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Cross-Border Crimes: Experts Urge Stronger Control, Community Trust-Building in Northern Nigeria
Cross-Border Crimes: Experts Urge Stronger Control, Community Trust-Building in Northern Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
As insecurity continues to escalate across the Sokoto–Zamfara–Katsina axis, security experts and stakeholders have called for urgent measures to strengthen border control, enhance government commitment, and deepen collaboration among civil society organisations (CSOs), security agencies, and local communities in tackling cross-border crimes.
The call was made on Tuesday during a national deliberative session organised by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and the Research and Action for Peace (REcAP) Project, in collaboration with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), with funding support from the European Union. The theme of the session was: “Curbing Cross-Border Crimes in the Sokoto–Zamfara–Katsina Axis of the Nigeria–Niger Borderlands through Strengthened Stakeholders’ Partnership and Collaboration.”

Speaking at the session, Francis Onyekwue, National Coordinator of the Trauma Awareness and Resilience Initiative, identified the legacy of colonial border demarcations as a significant root cause of persistent security challenges in the region.
“The borders were drawn by colonial masters without regard for ethnic and linguistic realities. For example, Hausa is spoken across both sides of the Nigeria–Niger border, yet porous borders have facilitated arms smuggling, especially from the Sahel region and the Libyan crisis,” he said.
Onyekwue urged the government to move beyond symbolic border posts and adopt technology-driven surveillance and effective patrol systems. He also stressed the role of climate change in aggravating insecurity, noting that shrinking grazing land has pushed pastoralists into new territories and intensified clashes over resources.
“Countries like Libya and Burkina Faso have invested in greening dry lands to reduce migration pressures. What stops Nigeria from doing the same in the North?” he queried.

Presenting a working paper titled “Calculating Cross-Border Crimes in the So-Called Borders and the Axes of the Nigeria–Niger Border through Strengthened Stakeholders’ Partnership and Collaboration,” Dr. Abubakar Suma’ila of Usman Danfodiyo University traced the historical importance of the Sokoto–Zamfara–Katsina axis as a pre-colonial hub linking Sahel trade and culture. He noted that while colonial-era partition weakened these systems, post-colonial states have failed to sustain effective border management.
According to him, cross-border crimes have evolved significantly: “Armed groups now target civilians more than government forces, with criminal networks linked to arms smuggling and banditry spreading across communities. The ethnicization of this conflict is a dangerous myth. Evidence shows that many criminal actors operate irrespective of ethnic lines.”
Suma’ila called for coordinated intelligence-sharing, robust community engagement, and multi-stakeholder partnerships to address the complexity of emerging threats.
Also speaking, Kumah L.J., Assistant Comptroller of Customs, emphasised building trust with border communities as a critical step toward improving security.
“Cross-border insecurity is a national issue and cannot be solved overnight. Security personnel must work closely with local communities to gather frontline intelligence beyond surface-level information. Agencies must collaborate and share intelligence for effective operations,” he stated.
Manji Mangrock, Programme Manager at WANEP Abuja, highlighted the complementary role of CSOs in peacebuilding and security.
“Our work focuses on peace education, good governance, and conflict documentation. CSOs provide raw data and advocacy support to security agencies. What is needed now is a stronger partnership and coordination to avoid duplication of efforts and maximise impact.”
Similarly, Jennifer Alaeda, Principal Relief Officer at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), underscored the importance of youth inclusion in countering insecurity. She called for education, advocacy, and mentorship programs to break the cycle of violence while urging research institutions to share challenges and lessons to strengthen collective responses.
Cross-Border Crimes: Experts Urge Stronger Control, Community Trust-Building in Northern Nigeria
News
Yobe Govt. Initiates Mineral Exploitation For Economic Diversification
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
News
FARMERS–HERDERS CLASH: PMF PERSONNEL ATTACKED DURING RESPONSE — ONE SUSPECT ARRESTED, CATTLE RECOVERED
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
News
Several terrorists killed as Rivalry clash intensifies between Boko Haram, ISWAP Sambisa
Several terrorists killed as Rivalry clash intensifies between Boko Haram, ISWAP Sambisa
By: Zagazola Makama
Fresh fighting has erupted between rival insurgent factions in the Sambisa Forest axis of Borno, as renewed hostilities spread across parts of Bama and Konduga Local Government Areas.
Reliable sources told Zagazola Makama that the latest round of clashes was initiated by a factional force under a notorious commander known as Abba Tukurre, who, alongside his lieutenants Bunjumma and Ali Kalumbo, launched coordinated attacks on several enclaves held by a rival group.
The offensive reportedly began at Gazuwa Camp a strategic stronghold in the Sambisa area of Bama Local government area where the attacking faction succeeded in dislodging its rivals after hours of intense gunfire.
Follow-up operations were said to have been carried out in nearby locations including Kashimeri, Katchi, and Bula Musaye, where several hideouts were overrun.
Sources further indicated that another factional commander, Abu-Rijal, also known as Ba-Sulhu, led reinforcements from the Mandara Mountain axis and engaged the rival group at Bula Marwaye before converging with other fighters at Goneri to plan subsequent strikes.
By late Wednesday, reports suggested that the attacking faction had taken control of Gargash, Minna, and Garin Massa Kaje, and established new checkpoints in the Yamut and Jungule areas.
Night operations were also conducted to pursue fleeing elements of the rival group, though no fresh contact was confirmed as of Thursday morning.
Zagazola Makama believe the resurgence of inter-factional violence could temporarily reduce the threat of coordinated attacks on civilian and military targets, as both sides turn their attention to internal supremacy battles.
However, there are indications that other cells operating in the southern Lake Chad, Tumbun Fulani, and Bulumkutu–Geidam corridors may exploit the chaos to stage retaliatory or diversionary strikes.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the theatre are maintaining heightened vigilance to counter possible surprise offensives as the situation continues to unfold across the region.
Several terrorists killed as Rivalry clash intensifies between Boko Haram, ISWAP Sambisa
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