Nigerian troops repel terrorist attack, kill 4 in Zamfara

Troops of Operation FANSAR YANMA, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have repelled another attack by terrorists on Mada town in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing four of the assailants.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region, disclosed this on Saturday in a post on his X handle.

Makama disclosed that the attack, which occurred at about 10 p.m. on Friday, was the recent in a series of retaliatory assaults on the town by bandits after the killing of a notorious kingpin in the area.

According to the report, a security source told Makama that the troops, acting on intelligence, swiftly engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into the forest with gunshot wounds.

“The bandits stormed the town in an attempt to unleash terror, but the security forces and vigilantes responded effectively. We neutralized four of them, while others escaped with injuries,” the source said.

The security expert further stated that a resident identified as Naziru Bakanike Mada sustained a gunshot wound on his shoulder during the confrontation and was rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

“Friday’s attack marked at least the fourth attempt by the bandits to overrun Mada in revenge for the killing of notorious bandit leader, Alhaji Sani Dan Garin Bawo, by security forces in an earlier military operation.

“Since March 11, to date, fighters loyal to neutralized kingpin headed bandits Dogo Hamza have carried out a large-scale retaliatory attack on Mada. However, security forces have consistently repelled their incursions, inflicting heavy casualties on them.

“Mada is their burial ground, let them keep coming and continue trying their luck and we shall continue sending them to their maker,” Makama said, citing a military official.

Nigerian troops repel terrorist attack, kill 4 in Zamfara

  • Related Posts

    ICPC begins investigation on alleged N11.1bn misappropriation of Kaduna light rail project

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched an investigation into the alleged financial misappropriation in the Kaduna State Light Rail Project during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The investigation was initiated following a petition by M. Yahaya, a lawyer from NUS’ AB Chambers, Abuja. The petition, dated June
    ICPC begins investigation on alleged N11.1bn misappropriation of Kaduna light rail project

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched an investigation into the alleged financial misappropriation in the Kaduna State Light Rail Project during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

    The investigation was initiated following a petition by M. Yahaya, a lawyer from NUS’ AB Chambers, Abuja. The petition, dated June 27, 2024, and received by the commission on July 1, 2024, accused officials of the previous administration of mismanaging state funds through a purported joint venture agreement with Indo Kaduna Mrts JV Nigeria Limited.

    According to documents reviewed by the ICPC, the Kaduna State Government signed the agreement on October 18, 2016, for the construction of a light rail system. However, the company had not been incorporated at the time. Despite this, its promoters opened a bank account at Sterling Bank on December 15, 2016, and within a month, the account received N11.1 billion from various Kaduna State Government accounts.

    The ICPC stated that the payments, approved by then-Governor El-Rufai, were made in tranches, with an initial deposit of N890.3 million from the Kaduna State Treasury on December 23, 2016. Additional payments of N2.3 billion and N7.9 billion followed in January 2017. However, investigators found no evidence that the rail project was executed.

    Reacting to the ICPC’s claims, former members of the Kaduna State Executive Council (2015–2023) rejected allegations of financial mismanagement, describing the commission’s move to seize N1.3 billion as unjustified.

    In a statement, the former officials explained that the light rail project was conceived in 2015 as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with Indian firm Skipper securing the contract. The state reportedly committed 15% of the estimated $600–700 million project cost, while seeking an 85% loan from India’s EXIM Bank.

    They further disclosed that a feasibility study, conducted by French firm Systra and GTA Engineering, cost $2.8 million (N890 million) and was duly approved by the state government. According to them, the project stalled when the federal government declined to provide a sovereign guarantee, leading to a recall of funds. A forensic audit later confirmed the refunds, they said.

    The former officials accused the ICPC of bypassing due process, acting under the influence of the current Kaduna State Government, and pursuing an unjustified forfeiture. They argued that all transactions were legal, transparent, and properly documented.

    “The commission initially alleged that N13 billion was missing before forcing Sterling Bank to deposit N1.3 billion—including the feasibility study cost and accrued interest—into an escrow account with the Central Bank of Nigeria,” they stated.

    On the allegation that payments were made into the account of a company not yet registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the officials contended that there were differing opinions on whether to use a limited liability company registered with the CAC or one established by the State House of Assembly.

    They warned that the ICPC’s actions could deter foreign investment and undermine confidence in public-private partnerships in Nigeria.

    The investigation is ongoing, with the ICPC expected to determine the extent of financial impropriety and whether further legal actions will be taken against those involved.

    ICPC begins investigation on alleged N11.1bn misappropriation of Kaduna light rail project

    Rivers crisis: Let nobody deceive you, Fubara not Ijaw man – Wike

    The immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has said that Governor Similayi Fubara is not an Ijaw man. Wike stated this while addressing a large number of Kalabari people at a reception organized for him on Saturday. Recall that Wike had recently claimed that an Ijaw man would not have become governor in
    Rivers crisis: Let nobody deceive you, Fubara not Ijaw man – Wike

    The immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has said that Governor Similayi Fubara is not an Ijaw man.

    Wike stated this while addressing a large number of Kalabari people at a reception organized for him on Saturday.

    Recall that Wike had recently claimed that an Ijaw man would not have become governor in Rivers State without his support, talking about Fubara.

    Wike said the Ijaw ethnic group does not constitute the majority in any of the Niger Delta states except Bayelsa.

    The statement came amid the ongoing political crisis in the Rivers State, with Wike and Fubara at the center of the feud.

    In the same interview, Wike said that people from the Opobo clan of Rivers State, where the governor comes from, are not real Ijaw people.

    Speaking to the Kalabaris on Saturday, Wike was more direct, saying, “Let nobody deceive you that the governor is Ijaw; he is not. All of you are Ijaw; are you benefiting? Politics is interest.

    “We must come up to say people must not behave and treat people, used and dump them and then you say it’s politics. That politics has to stop.”

    Rivers crisis: Let nobody deceive you, Fubara not Ijaw man – Wike

    Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    You Missed

    Tanker drivers shut down highway over alleged killing of colleague in Plateau

    NANS lauds Abiodun over N20m cash awards to UNILAG scholars

    USPF Secretary applauds ITU, UK-FCDO’s partnership on Nigerian rural connectivity

    Rubio confirms US will revoke more student visas

    THISDAY Survey Reveals Sustained Drop in Food Prices

    Police reply El-Rufai, deny kidnap gang within Kaduna Command