In what many residents of Zamfara State consider a long-awaited relief, one of Nigeria’s most feared bandits, Mai Jakka, widely known for turning his violent escapades into viral TikTok content, has reportedly been killed in a targeted security operation. Where It Happened According to verified local intelligence, the elimination of Mai Jakka occurred in Garaji village, a rural settlement located in the Mayanchi axis of Zamfara State, North-West Nigeria — an area notorious for insurgency and armed banditry. Official Confirmation and Source of Information The news was confirmed by Abdallah Yunus Abdallah, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Kaduna State, through a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). Citing intelligence sources, he wrote: “Reports coming out of Mayanchi axis of Zamfara report that the security forces have eliminated notorious bandit TikToker Mai Jakka in Garaji village.” Though the government is yet to release an official statement, reliable local and regional sources affirm the validity of the report. Who Was Mai Jakka? Unlike many other bandits who remain hidden in the shadows, Mai Jakka gained an infamous reputation by showcasing his criminal acts on TikTok, where he mocked victims and glamorized violence. His videos often depicted attacks, stolen property, and derisive comments aimed at the pain and helplessness of his victims. This controversial use of social media earned him thousands of views but also made him a target of national and international condemnation. Public Reaction and Local Impact Although detailed reports are still unfolding, early reactions from local residents suggest a sense of renewed hope and security, especially in villages repeatedly attacked by bandits. Many believe that his death marks a turning point in the ongoing battle against rural terrorism and digital radicalization. Part of a Broader Counter-Terrorism Operation According to internal sources familiar with the matter, Mai Jakka’s death is believed to be part of a coordinated crackdown by Nigerian security agencies, aimed at neutralizing high-value terror suspects operating across the North West. This strategic mission aligns with the federal government’s increased focus on curbing insurgency and restoring peace to vulnerable areas. Experts also believe that security intelligence is now being enhanced through digital footprint tracking, especially for criminals seeking notoriety via social media.
Former Senator Kabir Garba Marafa, who once represented Zamfara Central Senatorial District, has expressed profound grief over the recent spate of violent attacks carried out by armed bandits in Zauma community located in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, as well as parts of Shinkafi Local Government Area in Zamfara State. These deadly incidents have tragically resulted in the deaths of several members of the local vigilante groups and security operatives deployed to these affected communities. In a public statement delivered via his media aide, Mansur M. Haruna, the former lawmaker conveyed his deepest condolences to the grieving families who have lost loved ones during these brutal assaults. He described the event as another heartbreaking testament to the escalating insecurity and lawlessness plaguing Zamfara State. Marafa noted that the consistent and unchecked violence occurring across the state underscores an urgent and undeniable need for cooperation among the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government. He warned that without strong collaboration between these three tiers of leadership, genuine security and developmental progress in the region will remain impossible. He emphasized, “This inability to unite and respond decisively to insecurity is leading to unnecessary bloodshed and the loss of innocent lives. Regrettably, some leaders are still treating this humanitarian tragedy as a political contest, rather than a crisis that demands immediate and unbiased attention.” Marafa went on to recall his previous attempts to draw attention to the growing menace of armed banditry and community attacks in Zamfara, highlighting that many of his warnings in the past were brushed aside or ignored by political opponents. He implied that had more attention been given to early warning signs, some of the tragic losses being witnessed today might have been prevented. He appealed to all residents, local communities, and key stakeholders in the state to continue remaining alert and committed to peacebuilding efforts. Marafa cautioned that political disagreements and partisan rivalry must not stand in the way of collective actions aimed at safeguarding lives and restoring lasting peace in Zamfara.
Prominent Islamic scholar and National Chairman of the Ulama Council of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheik Sani Yahaya Jingir, has issued a clear warning regarding the 2027 presidential elections. He declared that his continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be conditional on the president maintaining Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate. The revered Islamic leader made this strong declaration during a public address at Yantaya Mosque in Jos, Plateau State, where he emphasized his unwavering support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket during the 2023 elections, despite his long-standing association with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. “Myself and others around me supported Tinubu and Shettima, and we’re backing your joint ticket. Any attempt to drop Shettima, I wouldn’t support that move because they had earlier agreed to contest and work together. I supported them without taking a penny from them. Although I am close to Atiku Abubakar, I chose to vote for Tinubu and Shettima. There are rumors circulating that things aren’t going well between them but I don’t believe it. In my opinion, it’s the work of their enemies,” Sheik Jingir asserted. The statement by Sheik Jingir is seen as a direct message to the presidency amidst growing speculations within the All Progressives Congress (APC) that President Tinubu may consider substituting Vice President Shettima with another candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections. The influential cleric insisted that such rumors are nothing more than the manipulations of “unpatriotic elements“ who are trying to create disunity at the highest level of government. He warned that these divisive forces should not be allowed to interfere in the trusted relationship between Tinubu and Shettima, especially as the 2027 race begins to gather momentum. Sheik Jingir also encouraged President Tinubu to resist the influence of detractors, whom he described as enemies seeking to undermine the credibility and harmony within the current administration. The growing debate over the 2027 ticket has triggered responses from party stakeholders and political observers, as loyalty and power-sharing arrangements within the ruling APC continue to face internal tests. By publicly declaring his stance, Sheik Jingir not only reaffirms his loyalty to the existing Tinubu-Shettima mandate but also sends a powerful signal that any disruption of that partnership could cost the president key religious and grassroots support, especially from the Northern Islamic community.
In a significant development in the ongoing fight against armed criminal gangs in northwestern Nigeria, the Zamfara State Government has announced a decisive win against notorious bandits following a well-coordinated security operation conducted earlier this week. The statement was made public by Alhaji Ahmad Manga, Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Dauda Lawal, during an interview with the BBC Hausa service on Thursday. Manga revealed that the high-risk operation carried out on Monday targeted one of the most dangerous and elusive criminal leaders in the region. “We give thanks to God. He was finally discovered in his stronghold — a remote and previously unreachable location. For the first time, he realized he’s not invincible,” Manga disclosed. According to him, the operation marked a turning point in Zamfara’s security campaign, with heavily armed security personnel launching an intense assault that inflicted severe casualties on the bandit group. “Many of his loyal fighters were eliminated. The losses were so heavy even the bandit leader couldn’t count how many men he lost,” Manga emphasized. “Most of the bodies recovered from the operation site belonged to his foot soldiers.” Among the major incidents during the confrontation was the fatal crash involving Bashari Maniya, a once-dreaded bandit who had since renounced criminality and had been assisting security forces with intelligence. Maniya died after the vehicle he was traveling in crashed into a deep ditch while trying to escape through the forest during the operation. To dispel rumors, Manga clarified that Maniya’s death wasn’t due to enemy bullets. “It was a newly acquired vehicle, and the driver was unfamiliar with the forest terrain. As they sped through, the vehicle suddenly plunged into a ditch resembling a deep well. It somersaulted uncontrollably. It was the accident — not gunfire — that led to his demise,” he explained. Despite being equipped with bulletproof capabilities, the vehicle could not protect its occupants from the impact of the crash. Security backup teams later discovered the passengers unconscious inside the wrecked vehicle. Ahmad Manga reiterated that Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration remains fully committed to capturing Bello Turji, the infamous bandit kingpin, who has long terrorized communities in Zamfara, especially in the Shinkafi axis. “We are determined, by God’s grace, to continue pursuing him until he is captured. People from Shinkafi and surrounding areas remember the atrocities Turji committed over the past 14 years. But this time, the difference is clear — even Turji knows it. This was the closest any security team has ever come to him — right inside his residence,” Manga revealed. He added that the Zamfara State Government will intensify the pressure by deploying additional military forces to maintain the momentum of the current crackdown and ensure that Turji and his collaborators face justice. Independent reports from local and national sources confirmed that during the intense confrontation, Turji managed to escape capture by fleeing into hiding. However, the outcome of the operation is widely seen as the strongest indication yet that the security dragnet is tightening around him.