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Coalition Berates Zamfara Gov Dauda Lawal for Financing Banditry, Illegal Gold-Mining for Selfish Gains

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2 years ago

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…Calls for Arrest of Bandits’ Sponsors

A coalition, Centre Against Banditry and Terrorism (CABT), has condemned Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, for allegedly financing banditry and illegal gold-mining activities in the state for personal gain. 

Speaking at a press conference, Executive Director, Yakubu Dauda, accused Governor Lawal of paying terrorists and subversive elements over N1.3 billion to sustain his profit from illegal mining activities.

Dauda revealed that the funds were paid to notorious terrorist kingpins, including Kachalla Dogo Gide, Kachalla Bello Turji, and Ado Alero, among others, to unleash more mayhem on communities with gold deposits. 

The coalition demanded a full investigation into the sponsorship of terrorism in the North West, calling for the prosecution of all persons connected with the insecurity in Zamfara State and the North-West. 

Dauda urged anti-graft agencies to confirm the transactions, freeze accounts associated with the beneficiaries, and put them on trial for terrorism financing.

“Contrary to the lies told in the approval, Governor Lawal’s main motive is to sustain his profit from illegal mining activities which is his sole business. The funds paid to the terrorists seem to have been for them to unleash more mayhem on communities with gold deposits especially since there has been an uptick in attacks in the aftermath of the payments,” the statement said. 

“For context, the funds transferred to these terrorists were done solely at the discretion of Governor Lawal. There is nowhere in the approval that states that this criminal enterprise was undertaken with neighbouring states or the federal government. 

“The expenditure of this amount for arming terrorists and mobilising subversion of the Nigerian state did not pass through the Zamfara State House of Assembly as well if only to secure its rubber stamp approval.

“It is worrisome that Governor Dauda Lawal and the Zamfara State Government have not cleared the air on this criminal payment to terrorists since the leak of that document. Governor Lawal’s silence is an acceptance of culpability. 

“This must now attract consequences because the evil he perpetrated in Zamfara affects the whole of Nigeria.”

CABT praised the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Muhammad Bello Matawalle, for his efforts in reviewing the ongoing anti-banditry and counter-terrorism operations in the North-West region, expressing hope that the banditry problem would soon be addressed.

The group said his review of the ongoing anti-banditry and counter-terrorism operations in the North-West region has reassured us that the banditry problem will one day be a thing of the past.

“The Centre Against Banditry and Terrorism (CABT) terrorism can only end if we all join hands to take the war to the sponsors of the terrorist gangs. We demand a full investigation of those behind the sponsorship of terrorism in the North West,” the statement said. 

“We expect that Mr President will issue an Executive Order to accelerate the naming and prosecution of all persons connected with the insecurity in Zamfara State and the North-West to rid that part of Nigeria of terrorism.

“We urge the anti-graft agencies to confirm the transactions in the document, freeze all accounts associated with the listed beneficiaries, and put the recipients on trial for terrorism financing.”

READ THE FULL TEXT BELOW

BEING THE TEXT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 BY CENTRE AGAINST BANDITRY AND TERRORISM ON THE COLLAPSE OF THE SECURITY SITUATION IN THE NORTHWEST OF THE COUNTRY OCCASIONED BY THE REVELATION THAT THE GOVERNOR OF ZAMFARA STATE, DAUDA LAWAL, IS PAYING BANDITS AND OTHER SUBVERSIVE ELEMENTS TO UNDERMINE SECURITY IN THE REGION AND BY IMPLICATION ACROSS NIGERIA.

Protocols,

Gentlemen of the press, you must by now be familiar with a distributed released in the public domain showing the approval by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal that authorised payment of the sum of One Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million Naira (N1,378, 000,000) to terrorists, bandits and other subversive elements that are responsible for the insecurity, killings and kidnappings plaguing the north-west and other parts of Nigeria.

Contrary to the lies told in the approval, Governor Lawal’s main motive is to sustain his profit from illegal mining activities which is his sole business. The funds paid to the terrorists seem to have been for them to unleash more mayhem on communities with gold deposits especially since there has been an uptick in attacks in the aftermath of the payments.

