The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Zamfara

  • Zamfara governor approves end-of-year bonus for workers, pensioners

    Zamfara governor approves end-of-year bonus for workers, pensioners

    Governor Dauda Lawal has approved a 13-month salary for Zamfara state workers, political appointees and pensioners.

    This was revealed in a statement signed by the state Head of Civil Service, Yakubu Sani Haidara, yesterday.

    The statement said the governor approved N800 million to cover the bonus.

    The statement titled, “End of year 2025 bonus,” will cover 30 percent of basic salary of workers and political appointees, as well as 30 percent of basic pension.

    “The general public in particular the State Civil Servants are hereby informed that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has graciously approved the payment of Thirty Percent (30%) of Basic Salary/Pension as 13th Month / End-of-Year Bonus to civil servants,

    pensioners, and political appointees in the State,” Mr Haidara said. 

    He said, “The approved payment is broken down as follows:
30% of Basic Salary for civil servants and political appointees;
ii. 30% of Basic Pension for pensioners.

    “The total amount released by the Zamfara State Government for this purpose is Eight Hundred Million, One Hundred and Twenty Six Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty Five Naira, Seventy Four Kobo (N800,126,835.74).”

    He said the gesture was aimed at boosting the morale and welfare of public servants and pensioners, and it is in line with the Rescue Mission and people-centred policies that have been consistently observed by the present administration since its inception. 

    The statement said, “Public Servants are therefore enjoined to reciprocate this kind gesture with renewed hard work, dedication, and commitment to duty.”

    The HoS urged all civil servants to remain good ambassadors of the Service and Government wherever they find themselves,
and to continue to uphold the core values of discipline,
transparency, and accountability in the discharge of their official

    responsibilities.

    On behalf of the entire civil servants of Zamfara State, Mr Haidara expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to Governor Lawal “for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of civil servants and for the far-reaching reform initiatives aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of the Service in particular and our dear State at large.”

  • Group calls for stronger security coordination in Zamfara, decries recent attack

    Group calls for stronger security coordination in Zamfara, decries recent attack

    The Northern Front for Peace and Accountability (NFPA) has expressed concern over the security situation in Zamfara State, calling for stronger leadership coordination and renewed efforts to address ongoing safety challenges in the state.

    In a statement issued in Kaduna on Tuesday, the president of the group, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi Kaura, referenced recent security incidents, including a suspected bomb explosion along the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau road in Maru Local Government Area, which reportedly affected travellers using the route.

    Kaura said the incident had heightened public anxiety and underscored the need for improved security coordination across the state, particularly along major highways and in rural communities.

    According to the group, residents of Zamfara have continued to express concern about their safety, as attacks by armed groups have disrupted daily activities, travel, and farming in several areas.

    The NFPA noted that effective leadership during periods of insecurity requires visible engagement, clear direction, and sustained collaboration with security agencies and local stakeholders.

    The group also sought official engagements in order to prioritise the prevailing security challenges in Zamfara and to reassure residents and strengthen public confidence.

    Kaura said previous efforts to tackle insecurity in the state showed that progress was possible through political commitment, community involvement, and coordinated strategies involving state and federal authorities.

    He encouraged the current administration to review past approaches to security management in the state and adapt relevant measures that emphasise community intelligence, regular security consultations, and close cooperation with federal security institutions.

    Read Also: Judgment won, justice lost: Inside Nigeria’s broken enforcement system

    The group called for the convening of a security summit involving traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and federal authorities to develop a unified and sustainable response to the challenges confronting the state.

    The NFPA also appealed to the federal government to pay close attention to developments in Zamfara, stressing the importance of timely intervention and support to prevent further deterioration of security conditions.

    As investigations continue into the Maru road incident, the group said residents across Zamfara remain concerned about their safety and are hopeful that enhanced leadership engagement and a clear security strategy will help restore stability and public confidence.

  • Several terrorists killed as NAF destroys IED facility in Zamfara

    Several terrorists killed as NAF destroys IED facility in Zamfara

    Several terrorists have been neutralised after Nigerian Air Force strikes targeted their enclave and an improvised explosive device (IED) factory in the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    The two high-impact precision airstrikes were carried out on December 28 at Turba Hill, a confirmed bandit hideout, and at Kachalla Dogo Sule’s camp, a notorious bandit stronghold identified as a key hub for IED manufacturing and operations in the state.