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has firmly expressed his unwavering commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating clearly that he would comply with any directive from the President, especially concerning the 2027 presidential race. His statement comes amid increasing speculation over potential choices for Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election. Jibrin’s name has surfaced among political circles as a likely vice-presidential candidate, prompting his public reaction during a press briefing on the upcoming zonal public hearings for the Senate Committee on Constitution Review. “I don’t want to speak on that issue right now, but one thing is very obvious. Since this administration began, Mr. President has been working diligently to steer the country in a new direction that fosters prosperity,” Barau said. He emphasized that discussions around running mates at this stage are premature and urged political groups to redirect their efforts toward supporting the Tinubu-led government. “That’s why I told the groups who brought up this idea that I don’t know them personally, but I appreciate their support. I also told them that it’s too early to focus on such political matters. We should instead concentrate on governance. When it’s time for politics, we will handle that. But now is the time to build the nation,” he added. Barau further described President Tinubu as his political mentor, emphasizing that his loyalty was absolute and unwavering. “He’s my political father. If I start listing the things he has done for me and my constituents, you would be amazed. So, whenever he instructs me to take action in the future, I will obey. I am 100% loyal to him,” he declared. In addition to his remarks on loyalty and political speculation, the Deputy Senate President also provided key updates on the forthcoming zonal public hearings organized by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, which he chairs. According to him, the committee is currently handling 59 bills and 31 constitutional proposals, with the expectation that more feedback will be collected from citizens through public memoranda. He confirmed that these hearings will be held across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ensuring national participation in the constitutional reform process. The zonal hearings are scheduled as follows: Barau reiterated the importance of broad public engagement and constitutional inclusiveness, highlighting the hearings as a vital platform for citizens to shape the country’s democratic future.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has formally presented a comprehensive performance review of his administration’s achievements over the last 18 months of his second term to the Imo State House of Assembly. The governor used this platform to reaffirm his commitment to building a progressive and economically viable state. While addressing the legislators on the floor of the State Assembly, Governor Uzodinma reflected on his leadership journey, describing his administration’s effort as a transformation that Imo citizens can proudly associate with. He emphasized that within a year and a half into his renewed mandate, his government has repositioned Imo on what he termed “an irreversible path of sustainable growth and development.” He pointed out that the foundational values of his administration rest on transparency, accountability, and people-first governance, which have guided all key policies and developmental strides. Governor Uzodinma explained that he chose to personally deliver this performance report to keep lawmakers and the general public informed about the state’s progress, especially as it relates to his second-term agenda. In a lengthy and detail-rich address that lasted several hours, the governor itemized his administration’s strides across multiple sectors including education, health, road infrastructure, and the digital economy. He stressed that these milestones were not mere coincidences but the outcomes of well-thought-out strategic planning. He recounted inheriting a system marred by institutional decay and neglected infrastructure, but noted that his immediate resolve was to reset the governance framework to prioritize the needs of the people through efficient service delivery. One of the administration’s core priorities, he explained, has been the welfare of workers. This includes the regular payment of salaries and pensions, as well as the clearing of longstanding pension arrears, aimed at creating a more economically viable and people-centric state environment. Governor Uzodinma also highlighted the success of the ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects, as well as improvements in health and educational infrastructure. He noted the positive impact of investments in digital technology and the broader digital economy, which he said are already reflecting in the lives of ordinary citizens. Among the flagship projects mentioned was the Light Up Imo initiative, which he described as a game-changer for economic development. According to him, “When a state has stable electricity, functional roads, skilled youth, and business-friendly policies, it naturally becomes a magnet for investors.” The governor further emphasized the strategic economic importance of the Oguta Lake to Atlantic Ocean dredging project, expressing confidence that once completed, the project would unlock new economic potentials and bolster the state’s position as a future hub of commerce in the Southeast. He recounted that his leadership over the past 28 months has been a journey marked by key milestones. Notable among them are the Assumpta Flyover, the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, upgraded access roads, and modernization of the Imo Airport, which recently began handling international flights. Governor Uzodinma also revealed remarkable fiscal improvements under his tenure. The state’s debt profile dropped from ₦259 billion in 2020 to ₦99 billion in 2025, while internally generated revenue (IGR) rose from ₦400 million to nearly ₦4 billion during the same period. He attributed this to responsible and prudent fiscal management by his administration. Grateful to the people of Imo for their ongoing support, Uzodinma reiterated his administration’s unshakable commitment to delivering good governance. He also thanked the members of the State Assembly for their collaboration and swift passage of executive bills, which he noted has significantly contributed to the administration’s ability to meet its objectives. In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, expressed appreciation to the governor for engaging directly with the legislature. He assured that while the Assembly remains independent, it would continue to work in synergy with the Executive to deliver effective governance in line with its constitutional responsibilities. The Speaker affirmed that the legislature is fully committed to ensuring that governance in the state remains impactful, transparent, and geared toward the collective interest of the citizens.
