News
Zamfara Kidnapping Scandal: A Major Development
Recently, Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dalijan, revealed the involvement of a lawmaker, a former local government chairman, and a district head in the ongoing banditry and kidnapping crisis affecting the state and the North-West region.
This past weekend, the individuals identified and currently in police custody were named as Aminu Ibrahim, representing the Kaura Namoda Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly; Nasiru Muhammad, the former chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area; and Jafaru Kamburki, the District Head of Kaura Namoda.
An Ongoing Crisis
This announcement marks only the beginning of addressing the severe banditry issues in Zamfara, which has become a central hotspot for such criminal activities in the North-West. Bello Hassan, the House of Representatives Member for Zurmi/Shinkafi Federal Constituency, recently reported that bandits have displaced “more than 50 communities” within Zurmi Local Government Area alone.
Since 2015, the region, including Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger states, has been under severe threat from criminal gangs. A former Zamfara Governor even proposed resigning from his role as the Chief Security Officer, admitting his failure to address the security situation. His successor, Bello Matawalle, chose to negotiate with the bandits, and under his leadership, the notorious bandit Ado Aleru was granted the title of Sarkin Fulani by the Emir of Sabon Birni Yandoto, Aliyu Marafa.
A Shift Toward Serious Intervention
The arrest of these prominent figures indicates a potential shift towards a more aggressive approach by state authorities in combating banditry and insecurity, which are significant contributors to widespread hunger in the country. There is a call for the Federal Government to intensify security measures and dismantle the networks involved in kidnapping and banditry across Zamfara and the North-West. The rampant nature of these crimes suggests complicity from influential figures within society.
Need for Comprehensive Measures
It is suspected that similar high-level collusion may exist in other volatile states, potentially involving influential figures within security, military, banking, and telecommunications sectors. This involvement could explain the bandits’ unchecked operations.
Addressing these criminal networks and reclaiming control over unregulated areas is crucial. Failure to do so risks escalating hunger and hardship, pushing Nigerians towards severe distress.
News
TCN Acknowledges 7th Grid Collapse in 2024
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
News
Jigawa Tanker Tragedy: Shettima, First Lady Mourn Victims, Pledge Federal Support
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
News
Nigeria Customs Intercepts Arms, Ammunition Worth N9.5bn Over Six Years
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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