News
The rise and fall of bandit commander Alti and his influence across Zamfara–Katsina axis
The rise and fall of bandit commander Alti and his influence across Zamfara–Katsina axis
By: Zagazola Makama
Emerging details about the activities of a notorious bandit commander known as Alti have shed light on the scale of criminal operations that plagued communities along the Gusau–Funtua corridor in North-West Nigeria.
Security sources and local accounts indicate that Alti, whose death was recently reported, had become one of the most influential figures among armed bandit groups operating across parts of Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto States.
Though considered younger compared with notorious bandit leaders such as Adamu Aleru and Halilu Sububu, Alti reportedly built a formidable network of armed followers and loyal fighters.

Investigations indicate that Alti established strong operational bases stretching from southern parts of Gusau to areas around Jibiya and Funtua. From these bases, his fighters allegedly carried out kidnappings along major routes, particularly the busy Gusau–Funtua road. Atli was responsible for the recent IEDs incidents along Gusau road.
Victims abducted along the route were reportedly taken into forests around Danjibga and other remote areas where ransom negotiations were conducted. The group frequently moved captives deeper into forest corridors to evade security operations while awaiting ransom payments.

One source described Alti as being nicknamed “the money bank” by other bandit groups in the region. The nickname reportedly reflected the large sums of ransom money accumulated from kidnappings.
According to the source, ransom proceeds collected by different bandit cells were sometimes kept in Alti’s custody due to the influence he wielded and the trust placed in him by other gang leaders.
Assessment suggests that between villages such as Damba and areas around Funtua, a significant proportion of kidnappings in recent years were linked to cells loyal to Alti.
Residents of communities across Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina States have for years faced repeated abductions along the Gusau–Funtua axis. Many families were forced to pay large sums to secure the release of their relatives.

The case of Alti illustrates how bandit groups evolved from loosely organised criminal gangs into structured networks controlling territories, fighters and financial flows.
Dismantling figures such as Alti could weaken kidnapping syndicates operating in the North-West, particularly along strategic highways linking Zamfara and Katsina
The rise and fall of bandit commander Alti and his influence across Zamfara–Katsina axis
News
NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe
NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe.
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Director of Finance and Admin. of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya, PhD, FMNG, has made numerous achievements in providing infrastructure facilities to improve the living conditions for the people of Yobe State since he was appointed to that position

The developmental projects provided by Dr. Garba Illiya include the construction and rehabilitation of schools, primary healthcare centers, and water supply in both rural and urban areas with a view to improving the livelihoods of the people of Yobe State.
Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya, PhD, FMNG, also constructed and rehabilitated numerous rural roads in some local government areas across the state to facilitate the movement of goods and services.
However, Dr. Illiya also accords the same commitment to the schools by procurement of instructional materials as well as construction and rehabilitation of schools destroyed by Boko Haram insurgency across the northeast region.
“Dr. Illiya’s intervention, the NEDC, has contributed tremendously to increasing food sufficiency and food security in Yobe State and the North East by procuring farm inputs and implements as well as providing enough fertilizers and tractors to farmers.

He also assisted youths and women with the capital for business with empowerment initiated for self-employment and also distributed foodstuffs and other humanitarian assistance to Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the region.
Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya further sent youths for training in different categories, like training in phone repairs, welding, tailoring, carpentry, and others, to be self-reliant and assisted them with take-off funds for capital businesses.
He made all these achievements with a view to improving the lives of the peoples of Yobe State and the northeast region after recovery from the Boko Haram insurgency destruction.
NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe
News
Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy
Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police in Benue says have neutralised three suspected bandits during a gun battle following the killing of a 67-year-old man in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state.
Security sources said the incident occurred on March 7 at about 7:30 p.m., when armed bandits loyal to a local kingpin identified as “Chen” had abducted one Zaki Sughter Agenbeer, 67, from his residence in Une Tongov community.
The attackers reportedly took the victim into the bush and killed him after accusing him of providing information about their activities to security agencies.
The DPO Katsina-Ala, in collaboration with the DPO Ukum, subsequently mobilised patrol teams and tactical units to the area. Police operatives later engaged the bandits in a gun duel during which three of the suspects were neutralised.
The corpse of the slain victim was recovered and deposited at the Zaki Ibiam Hospital mortuary, while security operatives have commenced a combing operation in nearby bushes to track down other fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, the police also confirmed an attack on the convoy of Sen. Udende Emmanuel, representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, during a visit to Tsua town in Vandekiya Local Government Area for a church service.
Sources said some youths from Vandekiya allegedly attacked the senator’s convoy and damaged one of the vehicles.
The Divisional Police Officer in Vandekiya quickly mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued the senator from the situation.
In a related development, some youths also disrupted a thanksgiving service at Tsemke Church in Vandekiya, destroying plastic chairs before police intervened.
Police authorities said the swift deployment of operatives helped to de-escalate the tension and restore normalcy in the area.
Additional patrol and tactical teams have been deployed to Vandekiya to ensure law and order and facilitate the arrest of those responsible for the disturbances.
The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has commenced investigations into both incidents.
Police said the general security situation across Benue State remains relatively calm, while security agencies continue monitoring developments.
Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy
News
Heavy gun battle in Kukawa in Borno leaves casualties on both sides, arms recovered from camp
Heavy gun battle in Kukawa in Borno leaves casualties on both sides, arms recovered from camp
By: Zagazola Makama
A heavy gun battle between troops and suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State has resulted in casualties on both sides, security sources said on Monday.
The clash occurred when insurgents reportedly attacked a military camp, prompting troops to engage in a prolonged firefight. Security operatives said exploitation of the camp is still ongoing.
According to sources, items recovered from the insurgents’ positions within the camp include bandoliers of PKT rounds, one AK-47 rifle, one BHT machine gun, two mortar bombs, and four hand grenades.
Sources noted blood stains and drags outside the camp, suggesting insurgent casualties during the encounter.
In a related development, troops reportedly intercepted an injured BHT fighter in the community who was being brought to the camp. The suspect attempted to escape, prompting additional gunfire, the sources said.
Sources said the situation remains under control, with troops continuing to secure the area and conduct follow-up operations to track remaining insurgents.
Further updates on casualties and operational outcomes are expected as clearance operations continue in the theatre of operations.
Heavy gun battle in Kukawa in Borno leaves casualties on both sides, arms recovered from camp
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