ZAMFARA- Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has approved N3.6 billion for the upgrade and re-equipping of the state’s AM Radio Station as part of his administration’s commitment to repositioning the media in the state.
ZAMFARA – Sen. Abdul’aziz Yari (APC- Zamfara West) has secured Nigerian Army placements to 517 unemployed youths from Zamfara West Senatorial Senatorial District.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) under the auspices of the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 2, has recorded a major operational success in its sustained offensive against armed banditry with the execution of two high-impact precision Air Interdiction (AI) missions on 28 December 2025 at Turba Hill and Kachalla Dogo Sule’s Camp, both in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara state.
This was contained in a statement Monday by NAF Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to him Acting on credible, multi-source intelligence, NAF air assets were deployed against bandit enclaves at the identified locations.
He said: “The first strike targeted Turba Hill, a confirmed bandit hideout. Persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance revealed significant human activity and an operational zinc-roofed structure assessed to be central to the enclave’s activities.
“Following positive identification, the target was engaged with precision, resulting in a direct hit.
“Post-strike battle damage assessment confirmed the complete destruction of the structure and the neutralisation of several bandits.”
He added that the second AI mission was conducted at Kachalla Dogo Sule’s Camp, a notorious bandit stronghold identified as a key IED manufacturing and operational hub.
“Intelligence had linked the camp to the planning and execution of recent IED attacks along the Dan Sadau–Magami axis.
“The precision strike successfully engaged multiple active structures within the enclave, triggering intense fires that destroyed the facilities and neutralised several bandits, effectively crippling the group’s IED production and deployment capability.
“These decisive air strikes represent a significant degradation of bandit networks operating in Zamfara State, particularly their capacity to manufacture and employ improvised explosive devices.
” The operations reaffirm the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment, working in close coordination with other components of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to deny criminal elements safe havens, degrade their combat effectiveness, and support ongoing joint efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North-West and the nation at large.”
LAGOS – An NGO, ‘The Egalitarian Africa’, says the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, is fit for the position.
The group, in a statement by its General Secretary, Sunday Akogun, on Tuesday in Lagos, urged President Bola Tinubu to ignore allegations against the minister.
The group’s reaction was in response to the resignation of the erstwhile Defence Minister, Mohammed Badru, and calls in some quarters for Matawalle to also resign.
It stated that Badiru’s resignation should not mean that the minister of state must also resign.
The group maintained: “Those calling for Matawalle’s resignation are doing so for selfish reasons.
“As a former Governor of Zanfara, Matawalle has an edge in knowledge of how to combat banditry.
”Matawalles’s experiences as a governor in a state like Zanfara will be brought to bear in tackling insecurity.
“In battling issues of banditry and other crimes, experience is needed. Not just experience as a security personnel but firsthand as a governor who had dealt with issues of banditry and terrorism.”
The group pointed out that in dealing with appointments on sensitive matters, the Federal Government must remain firm and stand by its convictions about those it appointed.”
According to the group, most appointment in Nigeria are trailed by controversies.
“However, the people must have their say but the government should not be swayed by sentiments engineered by a few people for selfish interests.
“Someone must have gone to great lengths and probably paid so much to bring out a video just for the purpose of ensuring the minister is removed,” it said.
The group said there the need for Nigerians to close ranks and support the Federal Government and its appointees to fight the recurring challenges of insecurity nationwide.
“This is not about title or who gets it. It is about our nation against criminals.
“It is a wake up call to all well meaning Nigerians to support the fight and not to pull people down without asking the necessary questions,” the group added.
It, however, urged the minister to remain focused and to ignore distractions that may affect his performance. (NAN)
ZAMFARA- The Police Command in Zamfara has appealed for support from communities in the state towards promoting effective Police/Community Relations.
SOKOTO – The Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has dissociated himself from a report circulating that he claimed “Zamfara security initiative would not work without him.”
This is contained in a statement signed by Ahmed Dan-Wudil, the Media Assistant to the minister and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Sokoto.
Matawalle described the reports as maliciously crafted to tarnish his good reputation and efforts, and undermine the Federal Government’s efforts at tackling the security challenges facing the nation.
He said at no time did he granted such interview, saying, however, that he had tasked Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara over his poor strategy and non-cooperation with the Federal Government on mechanisms for tacking the security challenges.
Matawalle, a former Zamfara Governor for four years, stated that Lawal’s attitude of not carrying him and other stakeholders along in his arrangements for tackling the state’s security situation that has become a national issue was condemnable.
He said meeting with the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru and neglecting him who as a son of the soil and a serving minister from the state also saddled with defence matters, was regrettable.
“Everything should not be politicised. This is the time all hands should be on deck to tackle the security problems,” Matawalle said.
