Discover the major highlights from Minister Bayo Adelabu’s presentation on Nigeria Power Sector Reforms 2025—from market revenue growth to clean energy investments and national grid upgrades.

Nigeria Power Sector Reforms 2025: Minister Adelabu Outlines Bold New Roadmap at Press Briefing

At the 6th edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series, held in Abuja on April 17, 2025, the Honorable Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, presented a sweeping update on the transformative strides in Nigeria’s energy sector. Hosted by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the event spotlighted key milestones and future plans under the current administration.

Fiscal and Policy Reforms

Minister Adelabu revealed three landmark blueprints: the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP), the Nigeria Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), and the Nigeria Power Sector Compact—frameworks designed to reshape the nation’s electricity landscape into a resilient and sustainable system.

He also announced the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, separating it into Nigeria Independent Service Operators (NISO) and Transmission Service Providers (TSP). This reform is aimed at boosting transparency, governance, and investor confidence.

Historic Takeoff: Minna Airport Launches First Commercial Flight After Major Upgrade

A highlight was the N700 billion increase in market revenue, thanks to cost-reflective tariffs for Band A customers. This move helped reduce the electricity subsidy shortfall by N1 trillion from a projected N3 trillion to N1.94 trillion in 2024.

Further decentralization of the power sector is underway, with 11 states now having regulatory authority after the signing of the Electricity (Amendment) Act 2024 by President Tinubu.

The government also launched a Power Sector Debt Reduction Initiative, targeting the settlement of N2 trillion of the N4 trillion owed to GenCos by the end of 2025.

Minister Adelabu emphasized regulatory accountability, revealing that DisCos were fined over N600 million for various consumer violations, particularly overbilling.

Multilateral Investment & Electrification Access

In a bold move toward universal energy access, 75 million Nigerians are expected to gain electricity within five years, thanks to the $30 billion Mission 300 a joint initiative with the World Bank and AfDB.

The newly launched DARES project, a $750 million World Bank-funded program, aims to deliver solar energy to 17.5 million Nigerians through mini-grids, standalone systems, and technical support.

Energy Generation and Hydropower Projects

On March 2, 2025, Nigeria exceeded the 6,000MW power generation mark for the first time, reaching a historic 128,370MWh daily energy output two days later. Since Q3 2023, daily generation has grown by 1,600MW a 40% increase.

To harness hydropower potential, infrastructure upgrades are underway at Zungeru and Kashimbilla plants, while the long-stalled Kaduna Thermal Power Plant is being fast-tracked for completion by year-end.

A $500 million SPIN project, signed with the World Bank, will advance hydropower and irrigation, while studies are ongoing to tap wind and hydro resources along Nigeria’s major highway corridors.

Transmission and Grid Expansion

The national grid now boasts an operational capacity of 8,900MW, bolstered by 70 new transformers and major funding from the World Bank and AfDB.

N25 billion has been allocated in the 2025 budget for completing key transmission projects. The Presidential Power Initiative (Siemens Project) added 700MW during its pilot and is now moving into Phase 1, targeting a 7,000MW capacity increase.

Plans are also progressing to regionalize the national grid with Eastern and Western supergrids, to improve reliability and performance.

Distribution & Metering

The government has launched a Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) to deploy 10 million smart meters by 2030. A Special Purpose Vehicle will deliver 1.1 million meters in 2025 and 2 million yearly thereafter.

Through the DISREP project, 1.3 million additional meters will be deployed by year-end, with 75,000 meters already delivered in April and 200,000 more expected in May. Meter test stations in Kano and Benin City are nearing full operation.

Renewables & Clean Energy Projects

The Energizing Education Programme has completed its first two phases, powering 37 federal universities and 7 teaching hospitals with 32MW of renewable energy.

New solar mini-grids have been launched in Plateau, Cross River, Niger, and Osun States, benefiting thousands of households.

Plans are underway for 100MW modular solar plants in all 19 Northern states, and a private-sector-led solar project targeting 1,000MW is in progress.

Additionally, the Ministry is planning a 1,000MW hydropower plant in Makurdi, further diversifying Nigeria’s renewable energy sources.

