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Tag: Zamfara State

  • Matawalle applauds Gbajabiamila for appointing Rikiji as chief of staff

    Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle has commended the Speaker of the House of representatives,  Femi Gbajabiamila, for appointing former Speaker of the House of Assembly Sanusi Rikiji as his Chief of Staff.

    In a statement by his media aide, Malam Nasiru, the governor expressed his gratitude for the gesture, adding that the appointment is not for Rikiji family, but for the government and people of Zamfara State.

    He described Rikiji as humble, trust worthy and committed person who is equal to the task.

    He said: “The government and people of Zamfara State stand firmly with the Speaker, fully confident that the Chief of Staff would do the state proud, much as the Speaker is bound to be the happiest in the choice of Sanusi Rikiji. We are behind him and he will not fail you.”

    Also, while receiving the Speaker on a condolence visit over the death of the father of Chief of Staff, Alhaji Sani Dahiru, the representative of the Emir of Gusau, who spoke on behalf of Rikiji family, thanked Gbajabiamila for the visit and the appointment of their son. According to them, Rikiji Family will continue to pray for the leadership and entire members of the National Assembly for Allah’s guidance to excel and deliver their mandate to take Nigeria to the next level.

    He said: “What happened to Rikiji Family is inevitable, but whenever it happens the feeling of the great loss must be there. One of the ways for having a solace is to have the loved ones who share the worries with you. Mr. Speaker sir, as you leave all your mandates coming all the way from Abuja to condole our family, words cannot  express our feelings nor our thanks for your concern.”

    Gbajabiamila condoled the government, people of the state and the family, and prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul.

    He added: “I had wanted to be in Gusau to visit a father who has Sanusi as his biological son. Such a father has indeed all the blessings of God for that gem of personality in the Sanusi I know. May his soul rest in peace.”

  • Total handovers N1b projects to northern beneficiaries

    An oil firm, Total E&P Nig. Ltd, has handed over projects worth N1 billion in the North to the representatives of the beneficiaries.

    Its Deputy Managing Director, Deepwater District, Ahmadu-Kida Musa, during the inauguration of the 10 projects in Abuja, said they are in furtherance of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of the firm’s Deep Water Operations.

    He noted that in line with extant regulations, the firm’s deep water operations adopt the entire country as host, especially with regard to CSR programmes.

    Musa said the projects were borne out of Total’s need to mitigate gaps in qualitative and technical education, maternal and child health, access to clean water and sanitation.

    Read Also: Total ends gas flaring in Egina field

    He said the locations of the projects were carefully chosen to impact  the internally displaced persons, especially in the Northeast.

    The project, he said, were also in congruent with the United Nations Sustainable Goals Numbers three, four, six and seven.

    Musa noted that most of the projects were delivered with integrated solar power, which is environment-friendly and cheaper to run.

    He said: “These projects were constructed at a cost of about N1 billion. They include: ICT Centre with Mini Theatre at Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, Bauchi State; ICT with Mini Theatre at Shehu Shagari College of education, Sokoto; Mammography Centre at General Hospital Anka, Zamfara State; Maternal & Child Referral Centre in Bama, Borno State; and School Science Laboratory at Government Secondary School, Dutsinsafe, Katsina State.”

    Others include a block of six classrooms at St. Boniface Primary School, Idah, Kogi State; water Project at Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State; water project at Sokoto Special Hospital, Sokoto State; Water Project at Offa, Kwara State and Water Project at Benisheik, Bornu State.

    Musa promised that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)/ Total and partners (Petrobras, Saprtro and Cnooc) would keep intervening in the country’s social environment through the deployment of various projects.

    He noted that annually, the company provides 1,600 scholarships to beneficiaries in tertiary institutions. Other projects include construction, equipping of model schools, science laboratories and ITC centres.

     

  • Zamfara Director of budget regains freedom from kidnappers

    Zamfara State Governor, Bello Muhammad Matawallen has expressed happiness over the release of the state’s Director of Budget Alhaji Hamza Salihu and one other person who were kidnapped at gunpoint along Kachia/Keffi road while on their way for an official assignment in Akwanga, Nasarawa state on Sunday.

    This is contained in a press released signed by the director general press affairs to the the government house Gusau, Malam Yusuf Idris, a copy made available to the Nation in Gusau Tuesday.

    The governor, according to a release had liased immediately after the abduction with his Kaduna state counterpart, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai and security agencies to secure the release of the victims.

    Read Also: Gunmen kidnap Zamfara Director of Budget

    Gov. Matawalle who congratulated the released persons and their families commended the victims’ friends and all those that negotiated the release.