The Niger State Government has officially ordered the immediate shutdown of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, in response to intensifying security concerns in and around the institution. This directive was made public on Wednesday in Minna, the state capital, by Abubakar Usman, who serves as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The closure follows the tragic killing of a student near the university’s campus, which has stirred unrest and led to widespread demonstrations by students calling for better security and swift justice. According to Usman, the government’s decision stems from multiple security breaches, including the murder of a 300-level student, which occurred just outside the campus. The incident triggered serious protests from fellow students, who are now demanding that the authorities urgently address the worsening safety situation. “The safety and protection of every citizen, especially students, remains the utmost priority for this administration,” Abubakar Usman stated. He also appealed to the university community to stay calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue. He confirmed that a thorough investigation is currently underway to uncover the individuals responsible for the attack and ensure that those involved in the criminal act are arrested and prosecuted in line with the law. The government reassured the public that it is taking deliberate and proactive security measures to restore peace and safeguard the lives of students and residents in the affected area. The goal, according to Usman, is to establish a peaceful environment conducive to academic activities and community coexistence. As reported by LMSINT MEDIA, the closure of IBBU Lapai was enforced just 48 hours after the murder of a student named Abdulkareem, a 300-level undergraduate, who was brutally attacked and killed in his off-campus apartment by individuals suspected to be phone snatchers. The devastating incident sent shockwaves through the student body and drew immediate attention to the deteriorating security condition in the region. Calls have since intensified for the government and school authorities to implement comprehensive security strategies, including improved campus patrols, better off-campus surveillance, and quick-response mechanisms for students in distress. This developing story highlights the broader issue of youth vulnerability and campus safety in Nigeria, a matter that continues to demand urgent policy attention and long-term solutions.
The Taraba State Police Command has officially commenced a detailed investigation into the horrifying murder of a 29-year-old Fulani herder, Nura Umaru, whose lifeless body was recently discovered in a dense forest close to Rafin Kada in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. Reports reaching Zagazola Makama reveal that Umaru had vanished on June 22 while tending to his father’s cattle. His father, Umaru Dan Kani, confirmed that Nura failed to return home after setting out with the livestock, prompting an intensive two-day search by the family. Tragically, his remains were found on the morning of June 24, at approximately 7:00 a.m., deep within the bushlands near Rafin Kada. Speaking on the shocking development, DSP Umar Aji, the supervising officer of the local police outpost, disclosed that preliminary evidence pointed to a close-range shooting. The late herder’s body bore severe injuries, with visible signs of mutilation — notably, his intestines were exposed, suggesting a direct and brutal assault from behind. Law enforcement officers immediately moved to the crime scene for comprehensive documentation and body retrieval. According to local police authorities, the victim’s remains have been respectfully handed over to his family for burial in line with Islamic traditions. The police command, in a formal statement, reaffirmed its resolve to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the savage killing. The authorities further pledged to strengthen security operations across the affected region by increasing police patrols and deploying more personnel for surveillance in Rafin Kada, ensuring the area does not witness a recurrence of such violence. The command emphasized its ongoing commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. It stressed that acts of violence, ethnic targeting, and lawlessness will not be tolerated under any circumstances. This incident has heightened concerns around growing security challenges in rural communities in Taraba State, especially where communal tensions have occasionally flared. Local stakeholders are urging both security forces and government bodies to improve intelligence gathering and enhance community policing efforts to prevent similar tragedies.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asserting that while the president excels at political strategy, his performance in actual governance is deeply disappointing. During an interview with Vanguard, Adebayo questioned the potential legacy Tinubu would leave behind, considering his low scorecard in leadership execution. “When it comes to the political game, President Tinubu deserves an A1,” Adebayo remarked. “Unfortunately, that distinction in political manipulation is matched by an F9 when it comes to governing the country.” He emphasized that although Tinubu clearly understands the dynamics of the political elite and how to manipulate them to his advantage, he lacks insight into the real needs and expectations of everyday Nigerians. Adebayo explained: “The president is well-versed in the motivations of politicians. He knows exactly how to manipulate the political class — recruiting them, disengaging them when necessary, retiring them, and even bringing them back onboard. He knows what drives them. “But that’s not the same as leading a nation. If President Tinubu fails to protect lives in volatile regions like Benue, Plateau, and other crisis-prone areas, then it’s a clear sign that his administration is failing the people.” The former presidential hopeful went further to accuse Tinubu of believing that ordinary citizens are disengaged from the political process, and that controlling government institutions and political elites is sufficient to maintain dominance. Adebayo issued a warning that the real political resistance will not emerge from politicians but from the Nigerian electorate, whose growing awareness could soon reshape the democratic landscape. He cautioned those who attempt to convert career politicians into meaningful opposition voices, pointing out that their motivations are often self-serving rather than ideological. “Many of these so-called opposition voices only raise their concerns after being excluded from political appointments or government boards,” he said. “It’s only when they are dropped from ministerial positions or denied lucrative board seats that they suddenly become vocal — hoping to stir noise and get reabsorbed into the system.”
