Katsina peace talks with bandits collapse as kingpin turns rogue, imposes multi-million naira levy on Doma community

By: Zagazola Makama

Efforts at negotiating peace with armed bandit groups in Faskari LGA, Katsina State, have come under renewed scrutiny following a deadly attack by a notorious bandit leader who has imposed a multi-million naira levy on residents of Doma.

The incident point to the risks of engaging in dialogue with criminal elements without prior disarmament.

Local sources told Zagazola that Isiya Kwashen Garwa, a bandit reportedly involved in ongoing negotiations with the Katsina State Government, led a violent raid on Doma, killing more than 20 residents.

Shortly after the attack, the bandit leader demanded payment of a multi-million naira levy under threat of further violence, sending waves of panic through the community.

Residents have begun fleeing their homes, relocating to nearby villages for safety, citing fear of reprisal attacks. “People are leaving the town because they believe the bandits may return if the levy is not paid,” one local source said. Many villagers, already impoverished by repeated attacks, destruction of property, and cattle rustling, said they cannot meet the exorbitant demands.

The attack raises questions about the role of local government officials in the fragile peace process. A viral video circulating on social media showed the Faskari LGA Chairman and the local councillor condemning army troops after they responded to a bandit attack while peace talks were ongoing.

The local government officials have frequently attend bandits naming ceremonies, often bringing bandit leaders closer to villagers, effectively blurring the line between dialogue and complicity.

Security analysts warned that negotiations without enforceable disarmament or credible security measures are inherently temporary. Zagazola Makama had earlier cautioned that bandits involved in such talks could easily turn against communities at any time, a prediction that appears to have materialized in Doma.

On the federal level, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, reiterated that state governments negotiating with bandits are “on their own” and that the Nigerian Armed Forces do not support such programs due to the fact that the bandits often return to their crimes after many occasions.

The imposition of illegal levies has become a common extortion tactic in North-West Nigeria, and the Doma incident illustrated the precariousness of communities caught between armed groups and ineffective local governance.

Security agencies continue operations targeting bandit enclaves in Katsina and neighbouring states, but residents have called for increased protection to enable displaced families to return safely and resume normal economic activities.

This episode may mark a turning point in Katsina’s approach to banditry, signaling that dialogue without enforcement, disarmament, and close coordination with national security forces could have deadly consequences for local populations.

Katsina peace talks with bandits collapse as kingpin turns rogue, imposes multi-million naira levy on Doma community

AI Finance Revolution In Africa: Why Aurum Foundation Is Positioning Itself At The Forefront

The global financial landscape is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in modern history.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and digital financial infrastructure are converging to create what experts now describe as AI Finance a new era where technology automates wealth creation, enhances access to financial services, and unlocks real-world asset opportunities for everyday people.

At the center of this emerging movement is Aurum Foundation, a fast-growing fintech ecosystem designed to bridge the gap between traditional finance, digital assets, and real-world investment opportunities.

What Is AI Finance?
AI Finance refers to the integration of Artificial Intelligence, algorithmic trading systems, decentralized finance (DeFi), digital payments, and asset tokenization into a unified financial framework.

Rather than relying solely on human decision-making, AI Finance leverages data analytics, automation, predictive modelling, and smart execution systems to:
Optimize investment strategies
Reduce emotional trading risks
Improve financial inclusion
Create multiple streams of income
Enable faster and borderless transactions

For Africa — a continent with a young population, increasing smartphone penetration, and limited access to traditional banking — AI Finance represents not just innovation, but financial empowerment.

Introducing Aurum Foundation
Aurum Foundation is positioning itself as a next-generation fintech ecosystem with over 14 interconnected fintech products designed to help individuals, businesses, and institutions participate in the evolving digital economy.

Some key components of the Aurum ecosystem include:
1. AI Algorithmic Trading Systems
Automated trading bots analyze market data, execute trades, and manage risk parameters in real time. These tools are designed to help users participate in crypto and digital asset markets without requiring advanced trading knowledge.
2. Digital Crypto Exchange
Aurum provides an exchange infrastructure where users can buy, sell, hold, and manage digital assets seamlessly.
3. Crypto-Fiat Integration
Through fintech cards and payment infrastructure, users can convert digital assets into spendable money — enabling real-life usage of crypto for:
ATM withdrawals
Payments for goods and services
Cross-border transactions
4. Growth & HODL Functions
Investment tools designed to help users grow their digital assets over time while maintaining exposure to market appreciation cycles.
5. Agentic AI Financial Tools
AI-powered systems that support portfolio management, financial planning, and automated execution of investment strategies.
6. Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization
Perhaps the most groundbreaking component Aurum’s focus on tokenizing real-world assets such as gold.

