Police, Vigilantes Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Niger, Bandits Flee

By: Zagazola Makama

Nigerian Security forces in Niger State have successfully rescued three kidnapped victims after a swift operation by the police and local vigilantes forced armed bandits to abandon their captives and flee into the bush.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue operation followed intelligence received by the Sarkin-Pawa Divisional Police Officer (DPO) on the abduction of three individuals from Matsunta Dangunu, in Munya Local Government Area.

The victims Auwalu Usman, 30; Ya’u Aliyu, 27; and Yahuza Garba, 35 were kidnapped in the early hours of February 27, while four motorcycles were also stolen by the assailants.

Upon receiving the distress report, the DPO of Sarkin-Pawa quickly mobilized a joint team of police tactical operatives and local vigilantes to track the bandits. The security team intercepted the criminals along the Anakai exit route near Dangunu.

Sensing danger, the bandits hastily released the hostages and fled into the bush to evade capture. The three victims were safely rescued without injuries and have since been reunited with their families.

Meanwhile, security forces are intensifying efforts to recover the stolen motorcycles and track down the fleeing criminals.

A security official who spoke on condition of anonymity due to operational sensitivities said, “Our intelligence-led approach continues to yield results. The swift response of our personnel prevented these criminals from executing their plans. We will not relent until we bring them to justice.”he said.

Police, Vigilantes Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Niger, Bandits Flee

Troops Capture Notorious Bandit Leader Kachallah Hassan Nabamamu in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have captured Kachallah Hassan Nabamamu, a notorious bandit kingpin responsible for terrorizing communities in Mada, Tsafe, and other parts of Zamfara State.

Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region gathered from security sources that the operation, conducted by troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, took place on February 27 at Hegin Mahe, Ruwan Bore in Mada town, Gusau Local Government Area.

Troops launched a well-coordinated ambush, leading to a fierce gun battle in which several bandits were neutralized while others escaped with gunshot wounds. The kingpin initially fled into nearby homes but was pursued and captured alive by the security forces.

Hours after his arrest, his gang members, led by Bakin Malam, launched a reprisal attack on Chediya, Bamamu, and Makera villages, issuing threats to dislodge residents if Nabamamu was not released. The attack forced many residents to flee their homes in fear.

However, The Nigerian troops swiftly responded with superior firepower, repelling the bandits and preventing further breach of security. Additional both Air and Land troops were deployed to secure the area and prevent further incursions, while intelligence operations continue to track down fleeing gang members.

Nabamamu, originally from Tsafe, Gidan Alhaji Kaduna, started as an Almajiri before attending Model Primary School, Tsafe. He later relocated to Bamamu village, where he engaged in cattle rearing. For over 30 years, he was involved in armed robbery and later became one of the first Fulani men to openly embrace large-scale banditry in Zamfara.

He first gained notoriety after leading an armed robbery attack on the home of Sani Dan Kyaso, orchestrating multiple murders in the process. Security sources describe him as deadlier than the infamous bandit leader Ado Alero, often warning other criminals such as Dan Isuhu to stay out of his self acclaimed territory.

Nabamamu commanded a large group of fighters, carrying out brutal attacks on villages including Makera, Chediya, Agama Lafiya, Singawa, Yalwa, Rekebu, Fegen Baza, Danmarke, and Sabon Fege, as well as locations near Setraco Company in Tsafe town. His gang was also responsible for numerous kidnappings along the Gusau-Tsafe highway, turning the route into a deadly zone for travelers.

Nabamamu worked closely with other top bandit leaders, including Bakin Malam, Kachallah Mal Tukur, and Kachallah Baldu, controlling at least 100 heavily armed fighters. He imposed millions of naira in levies on villages in Tsafe LGA, ruthlessly punishing communities that failed to pay.

Security sources revealed that Nabamamu had deep ties with weapons traffickers, often securing arms from suppliers linked to foreign terror networks. Intelligence reports indicate that he was involved in coordinating supply chains that provided sophisticated firearms to criminal groups operating in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Niger states.

His gang was also notorious for using informants within local communities to track movements of security forces and high-value kidnap targets. Investigations suggest that he had an extensive financial network, using ransom proceeds to fund operations and maintain strong alliances with other bandit groups.

The arrest of Nabamamu is expected to significantly weaken the operational network of bandit groups in Zamfara. It is believed that dismantling his leadership structure could lead to the rescue of kidnapped victims still held by his gang.

