Matawalle vows action against bandits who seized armoured tank in Zamfara – Newstrends
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Matawalle vows action against bandits who seized armoured tank in Zamfara

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Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle

Matawalle vows action against bandits who seized armoured tank in Zamfara

Amid escalating terrorist and bandit attacks in the North West, particularly in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi States, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has urged the military to relocate its command structure to the North West to address the worsening security situation.

Recent reports indicate that bandits have been invading villages in Sokoto and Zamfara states, abducting scores of people, and killing those who fail to pay ransom. A viral video has also surfaced, showing bandits seizing a Nigerian Army Mine-Resistant Armored Personnel Carrier (MRAP).

In a statement released on Sunday by the Director of Media and Public Relations for the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, Matawalle expressed deep concern over the activities of terrorists and bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi States.

The minister condemned the situation where criminal bandits circulated videos of a Nigerian military armored vehicle stuck in a waterlogged area.

The vehicle was left behind after officers were ordered to withdraw to avoid an ambush. The incident occurred in Kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Following this, the Minister of State directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military leaders to relocate to Sokoto, the headquarters of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) for Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states, as part of an intensified effort by the Federal Government to eliminate banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in the North West.

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“This strategic move underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security in the region. While in the North West, they will supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his bandit gang are eliminated,” the statement reads.

Matawalle emphasized that the continued circulation of videos showing Nigerian military vehicles in the hands of bandits is unacceptable, especially given the support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West, and Matawalle assured that all necessary resources would be deployed to eradicate these criminal elements and restore peace to the affected communities.

“We must act decisively against these terrorists to allow our people to live freely. The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases,” Matawalle stated.

He called on the Armed Forces of Nigeria to intensify efforts to flush out the bandits and terrorists, assuring the people of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kebbi states, as well as the entire North West region, that security forces would leave no stone unturned until peace is restored.

“I will be on the ground in the North West with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading our brave men and women in uniform,” Matawalle said.

He also urged the people of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces. The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians, emphasizing that the security and well-being of the people remain the government’s top priority.

Matawalle vows action against bandits who seized armoured tank in Zamfara

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JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Abu Dhabi for sustainability week

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan

JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Abu Dhabi for sustainability week

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Sunday to participate in the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

President Tinubu touched down at 2:14 a.m. local time and was received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Themed “The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” this year’s ADSW summit will see President Tinubu highlighting Nigeria’s achievements and reforms in energy sufficiency, transportation modernization, public health improvements, and economic development.

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His presence underscores Nigeria’s commitment to tackling global challenges through sustainable and cooperative strategies.

During the summit, the President is expected to hold bilateral discussions with UAE leaders, focusing on strengthening ties and exploring shared opportunities.

President Tinubu is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and other senior officials.

He is slated to return to Nigeria on Thursday, January 16.

ADSW 2025, a globally recognized event for sustainability innovation, brings together business leaders and civil society representatives to advance sustainable development and foster economic progress.

Over its 15-year history, the summit has established itself as a key platform for forging partnerships and driving impactful initiatives in clean energy and global growth.

JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Abu Dhabi for sustainability week

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Delta Gov Oborevweri sacks commissioner for information 

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Delta Gov Oborevweri sacks commissioner for information 

 

Delta State Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevweri, has sacked his Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza.

The governor has reportedly directed the state Commissioner for Works (Rural roads), Charles Aniagwu, to take over the affairs of the ministry.

Director General, Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communication, Dr. Fred Latimor Oghenesivbe, confirmed the development.

“Charles Aniagwu will take over the two ministries (Works and Information) for the meantime,” he stated.

It was learnt that Osuoza was sacked after a series of complaints of alleged incompetence.

Aniagwu had served as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) and Commissioner for Information during ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s eight year tenure.

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Tinubu to Mahama: You can count on Nigeria’s support

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President Biola Ahmed Tinubu and Ghana’s newly inaugurated President, John Dramani Mahama

Tinubu to Mahama: You can count on Nigeria’s support

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has assured Ghana’s newly inaugurated President, John Dramani Mahama, that he can count on Nigeria’s support.

The remark was made on Tuesday during Mahama’s inauguration ceremony at the Black Star Square in Accra.

He noted that Ghana has answered the question of whether Africa is capable of democratic and productive endeavors, and that it is time for Africa’s critics to stop asking the continent to prove itself.

The Nigerian president emphasized the importance of African unity and cooperation, adding that the legacy of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is a guiding spirit for African progress. Tinubu urged African nations to avoid conflict and choose peaceful dialogue to resolve differences while resisting external forces that seek to divide them.
Addressing Mahama, Tinubu said, “My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support at any given time you call on me. We are your brothers and sisters. We shall always be there for you.”

Tinubu’s remarks read:

It is always good when a friend and brother can visit the home of a close neighbour to celebrate his success and progress with him.

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We celebrate African Democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another. This moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society. It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly. It is time that Africa’s critics stop forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves. We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We have found the critical path to our success. We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace.

Today, I am here not only as the President of Nigeria but also as an African in resolute support for Ghana and her people. This moment is a source of pride and honour for you, the entire Continent, and its Diaspora.

The sun is out, and the sky says daylight, but I see today a Black star rising high in the African sky. This black star shines over this nation, and its rays spread across this Continent with a sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, and devotion to our common welfare.

While others may seek to demean Africa and keep brother pitted against brother, that shining star reminds us of who we are. Better yet, it reminds us of who we can be. That star means that we shall always strive to work together. Even when we disagree, we shall dialogue and discuss until we reach an agreement. Never, never shall we harm others and never allow any outsider to hurt us or disrupt the unity for which so many of our heroes gave their sweat, blood, and very lives to achieve.

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The spirit of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is here today, lifting that star higher and higher. Just as Ghana draws inspiration and a well of strength from Kwame Nkrumah and many of its past leaders, Nigeria similarly draws inspiration from its founding leaders who not only fought for her independence but also cherished the close relationship between our two nations.

May we always walk in the way and the spirit of these enlightened leaders.

Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President John Mahama’s inauguration today reflects that.

Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and its people to the core. He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfil it. No one can ask more of a leader than that.

President John Mahama and I share a deep friendship. My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. We are your brothers and sisters. The bond is strong and cannot be broken.

May your administration be a profound success and progress for you, Ghanaians, and our entire region.

I am confident that the new government, under the leadership of President John Mahama, will work with Nigeria to strengthen this powerful bond, leading to greater shared prosperity for our people. I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress.

Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing subregional integration and progress. With laser focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing concerns: poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and many other problems hampering our desired progress.

May Ghana’s democracy continue to grow stronger. May progress and prosperity be your portion. Let us all look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity.

God bless Ghana and its Beloved People.

God bless Nigeria and its Beloved People

God bless ECOWAS

God bless our Beloved Africa.

I thank you for your kind attention.

Tinubu to Mahama: You can count on Nigeria’s support

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