The political crisis in Rivers State took a new twist late Friday following allegations by a former Head of Service, Dr George Nweke, that Governor Siminalayi Fubara ordered the bombing of the state House of Assembly complex in 2023.

The complex was suspected to have been bombed by militants operating on the orders of some politicians in the state.

At a news briefing in Abuja, Nweke alleged that Fubara orchestrated the attack to prevent his impeachment by the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Nweke further alleged that Fubara planned to use militant groups in Ijaw-speaking areas to sabotage oil facilities as part of a broader scheme to destabilise the Federal Government.

The former head of service alleged that Fubara, with the backing of key political figures in the state, was planning to orchestrate attacks on Ogoni, Oyigbo, and other areas before targeting Ijaw communities to create an impression of statewide unrest.

He also expressed concern over multiple high-profile meetings between Fubara, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, which he said often ended with large sums of money changing hands.

Nweke had represented his principal at important government and public functions in the state on several occasions in recent times.

Sunday TheNigerian gathered that following the allegations, many appointees and loyalists of the government made frantic calls, with some reaching out to journalists to ascertain the veracity of the claims when news of the briefing filtered into the state.

On the streets, in commercial vehicles, and across various neighbourhoods, people were seen in groups discussing the issue and offering different interpretations.

They expressed concern that recent political developments in Rivers could further escalate the crisis in the state.

Recall that tension escalated in October 2023 when a section of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex was bombed, an incident that deepened the rift between factions loyal to Wike and those supporting Fubara.

The situation worsened as the Rivers State House of Assembly, predominantly aligned with Wike, initiated moves against the governor, including attempts to impeach him over allegations of illegal budget presentations and issues related to legislative composition.

INC alleges blackmail

Following the allegations from the former Head of Service, the National Publicity Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress, Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, condemned the claims against Fubara, describing them as a deliberate attempt to blackmail him.

Oyakemeagbegha stated that the accusations were likely made under duress, with some individuals possibly being coerced into making statements they would not ordinarily make.

He urged those behind the allegations to stop the smear campaign against the governor.

The INC spokesman said, “These are all means to blackmail Fubara. They should stop all these forms of blackmail. It is clear that some of these things are done under duress.

“Some people may be forced to say things they wouldn’t say ordinarily, and it is clear this is one of them.”

Rivers elders back gov

Speaking on the development, the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council faulted the allegations made by the former Head of Service against the suspended governor, stating that he spoke under duress.

One of the Rivers elders and pioneer spokesperson for the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Anabs Sara-Igbe, said Nweke’s claims were fabricated, as evident from the video circulating on social media, and amounted to an attempt to blackmail the governor.

In an interview with Sunday TheNigerian, Sara-Igbe said, “The former Head of Service is under duress, judging from his demeanour. He’s not himself. Some of the things he said were outright lies.”

When asked if Nweke’s statement amounted to blackmail, Sara-Igbe responded, “Yes, it is. You heard his wife. Of course, the Head of Service has nothing to do with political matters.”

Also speaking, a respected elder in the state and foremost environmental activist in the Niger Delta region, Ann Kio-Briggs, said, “You see a man clearly under stress, trying to read what was written for him.

“You can hear him being instructed. So, yes, I agree with the INC—it is merely a cheap and desperate blackmail. No doubt, they have other things planned, but we remain undeterred in our support for Governor Fubara and in calling on President Tinubu to see through this blackmail.”

Pro-Fubara PDP disagrees with ex-HoS

The Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State, loyal to Fubara, dismissed Nweke’s allegations that the governor ordered the bombing of the state House of Assembly.

The party further claimed that Nweke had compromised himself, insisting that he was not under duress but was knowingly acting out a script orchestrated by the FCT minister.

The state PDP described Nweke as a “serial betrayer.”

The Chairman of the state PDP faction, Dr Robinson Ewhor, while speaking at a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Saturday, described the allegation that Fubara ordered the bombing of the state Assembly complex as a “lie from the pit of hell.”

He condemned the claims as libellous and a campaign of calumny against Fubara and his aides, adding that Nweke had distorted facts by alleging that Fubara and the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, were holding nocturnal meetings.

Ewhor asserted that the script Nweke was acting out was designed to portray Fubara in a bad light and make President Tinubu lose confidence in him.

