Crime
Nigeria: Bandits tax communities to avoid attacks in Zamfara

Nigeria: Bandits tax communities to avoid attacks in Zamfara
By: Our Reporter
Bandits reportedly levied three communities in Shinkafi local government area of Zamfara state, Northwest Nigeria, N3 million each (about $3000 USD) to a notorious bandit kingpin, known as Dan Bokolo, in order to avert attacks by the group terrorizing the communities.
NEWSng also gathered that the payment is believed to be a consequence of the alleged provision of information to security operatives by residents of Kamarawa, Sabuwar Kamarawa, and Gebe that led to the arrest of Dan Bokolo’s brother, Abdullahi.
While the state governor, Dauda Lawal, has maintained a stance against negotiating with terrorists, local sources indicate that the payment was made to ensure the safety of the communities.
According to a resident who spoke anonymously, the arrest of Abdullahi triggered tension as Dan Bokolo believed that individuals from these communities had betrayed his brother.
In an effort to broker peace, community elders engaged in negotiations with the terrorist. Eventually, Dan Bokolo agreed to accept a reduced sum of N3 million, down from his initial demand of N6 million, as compensation for the perceived betrayal.
Peace advocate and human rights activist Basharu Guyawa highlighted that such protection levies have become commonplace in eastern Sokoto and Zamfara.
While the communities have reportedly complied with the demands, concerns remain about the bandit’s commitment to refraining from future attacks.
Terrorists in Zamfara, as well as neighboring Sokoto and Katsina, have been known to impose levies on local communities.
This practice has been documented in previous instances, including the payment of N19 million by 14 communities in Anka Local Government to secure their safety and agricultural activities.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Zamfara state governor on broadcast and public affairs, Mustapha Jafaru, clarified that the state government was not involved in the agreement.
“Governor Dauda Lawal has consistently emphasized that the government will not engage in negotiations with criminals,” he said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the people of Zamfara State.
Recall that for over a decade, terrorists have operated in the northwestern region of Nigeria, with their activities escalating after the 2019 general election.
Terrorists have targeted travelers on major highways and carried out attacks on rural communities, leading to widespread insecurity and humanitarian concerns.
Basharu Guyawa, in his opinion, said that the levy being paid by these communities from previous payments as such is never a guarantee that the bandits will not attack again.
Nigeria: Bandits tax communities to avoid attacks in Zamfara
Crime
Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau

Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
In the fight against the hydra-headed menace of banditry, troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have recorded a major breakthrough in Plateau, neutralising a notorious gunrunner and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.
The feat, achieved between Sept. 4 and 6, highlights the military’s growing resolve to dismantle the criminal logistics networks that have long sustained armed violence in the North-Central.
The gunrunner, described as a “high-value target” by security sources, had allegedly played a critical role in supplying bandits with rifles, magazines, and other logistics across Plateau and neighbouring states.
His neutralisation, officials say, has dealt a heavy blow to the illicit supply chain that has prolonged insecurity in the region.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that credible intelligence led troops to track the suspect to a hideout where he was receiving treatment for gunshot wounds on Sept. 4. He was swiftly apprehended and later confessed to his role as a logistics supplier, even agreeing to lead troops to his arms cache.
Two days later, on Sept. 6, troops launched a follow-up operation at the identified hideout. The mission, however, was anything but routine. As troops closed in, they came under heavy fire from the suspect’s gang members, resulting in a fierce exchange.
In the chaos, the gunrunner attempted to escape but was neutralised by the troops’ superior firepower. His cohorts, badly shaken by the encounter, fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
The troops subsequently combed the area, uncovering the concealed weapons: two AK-47 rifles and two magazines, which are now in custody.
The recovery, though modest in numbers, represents something bigger in the larger security equation: the deliberate targeting of supply chains that keep bandits armed and emboldened.
The bandit gangs rely not only on local recruits but also on a shadowy network of financiers, informants, and arms dealers. By dismantling this network, the military is effectively cutting off the oxygen that sustains criminal groups.
Troops intensify crackdown on gunrunners fuelling banditry in Plateau
Crime
Troops crush ISWAP terrorists after deadly attack on Darajamal community in Borno

Troops crush ISWAP terrorists after deadly attack on Darajamal community in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Residents of Darajamal village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State are still reeling from a bloody attack launched by Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, even as combined troops of Operation Hadin Kai responded swiftly to neutralise the perpetrators.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred on Friday night when the terrorists stormed the remote community, unleashing violence that claimed the lives of several villagers.
Witnesses said the attackers invaded the community and opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic among residents who fled into nearby bushes for safety.
A security source told Zagazola Makama that troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Air Component, immediately mobilised after receiving distress calls from the area.
“Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft were deployed and tracked the terrorists as they attempted to flee northwards from Darajamal after the attack. The aircrew confirmed the presence of friendly forces in the area before engaging the fleeing terrorists with successive airstrikes.
“Over 30 of the insurgents were neutralised in the strikes, while ground reinforcements secured the community shortly after the bombardment,” the source said, as more terrorists fatalities are still being counted.
It was gathered that the coordinated air and ground operation prevented the insurgents from regrouping, forcing survivors of the attack to retreat deeper into the Sambisa forest.
Security sources confirmed that calm had been restored to Darajamal, adding that search operations were ongoing in nearby villages to reassure displaced residents and forestall any reprisal attacks.
Meanwhile, humanitarian workers have expressed concern over the plight of survivors who lost loved ones and properties in the initial assault before troops intervened. Aid groups say immediate relief, including food, medical support, and psychosocial care, will be critical for the affected community.
Governor Babagana Zulum and the Military High Command are expected to visit Darajamal to access the current situation.
Troops crush ISWAP terrorists after deadly attack on Darajamal community in Borno
Crime
Troops arrest terrorist informants, logistics suppliers in Sokoto

Troops arrest terrorist informants, logistics suppliers in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have arrested two suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended on Sept. 4 during a fighting patrol to Yaka village by a quick response team.
The suspects, according to the source, are in troop custody for further investigation and action.
Troops arrest terrorist informants, logistics suppliers in Sokoto
-
News1 year ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns2 years ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS2 years ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions2 years ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
News5 months ago
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS