws are made to be followed in total not in selection for Machiavellian implementation by the Speaker and the Clerk as it is now in the Assembly.

    “They failed to adhere to the rules and many Court pronouncements (Hon. Rifkatu v Speaker Bauchi State House of Assembly 2019 by Court of Appeal) on illegal suspension of a Member, but mischievously declared a Hon. Member’s seat vacant relaying on same legislation they failed to adhere to, very unbecoming to a Legislator. We therefore, call to the Leadership of Zamfara State House of Assembly, Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Political Leadership of PDP and APC in the State to act in accordance with provisions of the law most especially Sections 90,101,104 and 107 1999 Constitution(as amended) which is in tandem with State Assembly matters respectively. 

    “Compliance to such Orders in the Standing Rules is mandatory, to promote rule of law and equal justice. Let’s all these unholy decisions be reverted for the protection of law and order, equity, justice, fairplay and lawful representation in all constituencies of the State”. Kanoma added.

  • Fed Govt alerts public to outbreak of anthrax in Zamfara

    Fed Govt alerts public to outbreak of anthrax in Zamfara

    The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has confirmed an outbreak of Anthrax on a farm in Zamfara State, raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease.

    The ministry, in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations Department, Ben Goong, urged stakeholders and the public to adopt proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with the zoonotic disease.

    Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is classified as a notifiable disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) due to its high morbidity and mortality rates.

     It affects various warm-blooded animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife, and can also infect humans.

    Read Also: Take responsibility for your lives – Yul Edochie urges Nigerians

    Symptoms of Anthrax in both animals and humans include fever, coughing, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, itching, and bleeding from major openings.

    The Ministry emphasised the need for early detection and response to contain the spread of the disease effectively.

    Preventive measures such as risk assessments, disease surveys, and ring vaccination of susceptible animals in high-risk areas remain critical.

    The Ministry, however, called on states bordering Zamfara to take immediate steps to prevent further spread. It also urged the public to report unusual illnesses in animals or humans and to adhere strictly to preventive guidelines issued by health authorities.

  • Insecurity: Focus on Zamfara State

    Insecurity: Focus on Zamfara State

    By Isa Mohammed

    The Northwest zone, comprising Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina and Kano states, has come under siege from non-state actors, particularly bandits and terrorists. Zamfara has been worst hit as the state has come under an intense wave of insecurity that has severely impacted the lives of its residents. Experts have attributed the spectre of insecurity in Zamfara to multifaceted factors, the dimensions of which have had far reaching consequences on the livelihoods of the people of the state in particular and the zone as a whole.

    Successive governors of Zamfara State since 2011 have been either fingered for contributing to the birth of banditry or romancing them through inertia, patronage and vicious politicisation of the situation. Without making it too obvious, this attitude has not only emboldened notorious bandits like Bello Turji, Dogo Gide, among others, but has also mainstreamed a somewhat safe environment for Turji wannabees to spring up in pockets of the many ungoverned spaces that litter the entire zone.

    In the course of public discourse, experts have revealed that a significant factor exacerbating the insecurity in Zamfara State is the evident lack of coordination or synergy between federal forces and local authorities. Bandits’ attacks, which can last for several hours, often occur without any timely response from national security forces. Local officials have repeatedly expressed frustration over the slow and sometimes non-existent intervention from federal troops. This disconnect has allowed bandits to operate with impunity, conducting raids that devastate communities and erode public trust in the government’s ability to provide security. The government of Dauda Lawal Dare has been particular about this lack of control and the frustration that comes with the inability of subnational governments to take charge of the security of their domains.

    Read Also: Wike woos Nigerians in Diaspora over infrastructural development

    As a response to this lack of control, the Zamfara State government late last year floated a local vigilante known as the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPD). And although the ZCPD has been as equipped as is allowed by law, the agency has not been able to forestall the wave upon wave of attacks on defenceless communities, thus reigniting the imperative for synergy between local authorities and federal forces as well as calls for state police.

    Alarmingly, many attacks in Zamfara occur in close proximity to military checkpoints, yet there is often no response from the officers stationed there. This has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness and willingness of the military to protect civilians. In some instances, communities have reported hearing gunshots and cries for help while military personnel remained inactive. The reasons behind this inaction are complex, ranging from alleged corruption and collusion with bandits to a lack of adequate resources, intelligence and maybe vicious politics. Regardless, the result is a pervasive sense of vulnerability among the local population. It must be said that these federal forces have enjoyed a great deal of goodwill from the state government ranging from the donations of many operational vehicles to other incentives all in a bid to up the morale of troops and enhance operational efficiency. Sadly, all these have yet to really tilt advantage to the people.  

