Bandits kill community guard, seize rifle in Zamfara farm attack

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits have killed a member of the Community Protection Guard (CPG) and carted away his rifle during an attack on farmers in Yar Katsina village, Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident, which occurred around 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, saw the assailants armed and in large numbers storming farmlands in the Kekun Waje district and opening fire on farmers engaged in early morning cultivation.

Sources said the attackers warned that no farming activity would be allowed in the area this season.

In the ensuing chaos, a 20-year-old CPG operative, Jamilu Sani, was shot dead while attempting to defend the farmers. His pump-action rifle was taken away by the assailants as they fled.

Security personnel and local vigilantes were later seen combing the area in search of the attackers, who reportedly escaped into nearby forests.

Bandits kill community guard, seize rifle in Zamfara farm attack

Operation Safe Haven warns vigilantes against unauthorized missions in Plateau, says 8 vigilantes lost their lives not 70

By: Zagazola Makama

The Headquarters of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has cautioned vigilante groups in Plateau State against embarking on unauthorized security operations without coordinating with recognized security agencies.

The warning followed a recent incident in which eight vigilantes were confirmed killed and several others declared missing after an ambush by armed bandits in Odare Forest, Kanam Local Government Area of the state.

The Army stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos, OPSH said the vigilantes, mobilised from Kanam LGA, undertook the mission without notifying the military or seeking approval from OPSH.

The group had halted temporarily in Kukawa community for administrative arrangements when they reportedly clashed with residents, looted provision shops, and seized more than 20 motorcycles under unclear circumstances.

“While advancing towards Odare Forest, the vigilantes were ambushed by armed bandits, resulting in the death of eight members. Others remain unaccounted for,” the statement said.

OPSH disclosed that troops from Sector 2 deployed in Wase have since launched search and rescue operations to recover the missing individuals.

The security outfit, which operates under the Nigerian military, warned that unauthorized missions not only endanger the lives of vigilantes but also pose significant threats to civilians and undermine coordinated counter-terrorism efforts.

“While we appreciate the zeal of community-based groups in safeguarding their areas, all security efforts must be coordinated with OPSH and other statutory forces to avoid unintended consequences,” it added.

The statement reiterated OPSH’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability across Plateau and urged residents to support the military by providing actionable intelligence and promptly reporting suspicious activities.

Operation Safe Haven warns vigilantes against unauthorized missions in Plateau, says 8 vigilantes lost their lives not 70

FG Saves N1bn Through Passport Reforms Annually, Issues Over 3.5m Passports in Two Years

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government on Tuesday said over 3.5 million passports has been issued in less than two years, adding that a massive N1 billion plus have been saved annually through reforms in the nation’s passport processing system.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the Ministry’s new Passport Front Office.

Tunji-Ojo said the reforms were implemented in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance efficiency, security, and service delivery.

The minister while stating that the administration met a backlog of over 200,000 unprocessed passports and a debt of nearly ₦20 billion in the sector when it assumed office in 2023, disclosed that the backlog and debt have since been cleared.

He said. “While 3,080,141 passports were issued locally, 466,117 passports were also issued in the diaspora since August 2023. This brings the total of 3,546,258 passports issued “

Tunji-Ojo noted that the ministry also fully automated the upload of breeder documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, which previously cost government about N1 billion annually.

He said: “This is a major reform. We no longer pay contractors for what Nigerians can upload themselves. That money stays with government now.”

The Minister revealed that the number of centres issuing enhanced e-passports had increased from 26 to 44 in Nigeria and from five to 47 in the diaspora, while stating that
all passport offices now issue harmonised enhanced passports in line with global best practices.

He said: “We inherited a system where different types of passports were issued. That affected our credibility. Today, every Nigerian passport is ICAO-compliant and globally verifiable.”

Tunji-Ojo promised that a new passport central personalisation centre with modern technology, provided at no cost by Iris Smart Technologies, would become operational by August 2025.

He commended the company for supporting the government’s reform efforts and providing advanced passport production equipment without cost to the treasury.

He said Nigeria now produces passports in more than 50 locations, both within the country and abroad, and has joined the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Public Key Directory for global passport authentication.

He announced that effective July 31, all applications for Special Expatriate Permits and Temporary Work Permits must be submitted online.

“Manual processing will no longer be allowed. We must have the data, biometrics and documentation of every applicant for national security,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo said the reforms reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to digital governance, transparency, and efficient service delivery.

FG Saves N1bn Through Passport Reforms Annually, Issues Over 3.5m Passports in Two Years