He also criticised the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibol-Ete Ibas, stating that since assuming office, he had no real work to do because there was nothing in Rivers to justify the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu or the suspension of the governor and his deputy.

“The state is not at war, there is no threat of war, nor is there a natural disaster that should warrant a declaration of a state of emergency. Therefore, the sole administrator has had no work to do since assuming office,” he said.

NLC tackles Nweke

The Nigeria Labour Congress in Rivers State described the allegations made by the former Head of Service, Nweke, against its leadership as baseless and misleading.

In a statement, the NLC said it was highly irresponsible and mischievous for Nweke to insinuate that the labour leadership had been compromised or was engaging in political partisanship.

The statement read in part, “It is highly irresponsible and mischievous for Dr Nweke to insinuate that the leadership of labour in Rivers State has been compromised or is engaging in political partisanship.”

On the allegations against the state NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, the statement said, “Dr Nweke’s claim that the NLC chairman has been holding private meetings with the governor and receiving financial inducements is outright false and defamatory.”

Concerned Omuma leaders respond

Meanwhile, some concerned leaders from Omuma Local Government Area, where Nweke hails from, have distanced themselves from the allegations against Fubara.

Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the leader of the Concerned Omuma Stakeholders, Maximus Nwafor, expressed sadness that Nweke had allowed himself to be used as a tool for destruction.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Nwafor dismissed Nweke’s allegations as false and baseless, pledging their support and loyalty to Fubara.

“We never imagined it would escalate to this level, where blatant falsehoods are being peddled against an innocent man who has been a benefactor and has prioritised the well-being of Omuma,” he said.

Fubara, Wike fighting over money — Amaechi

Commenting on the crisis, a former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, claimed that the feud between Fubara and Wike was primarily about money-sharing.

Speaking in an interview with DW on Saturday, Amaechi also criticised the emergency rule imposed on the state by President Tinubu, calling it unconstitutional.

“The fight between the former governor of Rivers State, the FCT Minister, and the current governor is about sharing money. Otherwise, what is the quarrel about?” Amaechi asked.

“Nigerians are no longer outraged by corruption. I haven’t seen anyone protesting on the streets about what this fight is really about. Can both of them address the public and tell us the real reason for their dispute?

“We are now being denied democracy. Rivers State is the only state in the country that cannot practise democracy. They have imposed military rule on us.”

Bauchi PDP cries foul

The Bauchi State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Dayyabu Ciroma, dismissed Nweke’s allegation against Governor Bala Mohammed as mere blackmail.

“Who is he (Nweke) as a Head of Service to know the political movements of a governor and even make such a statement?” Ciroma asked.

“Because they realise Fubara is temporarily not in charge, they now resort to blackmail. That is the nature of Nigerian politics—whenever you are not in power, you begin to see the true colours of people.”

Ciroma further argued that if Fubara were in full control, the former HoS would not have made such claims.

On the allegation that Fubara was supporting Governor Mohammed’s presidential ambition, Ciroma said, “The only reason for such statements is that they understand President Tinubu’s psychology—whenever someone wants to gain his sympathy, they link their opponent to having presidential ambitions.

“But the presidency is not his personal property. Many others have occupied the office before him and left. Just as those who won elections became president, he too must leave when the time comes.”

Fubara, a betrayer – Wike’s aide

In response, Lere Olayinka, the spokesperson for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, dismissed the position of the pro-Fubara PDP leadership.

He said, “If Fubara, who betrayed someone, has now been betrayed, they should deal with it.”

Suspended Rvers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has denied any links to militant groups, warning against attempts to incite violence or economic sabotage in his name.

Fubara made this known in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The governor was reacting to trending videos alleging explosions at oil and gas installations in the state, which he described as “fake” and “malicious.”

He urged security agencies to investigate the sources of the videos and take action against those responsible.

The statement read, “Our attention has, once again, been drawn to a flurry of malicious, fake and imaginary videos of purported explosions on oil and gas facilities in Rivers State.

“Virtually all the fake videos have been linked to alleged militant groups in the state, with the creators of such content trying very hard to connect them to supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

“Already, the communities where these incidents are alleged to have occurred have reacted, dismissing any claims of explosions on oil and gas facilities in their domains, and reassuring that all critical government assets within their areas are safe, secure and efficiently functioning.”

