News
Dauda Lawal’s reform agenda transforms Zamfara, delivers landmark development across sectors

Dauda Lawal’s reform agenda transforms Zamfara, delivers landmark development across sectors
By: Zagazola Makama
In just over two years in office, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has emerged as a transformational leader, repositioning the state with bold policy reforms, critical infrastructure renewal, and people-centered governance that prioritises security, healthcare, education, civil service reform, and economic revitalisation.
Governor Lawal’s Rescue Agenda, built on transparency, capacity development, and institutional strengthening, is steadily reversing years of systemic decay, offering the people of Zamfara renewed hope in a government that works for them.
The Governor’s impact is visible across the state, from newly equipped hospitals and modernised schools to the strengthened security architecture and improved public transportation, all executed with a focus on accountability and sustainability.

Health sector revolution
One of Governor Lawal’s most visible accomplishments is the overhaul of Zamfara’s healthcare system. Upon assumption of office in May 2023, he declared a state of emergency in the sector after discovering that only one ultrasound machine served nearly six million people and that machine was held together with seal tape. In response, the administration embarked on a comprehensive needs assessment and launched a phased rehabilitation of general hospitals across the state.
Within 12 months, Governor Lawal commissioned fully renovated and equipped General Hospitals in Gusau, Anka, Maradun, Maru, Kaura, and Nasarawa Burkullu. Each of these facilities now boasts modern amenities, including Accident and Emergency Units, Special Care Baby Units (SCBUs), Maternity Wards, Radiology Departments, Dental Clinics, Orthopedic Wards, and Operating Theatres.
In Anka, the governor delivered a state-of-the-art facility with newly constructed laboratory, maternity, and emergency units, alongside refurbished wards, pharmacy blocks, and residential quarters for medical staff. To complement these infrastructure upgrades, the administration has procured cutting-edge medical equipment, implemented biomedical training for health workers, and institutionalised a health governance model that emphasises maintenance and service delivery.

Security support and community policing
Governor Lawal has treated security as the bedrock of development in Zamfara. In a landmark gesture, his government distributed 140 new operational vehicles to security agencies operating across the state. These include double-cabin pick-up trucks and Buffalo vehicles to enhance mobility, response time, and overall efficiency in combating banditry and violent crimes. The Governor also inaugurated the Community Protection Guards, a state-owned security outfit designed to supplement federal forces and engage communities in grassroots surveillance and early warning systems.
These strategic investments are already yielding results, with improved coordination among security outfits and a noticeable return of normalcy in areas previously plagued by violence.
Education transformation
Education, another critical pillar of the Rescue Agenda, has seen similar focus. In January 2024, the Governor launched an aggressive school rehabilitation drive, beginning with the Government Girls Arabic School (GGAS) Gusau one of the state’s oldest institutions. Following a devastating fire that razed five student hostels, the administration not only rebuilt them but expanded the renovation to include over 94 different structures. These included science laboratories, ICT centres, classrooms, libraries, mosques, staff quarters, and toilet facilities — transforming the school into a modern learning environment offering science, arts, and commercial subjects.
The initiative is part of a broader education recovery framework that aims to upgrade boarding schools across the state, provide modern teaching tools, and re-train educators to meet global standards.

Civil service reform and institutional renewal
In an unprecedented move, Governor Lawal introduced a competency-based examination for directors aspiring to become Permanent Secretaries the first of its kind in Zamfara’s history. This reform led to the appointment of twelve Permanent Secretaries based strictly on merit, marking a turning point in bureaucratic professionalism. As part of a commitment to institutional strengthening, the state government completed the phased renovation of the JB Yakubu State Secretariat Complex. Blocks A and C have been fully rehabilitated, with Block B to follow, providing dignified and functional workspaces for civil servants. In another show of compassion and fiscal discipline, Governor Lawal cleared over ₦13 billion in gratuity arrears owed to retirees — some dating back several years. He also introduced the 13th-month salary bonus, rewarding productivity and boosting staff morale.
Economic diversification and public transit innovation
Recognising the need for sustainable economic growth, the Lawal administration unveiled 50 brand-new mass transit buses to ease transportation within and outside the state. These buses, equipped with real-time monitoring systems and free Wi-Fi, aim to reduce travel hardship and enhance public revenue collection through a digital fleet management platform. The move points to the governor’s drive to create jobs, reduce transportation costs, and modernise Zamfara’s commercial landscape.
A legacy of people-first governance
Throughout his 2 years tenure so far, Governor Lawal has consistently affirmed that his vision goes beyond infrastructure. “We believe that a motivated and professional civil service is the backbone of good governance,” he said at the commissioning of the Secretariat Complex.
Indeed, the Governor’s style meticulous, inclusive, and performance driven, is redefining public service delivery in a state long ravaged by insecurity and underdevelopment.
As he continues to roll out projects and policy reforms, the people of Zamfara are beginning to witness a renaissance grounded in hope, capacity, and progress.
With more hospitals, schools, roads, and economic opportunities in the pipeline, Governor Dauda Lawal stands out as one of Nigeria’s most purposeful and visionary leaders — a man committed not just to governing, but to rescuing and rebuilding Zamfara for generations to come.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Dauda Lawal’s reform agenda transforms Zamfara, delivers landmark development across sectors
News
Tipper truck kills several traders in Jalingo market crash

Tipper truck kills several traders in Jalingo market crash
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic road accident occurred on Saturday at the popular Mile 6 Market in Jalingo, Taraba State, when a tipper truck loaded with shaft sand lost control and rammed into a crowd of traders and shoppers.

Zagazola learnt the incident, which happened around midday, resulted in multiple fatalities and left several others injured. The exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as emergency responders continue rescue operations and assessment of the scene.

