Troops neutralized several bandits, rescue 10 abducted victims, in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops operating under Operation FANSAR YAMMA have nutrialsied several bandits and rescued ten abducted victims during coordinated counter-banditry operations in parts of Tsafe and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation was launched following credible intelligence that armed bandits were moving with kidnapped victims from Ogawa village in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, through Kucheri village, en route Munhaye Forest in Tsafe LGA.

The troops, supported by joint police tactical teams, intercepted the bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the neutralisation of several of the criminals, while others escaped with possible gunshot injuries.

During the operation, ten abducted persons, comprising nine women and a baby boy, were rescued unharmed. The victims were taken to the General Hospital, Tsafe, for medical examination and stabilisation.

In a related development, suspected bandits on Wednesday mounted a roadblock along the Kairu–Zugu road in Bukkuyum LGA, shooting sporadically to scare travellers.

One woman, identified as Yar Goggo, aged 42, was killed, while three others sustained gunshot injuries during the attack. The victims were taken to General Hospital Maga for post-mortem and medical treatment.

Security forces have since intensified clearance and search operations across the affected areas to track down the fleeing bandits and ensure the safety of residents.

The military and security formations across the state remain on high alert as part of sustained efforts to maintain operational dominance under Operation FANSAR YAMMA.

Troops neutralized several bandits, rescue 10 abducted victims, in Zamfara

Yobe Govt. Initiates Mineral Exploitation For Economic Diversification

By: Mamman Mohammed

Yobe state Gov. Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni CON COMN said the Yobe Mining Development Company Limited is the only agency authorised to deal with all exploration and mining activities across the state.

He stated this today at a Mining Stakeholders Forum in Damaturu saying the Yobe Mining Company is the designated One-Stop-Shop of the government.

“Yobe state is richly endowed with mineral resources such as limestone, gypsum, kaolin, granite, quartz, and silica, among many others. Yet, for decades, these gifts of nature have remained grossly untapped and underutilised.

“The time has come to turn these hidden potentials into productive assets that will create jobs, generate wealth, and advance the socio-economic development of our people.

“Our objective is to chart a coordinated course for growth of the mining sector in Yobe State, in a manner that aligns with federal policy, ensures community inclusion, attracts credible investors, and guarantees environmental responsibility.

“It is also our conviction that responsible mining, when properly managed, can become a major driver of our state’s economic resilience, youth employment, and revenue diversification.

“We envision a mining sector that operates within a transparent regulatory framework; that upholds environmental sustainability and community benefit; that promotes public-private partnerships anchored on trust and accountability; that encourages local participation while attracting reputable foreign investment” Gov. Buni said.

He charged the stakeholders to concentrate on Mineral Mapping and Data Presentation to showcase Yobe potential, policy and Institutional alignment, Investor Engagement and Incentives,
Roles of Communities and Traditional Institutions among others.

Managing Director of Yobe Mining Development Company, Engr. Bamodu Yerima, said the company has an information repository for feasibility studies in three key mineral sectors including Limestone, for cement and hydrated lime production; Gypsum, for cement, fertiliser, and building materials; and Trona (soda ash), for fertiliser, detergent, and glass production.

He said reputable consulting firms have been engaged through open and transparent procurement processes to prepare feasibility studies in line with international standards.

He said the Yobe Mining Development Company prioritised organisation of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations across Fika, Fune, Gulani, Gujba, Yusufari, and Nangere LGAs.

According to the Managing Director, the company registered artisanal miners into cooperative clusters and provided training, safety tools, and market access for their take off.

Bamodu said Community Development Trust Fund was established to reinvest 5–10% of project profits into education, health, and water infrastructure.

“The Yobe Mining Development Company ensures that mining drives local livelihoods, peace, and shared prosperity at the grassroots to promote community participation” he said.

The MD noted that the company has engaged the Islamic Development Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), BADEA, Afreximbank, and AFC, for various partnership projects in the mineral sector.

Others are NEXIM Bank, for export financing and beneficiation support; Bank of Industry (BOI), for value addition and SME linkages in mineral-based manufacturing which reflects the growing global confidence in Yobe’s institutional reforms and industrial vision.

Various stakeholders commended Yobe state government for the bold initiative of diversifying the state’s economy with a value chain of job creation and economic prosperity.

The stakeholders were drawn from across the country and Germany among others and Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the Yobe state government and the various stakeholders.

Yobe Govt. Initiates Mineral Exploitation For Economic Diversification

FARMERS–HERDERS CLASH: PMF PERSONNEL ATTACKED DURING RESPONSE — ONE SUSPECT ARRESTED, CATTLE RECOVERED

…AS CP REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CURBING FARMERS–HERDERS CONFLICT AND PROMOTING PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE

By: Dungus Abdulkarim

On 29th October 2025 at about 1700hrs, a distress message was received from the Unit Commander, 19 PMF, who is on special duty at Bara, Gulani LGA, alongside men of 79 PMF Buni Yadi.

At about 1600hrs, while on patrol around Kojoli village, the officers received an urgent call from community members reporting that a group of herders had allegedly invaded rice farms with large herds of cattle, deliberately destroying crops.

Acting swiftly, the Unit Commander, led a team to the location. On arrival, the herders reportedly ambushed the officers and opened fire, using AK-47 rifles, bows and arrows, before fleeing into the bush.

During the tactical withdrawal, Sgt Abdullahi Aminu (19 PMF) and Cpl Aliyu Suleiman (79 PMF) were overpowered, disarmed, and attacked. After an exchange of fire, one rifle was recovered, while the service rifle assigned to Sgt Abdullahi Aminu was carted away by the fleeing suspects.

The officers sustained machete-cut injuries on their heads, arms, and legs and were immediately evacuated to General Hospital, Bara, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.

A large number of cattle belonging to the suspects were recovered at the scene and are being escorted back to Kojoli village by police and local vigilantes.

One suspect, Mohammed Bello, was arrested at the scene in possession of a blood-stained cutlass and is currently assisting the ongoing investigation.

Efforts are ongoing to recover the snatched rifle and apprehend all fleeing suspects.

While condemning the attack, the Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Ado psc, fdc, reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to:

✅ Mitigating farmers–herders clashes through proactive policing
✅ Strengthening stakeholder dialogue and non-violent conflict resolution mechanisms
✅ Protecting lives, farmlands, cattle, and public property without bias

He further directed a reinforced deployment of tactical teams to the area to prevent escalation and maintain peace.

“The Command will not tolerate violence, attacks on police personnel, destruction of farms, or criminal grazing. We are committed to peaceful coexistence and justice for all parties involved,” CP added

The CP urges farmers, herders, traditional rulers, and community leaders to remain calm and continue supporting the Police with credible information.

The Command appeals to all communities to:

Report disputes early to prevent escalation

Respect farm boundaries and grazing regulations

Avoid taking laws into their own hands

Security is a shared responsibility. Peace is possible when all parties cooperate.

SP Dungus Abdulkarim, MNIPR
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Nigeria Police Force
Yobe State Command
30 October 2025

FARMERS–HERDERS CLASH: PMF PERSONNEL ATTACKED DURING RESPONSE — ONE SUSPECT ARRESTED, CATTLE RECOVERED