Fubara emphasised that he has no affiliation with any militant group and would not encourage any criminal activity that could threaten peace or economic stability.

The statement added, “For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no link to any militant group, does not contemplate any such association, and has no reason to encourage any criminal group or elements, anywhere in the state or Niger Delta, to undertake any action inimical to the peace of the people or safety and security of oil and gas facilities, and by extension, the economy of the country.

“The governor had repeatedly made it clear at every public event that the peace of the state is paramount to him, and that he would pay any price to secure and sustain peace in the state, as it is only in an atmosphere of peace and security that governance and development can thrive.

“Governor Fubara vehemently warns purveyors of violence and economic sabotage to steer clear of the state and avoid any attempt to use his name or capitalise on the present political crisis to foment trouble in the state.”

He also warned those spreading falsehoods online to desist, accusing them of trying to create chaos in the state.

“Security agencies should take note of these fake videos designed to misinform the people, and further paint the state in bad light, and take every necessary step to contain them, and bring those behind them to book,” he said.

Tensions in Rivers State have escalated as a militant group, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, threatened to attack oil installations in response to the ongoing political crisis and the alleged withholding of the state’s federal allocation.

The group also issued a warning to non-indigenes in the state, urging them to leave for their safety, as they claimed hostilities were imminent.

In response, the Rivers State Police Command vowed to crack down on any threats to national security, insisting that no group has the monopoly on violence.

The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, assured residents that security forces were prepared to contain any disruptions, warning that law enforcement would not tolerate attempts to destabilise the state.

Adepoju dismissed the threats by the militants or others, saying the police were equal to the task.

He stated, “You see, we are taking this thing one step at a time. There is nobody that has a monopoly of violence. If fire is coming from heaven, it will not consume only one person, definitely everybody will be consumed.

“So, nobody can threaten anybody, we are handling the situation the way we should and we are ready for anything that is going to come.

“All eyes are on Rivers State now. I don’t think there is any problem here really, but we will not allow anybody to heat the polity.

“You cannot fight the government and the governor himself has been handling the situation very maturely and well. So nothing will happen. The man on the ground (governor) is peaceful and God is on the throne and we are equal to the task.”

The state has been experiencing a political crisis since 2023, while the latest Supreme Court judgments validating the 27 lawmakers loyal to the former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, created another round of political crisis.

The Supreme Court, on Friday, February 28, 2025, affirmed the legitimacy of the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly and nullified the local government election held on October 5, 2024.

The apex court also ordered the seizure of all allocations to the state, asking Fubara to re-submit the budget to the Assembly.

Since the judgments, the Amaewhule-led Assembly has, through its sittings, threatened the Fubara’s administration in the state to affirm its authority.

On Monday, it gave the governor 48 hours to submit the budget while on Wednesday, it nullified the appointment of all commissioners and other appointees of the governor and asked the governor to submit appointees’ name for screening in 48 hours.

The budget ultimatum expired on Wednesday, while the submission of names of commissioners for screening would expire today.

Reacting to the threat, a viral video circulating on social media on Thursday shows about eight militants armed with AK-47s and other assorted rifles in a forested area, chanting war songs and vowing to disrupt oil production unless the Federal Government intervenes to resolve the political impasse.

The chant of “asawana, asawana,” a common slogan among the Ijaw people of the Niger Delta, is heard as the militants brandish their weapons in the video.

The militants accused the Martin Amaewhule-led state House of Assembly of instigating chaos to justify a state of emergency.

A supposed leader of the group read a letter: “We the Niger Delta Rescue Movement wish to express our deep concern regarding the recent development in Rivers State, threatening the smooth governance of our beloved state under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

“It has come to our attention that certain individuals proclaim as lawmakers have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the state governor to present the 2025 state budget.

“This blatant attempt to destabilise the state is not only alarming but also a clear attempt at a coordinated effort to incite hell, potentially to lead to a state of emergency or even an impeachment.

“We call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately and put a stop to the action of Minister Nyesom Wike and his associates whose intent is to drag Rivers State to avoidable crises.”

He further warned “Furthermore, we must make it abundantly clear that the youth of Rivers State will not sit idly while our state is dragged into tumult.