    He advised all criminals operating in the bushes to renounce their bad ways and embrace peace noting that such move is already working in Zamfara where bandits are releasing kidnap victims and surrendering to security operatives towards embracing peace and is impacting positively in the neighbouring states.

    The governor once again sympathized and condoled with the families of the state’s Deputy Director of Budget, Alhaji Kabiru Ismail who was killed by the kidnappers during the attack.

    Governor Matawalle also  donated one million Naira  and ten bags of rice to the deceased family.

  • Atiku’s witnesses not attacked in Zamfara- Police

    Zamfara State Police Command has refuted allegations that bandits attacked witnesses of presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar, who were travelling to Abuja to testify against the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari as winner of the presidential election.

    The police were reacting to reports by some national dailies, which claimed that the witnesses said they were attacked by bandits in Zamfara State.

    The witnesses added that the situation forced them to scamper into the bush and stopped their journey to the Supreme Court to testify for the former vice president against Buhari.

    Read Also: Atiku’s witnesses allege manipulation of results

    The police command stated in a statement signed by Muhammad Shehu, a superintendent of police: “It is pertinent to categorically state that, as per the crime statistics of  Zamfara State is concern, there was no any attack by bandits either on villages or on any person or group of persons travelling on any highway in the state.

    “Since the inception of the ongoing peace and dialogue initiative in the state, attacks, kidnapping and other heinous crime in the state have been reduced drastically to about 98 percent, a situation that has restored peace and stability in the state.”

  • Insecurity: Gbajabiamila visits Zamfara, others

    THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila will on Monday visit Zamfara State as part of his efforts to assess security challenges in some states across the country.

    A statement from his special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, said during the visit, the Speaker is expected to travel to some specific local government areas in the state that are most affected by activities of bandits and kidnappers.

    The statement further reads:  “the speaker, who will be in company of some members of the house, will also meet specific individuals such as government officials, including the state governor, community and religious leaders.

    “The speaker’s visit would afford him the opportunity to see the situation on ground, return to the House and together with members make necessary recommendations to the Executive arm of government.

    Read Also: Gbajabiamila appoints media aides

    It is expected that the executive arm will leverage on the assessment of the House on the security situations in the affected states and take further action.”

    The statement further recalled that after the emergence of Gbajabiamila as speaker, he had promised to visit the states that have been facing security challenges.

    “This is in line with the Speaker’s campaign slogan themed ‘Nation Building: A Joint Task. After Zamfara State, the speaker will also visit other states such as Katsina, Borno, Taraba, Adamawa, Benue, among others,’ the statement reads.

  • Breaking: Air Force neutralises 20 Bandits in Zamfara

    No fewer than 20 bandits have been neutralised in Zamfara state by the Nigerian Air Force jets in a renewed operation within the northwest zone, the Air Force announced yesterday.

    It spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement the air strikes were conducted after intelligence reports have established the presence of the bandits in the area.

    Air Commodore Daramola said :”The Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI has neutralized no fewer than 20 armed bandits at a location near Munhaye in Zamfara State in air strikes conducted yesterday, 2 July 2019.

    “The operation was executed sequel to credible intelligence reports indicating that scores of armed bandits had assembled at the location for a meeting, supposedly with the intention of attacking innocent civilians in the surrounding communities.

    “The Air Component therefore scrambled a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet to attack the location, which is about 15 kilometres from the boarder with Katsina State.

    ” Upon arrival overhead the area, the Alpha Jet observed over 30 armed bandits attempting to flee the location whilst firing at the approaching attack aircraft. The Alpha Jet engaged the bandits with effective fire, neutralizing 20 of them.

    ” The NAF, working in consonance with other security agencies, will sustain its operations to flush the bandits out of the Northwest of the Country.  “

  • Repentant bandits surrender 216 rifles in Zamfara

    A total of 216 rifles mostly AK47 have been recovered by Zamfara Government from bandits terrorizing innocent people in the state.

    This was contained in a press release signed by Yusuf Idris, Director-General, Press Affairs to Gov. Bello Matawalle, and made available to journalists in Gusau on Sunday.

    It said that the governor made the revelation when he received former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon at the Government House, Gusau on Saturday.

    The statement said that most of the weapons were voluntarily returned to the government by repentant bandits who surrendered to embrace peace while denouncing their bad ways.

    The governor described the elder statesman’s visit to the state as timely and sought for professional advice from the retired general on the best practicable ways to end banditry in the state.

    “Matawalle maintained that Nigeria now needs more of his personality with the current situation of banditry, kidnapping and other heinous crimes in order to advise current leaders in handling the terrible situation.