The Sierra Leone Gold Tokenization Deal: A Turning Point
Aurum Foundation has reportedly entered strategic collaboration frameworks linked to the tokenization of gold resources in Sierra Leone.

This signals a broader shift in how Africa can digitize and monetize its natural resources.
Gold tokenization allows:
Fractional ownership of physical gold
Global liquidity access
Reduced barriers to entry for investors
Transparency via blockchain
Wealth preservation instruments for inflation-prone economies
Ghana — another gold-rich nation — is being discussed as a potential next frontier.
This raises a powerful question:
What about Nigeria?
What Can Nigeria Tokenize?
Nigeria is one of Africa’s most resource-rich countries. Beyond oil, the country possesses enormous untapped potential for tokenization:
Natural Resources
Gold deposits (Zamfara, Osun, Niger State)
Lithium and rare earth minerals
Agricultural commodities (cocoa, cashew, sesame, palm produce)
Solid minerals (limestone, bitumen, tin)
Real Estate Assets
Tokenizing property can allow Nigerians to invest in fractional real estate ownership, improving housing finance accessibility.

Government Infrastructure Bonds
Blockchain-based tokenization could increase transparency and participation in infrastructure funding.

Creative Economy Assets
Music royalties, film rights, sports investments — Nigeria’s booming entertainment industry presents tokenization opportunities.

Why AI Finance Matters for the Average Nigerian or African Financial Inclusion Millions remain unbanked. Fintech ecosystems like Aurum can provide digital wallets, payments, and investment access via smartphones.
Wealth Creation Opportunities

Traditional investment vehicles often require high entry capital. Tokenization and AI-driven tools lower the barrier.
Inflation Protection With volatile currencies, access to diversified digital and real-world assets can support wealth preservation.

Global Participation Africans can participate in global markets without geographic limitations.

New Income Streams Affiliate systems, staking opportunities, AI trading participation, and digital finance education can create alternative earnings.

Risks and the Need for Education

While the opportunities are compelling, AI Finance and digital assets also carry risks:
Market volatility
Regulatory uncertainty
Technology adoption challenges
Fraud and misinformation
This makes financial literacy and due diligence critical for participants.
The Bigger Picture: Africa’s Financial Renaissance
Africa stands at a defining moment.
Just as mobile money transformed payments across East Africa, AI Finance and tokenization could redefine:
Investment access
Resource monetization
Cross-border commerce
Wealth distribution
Platforms like Aurum Foundation aim to become catalysts in this transition by combining technology, digital finance infrastructure, and real-world asset integration.

Conclusion
AI Finance is no longer a futuristic concept it is rapidly becoming the present reality of global finance.
For Nigerians and Africans at large, the emergence of ecosystems like Aurum Foundation presents both an opportunity and a responsibility:
Opportunity to participate early in evolving financial systems
Responsibility to understand, evaluate, and engage wisely

As Sierra Leone explores gold tokenization and other African economies consider similar frameworks, the question is no longer if Africa will digitize its wealth but who will lead the transformation.

The future of finance may very well be AI-driven, asset-backed, and globally connected and Africa has a critical role to play.

LawyerTAJ is a lawyer, cryptoTrader and a CryptoPreneur who is from Sapele Delta State and writes from Lagos, Nigeria

AI Finance Revolution In Africa: Why Aurum Foundation Is Positioning Itself At The Forefront

Zamfara: Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in Shinkafi LGA

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation FANSAN YANMA have neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered arms during an offensive operation in Shinkafi LGA.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out on March 13 by troops of CT 5, who launched a deliberate clearance mission targeting terrorist camps located at Tubali and Zangon Danmaka.

The sources said the operation followed credible intelligence on the presence of armed bandits and other criminal elements using the locations as operational hideouts.

During the operation at Tubali, troops made contact with the suspected terrorists and engaged them in a brief gun battle, forcing the criminals to flee into nearby forested areas.

“During the engagement, one terrorist was neutralised, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds,” the source said.

Following the encounter, troops conducted exploitation of the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle believed to belong to the fleeing terrorists.

The recovered items were secured by the troops while further search operations were carried out around the camp to ensure that no other threats remained in the vicinity.

The sources added that when troops advanced to Zangon Danmaka, no contact was made with terrorists as the suspects were believed to have fled the area ahead of the troop arrival.

However, troops maintained dominance in the general area while conducting further patrols and surveillance operations aimed at preventing the terrorists from regrouping.

Zamfara: Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in Shinkafi LGA