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Tag: Zamfara

  • Advocacy group blames insecurity in Zamfara on  leadership failure

    Advocacy group blames insecurity in Zamfara on  leadership failure

    A northern civic advocacy group, the Coalition for Safer North-West Communities (CSNC), has criticised the Zamfara state government over deepening security crisis in the state.

    In a statement signed on Wednesday by its President, Alhaji Murtala Shehu Gusau, CSNC said the escalating wave of kidnappings, killings, and banditry reflects a glaring leadership failure on the part of the state government.

    The group noted that despite the presence of military personnel and federal interventions, banditry remains rampant in Zamfara, attributing the situation to Governor Dauda Lawal’s inability to take decisive action and coordinate an effective security response.

    “We are alarmed at the continued deterioration of security in Zamfara State, and after a critical assessment, we have no choice but to hold the state government accountable. Governor Dauda Lawal has shown a lack of courage in the face of terror and failed to provide strategic leadership that inspires confidence among residents or security agencies,” the group stated.

    CSNC further lamented that rural communities have turned into “killing fields,” while residents in Gusau, the state capital, live in constant fear of abduction, despite the governor’s repeated public assurances.

    “It is not enough to issue statements from Gusau. What the people need is action. From Dansadau to Maru, Anka to Tsafe, farmers can no longer access their farmlands, women are being kidnapped in broad daylight, and children are growing up under the sound of gunfire,” Alhaji Gusau said.

    According to the group, the governor’s approach to security management has been marked by inconsistency, lack of collaboration with federal authorities, and an inability to rally local leaders and traditional institutions towards community-based intelligence gathering.

    “Zamfara is bleeding, and the government seems more interested in political propaganda than real solutions. The governor needs to admit that his strategy, if any, has failed and make way for fresh thinking,” the statement added.

    CSNC also accused the state administration of sidelining critical stakeholders in the state’s security architecture, including traditional rulers, local vigilantes, and federal agencies, in a bid to centralise control without the capacity to manage such complexity.

    Read Also: Fire guts bride’s apartment, six others day to wedding in Zamfara

    “We must stop pretending that things are normal. The situation in Zamfara is a full-blown emergency. Zamfara deserves more than photo-ops and empty meetings,” the group insisted.

    Alhaji Gusau said the group’s position is based on consistent engagement with affected communities, civil society organisations, and humanitarian workers in the northwest, many of whom have raised alarm over the governor’s silence or delayed responses to critical incidents.

    The group also questioned how billions allocated to security in Zamfara’s state budget have been spent, demanding transparency and accountability from the administration.

    “We challenge the Zamfara State Government to publish the breakdown of its security spending for 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. We deserve to know what has been done with public funds meant to protect lives,” Alhaji Gusau said.

    The group called on the National Assembly, particularly lawmakers from Zamfara, to conduct an independent assessment of the security situation in the state and recommend a pathway to restoring peace.

    “This is not the time for partisan silence. Zamfara’s future is at stake. We urge Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis and other representatives to raise their voices and ensure that the suffering of our people is not ignored at the national level,” the statement added.

    CSNC said it would continue to mount pressure on elected officials at both the state and federal levels until Zamfara experiences a turnaround in security and governance.

    “We want peace. But peace will not come through platitudes. It requires bold leadership, integrity, and vision — all of which are sorely lacking in the current state government. Governor Lawal must wake up to his responsibilities or respectfully step aside for someone who can,” the statement conc

  • You can’t shield state Assemblies from accountability, Group replies conference of speakers

    You can’t shield state Assemblies from accountability, Group replies conference of speakers

    The Citizens Coalition for Transparency and Accountability (CCTA) has strongly condemned the recent stance of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, who rejected the summons issued by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions to the Speakers of the Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly.

    In a statement released on Saturday, the CCTA called out the speakers for attempting to shield state assemblies from scrutiny, asserting that no institution or arm of government should be above accountability, especially in the face of allegations that could affect public trust and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes.

    The CCTA described the response of the Conference of Speakers as an attempt to subvert the core principles of transparency and accountability that are fundamental to Nigeria’s democratic fabric. 

    According to the group, the Speakers’ objection to the National Assembly’s investigative powers is a flawed interpretation of the law designed to protect the interests of individuals, rather than the greater public good.

    “While we respect the autonomy of state legislatures, we must make it clear that no institution is beyond the reach of accountability. The people of Nigeria deserve to know how their representatives and leaders are conducting public affairs, whether at the federal or state level,” said Olufemi Adewale, President of the CCTA.

    The pro-democracy group argued that the National Assembly, under its constitutional mandate, has the power to intervene when there are clear allegations of misconduct, particularly when such allegations can tarnish the image of democratic institutions. 

    The CCTA emphasized that the checks and balances system is essential to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no individual or entity is able to undermine the trust placed in public offices.

    “The Conference of Speakers seems to forget that Nigeria’s democracy is not a system of unchecked autonomy for any of its parts. If state assemblies are exempted from public scrutiny, we risk creating a parallel system where state governors and legislators operate with impunity,” Adewale added.

    “The Constitution of Nigeria, under Sections 88 and 89, grants the National Assembly the authority to investigate any person or group involved in a matter of public concern. Section 88 empowers the National Assembly to conduct investigations into any issue of national interest, including those affecting the functioning of the government or the exercise of power. 

    “Section 89 further authorizes the National Assembly to issue summons and compel attendance, ensuring accountability across all levels of government. This power is not confined to federal matters alone but extends to issues affecting the broader democratic integrity of Nigeria.”

    In defense of the actions taken by the House of Representatives, the CCTA highlighted that the petitions in question were made by Guardians of Democracy and the Rule of Law, a civil society group, indicating that the issue was not a mere political ploy but a matter of public concern that warranted examination.

    The CCTA also pointed out that the National Assembly’s oversight role is not limited to federal issues alone, as established by the Constitution. 

    The group noted that the Federal Government has a vested interest in ensuring that all arms of government operate with the utmost integrity, particularly when matters of public interest and governance are at stake.

    “We cannot afford to ignore complaints from civil society or avoid investigating credible claims of wrongdoing. The people’s right to a transparent government cannot be trampled on by those who wish to shield corrupt practices,” the group asserted.

    The group’s called for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to foster accountability, transparency, and good governance across Nigeria.

    It urged the Conference of Speakers to reconsider their position and allow the investigative process to unfold in the interest of the Nigerian people.

    “We challenge the Conference of Speakers to put aside political interests and support efforts to uncover the truth. Only through transparency and accountability can we safeguard the future of Nigeria’s democracy,” Adewale stated.

  • Fire guts bride’s apartment, six others day to wedding in Zamfara

    Fire guts bride’s apartment, six others day to wedding in Zamfara

    A fire outbreak has destroyed a bride’s apartment a day to her wedding and six others, one of which belongs to a personnel of the state fire service.

    A witness, Malan Dan Sokoto, said the incident occurred around 8:40am when they heard women screaming for help.

    Sokoto said the fire affected an Hajiya’s apartment, the oldest woman of the affected family.

     “When we went to evacuate the oldest woman in her apartment, where the fire started, we found the flame rising, and when we poured water on it to quench the fire, the flame kept rising, as if we added petroleum to it,’’ he added.

    When asked about the cause of the fire, the oldest woman said it started in the ceiling of her room, he claimed.

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    “It is in the ceiling, though I cannot actually identify the cause of the fire but I heard a sound indicating that something exploded in the ceiling of my room,” the elderly woman said.

    Neighbours of the victims said firefighters were alerted and they turned up on time but due to technical faults in the fire trucks, they refused to work properly. For more than an hour, fire fighters, therefore, battled to fix the problem, resulting from the weakness of the fire trucks.

    “The fire destroyed the seven apartments and one of them belongs to a personnel of Zamfara State Fire Service,’’ he said.

    On her arrival at the house destroyed by the fire, the bride, alongside her elder brother, were in tears.

    “It was just yesterday we brought all her properties and we arranged everything ready for their marriage life to begin tomorrow but they were completely destroyed by the fire.

    Executive Secretary, Zamfara State Fire Service, Bello Sani, confirmed that their personnel responded on time and that state government had revived many fire stations that were down.

    “Before now, Kaura Namoda didn’t have even a fire truck, ditto Talata Mafara but now they have three each and we are moving to ensure our fire trucks back,”  Sani stated.

  • Reps panel gives Benue, Zamfara govs fresh deadline over lawmakers’ suspension

    Reps panel gives Benue, Zamfara govs fresh deadline over lawmakers’ suspension

    The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has granted a fresh deadline to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, and the leadership of both state Houses of Assembly to appear before it on Thursday, May 14, 2025.

    The committee issued the new date after the two governors and their respective legislative leaders failed to attend Thursday’s hearing at the National Assembly, Abuja.

    The hearing stemmed from a petition filed by a legal advocacy group, Guardians of Democracy, over the suspension of 13 members of the Benue State House of Assembly and 10 members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly since February 2024. 

    The petition was presented on the House floor on March 27, 2025, by the Deputy Spokesperson, Hon. Philip Agbese.

    During the panel’s inaugural sitting, Hon. Douglas Akya (Makurdi South) led the suspended Benue lawmakers, while Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara (Talata Mafara South) and Minority Leader led those from Zamfara.

    Human rights lawyer and counsel to the petitioners, Ihensekhien Samuel Junior, appeared with a team of 12 lawyers and urged the National Assembly to fast-track the hearing. 

    He argued that the petition is valid even if a related matter is in court, provided there is no existing court order barring the panel from proceeding.

    “So we base our petition on that. The gist of our complaint in which we brought before this Committee is that, particularly in Zamfara State, where you had some Members, to the range of 11 Members of the State House Assembly were suspended, allegedly on the details and instructions from the executive arm of of government in that state for 16 months running.

    “Also, you had some Members of Benue House of Assembly, 13 of them were also illegally suspended. And particularly, when you look at these two scenarios, you find out that it is impracticable for these two different Houses of Assembly to form a quorum to take a decision to sit.

    “So the question is, can these few Members legitimately and legally form a quorum to proceed into the duties of law-making of these states? This is the whole ground norm of what we have submitted before the House of Representatives and where they find merit in our petition, they can consequent upon their constitutional powers as clearly defined in our written brief in which we are playing today; we are asking them to look at it and exercise jurisdiction to takeover the functions of law-making of these two different Houses.

    “More particularly, the House has very ostensible power, the residual power and overriding powers and some other powers donated to them by the Constitution, to investigative and eventually prevail on the leadership of the respective Houses of Assembly to use ADR or other avenues, to resolve the issues. But the most important thing is that, we want these Members of the State Houses of Assembly to be restated forthwith, without no impediment”, Barr. Ihensekhien told Journalists after sitting. 

    On his part, the newly appointed Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Hon. Laori Kwamoti, appealed to suspended members and the Petitioners to remain calm, assuring of level playing grounds by his Committee. 

    “I want to plead with us, that we are going to follow this proceeding diligently. We would like to assure you that, nobody’s right shall be trampled upon here. You have to have confidence in us, to enable us serve you better”, he said. 

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    Hon. Nwogu Mathew, Vice Chairman of the Committee who presided over Thursday’s sitting, said the leadership of the Committee was recently reshuffled, giving room for new Chairman and members to emerge. 

    While adjourning till 14th May, 2025, to enable the both Governors and Assembly leadership to attend, Hon. Nwogu said the time of grace would also afford the Committee to check through its records, with the view to enable new leadership of the Committee take over the case judiciously. 

    Recall that, the House of Representatives extended invitations to the Governors on the Assembly leadership and Members on Friday, 2nd May, 2025, to appear before the panel to unravel the rational behind the suspensions of their Members, thereby hampering legislative businesses in their respective states.

  • Group demands Emergency Rule in Zamfara over Assembly crisis, insecurity, others

    Group demands Emergency Rule in Zamfara over Assembly crisis, insecurity, others

    A group known as the Guardians of Justice and Democratic Leadership has strongly condemned the escalating crisis in Zamfara State, calling for a State of Emergency to be declared due to Governor Dauda Lawal’s alleged disregard for the rule of law and inaction on insecurity.

    The group cited the ongoing power tussle between the Governor and the Zamfara Assembly, which has resulted in two parallel leaderships and a breakdown in governance.

    The group’s executive director, Patriot Abel Adams, expressed deep concern over the State’s worsening security situation with 14 local government councils reportedly experiencing rampant insecurity, killings and destruction of properties.

