AES Agencies Trail Funds Linking Nigerian Bandit Kingpins, Politicians to Border Arms Procurement

By: Zagazola Makama

Intelligence agencies from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are investigating notorious bandit kingpins from Northwestern Nigeria over the procurement of arms and ammunition. The probe has also been extended to certain Nigerian politicians allegedly involved in peace deals that funneled significant funds to the kingpins, which are now being used to buy weapons across the border.

According to credible sources, this development is part of a broader AES crackdown on terror financing and arms trafficking along its borders with West, Central, and Northern Africa.

The investigation was reportedly triggered by leads connecting arms supplies to terrorists and non-state actors across the Sahel and West Africa. The kingpins, who are linked to attacks on Nigerian security forces and the kidnapping of schoolchildren and expatriates, are alleged to be procuring high-caliber weapons through proxies along the Nigeria-Niger border, paying suppliers in hard currency.

These suppliers, who operate a munitions hub for criminals in the Sahel, are already on the radar of combined AES agencies. Several have been arrested recently and are now under interrogation.

High-level intelligence indicates the kingpins have received large sums of state money through peace agreements in Nigeria. Furthermore, AES agencies are gathering intelligence on Nigerian officials linked to these deals.

The identities of these officials remain confidential. The primary objective of the underground investigation is to secure evidence on whether state officials involved in peace negotiations are, in fact, paying the kingpins to cease attacks, only for those funds to be diverted to arms procurement.

“The AES agencies have arrested gunrunners crossing into Nigeria who have links to these kingpins. The scale of their arms transactions is alarming,” a source stated. “They are also believed to have received funds from officials under the guise of peace deals in one or two states.”

This breakthrough follows the interception of classified communications from terrorists linked to multiple kidnappings in Northern Nigeria. These non-state actors are connected to extensive cross-border arms procurement, funded by resources obtained through peace settlements allegedly facilitated by politicians.

AES Agencies Trail Funds Linking Nigerian Bandit Kingpins, Politicians to Border Arms Procurement

NCYP and Digital Imam Urge Review of Bandit Peace Deals to Prevent Rising Insecurity

By: Michael Mike

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has called on the Federal Government to urgently reevaluate the peace deals currently being entered into with bandits in the North West, warning that such agreements may worsen insecurity rather than resolve it.

This position was made known during a courtesy visit by the NCYP national delegation, led by its National Chairman, Isaac Abrak, to the Chairman of the Islamic Research and Da’awa Foundation, Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalid—fondly known as the Digital Imam—at his residence in Karu, Nasarawa State.

Speaking during the visit, Abrak noted with concern that while clerics and community leaders are engaging with bandits in states such as Katsina, Zamfara, and Kebbi, attacks in these areas continue to rise.

He stressed that while community involvement is important, negotiations with armed groups should be led by state security agencies such as the military and the DSS, with clerics and local leaders playing a supportive role.

On the recurring farmers–herders conflict in the North Central region, Abrak urged stakeholders to draw lessons from Rwanda’s experience. He explained that Rwanda was able to break cycles of revenge between Hutus and Tutsis—who lost over 800,000 lives during the genocide—through the virtues of forgiveness and reconciliation. He cautioned that Nigeria must also embrace forgiveness to avoid a similar tragedy, while highlighting Rwanda’s remarkable post-conflict recovery and development as a model.

In his response, Sheikh Nuru Khalid reiterated his longstanding call for interreligious tolerance between Muslims and Christians as the foundation for peace, good governance, and national development. He endorsed NCYP’s call for the review of peace deals, stressing that while peace is desirable, government must not appear weak or give preferential treatment to criminals. According to him, the current form of negotiations risks sending the wrong message—that government cannot hold bandits accountable for their crimes.

The Sheikh further cautioned against elevating the status of bandits above that of affected communities, warning that this could embolden potential criminals. He commended Nigeria’s security forces for their commitment, particularly the Chief of Defence Staff, whom he described as dedicated to securing the country.

Sheikh Khalid also expressed appreciation to the NCYP for the visit and assured them of his support and guidance in their pursuit of peace and justice across the nation.

NCYP and Digital Imam Urge Review of Bandit Peace Deals to Prevent Rising Insecurity

Kaduna, Gates Foundation Deepen Collaboration Through Mutual Accountability Framework to Transform Development

By: Michael Mike

The Kaduna State Government and the Gates Foundation has signed the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF), a landmark platform to strengthen strategic collaboration, accountability, and sustainable development.

The signing, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, represents a shared dedication to supporting the advancement of sustainable development in Kaduna State through targeted interventions and strengthened cooperation.

According to a statement signed by the Senior Communications Officer at the Gates Foundation Fatima Abubakar Alkali, and Chief Press Secretary to Kaduna state governor, Ibraheem Musa, the Framework establishes a non-binding strategic platform for dialogue and accountability. It is intended solely as a guide for collaboration and does not constitute, and shall not be interpreted as creating, any legally enforceable obligations or financial commitments by either Party.

It is designed to align the development priorities of both partners for maximum impact. It builds on the Kaduna State International Development Cooperation Framework (2017 – 2020) and introduces new mechanisms for strategic dialogue, measurable commitments, and citizen-centered monitoring.

The key areas of focus of the framework includes; Health, Agriculture, Data Management, Realistic Budgeting and Economic Empowerment. Kaduna State Governor, UbaSani who welcomed the Framework as a vital step toward Kaduna’s development vision said it represents a bold step from promises to delivery.

Uba said: “The KaMAF represents a bold shift from promises to delivery. By ensuring accountability, transparency, and alignment with the priorities of our citizens, Kaduna is working toward building a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future. We are proud to partner with the Gates Foundation to drive real, measurable change that improves lives across our state.”

Speaking on the landmark agreement, the Gates Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to Kaduna State through ongoing investments and technical assistance.

Gates Foundation, Country Director for Nigeria, Uche Amaonwu said: “Our work in Kaduna is grounded in a shared vision for inclusive, accountable, and data-driven development. “We are not just investing in systems; we are investing in people, in communities, and in the institutions that support sustainable change.

The Foundation stands ready to support Kaduna in strengthening primary health care, improving access to economic opportunities, and ensuring that every naira spent delivers real impact.”

The statement said KaMAF will guide collaboration over an initial two-year period (2025–2026), with regular Strategic Dialoguesand a Joint Steering Committee to track progress, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure sustainability.

It added that by aligning resources, reinforcing accountability, and centering citizens in the process, the Kaduna State Government and the Gates Foundation aim to set a model for transformative state-donor partnerships in Nigeria and beyond.

Kaduna, Gates Foundation Deepen Collaboration Through Mutual Accountability Framework to Transform Development