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Tag: Zamfara State

  • Army debunks viral video of foreign arms dealer’s arrest in Zamfara

    Army debunks viral video of foreign arms dealer’s arrest in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Army has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media purportedly showing the recent arrest of a foreign arms dealer, clarifying that the footage in question was outdated and misleading.

    The acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, gave the clarification in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    Anele confirmed that the video portrays the arrest of one Shehu Ali Kachalla, a 30-year-old Nigerien national who was apprehended over three years ago by the Police Command in Zamfara on May 14, 2021.

    She stated that the suspect was nabbed in a joint intelligence-led operation involving operatives of the Federal Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigeria Police Force.

    According to her, the suspect confessed to have illegally supplied over 450 rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition to criminal elements across Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger States.

    She added that “the resurgence of the old video on social media is therefore, at best, aimed at misinforming the public, while undermining the ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    “The Nigerian Army maintains zero-tolerance policy for unprofessional conducts, and where there are proven cases of such involving its personnel, appropriate disciplinary actions are always taken in line with the Armed Forces Act and other extant military regulations.

    “While the suspect in the 2021 case alleged collusion by unnamed security personnel, no Nigerian Army personnel was indicted or arrested in connection with the matter.”

    Anele, therefore, urged the public to disregard the recirculated video as outdated and misleading.

    She advised content creators and social media influencers to verify the authenticity and date of materials before sharing same to avoid unnecessary panic or confusion.

    “The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    “We shall continue to collaborate with sister security agencies and communities in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality threatening peace and stability in our country,” she stressed.

  • Bye-election: Zamfara APC optimistic of victory

    Bye-election: Zamfara APC optimistic of victory

    The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence of winning the upcoming Kaura Namoda South State Assembly constituency bye-election.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has slated Aug. 16 to conduct the bye-election for Kaura Namoda South State House of Assembly constituency in Zamfara.

    The scheduled bye-election by INEC followed the demise of Alhaji Aminu Kasuwar-Daji, member who represented the constituency in the state house of assembly, who died in April.

    Speaking to newsmen in Gusau on Wednesday, Yusuf Idris, the State APC Publicity Secretary, said the party was confident of winning the bye-election considering its strong popularity in the area.

    “You know, the six political wards under Kaura Namoda state assembly constituency are fully dominated by APC members.

    “As we all know, the late lawmaker, Aminu Kasuwar-Daji was elected under the platform of APC during the 2023 general elections.

    “Therefore, it is our believe that the party will continue to retain the seat for Kaura Namoda south state assembly constituency,” Idris said.

    According to him, APC remains a strong political party in Zamfara, particularly in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of the state.

    Idris called on all APC members in the area to be united ahead of the election with a view to maintaining the party’s strength.

    “We are optimistic that APC is ahead of any political party in Zamfara, therefore, we are certain of victory in the upcoming bye-election”, he revealed.

    Kamilu Sa’idu emerged as APC candidate for the upcoming bye-election for Kaura Namoda state constituency seat.

  • Zamfara govt defrays N13.9bn inherited gratuities

    Zamfara govt defrays N13.9bn inherited gratuities

    Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State said his administration had paid over N13.9 billion inherited gratuities to retired state and local government civil servants in the state.

    Lawal announced this in Gusau on Tuesday while inaugurating the Contributory Pension Implementation Committee.

    During the inauguration, the Governor received a report from the joint committees on the payment of the backlog of gratuities in the state.

    The governor said that clearing the backlog of unpaid gratuities and pensions accumulated from 2011 to 2023 was one of the key achievements of his administration.

    “A total of 3,824 beneficiaries from the state service received over N7.9 billion while 4,833 workers from the Unified Local Government Service were paid over N5.9 billion in backlog gratuities.

    “My administration prioritised settling the rights and benefits of the civil servants, especially those who had retired after 35 years of service and reached the age of 60.

    “When we assumed office in 2023, we formed two committees to review and recommend payment of all outstanding gratuities for State and Local Government retirees.

