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
Kidnappers forced to abandon ransom, arms after accident in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Kidnappers operating around Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State have abandoned a ransom and arms after their getaway vehicle was involved in an accident.
The incident occurred on Monday morning at Angwan Mayo, along Kokona axis, when the gang’s Peugeot 406 car, loaded with guns, crashed shortly after collecting ransom from their victims.
Witnesses said the kidnappers managed to escape the scene, leaving behind the money and weapons.
Troops of the Nigerian Army were swiftly deployed, securing the vehicle and recovering the abandoned items.
Security forces have intensified pursuit of the fleeing suspects.
Kidnappers forced to abandon ransom, arms after accident in Nasarawa
Police arrest INEC officials, recover election materials in Taraba by-election
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Taraba has arrested some Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and recovered election materials allegedly diverted during the by-election for Karim Lamido I Constituency of the State House of Assembly.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that on Sunday that the arrests followed credible intelligence provided by party agents.
The sources said the incident occurred on Aug. 16 at about 2:20 p.m. when a team of policemen intercepted the suspects at a private residence in Angwan Sarkin Panya village.
Those arrested included Gideon Amos, 49, an Assistant Presiding Officer II assigned to Polling Unit 16, Angwan Yusuf Dogo, Bikwin Ward, and two others identified as Matthew Jayi, 47, and Tiasama Mathias Musa, 32.
The suspects allegedly diverted materials meant for three polling units PU 005 Gandara, PU 016 Angwan Yusuf Dogo, and PU 029 Angwan Sarkin Primary School — to the residence.
Items recovered from them included three ballot boxes, two BIVAS machines, 19 booklets and 20 pieces of ballot papers, two stamp pads with ink, one marker, and two result sheets.
The sources also disclosed that in the process of resisting the diversion, a police officer on election duty, PC Christian Garba, had his uniform forcibly removed by hoodlums who fled with it.
The sources added that voting had ended in most polling units and collation of results was in progress while investigations into the incident were ongoing.
End
Police intercept 107 suspected thugs, recover arms during Kano re-run elections
By: Zagazola Makama
The Kano State Police Command says it has intercepted 107 suspected political thugs and recovered arms and dangerous weapons during the ongoing re-run and by-elections in the state.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted on Aug. 16 at about 11:00 a.m., followed credible intelligence and was carried out jointly with the military, DSS and other security services.
It was gathered that 20 vehicles conveying the suspected thugs, believed to have been imported from neighbouring states, were intercepted across the affected local government areas.
Items recovered from the suspects included four locally fabricated rifles, axes, cutlasses, daggers, swords, and sticks.
Security sources said the elections in the affected areas were marred by violence, thuggery, stuffing of thumb-printed ballot papers, threats, and intimidation of voters, as well as alleged inducement of electorates by government officials.
The sources added that operations were still ongoing to restore peace and ensure the credibility of the electoral process.
Police intercept 107 suspected thugs, recover arms during Kano re-run elections
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