Zamfara PDP Chairman Dr. Jamil Jibo Magayaki Defects To APC

The former Zamfara State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Jamil Jibo Magayaki, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), aligning himself with the state’s ruling party. Dr. Jamil’s move comes shortly after Governor Dauda Lawal also defected to the APC, signaling a major political shift in Zamfara State. Announcing his decision on social media, Dr. Jamil explained that the defection was influenced by the current political realities in the state. “I, Dr. Jamil Jibo Magayaki, the Zamfara State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), hereby announce my formal defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said. He added, “My decision to join the APC is based on the current political reality in Zamfara State, which demands alignment with a platform better positioned to address the challenges of security, development and governance for the benefit of our people.” Dr. Jamil’s defection marks another significant realignment ahead of upcoming political contests in the state, consolidating the APC’s influence at the state level.

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Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal, Deputy Officially Defect To APC

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and his deputy have officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection was confirmed by Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mummuni, who spoke on behalf of Governor Lawal during a ceremony attended by party members and government officials. Mummuni formally announced that the state’s executive leadership had realigned with the APC. The move comes after weeks of speculation about the Governor’s political direction. The transition was symbolically marked by the removal of the PDP flag from Zamfara Government House, witnessed by Mummuni and members of Lawal’s cabinet. Sources indicate that the switch was motivated by a desire to strengthen cooperation with the federal government in addressing the state’s persistent security challenges, signaling the end of the PDP’s brief return to power in Zamfara.

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At Least 30 Killed, Several Abducted In Midnight Bandit Attack On Zamfara Village

At least 30 people were killed and several others kidnapped when armed bandits attacked Dutsin Dan Ajiya village in Anka Local Government Area, Zamfara State, late Thursday night. The assault occurred around midnight on February 19, 2026, just two days after the Zamfara State Government deployed new security equipment and drones in an effort to curb rising violence in the region. According to residents, the gunmen arrived on motorcycles, blocked the village entrance, and began firing sporadically at villagers before abducting multiple people. This attack follows a similar deadly raid in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, where approximately 33 people were reportedly killed. Efforts to obtain a statement from the Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful as of press time.

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Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Claims APC-Led States Receive N500 Billion While His State Gets None

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of favouring APC-led states with billions in federal intervention funds, while his state has reportedly received nothing. Speaking to Radio DW Hausa, Lawal said that since assuming office in 2023, Zamfara has not benefited from any federal intervention programs. He suggested that the exclusion is linked to his membership in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “The Federal Government has never disbursed any intervention fund to Zamfara State unlike other states. I have it on good authority that some states have received over N500 billion from the Federal Government, but my state has not received a single kobo. I believe it is because I am not in the same party as them. I am in an opposition party,” he said. Despite the alleged lack of support, Lawal said his administration has continued to implement projects for the welfare of the people. “Since I became governor in 2023, if not for the allocation we are entitled to, the Federal Government has not given us any additional intervention. But that has not stopped us from doing our best to execute projects for the betterment of our people,” he added. He also clarified that Zamfara has not taken any new loans to fund state operations, noting that the state is still servicing debts left by the previous administration. “I have never borrowed any loan to run our state, not even one cent. Every month, N1.2 billion is deducted before the money is sent to us,” Lawal said. On the possibility of leaving the PDP amid internal party crises, Lawal said he has no plans to defect. “As a Muslim, I believe only God gives power, no one else. I can’t betray my party just because we have internal issues within it. I will do my best to see the end of this issue we are facing. I can’t make that decision alone. I have to consult with my supporters before I can make such a decision. But if PDP is fixed, then there will be no reason for me to move to any party,” he stated.