    “In spite of economic and social challenges, we paid three months unpaid salaries and allowances to the civil and public servants. We also settled unpaid allowances for Judges and judiciary staff,”Lawal disclosed.

    According to him, when they came on board, the minimum wage in the state was only N7,000.00.

    Lawal also recalled that the N30,000 minimum wage was passed into law in 2019 by the previous administration,saying, “but it was never implemented.

    “Cognisant of our responsibility and duty to the state, we implemented the N30,000.00 minimum wage immediately after our assumption in office”.

    “After the review of the nation’s minimum wage, from N30,000 to N70,000.00 in July 2024. We implemented the review after all due processes.

    “During my two years of administration, we increased the minimum wage in the state from N7,000.00 to N70,000.00,” Lawal explained.

    He added that his administration introduced Sallah bonus and an end-of-year productivity bonus, also known as the 13th month salary, for all civil and public office holders.

    Lawal said, “We are ever ready to continue partnering with regulated pension fund organizations aligned with our new reforms.

    “As I receive this report, I wish to acknowledge and commend the effort and commitment of the Committee members.

    “This was not an easy task. I am aware of the challenges faced by the members during the exercise and applaud their tenacity and determination.

    “I want to reiterate my administration’s commitment to ensuring effective reforms in the pension administration of state and local governments,” Lawal added.

  • Zamfara Govt. denies parallel assembly allegations

    Zamfara Govt. denies parallel assembly allegations

    The Zamfara Government has described the activities of parallel assembly in the state as illegal, insisting that the state has only one legislature, under its Speaker, Bilyaminu Moriki.

    The Special Adviser to Gov. Dauda Lawal on Political Matters, Iliyasu Maijega, stated this while addressing newsmen in Gusau on Friday.

    The suspended members of the house had formed a parallel assembly.

    The development had led to the factionalisation of the assembly, one headed by Bilyaminu Moriki (PDP-Zurmi South) as Speaker, and the other one under the headship of Bashar Aliyu (PDP-Gummi I).

    Recall that the parallel assembly in its legislative sitting recently in Gusau accused Lawal’s administration of poor performance in the security sector and the high costs of contracts of infrastructural projects, among others.

    Maijega described the declaration of another assembly by the suspended lawmakers as illegal and a violation of a  Court order.

    He described the recent accusations to  Lawal’s administration by the parallel assembly lawmakers as null and void.

    Maijega added, “All the accusations made by so called parallel assembly against the present administration were baseless.

    “I think the issue of the state assembly crisis is before the court, therefore, any action they take is illegal.

    “Any lawmaker who claims to be a member of Zamfara parallel assembly is working against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    He called on the public to ignore the reports of any parallel assembly sitting in the state.

    “Any resolution of the parallel assembly is not lawful. The state legislature under the leadership of Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki remains the only legitimate state house of assembly authorised to carry out legislative duties in the state,” he added.

    Maijega called on the people of the state to continue supporting Lawal’s administration to move the state forward.

  • Zamfara: NMA reacts over doctors’ salary increment

    Zamfara: NMA reacts over doctors’ salary increment

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has commended Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State for approving increase in medical doctors’ salary in the State.

    This, according to the NMA, places Zamfara doctors as the highest-paid in Northern Nigeria.

    The State Chairman of the association in Zamfara, Dr Ibrahim Hano, disclosed this at a news conference on Thursday in Gusau.

    Hano acknowledged the efforts of Gov. Lawal’s administration in implementing unprecedented reforms in the state’s health sector, describing the review of doctors’ welfare packages as historic.

    “Gov Lawal’s administration has set a new standard by approving enhanced renumeration for medical doctors in the state, including the implementation of the “skipping” policy and the introduction of rural posting allowances.

    “With this welcome development, Zamfara now pays the highest salary to doctors in Northern Nigeria,” the chairman confirmed.

    He said the decision would significantly boost the morale of health workers, enhance retention, and make the state’s health service more attractive.

    Hano expressed confidence that the governor’s timely health reforms would set a new benchmark for sustainable healthcare delivery in the state and the northern region.

    According to him, the governor deserves commendation for the renovation, expansion, and modernisation of the State Specialist Hospital in Gusau, alongside several general hospitals across the state.

