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Governor Dauda Lawal Commissions 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers, Aerial Surveillance Drones To Combat Insecurity

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In a major boost to the fight against banditry and insecurity in Zamfara State and the North-West Zone, Zamfara State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Dauda Lawal, on Wednesday commissioned 25 new Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and sets of surveillance drones for the military and other security agencies operating in the state.

The event, which took place in Gusau, was part of the state government’s ongoing effort to provide structured logistical support to frontline security forces and combat insurgency and banditry, while protecting lives and property. Speaking at the commissioning and handover, Governor Lawal emphasised that the new assets are intended to enhance troop protection during high-risk deployments and improve rapid response capabilities in remote communities, ensuring tactical battle and overhead surveillance for victory.

“We have provided over 600 specialised motorcycles, 150 Hilux vehicles, and 20 Buffalo vehicles to our security forces. These 25 highly sophisticated APCs being commissioned today are therefore part of a broader reform to improve response to security threats. The APC’s significantly improves troop protection during deployments into high-risk areas. They reduce vulnerability during patrols, support convoy security along major routes, and strengthen rapid response capability when distress calls arise from remote communities.” the Governor stated.

Governor Lawal explained that the security challenges of recent years had disrupted farming, limited trade, and undermined public confidence across the state. He noted that his administration’s “Rescue Mission” agenda has focused on moving from fragmented responses to structured reforms, including the establishment of a Zamfara State Security Trust Fund and the operationalisation of Community Protection Guards to improve grassroots intelligence.

The Governor specifically highlighted the importance of integrating modern technology into security operations. He noted that the newly acquired drones would expand aerial surveillance, improve situational awareness, and support better coordination between command centres and troops in the field.

“Real-time information strengthens decision-making and reduces operational blind spots,” he added.

Governor Lawal, however, acknowledged the critical role of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that recent federal budgets have allocated over three trillion naira to defence, a commitment he said strengthens subnational stabilisation efforts.

He urged the military commanders and personnel receiving the equipment to ensure disciplined maintenance and intelligence-guided deployment. “Enhancing your safety enhances the safety of our communities,” he told the troops.

Governor Lawal also told the people of Zamfara that his administration remains resolute in restoring enduring security and peace across every Local Government Area. “We will sustain preventive measures, strengthen patrol architecture in rural corridors, deepen inter-state intelligence collaboration across the North-West, and maintain fiscal prudence in security expenditure. Stabilisation will continue through structured planning, lawful enforcement, and institutional reform.”

The Governor also linked the security investment to economic recovery, stressing that stability in rural areas is essential for agricultural productivity, market activity, and food security.

The event was attended by the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), who formally commissioned the assets for operational service. Governor Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to sustain preventive measures and inter-state security collaboration until lasting peace is restored across all Local Government Areas in Zamfara.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Reshuffles Cabinet, Harps on Strengthening Governance Efficiency

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His Excellency, Dr Dauda Lawal, Executive Governor of Zamfara State, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle involving three Honourable Commissioners as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and enhance service delivery across the State.

Announcing the development, the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, stated that the redeployment is aimed at strategically repositioning key Ministries for greater efficiency and effective implementation of the Administration’s Rescue Agenda.

The affected Commissioners are:

I. Hon. Abdulrahaman Tumbido, redeployed from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources;
II. Hon. Kasimu Yahya Kaura, redeployed from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development; and
III. Hon. Tasiu Musa Shinkafi, redeployed from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The redeployment takes immediate effect.

Governor Lawal has directed the affected Commissioners to ensure a smooth transition and complete all necessary handover processes within one week.

The Governor further charged them to bring renewed vigour, dedication, and innovation to their new assignments, while remaining focused on delivering tangible benefits to the people of Zamfara State in line with the objectives of the Rescue Agenda.

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Operation CLEAN SWEEP III: Soldiers Destroy Terrorists Hideouts in Katsina

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Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have launched a major offensive against terrorists and bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, destroying several criminal hideouts and logistics bases during ongoing clearance operations.

The military said the operation, codenamed Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, commenced on June 14, 2026, following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists in the area.

According to the Joint Task Force, the operation is aimed at tracking down those responsible for the attack, dismantling criminal networks, and restoring security across affected communities.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops have been carrying out aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations, and clearance missions across identified terrorist enclaves within the Joint Operations Area.