He also condemned the governor for authorising that security operatives on the ground in Zamfara move to tackle the security threat without coordinating with Abuja, a situation he described as a major drawback in the process.
The minister described the report as a sponsored mischief by certain group of people who were out to use all other avenues to create political tension and instability in Zamfara.
” A respected medium ought to have clarified from Matawalle or his media aides his statement on the matter in order to give accurate information to the public.
“The media should not be used as tools of political mischief and mudslinging because of differences in political leanings.
“As a stakeholder in the management of security in the nation, there is no reason for me to sabotage the efforts of any state governor, talk less of my own state where the security challenges has become unmanageable due to poor governance,” Matawalle added
According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to securing communities and ensuring residents return safely to abandoned farmlands, schools and homes.
He said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was fully committed to addressing the country’s problems and no political collusion would deter the government from doing so.
He also said, “Because President Bola Tinubu is focused on good leadership, purposeful governance, peace, security and socio-economic growth of the nation, his reelection is assured.” (NAN)
GUSAU – Rep, Kabiru Maipalace (PDP-Zamfara) has disbursed N10 million to 100 less-privileged households, small-scale traders and vulnerable individuals under his empowerment programme.
GUSUA- Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has pledged support to improve welfare of police personnel to enhance its operations in the state.
Lawal said this during a courtesy visit by Mohammed Sheidu, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF).
This is contained in a statement by his media aide, Suleiman Idris, on Tuesday in Gusau.
Lawal said that his administration would collaborate with the fund in improving the welfare of the police personnel working in the state.
“My administration is making a conscious effort to ensure the welfare of the police is guaranteed. That is why we are currently renovating the Zamfara police headquarters.
“We are also constructing some structures at the Zamfara Mobile Command. We have achieved a lot there, and we plan to do more.
“I am pleased that the Executive Secretary mentioned the police housing estate. If you examine the condition of the police barracks, you will see that it is quite unfortunate.
“I was part of the Presidential Committee on police reform. We were chosen by the National Economic Council (NEC), to inspect facilities at the police colleges and the Police Staff College.
” Last week, the governors of Nasarawa, Taraba, and I traveled to Kaduna, Plateau and Borno for this purpose.
“It is heartbreaking when you see the state of the police and still expect them to perform miracles,” he said.
Lawal said that he was among the advocates for a complete overhaul of the police welfare, to enable it to operate effectively.
The governor said the state government would identify land to be transferred to the fund to fasttrack development of the police housing estate project.
“We will provide the land immediately,” Lawal said.
Earlier, Sheidu said his team was in the state to inspect the newly constructed special forces barracks by the fund.
He commended the governor over his support to the police welfare and development of viable infrastructure.
(NAN)
GUSAU- Wamban Shinkafi Democratic Front, a group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, on Tuesday affirmed President Bola Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate of the APC in the 2027 General Elections.
GUSAU – The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Zamfara chapter, has call on the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle to focus on decisively dealing with banditry and other crimes affecting the country.
A statement by the state PDP Publicity Secretary, Haliru Andi, on Monday in Gusau, said that as a public servant, the minister’s primary duty was to provide security to teaming population in the country, not personal interests.
He noted with concern the minister’s absence from his constitutional duties to engage himself in political gathering in the state, and urged him to refocus on his responsibilities and serve with integrity.
”As a party, the PDP is deeply concerned about the current state of affairs in Zamfara and Nigeria as whole. We wish to remind the minister to be determined in fighting banditry and eliminating them from the state,” he said.
He added that the recent directive by Sen. Abdul-Aziz Yari to all Zamfara APC members aspiring for governorship or any other political seat in the forthcoming 2027 general elections to start seeking the support of the electorates was in order.
”But it is inappropriate, unacceptable for the minister to abandon his constitutional duties at this trying times in the country to pursue political interest.
“As we await the nation’s election umpire to give the green light for the start of the 2027 electioneering political campaigns across the country, we expect the minister to face the issue of banditry ravaging his home state and the country squarely.
”This will help justify the confidence reposed in him by President Bola Tinubu. As minister of defence he must place his constitutional duties above any other personal interest,” Andi said. (NAN)
ABUJA- The Federal High Court in Abuja has sacked Rep Abubakar Gummi, for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC).
Gummi, represents Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara in the House of Representatives,
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in a judgment, restrained the Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, from further recognising Gummi as member representing Gummi/ Bukkuyum Federal Constituency.
Justice Egwuatu also made an order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission. (iNEC) to conduct fresh election to fill the vacancy fot the constituency within 30 days from the day of the judgment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that though the judgement was delivered on Thursday, the certified true copy was sighted on Friday.
The suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024, was filed by the PDP and its state’s Chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, as 1st and 2nd plaintiffs.