For context, the funds transferred to these terrorists were done solely at the discretion of Governor Lawal. There is nowhere in the approval that states that this criminal enterprise was undertaken with neighbouring states or the federal government. The expenditure of this amount for arming terrorists and mobilising subversion of the Nigerian state did not pass through the Zamfara State House of Assembly as well if only to secure its rubber stamp approval.

Just to be clear, Governor Lawal paid the “BANDITS KINGPINS” as follows: (1.) Kachalla Dogo Gide = N200,000,000 (2.) Kachalla Bello Turji = N200,000,000 (3.) Ado Alero N200,000,000 (4.) Kachalla Halilu Sububu N150,000,000 and (5.) Gwaska Dan Karami N150,000,000.

He also paid subversive elements, who he described as “MEDIA PROMOTERS” as follows: (6.) Sahara Reporters N100,000,000 (7.) Jackson Ude = N158,000,000 (8.) Bashir Hadejia = N100,000,000 (9.) Shuaibu Mungadi = N50,000,000 (10.) Tijjani Lamaran N50,000,000 (11.) Danbilki Kwamanda = N20,000,000.

We want to note a few other things immediately. Firstly, the approval had this clause, “implement the project” which left us wondering. What project? The payment cannot be “the project” since the payment is meant to get the terrorists to commit to certain deliverables. What are these deliverables? Secondly, is the directive for the “state ministry of finance to release the said amount for distribution to the beneficiaries listed above as a matter of urgency.” Since this approval was from July 2, 2024, the funds have been disbursed to these criminals. 

Kachalla Dogo Gide

Kachalla Dogo Gide is a vicious terror kingpin linked to the abduction of 137 students from elementary schools in Kaduna State sometime this year. He is also one of the suspected masterminds of the attack on a Kaduna-bound train and runs the biggest kidnap-for-ransom franchise in Nigeria.

Kachalla Bello Turji 

Kachalla Bello Turji is a bloodthirsty notorious terrorist and bandit kingpin who has left a trail of death in the northwest. Turji led a bandit gang in the 2022 Zamfara massacres that killed hundreds of people including women and children.

Bashir Hadejia 

Bashir Hadejia is in the custody of security agencies being investigated for allegedly masterminding the August 2024 #EndBadGoernanceInNigeria violent protest in the north of the country. Hadejia was arrested for treason, subversive activities against the Nigerian government, trans-border gun-running, heist and other transnational crimes.

Jackson Ude

United States-based fugitive, Jackson Ude, a self-acclaimed investigative journalist and promoter of the infamous blog pointblanknews.com, has been running pro-terrorist propaganda for the group. Known for regularly blackmailing and extorting, high profile Nigerians, Ude recently attempted to spin a narrative to exonerate Bashir Hadejia following the latter’s arrest.

Sahara Reporters (Omoyele Sowore)

Sahara Reporters’ publisher, Omoyele Sowore, is not new to controversial payments. He has been accused in the past of accepting funds from foreign interests to undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria. Sowore has become a permanent fixture on the ballot for presidential elections, a position he uses for leverage since he spins his arrests for subversive activities as a clamp down on the opposition.

These are brief profiles of some recipients of Governor Lawal’s N1.35 billion. These are persons who have declared it their life mission to bring Nigeria down. These are persons whose actions and activities have led to the spilling of the blood of innocent Nigerians. Payments to these persons have made citizens despondent.

It is worrisome that Governor Dauda Lawal and the Zamfara State Government have not cleared the air on this criminal payment to terrorists since the leak of that document. Governor Lawal’s silence is an acceptance of culpability. This must now attract consequences because the evil he perpetrated in Zamfara affects the whole of Nigeria. 

We are only fortunate by the ray of hope offered by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Muhammad Bello Matawalle, through his visit to the Nigerian Army’s 8th Division Headquarters in Sokoto State. His review of the ongoing anti-banditry and counter-terrorism operations in the North-West region has reassured us that the banditry problem will one day be a thing of the past.