Minna Airport’s inaugural commercial flight marks a new era for North Central Nigeria. Discover how the newly revamped Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport is reshaping regional air travel.

Historic Takeoff: Minna Airport Launches First Commercial Flight After Major Upgrade

Today marked a remarkable milestone in Nigeria’s aviation history as the first commercial flight took off from the newly upgraded Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna. This historic journey to Abuja symbolizes not just a successful test flight, but a transformative leap forward for air travel in the North Central region.

NAF Restores Hope in Zamfara: Air Force Delivers on Promises to Dangebe Community

In a strategic move, it was also announced that Minna Airport has been officially designated as the alternative airport to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. This development is expected to ease air traffic and improve connectivity to the nation’s capital.

The rehabilitation of the airport was carried out under the leadership of the Bago administration, with its commissioning proudly performed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024. The relaunch of commercial services today stands as a powerful testament to Governor Umar Bago’s vision for infrastructure development and President Tinubu’s strong backing of bold, subnational projects.

This achievement promises immense economic and logistical benefits for Niger State and the broader North Central zone, opening doors to greater mobility, tourism, and investment opportunities.

Prominent figures who witnessed this landmark event included former Niger State Governor Dr. Babangida Aliyu; the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; and Overland Airways CEO, Mr. Edward Boyo.

The Nigerian Air Force fulfills promises to victims of Dangebe airstrike offering financial aid, rebuilding homes, and providing clean water in Zamfara.

NAF Restores Hope in Zamfara: Air Force Delivers on Promises to Dangebe Community

In a remarkable demonstration of accountability and compassion, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully fulfilled all commitments made to the victims of the tragic airstrike in Dangebe Village, Zamfara State.

Following the unfortunate incident on January 11, 2025, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, promptly visited the affected area. During his visit, he extended sincere condolences and assured residents of comprehensive, meaningful support.

Emerging Terrorist Group ‘Mahmuda’ Escalates Attacks in Kwara and Niger States

Today, those promises have become reality.

Full financial compensation has been provided to all affected families.

The damaged building has been fully reconstructed.

Two new motorcycles were donated to replace those destroyed.

A brand-new borehole has been drilled in nearby Kambarawa Village, granting access to clean water for hundreds.

These measures are part of the

NAF’s broader commitment to transparency,

A new terror group, Mahmuda, is intensifying attacks in Kwara and Niger States, raising security concerns despite official denial of its existence.

New Terrorist Group ‘Mahmuda’ Intensifies Violence Across Kwara and Niger States

A newly emerged armed group known as Mahmuda is rapidly intensifying violent attacks across various communities in Kwara and Niger States, raising major concerns about national security and intelligence lapses.

Residents in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara, and Borgu in Niger State, reported coordinated assaults by suspected Mahmuda fighters, resulting in multiple fatalities including four Fulani men, a vigilante, and a teenage boy who was struck by a stray bullet.

Gunmen Kill 6 in Ilesha Baruba as Kwara Police Launch Crackdown on Banditry

The group reportedly struck trading spots and villages including Kemaanji, Nuku, Baabete, Tenebo, and Nanu, in what locals believe to be reprisal attacks against communities perceived to be collaborating with security forces. A similar attack in Kaiama reportedly claimed the life of another vigilante on the same day.

Despite public outcry and growing concerns, the Kwara State Police Command has denied both the existence of the Mahmuda group and claims that 15 vigilantes were killed in recent attacks. However, eyewitness accounts and local leaders offer a starkly different narrative.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq visited Kaiama alongside top military and intelligence officials, describing the situation as a coordinated reprisal by “non-state actors” against local vigilantes. He assured residents that efforts are underway to stabilize the region, particularly around Kainji Lake National Park, where Mahmuda is believed to have established a stronghold.

Origins of Mahmuda

The Mahmuda group is believed to have originated from Mokwa in Niger State, gradually establishing its presence in Kainji Lake National Park. According to residents, the group began as a religious movement offering sermons, which later evolved into a violent faction that recruits teenagers as fighters and informants. Some reports suggest that Mahmuda is a breakaway faction of Boko Haram with ideological links to extremist cells in Niger and Benin Republics.

