One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara

By Zagazola Makama

The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued one kidnapped victim and neutralised a suspected armed bandit following an attack on Dankabali Village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on April 30 when about 20 armed bandits on 10 motorcycles invaded the community in Kagara District and abducted four residents.

The sources disclosed that the abducted persons were identified as Ladan Mani Sarkin Diya, Halima Mani, Rabiatu Muhammad, and Karima Muhammad.

According to the sources, the troops under Operation Fansar Yamma and the police joint tactical team was mobilised immediately after receiving the distress call and commenced search-and-rescue operations.

They added that during a combing operation in a nearby forest, the joint forces made contact with the bandits, leading to an exchange of fire in which one bandit was neutralised.

The sources further said one of the abducted victims, Ladan Mani Sarkin Diya, was successfully rescued unharmed, taken to the General Hospital in Talata Mafara for medical examination, and later reunited with his family.

They noted that ongoing operations are aimed at rescuing the remaining three victims and apprehending the fleeing suspects.

Security presence has since been reinforced in the Dankabali axis, while surveillance and patrols have been intensified to prevent further attacks.

One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara

Southern Borno Youths Rally Behind Ndume with N38.5m War Chest for 2027 Senate Bid

By: Michael Mike

In a powerful demonstration of political loyalty and grassroots mobilisation, thousands of youths from Southern Borno Senatorial District on Saturday pooled N38.5 million to back the fifth-term ambition of Muhammadu Ali Ndume ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The fundraising event, held at Forshams Hall in Maiduguri, attracted more than 2,000 participants drawn from all nine local government areas of the district. The contributors, largely youth groups and community associations, said their financial commitment was a deliberate move to retain what they described as a “fearless and people-driven legislator” in the Senate.

Leading the initiative, youth coordinator Alhaji Babandi Shehu said the intervention was not merely symbolic but a calculated political statement at a time when, according to him, Nigeria needs courageous voices in governance.

“Senator Ndume has distinguished himself as one of the few leaders who consistently speaks truth to power,” Shehu declared. “This is not just about funding forms; it is about safeguarding representation that prioritises the people and holds the executive accountable.”

The atmosphere at the venue reflected a rare level of political consensus, with chants of solidarity and pledges of continued support echoing throughout the gathering. Participants insisted that Ndume’s track record in both legislation and constituency development justifies their early and collective endorsement.

Reinforcing this position, Ndume’s Senior Legislative Aide, Junaid Jibril Maiva, outlined what he described as a legacy of impactful service spanning over a decade. He noted that the senator has sponsored more than 70 bills focused on national development while also facilitating landmark federal institutions in Southern Borno and the wider North-East.

Among these, he listed the Nigerian Army University, Biu, the North East Development Commission, and the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, as well as ongoing efforts to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Kwaya-Kusar and a Federal College of Agriculture in Shani.

Maiva further highlighted Ndume’s role in humanitarian interventions, particularly in communities devastated by insurgency. “Beyond legislation, he has directly supported resettlement efforts, including the construction of 200 housing units in Gwoza and 80 in Damboa for displaced families,” he said.

A breakdown of the funds raised showed a broad-based contribution pattern across the district. Biu, Kwaya-Kusar, Hawul, Bayo, and Shani collectively donated N8 million, Askira-Uba contributed N5 million, while Damboa added N2 million. Additional support came from trade and transport groups, including the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers and the Baga Road Timber Sellers Association, each donating N1 million.

Political observers say the scale and timing of the mobilisation point to a well-entrenched support base and a strategic effort to secure early momentum ahead of the 2027 race. The move also reflects a broader trend of pre-election alignment within the All Progressives Congress, as key actors position themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive electoral cycle.

A Career Shaped by Advocacy and Controversy

Since his election to the Senate in 2011, Ndume has remained one of the most outspoken members of the National Assembly of Nigeria. Representing a region at the heart of Nigeria’s insurgency crisis, he has consistently pushed for stronger federal intervention in security, reconstruction, and humanitarian response.

His tenure has been marked by a willingness to challenge authority—even within his own party—earning him both admiration and criticism. Supporters view him as a principled advocate for accountability, while critics argue that his confrontational style sometimes stirs political tension.

Nonetheless, Saturday’s event suggests that within Southern Borno, his influence remains firmly intact.

Early Signals for 2027

With the 2027 elections still over a year away, the fundraising initiative underscores how political structures are already taking shape across Nigeria. For Ndume’s supporters, the message is clear: continuity, experience, and assertive representation are non-negotiable.

As the crowd dispersed in Maiduguri, one sentiment stood out—this was more than a fundraiser. It was an early declaration of intent, a grassroots-powered endorsement that could set the tone for the political battles ahead.

Southern Borno Youths Rally Behind Ndume with N38.5m War Chest for 2027 Senate Bid

Troops Discover Illegal Oil Bunkering Site in Rivers State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Joint Task Force South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS), have uncovered an illegal oil bunkering site in Abessa Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Security sources said the discovery was made at about 10:00 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 103 Battalion (Mechanised) during an anti-illegal bunkering operation.

At the site, troops reportedly found four small drum ovens, 50 sacks containing crude oil estimated at about 3,000 litres, and two waste pits used for illegal refining activities.

The sources said the recovered items were handled in accordance with Operation DELTA SAFE directives.

Authorities added that operations to dismantle illegal refining camps and disrupt crude oil theft networks in the Niger Delta region are ongoing.

Troops Discover Illegal Oil Bunkering Site in Rivers State