TheNewsGuru

Tag: Zamfara

  • Female supplier of logistics to terrorists, nabbed by soldiers in Zamfara

    Female supplier of logistics to terrorists, nabbed by soldiers in Zamfara

    Troops of the one brigade of Operation Fansan Yanma have nabbed 25-year-old Shamsiyya Ahadu, a suspected logistics supplier for terrorist activities in Zamfara State.

    The suspect was arrested on Saturday, December 28 after authorities received intelligence about her movement.

    She was with her accomplice, Ahmed Husaini, at a checkpoint along the road from Kware to Badarawa in the Shinkafi LGA which resulted in the arrest of the suspect.

    This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, the Coordinator Joint Media Coordinating Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma.

    He said the suspect “was found in possession of 764 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 6 magazines meant to be delivered to terrorist kingpin Bello Turji’s camp.”

    The arrest followed an intelligence report regarding the movement of the terrorists logistics along the road from Kware to Badarawa in the Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State,” the statement read.

    “In response to the development, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma prompty established a roadblock leading to the apprehension of the suspects. Both suspects are currently undergoing investigation by appropriate authorities.”

    Abdullahi said the military remains dedicated to dismantling all terrorist networks as well as prevent illegal movement of arms and ammunition within its theatre of operation.

    He also called on the members of the public to keep providing credible information that would lead to the arrest of wanted terrorists and their collaborators.

    “Additionally, the Theatre wishes to appreciate the sustained local support it is enjoying from the people of the Zone towards the fulfilment of Operation Fansan Yamma mandate,” he said.

  • WAR against terrorism: Troops silence notorious terrorist kingpin in Zamfara

    WAR against terrorism: Troops silence notorious terrorist kingpin in Zamfara

    Troops of the 1 Brigade in Sector 2 Joint Task Force, North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have silenced a “notorious” terrorist kingpin in Zamfara State.

    Alhaji Ma’oli was killed alongside other suspected terrorists on Thursday.

    The Coordinator Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, said the operation leading to Alhaji Ma’oli’s death and that of others took place in Mai Sheka village close to Kunchin Kalgo town “which is one of the local communities that had suffered under Ma’oli’s reign of terror”.

    “Ma’oli is renowned for always imposing illegal levies on residents of Unguwan Rogo, Mai Sheka, Magazawa, and other surrounding areas of Bilbis in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State,” Abdullahi said in a statement on Friday.

    According to him, Ma’ Oli’s death has “brought relief and excitement to locals in Bilbis general area”.

    He said the operation followed an intelligence report about the activities of terrorists on motorcycles operating in the Bilbis axis of Bilbis District, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    “Swift response by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma not only thwarted the terrorists’ plan to attack the locals but also reinforced the commitment to securing the area from further acts of violence,” he said.

    In the wake of the development, Abdullahi said Operation Fansan Yamma “remains resolute in its mandate to pursue and neutralise all remaining terrorists and their collaborators across the Joint Task Force Theatre of Operation”.

    The Joint Task Force will also continue to work diligently alongside local communities towards achieving lasting peace and security in Zamfara State and beyond,” he added.

    Zamfara is one of the states in the country battling terrorism and banditry, leading to scores of deaths and the abduction of several others.

    Security agencies have in the past years battled to contain the criminals. The federal and state governments have also repeatedly vowed to flush out the criminals whose activities have increased over the years.

  • Five years after, FG lifts ban on mining in Zamfara

    Five years after, FG lifts ban on mining in Zamfara

    The Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining activities in Zamfara State, five years after.

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this in a press briefing, his spokesman, Segun Tomori said on Sunday.

    “The Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State, citing significant improvements in the security situation across the state,” the statement read.

    Alake stated that Nigeria “has a lot to gain from reawakened economic activities in a highly mineralised state like Zamfara that is imbued with vast gold, Lithium, and copper belts.”

    The minister explained that the previous ban, which was well intentioned, inadvertently created a vacuum exploited by illegal miners to fleece the nation of its resources.

    He also emphasized that the state’s potential for contributing to national revenue is enormous.

    “The existential threat to lives and properties that led to the 2019 ban has abated. The security operatives’ giant strides have led to a notable reduction in the level of insecurity, and with the ban on exploration lifted, Zamfara’s mining sector can gradually begin contributing to the nation’s revenue pool,” Alake said.