“If the federal allocation due to Rivers State cannot be released promptly, we will have no choice but to take decisive action, including hitting oil production.”

The video lasted for slightly over three minutes, as the militants said, “We can’t generate money into the federation account and not have our own share.

“Our workers deserve their salaries, our government needs the necessary resources to carry out essential development projects.

“We urge all non-indigenes in Rivers State to consider their safety and leave the state promptly as the situation may escalate.”

Govt, APC speak

Reacting to the threats, the spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Chibike Ikenga, noted that the Nigerian state had what it would take to contain any situation.

Ikenge further described the threat by the militants as unnecessary, given that the governor, who they claimed to be defending, had promised to abide by the Supreme Court judgments.

He stated, “Those who are issuing threats know that it is criminal to do so. This is a political disagreement which will be settled and has been settled by the Supreme Court.

“The person who they claimed they are speaking for has said he is going to implement the Supreme Court judgments without reservations. So it makes a mess of what they are saying,

“The 48-hour ultimatum given to the governor, is it about impeachment? It is not. It is about the presentation of the budget in furtherance of the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment.

“The governor has also written, through the Secretary to the State Government to the Assembly, claiming that it did not receive the letter.

“So those who are wielding guns, threatening to blow up oil installations cannot stand the state. The Nigerian state is more powerful than what they are contemplating.”

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, insisted that an official response from the government would come on Friday (today).

On the threats by the militants, Johnson said he could not respond because he neither knew the people in the video nor who they represented.

“We have refused to make any categorical statement on the issue. Again, we said by Friday, we would give an appropriate response.

“We have seen one or two videos and we don’t know who they are. So we can’t speak on what we don’t know about,” he said.

Jackrich denies militancy

Dissociating himself from any link with the militants, the governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement in the 2023 election, Amb Sobomabo Jackrich, at a news briefing, clarified that the video and the militants have no link with him or his party.

He stated, “My attention has been drawn to a recent video circulating online, purportedly released by a group identified as the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, threatening to resume hostilities in response to the 48-hour ultimatum issued to Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly.

“I wish to make the following clarifications regarding this video. One, no link between my party and the group. I’m deeply concerned about the name of the group as it bears a striking resemblance to my political party.

“Being the leader of the party, the National Rescue Movement in Rivers State, I categorically distance my party from any link, affiliation or connection with the group.

“The NRM remains a law-abiding political party committed to democratic principles and peaceful engagements,” he said.

Jackrish, who is the leader of the ‘Simplified Movement’ in Rivers State, a pro-Fubara political pressure group, stated, called on security agencies to remain vigilant and not fall for the deceitful antics of those seeking to frame him for their selfish political gains.

The ex-governorship candidate, who is also a sub-contractor with the Tantita Security Service Nigeria Ltd, further said the militants in the video had no link with the security outfit.

He explained, “In the video, I observed that one of the individuals was wearing yellow rain boots, a black polo, and jeans – an attire similar to that worn by personnel of my outfit of the Tantita Security Services. I’m a sub-contractor to Tantita Security Outfit.

“Our colour which is known in Rivers State, is black long sleeve, black jeans or trousers and yellow rain boots.

“The team leads are putting on red berets and the members wear black berets. That is our outfit. Now if you look at the video you will see that some persons wore yellow rain boots, which struck my attention,

“And that is what I’m trying to correct, that we are not into such criminal activities. So I dissociate myself from them. I don’t know the people.”

He also exonerated the defunct Niger Delta Liberation Force, saying that members of the group were currently under the Presidential Amnesty Programme and no longer into militancy.

“As a leader of the defunct Niger Delta Liberation Force, it is my responsibility to also exonerate the group from seeming semblance in the name of the said militia group, because the NDLF currently is under the Presidential Amnesty Programme and no longer into its old ways,” he said.

While noting that his support for Fubara should not be criminalised or turned into an offence, Jackrich said, “I will continue to stand by what is right and no amount of intimidation will deter me from my convictions.”

Ex-minister backs Fubara

Former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo, called on the President to support Fubara, amid the ongoing political tensions in the state.

Sekibo appealed on Thursday while inaugurating the Borokiri Fire Service Sub-Station in Old Port Harcourt Township.

He revealed that he and other political leaders abandoned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to support Tinubu due to Fubara.

