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Vigilantes Kill Over 100 Bandits In Zamfara

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Vigilantes Kill Over 100 Bandits In Zamfara

Government-sponsored vigilantes in northwest Nigeria killed more than 100 gang members in a gun battle earlier this week, a local official said late Wednesday.

For years, heavily armed criminal gangs locally known as “bandits” have been intensifying attacks in rural areas northwest and central Nigeria with little state presence, killing thousands and conducting kidnappings for ransom.

Although bandits have no ideological leanings and are motivated by financial gains, their increasing alliance with jihadists from the northeast has been a source of concern for authorities and security analysts.

Members of Zamfara Civilian Protection Guard (CPG), a state-backed militia, stormed the stronghold of Bello Turji, a notorious “bandit” kingpin, said Ahmad Manga, security adviser to the state governor of Zamfara.

They engaged his fighters in an hours-long gun battle that left scores dead, he added.

The CPG were supported by Nigeria’s secret police (DSS) and militia members invited by the state government from northeastern Borno, where they are assisting the military in fighting jihadist groups, Manga said.

“The coalition took the fight to Turji’s stronghold in Shinkafi district where he lost more than 100 fighters in the battle,” Manga said.

The attack was led by Bashari Maniya, a former bandit who is now assisting the government, he said, adding that the attack “was aimed at getting Turji, dead or alive”.

A security source confirmed the incident, saying Turji had learned about the plans in advance and invited fighters from other bandit camps to fight off the attack.

“It will be hard to give an exact number, but the toll is quite huge” on the bandits’ side, the source said.

At least 20 vigilantes and militia were killed in the fight, including Maniya, both Manga and the security source said.

In an online video seen by an AFP reporter on Tuesday, Turji was seen celebrating with his men over bodies of at least nine vigilantes and militia members killed in the fight.

Turji also identified one of the bodies as “Bashir Maniya” in the video, in an apparent reference to the former bandit leader.

Bandit violence in Nigeria has evolved from clashes between Fulani herders and farmers over resources in the impoverished country into a broader conflict fuelled by arms trafficking.

Increasing cooperation between the criminal gangs in the northwest and jihadists in the northeast has seen attacks get worse.

Turji, 31, dumped herding for cattle rustling and kidnapping for ransom in 2011 in his native Shinkafi town, terrorising communities in Zamfara and neighbouring Sokoto state.

The kingpin had made several peace agreements with Zamfara state authorities only to renege later.

In February 2021 Turji appeared in a widely circulated video threatening to invite foreign gangs to destabilize Nigeria.

He has survived several military offensives, including airstrikes on his camps in December 2021 that killed his brother and other family members.

Guardian.ng

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Poor Bye-Elections Results: Ohanaeze Tells Peter Obi Not To Contest 2027 Presidency

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The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to rigorously reconsider his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Igbo socio-cultural body, in an electronic statement on Tuesday August 19, hinged the call on what it described as the significant underperformance of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the bye-elections held across 12 states in the country last Saturday.

Deputy President- General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in the statement, noted: “The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, addresses the nation with a solemn pronouncement regarding the unsettling outcomes of the recent bye-elections conducted on Saturday, August 16, 2025, across sixteen constituencies nationwide.

“These electoral results, marked by the significant underperformance of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have elicited a profound sense of dismay and disillusionment throughout Nigeria.

“It is with a resolute sense of responsibility and candor that we declare: the opposition coalition has demonstrated a concerning inability to effectively challenge the incumbent ruling party as the nation approaches the critical 2027 elections.

“The unexpected victories of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, notably under the leadership of His Excellency, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, over ADC candidates – particularly those supported by the former Governor, Mr. Peter Obi – represent a significant contradiction to the prevailing perception that the Southeast region unequivocally aligns itself with Mr. Obi’s political aspirations.

“This electoral result not only diminishes Mr. Obi’s perceived influence, but also prompts critical examination of the ADC’s viability as a credible and consequential political entity within Nigeria. The outcome of these elections serves as a vital indicator, revealing a concerning disparity between the expectations of the electorate and the demonstrable capabilities of the ADC.