Security Expert Reactions

Intelligence experts warn that Mahmuda’s growing influence reflects deeper gaps in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts. Critics question why intelligence agencies failed to detect the group’s emergence, calling for a strategic overhaul, including forest guard deployment and community-based intelligence.

Retired officials from the DSS and police have advised the federal government to form a national security committee composed of both serving and retired intelligence experts to develop a long-term strategy. They also highlight the need for socioeconomic investment in vulnerable communities to curb terrorist recruitment.

A Growing List of Threats

Nigeria is currently contending with at least five organized terrorist groups:

Boko Haram

ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province)

Lakurawa

Ansaru

Mahmuda

Each group poses a unique threat and requires tailored counter-insurgency strategies. Security analysts warn that unless immediate action is taken, the Mahmuda group could expand its footprint, threatening regional stability and deepening the security crisis in Nigeria.

Terror struck Ilesha Baruba in Kwara as armed men killed 8. Farooq Kperogi reflects on the personal toll and calls for urgent action to save Nigeria’s rural communities.

Insecurity Hits Home: Terror in Kwara Leaves a Historic Land Reeling

On the night of April 21, just as the town clock neared 9 p.m., terror gripped Desa known more formally as Ilesha Baruba in Kwara State’s Baruten Local Government Area. This is not just any town for me; it lies just minutes from my hometown, and the events that unfolded there have hit closer to home than I ever imagined.

In the space of minutes, armed men cloaked in military-style gear unleashed a wave of gunfire on a busy night market, killing eight people without warning. The market was full of young people from different backgrounds, enjoying what should have been another quiet evening. Instead, they were met with the sound of bullets and chaos.

Gunmen Kill 6 in Ilesha Baruba as Kwara Police Launch Crackdown on Banditry

The killings were chilling in their precision and brutality. The attackers began by executing a Fulani vigilante member in a gruesome manner, his skull shattered by bullets. Then they shot and killed five more Fulani men. A Fon man from southern Benin Republic and a Baatonu man from the town were also slain collateral victims in what seems to be a deeply unsettling act of violence.

But what makes this atrocity more painful is how little sense it makes. Reports from those present suggest the attackers spoke Fulfulde—the Fulani language—which indicates they were themselves Fulani. Yet their targets included their own. They took no hostages. They stole nothing. What, then, was the purpose of this slaughter?

Speculation runs rampant. Were the local Fulani victims seen as traitors for cooperating with the community or with authorities? Or was this a senseless, nihilistic show of power and terror?

In recent months, the entire Borgu region has been living under the growing shadow of a new terrorist group known as Mahmuda. First seen in Kebbi and Niger states, they have now extended their reach into Kwara my home. In fact, they have spread throughout what used to be collectively known as Borgu.

This region isn’t just a collection of names on a map. Borgu is a storied, multicultural land that once flourished as a confederation of powerful kingdoms. It stretches across present-day Baruten and Kaiama LGAs in Kwara, Borgu and Agwara in Niger, Bagudo and Dandi in Kebbi, and even into Borgou and Alibori departments in Benin Republic. That unity was dismantled by colonial powers, but the cultural bonds remain strong.

Today, however, those communities are bleeding.

The terrorists first found safe haven in the dense foliage of Kainji Lake National Park and the borderlands between Benin and Burkina Faso. But in 2024, they began infiltrating Kaiama and Yasikiru in Baruten, sparking fear among residents.

When local people bravely reported the presence of these gunmen, the initial response from authorities brought a flicker of hope. Security operatives raided camps, seized weapons, and dismantled hideouts. But the retaliation that followed was swift and merciless.

The people of Borgu have now become targets—not of mere violence, but of strategic, blood-soaked vengeance. Children, the elderly, and women have all fallen victim to what can only be described as a systematic assault on rural communities.

Earlier this week, the Governor of Kwara State visited Kaiama in a show of solidarity and reassurance. But barely had his motorcade disappeared than terrorists struck again. More people died. More homes were shattered. The visit, it seems, only provoked the killers into new waves of violence.

To make matters worse, just two days before the attack in Desa, terrorists had circulated messages warning locals of an impending 10 p.m. curfew an announcement that added to the fear. Yet before the deadline even arrived, the attackers moved in, striking ahead of their own warning.

Now, the entire Borgu axis lives in a state of siege. Where once there was quiet pride and coexistence, now there is silence filled with dread.

For me, this is no longer just a news story. This is personal. The pain, the fear, the loss they belong to me, to my people, to a land that once stood proud and united.

We cannot afford to stand by any longer. What is unfolding in Kwara, and across Nigeria’s rural north, demands a bold and urgent response. Terrorism is no longer a distant threat. It is at our doorsteps. It is inside our homes. It is stealing lives in the dark.

The Federal Government must rise to meet this crisis—not with platitudes, but with decisive, humane, and far-reaching action. The people of Borgu deserve more than sympathy. They deserve peace.

IMF forecasts Nigeria’s inflation to fall to 26.5% in 2025 but spike to 37% in 2026. Warns of fragile stability amid FX volatility and reform pressures.

IMF Predicts Spike in Nigeria’s Inflation to 37% by 2026 Despite 2025 Moderation

Global lender cautions that price stability remains fragile as Nigeria grapples with economic reforms and external headwinds

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate will moderate to 26.5% in 2025 following a recalibration of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) but warns that inflation could surge again to 37.0% by 2026.

The inflation outlook, detailed in the IMF’s April 2025 World Economic Outlook (WEO) report, underscores the volatile nature of Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment despite short-term gains from ongoing structural reforms.

Moderation Followed by a Surge

According to the Fund, inflation is expected to decelerate in 2025 from its current high of 33.2% in 2024, largely due to base effects and tighter monetary policy. However, the respite may be short-lived, with inflation projected to rebound sharply in 2026 underscoring the fragility of recent gains.

The IMF attributes this projected inflationary spike to continued pressures from foreign exchange volatility, subsidy removals, and energy sector reforms that may lead to cost-driven price increases across key sectors.

Current Account Under Pressure

In parallel, Nigeria’s external position while currently stable faces increasing headwinds. The IMF projects that the current account surplus will shrink from 9.1% of GDP in 2024 to 6.9% in 2025, and further to 5.2% in 2026, as global oil dynamics and capital flow uncertainties weigh on the economy.

Recent figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) show a Balance of Payments surplus of $6.83 billion in 2024, buoyed by a $17.22 billion current and capital account surplus, driven largely by a $13.17 billion goods trade surplus.

But the sustainability of these gains remains uncertain. Investment analysts at JP Morgan have warned that oil prices falling below Nigeria’s fiscal breakeven price of $60 per barrel could quickly reverse the trend, potentially plunging the current account into a deficit.

Mixed Outlook from Global Ratings Agencies

In contrast to the IMF’s cautious tone, Fitch Ratings offers a more optimistic view. The agency expects Nigeria to maintain a moderate current account surplus, averaging 3.3% of GDP between 2025 and 2026, supported by increased crude oil output, energy sector reforms, and the operationalization of new local refineries such as the Dangote Refinery.

You can also read NSA Ribadu Visits Benue Over Herdsmen Killings

Policy Implications and Outlook

These mixed forecasts highlight the urgent need for policy coordination between Nigeria’s monetary and fiscal authorities. While the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised benchmark interest rates to curb inflation, broader structural reforms particularly in the energy, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors are critical to improving long-term resilience.

The IMF’s projection of 37% inflation in 2026 serves as a warning to Nigerian policymakers that without sustained and inclusive reform, the country risks undoing recent economic progress.

NSA Nuhu Ribadu visits Benue after herdsmen attacks kill 72. FG pledges urgent security support and warns against politicising the national tragedy.

NSA Ribadu Visits Benue Over Deadly Herdsmen Attacks, Vows Federal Government Support

Over 72 killed as Benue reels from violence; FG pledges urgent action to restore security and peace

The National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President of Nigeria, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday paid a solemn visit to Benue State, following a wave of violent attacks by suspected armed herders that have claimed the lives of more than 72 residents during the Easter period.