Gentlemen of the press, the Centre Against Banditry and Terrorism (CABT) terrorism can only end if we all join hands to take the war to the sponsors of the terrorist gangs. We demand a full investigation of those behind the sponsorship of terrorism in the North West. 

We expect that Mr President will issue an Executive Order to accelerate the naming and prosecution of all persons connected with the insecurity in Zamfara State and the North-West to rid that part of Nigeria of terrorism.

We urge the anti-graft agencies to confirm the transactions in the document, freeze all accounts associated with the listed beneficiaries, and put the recipients on trial for terrorism financing.

Yakubu Dauda 

Executive Director.

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EID EL-ADHA 2026: Governor Dauda Lawal Urges Increased Prayers for Peace, Hails Return of Displaced Communities

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2 weeks ago

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May 28, 2026

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As Muslims across the world celebrate Eid al-Adha 2026 yesterday, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has called on the faithful to intensify prayers for lasting peace in the state and Nigeria at large. The governor made the appeal in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, ahead of the Eid prayers.

Eid al-Adha, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is observed annually by Muslims on the 10th day of Dhulhijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival commemorates the unwavering obedience and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.), who was willing to sacrifice his son Isma’il in submission to Allah’s (SWT) command an act replaced by divine intervention with a ram.

In his address, Governor Lawal reflected on the spiritual significance of the season, noting that the sacrificial rite not only honours Prophet Ibrahim’s submission but also forms an essential part of the Hajj rituals for pilgrims currently in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

“I felicitate with the Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Adha 2026,” the governor said. “The sacrifice performed during Eid is symbolic of Prophet Ibrahim’s submission and is also part of the Hajj rites for pilgrims.”

The governor specifically called on residents of Zamfara, particularly those undertaking the pilgrimage, to remain steadfast in prayers for the state and the nation.

“We have made significant progress in the fight against banditry, which is why dispersed communities are now returning to their homes,” Lawal stated. He cited a recent milestone: “Last week, we successfully returned thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral community of Fegin Kanawa Village in Gusau Local Government Area after over a year of displacement.”

According to officials, the village had been abandoned due to repeated bandit attacks, forcing residents to seek refuge in overcrowded camps or host communities. The successful return of the IDPs marks one of the administration’s key achievements in its ongoing security and reconstruction efforts.

Governor Lawal expressed gratitude to Allah for enabling the state to witness what he described as a “historic” achievement the airlift of pilgrims from Gusau International Airport, which has now resumed full operations after previous disruptions.

“We are committed to ensuring the safe return of all displaced persons to their homes. Such successes are only possible due to our collective prayers. I urge us to pray more, especially during sacred religious festivals,” he added.

The governor concluded his message with warm wishes: “I wish everyone a peaceful Eid celebration.”

Following the broadcast, Governor Lawal joined thousands of worshippers at the Gusau Central Eid prayer ground, where he observed the two-unit Eid prayer and listened to the customary sermon (khutbah). Security was notably heightened across the state, with checkpoints and patrols deployed to prevent any attacks during the celebrations.

Zamfara, like much of Nigeria’s North-West region, has faced years of insecurity fueled by banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes. The governor’s emphasis on prayer reflects a broader strategy that combines military offensives, community dialogue, and spiritual advocacy to restore normalcy.

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Wema Bank’s One-Day MD/CEO, Chinmamanda Ozoakpata, Unveils New Benefits for Children

