Troops score major victory against terrorists in Kadam Forest, Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Intervention Battalion 7, in collaboration with the 8 Division Strike Team under the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded a significant operational success following a decisive engagement with a notorious terrorist network in Kadam Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

Zagazola report that the operation was launched after credible intelligence revealed that over 100 terrorists, linked to the Lakurawa extremist group, had gathered deep within Kadam Forest to plan attacks on local communities and transport kidnapped victims to their hideouts.

Acting on the intelligence, troops swiftly mobilised to intercept the terrorist movement, establishing contact at approximately 1200 hours.

The ensuing firefight was intense and sustained, with the terrorists attempting a rear-flanking manoeuvre. Troops responded decisively with superior firepower, maintaining tactical dominance and effectively neutralising the immediate threat.

Exploitation operations into the forest confirmed the neutralisation of three terrorists, while several others were believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during their escape.

Security forces recovered one PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, 350 rounds of PKT ammunition, 111 rounds of 7.62 special ammunition, three magazines, two radios, three motorcycles, and a mobile phone. Follow-up operations are ongoing to ascertain additional enemy casualties and recover further arms and equipment.

The Force Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA praised the troops’ professionalism and high morale, describing the engagement as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-driven, joint security operations in degrading terrorist networks and disrupting their operational capabilities.

He emphasised that aggressive patrols and sustained operations would continue across the general area to prevent fleeing terrorists from regrouping and launching further attacks on communities and transport routes.

“The commitment and courage of our troops remain unwavering. Operations like this demonstrate that the security of citizens is our priority, and we will continue to disrupt and dismantle terrorist networks wherever they operate,” the commander said.

The operation has reinforced confidence among residents of Tangaza and surrounding areas, highlighting the Nigerian Army’s resolve to ensure safety and stability across Sokoto State.

Troops score major victory against terrorists in Kadam Forest, Sokoto

NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe.

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Director of Finance and Admin. of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya, PhD, FMNG, has made numerous achievements in providing infrastructure facilities to improve the living conditions for the people of Yobe State since he was appointed to that position

The developmental projects provided by Dr. Garba Illiya include the construction and rehabilitation of schools, primary healthcare centers, and water supply in both rural and urban areas with a view to improving the livelihoods of the people of Yobe State.

Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya, PhD, FMNG, also constructed and rehabilitated numerous rural roads in some local government areas across the state to facilitate the movement of goods and services.

However, Dr. Illiya also accords the same commitment to the schools by procurement of instructional materials as well as construction and rehabilitation of schools destroyed by Boko Haram insurgency across the northeast region.

“Dr. Illiya’s intervention, the NEDC, has contributed tremendously to increasing food sufficiency and food security in Yobe State and the North East by procuring farm inputs and implements as well as providing enough fertilizers and tractors to farmers.

He also assisted youths and women with the capital for business with empowerment initiated for self-employment and also distributed foodstuffs and other humanitarian assistance to Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the region.

Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya further sent youths for training in different categories, like training in phone repairs, welding, tailoring, carpentry, and others, to be self-reliant and assisted them with take-off funds for capital businesses.

He made all these achievements with a view to improving the lives of the peoples of Yobe State and the northeast region after recovery from the Boko Haram insurgency destruction.

NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe

Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police in Benue says have neutralised three suspected bandits during a gun battle following the killing of a 67-year-old man in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state.

Security sources said the incident occurred on March 7 at about 7:30 p.m., when armed bandits loyal to a local kingpin identified as “Chen” had abducted one Zaki Sughter Agenbeer, 67, from his residence in Une Tongov community.

The attackers reportedly took the victim into the bush and killed him after accusing him of providing information about their activities to security agencies.

The DPO Katsina-Ala, in collaboration with the DPO Ukum, subsequently mobilised patrol teams and tactical units to the area. Police operatives later engaged the bandits in a gun duel during which three of the suspects were neutralised.

The corpse of the slain victim was recovered and deposited at the Zaki Ibiam Hospital mortuary, while security operatives have commenced a combing operation in nearby bushes to track down other fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, the police also confirmed an attack on the convoy of Sen. Udende Emmanuel, representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, during a visit to Tsua town in Vandekiya Local Government Area for a church service.

Sources said some youths from Vandekiya allegedly attacked the senator’s convoy and damaged one of the vehicles.

The Divisional Police Officer in Vandekiya quickly mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued the senator from the situation.

In a related development, some youths also disrupted a thanksgiving service at Tsemke Church in Vandekiya, destroying plastic chairs before police intervened.

Police authorities said the swift deployment of operatives helped to de-escalate the tension and restore normalcy in the area.

Additional patrol and tactical teams have been deployed to Vandekiya to ensure law and order and facilitate the arrest of those responsible for the disturbances.

The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has commenced investigations into both incidents.

Police said the general security situation across Benue State remains relatively calm, while security agencies continue monitoring developments.

Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy