Security forces intercept gunrunner delivering arms to Zamfara bandit Kingpin Abdul Baleri

By Zagazola Makama

Security forces in Sokoto State intercepted two suspected gunrunners transporting weapons to a notorious bandit kingpin in Zamfara State.

A source said on Jan. 27 at about 10:00 p.m., personnel from PMF 7, conducting routine stop-and-search operations at Bimasa in Tureta Local Government Area, stopped two men riding motorcycles who appeared suspicious.

The suspects were identified as Alkamatu Nasiru and Shahidu Ibrahim, both from Yan Matankari Village, Anka LGA, Zamfara State. Upon search, they were found wearing army camouflage bulletproof jackets under their native attire and in possession of two knives.

“The suspects confessed that they were en route to receive AK-47 rifles for delivery to Abdul Baleri, a known bandit kingpin operating in Zamfara,” the source added.

Investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the firearms and identify other accomplices involved in the illicit arms supply.

Security forces intercept gunrunner delivering arms to Zamfara bandit Kingpin Abdul Baleri

Gunfire, explosions rock Niamey airport at night

By: Zagazola Makama

Gunshots and loud explosions of unknown origin were heard late on Wednesday night around the Niamey International Airport in Niger Republic.

Local sources told Zagazola Makama that the airport area was the scene of violence, with heavy detonations and sustained gunfire reported in the vicinity.

According to the sources, calm has since returned to the area, but the identity of the attackers remains unknown.

“No official casualty figure has been released as at the time of filing this report,” a source said.

Security agencies in Niger have yet to issue a detailed statement on the incident, while investigations are expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Gunfire, explosions rock Niamey airport at night

NHRC Condemns Forced Evictions in Lagos, Raises Alarm Over Sit-at-Home Enforcement in Anambra

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has voiced serious concerns over recent forced evictions in Lagos State and the enforcement of sit-at-home directives in Anambra State, warning that both actions threaten citizens’ fundamental rights.

Executive Secretary of the Commission. Dr. Tony Ojukwu expressed alarm over the ongoing demolition of waterfront and informal settlements in Makoko, Lagos, which has reportedly displaced thousands of residents.

According to him, the demolitions were carried out without adequate notice, compensation, or resettlement plans, leaving many families homeless and livelihoods destroyed.

He said: “These actions contradict constitutional protections for dignity, housing, and family life, as well as international human rights standards to which Nigeria is committed,” while noting that court rulings prohibiting forced evictions are often ignored, undermining public trust in the rule of law.

The NHRC called for an immediate halt to all demolitions, urging authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with affected communities and ensure proper compensation and resettlement before any development projects proceed.

The Commission also weighed in on the situation in Anambra State, where traders complied with the illegal sit-at-home directive, prompting the closure of Onitsha Main Market. While praising the government’s efforts to address the sit-at-home enforcement.

Ojukwu cautioned against collective punishment of traders, which he said infringes on the rights to livelihood, freedom of movement, and due process.

He highlighted the economic impact of repeated sit-at-home days, with government estimates suggesting losses of up to ₦8 billion every Monday, and stressed the need for measures that balance security with protection of human rights.

Ojukwu reiterated that development, law enforcement, and economic regulation must respect fundamental rights. He warned that ignoring these principles could deepen social vulnerabilities and erode trust in government, calling for justice, fairness, and respect for citizens’ dignity to guide Nigeria’s growth and governance.

Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages at the NHRC, Fatimah Mohammedconfirmed that the Commission would continue monitoring both situations closely and engaging relevant authorities.

NHRC Condemns Forced Evictions in Lagos, Raises Alarm Over Sit-at-Home Enforcement in Anambra