Sourcessaid the truck was speeding when one of its front tyres suddenly burst, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle veered into the busy market area, knocking down people and structures along its path.

“It happened so fast,” said Musa Ibrahim, a local vendor. “The truck was on speed and after the tyre burst, the driver couldn’t control it. It just rammed into the crowd.”
Security operatives and medical personnel arrived swiftly at the scene to evacuate the injured to nearby hospitals. The body of the deceased has also been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to identify victims and notify their families.

The driver of the truck has been apprehended and is currently in custody as investigations continue into the cause of the crash.
End
Crime
Former Footballer, 4 Others Arrested, Over 22.6kg Cocaine, Meth Seized at Lagos, Enugu Airports

Former Footballer, 4 Others Arrested, Over 22.6kg Cocaine, Meth Seized at Lagos, Enugu Airports
…72-year-old Grandma, Beninese, Ithers Nabbed in NDLEA Raids in Delta, Kwara, Lagos
By: Michael Mike
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a former football player Segun George Hunkarin along with his businessman partner Ntoruka Chinedu over attempt to smuggle a consignment of cocaine into Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
According to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, Chinedu who is a frequent flyer known for conveying clothes from Turkey to Nigeria and foodstuffs from Nigeria to Turkey, was the first to be arrested upon his arrival at the Lagos airport last Tuesday, when his carry-on bag was searched, 37 wraps of cocaine weighing 800 grammes were seen to be concealed therein.

Babafemi said investigation showed that the suspect was coming from Turkey on Ethiopian Airlines flight but transited through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he collected the luggage from another person before heading to Nigeria.
He said further checks revealed that an accomplice who turned out to be the former professional footballer, Segun Hunkarin, was waiting for Chinedu at the airport carpark to collect the consignment from him. Hunkarin who had stayed years in Brazil playing for football clubs was promptly tracked and arrested at the carpark.

In his statement, Hunkarin was said to have claimed that while playing professional football in the South American country, he had only trafficked drugs twice from Brazil to Ethiopia but has never brought any to Nigeria.
Another Europe based businessman Amen Okoro was last Friday arrested by NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport while attempting to traffic 5,000 pills of tramadol 225mg packaged as known malaria drugs such as Lonart, Amatem and Aluktem to Spain.
He was intercepted at the departure hall of terminal 2 of the airport during the outward clearance of passengers on Royal Air Maroc flight to Spain through Casablanca.

Babafemi said Okoro, who is into freight and logistics business between Europe and Nigeria, claimed that on his arrival in Spain, he would have taken a train to France where he resides and from there send the tramadol consignment to Italy for retailing.
At the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) Enugu, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives last Friday intercepted a Maputo, Mozambique based bar attendant Ezenwaka Chibuzor. A search of his luggage led to the discovery of 17 cardboard size parcels of methamphetamine weighing 17.500 kilogrammes and three parcels of cocaine weighing 3.05 kilogrammes.
He revealed that the 38-year-old suspect was coming from Johannesburg, South Africa via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines flight when he was interdicted and subjected to a search during which the illicit drugs concealed in bedsheets packed in his bags were discovered.
He noted that another passenger on board the same Ethiopian Airlines flight, 54-year-old Azu Kpodar was also intercepted at the Enugu airport by NDLEA operatives. When Azu, who arrived from Sao Paulo, Brazil, was searched, a liquid soap plastic container marked YPE, was discovered in his luggage. The substance was promptly taken for analysis at the NDLEA forensic and chemical laboratory, Enugu where the substance tested positive to cocaine.

The substance which turned out to be liquid cocaine weighed 1.250 kilogrammes, the
suspect who is a toy seller in Brinquedo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, claimed he purchased while shopping for his wedding ceremony in Nigeria.
NDLEA operatives at the Seme border area of Badagry in Lagos last Tuesday intercepted a 26-year-old Beninese Vode Jean-Luck while trying to smuggle 69 balls of skunk, a strain of cannabis with a gross weight of 29.5 kilogrammes from Benin Republic into Nigeria.
In Kwara state, a notorious drug dealer Mary Oladele (a.k.a Iya Nafi) was arrested last Wednesday when NDLEA operatives raided her base in Omu-Aran in Irepodun local government area of the state where various quantities of skunk, tramadol and flunitrazepam were recovered from her.
Babafemi said a 72-year-old grandma Mrs. Christy Ejaro was last Tuesday arrested by NDLEA operatives at Niger CAT area of Warri, Delta state, with several sachets of skunk packaged in retail size recovered from her.
The spokesman said the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, social advocacy activities by NDLEA commands equally continued across the country in the past week.
Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), while commending the officers and men of MMIA, AIIA, Delta, Kwara, and Seme commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, equally praised their counterparts in all the commands across the country for ensuring a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.
Former Footballer, 4 Others Arrested, Over 22.6kg Cocaine, Meth Seized at Lagos, Enugu Airports
News
Armed bandits abduct resident in Bature Daji, in Niger narrowly miss vigilante target

Armed bandits abduct resident in Bature Daji, in Niger narrowly miss vigilante target
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits in large numbers stormed Bature Daji community in Niger in the early hours of Saturday, abducting a resident while narrowly missing their original target, a local vigilante member.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. when the attackers invaded the residence of one Dani, a known vigilante operative in the area. He was reportedly the primary target of the assault but managed to escape.
However, the gunmen kidnapped one Attahiru Ibrahim, popularly known as Sarki Daji, from the same neighborhood and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
Local sources revealed that the assailants later moved toward Gorogawu Village, a border community near the Republic of Benin, raising concerns of cross-border movement and security challenges.
A joint team of security forces, including military and other operatives, has launched a pursuit operation to rescue the victim and apprehend the attackers.
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