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2 weeks ago

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May 26, 2026

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At Wema Bank, we have spent the last few years reimagining what Children’s Day can look like for Nigerian children.What started as a celebration has evolved into an intentional platform designed to build confidence, encourage leadership, promote financial literacy and create meaningful opportunities for children across different age groups.This year, we have raised the bar even higher. At Wema Bank’s Children’s Day Special Event held on Monday, May 25, 2026, our One-Day MD/CEO, Chinmamanda Diamond Ozoakpata, used her first official act in office to unveil a series of new initiatives designed to reward, educate and empower children through our Royal Kiddies account and ALAT Xplore platform.From year-long cash rewards and celebrations of academic excellence to financial literacy materials and STEM challenges, here are the new incentives that were announced and how to qualify:1. Birthday Cash Gift (Royal Kiddies Account Holders)Wema bank is putting real money behind milestone birthdays. Active Royal Kiddies account holders turning 5 will receive ₦5,000, while those turning 10 will receive ₦10,000 automatically, as a birthday cash gift. The initiative runs from May 2026 to May 2027. Importantly, active account holders who already turned 5 or 10 before May 2026 this year will also receive their reward this month.To qualify: Your child must hold an active Royal Kiddies account and be turning (or have turned) age 5 or 10 within the qualifying window.2. ₦100,000 Reward for Top Common Entrance Students (Royal Kiddies Account Holders)In a move that directly ties financial reward to academic achievement, Wema Bank will reward the top 100 students in the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) with ₦100,000 each. This initiative commences in June 2026.To qualify: Your child must be among the top 100 performers in the NCEE and hold a Royal Kiddies account.3. Financial Literacy Book Launch – Money Adventures (Royal Kiddies Account Holders)Wema Bank officially launched Money Adventures, a financial literacy book created for children aged 6 and above, at the Children’s Day event. Designed to make money conversations simpler and more engaging for young readers, the book introduces children to foundational concepts around saving, money management and responsible financial habits in a fun, age-appropriate way. To qualify: To receive a copy of this book, your child must hold an active Royal Kiddies account or have their Royal Kiddies account newly activated.4. Evolve School Tour STEM Challenge (ALAT Xplore Account Holders)The Bank also unveiled the Evolve School Tour STEM Challenge. Designed for secondary school students aged 13–17, the programme will run across six schools nationwide with existing STEM programmes. Through hands-on STEM competitions and school engagements, the initiative aims to promote innovation, technology awareness, financial literacy and responsible savings culture. There will also be monetary prizes to be won at the end of the challenge.To qualify: Your child must be an ALAT Xplore customer, aged 13–17, and attend one of the participating schools with an active STEM programme.Over the last four years, Wema Bank has consistently treated Children’s Day as more than a calendar moment. From the One-Day MD/CEO initiative to school tours, leadership experiences and child-focused financial literacy campaigns, the Bank has continued to expand how it supports children meaningfully.Yet, this is the first time  the bank has included a Children’s Day initiative that runs for an entire year. Combine that with a six-figure academic reward, a published financial literacy resource, and a nationwide school tour, and it becomes clear: this is the most comprehensive, most impactful package of benefits Wema Bank has ever delivered to its youngest customers. It signals a growing commitment by Wema Bank to create experiences for children that extend far beyond celebration and leave a lasting impact long after Children’s Day is over.

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Zamfara State Approves Enhanced Pension Payouts for Retired Public Workers

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3 weeks ago

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May 19, 2026

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In a decisive move aimed at alleviating the economic burdens of retired public servants, Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, has officially approved increased monthly pension payments for all former workers from both state and local government offices. The approval follows an extensive financial review of retirees’ living conditions, with particular attention to those in lower-income brackets who have been disproportionately affected by the prevailing cost-of-living crisis.The decision was precipitated by the findings and recommendations of a special committee empaneled to evaluate the welfare situation of pensioners across the state. The committee’s report highlighted acute financial distress among aging retirees and called for immediate remedial action. In response, the state government has authorized a substantive upward adjustment in monthly pension stipends.This increment aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s Minimum Wage Act of 2024, which explicitly recommended an additional monthly sum of at least N32,000 for pensioners. Governor Lawal has opted for full implementation of this advisory for all retired state and local government employees a policy intervention expected to benefit thousands of households across Zamfara. The state government has subsequently issued binding directives to all relevant agencies to ensure the expeditious and seamless disbursement of the enhanced payments without procedural delays.Speaking on the development, the Honorable Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Muhammad Dantawasa, characterized the policy as a tangible demonstration of Governor Lawal’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for both active and former government workers. According to the Commissioner, the administration operates on the principle that dignified retirement includes access to basic necessities and financial comfort. Beneficiaries across all local government areas have been assured of prompt payment once implementation commences.

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