Seeking respite for the governor, Sekibo commended his leadership and urged the President to rally behind him to stabilise the state.

Sekibo said Fubara’s tenure marked the first time in 24 years that an Ijaw son was leading the state.

“Governor Fubara carries the collective hope and vision of all Rivers people who are resolute and determined to continue to support him.

“This is the reason President Bola Tinubu should also support Governor Fubara who, as an ally, has continued to work for the success of his administration,” he said.

The former minister declared support for the President, stating that “Mr President, Rivers people have always supported the government at the centre. Governor Fubara has convinced us that we must stand with our President, and so we do.

“There might be people telling you stories, especially when they see people like me, who was a core Atiku man.

“They will say, ‘Don’t you see, it is Atiku people that are with the governor’. There are also Atiku people that are with them there in Abuja.

“The governor has convinced us that the place to be is to be with our President. So, Mr President, we stand with you.

“The election delivered you as our President, and so, we stand with you. The election also delivered our governor, our son, and we stand with him.

“The Ijaw nation in more than eight local government areas of Rivers State has an opportunity of having one of their own as the governor of this state. We stand with him, we have no choice.”

He advised Rivers people who felt demoralised by the Supreme Court judgment to brace up and support Fubara.

“Standing by and working with Governor Fubara is the right thing to do, and I urge you, Mr President, to stand with Siminalayi Fubara. My dear people, as we urge our President and the Federal Government to stand with our son, we all must rally round him and stand with him, no matter what happens,” he said.

He said the inaugurated project reflected purposeful leadership that had prioritised the well-being of the people.

He said: “In a time when leadership is tested, when bold decisions are required for the progress of our people, this governor has prioritised the interest of our people, and we all must stand with him.

“I was Secretary to the State Government in this state, this fire service station existed, I must confess that what I am seeing today is a state-of-the-art modern fire service station.”

While vowing that no matter the situation, they would continue to support the governor, he recalled that when the second-term ambition of Wike was threatened, they rallied round him and confronted the military.

“When the second term of your immediate predecessor was threatened, we the Rivers people, especially in Okrika and Ogu/Bolo local government areas, came out to dare the military.

“Our women went naked to dare the military and made sure that the results were not changed. My governor, go to sleep because for you, we will do more,” he said.

Fubara, speaking at the event, stressed that such infrastructure was a critical government service aimed at protecting lives and property.

He described the facility as part of his administration’s commitment to ensuring public safety without unnecessary publicity.

“The purpose of the government is to provide services and protect lives and property.

“While we do what we were elected for, showcasing it should not be the priority, but unfortunately, governance has been turned into a spectacle,” Fubara stated.

The governor noted that the newly revitalised Borokiri Fire Station would address past inadequacies in emergency response in the densely populated area, ensuring quicker intervention during fire outbreaks.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Samuel Anya, commended the governor for reviving the fire service and ensuring better emergency response capabilities for the people.

It appears that troops are steadily closing in on notorious terrorist kingpin Bello Turji, following a series of recent bombardments on his hideouts by the Nigerian military.

In the last few weeks, the military has intensified operations targeted at Turji’s known hideouts, which has been largely successful.

Turji is a notorious terrorist leader operating in North-western Nigeria, particularly Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger states.

He had vowed to unleash terror on residents of Zamafara communities in 2025 over the arrest of his associate Bako Wurgi.

On Wednesday, the Defence Headquarters announced that the second-in-command to terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, Aminu Kanawa, has been killed by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma.

The DHQ also stated that troops inflicted serious injuries on some of Turji’s close allies, including his younger brother.

This development comes after the DHQ revealed on Monday that troops killed Turji’s fighters and son during clearance operations on his hideout.

The military also taunted the terrorist leader for abandoning his son and fighters during the gun duel.

The DHQ had previously vowed to capture or kill Turji in 2025, following his repeated mockery of the military and challenge to engage them in combat after being declared wanted and the arrest of his associate, Bako Wurgi, in December 2024.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the DHQ reaffirmed its commitment to capturing Turji despite the recent surrender of two terrorist leaders in the North-West region.

Giving an update on the operation in the North West on Wednesday, the outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, also stated that over seven key commanders of Turji, along with more than 24 of Turji’s fighters fleeing his hideout, were killed when troops stormed his hideout.