A tragic armed confrontation between suspected bandits and Nigerian security forces has led to the deaths of at least 20 military personnel, with many of the armed assailants also neutralized during the intense exchange of fire in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. Two Separate Communities Attacked Hours Apart The violent incident reportedly took place on Tuesday across two different villages in the region. According to local reports, Konan Dutse Kaiyan Ghana, located near the Bangi axis, came under attack around 11:00 p.m., while another assault occurred in Gulmin Boka community earlier at 5:00 p.m. on the same day. Local sources disclosed that the gunmen, believed to be bandits, were seen using their known routes—commonly exploited for abductions and cattle theft—when they encountered military resistance. Soldiers Ambushed During Response Mission In a statement confirming the harrowing development, Mariga Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Abbas Kasuwa Garba, revealed that the Nigerian soldiers were ambushed as they responded to an alert about suspicious bandit activity in the affected area. Garba also stated that the bodies of 17 soldiers had been recovered and transported to the Kontagora military barracks. The retrieval mission was conducted by collaborating security forces following the deadly encounter in the forested region. Ongoing Security Search and Reinforcements The council chairman emphasized that local vigilante groups and various security agencies are currently engaged in search operations to trace and apprehend the armed criminals. He commended the Nigerian Air Force for its rapid and effective aerial countermeasures, which were crucial in subduing some of the attackers. Garba also advised residents in the area to maintain their composure and to promptly report any unusual or suspicious activity to the relevant security authorities for timely intervention. Appeal for Calm Amid Security Operations While reassuring the public, the chairman noted that the Niger State Government is actively working with federal security forces to restore normalcy and safeguard the lives of citizens in the affected communities. “The government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety, peace, and stability of the region,” he stated. As at the time of publishing, no official statement has been released by the state government or national security agencies regarding the incident.
In a bold and strategically executed mission, the Colombian Army successfully rescued 57 of its personnel who had been detained by local civilians in southern Cauca, a volatile zone notorious for rebel activity and narcotics operations. The soldiers had been held hostage since the weekend in an operation suspected to be linked to dissident rebel factions. On Tuesday, Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez officially announced the military’s success during what was named “Operation Justice”, emphasizing that the entire operation was completed without a single gunshot being fired. He further revealed that 20 individuals were arrested in the process, suspected of aiding and executing the detention under rebel influence. Civilians Allegedly Acting on Orders from Rebel Group Earlier reports, including those from DAILY POST, had disclosed that the detained soldiers were overpowered by organized civilian groups. These civilians were allegedly operating under directives from the EMC (Estado Mayor Central)—a powerful breakaway wing of the now-dissolved FARC guerrilla movement. The EMC is currently considered one of Colombia’s most dangerous insurgent forces, with deep ties to cocaine production and trafficking, particularly in the rural highlands of Cauca. Military Denounces Act as Coordinated Kidnapping Minister Sánchez strongly condemned the unlawful detention, labeling it a deliberate “kidnapping” orchestrated by the EMC. According to him, the group mobilized local residents to physically block the military’s extraction of a captured suspected rebel, apprehended on Saturday. This confrontation escalated into a full-blown standoff. General Erick Rodríguez of the Colombian Army explained that over 100 individuals surrounded the first military unit attempting to airlift the suspect. A second group of soldiers deployed to assist was also encircled by an even larger mob, effectively holding two units hostage simultaneously. Unprecedented in Scale and Nature Although the temporary detention of security forces by civilians in Colombia’s conflict zones is not entirely uncommon, the magnitude and coordination of this event were described as unprecedented. Typically, soldiers captured in such instances are released following negotiations led by humanitarian agencies. However, in this case, the captors refused all avenues for negotiation, forcing the Colombian Army to deploy heavily armed reinforcements. The resultant tactical operation not only liberated the detained soldiers but also led to the arrest of 20 individuals, believed to be acting on EMC instructions. Cauca: A Region Trapped in Conflict and Cocaine Economy The Cauca department continues to be one of Colombia’s most dangerous and conflict-ridden zones, where the presence of state forces is frequently met with suspicion and resistance. One of the major challenges faced by the government is the deep socio-economic dependence on coca cultivation, the primary raw ingredient in cocaine. Military assessments suggest that over 90% of the region’s population relies on coca farming as their main source of income. This economic dependency fuels a cycle of poverty, violence, and insurgent control. In addition to the EMC, the region is infested with multiple armed groups that extort local farmers, exploit illegal mining sites, and manage lucrative drug trafficking routes. These overlapping threats have severely hindered the government’s efforts to re-establish security and transition local economies toward legal agricultural and trade activities.
