The spokesman of the police command, Yazid Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement, saying SP Abdulrazak Musa Hassan led the operation.

The operation was carried out by a combined force of the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD–CBRN) Unit, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and the Military EOD, with heavy security backup from the Zamfara State Police Command.

He said the security team applied standard Render Safe Procedures (RSP) to professionally and safely neutralise a pressure-plate IED discovered at the location.

“The explosive components were recovered and secured for further forensic examination,” Abubakar said.

The command’s spokesman stated that following a comprehensive sweep and technical assessment of the area, the axis was declared safe and free of any additional IED threats, thereby restoring safety for commuters and residents.

He called on members of the public to remain vigilant and to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security efforts across the state.

Zamfara is one of the states affected by banditry, who have wreaked havoc despite the presence of security operatives in the area.

Read Also: Troops Disrupts John Ngata Terrorists Network, Recover Firearms In Taraba

For years, non-state actors have been intensifying attacks in rural areas of northwest and central Nigeria, killing thousands and conducting kidnappings for ransom.

The gangs have camps in a vast forest straddling several states, including Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger, from where they launch attacks.

Source: Channels

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According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the airstrikes were conducted based on credible multi-source intelligence.

Ejodame explained that the strikes targeted key bandit enclaves linked to recent attacks in the North-West, with NAF air assets deployed to degrade the criminal elements’ combat capabilities and deny them safe havens.

According to him, the first strike at Turba Hill, a confirmed bandit hideout, destroyed a zinc-roofed structure central to the enclave’s operations.

“Post-strike assessment confirmed the destruction of the target and the neutralisation of several bandits.

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The governor signed the bill shortly after it was passed by the lawmakers. Lawal had earlier presented a proposed ₦861.3 billion budget to the assembly on December 4.

The House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, chaired by Rilwanu Na-Gambo, recommended a revised budget estimate of ₦871.337 billion after all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) appeared before the committee to defend their proposals. The committee also noted improved revenue performance across most MDAs.

The lawmakers approved an additional ₦8 billion for capital expenditure in the Ministry of Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, and ₦2 billion for recurrent expenditure for the House of Assembly.

Read Also: Plateau Governor Presents N914 Billion Budget for 2026 Fiscal Year

Speaker of the House, Bilyaminu Isma’il, said the budget aligns with the administration’s priorities in security, agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure, while reflecting grassroots needs and promoting equity and inclusion.

The Deputy Governor, Mani Malam Mumini, and other top government officials were present at the signing ceremony.

Source: Nation

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Speaking on his decision, Lawal cited neglect by the PDP following the election, despite what he described as his significant contributions to the party’s previous electoral successes.

“What influenced my decision to leave the PDP is personal. I am convinced that Governor Dauda Lawal has no regard for the majority of people who worked day and night for his victory,” he said.
“I decided to join the APC because of their good intentions and vision, which convinced me.”

Lawal expressed confidence in the leadership of the APC under the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; former governor, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari; and the state party chairman, Tukur Danfulani. He said he believes the party will treat him better than the PDP.

“I have confidence that the APC will not neglect me the way the PDP did, even after I spent a lot from my own pocket to support the party’s victory in the 2023 governorship election,” he added.

He noted that Lawal had acknowledged the massive support the APC received during the by-election and recognized the political direction of the electorate in the area.

“According to him, the election was free and fair. Though he was a top contender, he admitted that the outcome showed where the people’s support lies.”

“This is just the beginning. Many leaders, including lawmakers, LG chairmen, and others, will soon join the APC. We are prepared to welcome them into our fold,” he said.

Source: Channels

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Offering condolences to the affected communities, Lawal reaffirmed his commitment to restoring security and rebuilding affected areas.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, the governor visited Kagara, Dan Isa and Kasuwar Daji in the Kauran Namoda Local Government Area.

He explained that the visit was part of a broader outreach to demonstrate solidarity with victims and assess the situation first-hand.

“Security remains the top priority of my administration. We are deploying every resource to protect lives and property across Zamfara.

