Bandits Video: Dauda Lawal Gets 7 Days Ultimatum to Disclose Locations of Killers, Other Criminals in Zamfara

The Coalition of Citizens Against Banditry and Insecurity in Nigeria (CABIN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, demanding that he disclose the locations of bandits and other criminal gangs operating across the state.

The group warned that failure to act within the deadline would trigger mass protests and pressure on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara.

In a statement on Wednesday signed by its president, Comrade Solomon Charles Abutu, CABIN said the governor’s recent comments acknowledging knowledge of the bandits’ whereabouts amounted to an admission that he had chosen to tolerate, rather than combat, the criminal networks responsible for thousands of deaths, kidnappings, and the displacement of communities.

“Governor Dauda Lawal has confirmed in his own words that he knows where the killers, kidnappers and bloodthirsty bandits reside. By that singular admission, he owes Nigerians a moral and constitutional duty to immediately hand over these criminals to the relevant security agencies,” CABIN said.

“Anything short of this within seven days will amount to complicity, and will attract massive protests across Zamfara, Abuja and other parts of the country. In that event, we shall also demand that the Federal Government declare a state of emergency in Zamfara for the safety of its citizens.”

The organisation, which describes itself as a national coalition of civic advocates, security analysts and community leaders, expressed outrage that the governor has continued to receive billions of naira in monthly security votes but has yet to deliver results in securing the state.

CABIN argued that the governor’s public lamentation of helplessness, despite vast resources at his disposal, is a betrayal of the hopes of millions of Zamfara citizens who voted for him in 2023.

“Every month, Governor Dauda Lawal receives billions in security votes ostensibly to equip operations, motivate security agents and support civilian intelligence. Yet what Zamfara has seen instead is worsening insecurity and a governor who has openly confessed he cannot do anything to end the crisis. That is not governance; that is abdication of responsibility,” the group said.

CABIN went further, claiming that bandits were not only embedded in rural forests and urban hideouts, but also within the corridors of power.

“We have it on good authority that bandits also live with Governor Lawal in Government House. They wine and dine with politicians, receive protection from compromised officials, and have infiltrated the system. The governor must turn them over to the law enforcement agencies without delay. Nigeria cannot continue to bleed while those elected to protect us provide cover for our killers,” the statement read.

The group noted that Zamfara has become the epicentre of Nigeria’s banditry crisis, with repeated abductions of schoolchildren, farmers, and traders, alongside attacks on security operatives. CABIN said the situation has reached intolerable levels and accused the governor of “weaponising lamentation” rather than providing solutions.

“Governance is not lamentation. Leadership is not about saying ‘I cannot do it’. It is about deploying courage, political will, and resources to confront insecurity head-on. If Governor Lawal has run out of ideas, let him resign honourably instead of normalising excuses,” CABIN declared.

The coalition also urged President Bola Tinubu to personally monitor developments in Zamfara and hold Governor Lawal accountable, warning that further tolerance of what it described as “gross dereliction of duty” could embolden criminal networks elsewhere in the country.

“Zamfara has for too long been Nigeria’s bleeding ground. If the governor continues to shield criminals by inaction, then the President must act decisively in the interest of national security,” CABIN said.

The group vowed to mobilise residents, civil society organisations and student unions for a wave of protests at Government House Gusau and the National Assembly in Abuja should the ultimatum lapse without action.

“We are prepared to raise the alarm at every level of society because the lives of Zamfara’s people matter. We will not watch idly while indifference and complicity reign. Governor Lawal has seven days to prove his loyalty to the Nigerian people, or face the full weight of civic resistance,” the group declared.

A Life-Changing Encounter : Genesis Global Church Set For 2025 Abeokuta Prophetic Invasion

By Alhaji Arems

The Genesis Global Church is set to host the highly anticipated Abeokuta Prophetic Invasion from October 1st to 3rd, 2025 at Oba Odeleye Park, Shokori, Abeokuta, Ogun State. This three-day event promises to be a powerful encounter with God, bringing together believers from all walks of life. The event will take place daily at 4 pm on October 1st and 2nd, while the final night will be a special 8pm service till dawn on October 3rd.

The Abeokuta Prophetic Invasion will feature dynamic worship sessions, prophetic declarations, and life-changing messages from renowned ministers of God, including Prophet Israel Genesis Ogundipe, the pioneer of Genesis Global Church. With his profound prophetic gift and dynamic ministry, Prophet Ogundipe has touched countless lives, drawing people closer to God and igniting a passion for spiritual growth.

This event is an opportunity for spiritual renewal, healing, and breakthroughs, and it’s not to be missed. Whether you’re seeking direction, healing, or a deeper understanding of God’s purpose for your life, the Abeokuta Prophetic Invasion is an event you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars for October 1st to 3rd, 2025, and get ready for a transformative experience.

With thousands of attendees expected, this event promises to be a monumental gathering that will leave a lasting impact on the community. Don’t miss out on this divine appointment – come expectant and leave transformed!

HOW DANTSOHO IS RENEWING HOPE AT NPA

By Moses Okanga

Along Nigeria’s vibrant coastline, where the ceaseless rhythm of waves merges with the aspirations of a nation, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho is orchestrating a transformative revival at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). As a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, his visionary leadership is reshaping Nigeria’s maritime landscape, turning once-dilapidated ports into dynamic gateways of global trade.

With bold reforms, including billion-dollar infrastructure overhauls, revitalisation of underutilised Eastern ports, and the integration of cutting-edge technology, Dantsoho is dismantling decades of inefficiency. His commitment to transparency, innovation, and economic growth is not only restoring the NPA’s global stature but also igniting a beacon of hope, positioning Nigeria as a maritime powerhouse poised to lead Africa’s trade renaissance.

Established in 1954 under the Ports Act (Cap 155 of the Law of the Federation of Nigeria), the NPA initially managed the ports of Lagos and Port Harcourt. In 1969, its mandate expanded to include Warri, Koko, Burutu, and Sapele, previously operated by private merchant companies. Today, the NPA is the statutory body tasked with managing, developing, and operating Nigeria’s ports and harbours.

Its core responsibilities include overseeing port infrastructure development to meet international standards, providing nautical and harbour services such as hydrographic surveys, towage, and mooring, and ensuring the safety and security of port operations through robust regulations. The NPA also manages leasing and concession activities, sets tariff benchmarks to maintain economic competitiveness, and mitigates environmental risks to safeguard marine ecosystems.

For decades, systemic corruption, ineffective leadership, and a lack of political will undermined the NPA’s vision of becoming Africa’s maritime logistics hub, delivering efficient, secure, and customer-friendly port services. Ports suffered from decrepit infrastructure, silted channels, collapsed breakwaters, and inefficient operations, stifling Nigeria’s economic potential.

The appointment of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as Managing Director marked a pivotal shift, aligning the NPA with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reverse these negative trends and restore credibility. Upon assuming office, Dantsoho launched a forensic audit to identify and address barriers to the NPA’s potential, laying the groundwork for a holistic transformation. His leadership swiftly turned the tide, addressing crumbling infrastructure and operational inefficiencies.

Recognising the stark underutilization of Eastern ports—Port Harcourt, Onne, Warri, and Calabar, which handled less than a third of their capacity—he prioritised immediate upgrades to bring them on par with Lagos, which previously absorbed over 90% of maritime traffic. This strategic redistribution has decongested Lagos ports, boosted regional trade, and enhanced overall port efficiency.

To address the seasonal limitations of Onitsha Port due to inconsistent dredging of the River Niger, Dantsoho initiated comprehensive dredging efforts, ensuring year-round operations and unlocking the port’s economic potential. Dantsoho’s ambitious modernisation agenda includes a $1 billion reconstruction of the Tincan Island Port Complex and comprehensive rehabilitation of Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri, and Calabar ports.

These projects, supported by the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, aim to rejuvenate port facilities, streamline operations, and attract investment. His leadership has driven a remarkable 45.1% surge in cargo traffic and a 9.7% increase in container throughput, reflecting heightened trade activity and operational efficiency.

The introduction of an electronic truck call-up system has further revolutionised port operations, significantly reducing gridlock on access roads and improving traffic flow, thereby enhancing the overall user experience. Aligned with President Tinubu’s vision, Dantsoho has championed the commissioning of inland dry ports, such as the Funtua Inland Dry Port in Katsina State, to promote non-oil exports and facilitate trade.

The planned $1 billion Snake Island Port, spanning 85 hectares within the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone, represents a bold step toward solidifying Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub. These initiatives, coupled with advanced monitoring systems and port modernisation, are positioning Nigeria’s ports to compete on a global stage.

Dantsoho’s transformative vision extends beyond infrastructure. His election as president of the Port Management Association of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA) underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in the global maritime community, marking a significant milestone for the sector. His pragmatic leadership emphasises human capital development, recognising a skilled workforce as the backbone of innovation and efficiency.

Through merit-based promotions and enhanced staff welfare packages, Dantsoho has fostered a motivated workforce, driving performance and curbing corruption. These efforts have created a culture of accountability and excellence within the NPA, aligning with its mission to deliver world-class port services.

In line with President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” policy, Dantsoho supports the establishment of the Nigeria Revenue Service, which will centralise revenue collection for the NPA, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigeria Customs Service. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in revenue management. Additionally, promoting indigenous ownership of shipping vessels aligns with the administration’s goal of strengthening Nigeria’s maritime sovereignty and economic independence.

Dantsoho’s leadership is a testament to the power of proficiency, dedication, and patriotism. His bold reforms and tangible achievements are not only revitalising the NPA but also contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth. By addressing systemic challenges and implementing strategic initiatives, he is transforming Nigeria’s ports into engines of prosperity, enhancing trade, and improving the lives of Nigerians.

Dantsoho’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda is evident in every facet of his work, from infrastructure development to operational efficiency and global competitiveness. As a steadfast apostle of President Tinubu’s blueprint, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho exemplifies the potential for transformative change in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

His dynamic leadership is redefining the NPA’s role as a catalyst for economic development, restoring national pride, and positioning Nigeria as a global maritime leader. Through his visionary initiatives, Dantsoho is not just renewing hope at the NPA—he is charting a bold course for Nigeria’s maritime future, ensuring its ports shine as beacons of progress and opportunity in Africa and beyond.

*Okanga writes from Abuja