    “The NMA is impressed with the provision of cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment equipment that has improved the capacity of health facilities to manage complex medical conditions.

    “The NMA is also impressed with the present administration in the state for recognising the importance of primary healthcare as the bedrock of public health.

    “The recent approval for the recruitment of healthcare professionals across various cadres is a forward-thinking measure that addresses the longstanding workforce deficits in the sector,” he said.

  • “I am gradually going to the departure lounge” – Ex-President Obasanjo speaks in parables about his death

    “I am gradually going to the departure lounge” – Ex-President Obasanjo speaks in parables about his death

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday in Zamfara State spoke in parables about his death, revealing that he is currently headed to the departure lounge.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Obasanjo was in Zamfara at the invitation of the State Governor Dauda Lawal to inaugurate the reconstructed Yeriman Bakura Specialists Hospital in Gusau.

    While commending Governor Lawal, the former President said: “Even though I am gradually going to the departure lounge, but I won’t take my boarding pass until you and I get this State to become one of the leading States in Nigeria”.

    Obasanjo added: “You asked me to come; I have come, I have seen, but I am going nowhere yet. If you don’t invite me to Zamfara, I will invite myself regularly”.

    Japa: How to hold medical personnel in Nigeria – Obasanjo

    Meanwhile, in his speech, Obasanjo, who is 88-year-old, also proffered a solution to the menace of mass relocation of medical personnel from the country, suggesting that they should be provided with incentives.

    Obasanjo stressed that without medical personnel, though the right environment and equipment are there, hospitals cannot deliver, adding that providing incentives for medical personnel will address the japa menace.

    “For hospitals, especially when many Nigerians, who have been trained as medical personnel are japaing, which is going out of the country looking for better conditions, I say how do you hold them here.

    “You have to give them a bit of incentive. You have to. We need all the personnel that we can have because for our hospitals to deliver, you need the right environment, you need equipment and then you need the personnel,” Obasanjo said.

    The former President praised Governor Lawal for his outstanding achievements and performance since assuming office, while urging the Governor to continue his good work.

    The former President: “I am in Zamfara State today to see the new, improved, and improving Zamfara under your leadership. Here we are.

    “Two things surprised me: the commissioner of health mentioned that you have a CT scan and an MRI this hospital.

    “I know some teaching hospitals that don’t have CT scans and MRIs, and some have machines, but they are not operational.

    “Here you have it; it is working and providing service.

    “I have great pleasure to be here, to commission this remodelled and reequipped hospital for the well-being and welfare of everybody that will come here.”

    While commissioning of the Zannah Road to Abarma Road, former President Obasanjo said that Governor Lawal was making Zamfara a modern state.

    “Based on my observations and what I have heard, we are partners in progress. I urge you to continue enhancing Zamfara State throughout your government’s eight-year tenure.”

    We will no longer travel abroad for medical attention – Zamfara Gov

    Speaking at the event, Governor Lawal said that with the complete reconstruction of the Yeriman Bakura Specialists Hospital in Gusau, patients will no longer travel out of the State to seek medical attention.

    According to Lawal, the Yeriman Bakura Specialists Hospital has been fully upgraded and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that meet global standards.

    In his address, the Governor thanked former President Obasanjo for honouring the invitation to commission the key projects in the State.

    “Your Excellency, on behalf of all the citizens of Zamfara State, thank you for honouring our invitation and welcome to your second home, Zamfara State.

    “A State that is dear to your heart because our primary vocation here is agriculture, something you are very passionate about.

    “The Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital has undergone both expansion and renewal. New facilities have been constructed.

    “Doctors now have newly completed residential quarters, including two- and three-bedroom semidetached units, and a befitting residence for the Chief Medical Director.

    “A serene and quiet patient relaxation arena has also been introduced alongside the redesign and beautification of the hospital landscape. We also established internal road networks that support mobility, order, and aesthetics.

    “The new centers constructed are new Obstetrics and Gynecology (O&G), new Radiology Complex, new Laboratory Complex, and Patient Relaxation Arena.

    “Equally important is the extensive renovation and modernization of 14 key departments, all of which have been revitalized and upgraded to contemporary standards.

    “We have matched these infrastructural improvements with a robust supply of cutting-edge medical equipment across all critical Departments.

    “These include advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools for radiology, dialysis, surgery, ophthalmology, ENT, physiotherapy, endoscopy, echocardiography, dentistry, and general clinical care.

    “The hospital has also been furnished with new hospital beds, electronic systems, general furniture, and waste management infrastructure to ensure an environment that meets global hygiene standards, safety, and comfort.”

    The governor emphasised that the hospital was well-equipped to function as a true referral center for complex medical cases, a credible training facility for healthcare personnel, and a hub for medical research and innovation.

    Other projects commissioned were the Zannah road to Abarma road and Tsalha Bungudu road to Kwanar Birnin Ruwa road, all in Gusau, the state capital.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Gov. Lawal approves Sallah bonus for civil servants, pensioners

    Eid-el-Kabir: Gov. Lawal approves Sallah bonus for civil servants, pensioners

    Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has approved a special Sallah bonus for all civil servants and pensioners in the State.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Dantawasa issued in Gusau on Monday.

    The timely gesture, the commissioner said, is a reflection of the governor’s deep commitment to the welfare and happiness of the people, especially during the sacred period of Eid-el-Kabir, a time of sharing, reflection, and prayer.

    “The gesture is aimed at easing the financial burden on families and enable them to celebrate the festivities with joy and dignity.

    “Gov Lawal, who is currently on pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Makkah, expressed his warmest wishes for a peaceful and joyous Eid celebration,” the commissioner said.

    The governor in a statement said :, “I am deeply grateful to Almighty Allah for granting us the opportunity to witness yet another Eid-el-Kabir”

    “As we celebrate Sallah, I urge us all to reflect on the essence of this season so such as unity, sacrifice, and compassion. Let us pray for our beloved Zamfara and our nation, Nigeria.

    “Together, we can build a better future for ourselves and generations,” he said.

    Lawal urged all citizens in the state to maintain law and order during the celebrations.

    “My administration remains focused on delivering the dividends of democracy and ensuring that no one is left behind”, he assured.

    He therefore called on all residents to celebrate responsibly and to keep Zamfara in their prayers, especially for the continued peace, development, and prosperity of our dear state.

    “May Almighty Allah accept our acts of worship and grant us peace, progress, and prosperity,” the governor added.

  • Local vigilantes die as NAF bombards terrorists in Zamfara

    Local vigilantes die as NAF bombards terrorists in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has eliminated no fewer than 20 armed terrorists and destroyed over 21 motorcycles during an air interdiction operation on May 31 in Zamfara State.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement on Monday, said the operation was carried out in the general area south of Mai-Galma in Maru Local Government Area,

    Ejodame said the operation was aimed at halting a planned large-scale attack on vulnerable communities by armed bandits.

    He said that intelligence received indicated that a significant number of terrorists were massing and preparing to strike unsuspecting settlements.

    According to him, further intelligence confirmed that the bandits had killed some farmers and abducted a number of civilians, including women and children.

    “Consequently, NAF aircraft under Operation FANSAN YAMMA was immediately dispatched on armed reconnaissance and possible rescue mission.

    “On arrival at the area, over 30 motorcycles carrying armed terrorists heading into the nearby forest were positively identified.

    “On sighting the aircraft, the terrorists opened fire, prompting a precision engagement that led to the destruction of several motorcycles and the neutralisation of dozens of terrorists.

    “Ground forces were immediately mobilised to exploit the situation. They confirmed the destruction of enemy assets and the neutralisation of over 20 terrorists,” he said.

    Ejodame said that two local vigilantes lost their lives and two others sustained injuries in the course of the operation.

    He said the NAF deeply regrets the loss of those brave vigilantes, adding that it remains committed to working with local communities to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

    According to him, efforts are ongoing to track and rescue the kidnapped villagers who were taken into the adjoining forest.

    “The NAF reiterates that all it’s operations are guided by strict rules of engagement, adherence to humanitarian law as well as the NAF Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMRAP), which emphasises the protection of innocent lives even in the face of hostile engagements.

    “As investigations continue, the NAF assures the public that all necessary measures are taken to protect civilians while intensifying pressure on criminal elements threatening peace in the region,” he added.

  • NDLEA intercepts 942 explosives enroute Zamfara

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a commercial vehicle loaded with 942 explosives along Kaduna-Zaria expressway.

    The Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja said the vehicle was coming from Nasarawa and heading to Zamfara.

    Babafemi said the explosives were concealed in a sack and the subsequent arrest of a 30-year-old suspect, Nura Muhammad.

    He said the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, has directed that the suspect and exhibits be transferred to the appropriate security agency for further action.

    Meanwhile, five members of a syndicate led by one Aminu Musa were arrested on Wednesday, April 30, by NDLEA operatives at Dangoro market, Kano with 50 blocks of skunk weighing 21.6kg recovered from them.

    Also, in Edo state, operatives acting on intelligence on Thursday, May 1, intercepted at Uromi, Esan North-East, a white Toyota bus conveying assorted opioids from Onitsha to Auchi.

    “Recovered from the vehicle include: 314,020 pills of tramadol, rophynol, diazepam, exol5; 638 bottles of codeine syrup and 200 ampoules of pentazocine injection.

    “A suspect Dare Adeyemo was taken into custody,” Babafemi said.

    Similarly, a Mazda commercial bus marked XA343TSE was intercepted at Agu-Awka junction, Awka, Anambra by NDLEA operatives on Wednesday.

    Also, Babafemi said that a total of 50,400 capsules of tramadol, 500 tablets of co-codamol and 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection were recovered while a suspect Chinedu Eneh was arrested.

    In Niger state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Kontagora -Mokwa road on Saturday intercepted a Mitsubishi canter truck marked RBH 104 ZY.

    “A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 5,500 capsules of tramadol and 2,300 ampoules of pentazocine injection as well as the arrest of a suspect Yusuf Abubakar, 30”.

    Meanwhile, Babafemi said that after 10 months of painstaking investigation, NDLEA operatives had arrested a wanted drug kingpin, a 52-year-old Managing Director of Ovidaq International Ltd, Dominic Chiegozie Obijiaku.

    He said that the suspect was arrested over his involvement in the importation of a consignment of 2,616,060 pills of tramadol 225mg intercepted by NDLEA at Apapa seaport in Lagos.

    “A follow-up operation at his house in Lekki led to the seizure of 51 wraps of Canadian Loud weighing 34grams,” Babafemi said.

  • Zamfara Govt. settles KEDCO N1bn debt

    Zamfara Govt. settles KEDCO N1bn debt

    The Zamfara State Government has settled a debt of N1 billion owed to the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KEDCO).

    The government also expanded the mandates of the newly established Zamfara Electrification Agency (ZEA) to include improving power supply to unserved and underserved communities in the state.

    The pioneer Executive Secretary of ZEA, Muzammil Idris disclosed this in an interview on Thursday.

    Idris said that Gov. Dauda Lawal’s administration has freed the state from the debt which always stood as obstacles to the expected rapid development of government activities for the betterment of the state economy.

    He noted that lack of energy in the state had affected the key sectors of development such as Health, Education, Security and Agriculture, adding that these sectors were considered as integral part of economic development in any society.

    According to him, a 10-year working plan and implementation strategy has already been drafted by the Agency.

    “The immediate plan on my table from the main draft is to ensure restoration of energy across the 14 local government areas of the state.

    ”I am to also ensure that places that have not been on the national grid were connected within three months.

    “I had a meeting with the Chairman Kaduna Electricity Governing Board, and we looked into taking possible measures to restore power supply across the state.

    ”That gave me an opportunity to constitute a committee for assessment and implementation of the said planned electrification project for the benefiting communities.

    “After the completion of the project, my agency will ensure implementation of the national metering policy, to help sanitise both the electrification services and the revenue generation by the KEDCO.’’