Jihadists From Niger, Mali, Libya Taxing Nigerian Farmers — Rep

Sani Yakubu, a member of the House of Representatives for Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency in Sokoto State, has expressed concern that jihadists from Niger, Mali, and Libya, as well as local bandits operating in Tangaza Local Government, had placed a tax on farmers in the area.

Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency is encircled by two woods, according to Yakubu, who revealed this when presenting a motion in plenary yesterday: Tsauna Forest, which stretches to Gwadabawa, Illela, and Niger Republic, and Kuyan Bana Forest, which also stretches to Gudu and Niger Republic.

Yakubu revealed that the militants in the districts had joined forces and threatened to make life tough for the inhabitants, who are mostly farmers.

He said: “The two forests house two terrorist groups, the Lakurawa who claimed to be jihadists from Niger, Mali, and Libya, and the local bandits terrorizing the area.

“The two used to be sworn enemies, but have now joined forces, making it more difficult for the deployed security operatives to address the insecurity in the general area.

“After the deadly act, the terrorist launched another attack to prevent people from giving their loved ones a befitting burial.

“The people of the area are predominantly farmers and cattle rearers and terrorists have vowed to stop this year’s farming activities, if the communities refuse to pay tax.

‘’If this threat is allowed, it will seriously affect the national food security if adequate measures are not put in place.”

Adopting the motion, the House requested the military to send more soldiers and equipment to search the woodlands for offenders. It also requested that the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, support victims of the terrible attack with relief goods.

Speaking on the subject yesterday, Ikenga Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the member representing Imo State’s Ideato South and North federal constituency, said it was concerning to have terrorists from neighboring African nations putting tariffs on Nigerian farmers.

Ugochinyere described the development as a danger to Nigeria’s sovereignty.

He, on the other hand, expressed hope that the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will flush out the crooks.

“It’s worrisome and it threatens our sovereignty as a nation. Just as the House resolved, it requires urgent attention.

‘’Our security agencies need to re-strategize to flush out criminals and terrorists. With the resolve and commitment of the present administration, I have no doubt that soon, they will be defeated,” he said.

Also yesterday, the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, branded the amnesty program for bandits and terrorists in Zamfara and other states as a failure.

Lagbaja made the remarks while hosting Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal in Abuja. The army leader stated that the program had previously failed to fulfill its goals, noting that it merely allowed criminals to regroup, reorganize, and target citizens.

His words: “We also have the issue of the amnesty programme that has been instituted, and which has failed not only in Zamfara, but so many other states of the north-west.

“So, I think we need to look at this issue of the amnesty programme because the criminal elements have proven to be incorrigible.

“The issue of amnesty has created an avenue for them to regroup and reorganize to launch attacks on our defenseless citizens. So I think we need to look at that.”

Speaking on the feedback on the activities of troops deployed to restore peace in the state, Lagbaja said he has directed the deployment of more platforms and the release of funds to reactivate unserviceable ones to boost troops’ operations in the state.

He said: “We will not have a situation where some people constitute themselves into outlaws and just go into communities and kill children and defenseless women.

“By working on this with the state government and other critical stakeholders, we can eliminate these outlaws and reduce the insecurities by a significant percentage.

“So I want to appeal to you your excellency that as we come up with this strategy to address the issue of the Yan Sakai and other regional groups, the state government should be disposed to the implementation of the measures that we will recommend.

“So that together, we will address the activities of these criminal elements.”

Earlier, Governor Lawal said Zamfara has been facing challenging security threats and appealed for the support of the army.

He said: “I will say without mincing words, that Zamfara is the state that is facing the most challenge in the area of insecurity today.

“Therefore, for me, being the number one citizen, part of my responsibility is protecting lives and properties, but I cannot do this alone.

“I, therefore, need the support of the chief of army staff and his entire team in bringing peace to Zamfara, as well as Nigeria in general.”

Troops clear Mangu ambush, neutralize 3 bandits, recover weapons

Apparently responding to the order given by President Bola Tinubu on the killings in Plateau and Benue on Tuesday, troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, deployed to quell the crisis in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, yesterday neutralized three bandits in the area.

A statement from Army headquarters said: “The troops obliterated the criminals when they gallantly fought through an ambush staged by the bandits while responding to a distress call in Mangu general area.

“After successfully clearing the ambush, the troops recovered three AK 47 rifles,14 rounds of 7.62 mm special rounds, one motorcycle, and a Constabulary Police Identity card.