The return of notorious bandit kingpin Kachallah Bammi Yarma, who was imprisoned in the Niger Republic in 2015, has sparked widespread fear across Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states. His release after completing a nine-year sentence has raised concerns due to his deep influence within the region’s bandit networks.

A counterterrorism and insurgency expert specializing in the Lake Chad Basin, Zagazola Makama, disclosed via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Bammi Yarma has returned to Katsina State. Makama highlighted that the bandit leader, known for orchestrating violent attacks, mass kidnappings, and extensive cattle rustling, was initially arrested in 2015 during the tenure of former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari.

Bammi Yarma’s capture was considered a significant victory in the fight against banditry. Security forces apprehended him in Danmusa, Katsina State, while he was smuggling weapons using nine camels—an operation that disrupted a crucial supply chain for criminal activities in the region. His eventual conviction led to his imprisonment in the Niger Republic, where he remained for nearly a decade.

Following his release, intelligence sources indicate that Bammi Yarma has regained a strong foothold among bandit factions. Reports suggest that several top bandit leaders have been paying homage to him, with some presenting him with multiple firearms, including between five and ten rifles each. This resurgence has alarmed security analysts, as his return could significantly escalate violent activities in Nigeria’s already troubled Northwest.

The revival of Bammi Yarma’s influence poses a serious threat to ongoing security efforts in the region. His ability to mobilize bandit groups, combined with access to new weaponry, may lead to increased attacks on villages, security outposts, and transportation routes. Furthermore, his established smuggling network could reignite illegal arms trafficking, making it more challenging for authorities to curb banditry.

Local communities, already struggling with persistent insecurity, now face heightened risks. Many residents fear that his return could trigger fresh waves of abductions, cattle theft, and violent raids, undermining previous counter-banditry operations.

Authorities in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states are expected to take decisive action in response to Bammi Yarma’s resurgence. Security agencies may intensify surveillance, deploy additional personnel, and collaborate with local vigilante groups to prevent his network from regaining full strength. Meanwhile, regional leaders and community stakeholders are being urged to support intelligence-sharing efforts to track his movements and activities.

With banditry already crippling economic activities and displacing thousands in the Northwest, Bammi Yarma’s return serves as a grim reminder of the persistent security challenges facing the region. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether authorities can counteract his growing influence or if the region will witness a renewed surge in violent crime.

An explosion has rocked an MRS filling station near Yola International Airport in Adamawa State, leaving several people feared dead.

The blast, according to eyewitnesses, happened while a fuel tanker was discharging fuel. Two tankers laden with fuel exploded.

“We heard a loud bang and the filling station went up into flames while a fuel tanker was offloading,” a nearby businessman explained the incident.

The explosion led to massive flames which have engulfed the station and nearby areas. Several vehicles have also been caught in the fire.

Meanwhile, firefighters from the Adamawa State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, and the American University of Nigeria (AUN) are battling to contain the blaze.

Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday remanded 13 Chinese nationals over alleged impersonation, fraud, and attempts to destabilise Nigeria’s constitutional structure.

The judge ordered the remand of the defendants after they pleaded not guilty to the various charges the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed against them.

The defendants were arraigned alongside a company, Genting International Co. Limited.

The Chinese nationals arraigned yesterday are: Wang Zheng Ming, Li Yin Hui, Xiao Hong Will, Wang Jia Qi (aka Xiao Tian), Long Shao Ming (aka You), Zhang Xiao Lei, Liu San Hua, Chen Wenyuan (aka Lee05mx20), Yang Sheng (Madison), and Rheeigh De La Vega (aka Rheignalyn).

The defendants were said to be among suspected fraudsters apprehended on December 10, 2024 by the EFCC at 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, following credible intelligence. The EFCC’s legal team, consisting of Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, Aso Larry Peters, T. J. Banjo, M. K. Bashir, and I. N. Ukoha, accused the defendants of violating sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 as amended in 2024.

Buhari-Bala arraigned the first, fifth, and sixth defendants; Aso Larry Peters arraigned the fifth, seventh, and eighth defendants; T. J. Banjo arraigned the ninth and 10th defendants; M. K. Bashir arraigned the 11th and 12th defendants; while I. N. Ukoha arraigned the 13th defendant.

After the charges were read to each defendant individually, all except Wang Zheng Ming pleaded not guilty.

Wang Zheng Ming rejected the EFCC-appointed lawyer and requested time to hire his defence counsel.