Bauchi

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 United States military personnel at the Bauchi Airfield to bolster the Armed Forces of Nigeria through training and intelligence-sharing initiatives.

In an official statement on Monday, Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, clarified that the deployment follows formal diplomatic engagements and was initiated at the request of the Nigerian Federal Government.

“The deployment forms part of the deliberations during a working group engagement by the Nigerian delegation and its US counterpart,” Maj. Gen. Uba stated. He emphasized that the presence of the US personnel is a “planned and deliberate” move designed to address specific military training requirements and enhance technical support.

The DHQ stressed that the collaboration is strictly non-combative. “The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces,” the statement read, adding that all activities will be conducted under the authority and control of the Nigerian government.

The joint exercises will focus on strengthening the capacity of Nigerian troops to identify and neutralize extremist threats. The partnership aims to provide Nigeria with access to specialized technical capabilities, ultimately helping to protect vulnerable communities and deter terrorist activities.

“These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralise extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilise the nation,” Maj. Gen. Uba added.

The Defence Headquarters reassured the public of its commitment to transparency throughout the cooperation, promising to provide clear and timely information regarding the military engagement.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected bandits have abducted the wives and daughters of Imam Abubakar Muhammad Digare, the Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), during an attack on Digare town in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The incident occurred on Saturday night. The assailants reportedly invaded the cleric’s residence under the cover of darkness and took several victims away to an undisclosed location. Authorities are yet to confirm the exact number of those kidnapped.

Residents said the attack has heightened fear across the community. Many people have remained indoors, while movement within the town has reduced sharply due to safety concerns. Witnesses added that women and children were among those abducted. Neighbours described the operation as chaotic, noting that the gunmen fled immediately after seizing their victims.

Security analyst Bakatsine spoke on the development, stressing the implications for security in the area.

He said, “The attack on the residence of Imam Abubakar Muhammad Digare is a clear indication of the growing audacity of criminal gangs in the region. Such acts are designed to instil fear and demonstrate the weakness of local security arrangements.”

He also warned about the broader social impact of targeting religious leaders.

According to him, “Abductions targeting prominent religious leaders are particularly alarming because they can destabilise communal trust and provoke tensions within the community.”

Bakatsine called for urgent government intervention to curb the trend.

He said, “Authorities need to respond swiftly and effectively to prevent further escalation. This incident underscores the urgent need for coordinated security strategies in Bauchi and surrounding states.”

The latest raid adds to a string of violent incidents recorded in parts of Bauchi State in recent times. Communities across the state have reported kidnappings, armed robberies, and other attacks, which continue to raise concerns about public safety.

By The Daily Reality

The Commanding Officer of the 133 Special Forces Battalion in Azare, Bauchi State, Lt. Col. A.K. Kachalla, has come under allegation from soldiers who accused him of protecting a lance corporal said to have absconded with funds belonging to colleagues and business partners.

The claims, raised by whistleblowers who spoke to SaharaReporters on Friday, revolve around 15NA/74/3376 L/Cpl Usman Umar Kao’oje, who is reported to be serving in the unit.

Sources alleged that the soldier was declared absent without leave around September 2025 after he allegedly disappeared with money contributed for business ventures.

One insider said: “He disappeared with between N40 million and N50 million meant for business deals. People trusted him with their money.”

The matter reportedly drew public attention after it appeared on SaharaReporters’ social media platforms on September 30, 2025.

According to insiders, L/Cpl Usman later returned to the unit after about three months. Upon his return, the commanding officer allegedly ordered that he be held in the guardroom pending an orderly room trial or further investigation.

However, sources claimed that while in detention, the soldier threatened to expose senior officers and institute legal action over alleged unpaid debts he said contributed to his financial troubles.

A source alleged: “When the CO (commanding officer) heard about the threat, he quickly ordered his release and assured him that nothing would happen to him. He said he would be protected.”


The soldier was said to have regained freedom after three days.

Another insider claimed that the commander later constituted a Board of Inquiry, which he alleged was meant to suppress the case.

He said: “He was charged and tried at the command level, but since then nothing has been done. A soldier who went AWOL for three months received no punishment. Instead, he was allowed to move freely in the barracks,”

Whistleblowers, according to a report by SaharaReporters, further alleged that the soldier was subsequently posted to Operation Whirl Stroke in Taraba State despite the unresolved accusations.

Sources also claimed that the lance corporal allegedly directed those demanding refunds to the commanding officer.

