News
Zamfara Terror Kingpin Eliminated

Leader in Zamfara State, met his end when an explosive device planted by his own followers prematurely detonated.
Zamfara State, known for its recurring bouts of violence and insecurity, witnessed a significant turn of events as the notorious terrorist kingpin, Dogo Gudali, met his demise.
In a bizarre twist of fate, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) intended for security forces became the catalyst for the downfall of the man who had unleashed terror across the region.
“The explosive, planted by members of Gudali’s own terrorist group, detonated prematurely, claiming the lives of the leader and several of his loyal fighters,” a security source said.
He said the incident took place during a clearance operation conducted by troops of Operation Hadarin Daji at the fringes of Gando Forest in the Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The Unexpected Twist
In a stunning turn of events, the IED, meticulously planted by the terrorists with the intent to eliminate the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, met an untimely end.
Instead of reaching its intended target, the explosive device prematurely detonated, resulting in the unexpected demise of Dogo Gudali, the feared terrorist kingpin.
This unexpected outcome not only caught the perpetrators off guard but also brought relief to the communities plagued by their reign of terror, it was gathered.
A Blow To Dogo Gudali’s Reign Of Terror
For far too long, Dogo Gudali and his gang had sowed seeds of fear and misery across vast stretches of Zamfara State.
The towns of Anka, Gummi, Bukkuyum, as well as parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States, had become their playgrounds of terror.
However, this fatal incident not only silenced the once-dreaded leader but also dealt a severe blow to the network of terror he had carefully nurtured, it was gathered.
The Notorious Dogo Gudali
Dogo Gudali is a name that struck fear into the hearts of many, and emerged as a prominent terrorist leader in Zamfara State. His ability to instill terror and his uncanny knack for evading security forces had earned him notoriety. With his gang of ruthless followers, he had successfully conducted numerous attacks and orchestrated widespread violence, leaving innocent lives shattered and communities in despair.
Reign of Terror
Gudali’s reign of terror extended beyond the borders of Zamfara State, encompassing areas in Sokoto and Kebbi States as well. The towns of Anka, Gummi, and Bukkuyum had long been subjected to his gang’s brutal tactics, leading to a pervasive sense of insecurity and a constant fear of violence. Local residents and security forces alike were caught in a relentless cycle of bloodshed, struggling to contain the menace posed by this audacious terrorist outfit.
Implications For The Region
The demise of Dogo Gudali and the significant setback suffered by his gang have far-reaching implications for the region’s security landscape.
With the elimination of the notorious leader, the intricate web of terror that Dogo Gudali had carefully woven now faces a severe disruption.
The loss of a central figurehead not only weakens the structure but also creates an opportunity for security forces to dismantle and neutralize the remaining members of the terrorist group.
This development strikes a blow to their morale and cohesion, creating a window of opportunity for authorities to restore peace and stability to the affected regions.
Restoring Community Confidence
The reign of Dogo Gudali and his gang had left communities in a state of constant fear and vulnerability. The successful elimination of the kingpin and the subsequent dismantling of his network can instill a renewed sense of confidence and renewed hope among the local population. It sends a powerful message that those who sow violence and terror will ultimately face justice, offering hope for a safer and more secure future.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats posed by terrorist groups in the region.
Residents day it underscores the need for continuous vigilance and concerted efforts to enhance counter-terrorism strategies.
“Authorities must seize this opportunity to analyze the tactics and networks employed by Dogo Gudali and implement measures to prevent the emergence of new leaders and extremist ideologies,” a resident of the area, Bala Musa said.
Collaborative Security Approach
Tackling terrorism requires a multi-faceted and collaborative approach. The successful neutralization of Dogo Gudali’s reign of terror is a testament to the combined efforts of security forces and intelligence agencies. The incident highlights the importance of sharing information, coordinating operations, and leveraging resources across regional and national boundaries to combat the ever-evolving threat of terrorism effectively.
“The demise of Dogo Gudali, the notorious terrorist kingpin, has dealt a significant blow to the reign of terror that had gripped Zamfara State and beyond. The failed bombing attempt, orchestrated by his own followers, turned out to be the unexpected catalyst for his downfall. As the security forces continue their clearance operations and dismantle the remnants of his network, there is hope for a brighter future in the region. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats posed by terrorism and the need for unwavering efforts to safeguard communities, restore peace, and ensure lasting security in the face of adversity,” another source said.
News
ECOWAS Free Movement: Tinubu Initiates Dismantling of Checkpoints