Addressing government officials, security agencies, and grieving families, Ribadu expressed the Federal Government’s strong commitment to stabilising the region and tackling the rising insecurity.

“We are gathered here today in a moment of deep sorrow. The Federal Government of Nigeria stands with the people of Benue, and we are fully committed to overcoming the security threats affecting this state,” Ribadu said.

You can also read Gani Adams Slams FG Over Plateau, Benue Killings

NSA Assures Partnership With Benue State Government

Ribadu’s visit followed a closed-door meeting with Governor Hyacinth Alia, who detailed the extent of the damage both human and economic caused by the renewed wave of violence. The governor emphasised the urgent need for sustained federal support, as local efforts alone have proven insufficient in stemming the crisis.

In response, the NSA promised closer collaboration between federal and state authorities, assuring the people of Benue that concrete action would follow the visit.

“I want to assure you that these atrocities will not go unanswered. Our focus is to restore calm, rebuild communities, and hold the perpetrators accountable,” Ribadu added.

Call for Unity, De-Politicisation of Insecurity

Ribadu used the occasion to caution against the politicisation of the national security crisis, describing the loss of lives as a shared tragedy that must transcend political affiliations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We urge all Nigerians to rise above politics when lives are at stake,” he said.

Benue Governor Highlights Urgent Needs

Governor Alia reiterated the severity of the situation, revealing that numerous farming communities had been displaced, impacting the state’s agricultural productivity and increasing humanitarian concerns.

He praised the NSA’s visit as a sign of the federal government’s readiness to act, but appealed for immediate interventions—including equipment, personnel, and funding—to help Benue recover.

Proactive Measures Already Underway

To boost frontline response, the Benue State Government has taken decisive steps, including the recent procurement of 100 deluxe vehicles and 600 motorcycles to improve the mobility of security personnel across vulnerable areas.

These initiatives aim to strengthen local response capabilities while federal forces increase their presence and coordination in the region.

A Renewed Sense of Hope

The NSA’s visit has rekindled cautious optimism among residents, who see it as an indication that the federal government is taking Benue’s plight seriously. Community leaders have called for consistent engagement and action to prevent future tragedies and rebuild public trust in the security apparatus.

Gani Adams slams FG over killings in Plateau, Benue, and Ondo; demands urgent security reform, decentralised policing, and restructuring to save Nigeria.

Gani Adams Slams FG Over Plateau, Benue Killings

Yoruba leader condemns rising violence, calls for decentralised policing to safeguard national unity and food security

The Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has delivered a scathing rebuke of the Federal Government’s handling of the worsening security crisis in Plateau, Benue, and Ondo States, warning that continued inaction may spell disaster for Nigeria’s unity and stability.

Speaking at the grand finale of the 2025 Eledumare Festival in Lagos on Tuesday, Adams condemned recent violent attacks by suspected armed herders that have claimed scores of lives and displaced thousands. He described the incidents as “barbaric” and “a direct affront to the values of peace and love that should unite Nigeria.”

Zamfara Bandits Demand N60 Million Levy from Villagers Over Military Tip-Off

No nation can thrive when one part of its population is allowed to brutalize another without consequence,” Adams stated. “What we are witnessing is the gradual descent into anarchy, and the Federal Government must urgently recalibrate its security strategy.

Security Failures Jeopardising Food Security, National Stability

Adams highlighted the broader implications of the escalating violence, particularly its impact on food security and foreign investment. States like Benue and Plateau are agricultural powerhouses, and their destabilisation, he warned, poses a threat to national food production.

Every act of violence in these regions sets us back not only in lives lost but also in economic progress, he said. “The farmers cannot go to their fields, and investors will not go where there is no guarantee of safety.”

Criticises Centralised Policing, Calls for Restructuring

The Yoruba leader did not mince words in criticising the federal government’s centralised approach to policing, which he labelled as outdated and politically motivated.