    “Since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, however, intelligence-driven, coordinated security operations have resulted in the neutralization of key bandit commanders, significantly reducing incidents of insecurity. A recent success was the capture of one of the most wanted bandit commanders, Halilu Sububu, in a covert operation in Zamfara.”

    To Alake, the lifting of the ban would also facilitate better regulation of mining activities in the state.

    He said this would enable more effective intelligence gathering to combat illegal mining and ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources.

    “Commending members of the fourth estate of the realm for championing the propagation of reforms and initiatives of the ministry in 2024, Alake noted that the press have been key allies in efforts to sanitise the mining sector and promote market reforms which have made the industry attractive to indigenous and foreign investors.

    “On the recent controversy surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with France, Alake reaffirmed the Federal Government’s position that the agreement does not imply Nigeria is relinquishing control over its mineral resources or entering into any military pact with France.

    The high point of the MOU is on training and capacity building for our mining professionals. We need all the assistance we can get in terms of capacity, technical, and financial support from abroad, and that wasn’t even the first we are signing. We’ve signed similar ones with Germany and Australia. Deliberate peddling of misinformation, despite facts to the contrary, is uncalled for.”

  • Despite insecurity, Zamfara fixes November 16 for LG election

    Despite insecurity, Zamfara fixes November 16 for LG election

    Despite insecurity the Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZASIEC) has fixed November 16, 2024, for the Local Government Election in the State.

    The new Chairman of the Commission, Bala Aliyu Gusau, who was earlier today sworn in by the state chief Judge, Justice Kulu Aliyu represented by Mukhtar Yusha’u of the Zamfara State High Court at the council chamber of the Government House, Gusau, announced this while addressing journalists on the preparation ahead of the conduct of the local council poll.

    He also revealed that the sale and return of expression of interest forms would commence on 25th October. 2024 to 1st November 2024.

    The chairman said the commission is acting in line with law number four of the Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZASIEC), and it would keep the public posted on any other development regarding the local council poll.

  • Stop playing blame game against Matawalle – Ex-Zamfara commissioner tells Lawal

    Stop playing blame game against Matawalle – Ex-Zamfara commissioner tells Lawal

    Alhaji Ibrahim Danmalikin-Gidangoga, a former Zamfara Commissioner for Information, has called on Gov. Dauda Lawal to stop playing the blame game against the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle.

    Danmalikin-Gidangoda, therefore, urged the Governor to tackle the security challenges in the state.

    In a statement he issued in Gusau on Friday, the former commissioner condemned the recent attacks on Matawalle by Lawal.

    He said that such comments in the media by Lawal against his predecessor, Matawalle, have no value to the development of the state.

    Danmalikin-Gidangoga said Lawal must collaborate with Matawalle to tackle the security challenges facing the state.

    “The two leaders should collaborate to ensure the success of  the ongoing anti-banditry operations in the state by the Federal Government.

    “I think Gov. Lawal should stop the blame game on unnecessary issues, let him focus on the development of the state.

    “The Federal Government is making  great efforts as regards to the fight against insecurity.

    “The state government must also use its machinery like  the Community Protection Guard (CPG) judiciously towards ensuring peace and stability in the state,”he explained.

    According to him, Matawalle should be commended for the recent achievements recorded in the anti-banditry fight not only in Zamfara but in the entire North-West region.

    Danmalikin-Gidangoga said, “I am calling on Gov. Dauda Lawal to set politics aside and collaborate with Matawalle and the security agencies to restore peace and stability in the state.

    “I think the security issue is a collaborative responsibility, therefore, it is beyond personal interest,” he added.

    The former commissioner further said that the Federal Government has made notable strides in tackling insecurity, especially through its targeted efforts to combat banditry in Zamfara and the North-West.

    He said that since the inauguration of the ongoing military operations in the region by Matawalle, bandits’ activities had drastically reduced.

    Danmalikin-Gidangoga said, “The ongoing operations neutralised key bandit leaders in the North- West including the wanted Halilu Sububu.

    “I enjoin our gallant troops to sustain their efforts in restoring peace and stability in the country.

    “I think Matawalle is doing the needful, the security agencies are making great success in tackling banditry activities not only in Zamfara but in the whole North-West.

    “Gov. Lawal should focus on interest of the state, the major needs of Zamfara citizens is security, peace and stability.”

    He called on Lawal to stop shifting unnecessary blame against Matawalle.

    “Matawalle as the Minister of State for Defence is doing the needful, all we need to do is to support him irrespective of any political differences,” the former commissioner urged.