    Adams accused Governor Lawal of lacking the capacity to govern while the people suffered.

    According to Adams, the Governor’s actions have emboldened bandits and kidnappers, who have sacked whole communities and made life unbearable for the masses.

    The group also criticised Lawal for presenting the 2025 budget to an ‘illegitimate’ Assembly leadership, further exacerbating the crisis.

    They pointed out that the Governor’s actions are a clear disregard for the rule of law and the principles of separation of powers, which are fundamental to democracy.

    Read Also: Coalition warns Governor Lawal over Zamfara Assembly leadership crisis

    “The Governor should know that the same election that brought him to office and grants legitimacy to him as the governor is the same election that guarantees constitutional powers to the members of the State House of Assembly to act and represent their constituencies,” Adams said.

    “No authority confers on him a more deserving priority order than that he is the governor of the State and must act within the constitutional allowance of his office.

    “He is required to observe the principles of the rule of law, the principles of separation of powers and the observance of Checks and Balance, tenets without which democracy is no longer democracy but authoritarianism.

    “The Governor governor in failing to truly understand the tenets of democracy and uphold same, has also failed to take a cursory look at the House Standing Rules but instead has gone on a miserable sightseeing, thinking that as a governor he has total tyrannical control and that the State Legislators are stooges and thus intends to turn them to effective rubber stamps.

    “He failed woefully and has mis-constructed and misconstrued our democracy and the separation of powers, undermining it and insulting our collective sensibilities. He also underestimated the resilience of the 24 gallant patriots of democracy.

    “Unfortunately, he is left with no option but must obey the new leadership of the House of Assembly or face the wrath of the people in an escalating crisis, which will make the State completely ungovernable for him and directly compel a declaration of the State of Emergency. 

    “We believe that the governor’s actions are a recipe for chaos and anarchy, and it’s only a matter of time before the situation becomes ungovernable. We call on the authorities to intervene and restore order in Zamfara State, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.”

    The Guardians of Justice and Democratic Leadership also commended the 10 lawmakers who have been fighting for their rights and the rights of their constituents despite facing alleged intimidation and harassment from the Governor’s camp.

    “These lawmakers have shown courage and conviction in standing up for what is right, and we urge them to continue to defend the interests of their constituents,” Adams said.

    The group’s call for a state of emergency in Zamfara State is based on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended), which empowers the president to declare a state of emergency in a state where the structure of government has broken down.

    “We believe that the situation in Zamfara State meets this criteria, and it’s imperative that the authorities take swift action to restore order and stability,” Adams said.

    The group warned that if the situation is not addressed, it could lead to further escalation of violence, displacement of people and humanitarian crisis.

    They urged the authorities to take immediate action to address the security challenges and ensure that the government is accountable to the people.

  • We need boarding schools for special education, Parents of PWD tell Zamfara govt

    We need boarding schools for special education, Parents of PWD tell Zamfara govt

    Parents and guardians of children with disabilities have called on the Zamfara state government to convert the existing School for Special Education in Gusau into a boarding facility and establish similar schools in each senatorial district. 

    They said the move would promote educational inclusion and better support for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state.

    The appeal was made during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement on enhancing inclusion and empowering adolescent girls with disabilities through the Zamfara AGILE Project. 

    The event, organized by Media and Publicity Consult, held at Barade Bouquets Hall, Ja’iz Hotel, Gusau By-pass.

    In his presentation, the Managing Director of Media and Publicity Consult, Nasir Usman Biyabiki, outlined the objectives of the meeting. 

    Read Also: Matawalle, Zamfara governor trade blames over state’s finances, security woes

    He said the forum aimed to identify and address the cultural and social norms hindering the education of adolescent girls with disabilities, while fostering collaboration with the Zamfara State Government and the World Bank-backed AGILE Project.

    Bashir Kabir, a representative of the AGILE Zamfara Project, reaffirmed the project’s commitment to dismantling barriers to education through community participation and sustained support.

    In separate contributions, the Principal of the Gusau Special School, AbdulAsheed Muhammad Jangebe, staff, and some parents revealed that over 100 students with disabilities had dropped out due to various challenges, most notably the lack of boarding facilities. 

    They stressed the urgent need for government intervention to enhance educational access and inclusivity.

    They further called for incentives to boost the enrollment and retention of adolescent girls with disabilities and advocated for the inclusion of skills acquisition programs in special schools to empower the students.

    Other challenges raised included mobility constraints and insufficient community support.

    Highlights of the event included a Q&A session, focus group discussions, and questionnaire distribution. 

    Hajiya Maimuna Adamu Dankwangila also donated writing materials to students with disabilities and their teachers.

  • Group slams Zamfara governor over allegations against Matawalle

    Group slams Zamfara governor over allegations against Matawalle

    A group under the aegis of Zamfara Elders for Peace and Development on Tuesday lambasted Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal over his recent allegations against his predecessor and current Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle.

    Reacting to Governor Lawal’s comments made during a recent appearance on national television, the group described his remarks as baseless, diversionary, and a reflection of his administration’s failure to tackle the state’s mounting problems.

    Chairman of the group, Hon. Aliyu Adamu Kaura, accused Lawal of abandoning his campaign promises while Zamfara continues to battle rampant insecurity, deepening poverty, and a glaring absence of essential infrastructure.

    Kaura criticized the governor for sidelining rural development, embarking on unproductive “white elephant” projects, and focusing more on appeasing political allies than addressing the needs of ordinary citizens.

    He also decried the deteriorating state of education in Zamfara, citing that over 65% of primary schools across 12 local government areas have been abandoned, with many school buildings left in a state of disrepair and unfit for learning.

    “It’s disheartening that instead of taking bold steps to address the state’s challenges, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has become a habitual complainer, consistently shifting blame to his predecessor. 

    “Unlike his colleagues in neighboring states like Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger, who are working to address similar challenges, Governor Lawal seems more focused on criticizing former Governor Mohammed Bello Matawalle.

    “His open enmity and political vendetta against Matawalle have clouded his judgment, portraying him as a weak leader who can’t forgive, surrounded by short-sighted lieutenants, Lawal is destroying the peaceful atmosphere and political cohesion in Zamfara. 

    “He’s rapidly losing his reputation as a leader worth emulating and is instead becoming known as a serial complainer and political propagandist”, he said.

    The group also decried persistent water scarcity in th state, affecting the state capital and neighbouring communities.

    “The state capital and almost all 14 local governments face acute water shortages, while insecurity has deteriorated more than during Matawalle’s era. 

    “There’s a lack of social amenities and services, and people from outside the state have been hired for administrative roles. Many civil servants in Zamfara earn below 7,000 naira, and salary issues persist, with payments seemingly given with one hand and taken away with the other.

    “Zamfara now owns only three functional firefighting vehicles, which puts lives and property at risk whenever there’s a fire disaster. This is despite inheriting 14 serviceable and working fire service vehicles from Matawalle’s administration. 

    “Former Governor Matawalle had bought fire service trucks for each of the 14 local government areas, but Governor Lawal has abandoned them, allegedly due to envy and lack of foresight.

    “Governor Lawal’s administration allegedly spent over N4 billion on vehicles for political appointees without state assembly approval. Meanwhile, rural areas lack basic necessities like shelter, water supply, roads, and standard healthcare services. The majority of the public is left at the mercy of banditry.

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    “The education sector is also in shambles. Zamfara recorded its worst position in NECO and WAEC exams under Governor Lawal’s watch. Over 65% of primary schools in 12 local governments have been deserted. UNICEF has expressed concern about the learning conditions, and UBEC hasn’t received necessary funding due to negligence and poor coordination under Governor Lawal’s administration.

    “The dilapidated school buildings have become uninhabitable due to decay and lack of maintenance as the state government withdraws support for educational activities. It’s unclear who Governor Lawal is trying to fool with his claims of progress.

    “Any governor that fails to use his position to protect his citizens must note go hiring space on TV or Radio talking about others failure during their reigns. That governor does not deserve to be recognized for his utterances no matter how eloquently he mischievously stated it.

    “Instead of addressing Zamfara’s challenges, he seems more focused on attending party activities. Notably, on the same day bandits attacked and kidnapped people in six communities in the State, our Governor was seen dancing with other PDP governors in Ibadan”, the group decried.

  • Petitioners ask Reps to take over legislative duties in Benue, Zamfara

    Petitioners ask Reps to take over legislative duties in Benue, Zamfara

    A petition endorsed by over 200 young lawyers asking the National Assembly to take over the legislative functions of Benue and Zamfara state Houses of Assembly was yesterday laid before the House of Representatives.

    Deputy House spokesperson Philip Agbese, who presented the bill, said there was a need for the House to save democracy in the country.

    Giving a synopsis of the petition, the lawmaker drew the attention of the House  to  the suspension of  14 members of the Benue  House of Assembly with the help of ‘’external forces.’’

    He also made reference to Zamfara State where 10 members of the House were suspended.   

    “I bring to your attention a distressing petition received in my office, highlighting the precarious situation in Benue and Zamfara states.

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    ‘’The petition, endorsed by over 200 lawyers, fervently urges the House of Representatives to take immediate and decisive action to safeguard democracy in Nigeria.

    “ If we continue to remain passive, we risk perpetually ceding our constitutional responsibilities to the Executive, thereby reducing our role to mere rubber-stamping.

    “The alarming developments in Benue and Zamfara states, characterised by rampant impunity, anarchy, and lawlessness, as well as a blatant attempt to usurp the powers of a coordinate arm of government, demand our prompt and decisive intervention.

    “The petitioners are, therefore, praying the House, after its investigation, to invoke Section 11(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to urgently take over the functions of the Benue State House of Assembly and the Zamfara State House of Assembly respectively, to restore constitutional order, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring the protection of fundamental human rights in the affected states.

    “Mr Speaker, time is of the essence. I urge you to treat this matter with the utmost urgency and gravity it deserves.’’   

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over plenary in the absence of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, referred the petition to the House Committee on Public Petition.

  • NAF strike kills notorious bandit kingpins, 20 others in Zamfara

    NAF strike kills notorious bandit kingpins, 20 others in Zamfara

    Airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft have killed two bandits kingpins, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga, including 20 of their fighters in Zamfara State.

    The bandits were killed in their hideouts at Unguwar Goga hillforest in Faskari Local Government Area of the state.

    A statement by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the “precision airstrikes were executed in early hours of March 13, after careful and actionable intelligence.”

    The statement reads: “ The strike advancing purposeful lethality, destroyed the fortified camps of notorious bandit kingpins, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga, neutralising over 20 criminals, with additional casualties reported in the surrounding rocky hills. 

    “The airstrike had a decisive impact on the criminals, assessment of the full extent of the damage is ongoing.”

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    Riga and Gero, according to the statement, were key enablers of banditry, sheltering terrorist elements responsible for relentless ambushes along the Funtua-Gusau Road, particularly between Yankara and Sheme villages. 

    “Their elimination marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing military campaign to restore peace in the North-West,” the statement said. 

  • NAF air strike kills ‘23 bandits’ in Zamfara

    NAF air strike kills ‘23 bandits’ in Zamfara

    At least 23 bandits were killed by missiles from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Tsafe Local Government of Zamfara State over the weekend.

    According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the operation was based on coordinated intelligence.  The report noted that many bandits, suspected to be relatives of notorious kingpin Ado Aleiro, had left Tsafe LG to rustle cattle from nearby communities. It added that troops tracked the rustlers to a mountainous area until they were in a vulnerable position before surrounding them.

    “The bandits succeeded in stealing livestock and were attempting to escape when they encountered resistance from local security forces,” the report reads.

    “The troops tracked the rustlers and waited until they reached a mountainous area before surrounding them.

    “Once their location was confirmed, the Nigerian Air Force deployed air assets to engage the fleeing bandits.

    “Eyewitnesses confirmed that several bandits were eliminated in the operation, though the exact number is yet to be determined.”

    Another source quoted in the report stated: “At least 23 bandits were killed as well as several others injured.”

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    Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma also reportedly recovered a large number of rustled cattle during the operation.

    “This is part of the military’s ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist strongholds and curb cattle rustling, which remains a key source of funding for bandit groups operating in Zamfara and neighbouring states,” the report added.

    NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Olusola Akinboyewa, has not responded to requests for comments on the operation.