NEWS
Terrorism: Bandit Leader Names Two Ex-Governors for Fueling North-West Bloodshed
Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has accused two former northern governors of fueling insecurity and bloodshed in the North-West, particularly in Zamfara and Sokoto states.
Turji made the allegations in a viral video that surfaced on Sunday, claiming that past political leadership in the two states laid the foundation for the prolonged violence ravaging the region.
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He alleged that former administrations armed vigilante groups, popularly known as Yan Banga, whom he accused of disproportionately targeting Fulani communities and escalating the cycle of violence.
The bandit leader also confirmed his participation in a series of peace meetings with the Zamfara State Government during the tenure of a former governor.
However, he vehemently denied allegations that he received ₦30 million or any form of material inducement to participate in the peace process.
Efforts to get reactions from the former governors mentioned by Turji proved abortive at press time, as calls placed to their mobile phones were neither answered nor returned. Text and WhatsApp messages sent to them also elicited no response.
Sources close to the former governors dismissed Turji’s claims, insisting that the words of a known terrorist should not be taken seriously.
One of the sources questioned the credibility of the allegations, describing them as attempts by Turji to portray himself as a victim.
Another source described the claims as outright falsehood, insisting that a person accused of serial killings lacks the moral standing to make such accusations.
The Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation declined to comment on the development.
In the video, Turji specifically accused former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto states of calling for his arrest and investigation, while alleging that they were responsible for the calamities that befell both states.
“We openly say that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto states are responsible for the calamities that befell these states,” he claimed.
He sought to distance himself from any political affiliation, insisting that he was not acting on behalf of any politician or interest group.
“We are not politicians, and we are not tools of politicians. There is no human being backing us,” Turji said, adding that he was speaking “before Allah alone.”
Despite his claims, Nigerian security agencies have repeatedly identified Turji as one of the most dangerous bandit leaders operating in the North-West, with the military previously declaring him wanted for terror-related activities.
Turji’s comments followed accusations by a former peace negotiator, Musa Kamarawa, who was engaged by the Zamfara and Sokoto state governments during earlier non-kinetic engagements with armed groups.
Kamarawa had alleged that Turji collected ₦30 million during peace talks held at the Government House in Gusau.
Responding, Turji dismissed the allegation as false, insisting that although peace talks took place, neither he nor any Fulani leader acting on his behalf received money or vehicles.
“By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even five million naira. We were never given the ₦30 million you are talking about,” he said.
According to him, the meetings were aimed solely at reducing violence and restoring peace in the affected states.
He accused Kamarawa of betraying the trust built during the negotiations and peddling what he described as false and malicious testimony.
Meanwhile, security forces have recorded another success in the fight against banditry in Sokoto State with the killing of a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Na’Allah, during a joint operation in Isa Local Government Area.
A security source disclosed that Na’Allah was shot dead on Friday during an interception between Girnashe and Kuka Tara villages in Tsabre Ward by a combined team of Mobile Police operatives, community guards, and the Nigerian Army.
Na’Allah was said to be a cousin of the infamous bandit leader, Ibrahim Chimmo, believed to be operating within the Sububu Forest axis.
The source said the operation marked a significant step in dismantling the leadership structure of bandit groups in the state, coming days after troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division neutralised another bandit kingpin, Kachalla Kallamu, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Colonel Ahmad Usman, commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their sustained efforts and successes in the ongoing fight against banditry in Sokoto State.
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
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With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has disclosed its support for healthcare infrastructure in Sokoto State through the donation and subsequent handover of an Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) to the state government.
The development was contained in the company’s September 2026 Monthly Operations and Financial Report, which also highlighted its financial performance, oil and gas production, pipeline infrastructure and other operational activities.
According to the report, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health visited the NNPC Foundation and NNPC Limited on September 1, 2026, to present a letter of appreciation to the Foundation for donating the Infectious Diseases Hospital and handing it over to the Sokoto State Government.
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The engagement provided an opportunity for the state government to formally acknowledge the Foundation’s intervention and support towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Sokoto State.
The report identified the engagement as part of the NNPC Foundation’s public impact initiatives.
NNPC Records ₦509bn September Profit
On its financial performance, NNPC recorded a profit after tax of ₦509 billion in September 2026, representing an 18.1 per cent increase compared with the previous month.
The company’s revenue also rose to ₦4.608 trillion from ₦3.74 trillion recorded in August, representing an increase of approximately 23.2 per cent.
Cumulative statutory payments to the Federation increased by 17.4 per cent, rising from ₦9.49 trillion between January and August to ₦11.14 trillion between January and September 2026.
Crude Oil and Gas Production
The report showed that average crude oil and condensate production stood at 1.70 million barrels per day during the period.
Natural gas production increased to 7,789 million standard cubic feet per day, while total hydrocarbon production reached 3.04 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.
The monthly operational summary also presented production and sales trends for crude oil, condensate and natural gas.
Pipeline Infrastructure Records Progress
On infrastructure development, NNPC reported 100 per cent availability of its upstream pipelines.
The company also disclosed that the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline had reached 100 per cent completion, while the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline stood at 95 per cent completion.
According to the report, the OB3 River Niger Crossing pipeline had been commissioned and operationalised.
For the AKK pipeline, NNPC said sustained collaboration with stakeholders was helping to accelerate construction and pre-commissioning activities towards achieving early gas delivery to Abuja in 2026.
NNPC Reports 54% Retail Station Availability
The report also highlighted the availability of petrol at NNPC retail stations across the country, putting the nationwide Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) availability level at 54 per cent.
A geographical map showing retail station availability across different parts of Nigeria was included in the monthly operational summary.
NNPC Outlines Strategic Production Efforts
On efforts to sustain production growth, NNPC listed accelerated restoration of shut-in wells and facilities, production optimisation and well interventions among its priorities.
The company also highlighted efforts to strengthen facility reliability and preventive maintenance, address infrastructure and operational constraints, improve community engagement and resolve storage, tank-top and export infrastructure challenges.
These measures, according to the report, are aimed at sustaining production growth and improving operational efficiency across its oil and gas assets.
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