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Savannah State Creation: Reps passes Bill for First Reading
Savannah State Creation: Reps passes Bill for First Reading
By: Salihu Inusa
A Bill seeking for the creation of Savannah State out of the present Borno has passed its First Reading at Wednesday’s plenary session of the 10th House of Representatives.
Recalled that in July this year, The Chairman, Northeast zone B House of Representative Committee on the 1999 constitution review, Hon Isa Ali has said that the House has received presentations and memorandum from over 50 clubs, civil society Organisation’s, Association Unions and organisations ranging from creation of states, Savannah inclusive.
Member representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, Hon. Midala Balami, his counterparts, Hon. Muktari Betara of Biu/Shani/Kwaya Kusar/Bayo and Hon. Ahmed Usman Jaha, alias Babawo representing Gwoza/Damboa/Chibok Federal constituency in Borno state are sponsors/co-sponsors of the Bill respectively.
Presenting the Bill for an Act before the Honorable House, Balami through an Order Paper 223 said “It is inline with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to create a new state in the North East region known as Savannah State from the present Borno State, and for other related matters”.
According to Hon Balami, the proposed legislation of the new Savannah State, when created, will have 24 Local Government Areas (LGAs), including existing ones that will be adjusted and demarcated to enhance administrative efficiency and promote effective governance.
He stated that Damboa is to be the capital city of the new Savannah State when created.
Addressing Journalists in Maiduguri, the Lawmaker appreciated the Speaker of the house of representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeed Abbas and his colleagues for the support and cooperation which led to the smooth passage of the Bill for the First Reading.
He described the creation of Savannah State out of the present Borno State as imperative due to Borno’s current population and number of local government areas.
“If you look at all the states in the North-East, Borno State has the largest population; and it has 27 local government areas, which also is the highest number in the geopolitical zone,” Hon. Balami said.
In addtion Balami said; “We want to ensure effective utilization of resources in this country; and when we talk of that, the smaller the size of the component, the easier and most-effective the management of the resources it.
“So, for the people of Borno State, the creation of Savannah State is a win-win situation, because once Southern Borno has Savannah, Borno itself will have a population it can easily manage in terms of development, resource utilization and even in terms of security,” He argued.
The Lawmaker further stressed that Savannah state agitation has been on the front banner for over 40 years, and when created, is going to be a good omen, justice, fairness and inclusivity to the concerned people in that region.
Savannah State Creation: Reps passes Bill for First Reading
Troops storm bandit leader’s camp in Zamfara, neutralise 20, destroy stronghold
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have stormed the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Gwaska Dan Karmi, in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, neutralising 20 terrorists and destroying the stronghold.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the decisive, well-coordinated offensive followed credible intelligence that over 100 bandits had converged at the camp to plan coordinated attacks on communities and logistics movements.
According to the source, the troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilantes, conducted week-long surveillance before moving to intercept the terrorists.
“Contact was established on Jan. 31, 2026, as the terrorists advanced. They engaged the troops in a fierce firefight and attempted a flanking manoeuvre, but this was repelled by superior firepower,” the source said.
He said 20 terrorists were neutralised in the encounter, while several others fled with gunshot wounds. Follow-up operations, the source added, were ongoing to assess further casualties and recover additional items.
The raid yielded significant recoveries, including assorted weapons and ammunition, bicycles, food supplies, medical drugs, clothing, detergents and other logistics materials.
“The Gwaska Dan Karmi camp was completely destroyed,” the source said.
He noted that troops remained highly motivated, with combat efficiency assessed as strong and unwavering.
Troops storm bandit leader’s camp in Zamfara, neutralise 20, destroy stronghold
Army troops, police rescue abducted victim in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Army troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with the Zamfara State Police Command, have rescued an abducted man in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said that the incident occurred on Jan. 29, when armed bandits invaded the residence of Abdullahi Isah Nagari on the outskirts of Tsafe town and abducted him to an unknown destination.
According to the source, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Tsafe Division promptly mobilised to launch a coordinated rescue operation.
“During a thorough search of the surrounding bushes, the victim was successfully located and rescued. He was found tied to a tree with a machete cut injury on his hand,” the source said.
The sources added that the victim was immediately taken to the General Hospital, Tsafe, where he was receiving medical attention.
The source said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the perpetrators, while security patrols had been intensified in the area to prevent further occurrences.
Army troops, police rescue abducted victim in Zamfara
U.S. official heads to Mali to reset ties, boost Sahel cooperation
By: Zagazola Makama
A senior official of the United States Government, Nick Checker, is travelling to Bamako to convey Washington’s respect for Mali’s sovereignty and explore a new course in bilateral relations between the two countries.
This is according to a statement issued by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs.
The statement said Checker, a Senior Bureau Official at the State Department, would engage Malian authorities on ways to move past previous policy missteps and rebuild cooperation.
It added that the United States was looking forward to discussing next steps for enhancing U.S.–Mali relations, particularly in the areas of security and economic development.
“The United States also plans to consult with other governments in the region, including Burkina Faso and Niger, on shared security and economic interests,” the statement said.
It noted that the visit underscored Washington’s desire to strengthen engagement with Sahelian countries amid ongoing regional security and political challenges.
The Bureau said the discussions would focus on practical ways to promote stability, respect for sovereignty and mutually beneficial cooperation across the Sahel.
U.S. official heads to Mali to reset ties, boost Sahel cooperation
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Troops storm bandit leader’s camp in Zamfara, neutralise 20, destroy stronghold
Army troops, police rescue abducted victim in Zamfara
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