Two miners killed, five injured in clash at Zamfara mining site

By: Zagazola Makama

Two miners have been killed and five others injured following a clash at a mining site in Abare area of Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara.

Police sources said the incident occurred on March 5 at about 8:30 a.m. at a mining site in the community.

The sources said the crisis was triggered when a member of an outlawed vigilance group, locally known as Yan Sakai, allegedly stormed the site and attempted to enforce observance of the ongoing Ramadan fast among Muslim miners.

According to the sources, the suspect, identified simply as Kaura, allegedly arrested some of the miners, accusing them of refusing to observe the fasting period.

He was also said to have imposed compulsory levies on those arrested.

The action was reportedly resisted by some miners who objected to the arrest and the alleged illegal levies.

The suspect was said to have retreated from the site following the resistance but later returned with other members of the outlawed group and attempted to effect further arrests.

This led to a confrontation between the two groups, resulting in panic and tension across the mining site.

During the clash, two miners were killed while five others sustained injuries.

Security forces were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving the report.

The injured victims were taken for medical treatment, while investigations have commenced to identify and apprehend those responsible.

No arrest had been made as of the time of filing the report.

Two miners killed, five injured in clash at Zamfara mining site

Army troops neutralise 45 bandits in Katsina, including top bandit leader Kachallah Alti

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised 45 suspected bandits during a fierce encounter in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security sources said the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of bandits suspected to be operating across parts of Katsina and neighbouring Zamfara.

Among those killed during the operation were two top bandit leaders identified as Alti, said to be a nephew and second-in-command to notorious bandit kingpin Adamu Alieru, and another commander known as Damale.

The sources said the confrontation occurred after bandits riding on motorcycles and armed with sophisticated weapons attacked Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area on March 5, rustling cattle from residents.

Community members and some repentant bandits in the area reportedly resisted the attack, killing four of the bandits and recovering the stolen cattle, which were returned to their owners.

However, the bandits were said to have regrouped and returned in larger numbers on March 6, allegedly to launch a reprisal attack.

While moving toward Musawa through Maidabino A Ward, the bandits encountered troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Dan Ali, Danmusa LGA.

This led to a fierce gun battle during which troops overpowered the criminals and neutralised 45 of them.

However, the operation recorded casualties on the side of the military as three soldiers were killed during the encounter.

Further checks indicated that Alti had recently assumed a more active operational role within the bandit network after the death of his brother, Kachalla Dan Isihu, who was previously killed by security forces during counter-banditry operations.

Alti was said to have coordinated several violent attacks across communities, particularly along the Danjibga axis in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara.

Security sources said troops had intensified operations in the area to track down other fleeing bandits and dismantle their networks.

Army troops neutralise 45 bandits in Katsina, including top bandit leader Kachallah Alti

Election Politics Must Not Derail National Security, Tunji-Ojo Warns Interior Agencies

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a stern warning to agencies under his ministry not to allow the rising political temperature ahead of the 2026 elections to weaken national security operations or disrupt essential services to Nigerians.

Speaking at the end of a three-day strategic engagement with top officials and heads of agencies in Abuja, the minister stressed that the country’s internal security architecture cannot afford distractions at a time when institutions are expected to remain professional and focused.

Tunji-Ojo said election seasons often create pressure on public institutions, but agencies responsible for border control, emergency response, asset protection and correctional management must remain insulated from political distractions.

“This is 2026, an election year. You are professionals. Please don’t be distracted. Nigerians must continue to receive the services they deserve,” he said.

The minister noted that agencies under the Ministry of Interior interact directly with millions of citizens daily and therefore carry a heavy responsibility to sustain efficiency regardless of the political climate.

He cautioned officials against becoming complacent over past successes, stressing that continuous improvement and accountability must remain central to their operations.

According to him, teamwork and institutional discipline are critical to achieving the ministry’s mandate.

“Our mantra in the Ministry of Interior is one for all and all for one. We protect one another and ensure we deliver results. This is not a system where people shift responsibility. Buck passing has no place here,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo also charged the Nigeria Immigration Service to intensify efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders and tackle irregular migration, describing effective border management as a critical component of national security.

He urged the service to strengthen collaboration with border communities and state governments while ensuring officers are properly equipped to monitor and protect Nigeria’s vast border corridors.

“We must equip our officers with the right instruments to secure every inch of our border space. Irregular immigration must be addressed decisively to protect our country,” he said.

The minister equally directed the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to strengthen surveillance and protection of critical national infrastructure, particularly facilities vulnerable to vandalism and economic sabotage.

He emphasised that safeguarding national assets such as pipelines, power installations and public utilities remains essential to economic stability.

Tunji-Ojo further urged the Federal Fire Service to scale up emergency preparedness and rescue operations nationwide, stressing that Nigerians must have confidence that help will arrive swiftly in times of distress.

He also challenged the Nigerian Correctional Service to deepen rehabilitation programmes in custodial centres to reduce repeat offences.

According to him, correctional institutions must focus on reforming inmates and preparing them for productive reintegration into society.

“When individuals leave correctional centres worse than when they entered, it reflects a failure of the system. Our duty is to reform, rehabilitate and return better citizens to society,” he said.

While commending the leadership and personnel of the agencies for improvements recorded in areas such as immigration services, border management and emergency response, the minister urged them to remain committed to professionalism and results.

He stressed that Nigerians expect stronger institutions capable of delivering security and efficient services, regardless of the country’s political cycle.

Election Politics Must Not Derail National Security, Tunji-Ojo Warns Interior Agencies