    According to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Monday, air assets were deployed against identified terrorist locations after multi-source, credible intelligence confirmed their presence and activities.

    “The first strike targeted Turba Hill, a confirmed bandit hideout,” Ejodame said, adding that sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance revealed significant human activity and an operational zinc-roofed structure assessed to be central to the enclave’s operations.

    According to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesperson, following identification, the target was engaged with precision, resulting in a direct hit. A post-strike battle damage assessment confirmed the destruction of the structure and the neutralisation of several bandits.

    He said, “The second AI mission was conducted at Kachalla Dogo Sule’s Camp, a notorious bandit stronghold identified as a key IED manufacturing and operational hub. Intelligence had linked the camp to the planning and execution of recent IED attacks along the Dan Sadau–Magami axis.” 

    Ejodame noted that the precision strike successfully engaged multiple active structures within the enclave, which he said triggered intense fires that destroyed the facilities and neutralised several bandits, “effectively crippling the group’s IED production and deployment capability.”

    He said the “decisive” air strikes represented a “significant degradation” of terrorist networks operating in Zamfara State, particularly their capacity to manufacture and employ improvised explosive devices.

  • Zamfara cautions health workers against negligence 

    Zamfara cautions health workers against negligence 

    The Zamfara government has cautioned health personnel against absenteeism and negligence to enhance effective service delivery.

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr Nafisa Maradun, said this on Friday in Dansadau, when she led officials of the ministry for Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) to General Hospital across the 14 local government areas of the state.

    The exercise is being led by the Commissioner, supported by Directors and Heads of  parastatals under the ministry.

    The team began the exercise with visits to Dansadau and Magami General Hospitals in Maru and Gusau LGAs, respectively.

    Maradun said that the state government would not condone absenteeism or negligence of duty by workers, stressing that accountability and dedication were critical to strengthening the state’s healthcare system.

    Read Also: ABU develops blueprint on agriculture, human capacity development for Zamfara

    She said the exercise was aimed at monitoring and evaluating the condition of health facilities, assessing service delivery, staff performance, and the overall functionality of secondary health facilities.

    Maradun explained that the exercise would cover all general hospitals and health facilities in the 14 LGAs to ensure quality healthcare delivery for citizens.

    “We are going to supervise all health facilities to monitor and evaluate their conditions and ensure that services are delivered effectively,” Maradun said.

    She commended the medical directors, nurses and medical personnel for their commitment and presence at their duty posts.

    She assured that the exercise would improve standards, promote efficiency and enhance service delivery across public health facilities.

  • Zamfara advocates action to tackle migration challenges

    Zamfara advocates action to tackle migration challenges

    The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), has called for collective action to address challenges facing larger population of migrants.

    Zamfara Coordinator of the Commission, Mr Salisu Zakari, reiterated the call during a WALK to mark the 2025 International Migrants Day on Tuesday, in Gusau, Zamfara.

    Zakari said the day was celebrated through a collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

    He described the day as a vital global platform for promoting understanding, solidarity, and collective action on migration.

    The coordinator said  that the walk aimed at promoting awareness, unity, and shared responsibility on migration issues.

    He added that it was designed to raise awareness, foster unity, and collective action among institutions, development partners, and Civil Society Organisations to promote safe, orderly and durable solutions for IDPs.

    “Migrants are people who move from one place to another in search of better opportunities, whether Nigerians moving abroad or foreigners coming into the country.

    Read Also:Alaafin to confer chieftaincy titles on Seyi Tinubu, ex-Zamfara Governor Yari

    “On this day, we also commiserate with IDPs who are displaced due to circumstances beyond their control,” he said.

    According to him, the global event is the first of its kind in the state, marking a significant step-down from the usual federal-level celebration.

    He acknowledged that the devastating  security challenges had continued to displace vulnerable persons in the state.

    “We continue to record cases of displacement in Zamfara.

    “Our goal is to end this situation and work towards lasting solution that will reduce displacements.

    “We prioritise quick emergency responses and durable solutions that allow displaced persons to return to their communities or resettle safely,” he noted.

  • Energy access: Zamfara holds stakeholders meeting to review electricity policy bill

    Energy access: Zamfara holds stakeholders meeting to review electricity policy bill

    Zamfara Ministry of Works and Infrastructure says its one-day stakeholders’ engagement will improve energy access and strengthen the power sector in the state.

    The programme was organised in collaboration with the Zamfara State Electrification Agency (ZEA) and S2R Consulting.

    It brought together key players in the electricity sector such as government officials, individuals, community leaders, legal experts, and technical specialists.

    The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Lawal Barau, in his address at the event in Gusau on Tuesday, said that the engagement would help review and validate the state electricity policy and bill.

    He said it was also to appreciate stakeholders for their commitment to strengthening the electricity sector in Zamfara.

    The commissioner, who was represented by the Director, Mechanical in the ministry, Mr Sanusi Mande, said the engagement marked a significant milestone in the state government’s efforts to develop a unified and progressive electricity framework.

    Read Also: Zamfara gov’t begins massive rehabilitation of rural water facilities

    He emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing gaps within the power value chain.

    Barau reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to work closely with all relevant actors toward achieving sustainable energy solutions.

    In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Electrification Agency, Mr Muzammil Muhammad, noted the importance of developing a strong and forward-looking policy framework that would guide the state toward a sustainable and reliable electricity system.

    He said the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment that would attract investment and promote efficient electricity generation, distribution, and management.

    He highlighted the new opportunities created by the Electricity Act 2023, the expanded regulatory powers granted to states, and the strategic pathways Zamfara could adopt to strengthen electricity governance, improve market efficiency, and accelerate access to power across communities.

    Muhammad said that the new electricity policy and bill were designed to align Zamfara with ongoing national power sector reforms. 

  • Zamfara Zakkat board settles N67 million debts for 909 prisoners 

    Zamfara Zakkat board settles N67 million debts for 909 prisoners 

    The Zamfara State Zakkat and Endowment Board has facilitated the settlement of debts and subsequent release of 909 inmates over the last two years under the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal. 

    This was made known by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Habib Muhammad Balarabe, during the 2025 End-of-Year Activities held at the Board’s premises, Bypass, Gusau.

    According to him, the Board secured the freedom of 473 inmates last year and, this year, released N67,204,700 in settlement of debts owed by 436 inmates, bringing the total beneficiaries to 909 within two years.

    In addition, 200 women small-scale business owners received ₦50,000 each to strengthen their enterprises.

    Read Also: Zamfara gov’t begins massive rehabilitation of rural water facilities

    The board also presented starter packs to 100 women who completed a three-week poultry production training program to help them start their own businesses.

    Furthermore, mini-computers were donated to orphans who underwent computer literacy training as part of the event.

    Represented by the First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal, Governor of Zamfara state, Dr Dauda Lawal, expressed great pleasure to witness the impactful work of the Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board.

  • Zamfara gov’t lauds partners, CSOs for promoting peace building 

    Zamfara gov’t lauds partners, CSOs for promoting peace building 

    The Zamfara Government has reiterated its commitment to promote peace building and conflict resolution and commended partners and Civil Society Organisations support towards achieving sustainable peace in the state.

    The state Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, gave the commitment in Gusau on Tuesday while declaring a one-day meeting on ‘Empowering Community Security (ECOS) Early Programme for Katsina and Zamfara’.

    The meeting was organised by the Civil Society Organisation, Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI), in partnership with NEEM Foundation.

    The meeting was organised under a project ‘Empowering Community Security (ECOS)’, on Regional Early Warning -Early Response (EWER).

    The meeting was attended by traditional and religious leaders, members of the Community Peace Committees, farmers, herders, CSOs, religious organisations, and other relevant stakeholders from Katsina State and Zamfara.

    Read Also: Zamfara residents sensitized on fire safety measures 

    The deputy governor described the meeting as one of the key achievements of the ECOS project in both Katsina and Zamfara.

    “This is timely, considering the needs and importance of peace and stability to society.

    “This aligns with the state government’s commitment under Gov. Dauda Lawal’s administration to promote peacebuilding, community dialogue, and conflict resolution and to ensure sustainable peace and stability among communities in the state.