“You cannot cling to a failed structure for the sake of political convenience,” he declared. “What Nigeria needs now is a decentralised security architecture one that empowers state and local government policing to tackle threats at the grassroots level.”

Adams stressed that restructuring Nigeria’s governance is no longer a political talking point but a national survival strategy. He urged the federal government to prioritise the establishment of state and community policing frameworks to allow localised responses to insecurity.

Eledumare Festival: A Call to Cultural Unity

Amid the calls for reform, Adams also used the occasion to highlight the spiritual and cultural significance of the Eledumare Festival. The event, he said, celebrates divine providence, unity, and the enduring identity of the Yoruba people.

“Our heritage gives us strength, and in these turbulent times, we must hold on to the values that bind us together peace, love, and justice,” he said.

A Final Warning from Gani

Gani Adams concluded with a stern warning that the federal government’s continued silence and inaction on the killings could push the country toward irreversible fragmentation.

“We cannot allow political interests to override the safety and dignity of Nigerian citizens,” he said. “The time to act is now.”

The Nigerian Senate rebukes Pastor Tunde Bakare for inflammatory remarks, defends stance on Rivers emergency, and urges responsible public discourse.

Senate Rebukes Pastor Tunde Bakare Over National Assembly Criticism, Defends Rivers Emergency Stance

Lawmakers urge civility in public discourse, say criticisms must not undermine democracy

The Nigerian Senate has issued a pointed rebuttal to recent remarks made by Pastor Tunde Bakare, warning the prominent cleric and political figure against channeling personal political frustrations into attacks on the 10th National Assembly.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, described Bakare’s comments as disrespectful, inflammatory, and lacking in factual basis. The Senate insisted that while all Nigerians have a constitutional right to critique government, such freedoms should not be weaponized to delegitimize democratic institutions.

Pastor Bakare, a cleric and a political voice in his own right, has previously made contributions to national discourse that encouraged reflection and debate,” Adaramodu acknowledged. “However, his latest remarks go beyond constructive criticism. They are steeped in disdain and filled with sweeping, unsupported allegations.

Zamfara Bandits Demand N60 Million Levy from Villagers Over Military Tip-Off

Critique Must Not Undermine Democratic Institutions  Senate

According to the Senate, Bakare’s recent comments suggest a personal political undertone, given his history as a presidential aspirant and vice-presidential candidate. This context, they said, must inform how Nigerians interpret his political interventions.

These statements are not emerging from a neutral pulpit,” Adaramodu stated. “They are politically tinted and should be evaluated accordingly.

Rivers State Emergency: Lawmakers Defend Position

One of the key issues addressed was the Senate’s rejection of a proposed emergency declaration in Rivers State, a decision Pastor Bakare had criticized. Adaramodu defended the legislature’s handling of the matter, saying the Assembly acted within the bounds of constitutional responsibility.

The Senate has, on several occasions, constructively challenged executive actions, including those related to the Rivers State situation,” he said. “Our decisions are informed by a deep commitment to democratic principles and the Nigerian people  not political grandstanding.

Respect for Judicial Process: Senate Will Not Discuss Sub Judice Matters

The statement emphasized that the National Assembly would not be drawn into public debates on issues that are currently before the courts, reiterating its respect for the rule of law and judicial independence.

In line with legal standards, we will not engage in commentary on matters pending before the judiciary,” Adaramodu added.

On Governance: Performance Over Public Drama

The Senate also criticized the idea that constant conflict between branches of government is a sign of effective oversight. Adaramodu noted that meaningful legislative performance should be measured by outcomes, not by public spectacle.

“Tension is not always an indicator of accountability,” he argued. “True responsibility lies in delivering results for the Nigerian people not in public drama.”

Track Record of Inconsistent Criticism

The Senate further pointed out that Pastor Bakare has, in the past, offered similarly harsh criticism of previous assemblies, only to later shift his tone. This pattern, according to Adaramodu, casts doubt on the objectivity of his current statements.

Call for Constructive Engagement

Despite the critical tone of its statement, the Senate expressed openness to engaging with Bakare and other public figures in the national interest.