The duo, in the originating summons dated Nov. 28 but filed Nov. 29, 2024, by Ibrahim Bawa, SAN, had sued Hon Abubakar Suleiman Gummi; Speaker of the House of Representatives and INEC as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.
The plaintiffs had set out four questions for determination and sought nine reliefs for determination.
They asked whether having regard to the provision of Section 68 (1) (9) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it was not unconstitutional for Gummies to retain his seat as member in the house.
They said he defected from PDP which sponsored him for the election to Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency to APC, when there was no division in the party, among other questions.
One of the reliefs sought was a declaration that it was unconstitutional for the speaker to refuse/fail to declare Gummi’s seat vacant.
Gummi, in his response through his lawyer, filed a notice of preliminary objection and a counter affidavit.
The lawmaker, in his argument, argued that his decampment was due to the crisis within the PD..
He said contrary to the deposition of the plaintiffs, the lingering unresolved internal and external crisis both at the national level and in his constituency is the reason for his defection from the party to APC.
Gummi said the crisis resulted into a state where he could no longer represent his constituents properly and ensure that they all benefit from shared distribution of the dividends of democracy within the bounds of law, and without undue interference from anyone or anything.
Delivering the judgment , Justice Egwuatu granted all the plaintiffs’ reliefs.
The judge condemned the attitude of some politicians who see defection as a normal culture.
“Before I take my fingers off the key board, let me just add, that politicians should respect the wishes of the electorates that elected them into office.
“A situation where the electorates have made their choices between different political parties and their candidates based on the manifestos and marketability of such a political party, it is legally and morally wrong for such a politician to abandon the party under which platform he or she was elected into office and move to a rival party without relinquishing the mandate of his or her former party.
“If a person must decamp, don’t decamp with the mandate of the electorates.
“Don’t transfer the votes garnered on the platform of one party to another party.
“A politician has no such rights to transfer votes of a political party to another political party.
“The law must punish such moves by taking away the benefits bestowed upon the decampee politician by the electorates.
“And that is what Section 68 (1) (g) of the Constitution has done.
“Political prostitution must not be rewarded.
“In total, I resolve all the issues in favour of the plaintiffs and against the defendants,” Justice Egwuatu said.
The judge, therefore, ordered that Gummi , having defected from PDP to APC “before the expiration of the period the house was elected, automatically loses his seat as member of the House of Representatives.
He made an order restraining Gummi from further receiving monies as salaries, allowances or howsoever called in his capacity as member representing the constituency.
He also made an order directing the lawmaker to refund to the Federal Government all monies collected as salaries, allowances or howsoever called as member representing the constituency from Oct. 30, 2024 to the date of judgment.
“An order is made directing that the evidence of the refund of all monies collected as salaries, allowances or howsoever called be filed in the registry of this court within 30 days of the judgment of this court,” he said.
Justice Egwuatu consequently awarded a fine of N500, 000 in favour of the plaintiffs and against the defendants.(NAN)
GUSAU – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Zamfara Chapter, says it remains unshaken in spite of defections from the party to All Progressives Congress (APC).
This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Gusau by Mr Halliru Andi, the Publicity Secretary of the party.
While the PDP is the ruling party in the state, APC holds sway at the federal level.
The party was reacting to the defection of Maharazu Faru, representing Maradun II constituency in the State House of Assembly.
Faru, who joined the APC together with PDP executives in the five wards among others, hinged his defection on Gov. Dauda Lawal’s inability to meet his campaign promises.
“Dauda failed to address challenges ranging from insecurity which is the main reason people voted for him,” the lawmaker said.
However, the PDP said it was not perturbed by Faru’s excuses for his action.
“The PDP under the able leadership of Dr Jamil Jibo Magayaki has noted the defection of Hon. Marahazu Faru, member representing Maradun II Constituency in the State House of Assembly, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“While we respect his personal choice, we are not surprised.
“History has shown that those who put personal interest above the collective will of the people often find themselves on the wrong side of history.
“The PDP remains the only party with genuine commitment to the rescue and rebuilding of Zamfara State,” he said.
He said Gov. Dauda Lawal’s leadership was steadily restoring hope, rebuilding institutions, and securing the lives and livelihoods of the Zamfara people.
“The ongoing reforms and development initiatives are clear proof that the PDP is the party of progress and compassion.
“We are confident that Hon. Faru will soon regret his decision, as the people of Zamfara have already made up their minds to stand firmly with the PDP.
“Come the next elections, our party will win overwhelmingly at all levels —from the wards to the national stage because the PDP remains the true party of the masses.
“We call on our members and supporters to remain steadfast and proud. No defection can shake our foundation or stop the will of the people.
“The PDP remains strong, united, and deeply rooted in the hearts of Zamfara people,” the statement said.
