Zamfara

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Zamfara State Police Command has successfully thwarted an attempted invasion of Maru metropolis by armed bandits who reportedly planned a mass abduction in the early hours of Sunday.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

“Acting on timely intelligence, a joint security team comprising the Police, Military, Community Protection Guards, and Vigilante Groups swiftly engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat with suspected gunshot injuries. No casualties or abductions were recorded,” the statement read.

It added, “However, Security has since been reinforced in Maru and the surrounding areas.”

The State Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Maikaba, commended the professionalism of the operatives and assured residents of the Command’s dedication to protecting lives and property.

He also called for continued public cooperation to enhance security.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A deadly ambush by bandits on the Dansadau–Magami highway in Zamfara State has left at least two people dead, with fears the toll could rise as more reports emerge.

The attack began when bandits detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) against travelers. As emergency responses mobilized, a second IED was detonated in what security analysts describe as a deliberate “double-tap” attack aimed at causing maximum casualties and panic. The blast sent surviving passengers scrambling for safety.

Authorities report that the attackers are actively planting additional explosives along the route in a new tactic aimed at sabotaging the military escorts assigned to protect civilian travel.

This development marks a dangerous escalation in the region’s security challenges.

Security forces have cordoned off the area for clearance operations as travel along the highway remains extremely hazardous.

By Uzair Adam

The governor of Zamfara State has intensified efforts to secure major political concessions from the federal government as part of conditions for his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sources familiar with the development said the governor is seeking full control of the APC structure in Zamfara ahead of his anticipated move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.

He was said to have held a strategic meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Paris, France, alongside the governors of Enugu and Taraba states.

At the meeting, he reportedly expressed willingness to join the APC if his demands were met.

The Paris meeting, held months ago at the Peninsula Hotel, was described as a turning point, prompting the governor to return home and tighten his conditions for defection.

Insiders alleged that he has consistently pressed the Presidency to remove the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and hand over the APC structure in Zamfara to him as part of the deal.

The resignation of Mohammed Badaru as Minister of Defence was said to have renewed the governor’s push, with reports suggesting he urged the Presidency to act swiftly in easing Matawalle out of the cabinet.

Political analysts say the governor’s demands reflect his desire to secure full influence within the APC if he eventually joins the party.

There are also claims that the governor is receiving backing from certain security quarters to facilitate reports capable of weakening Matawalle’s standing in government.

Sources alleged that once the minister is removed, the governor plans to mobilise his PDP structure and loyalists into the APC to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 elections.

Observers note that the governor sees Matawalle as a major obstacle to his political ambition, especially within the northwest.

Matawalle has recently gained recognition for key security interventions, including the rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and efforts to restore peace in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara.

The unfolding power struggle now signals a potentially significant realignment in Zamfara and the wider northwest as both figures compete for control, influence, and relevance ahead of future elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Zamfara State Police Command has verified that eight worshippers were abducted during morning prayers in Gidan Turbe, Tsafe Local Government Area.

Those taken away by the attackers include Liman Yahaya, Dan Garfi, Malam Damu, Bello Natsuhuwa, Yakubu Isa, Audu Minista, Yaquba Ado, and Sabi Usman.

This clarification followed a report circulating online that claimed as many as 40 worshippers were seized in the assault.In a statement issued on Tuesday, the police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, dismissed the exaggerated figure and confirmed that only eight persons were abducted.

He explained, “The attention of the Zamfara State Police Command has been drawn to a recent report alleging that 40 persons were abducted while observing morning prayers on Monday, September 15, 2025.

“Contrary to the figure reported, the incident occurred at about 05:07 hrs when suspected bandits invaded the Gidan Turbe area of Tsafe LGA and abducted eight individuals.”

Abubakar stressed that the police were collaborating with security agencies and local stakeholders to rescue the victims. He added, “The Zamfara State Police Command is actively working with other security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.

“We urge members of the public and the media to always verify information from official sources before dissemination so as not to cause unnecessary panic.”

Reassuring the public, he emphasized the command’s determination to safeguard lives and property. According to him, “The Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property and will continue to intensify efforts towards combating all forms of criminal activities across the state.

“We appeal to residents to remain calm and report any suspicious movement or activity to the nearest police station or through our emergency lines.”

The attack adds to a rising number of assaults on worship centres in Northern Nigeria. Only last month, an incident at a mosque in Lafiagi, Kwara State, left one worshipper dead.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A well-known cleric, Musa Yusuf, popularly called Asadus-Sunnah, has revealed that terrorist leader Bello Turji has freed 32 people who were held hostage and promised to halt his group’s assaults on local farmers.

This followed a series of meetings between Turji and Islamic scholars in Zamfara State.Speaking during a religious event in Kaduna on Monday, Yusuf said the peace discussions were initiated in July and took place in the Fakai forest in Shinkafi Local Government Area.

He explained that the clerics met with Turji and other key fighters including Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila.

All the parties reportedly agreed to the peace terms.