“We believe that, with time, the achievements of the 10th National Assembly will speak for themselves and may even earn the respect of Pastor Bakare,” Adaramodu concluded.

He ended the address with a call for civility and factual engagement in national conversations, particularly from civic and spiritual leaders.

“Our democracy is best served when dialogue is reasoned, respectful, and focused on progress not polarization.”

Zamfara bandits impose N60 million levy on 12 villages for allegedly aiding military. Residents face threats as illegal extortion worsens in northwest Nigeria.

Zamfara Communities Slammed with N60 Million Levy by Bandits for Alleged Military Collaboration

Twelve Villages Targeted in Maru Local Government Area as Terrorists Tighten Grip on Rural Communities

In yet another grim illustration of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, residents of twelve communities in the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been ordered by bandits to pay a staggering N60 million levy. The terrorists imposed the illegal levy after accusing villagers of collaborating with the military during a recent offensive in the Dan Kurmi forest.

The punitive demand comes just days after soldiers reportedly launched a successful assault on terrorist hideouts in the forest, killing a significant number of insurgents. In response, the surviving bandits accused the communities of sharing intelligence with security forces.

You can Also Read

Capacity Building in Focus: Adamawa Police Launch Refresher Training for Officers

Villages Named, Threats Delivered

The affected communities include:

Koloma, Dan Hayin Zargado, Zargado, Dan Godabe, Sabuwar Tunga, Makini, Bubaka, Yelwa, Bahwada, Koda, Manya, and Kabusu.

Residents told The Beat, an online platform known for tracking banditry in northwestern Nigeria, that local leaders and representatives from these villages were summoned by the terrorists for what was described as a “peace meeting.” However, the meeting quickly turned hostile, with the terrorists issuing a non-negotiable ultimatum to pay the N60 million levy or face coordinated attacks.

Bandits Allegedly Retaliating for Forest Fires and Intelligence Leaks

In a separate interview monitored on BBC Hausa, a traditional leader from Dan Kurmi, Sani Usman, revealed that the bandits also accused residents of deliberately burning parts of the forest where they had established hideouts. The fires, according to the terrorists, further hindered their mobility and operations in the wake of the military raid.

Usman noted that the bandits explicitly stated the levy was a form of punishment and a warning against future cooperation with security agencies.

Official Silence from Authorities

Attempts to obtain comments from the Zamfara State Police Command were unsuccessful. As of Monday evening, calls placed to the spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq, were not connecting.

Security experts have repeatedly called on the federal and state governments to address the increasing cases of “protection levies” being imposed on rural communities by armed groups operating freely in the region. The situation has worsened in recent months, with citizens forced to choose between paying terrorists or risking violent attacks.

A Growing Trend of Extortion in the Northwest

This incident is not isolated. In recent weeks, terrorists in Katsina State imposed a N1.5 million levy on the communities of Gurza, Kurechin Giye, and Kulawu, all in Danmusa Local Government Area. Similarly, a group led by a known terrorist named Nabaruma demanded N10 million from Unguwan Zakara village in Dutsin-Ma LGA.

These levies have become a reliable revenue stream for insurgents, helping to fund their operations, acquire weapons, and strengthen recruitment networks. In many cases, failure to pay results in mass abductions, destruction of property, or mass killings.

The Implication: Bandits Now Acting as Shadow Governments

Analysts warn that the imposition of these levies points to a dangerous evolution in the power of non-state actors in northern Nigeria. Bandits are no longer just attackers—they are enforcing taxes, resolving disputes, and punishing perceived disloyalty, effectively establishing a parallel government in regions where state presence is weak or non-existent.

Call for Urgent Action

With rural communities at the mercy of armed groups, civil society leaders, security analysts, and citizens are demanding urgent military and policy intervention. There are growing calls for the Nigerian government to adopt a more proactive, intelligence-driven counterinsurgency strategy, alongside investment in local policing, economic recovery, and trust-building in affected areas.

Until then, residents of Zamfara and other Northwestern states remain trapped in a cycle of violence, extortion, and fear victims of a state of lawlessness rapidly gaining ground.