Troops neutralise three terrorists after ambush on Miyanti-Banki route

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 151 Task Force Battalion have neutralised three terrorists following an ambush on the Maiduguri-Miyanti-Banki Junction route in Borno State.

The incident occurred at about 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 1, when the troops, while conducting route-scanning operations along the major road, came under attack by terrorist elements.

According to sources, the terrorists initiated the attack with a concealed improvised explosive device (IED), followed by heavy volume of fire.

The troops fought through the ambush and subsequently launched an immediate exploitation operation against the attackers.

During the encounter, three terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one concealed IED.

On the side of the troops, one soldier sustained injuries during the engagement and was evacuated to 21 Specialised Brigade Hospital, Maiduguri, where he is reportedly stable and receiving medical attention.

The attack also resulted in damage to the windscreen of one of the troops’ gun trucks.

The latest incident underscores the continued threat posed by terrorist elements along major routes in Borno State, particularly through the use of IEDs and ambush tactics against military patrols.

The military said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.

Troops continue to maintain offensive and route-clearance operations to disrupt terrorist activities and ensure the safety of civilians and motorists across the theatre.

Troops neutralise three terrorists after ambush on Miyanti-Banki route

Governor Lawal woos investors, highlights Zamfara’s economic opportunities at CEO Forum

Lagos, Sept. 1, 2026 — Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has called for stronger collaboration between government, businesses and investors to unlock private capital and drive inclusive economic growth in the state.

Lawal made the call while delivering a Special Policy Address at the 2026 CEO Forum organised by the Global Compact Network Nigeria in Lagos.

The forum, held under the theme “Financing a Dignified Future: Aligning Business Action, Policy and Capital,” brought together chief executives, senior government officials, industry leaders, diplomats, trade commissioners and international development partners.

Participants were drawn from key sectors of the economy, including oil and gas, energy, manufacturing, construction and infrastructure.

The governor spoke on the growing competition among states for increasingly selective private capital and the factors that could transform an economic opportunity into an investable proposition.

He explained how his administration was working to bridge the gap between available economic opportunities and investment, with emphasis on building investor confidence while ensuring that investments deliver meaningful outcomes for the people of Zamfara.

According to him, attracting investment requires more than identifying economic opportunities, but also creating the conditions, policies and partnerships capable of giving investors confidence to commit capital.

The forum provided a platform for business leaders, government officials and investors to examine ways of aligning business strategies, public policies and capital deployment to unlock productive investment.

Discussions also focused on identifying businesses, sectors and projects with strong potential but facing difficulties in accessing financing, as well as measures to make such opportunities more attractive to investors.

The organisers also introduced the concept of the “Dignity Dividend,” examining how investment-led growth could translate into better jobs, stronger businesses, increased productivity, local value creation and broader economic participation.

Another key component of the forum was the identification of actionable commitments and partnerships that participating institutions could advance over the next six to 12 months.

Notable speakers at the event included chief executives of First Bank Group, Access Bank, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Nigerian Exchange Group, Chellarams Plc, SecureID Group and Greenwich Merchant Bank Plc, among others.

The organisers said the session would culminate in a live showcase of the Business Value and Sustainability Platform (BVSP), described as a standing coalition of business, capital and policy actors designed to sustain the dialogue.

The platform is also expected to contribute to shaping Nigeria’s private-sector engagement during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week.

The governor’s participation in the forum comes as Zamfara seeks to strengthen its economic base, attract productive investment and create opportunities that can support sustainable livelihoods and wider participation in the state’s economy.

Governor Lawal woos investors, highlights Zamfara’s economic opportunities at CEO Forum

UNICEF: Journalists must hold governments to Account on Children’s Funds

By Hajara Usman

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged journalists in Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau States to monitor government spending on children and hold public officials accountable.

The UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Dr Nuzhat Rafiq, made the call during a one-day media dialogue on Public financing for children organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office.

Represented by UNICEF Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, said journalists had an important role to play in improving government budgets, ensuring the timely release of funds and monitoring the implementation of programmes for children and women.

She urged journalists to use the current political and election period to question politicians about their plans for children, how the plans would be funded and how the money would reach vulnerable children and communities.

Rafiq said many children were still out of school, while malnutrition, poor healthcare services and limited access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene continued to affect families.

She stressed the need for non-partisan reporting that focuses on children’s rights, government commitments, public funding and measurable results rather than political personalities or affiliations.

Also speaking, UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Yusuf Auta, said investment in children should begin from conception and continue throughout childhood.

Auta said proper funding was particularly important for maternal and newborn healthcare, adding that every child had the right to be born in a safe and healthy environment.

He expressed concern that government budgets often give insufficient attention to children from birth to 18 years, despite children making up more than half of the population.

Auta urged journalists to go beyond reporting budget allocations by tracking when funds are released, how they are used and the results achieved.

He said the media could help change the situation by holding governments accountable and ensuring that budget commitments resulted in real improvements in children’s lives.

UNICEF: Journalists must hold governments to Account on Children’s Funds