Bandits attack family on New-Bussa–Babanna road in Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits have attacked a family travelling along the New-Bussa–Babanna road in Niger State, leaving five people injured.

Zagazola report that the incident occurred on Sunday at about 4 p.m. near Ehka Kuka/Audu Fari village.

The victims, identified as Alhaji Fatayi Raheemi, 38, his wife, and other family members Fatima Nurudeen, 27; Munirat Isyaka, 25; Aishat Ismail, 25; and Rashidat Fatayi, 30, were reportedly shot at by the bandits while travelling in their Mercedes-Benz car from New-Bussa to Babanna town.

The gunmen opened fire on the moving vehicle, causing it to veer off the road, as all occupants sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Residents said security operatives later arrived at the scene and evacuated the victims to the Primary Health Centre, Babanna, where they were receiving treatment.

The damaged vehicle was recovered to the Babanna Police Station, while efforts were ongoing to track down the assailants.

Bandits attack family on New-Bussa–Babanna road in Niger

12 bandits killed, 2 soldiers injured in clash in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed 12 bandits during a clash at Mabai village in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday at about 5:30 p.m., shortly after a peace accord meeting held at Kakumi village in Bakori LGA.

Sources said that the bandits, while passing in front of a military base at Mabai, engaged the troops in a gun duel, leading to the death of 12 of the assailants.

Two army personnel sustained serious injuries during the encounter and were referred to the Medical Centre in Katsina for treatment.

The sources said the situation in the area had since been brought under control, with intensive patrols and monitoring activities ongoing to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

12 bandits killed, 2 soldiers injured in clash in Katsina

Nigerian Journalist Recounts Her Eye-Opening Experience “As a Soldier” at Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji

By: Zagazola Makama

A Nigerian journalist, Nokai Origin, has shared a captivating firsthand account of her transformative experience at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, during Exercise HASKE BIYU 2025, where she joined members of Course 47 in a month-long military immersion programme.

The exercise, designed to bridge civil-military understanding, offered participants an opportunity to experience life in uniform a rare glimpse into the discipline, precision, and mental toughness that define the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Recounting her experience, the journalist described it as “a journey of unlearning, learning, and relearning,” adding that she had little idea what awaited her when she set out for the prestigious military institution earlier in September.

“It was experiencing the military setup and routines, immersing in the tradition, drills, discipline, and conduct,” she said. “A time for some of us to get into the khaki and boots to feel and experience firsthand what our military personnel go through daily.”

One of the highlights of the exercise was a simulation tagged “A Day in the Life of a Soldier,” where participants were subjected to a series of physical and tactical challenges. Despite initial apprehension, the journalist rose to the occasion literally conquering the obstacle course and earning the Commander’s Medal for being the first female participant to ascend and descend the hurdles carrying a heavy military backpack.

“I wobbled at first when they placed the pack on me,” she laughed, “but it turned out to be the most outstanding part of the entire experience.”

Beyond the drills and physical exertion, she said the exercise provided deeper insight into the dedication and sacrifices of men and women in uniform. “I saw the military in a different light,” she noted. “It gave me a new understanding and appreciation for what they do to keep the country safe.”

Over the course of the programme, participants interacted with officers from across Nigeria and several African countries fostering bonds, friendships, and professional connections that transcended borders.

She expressed profound gratitude to the hierarchy of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the management of AFCSC for opening their doors to civilians, saying the experience has left her “forever inspired by the courage, commitment, and character of the military institution.”

Nigerian Journalist Recounts Her Eye-Opening Experience “As a Soldier” at Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji