NDLEA intercepts 942 explosives en-route Zamfara, recovers 314,020 pills of tramadol
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.
Matawalle donates N500m to Zamfara APC supporters
Former governor and Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle has donated N500 million to supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara. The Special Adviser to the Minister on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Danmaliki made the disclosure at a news briefing on Friday in Gusau. Danmaliki said a total of 2,800 APC supporters and beneficiaries drawn from the 14 Local Government Areas of the state received N100,000 each. He added that 114 political office holders from six local government area of Maradun, Bakura, Talata Mafara, Anka, Bukkuyum and Gummi received N250,000 each. READ ALSO: Amid Natasha controversy, senate reaffirms confidence in Akpabio Media reports indicate that the six benefiting council areas form Zamfara West, are from the minister’s senatorial zone. Danmaliki said that 80 beneficiaries were also selected from the rest of the area councils including Shinkafi, Birnin-Magaji, Kaura-Namoda, Maru, Zurmi, Tsafe, Gusau and Bungudu. According to him, the beneficiaries also included the vulnerable, women, youths and the physically challenged. He said the minister made the package cash to compliment the gesture of other party chieftains that shared food items and clothing materials. He said the cash would assist beneficiaries meet other obligations in terms of purchases during the holy month of Ramadan.
CSOs allege powerful elites depleting Nigeria’s mineral resources
Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), short of naming names, have strongly alleged that powerful elites were sponsoring illegal mining to strip Nigeria of its mineral wealth. The stakeholders said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja. They warned that the situation could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification policy, aimed at enhancing the solid minerals sector to contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It would be recalled that Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, had alleged that retired military officers were involved in illegal mining, using sophisticated machinery and procuring arms for the activity. He said that they use choppers to transport minerals out of the country, making billions of dollars in the process. He added that the arms procured to secure illegal mining sites were also used for banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. The Executive Director of Renevyln Development Initiative (RDI), Philip Dakpor, stated that powerful interests were behind illegal mining, depriving Nigeria of revenue from the sector, which required deliberate action to address the menace “There is no doubt that powerful interests are behind illegal mining across the country, so Comrade Adams Oshiomhole may be right in pointing fingers. However, his allegations lack the political will needed to address the issue. “This is because he said the perpetrators are known yet no names were mentioned, and no one has been arrested. If those behind the menace are known and can’t be named and arrested then it shows something even deeper. “ It is either collusion at certain quarters in government or total negligence, but I suspect it is collusion. Some people in government are benefiting maximally from illegal mining and so choose not to halt the practice, “ he said. An activist, Dr Abdullahi Jabi, alleged that traditional rulers were conniving with illegal miners, mostly expatriates, to cart away Nigeria’s mineral wealth. Jabi, the Chairman, North Central Zone, Campaign for Democracy, Human Rights Advocacy, Civil Society of Nigeria, said that locals in mining communities aid illegal miners in perpetrating the act. “These activities have been on over the years and government did not pay attention to it, until it got escalated with illegal expatriates coming to the country with machineries. “They are using residents and citizens within those communities, who show them the way, and then connive with traditional rulers to perpetrate these wounds against the states, “ he said. He described the situation as complex, resulting from factors such as the negligence of constitutional duties by political leaders and public office holders. “ It is a network that is critical to destroy. Its not as easy as you see it, because the high and the mighty are behind it. “This is because a poor man, who cannot feed, who has no energy, cannot go to exploration of minerals resources that is almost 200 or 500 miles into the mother earth. “Who will give him the equipment? Who will provide him with security to do that, “ he said. The activist listed poor governance, weak leadership, and a deteriorating economic situation as factors further making the sector vulnerable to expatriates, whom he alleged were supported by some leaders. According to him, to address the situation, a holistic legal framework must be established to ensure that the solid minerals sector received the required attention. He emphasised the need for adequate logistics to enable the government to implement strict measures for the benefit of the people, rather than a few individuals who were exploiting the nation’s resources. It will be recalled that the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, during the Ministry’s budget defence in 2023, had also alleged that illegal miners were sponsoring banditry in the affected states. He said that efforts were ongoing to identify the perpetrators, adding that various strategies, including both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches were being deployed to address the situation.