According to him, “We met Mr Turji, Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila. The speculation that Dan Bakkolo was killed is not true. These people are the ones terrorising the axis, and they all agreed to the peace proposals, one of which is for them to surrender some of their arms to show commitment to the peace process.”

Yusuf said the bandits released the arms in three separate batches and gave residents of Shinkafi access to farmland across the river leading to Turji’s camp.

He added, “We agreed that the Fulanis must be allowed to go to town without being stereotyped or killed by the vigilante.”

As part of the agreement, Turji released 32 hostages.

Yusuf presented a video that showed the harsh conditions the victims endured before reaching the terrorist leader’s hideout.

He said the captives, which included women and children, spent nearly four months in captivity.

One woman reportedly gave birth during her time in the camp, while another was bitten by a snake.

Yusuf stated that the Shinkafi axis has since experienced relative calm.

Farmers are now working on their lands without fear of abduction.

He mentioned that while the talks had brought some relief to the area, negotiations were ongoing to convince Turji to commit fully to the peace plan.

However, the clerics chose not to demand a complete surrender of arms so as not to expose Turji to attacks from rival armed groups who are not part of the current discussions.

The cleric also cautioned religious figures who have been attacking Turji on social media. He warned that such actions could worsen the situation.

Yusuf acknowledged that the peace initiative would not completely end the insecurity in Zamfara, but pointed out that communities within Turji’s area of control are now enjoying some stability.

He praised President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and Senator Shehu Buba for supporting non-military approaches to resolving the region’s security crisis.

In a video released last October, Turji had insisted that true peace would remain out of reach in Zamfara until government forces and vigilantes stopped targeting Fulani communities.

“This is why we are calling on all of you to come and collaborate with us for peace to reign and stop the bloodbath in Zamfara. Guns and airstrikes will not stop us because we are not afraid of death,” he said.

He also dismissed the political back-and-forth between Governor Lawal and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, saying neither was truly concerned about the people’s welfare.

By Jamil Jetta

Since assuming office as the Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Lawal Dauda has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to restoring the lost glory of the state, particularly in the critical areas of education, security, and infrastructure.

His administration has prioritized human development, aligning with the robust manifesto of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which emphasizes the importance of empowering citizens and fostering sustainable growth.

Through strategic and deliberate interventions, Governor Dauda has begun to rewrite the narrative of Zamfara, transforming it from a state plagued by insecurity and underdevelopment to one of hope and progress,positioning it toward becoming an examplar of greatness.

Remarkably, one of the most notable achievements of Governor Dauda’s administration is his dedication to revamping the education sector. Recognizing that education is the bedrock of development, he has launched strategic initiatives aimed at restoring the state’s educational system to its former glory.

His administration has invested heavily in the renovation of dilapidated schools, provision of learning materials, and training of teachers to enhance the quality of education.

Additionally, scholarship programs have been introduced to support indigent students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to education. These efforts have not only improved enrollment rates but also rekindled hope among parents and students who had previously lost faith in the system.

Hid decision to settle outstanding WAEC and NECO Examination debts was greeted with profound joyIn the area of security, Governor Dauda has implemented a zero-tolerance policy against banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality that have plagued Zamfara for years.

His administration’s security blueprint focuses on collaboration with security agencies, community engagement, and the use of technology to combat crime. This multi-pronged approach has led to a significant reduction in violent attacks, allowing farmers to return to their fields and businesses to thrive once again.

The governor’s commitment to restoring peace has not only saved lives but also revived the state’s economy, which had been crippled by years of insecurity.

Despite the protracted security challenges that has led to the deaths of thousands of innocent citizens and collateral co-efficient, Governor Dauda has made remarkable strides in infrastructure development. His administration has embarked on the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and public buildings, improving connectivity and access to essential services.

These projects have not only enhanced the quality of life for residents but also created employment opportunities, thereby stimulating economic growth. The governor’s focus on infrastructure underscores his belief that development is possible even in the face of adversity.

Governor Dauda has also prioritized the welfare of civil servants and pensioners, recognizing their contributions to the state’s development. His administration has ensured the timely payment of salaries and cleared arrears owed to pensioners, providing much-needed relief to retirees who had long been neglected.

Furthermore, the governor has introduced agricultural initiatives aimed at boosting food production and creating wealth for farmers. By providing farmers with improved seedlings, fertilizers, and modern farming equipment, his administration has empowered them to increase productivity and contribute to the state’s food security.

Piquantly, Governor Lawal Dauda’s achievements in education, security, infrastructure, and civil service welfare reflect his unwavering commitment to the development of Zamfara State.

His strategic interventions have not only addressed immediate challenges but also laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth. As he continues to implement his robust manifesto, there is no doubt that Zamfara is on the path to reclaiming its lost glory and becoming a model of progress in Nigeria.

Governor Dauda’s leadership serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with determination and vision, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

Jamil Shuaib Jetta is former Aspirant for Kaduna State House of Assembly. He can be reached via jamilshuaib57@gmail.com 6 March, 20256 Ramadan, 1446AH.