₦airaland Forum

In what can only be described as a resounding victory for peace and security, the relentless efforts of the Nigerian military, the Hybrid forces as and Zamfara State Security Watch have continued to yield remarkable results in the war against banditry.

The ranks of notorious criminal elements have been significantly deflated, with over 20 top bandit leaders and their foot soldiers sent to the great beyond within the space of two years.

These men, who once held entire communities hostage with their reign of terror, have now met their end, thanks to the unwavering commitment of the security forces. Among those eliminated are:

Ali Kachalla/Dawaje, Kachallah Dogo Kwaddi, Lawali Dodo, Boderi, Sani Wala-birki, Kachallah Hana-Zuwa, Damina, Kachalla Sani Dangote, Kachalla Adamu, Halilu Sububu, Baleri, Modi Modi, Kachalla Mai Shayi, Kachalla Tsoho Lulu, Ibrahim Nagure, Kachalla Makore, Bulak, Tukur Sharme, Hassan Dantawaye and just yesterday, another top figure in Zamfara Dan-Isuhu, met his Waterloo from the hands of his men after he was shot by the troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA while seeking for medical intervention.

This decisive action by the gallant troops has brought immeasurable relief to the people of Zamfara State, who for years suffered under the oppression of these ruthless criminals. The year has been particularly remarkable, with the fall of Halilu Sububu and Kachallah Dan Isuhu Yellow, two of the most feared bandit kingpins in the region. Their demise signals a turning point in the fight against banditry.

The military’s strategy, including establishing the North West Theartre Command with the troops now giong after the criminals in their hideouts, precision airstrikes by the NAF component, intelligence-led operations, and ground offensives, has left the terrorists with nowhere to hide. The once untouchable warlords now meet their end one after the other, while bandits like Bello Turji has since gone into hiding, proving that crime and terror have no future in the North West.

As the war on banditry rages on, one thing is certain the days of terror are numbered. The government, security forces, and well-meaning citizens are united in the fight, and with each passing day,victory draws closer. The message is clear: bandits and their enablers have no place in Nigeria!

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst to the Lake Chad

He masterminded cattle rustling operations and imposed illegal taxes on villages under his control.

T roops of Operation Fansan Yanma have eliminated notorious bandit leader Kachallah Dan Isihu, bringing an end to his years-long reign of terror across Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of Kaduna State.

Kachallah, a ruthless warlord, was responsible for numerous deadly raids, ambushes on security forces, and mass kidnappings.

He masterminded cattle rustling operations and imposed illegal taxes on villages under his control.
His influence stretched beyond local banditry — he played a key role in the infamous Kaduna train attack, where he allegedly received N800million in ransom from negotiations.

A security expert, Zagazola Makama, confirmed on his X handle on Thursday that notorious bandit leader Kachallah, was neutralised in a decisive military operation.

Kachallah’s criminal network, which controlled key supply routes for arms and ransom payments, is now expected to weaken under sustained military pressure.

According to Zagazola, Kachallah’s activities escalated during Ramadan, when he intensified attacks, reportedly killing at least one person daily as part of what he called a “personal obligation.”

In the weeks leading up to his death, he orchestrated multiple high-profile attacks that placed him at the top of security forces’ most-wanted list.

These included: "A twin assault on Tsafe town that resulted in the deaths of the Tsafe Local Government Security Chief, vigilante members, and security operatives.

Daily ambushes along the Tsafe-Yankara highway, where he and his men terrorized travelers, launching up to seven attacks in a single day and coordinated raids on rural communities, burning homes, and forcing entire villages to flee.

Kachallah’s operations were bolstered by his alliance with Ado Alero, a notorious bandit leader wanted by the Katsina State Government, with a ₦5million bounty on his head.

The military tracked Kachallah’s movements to a well-fortified camp in the forests of Zamfara, a key base for his operations.

Zagazola noted that under Operation Fansan Yanma, a special task force comprising elite ground troops, Air Force fighter jets, and tactical reconnaissance units launched a coordinated assault.

Zagazola detailed the offensive, describing it as swift and devastating: Aerial bombardments targeted key positions, cutting off escape routes.
"Ground forces simultaneously engaged Isihu’s fighters in a fierce battle.

After hours of resistance, Isihu was fatally wounded and later died in Danjibga forest, along with dozens of his fighters.

A military officer who participated in the mission recounted the moment they confirmed Isihu’s death:

"We knew the battle was over when his men started fleeing in disarray. We had been fighting them for four days. He was wounded earlier but later succumbed to his injuries this evening."

The elimination of Kachallah represents a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry in the North-West.