One source said: “The soldier wouldn’t have been so bold without the support of the CO,”

Insiders added that before he was declared AWOL, the soldier allegedly acted as an intermediary for the commanding officer. They claimed he collected “returns” from military checkpoints in Azare.

The whistleblowers further alleged that part of the disputed funds was used to acquire properties, including a heavy-duty truck reportedly valued at N24 million and deployed for transport business, alongside houses and other assets.

They questioned why due military procedures were not followed in handling the absence and financial allegations.

One whistleblower asked: “How can a soldier be away for three months and the AWOL not be forwarded to the Army authorities? Why was his account not blocked? Why was he not properly tried and punished?”

They argued that the handling of the case suggested complicity within the command structure.

Another source alleged: “This clearly shows that the CO supported the soldier to defraud his colleagues.”

The development, according to the whistleblowers, has angered many personnel within the battalion, who believe the situation has hurt morale and the reputation of the Nigerian Army.

A source said: “Nobody owns the Army. Neither the CO nor the soldier is above the law,”

They called on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, alongside the Army Intelligence Corps and the Military Police Provost, to open an independent probe into the matter.

The source added: “The CO and the soldier should be investigated. This attitude is tarnishing the image of the Army,”

Efforts to obtain official responses were unsuccessful. Attempts to reach Lt. Col. Kachalla did not go through as his phone line was unavailable at the time of filing this report.

Similarly, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Onyinyechi Appolonia Anele, neither answered calls nor replied to a text message seeking comment as of press time.

By TDR

Soldiers attached to the 133 Special Forces Battalion in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State, have accused their Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. A.K. Kachalla, of compelling troops stationed at checkpoints to remit weekly financial “returns” of as much as ₦500,000, with the threat of redeployment for those who fail to comply.

The allegations were disclosed by several military sources who spoke with newsmen on condition of anonymity on Wednesday.

According to SaharaReporters, one of the sources said soldiers are frequently posted to checkpoints on major routes such as Kano Road, Maiduguri Road, Dambam, and Jama’are, where they are allegedly expected to collect money from motorists and passengers.

“Soldiers will be deployed to a checkpoint to be collecting money from passengers and a commanding officer will be waiting for return of ₦500,000 every week,” the source alleged. “If the soldiers didn’t meet up with the demands, they will change them immediately from the checkpoint and bring new soldiers.”

Another source described the alleged practice as entrenched, adding that it started shortly after Lt. Col. Kachalla assumed command of the battalion.

“Since this CO took over, things have gone from bad to worse,” the source said.

The same source complained about deteriorating living conditions within the barracks, particularly irregular power supply.

“Apart from the extortion at checkpoints, we don’t have regular electricity supply anymore. We only have light for about four hours out of 24 hours.”

The soldiers also alleged that water supply in the barracks has broken down, which they said has created serious hardship for their families.

“There is no water in the barracks. Women are suffering seriously just to get water for daily use,” one soldier said.

They compared the current situation with conditions under a former commander, Lt. Col. P.O. Mukoro, who is now a colonel.

“We remember during Lt. Col. P.O. Mukoro, now Col. P.O. Mukoro, we enjoyed 24 hours light and water everywhere,” a source said. “He is one of the best commanding officers the unit has ever had, and we are still missing him till now.”

The soldiers called on the military authorities to step in without delay.

“We are calling on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the removal of Lt. Col. A.K. Kachalla as the Commanding Officer of 133 SF BN,” one source said.

They also urged the military high command to order an independent investigation into the alleged extortion linked to checkpoint postings.

“The issue of checkpoint deployment return must be properly investigated,” another source said. “This is damaging the image of the Army and destroying morale among soldiers.”

By Uzair Adam

A prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, has died.

A family source confirmed the scholar’s passing to journalists on Thursday morning.

More details to follow.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected bandits attacked Zalau, a village in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, late on Saturday, November 22, 2025. In the raid, they killed Alh. Muhammad Bakoshi, an Islamic cleric.

The attackers, whose numbers could not be confirmed, targeted the home of the late cleric, who served as the Discipline Officer of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) in Zalau.

According to reports, the cleric was killed, while his wife—who gave birth just two weeks ago—and their five-year-old daughter were abducted and taken to an unknown location.

A resident said the attackers arrived between 11 p.m. and midnight, firing shots into the air before heading straight to Bakoshi’s house.