Zamfara Bombing: Gov Lawal Commends NAF
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has praised the Nigerian Air Force for their renewed efforts in combating bandits in the state. The governor gave the commendation in a statement in Gusau on Sunday by Sulaiman Idris, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity. Lawal revealed that the Nigerian Air Force had carried out successful airstrikes over the weekend. The strikes targeted bandits who were attacking villages in Zurmi and Maradun Local Government Areas of the state. Lawal, however, expressed his deep condolences to the families of civilian casualties who were affected by the airstrikes at Tungar Kara in Zurmi LGA. READ ALSO: El Rufai Visits Buhari The unfortunately incident included members of the local vigilante group who were mistakenly identified as bandits fleeing from Gidan Makera in the Boko district of Zurmi LGA. The governor commended the precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas. The governor said the strikes had significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits. He said they had also demonstrated the Nigeria Air Force’s commitment to protecting civilians and safeguarding life and property. “As a responsible government, the Zamfara State Government remains committed to sustaining the gains made in the fight against banditry and related criminalities. “The recent success is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the state and federal security agencies, which have yielded positive results,” he said. READ ALSO: Kano Emirate Tussle: Federal Agents Sack Sanusi’s Guards Lawal reaffirmed commitment to providing necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to sustain their operations and bring lasting peace to the state. According to him, this includes enhancing intelligence sharing, providing logistics, and strengthening community engagement. He noted that, unfortunately, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives. “We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah. “The government will provide necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families,” he said. The governor called on the people to be vigilant, report all suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security personnel. “Through collective effort and unity of purpose, the fight against banditry can be won, bringing enduring peace and stability to Zamfara,” he said.
Insecurity in Zamfara: Residents Flee As Gunmen Impose N172.7 Levy
Armed groups in Zamfara state have reportedly imposed monetary and in-kind levies on 25 villages in Tsafe West, causing widespread displacement. The demands total approximately N172.7 million, with additional contributions of soybeans demanded from some communities. READ ALSO: NAF Acquires 63 New Aircrafts in Three Years Villages unable to meet the requirements face violent retaliation, prompting hundreds to abandon their homes and livelihoods. The affected villages include Gijinzama, Dakolo, and Kauyen Kane, with levies ranging from N2.5 million to N20 million. This situation has disrupted farming and other activities, leaving communities in dire need of security reinforcements and relief aid. Despite improvements in some areas, rural communities in Tsafe West remain highly vulnerable.
Government Raises Alarm As Bello Turji’s Attacks Escalate in Sokoto and Zamfara
Many informed analysts across the globe that are well aware of the prowess and gallantry of the Nigerian army at war will marvel at how ragtag militias under the leadership of semi-literate individual like Bello Turji would be creating horrors for villagers within Nigeria. It is shocking therefore, that Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, will step up his violent campaign in Sokoto, launching attacks across the Zamfara-Sokoto border and remain elusive. Former Governor of Sokoto, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has called for immediate government intervention, warning that Turji’s actions are wreaking havoc and disrupting local life. READ ALSO: IPOB Opposes Ruga in South East, Warns Against Cattle Settlements Recent reports reveal that Turji, angered by the detention of his relatives by security forces, had demanded their release by January 1, 2025. Failing to meet this ultimatum, he and his militia have launched a series of brutal assaults, particularly in Shinkafi Local Government Area, forcing hundreds to flee. Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara has firmly stated that his administration is not seeking peace talks with the bandits, instead focusing on strengthening support for military and local security forces to regain control of the state. Previously, on Christmas Day, Turji had threatened to start the new year with a violent rampage, including kidnappings and killings, targeting Shinkafi and its neighboring communities. Following through on his threats, bandits abducted passengers from Gusau, setting their vehicle ablaze and taking the victims into the wilderness.