“From the onset of my tenure, I made it clear: we will not negotiate with bandits. That position remains unchanged and will not change. These criminals have consistently shown no sincerity or remorse.
“I also observed the poor condition of roads leading to these communities. My administration will prioritise their rehabilitation to improve access and support local development,” the governor said.

The statement noted further that Lawal’s visits underscore his administration’s resolve to confront insecurity head-on, while also addressing infrastructural challenges that compound the vulnerability of rural communities.

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Thirty delegates from the six wards of Kagara, Dan-Isa, Sakajiki, Kurya, Kyambarawa, and Banga affirmed Sa’idu’s candidacy through consensus.

The aspirants who stepped down pledged their full support to ensure the party’s victory in the by-election.

Announcing the result, the chairman of the APC primary election committee from the party’s national secretariat, Barr. Babande B. Imam, declared Kamilu Sa’idu the duly elected candidate, noting that the process complied with the APC constitution and was witnessed by INEC officials led by Dr. Muhammad Isah.

“Kamilu, having fulfilled all the party’s constitutional requirements and affirmed by the delegates of the six wards of the State Assembly Constituency, is hereby declared the APC candidate for the forthcoming by-election,” Imam said, adding that the process was free of any irregularities.

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Addressing the meeting, Governor Sani expressed concern over the prolonged power outage caused by the strike, which he noted has affected many residents and businesses across Kaduna state.

The Governor, however, appealed to the warring parties to reconsider their decision.

At the end of the meeting, the electricity workers agreed to restore power supply to Kaduna and all the franchise states under Kaduna Electric with immediate effect.

Read Also: Reinstate sacked workers or face wider protests – NLC warns KEDC

The meeting also resolved that both the management and the Labour Union meet together and take a decision on the planned downsizing of the workforce, while the management will also halt its earlier decision to sack workers.

The National Union of Electricity Employees had on Monday, February 3rd, embarked on an indefinite strike over an alleged plan by the management to dismiss 900 staff of the distribution company

However, in a statement on Tuesday, January 4th, the company explained that contrary to claims by the union, only 450 workers were disengaged from service.

According to the statement signed by the spokesman of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Abdulaziz Abdullahi, the decision to sack some workers was driven by significant operational and financial challenges that had hindered the company’s ability to meet its market and operational obligations.

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It was reported that the vigilante group engaged the bandits in an operation fire for fire.

According to a resident of the area, Yakubu Ishiaku, the bandits planned to terrorize the area before the locals engaged them in the operation.

He said that the local security outfit, known as Yan Sakai, mobilized swiftly and confronted the bandits to defend the community.

Read Also: Military personnel shoot dead police officer in Zamfara

Speaking further, Ishiaku noted that the axis had always been in total control of the bandits before the locals decided to form a group to challenge the bandits.

Report shows that Since the group’s formation, the people have been enjoying peace as the group was ready to challenge the bandits at any given time.

All efforts to get comment from the spokesman of the State Police Command, ASP Yazeed Abubakar proved unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

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Sububu had been unleashing terror on citizens in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other parts of north-western Nigeria.

Beyond Sububu, the troops also killed another terrorist, Sani Wala Burki in a joint operation in Katsina, and busted a terrorist enclave in Kaduna, where 13 abducted students were freed.

Tinubu has pledged continuous support to the military, saying the success of the operation gives further assurance that Nigeria’s security operatives are up to the task of ensuring the peace and security of the nation.

The successful operations followed the President’s directive to the service chiefs to relocate to the zone until normalcy is restored.

He reassured the security agencies of his continued support towards achieving the priority objective of keeping the nation safe and secure.

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The command demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that those responsible were brought to book.

In a statement issued to newsmen, the command’s spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, said the command was deeply disturbed by the senseless killing of Liman, who was until his death, the DPO in charge of Wasagu Division in Kebbi state.

Abubakar said the deceased police officer was on his way to Birnin Kebbi in Kebbi State to attend a meeting when he was stopped on the way at Danmarke area in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara by military personnel attached to Operation Dadarin Daji.

Abubakar further explained that the officer was murdered on the spot by the military personnel, despite identifying himself as a police officer.

He maintained that, in a shocking display of aggression, the leader of the military personnel Hassan shot Liman in the head, resulting in his instant death.

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