  • REVEALED! Many governors like me negotiated with bandits, why crucify me – Matawalle

    REVEALED! Many governors like me negotiated with bandits, why crucify me – Matawalle

    Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has denied allegations of aiding banditry, calling on accusers to provide evidence in his involvement.

    He challenged the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal to swear an oath with the Quran that he has no connection in banditry affecting the state.

    Speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, he defended his decision to engage in dialogue with bandits, a practice he says was supported by several governors and has led to the recovery of abducted persons and ammunition in Zamfara.

    They should bring any proof of that,” the minister said.

    ”Because I dialogue, it was not only I, remember all the governors dialogue, the governor of Niger state dialogue with bandits, the governor of Sokoto did the same. while only me because it is Zamfara.”

    ”Zamfara is a very complex state with terrible human beings with devilish ideas”

    Matawalle also indicated that his accusers are all involved in the activities they have alleged him of.

    ”Let me remind you I was the only governor that swore to the Holy Quran that I have no hand or connection with banditry or I am not happy with what is happening that if I am happy or if I am part of it or if I know those doing it or if I am collaborating with them God should not give  me one-second grace”

    “I challenged all the politicians, including General Ali Gusau and Dauda Lawal, to do the same. None of them could take the oath, and if they don’t take the oath that means they are part of it,

    “I have always acted in good faith, as have other governors who engaged in dialogue with bandits, including the Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, and the Governor of Sokoto State. Yet, I seem to be singled out, perhaps because Zamfara is a complex state with terrible human beings with devilish ideas,” he stated.

    According to estimates from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED)–at least five times more people were kidnapped in Nigeria last year than in both Mexico and Colombia combined — countries notorious for abductions

    The minister argued that his fearlessness in tackling criminal elements in Zamfara has made him unpopular among those engaged in criminal activities.

    “The people who oppose me do so because I go after them,” he remarked

    When asked if these individuals were politicians. He said in the affirmation, “Yes, they are politicians, and I go after them.””

    “The dialogue brought significant success,” Matawalle asserted, citing the recovery of weapons and the release of thousands of abducted individuals, including some foreign nationals.

    Banditry and kidnapping are just some of the challenges facing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who came to power in May promising to tackle insecurity from criminal gangs, jihadists and other armed groups.

    Drawing comparisons to the path of negotiations with bandits taken by then President Buhari, in his efforts to secure the release of the Chibok girls, Matawalle said, “This is a global practice; governments across the world enter into agreements to save lives,” he added.

    Matawalle also condemned what he described as attempts to blackmail him for his efforts. “People are spreading misconceptions out of hate, but I have no regrets because we achieved a lot of success without paying a single kobo in ransom.”

  • Declare state of emergency on Zamfara – APC to FG

    Declare state of emergency on Zamfara – APC to FG

    The Zamfara Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the state considering the lingering security challenges facing it.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Saturday by the State APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris.

    Idris said: “We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to enforce a state of emergency in the state over insecurity.

    “People of Zamfara have lost the confidence in the ability of the administration of Gov. Dauda Lawal to deal with the security situation in the state.

    “The Zamfara APC chapter commended the ongoing onslaught on bandits and terrorists in the state by the military in the North-Western states under the coordination and supervision of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello  Matawalle.”

    According to Idris, the ongoing military operations in the North-West as directed by Tinubu are certainly yielding unpredictable unprecedented results.

    He added, “Bandits’ leaders and their gangs have been subdued by the current development of the Federal Government’s fight against banditry.

    “This is very impressive and needs to be sustained at all costs so that the region will be free from all forms of criminality.

    “As a party, we observe with dismay how the Zamfara Government is trying to sabotage the ongoing onslaught through his media campaigns.

    ”This is to distract the effort of the federal government under the coordination of the Minister of State for Defence.

    “We have observed that Lawal as the Governor of the state has never in anyway supported the military operations in the state in terms of logistics.”

    Idris recalled that the military had recently warned him to steer clear from their activities and efforts.

    ”Gov. Dauda is now bent on distracting the operation through media campaigns and propaganda.

    ”This is just as he is toying with the security of lives and properties of innocent Zamfara citizens for his political gains,” he opined.

    The publicity scribe said that calling on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on Zamfara was necessary so as to spoil the ‘mischievous plan’.

    Idris said, “This need is highly desirable so that the operation can go unhindered and the security operatives can go into the state without the governor and government of Zamfara politicizing the manhunt.