"For residents of Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna, his downfall provides a rare moment of relief. However, security forces remain on high alert, vowing to sustain their offensive until all criminal elements are eradicated," he added.

“If anybody is saying that he did not announce the results, the person is lying, because the results were being announced. In fact, they had announced 29, remaining only Taraba State. Even when they ordered him to come to the Aso Rock, he was even arrested. But he still ordered that Taraba’s result be announced.

The Chairman of the South-East Senate Caucus and lawmaker representing Abia South, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and other members on Thursday urged President Bola Tinubu to consider honouring the late former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, for his handling of the in the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, adjudged the fairest election in the country’s history.

The plea comes on the heel of Thursday’s rejection of Abaribe’s motion to have Nwosu immortalised by the National Assembly. While describing Tinubu as a ‘June 12 warrior’, the Abia senator begged him to look beyond the Senate’s rejection of the motion and do the right thing.

According to him, everybody in Nigeria knew the sacrifice the late NEC chair made to enthrone the democracy Nigerians are presently enjoying.

Abaribe also said there was little or nothing Nwosu could have done in the wake of a court judgment by Justice Bassey Ikpeme halting the announcement of the election results.

He said, “So we are using this opportunity to appeal to the government of President Bola Tinubu to honour the man who made sure that that election was held, even though it was done, and put elections in the consciousness of Nigerians.

“If you recall, Tinubu was seen and has always been seen, as a June 12 warrior. Don’t forget that it was the outcome of the annulment of that election that degenerated to the disturbances everywhere in Nigeria that led to the exit of the military in 1999, six years later.

“This is also in consonance with what Professor Jega, a former INEC Chairman, said on Tuesday at the colloquium for Nwosu. Prof Jega said he was surprised that up to this moment, the professor has not been recognised or honoured by the government of Nigeria, which today is benefiting from his legacies in producing, in 1993, the freest and fairest election.”

Another member of the South-East Caucus and the lawmaker representing Imo West, Senator Osita Izunaso, also shared his sentiment. Izunaso, who claimed to be a returning officer during the 1993 election, recalled how Nwosu was apprehended at the State House for defying the military junta’s order.

“We are all aware that Justice (Bassey) Ikpeme said that there should be no election. By 9.30 in the morning on June 10, Nwosu, without invitation, went to the National Defence and Security Council and convinced them that the election process had commenced.

“If anybody is saying that he did not announce the results, the person is lying, because the results were being announced. In fact, they had announced 29, remaining only Taraba State. Even when they ordered him to come to the Aso Rock, he was even arrested. But he still ordered that Taraba’s result be announced.

“So at what point would Humphrey Nwosu have announced that result? Is it in the Aso Rock? Let us be serious. But the truth of the matter is that the Senate resolution is not even compelling. So we are urging President Bola Tinubu to do the right thing by immortalising Professor Nwosu.

”On Thursday, the Senate threw out prayers contained in Abaribe’s motion seeking to rename the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters after the late NEC boss. Abaribe also called for posthumous national honours to be conferred on Nwosu in recognition of his role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

However, the proposal sparked a heated debate once again, with senators deeply divided over Nwosu’s legacy. In the end, the motion was put to vote, but it was rejected.

The lawmakers, however, agreed to honour him with a one-minute silence and extend condolences to his family, effectively dismissing the other prayers to immortalise Nwosu. The action forced the South-East senators to stage a walk-out.

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the South-South Development Commission Bill into law, a move the group describes as historic and pivotal for the region’s growth.

In a statement issued by PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, the forum commended the President and the National Assembly for expediting the legislative process, ensuring the timely passage of the bill. The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

“This singular action has boosted the confidence of our people in the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering even regional development across Nigeria,” PANDEF stated.

“It also affirms efforts to address the unique social, environmental, and developmental challenges confronting the South-South region.”

The group urged President Tinubu to appoint competent and experienced individuals to lead the newly established commission, ensuring it effectively complements the efforts of state governments in driving sustainable development.

The Niger Delta, which has long played a critical role in sustaining Nigeria’s economy through oil and gas production, requires focused intervention to tackle environmental degradation and infrastructure deficits, PANDEF noted.

Beyond the new commission, PANDEF also called for urgent government action on environmental remediation and infrastructural development to address long-standing concerns in the region.

Additionally, the group appealed to the President to intervene in the political crisis in Rivers State, calling for the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State Assembly, citing widespread concerns over their suspension.

PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government to foster peace, development, and stability in the South-South region.

Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri has praised President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to the second phase of the Nembe-Brass Road project.

Governor Diri made the commendation during the courtesy visit of the project’s contractors, A.I.L Infrastructure Limited, to Government House, Yenagoa.

The project, which had been on the drawing board for over 60 years, was started by the Diri administration in 2022. 60 percent of the 21km of phase one has already been completed.

The Bayelsa governor expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for mobilising the contractor to the site, saying the Nembe-Brass road was not just an infrastructure project but was crucial to the state’s economic development.

He said despite the project’s huge cost, his administration decided to kick-start it due to its significance to not just the people of the area but the entire state and Nigeria at large.

Diri stated that road construction was long overdue, given the contribution of the Nembe and Brass local governments to the national economy.

He expressed optimism that, given the contractor’s timelines, the project would be completed before the expiration of his second tenure.

Diri assured the contractor of maximum cooperation and directed the state’s Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the chairmen of Brass and Nembe councils to work closely with the contractor to make the project a reality.

His words: “You might not understand the level of elation and happiness of the people of Bayelsa State, and particularly the people of Nembe and Brass local government areas over this project.

“I deliberately wanted to put this on record so the media would also know what is happening to our state and what is happening now. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and I believe that this event will go a long way toward correcting the misinformation.

“Bayelsa has three senatorial districts like every other state. But each of our senatorial districts leads to the Atlantic Ocean.

“This is a project we have been talking about for many years. But it is now being actualised. So, let me extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support and commitment to the development of Bayelsa State.

“To my mind and the rest of the citizens of Bayelsa, this project reaffirms Mr. President’s vision for inclusivity in national growth and development. The people of Bayelsa deeply appreciate this milestone that Mr President has approved for Bayelsa.

“This road is not just an infrastructure project but a long overdue economic lifeline. Our government took the bold initiative to commence the Nembe-Brass Road project, fully aware of the huge financial implications. But we were driven by the imperative to enhance connectivity, stimulate economic growth and open us up to the economic potential of the Atlantic Ocean.”

Earlier, Engr. Biodun Otunola, chairman of A.I.L Infrastructure Limited, said phase two of the project was awarded in July 2024, and the company had already done the preliminary work.
He explained that, given Bayelsa’s swampy nature, it would be a concrete road project and that concrete was the best technology to deploy on the job.

Otunola assured that the project would be built to high standards and completed within schedule. He solicited the state government’s support in community liaison and security and requested a date for the project’s formal flag-off.

“I don’t know how you want to really pilot change from far away Dubai, you are like an absentee aspirant. If Atiku wants us to take him seriously, let him come back to Nigeria with his newly wedded wife - Abubakar Yesufu

The Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ceased to exist as a viable political force the moment Atiku Abubakar became a member.

Speaking during a media chat with The Nation in Abuja, Dangiwa attributed the party’s struggles to a lack of financial support, stating that no one within its ranks is willing to fund it.

“Atiku Abubakar is just like a snake; he doesn’t fund parties. He only gathers money to win primaries and then abandons the party afterward,” Dangiwa said.

He contrasted this with President Bola Tinubu’s approach, highlighting Tinubu’s financial commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its campaigns.

“Tinubu, on the other hand, funded our party and campaigns. Now tell me, who will do that in the SDP? Is it El-Rufai or who?” he questioned.

Acknowledging the political challenges ahead, Dangiwa admitted that opponents might try to sway northern voters against Tinubu by blaming him for economic hardships.

“Yes, I know it will be difficult for us in the next election because they would have infiltrated the minds of common Northerners, saying Tinubu brought hunger, poverty, this and that,” he said.

However, he expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic recovery, stating that the standard of living has improved and there is greater hope for the people.

“My message to those whose minds have been infiltrated against Tinubu is to think deeply about this. If you remove Tinubu, who will you bring? Tinubu has given us all the needed tools to build our states. The North will be making a grave mistake if they choose someone else instead of Tinubu.”

As the move to form a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027 intensifies, Sunday PUNCH has learnt that the ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and zoning dispute are stalling negotiations among political leaders.

A reliable source involved in the coalition discussions revealed that the camps of 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, were demanding that power should stay in the South for eight years.

The source revealed that the delay in negotiations was due to uncertainty surrounding whether Atiku would run.

According to him, the participants in the coalition drive, particularly from the South, were hesitant to fully engage in the discussions to avoid jeopardising their ambitions and zones.


Coalition moves unveiled

On Thursday, the 2023 presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku; Labour Party’s Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, announced the formation of a coalition to oust President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

There had been a growing debate about whether opposition parties should unite to challenge President Tinubu’s administration. The discussion later gained momentum, as various political figures expressed differing views.