Appeal Court Ruling: I’m Undeterred, Says Governor Dauda Lawal
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has said he remains undeterred following the Appeal Court’s Thursday declaration of the state’s gubernatorial election as inconclusive. Recall that the Appeal Court in Abuja voided the election that produced Lawal as winner while declaring a rerun in three local government areas. In response to the ruling, Governor Lawal expressed confidence in the unwavering support of the people for progress and development in the state. Terming the court’s decision as a “temporary setback,” Governor Lawal reaffirmed his resolute commitment to honouring the people’s mandate. He assured Zamfara citizens of his dedication to pursuing all legal avenues to ensure a fair and just resolution. “The ruling by the Appeal Court is a temporary setback,” said Governor Lawal. “However, I remain optimistic that the collective decision of the people will ultimately prevail.” Acknowledging the challenges faced during the previous election, Governor Lawal emphasized his determination to uphold what he termed the “widely acclaimed mandate” and called for calm among the populace while his legal team rigorously reviews the verdict. “We will emerge victorious,” Governor Lawal affirmed. “Our unwavering determination and steadfast commitment leave no room for doubt or fear.” Amidst the ongoing legal proceedings, the governor urged the people of Zamfara to remain composed, stating, “Our legal team is thoroughly reviewing the verdict. We will follow through with the necessary actions to achieve a just outcome.”
Bandits Abduct Federal University Gusau Students
Once again, an unspecified number of students from the Federal University of Gusau were abducted in the early hours of Friday. This incident occurred when armed bandits in large numbers invaded the Sabon-Gida community in the Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State. A resident of Sabon-Gida, Nazeer Sabon-Gida, recounted the terrifying events, stating that the gunmen struck the community at around 3 am, opening fire indiscriminately. “They entered the town around 3 am and started shooting indiscriminately,” he said. “We have yet to confirm the number of students kidnapped because the bandits entered three hostels and kidnapped all the students there. It is difficult to ascertain their numbers now.” Reports monitored by NIGERIAN ANCHOR on Channels Television suggest that the bandits engaged in a fierce gun battle with troops of the Nigerian Army. However, despite the confrontation, the bandits managed to escape with the kidnapped victims. “They were seriously engaged with the army troops, but the way these bandits operate, they will divide themselves into two groups. One group will move with the kidnapped victims, while the other will stay behind to protect the first group,” Sabon-Gida explained. “The first group had left with the students while the second group engaged the army in a gun duel.” It’s worth noting that back in June, some students from the same university protested against the increasing incidents of abductions involving their fellow schoolmates in Sabon-Gida and Damba. Sabon-Gida village is situated opposite the main campus of the Federal University of Gusau, approximately 20 km from the state capital, Gusau.
Bandits Attack in Zamfara: Emir’s son, six others abducted, one killed
In yet another distressing incident, armed bandits targeted the headquarters of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara State on Monday, resulting in one fatality and the abduction of seven individuals. The armed assailants reportedly invaded the town with lethal weaponry, launching sporadic gunfire that claimed the life of one person. A resident of Bungudu, Ishaq Bungudu, recounted the horrifying event to Channels Television. He disclosed that among those abducted were Abdulrahman Hassan, the son of the Emir of Bungudu, and Abubakar S/Fada Bungudu, a former State Programme Officer of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The recurring attacks on the local government headquarters have raised concerns, especially given its proximity to the state capital, Gusau. Ishaq Bungudu implored Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to urgently appoint security aides to address the escalating security challenges. He expressed frustration with the lack of official response and noted that the absence of security support has compounded the crisis. Bungudu highlighted a bandits’ enclave situated near one community on the outskirts of the town, which he believes is linked to the continuous attacks. He questioned the efficacy of security agencies in dislodging the bandits and dismantling their hideout. Despite the community’s knowledge of this enclave, the security situation remains precarious. The headquarters of Bungudu Local Government is approximately 21 kilometers from the state capital, Gusau. The area has witnessed a series of attacks in recent times, including the killing of four policemen last month and another police officer in a separate incident. However, efforts to reach the Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Yazid Abubakar, for further information were unsuccessful as he did not respond to multiple phone calls. The unfortunate recurrence of such attacks emphasizes the pressing need for enhanced security measures to safeguard the lives and well-being of residents in Zamfara State.