News
Rival bandit leaders clash as key peace enforcer is killed in Jibia axis, Katsina
Rival bandit leaders clash as key peace enforcer is killed in Jibia axis, Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
A prominent bandit leader and key enforcer of a fragile peace arrangement in Jibia, Katsina State, Abdullahi Lantai, also known as “Lantai Officer”, has been killed in a deadly ambush linked to a rival gang.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama on Wednesday that Lantai was executed on Jan. 27 at about 1:00 p.m. by gunmen believed to be loyal to the Bello Turji-led network operating across Sokoto and Zamfara states.
According to the sources, Lantai was lured to what was described as a dialogue and reconciliation meeting following a rivalry clash between his group and the Turji faction on Jan. 24.
“The meeting was reportedly arranged by Turji and Aliyu Aliero to resolve the conflict. However, Lantai and some of his foot soldiers were ambushed and killed on their way to the venue by members of the Turji network led by Dogo Rabe and Black,” a source said.
Preliminary findings indicate that before his assassination, Lantai played a critical role in sustaining a temporary peace deal with bandit leaders in Jibia in collaboration with the Katsina State Government.
“He was a territorial gatekeeper who denied Turji’s gang freedom of action and passage through Jibia forest routes.
“He also blocked transit routes used to move rustled cattle from Zamfara to Maradi in the Republic of Niger, effectively constraining Turji’s operations within the axis,” the source added.
Zagazola warn that the killing could trigger a major escalation in violence across the Jibia axis and its environs.
“This is a calculated power grab. The Turji network appears determined to eliminate a stabilising force and expand its influence, smuggling routes and criminal economy into Katsina State,” the source said.
The threat level in the Jibia axis has now been assessed as high, with strong indications of possible retaliatory attacks by Lantai’s faction and pre-emptive assaults by Turji’s forces to consolidate control.
Residents fear that the relative calm previously enjoyed in the area may give way to renewed instability marked by kidnappings, cattle rustling and attacks on communities as rival groups struggle for dominance.
Zagazola learnt that security agencies are said to be reviewing the situation with a view to deploying robust countermeasures to prevent a total breakdown of the fragile peace in the coming days.
Rival bandit leaders clash as key peace enforcer is killed in Jibia axis, Katsina
News
Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Deepen Humanitarian Alliance as NEMA, KSrelief Roll Out Food Aid to Five States
Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Deepen Humanitarian Alliance as NEMA, KSrelief Roll Out Food Aid to Five States
By: Michael Mike
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening humanitarian cooperation with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), as both partners move to scale up emergency food assistance for vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
This was disclosed in Abuja when the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, received a delegation from KSrelief at the agency’s headquarters, where both sides reviewed ongoing collaboration and planned the next phase of direct humanitarian interventions.
Mrs. Umar commended KSrelief for its sustained support to disaster-affected and vulnerable populations in Nigeria, noting that the partnership has continued to reinforce federal humanitarian response efforts, particularly in reaching communities impacted by disasters, food insecurity, and other vulnerabilities.
KSrelief’s representative, Mr. Majeed Alanazi, said the visit was aimed at strengthening coordination with NEMA ahead of the rollout of direct food basket distribution to selected households in targeted states. He emphasized the organisation’s continued commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and improving welfare outcomes in affected communities.
According to the plan, the food assistance programme will be implemented across Yobe, Benue, Kebbi, Taraba, and Anambra States—covering both conflict-affected and food-insecure populations.
Both organisations described the initiative as part of a broader effort to deepen humanitarian reach and ensure more efficient delivery of aid to households most in need across Nigeria.
Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Deepen Humanitarian Alliance as NEMA, KSrelief Roll Out Food Aid to Five States
Five Feared Dead in Fresh Attack in Gero Area Near NIPPS of Plateau State
By: Zagazola Makama
At least five persons have been reportedly killed in an attack by armed men at a mining site in Gero Village, Gyel District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources said that the attackers were armed Fulani assailants who stormed the mining site and opened fire on workers and residents in the area.
The latest attack reportedly occurred hours after an earlier assault on security personnel at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, which led to the deaths of three officers.
Gero Village is said to be located about five kilometres from the NIPSS facility, raising concerns among residents over the proximity of repeated security incidents in the area.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in surrounding communities as residents called for increased security presence to prevent further escalation.
Five Feared Dead in Fresh Attack in Gero Area Near NIPPS of Plateau State
Three Police Officers Killed as IED Explodes in Zamfara State
By: Zagazola Makama
Three police officers have been killed following the explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Anka–Bagega road in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the incident occurred on June 15 at about 5:05 p.m. when the Officer-in-Charge of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, SP Abdulrazak Musa Hassan, led a team to the area to detonate a suspected explosive device believed to have been planted by armed bandits.
The team, which included personnel of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), was reportedly conducting a controlled clearance operation using an armoured personnel carrier when the vehicle accidentally triggered the explosive device.
The explosion resulted in the immediate death of SP Abdulrazak Musa Hassan, Inspector Murtala Musa of the VCRU, and Inspector Auwal Ahmad attached to the EOD unit.
Their bodies were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gusau, for post-mortem examination.
Authorities said the remains of the officers have been deposited at the hospital morgue, while investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Security operations in the area have since been reinforced as efforts continue to clear the road and prevent further attacks.
Three Police Officers Killed as IED Explodes in Zamfara State
Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Deepen Humanitarian Alliance as NEMA, KSrelief Roll Out Food Aid to Five States
Five Feared Dead in Fresh Attack in Gero Area Near NIPPS of Plateau State
Herdsmen Agree to Pay ₦1 Million Compensation After Farmland Destruction in Plateau State
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