Troops Repel Retaliatory Attack Over Killing of Bandit Leader Alhaji Sani Dan Garin Bawa in Mada, Kill 40 Bandits

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with local vigilantes known as Askarawa, successfully repelled a large-scale retaliatory attack by armed bandits in Mada, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing at least 40 terrorists.

The attack followed the elimination of a notorious bandit leader, Alhaji Sani Dan Garin Bawo, by security forces in an earlier military operation.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the he bandits, led by a commander identified as Dogo Hamza, mobilized hundreds of fighters on motorcycles, converging in Manya village, on the outskirts of Mada, before launching their assault on March 11.

Alerted to the impending attack, troops swiftly stormed the outskirts of Mada, engaging the heavily armed assailants in a gunfight alongside vigilantes. However, as the firefight intensified, some bandits infiltrated Mada town, firing indiscriminately.

Reinforcements from the Nigerian Army quickly arrived, intensifying the battle and preventing the terrorists from burning houses, looting properties, or abducting residents.

According to an eyewitness, the battle lasted several hours, with security forces and vigilantes overpowering the attackers.

“We counted about 40 bandits killed, but unfortunately, four civilians lost their lives due to stray bullets,” a source told Zagazola

Following the confrontation, troops reinforced their positions in Mada, ensuring no further breach of security.

The killing of Sani Dan Garin Bawo was considered a major victory in the fight against banditry, given his role in orchestrating numerous attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling in the region.

Troops Repel Retaliatory Attack Over Killing of Bandit Leader Alhaji Sani Dan Garin Bawa in Mada, Kill 40 Bandits

NYSC Coordinator in Borno Assures of Safety of Corp members serving In the state

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) in Borno state Adamu Jiya has said that Corp members posted to the state are quite safe from any threats of insurgency.

He told this reporter in Maiduguri that in spite of the lingering rage of the insurgent actors in Borno state, his management team had been guided by providence in the posting of these young men and women to were they have been useful and heavily protected.

He assured parents and guardians that with the kind of support his team had been receiving from the government of Governor Babagana Zulum, nothing will happen to their children posted to Borno state adding that he has not lost any Corp member to insurgency.

On life insurance of Corp members posted to the state, he assured that there was a complete insurance cover for all who are serving the state diligently.

He further hinted that, the minimum premium being paid to the families of any corp member who bows to the supreme sacrifice in the course of serving their nation is a million naira for now.

“We did not loose any Corp members as a result of insurgency last year except that one lady died due to ill health and the state Government played a very important role for the late Judith Obi who hailed from imo state when she passed.

“Two million naira was given to the next of kin in the family while the State Government conveyed the corpse home for interment.

“We also lost another one Ishaku Noel serving in JSS Bryel of Bayo council area of the state and his family was promptly compensated for the loss.” Said Jiya.

Jiya described Governor Zulum as a caring father who loves young people and does not joke with the welfare of corp members serving the state adding that he is very grateful for the services rendered by these Corp members especially in difficult terrains in the state..

The coordinator also commended the Governor for his consistency in paying the allowances of the Corp members especially those medically biased who he is always giving special attention to stay back sometimes and serve the state after their services if they so wish.

On the rehabilitation of the permanent site of the NYSC camp, he stated that the Governor has directed that all forms of encroachment including filling stations at the main road will be removed from their land.

“That means the camp will be expanded and we would have maximum space inside when the reconstruction is finally completed as soon as the governor flags it off ” said the coordinator.

Responding to concerns about accommodations for Corp members the coordinator posited that the state government has promised to repair the lodges accordingly and to handle any form of challenges militating against the smooth operation of the Corp.

Jiya commended the Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur for his consistent support of Corp members adding that he personally handles the well being of corp doctors whenever they arrive the state and report for duties in the hospitals.

Speaking on discipline, the coordinator hinted that over 20 Corp members of the batch A stream one and two of year 2024 were reprimanded for various forms of infractions during their service year in Borno state.

“Some were punished with two months extra to outright repeat of the entire service year by others.” Said Jiya.

The NYSC is a post tertiary school organization set up by former head of state General Yakubu Gowan aimed at injecting fresh orientation to young Nigerians towards a common goal of patriotism and service to motherland.

The scheme has kept faith with this focus over the years even as it teaches Nigerians to generate money from its various entrepreneurship scheme to redesign the focus of young people from all the states of the federation.

It is however still faced with the lingering challenge of pregnant ladies and myriads of nursing mothers forcing themselves into camps nationwide even though such categories of ladies have been banned from endangering their lives but some of them keep coming in the name of service against all odds and exposing babies to rigorous conditions not favourable to their innocent tenderness.

NYSC Coordinator in Borno Assures of Safety of Corp members serving In the state

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mourns Dubem Onyia

By: Michael Mike

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described the demise of the pioneer Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia as a great loss to the nation.

A statement on Tuesday by the acting spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received with shock and profound sadness, news of the passing of former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia. The former Minister according to his family died on Monday 10th March 2025, aged 73 years following a brief illness.

“Chief Dubem Onyia, the pioneer Minister of State for Foreign Affairs was a trailblazer who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s global standing, advocating for peace, cooperation, and the advancement of Africa’s interests on the international stage. His unwavering commitment to national development and his exemplary service to the nation will forever be remembered and cherished.

“The late Chief Onyia, hailed from Enugu Ngwo in Enugu State, had a distinguished career in politics and public service. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1999, he resigned to serve as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration from 1999 to 2003.

“The departed former Minister was a seasoned diplomat and politician and held strategic positions such as Chairman of the International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission, Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Joint Commission, and Chairman of the São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Boundary Commission. He also served on numerous corporate boards and government committees, earning multiple national and international acclaims. More so, Chief Onyia was a trustee of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, contributing to national development initiatives.

“The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late former Minister of State and prays to God to give them the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mourns Dubem Onyia