Terror in Tsafe: Bandits Force Villages to Pay $111,872 or Face Attacks
Armed bandits led by a notorious kingpin named Danisuhu, have imposed a levy of ₦172.7 million ($111,872) on 25 villages in Tsafe West County in Nigeria’s Northwest Zamfara State, worsening insecurity in the region.
According to intelligence reports obtained by Zagazola Makama, residents were also ordered to contribute in-kind items like bags of soybeans. Non-payment often results in brutal attacks, leaving hundreds of villagers with no choice but to abandon their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods.
“The situation is dire,” a local source revealed. “The inability to pay these levies often results in brutal attacks by the bandits, leaving the residents with no option but to flee.”
The levies range from ₦2.5 million ($1,619.46) to ₦20 million ($12,955.72) per village, with Kunchin Kalgo facing the highest demand of $12,955.72; Dakolo was fined ₦5 million and 20 bags of soybeans ($3,238.93).
Six Nigerian Soldiers Fall in ISWAP Ambush in Borno
Six Nigerian soldiers were killed in a January 4 ambush by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in the Sabon Gari area in Damboa County of Borno State, according to Vanguard.
The ambush led to a two-hour firefight, resulting in casualties and the destruction of military equipment. In response, the Nigerian Air Force troops codenamed “Operation Hadin Kai” conducted precision airstrikes on ISWAP strongholds in the Timbuktu Triangle, a critical insurgent area in Borno.
“Intelligence sources confirmed that the precision airstrikes dismantled several ISWAP positions and disrupted their operational capabilities,” local media reported, adding that “a significant number of terrorists” were killed.
Additional airstrikes targeted Boko Haram factions in Gwoza, about 64 miles from Sabon Gari, particularly insurgents loyal to commander Ali Ngulde, as part of efforts to weaken terrorist networks.
Nigerian Army Decorates First Female Infantry Corps Warrant Officer
The Nigerian Army Women Command marked a historic achievement on Friday, January 3, 2025, as Army Warrant Officer Hajara Egbunu became the first female from the Infantry Corps to attain the prestigious rank of Army Warrant Officer.
During a ceremony at the Command Conference Room in Abuja, Brigadier General Mathias Amatso, Commander of the Nigerian Army Women Command, decorated Egbunu with her new rank. He commended her professionalism, dedication, and hard work, urging her to continue inspiring younger soldiers.
The Nigerian Army shared the news on social media, calling Egbunu’s achievement a “significant step forward for gender inclusion in the Nigerian Army.”
U.S. Court Orders FBI to Return $6M in Seized Funds to Nigeria
A U.S. federal court has ordered the FBI to transfer $6 million forfeited by convicted American arms dealer Ara Dolarian to the Nigerian government, Peoples Gazette reports.
The funds are part of the $8.6 million Nigeria advanced in 2014 for weapons procurement during the Boko Haram insurgency. Under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki contracted Dolarian to procure arms, including high-explosive bombs and military-grade firearms. Instead, Dolarian misused the funds for personal expenses, prompting FBI scrutiny.
Judge Jennifer L. Thurston of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California ruled, “The court hereby enters a final order of forfeiture, recognizing the superior interest of petitioner Federal Republic of Nigeria in the funds forfeited.”
The judgment was finalized on December 23, 2024.
Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