He added that the incident has left the community gripped by fear and sorrow, as residents feel increasingly vulnerable to repeated bandit attacks.

The resident also expressed the community’s hopes, stating, “Bandits and kidnappers in Nigeria do not target only Christians. These criminals go after anyone they see as vulnerable, regardless of religion. Let’s focus on safety and unity, not divide ourselves by faith.”

Local residents are praying for the safe return of the victims and for strength for the bereaved family during this difficult time.

As of the filing of this report, the Bauchi State Police Command had not issued any official statement.

By Uzair Adam

The Senate has begun legislative proceedings on a petition alleging the inclusion of non-indigenes as Bauchi indigenes in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) basic military training recruitment.

During Tuesday’s plenary, Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, presented a petition written by Governor Bala Mohammed, expressing concern over what he described as a deliberate misrepresentation in the recruitment process.

“This is to bring to the attention of the Senate a matter of grave concern on the inclusion of non-indigenes as indigenes of Bauchi State in the Nigerian Air Force basic military training course,” Mohammed stated in the petition.

He added, “It is imperative, Mr. President, to note that the interests of Bauchi State have been so shortchanged, so marginalised.”

After the petition was read, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred it to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, as well as the Committee on Air Force, for a thorough investigation.

“The petition will be argued at the committee’s level,” Akpabio said, directing the committees to report back to the Senate within seven days.

By Uzair Adam

The Bauchi State Government has disbursed N95 million to families of vigilantes and civilians who were killed in recent bandit attacks in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

Governor Bala Mohammed made the announcement during a condolence visit to Duguri and Gwana communities, where the attacks occurred.

The victims include 13 vigilantes and 10 civilians who lost their lives in an ambush by bandits.

According to the governor, each family of the deceased vigilantes will receive N5 million, while families of the civilians will receive N3 million each.

He noted that a committee led by the Chairman of Alkaleri LGA has been set up to oversee the equitable distribution of the funds.

“We are doing this out of sympathy and appreciation for the sacrifices made by these heroes. This support is meant to offer some relief to their families,” Mohammed said.

He also revealed that over 60 of the attackers were killed in the confrontation with security forces and vigilantes, praising the courage of the local defenders despite the superior firepower of the bandits.

In response to the ongoing security challenges, the governor pledged to employ up to 2,100 youths into the vigilante corps before the end of the year, beginning with the most affected communities.

He said the recruits will be trained by security agencies and equipped with clear rules of engagement to avoid extrajudicial actions.

“To strengthen their operations, I’m releasing N10 million immediately, and the committee will add another N10 million to support their mobility, especially fuel for patrols,” he added.

Governor Mohammed also warned traditional leaders to be vigilant against informants within their communities, describing them as more dangerous than the bandits themselves.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, represented by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ahmed, said additional personnel and equipment have been deployed by the force headquarters to enhance security in the state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A fatal accident involving two DAF trucks claimed one life and left two others injured in the early hours of Sunday, April 13, 2025.

The crash occurred around 2:00 AM in Magama Gumau Town when a sand-laden truck rammed into a stationary broken-down truck.

The impact sparked a fire that engulfed both vehicles, killing 23-year-old Usman Magaji and injuring two others.

Police and emergency responders from the Toro Divisional Headquarters swiftly arrived, extinguishing the flames and rescuing the victims.

The injured were rushed to Toro General Hospital, where Magaji was pronounced dead.

The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolari Aliyu, psc(+), mni, urged drivers to obey traffic regulations, stressing the need for proper warning signs when vehicles break down.

He also ordered a thorough investigation by the Central Motor Traffic Department (MTD).

Authorities continue to warn motorists against reckless driving to prevent further tragedies.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A 50-year-old man, Umar Alh. Sule, has been arrested in Bauchi State, for allegedly raping his 17-year-old biological daughter.

This was made known by the Bauchi State Police Command in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil.

The incident was reported to have occurred in November 2024, when the victim’s mother was away visiting her parents in Burra village.

According to the police statement, the victim’s father took advantage of her mother’s absence to have sexual intercourse with her on multiple occasions, which resulted in a three-month pregnancy.

The victim testified the suspect’s statements and added that her father molested her many times.

The police were informed of the crime on April 3, 2025, and a team of detectives was assigned to investigate and arrest the accused.

During interrogation, Sule willingly admitted to his wrongdoing.

The case is currently under investigation, and the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that the case be charged to court after the investigation is completed.