“Given these developments, Ohanaeze Ndigbo feels obligated to communicate this unadulterated assessment to the leadership of the opposition coalition. The stark reality of the ADC’s electoral failures, has engendered considerable apprehension within the Nigerian populace concerning the party’s capacity to offer meaningful opposition or a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). It is a matter of deep concern that, despite considerable anticipation that the ADC would secure a substantial number of seats, the party failed to achieve even a single victory in this crucial electoral exercise.

“As we reflect on these results, a thorough introspection of the ADC’s strategies and a more substantive engagement with the electorate become paramount. The party’s current approach, characterized by a disproportionate reliance on social media pronouncements and a perceived lack of meaningful interaction with the Nigerian citizenry, is demonstrably inadequate to surmount the challenges that lie ahead. The Igbo people, now more politically astute than ever, are disinclined to entrust their collective future to a weakened opposition party, whether it be the ADC or the Labour Party.

“Furthermore, we implore Mr. Peter Obi to rigorously reconsider his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election against His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The recent electoral defeats of his ADC-supported candidates serve as a stark reminder of the formidable challenges that await him.

“The political landscape is undergoing dynamic transformation, and it is imperative that Mr. Obi and his supporters accurately assess the prevailing realities. The Southeast governors and Igbo political leadership, under the leadership of Senator David Umahi, have publicly expressed their intention to deliver a significant portion, up to ninety percent, of the Southeast votes to President Tinubu.

“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the political advancement of the Igbo people and the broader Nigerian society. We implore all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, comprehensively re-evaluate strategies, and collaborate in earnest to forge a future that embodies the collective aspirations and hopes of all Nigerians. The imperative for profound reflection and decisive action is unequivocally now.”

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Igbo Presidency: ‘Not Peter Obi’ – Fresh Prophecy Reveals Southeast Politician To Rule Nigeria

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As the Southeast region of Nigeria continues its pursuit of the presidency, aiming for the highest political office in the country, various prominent politicians from Eastern Nigeria have made multiple attempts to secure this significant position.

In light of these efforts, a new prophecy has emerged regarding the potential next Igbo president, though it is not referring to the celebrated Peter Obi.

Since 2015, Peter Obi has been a key figure in Southeast politics, consistently positioning himself as a strong candidate for the presidency of Nigeria.

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Ibom Air Saga: 5 Revelations Comfort Emmanson Made On Altercation With Air Hostess

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The Ibom Air passenger at the centre of a viral altercation, Comfort Emmanson, has finally spoken out about the incident that led to her being banned from flying with Nigerian airlines.

In an emotional statement, Emmanson recounted her experience and shared shocking details about what truly happened on the flight.

Here are five key revelations she made:


1. Faulty Phone Sparked the Dispute
Emmanson revealed that the entire confrontation began because one of her phones had a faulty power button.

She said she tried to explain to the flight attendant, Juliana, that she could only place it in flight mode.

A fellow passenger later helped her switch it off, yet Juliana allegedly left her with a warning: “You will see.”

2. She Was Stopped from Alighting Without Explanation
After landing in Lagos, Emmanson claimed she was prevented from leaving the aircraft despite doing nothing wrong.

According to her, Juliana blocked her way without clarifying the reason, triggering confusion and frustration.

3. She Was Dragged, Humiliated, and Recorded
She said her frontal hairpiece was pulled, her clothes were torn, and she was insulted.

In the chaos, videos captured her exposed body, which later went viral online.

4. Viral Videos Left Her Deeply Traumatised
She lamented that people made memes and stickers from her exposed images, leaving her ashamed, unable to work freely, and fearful about her reputation and future.

5. She Reacted Out of Pain and Anger
“I poked her back. I admit I wouldn’t have done that if I weren’t provoked,” she confessed.

Despite the controversy, Emmanson maintains she is not a “troublesome person” and never expected the matter to spiral into a nationwide scandal.

Recently, Delta State Governor’s aide Ossai Ovie Success offered her a ₦500,000 monthly job and a free trip, a gesture that could help her rebuild her life.

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