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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The lawmaker representing Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, Abdussamad Dasuki, has officially resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Dasuki conveyed his decision in a resignation letter dated March 15, 2026, addressed to the PDP chairman of Dogon Daji/Salah Ward in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, bringing an end to his long-standing association with the party.

In the letter, the federal lawmaker attributed his departure to the lingering leadership crisis within the PDP, which he said has severely undermined the party’s ability to function effectively as a strong opposition platform.

According to him, “the persistent internal wrangling has weakened the party’s capacity to offer the credible and organised opposition required to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.”

Dasuki stated that “the decision followed extensive consultations with his political associates, constituents, and other stakeholders who share his concerns about the current state of both the party and the country.”

After leaving the PDP, the lawmaker announced that he has joined the African Democratic Congress, ADC, explaining that the move would allow him to work with other like-minded individuals committed to addressing Nigeria’s prevailing socio-economic and political challenges.

He expressed gratitude to members of the PDP for their support during his time in the party and reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the people of Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency, Sokoto State, and the nation with dedication, integrity, and courage.

Dasuki also urged his supporters and constituents to remain steadfast as he embarks on a new political journey aimed at contributing efforts to rebuild the country and promote a more prosperous and democratic Nigeria.

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The reported elimination of a notorious forest bandit commander, Alti, has sparked fresh rivalry and reprisals among armed groups operating across Zamfara and Katsina states, security sources and local informants have revealed.

Alti, who operated mainly in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, was said to have been killed recently in Katsina State after being lured into an ambush by rival fighters before troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA engaged the group.

“Alti and his men were drawn into a trap set by a rival faction. During the confrontation, several of his fighters were killed before troops later engaged the group in the area,” a security source familiar with the development said.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the bandit commander had reportedly risen to prominence following the death of another feared leader, Dan Isihu, who was killed about a year ago during the Islamic fasting period.

Following Dan Isihu’s death, Alti allegedly took control of the faction and vowed to intensify attacks across rural communities in the region.

Security sources said Alti was widely feared across Tsafe LGA and was linked to multiple attacks on villages including Dan Jibga, Kunchin Kalgo and Hayin Kanggana.

“He was responsible for several raids, kidnappings and extortion in those communities. His group had become one of the most violent factions operating around Tsafe,” a local source said.

Authorities also linked the group to the increasing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by bandit groups in the North-West.

According to local intelligence, Alti had recently travelled to Libya, where he allegedly acquired explosive devices later used along the Zaria–Gusau highway.

“One of the devices exploded near a truck carrying cement along the highway. The explosion caused panic among motorists, allowing the bandits to abduct travellers during the confusion,” the source said.

Security analysts say the use of IEDs represents a worrying shift in tactics among bandit groups, reflecting methods commonly associated with insurgent warfare.

Investigations further indicate that the ambush that led to Alti’s death was allegedly orchestrated by a rival faction linked to another bandit commander known as Isiya Kwashen Garwa.

The killing has since triggered reprisal attacks among the rival groups.
Sources disclosed that fighters loyal to the notorious bandit kingpin, Ado Aleiro, who is believed to be related to Alti, carried out a retaliatory attack in which the father of Kwashen Garwa was reportedly killed.

“The killing appears to be part of a revenge cycle between the rival groups competing for control of territories and criminal routes across the Zamfara–Katsina forest belt,” a security official said.

Despite Alti’s death, several fighters who previously served under him are believed to remain active in the forests around Tsafe.
One of them, identified as Umar Kachalla, is reportedly coordinating remnants of the faction.

Meanwhile, another bandit figure known as Babalo was also recently killed after sustaining injuries during a confrontation with security forces.

Local sources said Babalo had been receiving treatment for a gunshot wound in the Marde area after being injured during an earlier clash.

However, troops reportedly tracked him to the location and killed him alongside four of his associates.

Residents in several communities across Tsafe LGA say the deaths of key bandit commanders have brought a sense of relief after years of violent attacks, kidnappings and extortion

“For the first time in a long while, people are beginning to feel some relief,” a resident of one affected community said. “But many of these fighters are still in the forests, so the fear has not completely gone away.”

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Midnight fire on Saturday destroyed more than 10 shops at the Terminus Market in Jos, Plateau State.

Witnesses said that the incident occurred around 10:00 p.m., after traders had closed for the day.

The latest incident comes three months after a section of the market was gutted by a similar night fire.

Our correspondent, who visited the market on Sunday morning, reports that more than 10 shops were affected, with clothes and shoes burnt to ashes.

The cause of the fire could not be immediately confirmed by market authorities, though some victims suggested it might have been caused by an electrical fault.

Firefighters and emergency responders were said to have acted swiftly to contain the blaze, preventing what many feared could have escalated into a major disaster.

A witness, Mr. Silas Lawrenzo, said that firefighters, including a team from the National Emergency Management Agency, worked alongside the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, Federal Fire Service, and the Plateau State Fire Service to bring the fire under control.

He said the coordinated and rapid response helped contain the flames, limiting damage and preventing the fire from spreading across the busy commercial hub.

The media reports that the market has experienced three separate fire incidents in the past year, destroying goods worth millions of naira.