    ”This is as the state Governor, Dauda Lawal, has already begun by portraying himself as if he’s the sole sponsor of the operation, for which he has no hand.

    “Since he took over the mantle of leadership in the state as governor in May last year, Lawal has vehemently nurtured attacks on his predecessor, Matawalle.

    ”This included direct affront on the Minister’s property and baseless accusations, which always fell on deaf ears.

    “On many opportunities, Matawalle had offered himself both as Minister of State for Defence and as a citizen of Zamfara to partner with the governor in fighting the bandits.”

    According to him, he did so even before the situation escalated to when the acts of banditry, kidnappings for ransom and other heinous crimes became a daily affair, decrying, ” but the governor failed to comply.

    ”The president, concerned by the general outcry, directed Matawalle to lead the Defence Headquarters with the CDS to embark on full operation in fight against insecurity in the North-West.

    “The Minister and his fighters had effectively carried out the onerous task, decimating the criminals, their leaders and camps.

    ”They have been receiving accolades from all over the world except from Gov. Dauda Lawal and his team who are not happy with the onslaught being handled by Matawalle.

    “The governor is now, as usual, turned to politicising and indirectly fighting Matawalle.”

    This, Idris claimed, was by revisiting his earlier accusations that Matawalle had embezzled Zamfara’s money.

    According to him, Lawal has been claiming that Matawalle left nothing for his administration.

    Idris added, ”As well as buying airtime at some media outlets to claim being the one coordinating the fight alongside the military without any recognition of the minister.

    “In his TV interviews, Gov. Lawal sarcastically asked, “who’s Matawalle, i am dealing with the Minister of Defence, Badaru, National Security Adviser and the President and I don’t need Matawalle.

    “When in reality, it’s Matawalle who was charged with the responsibility which saw the elimination of the most dangerous bandit, Haliru Sububu giving confidence to Nigerians that the others too will soon follow by meeting their Waterloo.

    “We are not surprised because a governor who can grant approval of over N1.3 billion  as alleged, to sponsor terrorism, denied the act.

    ”But he immediately redeployed all the Directors of the state Ministry of Finance, whom he believed were the ones who leaked the memo and still denied despite the redeployment letter in circulation, cannot be given public trust.”

    Idris alleged that it was the same  Lawal who budgeted over N19 billion for his wife’s kitchen, but kept recalling allegations against his predecessor, Matawalle.

    He added, ”When he cannot give account of the billions released to the state by the Federal Government in cash and grains as palliatives.

    ”These were distributed by the Governors of other states to their citizens but have remained a mirage in Zamfara..

    Idris added that the efforts of Matawalle in the fight against banditry when he was Governor in Zamfara were far ahead those of Lawal.

    ”This was because Matawalle had distributed 200 brand new Hilux vehicles to the security agencies in the state on the 8th July, 2020.

    “The well equipped vehicles were distributed amongst the Police, Nigerian Army, Air force, NSCDC, Immigration Service, FRSC, DSS, EFCC, NCoS, ZAROTA and HISBA Commission.

    “At the instance of the former Chief of Army  Staff (COAS), retired Lt.- Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, who was represented by GOC 3 Division, Maj.- Gen. Nuhu Angbazo and the then CP. Usman Nagogo.

    ”The vehicles were judiciously utilised and the desired result was achieved.

    “On the issue of the reconciliation and disarmament, the Matawalle administration executed it through the positive workable advice given by all the security agencies as against Lawal’s comments that it failed,” he added.

    According to Idris, all the Emirs, Islamic scholars and all major critical stakeholders in the state contributed immensely in all the meetings and strategies on how to end banditry.

    Also, they were highly accommodated for better results that were achieved at the end.

    When contacted, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Alhaji Haliru Andi, said the state leadership of the party was aware of the APC’s allegations.

    “We have seen the press release, we are making arrangements to react on the empty allegations against the PDP-led government in the state by the APC,” Andi explained.

  • Insecurity: Stop hiding behind opposition – APC urges Zamfara Govt

    Insecurity: Stop hiding behind opposition – APC urges Zamfara Govt

    The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government in the state to stop hiding behind opposition.

    The State APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, stated this in a statement issued in Gusau on Wednesday.

    Idris said the Zamfara APC chapter and the people of the state were not satisfied with the manner that the PDP-led government in the state was handling the security sector of the state.

    He lamented that the PDP-led government under Gov. Dauda Lawal has continued to accuse the immediate past APC-led administration in the state over its inability to meet its campaign promises to the people.