Atiku had consistently emphasised the need for unity among opposition parties.

In his comments on March 8, 2025 he revealed that he was actively working to unite opposition groups to form a coalition to remove the APC from power.

Following El-Rufai’s shift from the APC to the Social Democratic Party on March 10, discussions among opposition leaders gained momentum.

Atiku, along with other opposition figures, declared that the last Thursday gathering marked the official beginning of the coalition.

He said, “Yes, this is the birth of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027.

Other opposition leaders present at the press conference included a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh; and the Convenor of the Alternative, Segun Showunmi, among others.

Among those involved in the coalition, but whose apologies for absence were noted, were leaders from the ruling APC, including former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); and the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Adamu, among others.


Why talks stalled

Our source disclosed that negotiations were stalled because the key figures in the coalition discussions intended to run in the 2027 election.

He stated, “What I can tell you is that quite a lot of people are involved in the coalition. However, they fear zoning. You know that Obi and Amaechi are very much interested in replacing Tinubu, so their camps want power to remain in the South.

“Meanwhile, the Atiku camp is also pushing for the former Vice President to take another shot at the presidency in 2027. So, largely, the zoning issue and Atiku’s uncertain position on 2027 are stalling the negotiations.

“The southerners who want to replace Tinubu are afraid to get involved without knowing Atiku’s stance. If they get involved and, in the future, the coalition declares the race open to all, and Atiku grabs it like he did in 2019 and 2023 in the PDP, most of them would jeopardise their ambitions and potentially shortchange their region.

“This is why many are not participating openly or attending the meetings, like at the last press conference. So, that’s the situation. It’s one thing to agree on a coalition, as they have all agreed on the need for opposition political parties or their leaders to come together. But without clarifying whether they support another Southerner taking over from Tinubu (zoning), the discussion will remain unresolved. It may even give a few leaders reasons not to participate.”

Speaking on this, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, and a close ally of Obi confirmed the camp’s position, stating that stakeholders should support a Southern candidate to run in 2027.

In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Ahmeh expressed confidence that a Southern candidate could defeat Tinubu in 2027.

He stated, “We cannot disregard the unwritten agreement between the North and South. So, the best option for those of us in the coalition is to allow the South to complete their eight years, so that the North can come. So, we have to get a southern candidate with the momentum to lead the coalition.

“I am a northerner. By all definitions, by all geographical location, I am a northerner. But one thing I am stating clearly is that we already have an unwritten agreement. We agree that power shall rotate between the South and North. And it shall be on eight years basis. But it is not automatic because it is still subject to elections. People will contest elections, and Nigerians will decide.

“Parties involved in the coalition should be able to consider that this agreement is already there, and we should honour it. The North must understand that all it takes for a country to develop is the principle of understanding, sharing and co-existence, dictated by the fact that we carry and accommodate all corners, regions, and tribes of this country through consensus.

“For me, I believe that this arrangement will be of benefit to the North. The reason why the government system has failed in Nigeria is that we are driven by mediocrity. We are not looking at competence, merit, and ability. If we are looking at competence, merit, and ability, and governance starts to work, I know that in the nearest future, when we have a robust democracy, governance will work for the interests of the people. Then this issue of region, this issue of tribe, will disappear automatically.

“But for now, since it exists, it is in our interest that we do not break that unwritten agreement. Because if we break it, and if a Northern is running on the mutual coalition discussion, I assure you that before 12 o’clock, there will be a consensus with the South to defeat that coalition.”

He insisted that for the coalition to grow into a majority and for the opposition to win the election, there must be an agreement for a southern candidate.

NNPP, PDP oppose zoning

Buba Galadima, a leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and a close ally of the NNPP’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, clarified that there was no agreement between the North and South.

While speaking with Sunday PUNCH, Galadima emphasized that opposition parties should focus on ensuring credible elections rather than worrying about the zones from which presidential candidates originated.

He stated, “I don’t discuss the North and I don’t discuss the South when I speak on democracy. Okay. If Tinubu is finishing and has done well, and Nigerians decide to vote for Seyi Tinubu, I have no grudge, provided that there is a free and fair election.

“I have no grudge because that is democracy. Opposition should be more concerned about credible election, than this North and South thing.

“And anybody who tells you there is any understanding or agreement between the North and South, tell him he’s a liar. And he doesn’t understand what democracy is. He doesn’t understand what politics is. As far as I am concerned, I am talking about democracy, I am not talking about North and South.”

The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, stated that the coalition ticket should be open to all Nigerians.

In an interview with The PUNCH, Osadolor claimed that President Tinubu, a Southerner, had damaged the economy, and therefore, coalition leaders should abandon the North-South zoning system.

