30 Bandits Killed, 16 Motorcycles Recovered in Zamfara Vigilante Ambush

By: Zagazola Makama

No fewer than 30 suspected armed bandits loyal to a notorious kingpin, Dan Rani, were reportedly killed in an ambush by local vigilante members, popularly known as Yansakai, near Dansadau town in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident, which occurred on April 4, 2025, at about 2:00 p.m., when the bandits were allegedly on their way to launch an attack on a nearby village. Vigilante operatives laid an ambush at the outskirts of the town, leading to a fierce confrontation in which the bandits were overpowered.

Sixteen (16) motorcycles used by the armed bandits were also recovered at the scene.

In a related development, security forces recovered the corpse of a local Community Protection Guard (CPG) member, identified as Ashiru Dawa, who was previously abducted by suspected bandits. His remains were discovered in a bush near Gidan Kano area earlier that morning around 6:00 a.m.

The corpse was taken to a hospital for an autopsy and subsequently released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

30 Bandits Killed, 16 Motorcycles Recovered in Zamfara Vigilante Ambush

NNPCL: Kida, Ojulari’s complementary expertise makes them a formidable team

By: Hon. Yusuf Adamu

The recent appointments of Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group Managing Director and Ahmadu Musa Kida as the non-executive chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) mark a significant shift in leadership that promises to enhance operational efficiency within the organization. President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint these two individuals underscores a strategic approach to governance, particularly in Nigeria’s critical energy sector. Their complementary expertise is poised to drive NNPCL towards achieving its ambitious goals amidst the challenges facing Nigeria’s oil industry.

Ojulari brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Elf Aquitaine and Shell, where he demonstrated effective leadership in navigating complex operational landscapes. His technical acumen in exploration and production aligns seamlessly with Kida’s strategic oversight capabilities. Kida’s background further enriches this partnership, providing a broad understanding of corporate governance and stakeholder management essential for steering NNPCL through turbulent times. Collectively, their combined strengths position NNPCL favorably for future growth and stability.

Bayo Ojulari and Ahmadu Musa Kida represent a formidable potential partnership within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Both individuals possess substantial experience in the oil sector, which positions them well to address the multifaceted challenges facing Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Ojulari, a former executive at Shell and recently appointed CEO of NNPCL, is recognized for his robust leadership capabilities and commitment to reforming an industry plagued by corruption and inefficiency. His appointment signifies a strategic move aimed at revitalizing oil production while enhancing the company’s public image.

On the other hand, Kida’s background as a former executive at TotalEnergies equips him with valuable insights into operational efficiency and stakeholder management. His support from influential figures could bolster NNPCL’s initiatives to appease diverse interests within Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape. Together, Ojulari’s vision for reform combined with Kida’s operational expertise could create a synergistic effect that significantly transforms NNPCL into a more effective entity capable of navigating present challenges.

As an engineer and former private-sector executive, the new GMD brings invaluable experience from Shell Petroleum. Similarly, the Non-Executive Chairman’s experience from Total/Elf Petroleum will undoubtedly benefit the organization.

To ensure the success of NNPCL, several key areas need attention:

• Refinery Operations*: Ensuring the refinery is operational for local production will reduce oil imports, ease pressure on foreign exchange earnings, and create jobs.
• Pipeline and Depot Infrastructure*: Repairing and maintaining pipelines and depots will enable direct product transportation, reduce road accidents, and cut costs associated with the Petroleum Equalization Fund.
• Capacity Building*: Seeking modern technology and training staff will enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Exploration and Development*: Activating the Kolmani Oil Field in Bauchi and prioritizing exploration in Borno will increase oil production and revenue.
• Gas Processing*: Establishing a gas processing plant in Borno will harness gas reserves, eliminate transportation costs, and provide a local supply for the Maiduguri Power Plant.

By addressing these challenges, Ojulari and Kida can make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and cement their legacy.

Hon. Yusuf Adamu, Former Staff of NNPC PPMC

NNPCL: Kida, Ojulari’s complementary expertise makes them a formidable team

Yobe: Member representing Jakusko repairs 250 hand pumps across constituency

By: Yahaya Wakili

In a bid to alleviate the suffering of water faced by his constituents, Honourable Ya’u Usman Dachia, Deputy Speaker and a member representing Jakusko constituents in the Yobe State House of Assembly, has embarked on a tour for repairs and servicing of 250 handpumps across his constituents. He thanks God, and His Royal Highness, Royal Father, Mai Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman agreed he gave me the traditional title of Gado Da Masun Bade.

My constituents are the place where they voted me in, and if not because of my constituents, I would not find myself in the Yobe House of Assembly, and I didn’t go there to sit down and parade myself as a leader; I went there to represent my people of Jakusko local government, and everywhere, if they say you are a representative of the people, it’s almost like you are a messenger. After that, there is some responsibility on you to see that your people are enjoying themselves, are in good health, or are living in peace; that is why I am going round my constituents.

 The time I was the chairman of the local government, I knew how I did my job in Jakusko as a chairman. If you met me, you presented your problem of your town or your village. Inshallah, before I go to the office, I will visit the town, and if the town is far, I will go to the office first, and on my way coming back home, I will branch to the town. If they tell me that our borehole has a problem, you, the complainer, before returning back home, will meet the mechanics repairing the borehole.

“The reason for doing these is because the masses, I am fearing, will question you about what you did to your people or why you live while your people are suffering. Alhamdulillah, I saw the impact of doing this. The reason why I say so is, to the best of my knowledge, Jakusko, they present many members, and all of them did only one tenure, but I have been doing it for three times now, and the masses agreed to vote for me, so there is a mature understanding between me and them. They agreed with me, and I, too, agreed with them. I will not agree with what will cheat them.

So I observe that I am in the house of assembly. I sit down with the governor and give him the advice that this is how I want to do it. He agrees, and then I embark on this tour of every village or town, and if there is a hand pump in Jakusko, I assure you I will go stand on it. Even if it is functioning, I will tell the mechanic to check it if there is a problem with the pipe or the pipe is not supplying enough water or has a problem, or if the pipe has become old and needs replacement, we will replace it, and then we will move to the next village. We have about 250 hand pumps in the Jakusko local government, and I assure you that I will repair or service them all. I will not go back to the office until I complete this work.

I started this work two days before Ramadan, and I spent almost the whole month on this tour, and now, immediately after Sallah, I will go back to continue with my work. Alhamdulillah, people understand the impact of it. They reach the level where people from the other village will come and request, Please, sir, live in that one and come and attend to us. We don’t have water.” I will reply to them, No, we are following step by step, line by line. Go and wait for your turn. After we finished our work, we would inform the public that if there is any village that we omit, they should let us know, and we will come back and repair it again.

Yobe: Member representing Jakusko repairs 250 hand pumps across constituency