Reports that the PDP still maintains majority with 14 members while the APC now has 10 lawmakers in the State House of Assembly.(NAN)
GUSAU- The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Zamfara Chapter, says it remains unshaken in spite of defections from the party to All Progressives Congress (APC).
This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Gusau by Mr Halliru Andi, the Publicity Secretary of the party.
While the PDP is the ruling party in the state, APC holds sway at the federal level.
The party was reacting to the defection of Maharazu Faru, representing Maradun II constituency in the State House of Assembly.
Faru, who joined the APC together with PDP executives in the five wards among others, hinged his defection on Gov. Dauda Lawal’s inability to meet his campaign promises.
“Dauda failed to address challenges ranging from insecurity which is the main reason people voted for him,” the lawmaker said.
However, the PDP said it was not perturbed by Faru’s excuses for his action.
“The PDP under the able leadership of Dr Jamil Jibo Magayaki has noted the defection of Hon. Marahazu Faru, member representing Maradun II Constituency in the State House of Assembly, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“While we respect his personal choice, we are not surprised.
“History has shown that those who put personal interest above the collective will of the people often find themselves on the wrong side of history.
“The PDP remains the only party with genuine commitment to the rescue and rebuilding of Zamfara State,” he said.
He said Gov. Dauda Lawal’s leadership was steadily restoring hope, rebuilding institutions, and securing the lives and livelihoods of the Zamfara people.
“The ongoing reforms and development initiatives are clear proof that the PDP is the party of progress and compassion.
“We are confident that Hon. Faru will soon regret his decision, as the people of Zamfara have already made up their minds to stand firmly with the PDP.
“Come the next elections, our party will win overwhelmingly at all levels —from the wards to the national stage because the PDP remains the true party of the masses.
“We call on our members and supporters to remain steadfast and proud. No defection can shake our foundation or stop the will of the people.
“The PDP remains strong, united, and deeply rooted in the hearts of Zamfara people,” the statement said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PDP still maintains majority with 14 members while the APC now has 10 lawmakers in the State House of Assembly.(NAN)
GUSAU- A member of Zamfara Assembly, representing Maradun ll, Constituency, Alhaji Maharazu Salisu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Salisu announced his defection at the APC state party office in Gusau on Tuesday.
The lawmaker defected with all the PDP ward executives across the five wards of his constituency along with more than 1,000 members.
Salisu attributed his decision to leave the PDP on lack of fairness and justice by the party’s leadership.
“PDP’s injustice and lack of fairness among the leaders of the party are among the causes that forced me and my constituents to defect from PDP to APC,” he said.
Salisu said in spite of the total support given to PDP-led government in the state during 2023 general elections by the electorate of Maradun ll, the constituency was neglected in terms of appointments into the government.
The lawmaker lamented that no position or appointment was allocated to his constituency.
“I’m the only one left with PDP supporters in the area to handle their demands at all times and no dividends of democracy accrued to my people from the PDP led-government in the state.
“Inline with this, I, Maharazu Salisu Faru and all PDP officials from the constituency of Maradun II, hereby announce my defection and all the PDP officials from the constituency, as well as over 1,000 constituents to the APC for the progress of my people.
“Notable figures among the defectors are party officials including party Chairmen of the five wards.
“They include the chairman of Magami ward, Ahmad Lawal, Tsibiri ward, Lawal Tsibiri, Gidangoga ward, Sanusi Ahmad and Shehu DanAbu, Maya ward,” he said.
A senior PDP chieftain from the constituency, Alhaji Salis Dodo also joined the APC during the event which attracted the APC leaders across the state.
Receiving the defectors, the APC State Chairman, Alhaji Tukur Danfulani assured them of full recognition into the party at all levels.
Danfulani promised to ensure that the defectors were given equal treatment regardless of the time they have joined the party.
He said more members of the PDP and other political parties would soon join the APC in the state before the end of the year, adding: “this is just the beginning, more and more are coming.”
He directed all APC officials from the polling units to the state to give the defectors equal opportunity in the party affairs.
Also speaking at the event, the former APC State Chairman, Alhaji Lawali Liman commended the party leaders in the state for their exemplary leadership.
Liman specifically applauded, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari (APC Zamfara West) and Minister of State for Defence, and former Governor, Dr Bello Matawalle for sustaining their support to the party in the state.
Welcoming the defectors, Liman urged them to remain loyal members of the party in all circumstances and to do everything possible in projecting the image of the party. (NAN)
GUSAU- The Zamfara Government says it is engaging various stakeholders to ensure the success of the forthcoming integrated Polio and Mesles-Rubella vaccination exercise that will commence on Monday.
GUSAU – Alhaji Tukur Danfulani, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Zamfara chapter, has called on party members in the state to keep their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) safe and ready before the 2027 General Elections.