APC, Atiku trade words over coalition

The APC Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, ridiculed the coalition discussions, stating that a building could not stand on a faulty foundation.

Ibrahim, while speaking to Sunday PUNCH, referred to Atiku as a contestant who was solely focused on his ambition.

He stated, “A building on a weak foundation cannot stand. So, the coalition is already faulty from the beginning. Atiku is always advancing just his interest. Atiku is just a contestant. He is not a democrat. He is a contestant as far as he is concerned. Everything he is doing, if it is not going to favor his candidature, he is not going to do it.

“So, he is not doing it in the interest of the nation. He is doing it in his own personal interest. Now, when personal interest supersedes national interest, there is just no way you can win the heart of the nation.

“So, no way, it won’t work. This thing has been done before. It failed, they are going to do it again, and they will fail.”

In response, the media adviser to the former Vice President, Paul Ibe, criticised the APC, stating that if the party had performed well in governance, there would be no need for coalition talks to remove them.

Addressing the suggestion that Atiku’s unclear stance on the 2027 presidency and zoning was hindering coalition negotiations, Ibe told Sunday PUNCH that the leaders involved would prioritise what was best for the nation.

He also urged stakeholders and Nigerians not to rush the process.

Atiku’s media adviser said, “It’s clear they (APC) don’t know what to do with the mandate given to them; instead, they are scheming for the future. Everything happening, from the declarations of state of emergency in Rivers State, to the destruction of the democratic space, stripping Nigeria of freedom and liberty, silencing people so that no one would have a voice. The emasculation of opposition parties is what they excel at—dividing Nigerians and creating instability.

“Prices are rising, and Nigerians can barely afford a meal. This situation makes you question the true agenda of the APC government. Is it to preside over the destruction, decimation, and obliteration of Nigeria? Is that why they sought power? They should focus on governance. If they had made something out of the mandate given to them, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

He explained that the main focus of all the leaders and stakeholders was to solidify the coalition.

“It’s not just about one individual; it’s a collective effort. I believe they are discussing what is best for them, so we shouldn’t preempt them. Let’s not put the cart before the horse. I believe the priority of all these leaders and stakeholders is how to firmly establish this coalition to have a robust one.

“The goal is to oust the All Progressives Congress (APC), and I believe that’s what’s most important to them right now, not what has been suggested so far,” he added.

Jostoman:
making life difficult for people so that they can appreciate his spaghetti

Environmental rights activist and Executive Director of the Youth and Environmental Advocacy Center (YEAC), Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, has warned against attributing the recent explosion on the Trans-Niger Delta Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, to the ongoing political crisis in the region.

In an interview with the Daily Post, Fyneface attributed the explosion to equipment failure rather than political unrest and urged against speculating about ethnic tensions or sabotage being the primary cause.

Fyneface pointed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Shell, which operate the pipeline, as responsible for maintaining the aging infrastructure.
He explained that the pipelines, which have been in place for over sixty years, are increasingly prone to failure.

“These pipelines have been laid for over sixty years, and they are bursting and deflating like balloons when there is heavy pressure transporting crude oil to the export terminal in Bonny,” he said.

Fyneface noted that the lack of maintenance on these pipelines has contributed to their deterioration, making them more susceptible to explosions and spills.

The activist also dismissed claims that the explosion was connected to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, particularly threats from youths who had warned of sabotaging pipelines due to ethnic tensions between the Ikwerre and Ijaw ethnic groups.

“Ogoni land does not belong to either the Ikwerre or Ijaw ethnic nationalities,” Fyneface emphasized, highlighting the regional dynamics at play in the ongoing political dispute.

He made it clear that while the political tensions are real, they were not the cause of the explosion.

Fyneface further clarified that whether the explosion was caused by equipment failure or sabotage would ultimately be determined by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA). He called for a thorough investigation to ascertain the exact cause and prevent future incidents.

He also highlighted the frequency of oil spills and pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, describing them as a “regular occurrence.”

“Any week or month that passes without these two occurrences is a time for celebration,” he said.

Fyneface warned that more pipeline failures and oil spills are inevitable due to the deteriorating state of existing infrastructure and the ongoing divestment by multinational oil companies.
He added,

“A lot of these things have been happening, and more are still going to happen because a lot of these pipelines are already bad, already weak. And divestment is going on, where the multinational oil companies are handing over these facilities to indigenous companies who even lack the technological capacity and finances to run them.

“So, we are going to have more explosions of this nature, more equipment failures of this nature, and more oil spills in the future because the system has not been maintained the way it ought to be.”