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How Notorious Informant, Awwalu Dan Garin Mararraba, Killed in Tsafe after long-standing double life as a vigilante and bandit accomplice
How Notorious Informant, Awwalu Dan Garin Mararraba, Killed in Tsafe after long-standing double life as a vigilante and bandit accomplice
By: Zagazola Makama
A notorious bandit informant, Awwalu Dan Garin Mararraba, was killed by residents of Mararraba, a community near Yankuzo under Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, after his long-standing double life as a vigilante and bandit accomplice was exposed.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that Awwalu, who was well known in Tsafe and surrounding areas, had allegedly been working as an informant for bandits while disguising himself as a member of the local vigilante group. Residents accused him of being responsible for the deaths of several people, either by providing intelligence to bandits or directly executing individuals under the pretense of fighting criminals.
Over the past year, Awwalu had been a controversial figure, suspected of using his position within the vigilante group to eliminate those he considered threats. Among his victims was a young man named Rabi’u Bawa (Zafa), who was executed under his supervision in Tsafe town. He was also said to have led the killing of another young man known as Mailahiya in Sabon Gari, allegedly over a financial dispute.
Despite these allegations, Awwalu continued to move freely between local communities, switching roles depending on the situation sometimes appearing as a vigilante and at other times seen in the company of armed bandits in the forests.
His luck ran out last week when he returned to Mararraba, his hometown, accompanied by an associate. The duo arrived under the guise of retrieving a motorcycle belonging to a local youth. However, their presence immediately raised suspicion among residents, who had grown wary of Awwalu’s activities.
Sensing danger, Awwalu and his companion attempted to hide inside a house, but the residents quickly locked them in. A crowd gathered as word spread that Awwalu, the alleged bandit informant, had been caught. In an unusual move, the residents reached out to Fulani leaders and other community elders in Yankuzo to witness the unfolding event.
When Awwalu was eventually brought out, he tried to defend himself by claiming that his brother, who is the village head of Mararraba, had invited him to the town for a business deal. However, his explanation did not convince the angry crowd.
The situation escalated into a heated exchange between Awwalu and his elder brother, with the village head denying any knowledge of his visit. Sensing that Awwalu was lying, the villagers decided to check his mobile phone for further evidence. Upon searching his phone, residents reportedly found multiple contacts and call logs linking him to known bandits operating in the area. This discovery confirmed their suspicions and sealed Awwalu’s fate.
As tension grew, the community members, alongside some Fulani leaders, agreed that justice must be served. Armed locals fueled by anger and a long history of grievances, immediately opened fire on Awwalu, killing him on the spot. Eyewitnesses reported that as he lay dying, Awwalu continued cursing and hurling insults at those who executed him.
Awwalu’s killing comes amid intensified efforts by local vigilante groups and communities in Zamfara State to rid their areas of bandit collaborators. Over the past few months, several informants have been exposed and executed as frustration grows over continued attacks and abductions.
The incident in Mararraba has heightened tensions in the region, with security forces now closely monitoring the situation to prevent possible reprisals from Awwalu’s associates or bandit groups operating in the Tsafe-Yankuzo axis.
How Notorious Informant, Awwalu Dan Garin Mararraba, Killed in Tsafe after long-standing double life as a vigilante and bandit accomplice
Police rescue abducted student, arrest suspect in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A 14-year-old student, Dauda Salisu, has been rescued unhurt by security operatives in Gitata, Nasarawa State, following his abduction by a suspected criminal.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim, a JSS2 student at Ube Gitata, was reportedly abducted on Feb. 2, 2026, beside a local mosque by one Jamilu Salisu, a male from Dutsinma, Katsina State.
Security operatives quickly trailed and arrested the suspect at the Gitata riverside, while a second suspect identified as Zailani SNU remains at large.
Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and ensure the safety of the community. Authorities have called on residents to provide timely information on suspicious activities.
Police rescue abducted student, arrest suspect in Nasarawa
Chinese national arrested for alleged indecent assault, rape in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
A Chinese national, Li-jian Yuan, 50, has been arrested in Abeokuta, Ogun State, for alleged indecent assault and rape of a 23-year-old woman, Wemimo Adebowale.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, who works at Zhiylian Global Quarry, Kobape, was apprehended by detectives following a complaint lodged on Jan. 30, 2026. Investigations revealed that the alleged assault occurred on Jan. 28, 2026.
The suspect is currently in police custody pending further investigation and is expected to be arraigned in court soon.
Authorities have assured the public of diligent follow-up to ensure justice is served in the matter.
Chinese national arrested for alleged indecent assault, rape in Ogun
Buni commits to infrastructural development to improve the lives of the people in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, has assured the commitments of his administration to continue providing infrastructure to improve the lives of the people of the state.
Governor Buni disclosed this yesterday while inspecting the Machina sesame seed processing factory, now completed and awaiting commissioning, adding that we are here to see for ourselves the value for our money we spent here to establish this sesame processing factory.
“We hope the community will make good use of this sesame processing factory, and this is one of the four that we established in Yobe State, and all are completed and awaiting commissioning,” Buni said.
The governor also inaugurated the Rugar Balarabe project, which was constructed by a philanthropist, Alhaji Abdullahi Balarabe D J. The Fulani settlement projects include houses, a school, a clinic, and a mosque, and it was named Rugar Balarabe village after him.
Governor Buni called on all public and separate individuals to emulate Alhaji Balarabe D. J. on what he has done for that Fulani community, noting that we have seen the multiplier effect of what he has put there and, of course, the benefit that goes to the community.
He commends him and appreciates him on behalf of the good people of the community, Nguru local government council, Yobe state, and Nigeria, and also calls on other public separate individuals to emulate and complement the effort of the government.
Governor Buni also attended the finals of the Machina Cultural Festival (MACUF) and commended the Machina emirate for preserving the rich culture of the people, as he said, the occasion is a perfect blend of the old and new.
He warned the youths against the use of drugs and other social vices; they should make their parents, emirate, and the Yobe state proud by being upright and responsible for us to have responsible future leaders.
In another development, Governor Mai Mala Buni has consoled the Bazuwa family over the fire inferno that razed down 12 shops in Potiskum town.
Governor Buni described the incident as sad and unfortunate, adding that it was destined to happen, and expressed his gratitude to Almighty Allah that no life was lost during the fire accident.
Buni commits to infrastructural development to improve the lives of the people in Yobe
Police rescue abducted student, arrest suspect in Nasarawa
Chinese national arrested for alleged indecent assault, rape in Ogun
Buni commits to infrastructural development to improve the lives of the people in Yobe
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