    Read Also: Troops kill 15 bandits in Zamfara

    “He further said that tapping from the wealth of Gowon’s experience as a former Army General and Head of State who fought for the corporate existence of the country will assist his administration positively on security intelligence and intervention.

    “On his government efforts to end the menace of armed banditry the Governor informed the leader that his administration has adopted various methods that include reconciliation which have started to yield positive results as over 216 AK47 rifles have been surrendered to the authorities by surrendering bandits,” the statement added.

    In his response, Gowon said he was in the state for his Nigeria Pray initiative, to pray for an end to the violence in the North west and seek for God’s blessings and wisdom for leaders to offer good governance as well as sustainable unity in the country.

    “General Gowon who said Nigeria is a prayer Nation enjoined all well meaning citizens of the state to continue to pray for peace and unity of the country and Zamfara.”

    The  statement said the meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Bala Maru, Chief of Staff, Government House, retired Col. Bala Mande, Sen. Lawal Hassan Dan-Iya, Speaker Zamfara State House of Assembly, Nasiru Magarya, among other top government officials.

    NAN

  • Troops arrest 25 bandits in Zamfara, Sokoto

    Troops have arrested 25 bandits in the forests of Sokoto and Zamfara States, the Nigerian Army announced on Saturday.

    Its spokesman, Col Sagir Musa, said in a statement that arms and ammunitions were recovered from them.

    He said: “Following reinvigorated operational strategies and robust anti banditry operations injected into the activities of Operation HARBIN KUNAMA III, troops have in renewed efforts arrested several gangs of bandits terrorising Isa, Rabbah and Burkusuma communities around Sububu Forest in Sokoto State as well as in Batsari, Safana and Kankara in Dumburum Forest of Katsina state.

    “Similarly, troops deployed in Super Camp covering Bena, Jega, Danko and Wasagu encountered and annihilated unconfirmed number of bandits and destroyed five ( 5) bandits’ camps in Gando Forest of Kebbi State.” Col. Musa quoted the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Maj. Gen Hakeem Otiki, as saying that five camps and 25 motorcycles were destroyed during the operation. He said the operation which covers Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states witnessed series of successful simultaneous ground operations activities involving raids, ambushes, cordon and search with the occasional support of the Air Task Force component which the troops are poised to sustain.

    The GOC further stated that items recovered during the operation include: 8 x AK 47 rifles, 2 x General Purpose Machine Guns, 2 x G3 rifles and 3 x dane guns. Others are 9 x AK 47 magazine and 48 x rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. According to him, “The operation is to facilitate the return of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons back to their homes, creating enabling environment for economic activities to strive and instill confidence in the locals to remain in their villages and continue their normal lives unmolested.

    Read Also: Troops neutralise several bandits in Sokoto, lose a soldier

    He assured the residents of the Nigerian Army readiness to provide adequate security and improve synergy and collaboration with other security agencies within 8 Division Area of responsibility with the aim of combating banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other security challenges.

    He used the opportunity to commend the gallant officers and soldiers of the Division for their resilience and patriotism in the ongoing operation even as he commended members of various vigilante groups and local hunters for their supportive roles to troops.

     

  • Troops kill eight bandits, arrest 17 collaborators in Sokoto

    No fewer than eight bandits have been killed and 17 other collaborators arrested by troops of Operation Harbin Kunama III under the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto.

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Division, Maj.-Gen. Hakeem Otiki, told newsmen in Sokoto yesterday that arrested suspects were informants and logistics suppliers.

    Otiki said five bandits’ camps and 25 motorcycles were destroyed in the operation.

    He commended members of the various vigilance groups and local hunters for their support to troops operating in their villages and communities.

    Otiki explained that the operation, which was flagged off on April 1, 2019 in Zamfara, involved military activities in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.

    According to him, the exercise has instilled confidence in the locals to remain in their villages and continue with their normal lives as well as facilitated the return of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes.

    He added that troops and logistics were deployed from various divisions of the Nigerian Army to checkmate bandits activities and those fleeing from Zamfara into neighbouring states.

    He said the efforts of the Nigerian Army and their Niger Republic counterparts, as well as other security agencies in the country, especially in the areas of joint border patrols and the dynamics of the operation, has been yielding positive impacts.

    Read Also: Buratai treats troops to Dubar in Borno

    According to him, the collaboration had  culminated into several encounters and defeat of bandits in Isa, Rabah and Burkusuma general area around Sububu Forest in Sokoto State.

    “In Katsina State, troops operating super camp in Batsari, Safana and Kankara also made contact with bandit gangs and denied them freedom of action in Dumburum Forest.