    The insecurity in Zamfara has severely disrupted many activities that support the livelihood of the people, the worst hit of which is agriculture. This has contributed to high prices of farm produce and widespread hunger all over Nigeria. This is because Zamfara and states in the Northwest zone are major producers of grains and other staple foods. Unfortunately, farmers are often too frightened to tend to their fields, and many have abandoned their farms altogether. The constant threat of banditry means that planting, harvesting, and transporting goods to markets have become perilous endeavours. This disruption has had a cascading effect on food supply chains, causing prices to skyrocket and contributing to food insecurity not just in Zamfara, but also across Nigeria. The once fertile and productive zone now struggles with declining agricultural output and increasing poverty.

    Recently, residents of Magami, an area in Gusau local government area of Zamfara State, browbeaten by years of banditry, welcomed a bandit kingpin, Dogo Gide, who recently relocated to their area with lots of pump and pageantry. A song released in his honour praised him as the saviour of the people, even as he was quoted as saying farmers should return to their farms and tend the land without fear, assuring them of protection from other bandits operating in the area. This event not only came off as a big source of embarrassment to Nigeria’s battle against insecurity, but also represents a significant setback to the state’s efforts towards stamping its authority on and protecting its territorial integrity.

    Commerce and other business activities, especially small-scale businesses, have also been deeply affected by the insecurity in Zamfara. Markets that once bustled with activity now see dwindling numbers of traders and customers, as fear of attacks keeps people away. Transport routes, crucial for the movement of goods and services, are often targeted by bandits as scores are either kidnapped for ransom or killed, making travel risky and unpredictable. This has led to a significant economic downturn in the zone, with small business owners bearing the brunt of the losses. Many businesses have closed down, leading to higher unemployment rates and further economic distress.

    Indeed, the persistent insecurity in Zamfara, as in other parts of the zone, has had a profound impact on the social lifestyle and psychological well-being of its residents, particularly women and children. Constant fear and anxiety have become a part of daily life, as communities brace themselves for the next attack. The trauma of witnessing violence, losing loved ones, and living in a state of perpetual uncertainty has left deep psychological scars. Children, who should be in school, often stay at home due to safety concerns, depriving them of education and a sense of normalcy. Women, who are often the primary caregivers, bear the heavy burden of maintaining some semblance of stability in their homes, despite the overwhelming challenges. This is despite the state government’s best efforts.

    Above notwithstanding, the insecurity ravaging Zamfara State has proven itself a really complex crisis with far-reaching implications. The first obvious approach that needs to change is the lack of effective coordination between federal forces and local authorities. The crisis is begging for synergy; collective and concerted efforts that will break the ranks of the militia who at present appear more coordinated than state forces. More action must replace the inertia that hitherto allows the alarming proximity of bandit attacks to military checkpoints to happen unchallenged.

    Let it be known, that safeguarding Zamfara State, and the nation at large will profoundly impact agriculture, commerce, and social well-being, thus underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated solutions. Addressing these issues, therefore, is critical not only to Zamfara State, but also the nation at large.

    •Mohammed writes from Gusau, Zamfara State.

  • Zamfara governor shuts down school, suspends staff over desecration of Qur’an

    GOVERNOR Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State on Saturday went tough with the authorities Shattima Model Primary School, Gusau, over an allegation of  desecration of the Holy Qur’an in the school.

    He shut down the school and sent the staff on an indefinite suspension.

    A full investigation was immediately ordered into the situation.

    To conduct the probe is the Basic Education Commission, according to Yusuf Idris, the Director-General, Press Affairs to the governor.

    Read Also: Zamfara to probe radio, television stations

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pages of the Holy Qur’an were discovered around 11am on Friday in the sewage of the school.

    The governor who is currently in the United States to woo investors, pledged that the government would fish out the perpetrators.

    He directed the immediate deployment of three additional security guards to all public primary schools in the state capital to beef up security.

    “Government will deal ruthlessly with anyone with a hand in this dastardly act, however highly placed,” he said and urged residents to be more vigilant.

    Matawalle said people should report suspicious movements in their areas to security agencies or Shariah commission officials for prompt intervention.

