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Nigeria urged to deepen probe into arms deals, engage Niger republic in joint investigations
Nigeria urged to deepen probe into arms deals, engage Niger republic in joint investigations
By: Zagazola Makama
Security experts have urged the Nigerian government to intensify investigations into arms procurement networks linked to bandit kingpins in the northwest, by working closely with Niger Republic and other Alliance of Sahel States (AES) members.
This follows intelligence reports that AES agencies in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are probing Nigerian bandit leaders and their alleged financiers over cross-border arms deals.
Credible sources revealed that some Nigerian politicians, involved in peace agreements with armed groups, may have diverted large sums of state funds to the kingpins. The funds are allegedly being used to purchase weapons through proxies along the Nigeria–Niger border.
According to the report, the kingpins who have carried out kidnappings of schoolchildren, expatriates, and attacks on Nigerian security forces procure high caliber weapons using hard currency. Several suspected gunrunners connected to the arms network have recently been arrested by AES operatives and are under interrogation.
“The AES agencies have arrested gunrunners crossing into Nigeria who have links to these kingpins. The scale of their arms transactions is alarming,” a security source told Zagazola Makama.
The ongoing probe also seeks to establish whether officials who brokered peace deals with bandits knowingly enabled the diversion of public funds for arms purchases.
Meanwhile, intelligence sources said investigations are ongoing into alleged arms procurement by notorious bandit kingpins in northwestern Nigeria.
Key discoveries include arms acquisition by bandit leaders through proxies along the Nigeria–Niger border and recent arrests of gunrunners linked to the criminal networks.
Security experts stressed the need for renewed collaboration between Nigeria and Niger to dismantle transnational terrorism networks and identify sponsors.
The two countries have historically cooperated in the fight against Boko Haram and Islamic State-linked groups, though relations have been strained since the 2023 coup in Niger.
Nonetheless, recent arrests of suspects accused of funding and transporting recruits from West Africa to the Middle East for training point to the importance of intelligence sharing and diplomatic engagement.
Analysts say Nigeria must take advantage of this AES-led investigation by engaging Niger in joint probes to unravel the full scale of the arms procurement networks and expose both local and foreign sponsors fueling insecurity in Nigeria, West Africa and the Sahel.
Nigeria urged to deepen probe into arms deals, engage Niger republic in joint investigations
Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
A Nigerian Army personnel has been found dead after pursuing an assailant in Twatagi village, Patigi Local Government Area of the state.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 21, 2025, around 5:30 p.m., when the deceased soldier, Private Usman Alhaji attached to Apapa, Lagos, was riding on a motorcycle with one Muhammad Baba, a native of Twatagi village.
While on their way to Patigi town, they encountered a man walking along the road with a stick, who suddenly struck them as they passed by. The man immediately fled into the bush.
The sources stated that Private Alhaji pursued the assailant on foot but failed to return. After waiting for hours without seeing him, Muhammad Baba reportedly searched the area but could not locate the soldier.
However, at about 2:00 p.m. the following day, villagers discovered the lifeless body of the soldier in the bush.
Police operatives visited the scene and observed that the victim sustained a stab wound to the neck.
The body was released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara
Security forces raid bandits’ camp in Sokoto, neutralise two, recover arms
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have neutralised two bandits and recovered arms and ammunition during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Julirkol Forest, Silame Local Government Area of the state.
Zagazola Makama report that the operation was carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on Oct. 22, 2025, following credible intelligence that a group of armed bandits wielding sophisticated weapons were hibernating in the forest.
On arrival at the camp, the hoodlums reportedly opened fire on the police team, prompting a fierce gun duel that lasted several minutes.
According to sources , the bandits were overpowered, leading to the neutralisation of two of them, while others escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the camp include one AK-49 rifle with breach number 80 KC 3335, one fabricated rifle without a serial number, three sharp cutlasses, and ten rounds of live ammunition.
Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, commended the operatives for their bravery and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in the state.
Security forces raid bandits’ camp in Sokoto, neutralise two, recover arms
Court Asks Kanu To Open Defence After Sacking Own Legal Team
By: Our Reporter
A federal high court sitting in Abuja on Thursday adjourned till Friday to enable the detained self acclaimed leader of the proscribed separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, begin his defence.
Kanu, who was scheduled to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial on Thursday, dramatically fired his legal team.
When the case was called, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who had led Kanu’s legal team until Thursday, announced his decision, with other Senior Advocates in the team, to withdraw from the case.
Agabi said the reason for their withdrawal “is because the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.”
He gave the name of the other SANs, withdrawing to include: Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), Emeka Etiaba (SAN) and one other.
Following Agabi’s announcement, Justice James Omotosho turned to Kanu, who was in the dock, for his response.
Kanu confirmed sacking all his lawyers, telling the court that he was willing and ready to conduct his case by himself.
Justice Omotosho then, ordered other members of the defendant’s legal team who were in court, except the SANs to vacate the courtroom.
The judge thereafter turned to the defendant and asked him to open his case.
Kanu begin by arguing about the jurisdiction of the court to further conduct his trial. He was subsequently overruled by the judge, who insisted that he most proceed with his defence.
At that point, Ikpeazu intervened and drew the attention of the court to the fact that their (Kanu’s lawyers’) withdrawal took effect on the morning of Thursday.
He prayed the court to grant Kanu some time to gather his thoughts and compose himself for the task ahead.
Prosecuting lawyer did not object, following which Justice Omotosho adjourned till Friday, October 24 to enable the IPOB open his defence.
Court Asks Kanu To Open Defence After Sacking Own Legal Team
Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara
Security forces raid bandits’ camp in Sokoto, neutralise two, recover arms
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