    Idris said, “The PDP-led government in the state, during its campaigns used insecurity against Matawalle’s leadership, promising to eliminate banditry and other security challenges facing the state within its first months in office.

    “The Gov. Dauda Lawal’s administration, having failed, returned against the APC because it cannot defeat the banditry activities in the state.

    “It is very unfortunate, a recent memo allegedly emanated from the state government and signed by the Secretary to the State Government.

    ”It was requesting Lawal’s approval to settle some identified bandits and journalists costing over N1 billion, which went viral recently.”

    According to him, APC is aware that the state government secretly and without documentation, approved reconciliation between bandits and communities.

    ”But it is avoiding public backlash on the matter, which was arrived at via a meeting with the governor, government officials and some scholars.

    “Communities in the state are being attacked by bandits on a daily basis leading to killings and kidnappings.

    “Communities receiving threats from the bandits over failure to contribute millions of naira to them.

    “So disheartening is the recent case of the Moriki community contributing over N30 million to bandits,” he explained.

    Idris urged the PDP- led state government to explain why the former Chairman of the State Security Trust Fund, Muhammad Abubakar, resigned his appointment.

    He lamented the increasing number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

    Idris also decried that a large number of vulnerable groups of people in the state have turned to beggars for lack of state government’s help.

    “I called on the Zamfara Governor to desist from politicising the security issue as he did during the campaign period.

    “Now is the time for action, not propaganda, as a government, you should concentrate on responsibilities and not blame the opposition,” the APC publicity scribe said.

    When contacted, the Director-General Media and Communications to the state government, Malam Nuhu Anka, described the allegations as baseless.

    Anka said that the state government remained on its stand not to negotiate with the bandits.

    He accused the immediate past administration in the state under the former Governor, Matawalle, for allegedly not handling security matters with experience.

    “All those allegations by the APC are just to blacklist Gov. Lawal’s administration.

    “The security measures taken by Gov. Lawal immediately after his assumption as a governor in the state have yielded positive results in tackling the security challenges in the state.

    “The establishment of the Community Protection Guard (CPG) has reduced bandits’ attacks in our communities.

    “The number of attacks and kidnapping in our communities have reduced, if compared with the Matawalle’s time,” Anka maintained.

  • SAD! 20 villagers get drowned trying to avoid bandits attack in Zamfara

    SAD! 20 villagers get drowned trying to avoid bandits attack in Zamfara

    No fewer than 20 people have been reported dead in the Kali community of Gumi Local Government Area in Zamfara State while they were fleeing from a bandit attack.

    According to a resident who pleaded anonymity, the bandits besieged the village at 1:00 pm last Sunday.

    “The bandits were seen moving towards Kalli village on motorcycles with sophisticated weapons to attack the community, which forced the villagers to flee for their safety,” he added.

    According to him, the boat was overloaded and it capsized along Birnin Magaji River, which led to the death of 20 villagers.

    He explained that five corpses were recovered at Falale River, four at Birnin Magaji River, while three were also recovered at Gadar Gummi River.

    Speaking further, he said that the bandits terrorised communities of Kwammaka, Kwammaka Jibi, Kwammaka Mai Katsina, Kallin and Kazura villages, all in Gummi local government area.

    The police are yet to issue any statement on the reported incident.

  • Photo of popular hunger protester allegedly shot and killed in Zamfara yesterday

    Photo of popular hunger protester allegedly shot and killed in Zamfara yesterday

    A photo of an #EndBadGoverance protester who was shot and killed in Gusau, Zamfara State on Monday, 5th August, 2023 has surfaced on social media.

    Nura, a northern protester was pictured with a placard that reads: ‘We are out for a peaceful protest’ before he was reportedly shot and killed during the demonstration by Nigeria Police Force (NPF) operatives in Gusau, Zamfara state.

    Nuru’s death has sparked an outrage on social media with netizens condemning the Tinubu- led administration for opening fire on harmless protesters.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Hunger protests kicked started on August 1 as many Nigerians from all corners of the country trooped out in mass to demand the government’s attention, over the country’s harsh economy that has seen the Naira greatly devalued and the cost of living reaching new levels.

    President Bola Tinubu, had addressed the nation after three days of demonstrations asking protesters to leave the streets as their voices had been heard.

    Despite the president’s address, the protests which were largely peaceful have gone awry in some parts of the country, especially in the northern region, as looting and destruction of both public and private enterprises becomes the order of the day.