President Bola Tinubu has mandated the formation of a Presidential Task Force aimed at eliminating numerous checkpoints that impede free movement.
Ambassador Musa Nuhu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, revealed this initiative during a visit to the Nigeria-Benin Republic border in Seme on Wednesday.
“We are commencing with the Seme-Badagry Corridor. A committee has been established under the auspices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and we will soon begin addressing this matter.
“We have taken note of all the concerns raised, and I assure you that the Nigerian government will tackle the other issues mentioned subsequently.”
Numerous complaints have surfaced regarding the excessive checkpoints along the Badagry-Seme corridor, which adversely affect the seamless movement of individuals and goods between Nigeria and the Benin Republic.
Ambassador Nuhu emphasized, “This is the most trafficked border in West Africa regarding the flow of goods, people, and services. If free movement is to be effectively implemented in West Africa, it will be evident at this border.”
Motorists attending the meeting expressed their frustrations about the numerous checkpoints and the extortion practices by security personnel along the route.
In response, Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, stated that any fees paid by motorists should be accompanied by official receipts.
He expressed concern that the proliferation of checkpoints and the extortion of citizens within member states undermine ECOWAS’s goal of fostering a more integrated region.
“While we must inspect passengers and road users, we should move beyond arbitrary charges that lack receipts. If payments are necessary, they should be properly documented.
“It is one thing to request that someone open their bags for inspection, but it is entirely different to demand payment that is not receipted.”
Security
3 Arrested In FCT Over Illegal Wildlife Trade

The suspects were apprehended for selling prohibited exotic birds and wild animals contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with the National Park Service, has arrested three persons over alleged illegal trade in endangered wildlife species in Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor.
The suspects, identified as Musa Usman, Samila Abdullahi, and Saidu Jagaban, were arrested in different parts of the country’s capital.
According to her, the suspects were apprehended for selling prohibited exotic birds and wild animals, contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
She stated that Usman and Abdullahi were found with 15 Senegalese parrots and one African grey parrot, while Jagaban was arrested for hawking three dead antelopes.
“The suspects were arrested in different parts of the city for the illegal sale of prohibited exotic birds and wild animals, contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act,” the statement read in part.
“The trio is to remain in custody while investigation continues.”
NESREA Director-General, Innocent Barikor, reiterated that trafficking in endangered species remained a crime under Nigerian laws, and anyone caught culpable would be prosecuted accordingly.
Barikor emphasised on the need to protect endangered species, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
He added that all living things play different roles in ensuring biodiversity sustainability.
Politics
Personal Ambitions Should Not Undermine Country, Jonathan Warns

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday warned against the creation of a one-party state, saying any nation that must practice it must do so carefully and with a well-planned process and projected outcome.
He stated this in Abuja while paying tribute to the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, at a memorial lecture and day of tribute.
Jonathan warned that any attempt to bring about a one-party state through political machinations to soothe only personal aspirations will be detrimental to the country.
The former president also called on the family of the late former federal commissioner to, among other things, set up a yearly memorial lecture in his honour to continue to push his ideas and what he stood for, which is a united, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.
On his part, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, lamented that the labour of our heroes past was already in vain.
The former Anambra State governor highlighted the endemic poverty in rural areas, the state of insecurity, and the rising cost of living.
He maintained that the labour of people like Pa Edwin Clark had not paid off, as the sacrifices people like Pa Clark made were in vain today.
The chairman on the occasion and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, said that the task of ensuring that Nigeria remains united and indivisible must be ensured by all, as the nation could only make progress if national interest was put before any personal interest.