    “As we all know, Gov. Lawal was fully prepared and committed to continue partnership with local, national, and international NGOs to promote peace, stability, and general development of Zamfara.

    “On behalf of the state government, I would like to commend VAI and NEEM Foundation for their contribution to peacebuilding in the state.

    “This initiative is not only timely but commendable considering the choice of the time and the target stakeholders from the two states currently affected by insecurity,” Mummuni said.

    In their separate remarks, the Emirs of Gusau, Abdulqadir Ibrahim-Bello and Kaura Namoda, Dr Sanusi Muhammad, assured the commitment of traditional institutions in the state to continue supporting projects for peace building.

  • NAF bombs terrorists’ enclave in Zamfara, eliminate scores

    NAF bombs terrorists’ enclave in Zamfara, eliminate scores

    Scores of terrorists were neutralised in Zamfara State when the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets bombed their enclave at Sauri, Tsafe Local Government Area of the state. 

    The strikes also destroyed terrorists’ critical structures and logistics points, a move that may likely withered the criminals’ operational capability in the area. 

    This came a day after Minister of State for Defence Bello Mattawale announced that the Federal Government had deployed additional troops and ordered decisive action against armed groups across the state.

    According to a statement by NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Saturday, the strikes were conducted on November 14, after “comprehensive intelligence and surveillance operations confirmed significant terrorist activity and rustled livestock concealed in a high-ground hideout used by the criminals as both a defensive position and a logistics hub.”

    The statement said the Air Component, acting on the intelligence, executed multiple coordinated strikes on the identified targets, achieving direct hits that dislodged surviving terrorists who attempted to flee into surrounding vegetation but were subsequently tracked and effectively engaged.

    “The successful mission resulted in the neutralisation of numerous terrorists and the destruction of critical structures and logistics points, significantly degrading the criminals’ operational capability in the area,” it said.

    The statement said the decisive action by the Air Component against the terrorists reinforced the recent directive of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, to “find them, hunt them down, and protect our people.”

    It said the operation also underscored the unwavering resolve of the Joint Task Force and the NAF under the Operation FANSAN YAMMA to “deny terrorists safe havens, strengthen security in Zamfara State, and support wider national efforts to restore lasting peace and stability across the North West.” 

  • 500 Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Computer, Agric teachers hired for Zamfara

    500 Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Computer, Agric teachers hired for Zamfara

    Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the hiring of 500 qualified teachers for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English, Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, Agriculture, among others in the Zamfara state public schools.

    This is part of efforts to reform and strengthen the education sector, according to a statement by the Chairman of the Zamfara State Civil Service Commission and Recruitment Committee, Aliyu Mohammed Tutur.

    He said the approval followed the completion of a “rigorous and transparent” selection exercise conducted by the Zamfara State Committee for Teacher Recruitment and Deployment.
    
Tutur said a total of 11,708 candidates applied through the state’s online portal, out of which 8,184 met the eligibility criteria and were screened.

    Read Also: Shettima urges Nigerians abroad to invest at home

    “A total of 3,105 candidates participated in the Computer-Based Test conducted under strict supervision, and based on the 40 per cent benchmark, 1,033 candidates qualified for the final oral interview,” he explained.
    
He added that after evaluation by subject panelists, 500 candidates were recommended for appointment across the state. The recruitment, he noted, focused on core subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Studies, Entrepreneurship, Agricultural Science, Home Economics, and Animal Husbandry.
    
The committee chairman outlined the steps taken in the recruitment process to include the development of recruitment guidelines, establishment of an online portal, screening and verification of credentials, conduct of computer-based tests, and final selection based on merit, equity, and quality.

    The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology commended the governor for his “steadfast dedication and purposeful commitment” to revitalising the education sector, describing the recruitment as a clear demonstration of his resolve to bridge the gap in qualified teaching personnel and enhance education quality in public schools.
    
The committee also assured that the newly recruited teachers would soon receive their appointment letters and be deployed to schools across the state, with particular focus on rural and hard-to-reach areas to promote equitable access to education.
“This development marks a milestone in the governor’s education reform agenda, aimed at promoting merit-based employment, enhancing teacher quality, and restoring public confidence in the state’s education system,” Tutur stated