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Suspected Bomb Blast Kills Several Travelers On Zamfara Road

Several travelers have reportedly lost their lives following a suspected bomb explosion along the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau road in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident to Daily Post, saying it occurred on Saturday afternoon, but added that details are still limited. “I can confirm that there was a blast in that area, but the incident just happened. I can’t provide details yet. I will update you later,” Abubakar said during a telephone interview. Local residents believe the explosion may have been caused by bandits, who have been carrying out attacks across the state. A video currently circulating on social media shows travelers panicking and fleeing the scene.

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Police Arrest Two Banditry and Kidnapping Kingpins Linked to Crimes Across Four States

Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force have recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of two suspected bandits and kidnapping leaders linked to violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara States. The arrests were disclosed in a statement released on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin. He said the operation was carried out on December 19, 2025, by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team, working in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command. The suspects were apprehended during a covert operation along the Komen–Masallaci axis of Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State. They were identified as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi’m, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, also known as Gide’m, aged 30. Both were arrested in Komen–Masallaci village. Police revealed that Abubakar Usman had recently been identified as the individual seen in a viral video circulating on social media, where he was allegedly displaying firearms and large sums of money. Items recovered from the suspects include a brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million, which investigators said was bought with ransom proceeds, ₦500,000 in cash believed to be unspent ransom money, and an AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are members of a dangerous banditry and kidnapping syndicate responsible for attacks across several states. Further findings also suggest that the group supplies arms and ammunition to other armed criminal gangs. The police said both suspects are cooperating with investigators to help track down other members of the network and recover additional weapons. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the operatives involved for their professionalism and dedication, and reassured Nigerians of the Force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and strengthening national security. He also urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing police operations.

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Six Zamfara Lawmakers Leave PDP For APC

Six members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), blaming internal party conflicts and poor governance in the state for their decision. The lawmakers made their intentions known on Thursday through individual letters addressed to the Speaker of the House. The defectors are Bashar Aliyu Gummi (Gummi I), Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North), Bashir Bello (Bungudu West), Amiru Ahmad Keta (Tsafe West), and Muktar Nasir Kaura (Kaura North). In their letters, titled “Notice of Resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” they cited unresolved crises within the PDP that have led to factional divisions. One of the lawmakers wrote: “I write to formally inform the Honourable Speaker and Honourable Members of this Honourable House of my decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to lingering and unresolved crises in my party, which have resulted in factional leadership.” They also invoked Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), which allows legislators to switch parties if there is a division within their political party. The lawmakers further criticised the PDP-led state government under Governor Dauda Lawal, accusing it of failing to address insecurity and not fulfilling campaign promises. “My decision is in line with Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and is also based on the poor leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, particularly his failure to address security challenges and fulfil campaign promises,” the letters added.

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Residents Attack Zamfara Lawmaker Over Neglect During Governor’s Dansadau Visit

Residents of Dansadau town in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Wednesday reportedly attacked state lawmaker Kabiru Mikailu over alleged neglect of his constituency. Mikailu, who represents Maru South Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, was reportedly confronted by angry residents while accompanying Governor Dauda Lawal on a visit to the community. The residents accused him of failing to engage with constituents since his election, including skipping Sallah festivities and neglecting families affected by recurring bandit attacks. Security personnel intervened to calm the situation and prevent further violence. Governor Lawal’s visit focused on launching the reconstruction of the over 90-kilometre Dansadau–Gusau road. He also ordered the rehabilitation of the town’s General Hospital and the installation of solar-powered electricity to enhance local living conditions. The governor reassured residents of his administration’s dedication to restoring security, rebuilding essential infrastructure, and improving the welfare of communities affected by insecurity across Zamfara State. During the visit, Governor Lawal was conferred with the Chieftaincy Title of Garkuwan Dansadau and turbaned by the Emir of Dansadau, Alhaji Garba Muhammad, Sarkin Kudu Dansadau. Angry youths in Zamfara State stoned a House of Representatives member over poor performance! pic.twitter.com/vvPL6PYXNy — Abdul-Aziz Na'ibi Abubakar (@jrnaib2) December 17, 2025

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