  • Zamfara govt receives 19 rifles, others recovered from bandits

    No fewer than 19 assorted rifles recovered from repentant bandits in Zamfara State by the police were handed over to the state government on Friday.

    Police Commissioner, Usman Nagogo, who displayed the retrieved firearms to Governor Bello Matawallen said they were recovered between August 30 and September 5.

    According to him, the firearms were surrendered by repentant bandits under the disarmament process, noting that the amnesty exercise was yielding results.

    Nagogo noted that the command had been able to secure the release of over 375 hostages through the exercise.

    The police chief said information available to him showed that about 90 per cent of the bandits were ready to surrender their weapons without financial gratification.

    Nagogo said that one Abdullahi Yellow, a native of Dansadau Emirate in Maru Local Government Area (LGA) surrendered four sophisticated firearms, ammunition and military camouflage on August 30.

    He said: “The firearms recovered from Yellow included a Light Machine gun (LMG) rifle with breech number erased, AK47 rifle with batch number 35372, FN rifles with numbers 167119 and 212108 as well as 10 rounds of live ammunition and a military camouflage.

    “On September 4, one Kachalla Halilu, a repentant bandit from Sububu forest in Maradun Local Government Area submitted four rifles to the Commissioner of Police, a sign of receiving government offer of amnesty wholeheartedly without any condition.

    “They include two AK47 with empty magazine, FN and LMG rifles. These are rifles that

    were received from remorseful bandits who have also promised to surrender their arms and ammunition without government paying a dime.

    Read Also: Zamfara to spend N8.6b on RUGA settlement

    “Similarly on September 5, the same remorseful bandit surrendered six caliber of different assorted automatic rifles to the Commissioner of Police including a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and five AK47 rifles.

    “It is instructive to note that all these rifles were received as tip of the iceberg. The real disarmament has not even started. The contacts we made gave us a hint that more than 90 percent of the repentant bandits are ready to surrender their arms.”

    Nagogo said the gains of the disarmament exercise were already proving critics wrong, adding that most bandits that fled the cities were  relocating to smaller towns and suburban areas to start normal lives.

    “They are interacting with the people and security agents about their future plans. This itself has proven that the amnesty offered by the government is working and actually it will boost the economic activities of the state,” he added.

     

  • Zamfara receives 19 rifles, others recovered from bandits

    No fewer than 19 assorted rifles recovered from repentant armed bandits in Zamfara State by the police were handed over to the state government on Friday.

    Police Commissioner Usman Nagogo who displayed the retrieved firearms to Gov. Bello Matawallen said they were recovered between August 30 and September 5.

    According to him, the surrendering of firearms by repentant bandits under the disarmament process was yielding results, adding that the command has been able to secure the release of over 375 hostages through the process.

    The police chief said information available to him showed that about 90 per cent of the bandits were ready to surrender their weapons without financial gratification.

    Giving breakdown on the firearms, Nagogo said one Abdullahi Yellow; a native of Dansadau Emirate in Maru Local Government Area (LGA) surrendered four sophisticated firearms, ammunition and military camouflage on August 30.

    He said: “The firearms recovered from Yellow included a Light Machine gun (LMG) rifle with breech number erased, AK47 rifle with batch number 35372, FN rifles with numbers 167119 and 212108 as well as 10 rounds of live ammunition and a military camouflage.

    “On September 4, one Kachalla Halilu, a repentant bandit from Sububu forest in Maradun LGA submitted four deadly rifles to the Commissioner of Police, a sign of receiving government offer of amnesty wholeheartedly without any condition.

    “They include two AK47 with empty magazine, FN and LMG rifles. These are rifles that were received from remorseful bandits who have also promised to surrender their arms and ammunition without government paying a dime.

    Read Also: Bandits kill 50 civilian JTF members, others in Zamfara

    “Similarly on September 5, the same remorseful bandit surrendered six caliber of different assorted automatic rifles to the Commissioner of Police including General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and five AK47 rifles.

    “It is instructive to note that all these rifles were received as tip of the iceberg. The real disarmament has not even started. The contacts we made gave us a hint that more than 90 percent of the repentant bandits are ready to surrender their arms.”

    Nagogo said the gains of the disarmament exercise were already proving critics wrong, adding that most bandits that fled the cities were relocating to smaller towns and suburban areas to start normal lives.

    “They are interacting with the people and security agents about their future plans. This itself has proven that the amnesty offered by the government is working and actually it will boost the economic activities of the state,” he said.