Buba said, “Sequel to ongoing military onslaught on terrorist in the NW of the country, between the 20-21 Jan 2025, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised the second-in-command of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji’s namely, Aminu Kanawa. Troops also inflicted terminal injuries on some of Bello Turji’s close allies namely: Dosso (Bello Turji’s younger brother) and Danbokolo (one of Turji’s closest allies).

“Additionally, troops neutralised several of Bello Turji’s key commanders namely: Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe, among others. Furthermore, troops neutralised over 24 fleeing terrorist from Bello Turji’s Camp around Gebe and Isa LGA of Sokoto State, as well as around Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State.”

Buba also said troops killed another notable terrorist during the onslaught on Turji’s hideout.

He said, “Troops also neutralised another notable terrorist during the onslaught on Bello Turji’s enclave around Fakai high ground. He is identified as Suleiman, and a loyalist of late notorious terrorist leader, Halilu Sububu.

“The late Suleiman was leading a reinforcement team to rescue Bello Turji’s Camp which was in disarray, when he was eliminated during the fire fight.

“The death of Bello Turji’s second in command, close allies, commanders and combatants is a significant blow to the terrorist network in the NW of the country, as well as their military and fighting capabilities. These groups of terrorists were notorious for numerous kidnappings and terrorist attacks across the NW, particularly in Zurmi, Shinkafi, Isa, and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Sokoto States.

“Overall, troops are not relenting until these terrorists are completely destroyed. Troops operations are aimed at creating an atmosphere of safety and security for all citizens.”

The onslaught on Turji and his group has brought delights to some residents of

Sokoto State has commended the Nigerian security agents, especially the Military for their efforts in dealing with bandits Kingpin and his gangs.

Speaking on the development, Abubakar Isa, a resident of Isa, in Isa local government area of the state, said the news of the killing is a welcome development to the people of the area.

He called on the military not to rest on their oars until their leader, Bello Turji, is captured dead or alive.

Also speaking, Muhammad Abdullah, from Goronyo, said news of the killing came to the people of Goronyo as good news.

He said the people of the area especially those in the rural areas have been suffering from the antics of the bandits for a long time which he said has collapsed the economic activities of the local government.

Mallam Nuhu Bello, a commercial motorcycle operator in the state, said the killing is a welcome development for the people of Sokoto and Zamfara States.

Bello, who hailed from Shinkafi local government area of Zamfara, said the atrocities of Turji and his gang was the reason why he left his community where he used to farm for motorcycle riding in Sokoto.

“I ran from my community because of those bandits. I used to be a farmer but had to run for safety when we couldn’t access our farms unless we pay them tax.

“The killing will definitely make the people in Shinkafi feel good and happy, “ he added.

Mallam Altini Bashar, a security commentator while speaking with one of our correspondents, commended the military efforts in the victory being recorded.

He said the military actions resulted in killing of many members of the bandits group.

He however said the real identity of those killed can only be ascertained when the operation comes to an end.

“Yes, I heard of the exercise and the killings, but I cannot confirm those who have been killed in the exercise.

“ I believe after the end of the exercise, we will know the real identity of those who lost their lives in the fight”

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government warned residents to remain vigilant as military operations against bandit terrorists intensify in the eastern part of the state.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Colonel Ahmed Usman, the government highlighted the success of the ongoing joint military operations, which he said had left the bandits disorganised.

The statement added that multiple terrorist enclaves had been destroyed, dozens of bandits neutralized and hundreds of kidnapped victims rescued.

The statement urged residents to be cautious and report any suspicious activities in their communities.

“As security forces increase pressure on the bandits, some of them are fleeing to other areas with injured members. We are raising awareness to ensure our people remain alert, as these bandits may attempt to hide in villages or seek medical treatment at local clinics under disguise,” the statement read.

The government reiterated its commitment to working with security agencies to restore peace and stability in the state, adding that residents were encouraged to play an active role by reporting unusual activities to the authorities to support the ongoing efforts to secure the region.

“This proactive measure aligns with the governor’s nine-point agenda to create a safer and more economically viable Sokoto State.

“The government remains determined to work collaboratively with security operatives to protect citizens and maintain peace in the state,” the statement stated.