Troops neutralise six bandits, recover rifles as arson attacks escalate in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops operating under Project Garkuwan Arewa have neutralised six bandits and recovered seven AK-47 rifles during a security operation in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

A security source told Zagazola Makama on Sunday that the operation, conducted in the villages of Gangara, Tsageru and Sungawa, followed credible intelligence on hostile bandit activities in the area.

“Troops neutralised six bandits identified as Musa, Shehu, Nasiru, Yusuf, Mantagora and Siddiq. Seven AK‑47 rifles were also recovered during the operation,” the source said.

He said despite the setbacks suffered by the criminals, remnants of the bandit group resorted to burning farmlands and properties in surrounding communities in a bid to intimidate residents and regain control.

According to the source, local vigilante operatives are assisting troops in tracking fleeing bandits, some of whom have taken refuge within Gangara town, resulting in intermittent gunfire exchanges.

Security authorities described the attacks as retaliatory actions aimed at destabilising rural communities and warned of increased risks of civilian casualties if the criminals are not cleared from the area.

Troops have since intensified ground patrols in Gangara, Tsageru and Sungawa, while coordination with local intelligence networks has been strengthened to provide early warning on bandit movements.

Operations to track and apprehend fleeing suspects are ongoing.

Troops neutralise six bandits, recover rifles as arson attacks escalate in Zamfara

PRESIDENT TINUBU ORDERS THE WITHDRAWAL OF POLICE OFFICERS GUARDING VIPS FOR CORE POLICE DUTIES

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently providing security for Very Important Persons in the country.

Henceforth, police authorities will deploy them to concentrate on their core police duties.

The presidential directive was issued at the security meeting President Tinubu held on Sunday with the police, Air Force, army chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, in Abuja.

According to the Presidential directive, VIPs who want police protection will now request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult.

In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities.

Already, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers. The federal government is also collaborating with the states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.

Sunday’s meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.

PRESIDENT TINUBU ORDERS THE WITHDRAWAL OF POLICE OFFICERS GUARDING VIPS FOR CORE POLICE DUTIES

Atiku urges action to tackle out-of-school children in Nigeria

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Former Vice President of Nigeria has urged everyone to focus attention on the state of the nation’s education to secure a better future for young people in the country.

Atiku who is the founder, American University of Nigeria, AUN made the call at commemoration of the 17th Annual Founders day 2025 in Yola.

He said “Our beloved country, poised with a youth population that boasts enormous promise, faces staggering challenges that threaten to undermine our most precious asset, our children.

“Currently, millions of children remain out of school, and among those who do enrol, many find themselves disillusioned, trapped in an outdated paradigm that fails to prepare them for the demands of an increasingly complex and competitive world.”

According to him, the classroom experience, already compromised, muddied by overcrowded facilities, lack of resources, and educators who are under-supported.

He added that this dire educational reality is not just an unfortunate circumstance; it poses a profound threat not only on the lives of the youths, but also on the society

“The statistics are sobering; Nigeria holds the regrettable title of having the largest population of out-of-school children in the world.

“How is it that in a country rich in resources, cultural heritage knowledge and a myriad of talents, we find ourselves with such a dismal record?

“Every unattended classroom symbolizes a child with unfulfilled potential, a dream put on hold, and a talent that will remain dormant”, he said.

Atiku further said that If we do not act now to revitalize the educational system, “we doom an entire generation to lives devoid of opportunity, creativity, and the freedom to dream”.

In his address, Prof DeWayne Frazier, President of AUN said, over the years, the institutions has grown from its humble beginnings into a dynamic community that embodies the values of excellence, integrity, and service.

He said, they have educated leaders who are shaping industries, driving change, and transforming communities, not only in Nigeria but across the globe.

“Our mission has always been clear: to provide a world-class education rooted in critical thinking, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable development.

“Today, as we celebrate our continued journey fulfilling that mission, we take pride in the milestones we have achieved: innovative program, pioneering research and community impact”, he said.

According to him, beyond the achievements, what truly sets them apart is their community.

“AUN is not just a university; it is a family. A family bound by shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to making a difference”, he said.

Atiku urges action to tackle out-of-school children in Nigeria