News
ANALYSIS: Vigilantes embark on unsanctioned mission, walk into ambush — yet blame government? How?

ANALYSIS: Vigilantes embark on unsanctioned mission, walk into ambush — yet blame government? How?
By: Zagazola Makama
Let’s be honest. What happened in Kanam LGA, Plateau State, on July 6, 2025, was not just tragic, it was completely avoidable. But what’s worse than the incident itself is the wave of misinformation, public outrage, and unguarded finger-pointing now flying across social media as people scramble to lay blame squarely on the government and security agencies. Pause. How?
Here’s the fact: a large group of vigilantes mobilized on their own, without informing or coordinating with Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) the legally recognized joint task force handling security in the area. They went rogue. They gathered themselves, left Kanam, claimed they were heading to Odare Forest to “deal with bandits”, and even stopped over at Kukawa community where, instead of waiting quietly, they reportedly attacked civilians and looted provision shops. They even seized over 20 motorcycles from locals. This wasn’t a coordinated security operation; this was a recipe for chaos.
Still, they pushed forward toward the forest. And then reality struck: they were ambushed by the same armed bandits they thought they’d surprise. Eight vigilantes died. Others went missing. Tragic, yes. But entirely self-inflicted.
Then came the media storm exaggerated headlines screaming “70 vigilantes killed!” which turned out to be grossly false. What’s the point of throwing such a dangerous figure into an already volatile situation? Is it for clicks? Or just an outright attempt to paint government and security forces as incompetent?
Worse still, people online are now blaming the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, service Chiefs and OPSH. But let’s ask a basic question: Who approved this operation? Who did they inform? What intelligence were they acting on? Or did they think bandits would greet them with jollof rice and welcome drinks?
Let’s not confuse emotions with facts. Operation SAFE HAVEN is not a tea club. It’s a robust multi-agency task force comprising the military, police, DSS, NSCDC, and others. It’s structured. Coordinated. It works on intelligence, logistics, and strategy. You don’t just bypass that entire structure and head off into the bush, machete in hand, and expect success.
And when it fails, you start screaming that “government has failed”. No, this is not failure of government. This is failure of process. This is what happens when people mistake bravado for bravery.
Of course, every loss of life is regrettable. Nobody should take that lightly. But we must equally call out reckless actions that put lives at risk and then fuel chaos through misinformation. OPSH confirmed eight deaths, not 70. Troops only got to know this when the ambush already took place and they only went for Search and rescue operations, recovering the missing people.
If vigilantes who are meant to support the formal security architecture choose to operate outside of it, then they bear the consequences of those actions. OPSH didn’t know. The military wasn’t briefed. No one in the chain of command approved it. What exactly were they expecting? The reason why they refused to informed the security forces is because nobody will regulate their activities, reason why on their way, they decided to loot shops and seized motorcycles from residents.
It’s high time people realize that securing communities is not a matter of spontaneous bravado or viral outrage. It requires planning, coordination, and discipline.
And to the media houses: please do your job responsibly. Verify your figures. “70 vigilantes killed” is not a statistic it’s a spark that could ignite tensions if not carefully managed. Eight is too many already.
Let’s stop turning self-inflicted wounds into national tragedies blamed on people who had no hand in the recklessness. The message is clear: coordinate with OPSH. Don’t go rogue. And above all, don’t cry foul when you didn’t play by the rules.
Enough with the dangerous mischief.
ANALYSIS: Vigilantes embark on unsanctioned mission, walk into ambush — yet blame government? How?
News
Rivalry between bandit kingpins Kachalla Alti and Haruna Hari claims three lives in Zamfara