    “In Kebbi State troops deployed in super camp in Bena, Jega and Danko Wasagu also encountered and defeated bandits in Gando Forest,” Otiki said.

    He further explained that the military operations have facilitate the return of refugees and IDPs to their homes and created enabling environment for farming activities in villages.

    The GOC added that within the short period of the operation, eight AK 47 Rifles, two G3 Rifles, two GPMGs, three Dane Guns, nine AK 47 Magazine and 48 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition were apprehended from the bandits.

    Otiki added that the 8 Division was also effectively collaborating with troops of Operation Hadarin Daji as a blocking force against fleeing bandits from Zamfara.

    He noted that improved synergy with other security agencies and greater understanding enjoyed from traditional institutions and state authorities had facilitated enhanced security of the civil populace in the affected areas.

  • Troops kill 15 bandits in Zamfara

    Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji have killed 15 bandits terrorising innocent citizens in Dansadau District of Zamfara State.

    This came hours after the troops announced on Thursday, the killing of 29 bandits in an encounter in Moriki general area in the state.

    The Acting Force Information Officer, Lt. Ayobami Oni-Orisan said in a statement that the bandits were overpowered at their camps in Madada forest under Dansadau District in Magami, Maru Local Government area.

    “The troops maintaining an aggressive posture, encountered heavy resistance from the heavily armed bandits who were eventually overpowered and ran away with bullet wounds,” Oni-Orisan said.

    “The gallant troops effectively neutralized 15 bandits and destroyed all their camps and logistics.”

    He however stated that one soldier was killed and a vigilance member seriously injured in the encounter.

    Oni-Orisan maintained that the troops had continued the pursuit of the fleeing bandits “with the explicit orders to destroy all camps and neutralize any resistance.”

    He noted that Madada forest had become too notorious for harboring heavily fortified bandits camps in the state.

    He recalled that, “earlier, on 26 June, 2019, the troops, acting on actionable intelligence, apprehended two suspected bandits’ informants at Bagega notorious for spring on troops’ movement and deployments for onward relay to the bandits.

    “The troops also in Wanke and Kanoma of Maru local government recovered about 100 cattle from armed bandits who earlier rustled them from Kanoma district.

    “On sighting the troops, the severely demoralised and destabilised bandits fled the encounter and abandoned their mission in the area with gunshot wounds.

    “Furthermore, troops deployed at Faru equally recovered 14 cows at Tungar Hako forest abandoned by bandits afraid of the troops.”

    Read Also: Troops rescue women, children in major Boko Haram onslaught

    In a related development, Nigerian troops also eliminated more terrorists in Borno and Yobe states as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai, spent a whole week in the theatre of operations against Boko Haram insurgents.

    Their latest exploits came barely 24 hours after a similar offensive against terrorists in Goniri, Yobe State resulted in the death of scores of them.

    Spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Col. Sagir Musa, who disclosed this in a statement, said arms and ammunition were also recovered from the terrorists.

    The statement reads: “Following reinvigorated operational strategies and robust, aggressive and dynamic counter-terrorism operations injected into the Theatre Command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE by the Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen T. Y. Buratai, troops have continued to successfully sustain aggressive long range mobile fighting patrols, raids, searches and ambushes which resulted in the recent successes recorded.

    “Recall the devastating ambush of terrorists yesterday at Goniri Yobe State by the indefatigable and patriotic troops, as well as the resultant recovery of 5 gun trucks and 1 VBL among others.

    “Today, the 26 of June, 2019, as part of the ongoing Operation HALAKA DODO under 7 Division purview, soldiers of 152 Task Force Battalion, under 21 Special Armoured Brigade, in conjunction with some Civilian Joint Task Force members, embarked on intensive patrols and clearance operations to Nbaga and Gero villages where troops came in contact with the terrorists at Ngaba village.

    “The sudden attack on terrorists’ camps, simultaneous and swift employment of voluminous coordinated fire power bombardments led to serious destruction of the terrorists’ camps, which forced the criminals to flee their hideouts in disarray, while an unconfirmed number of the bandits were effectively extirpated.

    “Accordingly, 8 women and 6 children were extricated and freed from the terrorists, while their (terrorists) makeshift camps were totally destroyed.

    “The following items were captured: 3 Ak 47 rifles, 5 bicycles and 1 terrorists’ flag.

    “The liberated women and children will be handed over to the appropriate agency for further necessary action.

    “Similarly, on Wednesday 26 June 2019, troops of 26 Task Force Brigade located in Gwoza, while on clearance operation from  Southern Borno axis to Agapalwa village and surrounding localities, came in contact with some terrorists which led to an exchange of fire that caused the decimation of one terrorist and the destruction of some terrorists’ camps.”