The Nigerian Army has officially confirmed the tragic loss of 17 soldiers in a brutal terrorist ambush on a military base situated in Bangi, within the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. This confirmation follows a wave of online reports that surfaced a day earlier, highlighting a surprise terrorist attack that claimed the lives of at least 20 military personnel and left several others seriously injured. In a statement made public on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, revealed that the troops were attacked by a heavily armed terrorist faction, believed to be approximately 300 in number, operating out of the notorious Kwanar Dutse Forest. “Utilizing actionable intelligence, our troops engaged these terrorists in an intense three-hour-long firefight,” the Army spokesperson stated. “They successfully disrupted the terrorists’ attempt to infiltrate Kwatankoro Forest, where they were either regrouping for future attacks or seeking a safe haven from the ongoing military operations in Zamfara State.” To bolster ground operations, the Nigerian Air Force launched targeted precision airstrikes against the terrorists’ escape routes. These aerial offensives reportedly inflicted significant casualties on the fleeing militants. Although an exact enemy body count wasn’t disclosed, Anele confirmed that multiple blood trails were discovered along the withdrawal paths, suggesting substantial losses on the terrorists’ side. “Unfortunately, during this heroic resistance, seventeen valiant Nigerian soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice,” Anele continued. “An additional ten personnel sustained varying levels of injury during the encounter.” She added that all injured personnel have been promptly evacuated to military medical facilities, where they are currently receiving treatment and are reported to be in stable condition. In a heartfelt tribute, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, expressed his deep condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen heroes. He acknowledged their courage and commitment to national defense, stating that their sacrifice would never be forgotten. He further ordered that the best available medical attention be provided to the wounded troops to ensure a speedy and complete recovery.
Lafia, the administrative hub of Nasarawa State, experienced a complete shutdown on Wednesday following the high-profile visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The President arrived to officially inaugurate major infrastructure developments undertaken by Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration. Despite the absence of any formally declared public holiday, schools across the city, both public and private, were closed, compelling thousands of students to remain at home. Business owners and civil servants equally suspended operations, creating an unusual calm over the city as shops, offices, and street activities ground to a halt. In anticipation of President Tinubu’s arrival, massive gatherings of residents, schoolchildren, and political loyalists lined the main roads, holding placards and cheering enthusiastically in support of both the President and Governor Sule. The city center and several adjoining routes were packed with waving supporters dressed in branded attire and national colors. As of the time this report was filed, the President had yet to touch down in Lafia, but final touches were being made to the venues selected for the inauguration ceremonies. Interestingly, the weather remained cool and cloud-covered throughout the day, a pleasant contrast to the typical heat, giving comfort to the large crowd of onlookers who waited patiently under heavy security surveillance. To maintain security and order, vehicular access within Lafia was strictly regulated. Security operatives blocked major roads, enforcing traffic diversions. Commercial motorcyclists who attempted to navigate restricted areas were reportedly confronted and in some cases forcefully removed by armed personnel. The President’s visit is being viewed as a political milestone for Nasarawa State, marking the formal commissioning of various government-funded infrastructure initiatives. These developments reflect enhanced synergy between federal and state leadership in driving regional development. Additionally, the visit underscores the growing commitment to North Central Nigeria’s growth agenda, further highlighted by the recent establishment of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) headquarters in Lafia—a move that aligns with long-term infrastructural planning in the zone. Joining President Tinubu on this landmark working visit are key political figures including the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, as well as prominent past leaders such as former Governor Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and former APC National Chairman, Adamu Abdullahi. They are expected to join Governor Sule in welcoming the President and overseeing the commissioning ceremonies of the newly completed projects.