Rivalry between bandit kingpins Kachalla Alti and Haruna Hari claims three lives in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
A brutal rivalry between two notorious bandit leaders has left three men dead following a violent clash in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the clash occurred on July 31 in Marbe village, Kwaren Ganuwa district, when gunmen loyal to Kachalla Alti, a notorious bandit commander, attacked the residence of his rival, Haruna Hari.
It was gathered the attack started at about 11:15 a.m., leading to the death of Hari and two of his lieutenants. The attackers also rustled a large number of cattle as well as the weapons of the slain bandit leader, before fleeing to an unknown location.
The incident was part of a long-standing rivalry between the two groups, who have clashed repeatedly over control of criminal routes and operations in the area.
“This isn’t the first time they’ve clashed, but this was the most brutal,” said a resident of Kwaren Ganuwa. “People in this area have lived under their shadow for years.”
Though no civilian casualties were reported,
The Intra-gang violence among armed groups in Zamfara has been on the rise in recent months, fuelled by competition over territory, weapons supply, and ransom collection.
killing of Haruna Hari may trigger more retaliatory attacks in the coming days, especially across Tsafe and Maradun axes where both men had strong influence.
Rivalry between bandit kingpins Kachalla Alti and Haruna Hari claims three lives in Zamfara
News
Soldier dies, two injured in Yobe auto crash involving army vehicle

Soldier dies, two injured in Yobe auto crash involving army vehicle
By: Zagazola Makama
A Nigerian Army personnel attached to Operation Hadin Kai has died and two others injured in a lone fatal motor accident involving a military operations vehicle along the Damaturu–Jos highway in Yobe State.
A sources who confirmed the incident to Zagazola Makama on Friday, report that the accident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on July 31, near Garri Tasha, in Damagum area of Fune Local Government Area.
It was gathered that military vehicle belonging to Sector 2 Headquarters, Damaturu, and was conveying officers on special duty to Jos when the driver lost control and plunged into a deep pit.
Emergency workers in Damagum responded swiftly to the scene, where they assisted in rescuing two soldiers who sustained serious injuries.
The injured were immediately rushed to Damagum General Hospital, while one of them, identified as Sgt. Salami Ahmed, was later referred to the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu, for further treatment.
However, a Private soldier was confirmed dead at the scene. His body was evacuated and handed over to his unit commander.
Soldier dies, two injured in Yobe auto crash involving army vehicle
News
Zulum Embarks on Resilient Tour of Gwoza

Zulum Embarks on Resilient Tour of Gwoza
…Pledges Swift Security Measures
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has assured that no community in Gwoza Local Government Area will fall into the hands of Boko Haram insurgents.
The governor also announced that Bita, which was recently displaced would be resettled tomorrow (Friday) back to their community.
Governor Zulum gave this assurance on Thursday during a visit to the Emir of Gwoza, His Royal Highness Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha Idrissa Timta, at his palace.
“Deliberate measures have been taken to protect Gwoza, Limankara and Bita. From now on, we will not allow any community to be displaced. Instead, more communities will be resettled,” Governor Zulum declared.
He added, “I have just visited Limankara and assured residents that steps have been taken to safeguard the town. We have provided the Civilian JTF with logistics to ensure the people are well protected.”

The governor informed the Emir that he would remain in the area until security situation stabilises.
The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha Idrissa Timta, expressed gratitude for Governor Zulum’s leadership and commitment to the security and welfare of the people.
He highlighted security as the most pressing challenge in the area and urged both federal and state governments to deploy additional troops and equipment to protect communities.

“Security is our major concern. We urge the military to launch a massive onslaught on the insurgents’ enclaves,” the Emir stated. “I appeal to the Federal and Borno State governments not to allow Gwoza fall.”
The Emir also condemned the actions of individuals undermining peace efforts and warned against the spread of fake news on social media. He commended the Brigade Commander of 26 Task Force Brigade and the Commanding Officer of 192 Battalion for their efforts in restoring peace.
…Zulum Pledges Swift Security Measures
Governor Zulum earlier visited Limankara, a community nine kilometres from Gwoza, to reinforce the resilience of residents. Addressing the people, he promised immediate government intervention to prevent displacement or insurgent attacks.
“I assure the people of Limankara that significant improvements in security will be seen within the next 24 hours. Given its strategic importance, we will not allow this town to be displaced,” Governor Zulum said.
“This town has never been displaced, even at the peak of Boko Haram insurgency. Why should we allow it now? Before I leave, I will engage with the military and Civilian JTF to ensure full security.”

Governor Zulum was accompanied on the visit by the member representing Gwoza at the State Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Buba Abatcha; Brigade Commander of 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General N. I. Abdullahi, Special Advisers, and other senior government officials.
Zulum Embarks on Resilient Tour of Gwoza
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