Danja said troops recorded significant successes in the Dikkawa Hills area and neighbouring communities, where several terrorist hideouts were discovered and destroyed.

“Since the commencement of the operation on 14 June 2026, troops have conducted aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations and clearance missions across identified criminal hideouts and suspected terrorist enclaves within the Joint Operations Area,” he said.

He added that clearance operations were conducted in Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa communities, leading to the destruction of terrorists’ support structures.

“During the operations, terrorists’ life-support structures and logistics bases were discovered and destroyed, further degrading the criminals’ ability to operate within the area,” Danja stated.

The military spokesman noted that the operation is being carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen security efforts across Katsina State.

“The operation is being conducted in close collaboration with sister services, other security agencies and local stakeholders whose support continues to contribute significantly to ongoing efforts aimed at improving security within the state,” he said.

He reassured residents of Matazu and surrounding communities of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and preventing terrorists and bandits from operating freely in the region.

“The Theatre Command wishes to reassure the good people of Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities that troops remain committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and denying terrorists and bandits freedom of action within the region,” Danja added.

He also called on members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, assuring that all information would be treated confidentially.

According to him, troops will sustain pressure on criminal elements until the objectives of the operation are fully achieved, while further updates will be provided as the operation progresses.

On Saturday, the Katsina State Government confirmed Abubakar’s death.

The government said he died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.

 

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Lagos Steps Up Waste Disposal Efforts, Adds 10 New Compactors [PHOTOS]

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The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has received 10 new waste compactor trucks donated by the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority as part of efforts to strengthen waste management operations and promote environmental sustainability across the state.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony yesterday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the donation as a significant demonstration of corporate social responsibility and inter-agency collaboration within the Lagos State Government.

According to the commissioner, the donation reflects the strong synergy between Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the private sector in addressing environmental challenges associated with rapid urbanisation and population growth in Lagos.

Wahab noted that Lagos remains one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, generating more than 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, adding that managing such a huge volume of waste requires continuous investment in infrastructure, equipment, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

He highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the state government through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to improve waste management services, stressing that substantial investments have been made in the sector.

According to him, the government is strengthening waste collection through Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, expanding recycling programmes, deploying marine waste evacuation teams, promoting waste-to-wealth initiatives, and investing in modern waste management technologies.

The commissioner stated that Lagos State has successfully transitioned from the traditional “collect-and-dump” model to a more sustainable zero-waste economy that views waste as a valuable resource.

“As part of this transformation, the state government has signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with local and international partners aimed at diverting waste from landfills through recycling, reuse, and resource recovery,” he said.

“At present, the state has secured agreements that will remove close to 5,000 metric tonnes from the 13,000 metric tonnes of waste generated daily.”

Wahab explained that the waste conversion projects would significantly reduce the volume of waste disposed of at landfill sites while creating valuable resources from waste streams.

He emphasised that the donation comes at a crucial period in the state’s environmental renewal efforts, particularly following the reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

According to him, the newly acquired compactors will enhance operational efficiency, improve waste evacuation across communities, reduce collection turnaround time, and support the state’s drive to maintain cleaner surroundings.

“These compactors will be strategically deployed to critical locations across the state, especially areas experiencing high waste generation and communities requiring enhanced waste evacuation services,” he assured.

Wahab commended the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority for its support and commitment to environmental sustainability, noting that the collaboration demonstrates the impact of collective action among government institutions in achieving sustainable development goals.

He also urged public institutions, private-sector organisations, and corporate stakeholders to emulate the gesture by supporting initiatives that promote environmental protection, cleaner communities, and sustainable urban development.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve residents’ quality of life.

He noted that beyond its statutory responsibilities, the agency remains committed to promoting education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, stressing that a clean environment is fundamental to public health and well-being.

Are said the donation aligns with Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision to maintain a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos.

While describing the donation as a significant contribution, he acknowledged that the waste management needs of a megacity like Lagos far exceed the number of trucks being handed over, noting that even hundreds of additional trucks would still be required to meet the state’s growing demands.

He assured residents of the agency’s continued support and commitment to partnering with the Lagos State Government to strengthen waste management and environmental sanitation efforts across the state.

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