Military operations under Operation FANSAN YANMA have intensified in recent weeks, with coordinated land and air offensives eliminating several high-profile bandits and rescuing hostages from their enclaves in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kebbi states.

Military officials vowed that the offensive will continue until all major bandit leaders are neutralized and peace is restored to the region.

Residents of Mada, Tsafe, and surrounding areas who have been terrorized for many years welcomed the news of Nabamamu’s arrest, expressing hope that security will improve and banditry will be brought under control.

Troops Capture Notorious Bandit Leader Kachallah Hassan Nabamamu in Zamfara

Tuggar: Nigeria can be Propelled to Economic Growth with Effective Harnessing of Strengths of Her Diaspora

By: Michael Mike

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has said that with the effective harnessing of the strengths of Nigerians in Diaspora, the country can be propelled to economic growth, social development, and international standing.

Speaking on Thursday at the Diaspora Study Stakeholders Engagement Workshop organised by the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) in collaboration with Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NISER), the Minister who was represented by the Director Economic, Trade and Investment in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi said: “Nigeria boasts one of the most dynamic and influential diaspora populations in the world.

“Across continents, Nigerians in the diaspora have made remarkable contributions to various sectors, including academia, medicine, technology, entrepreneurship, and diplomacy. Their remittances, expertise, and global networks serve as strategic assets that, when effectively harnessed, can propel Nigeria’s economic growth, social development, and international standing.”

He added that: “This workshop provides a platform to engage relevant stakeholders in the proposed diaspora study, ensuring its design and implementation align with national objectives and global best practices. It is imperative that we leverage the insights and inputs of key players, including government agencies, businesses, and scholars, to develop a study that informs policies aimed at maximizing diaspora contributions.”

The Minister to fully take serious the sessions, noting “that the success of this study will not only enhance diaspora engagement but also reinforce Nigeria’s position as a nation that values and integrates its global citizens in national development.”

On her part, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said: “Nigeria is blessed to have one of the world’s most resourceful and active diaspora groups, with professionals flourishing in a variety of fields across continents. One untapped resource that could greatly aid Nigeria’s economic and social change is the abundance of networks, expertise, and knowledge they hold.”

She added that: “In order to effectively engage and utilise the enormous potential of our diaspora population, this study aims to give us a thorough grasp of how to do so. It is about developing evidence-based policies and initiatives that will lead to significant contributions to the development of the country, not just gathering data.”

She noted that: “Some of the policy measures to harness Diaspora contribution for national development include creating investment opportunities, establishing diaspora-specific investment funds, facilitating knowledge transfer through mentorship and training programs, enabling easier access to markets and networks in their home country and many more. By implementing these measures effectively, we can leverage the skills, resources, and networks of our diaspora communities for sustainable national development.”

Dabiri-Erewa while stating that: “This workshop is a platform to exchange ideas, dig into think-tanks of knowledge, refine strategies, and ensure that the study’s design and implementation are robust and inclusive,” told the participants that: “Your insights, experiences, and recommendations will be invaluable in ensuring that this research leads to actionable policies that truly make an impact.”

The Director General of Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Prof. Antonia Simbine said Nigeria’s diaspora community is one of the largest and most influential in the world, with over 17 million Nigerians residing abroad, noting that: “Our diaspora population is distinguished by its high level of professional expertise, spanning fields such as medicine, information technology, engineering, education, finance, and entrepreneurship.

“Beyond remittances—which amounted to $23.8 billion in 2019 before declining to $19.5 billion in 2023—the Nigerian diaspora contributes to national development in non-financial ways, including technology transfer, knowledge exchange, investment, and policy advocacy.

She said: “However, despite these contributions, a significant portion of diaspora remittances (about 70%) is directed towards consumption, rather than productive investments that could drive large-scale industrial growth and innovation in Nigeria. This reality underscores the need for this study, which aims to identify policy measures that will enhance the efficiency and impact of diaspora contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.”

She revealed that: “This workshop provides a platform for engagement with key stakeholders—including government ministries, professional bodies, Nigerian diaspora organizations, embassies of our study countries, and the academia—to ensure that the study design, implementation, and outcomes align with national development goals.”

Tuggar: Nigeria can be Propelled to Economic Growth with Effective Harnessing of Strengths of Her Diaspora