Crime
Escaped Kidnap Victim Rescued by Troops in Zamfara State Shares Harrowing experience
Escaped Kidnap Victim Rescued by Troops in Zamfara State Shares Harrowing experience
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have successfully rescued a kidnapped victim Salim Ishaq Umar, indigent of Gusau who escaped from a terrorist enclave in Munhaye Forest in Zamfara state after 47 days in captivity.
The escape reportedly occurred on the morning of November 12, after which the victim sought help from military personnel stationed nearby.
Following the rescue, the victim was transported to the CT 7 Headquarters in Tsafe, where military personnel conducted a preliminary debriefing.
Salim who shared the traumatic story of his abduction and captivity at the hands of armed kidnappers, revealed the brutal tactics used by criminal groups in Zamfara State. Umar recounted how he was abducted from his home on the night of August 8, 2024, when three armed men, one of whom wielded an AK-47 rifle, woke him from his sleep and took him into the bush.
During the attack, the assailants reportedly shot a security officer and confiscated Umar’s phone. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of 30 million naira and five motorcycles, which his family managed to pay.
However, despite meeting these demands, Umar was not released. After 47 days in captivity, the kidnappers raised their demands, requesting an additional 100 million naira and ten motorcycles.
Their leader allegedly threatened to kill him if his family did not comply. Facing the threat of death, Umar began to devise an escape On not released.
After 47 days in captivity, the kidnappers raised their demands, requesting an additional 100 million naira and ten motorcycles. Their leader allegedly threatened to kill him if his family did not comply. Facing the threat of death, Umar began to devise an escape plan. “On hearing that, I started to make up my mind to escape from them,” he explained.
Together with two other captives, he planned to flee, though, tragically, only he managed to escape. His two fellow captives were captured again on November 11, 2024, shortly after their escape attempt.
Umar revealed that he was subjected to harsh conditions, including limited access to food and water, and witnessed threats against his life if further ransom demands were not met. He was eventually transferred to a new location in the bush where he remained until he managed to escape. He made his way to the nearest military post, where troops took him into protective custody.
Escaped Kidnap Victim Rescued by Troops in Zamfara State Shares Harrowing experience
Crime
Nigerian Military Intensifies Crackdown on Criminal Elements in Plateau State, Neutralizes Bandits, and Recovers Arms
Nigerian Military Intensifies Crackdown on Criminal Elements in Plateau State, Neutralizes Bandits, and Recovers Arms
By; Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, in collaboration with Operation SAFE HAVEN, has achieved significant breakthroughs in countering criminal activities in an ongoing security operation aimed at restoring safety in Plateau State,
The intensified operations, conducted over several weeks, have led to arrests, the recovery of firearms, and the neutralization of several notorious criminal figures.
On October 23, security forces arrested two suspects believed to be masterminds of a foiled attack in Kazok Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State. Authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle, 96 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and 46 cartridges from the suspects. The next day, on October 24, security agencies thwarted an armed robbery on Bot-Foreiyinte Road in Bokkos LGA, rescuing two victims and confiscating a fabricated rifle and ammunition.
In a further operation on October 26 in Garkawa, Mikang LGA, security forces dismantled a criminal syndicate, arresting four suspects and seizing a Beretta pistol, an AK-47 magazine, and 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Additionally, on October 31, security operatives acting on intelligence apprehended a female suspect in Bassa LGA who had been impersonating a soldier to intimidate residents. Authorities confiscated an automatic rifle, military uniforms, and other equipment from her.
On November 2, troops launched an intelligence-based raid in Luwaran Village, Jos North LGA, where the wife of a known bandit led them to an AK-47 rifle buried on the village outskirts.
The bandit narrowly escaped capture, but efforts are ongoing to apprehend him. In a dawn raid on November 3 in Kwatas District, Bokkos LGA, security forces arrested two suspected bandits linked to local security breaches, recovering a fabricated rifle capable of firing 7.62mm ammunition and additional rounds.
A major success was recorded on November 4 in Wase LGA, where security forces neutralized Kachalla Saleh, a notorious bandit kingpin known as “Mai Rasha,” during an operation in Kinishi Forest. Officials recovered 500,000 Naira believed to be part of a ransom collected by Saleh. On November 5, security forces foiled an armed robbery in Sanga LGA, Kaduna State, apprehending two suspects and recovering 130,000 Naira taken from victims.
In Zangon Kataf LGA on November 6, security agencies disrupted a kidnapping attempt, forcing the criminals to flee and abandoning a Magnum pump-action gun, an AK-47 magazine, and other fabricated weapons. Most recently, on November 11, security forces responded to kidnappers’ activity in Anguwan Kwata, Bokkos LGA, neutralizing one armed suspect after a confrontation.
Nigerian Military Intensifies Crackdown on Criminal Elements in Plateau State, Neutralizes Bandits, and Recovers Arms
Crime
Troops Recover Stolen Cattle from Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists in Sokoto State
Troops Recover Stolen Cattle from Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists in Sokoto State
By: Zagazola Makama
The troops from the Headquarters 1 Brigade and 1 Battalion mobilized to Kalgo village, Sokoto State, following sightings of suspected Lakurawa terrorists in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that upon learning of the troops’ approach, the suspected terrorists fled the scene, abandoning 38 rustled cattle. The operation, led by the Commander of 1 Brigade, was carried out without incident.
The recovered livestock was returned to its rightful owners in Mera village, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Sources disclosed confirmed that intensified operations are ongoing to secure the broader area and prevent further incursions by the armed group.
This recovery operation comes amid rising threat by the Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
On Tuesday November 11, some armed men believed to be from the Lakurawa group raided Kura village in Soron Yamma ward, Binji Local Government Area.
The attackers seized a large number of livestock but reportedly did not harm or abduct any villagers, according to local sources.
Troops Recover Stolen Cattle from Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists in Sokoto State
Crime
Airstrikes by Nigerian Air Force Free Kidnapped Victims from Bandits in Katsina, after several terrorists killed
Airstrikes by Nigerian Air Force Free Kidnapped Victims from Bandits in Katsina, after several terrorists killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Atleast Five kidnapped victims have managed to escape captivity after an airstrike by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA under the Northwest Operation FARAUTAR MUJIYA, targeted bandit hideouts near Babare Hills in Katsina State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims Musa Umar (45), Alhaji Hassan Dando (47), Saminu Ali (35), Yasir Salisu (15), and Muhammad Buhari (17) were held by bandits after being kidnapped from Jibia’s Bachaka quarters and Lankwasau village in early October.
The escape occurred in the early hours of November 10, 2024, during an air interdiction as part of Operation Fansa Yamma, the Nigerian military’s intensified campaign against banditry in the northwest.
According to Musa Umar, one of the freed victims, the airstrikes struck the bandits’ enclave, leading to significant casualties among the bandits and forcing guards to abandon their posts. This enabled five of the captives to break free from their chains and flee the area.
Four of the victims sought help at an army Forward Operating Base in Faru and were later transferred to the Jibia Army Camp.
Meanwhile, Umar made his way to Jibia General Hospital for medical assistance. He reported that about 30 people remained captive at Babare Hills, with chains still preventing their escape.
The Nigerian Military has significantly ramped up its operations to tackle the pervasive issue of banditry across the northwest region.
Through a series of strategic airstrikes and ground offensives under Operation Fansa Yamma, security forces have targeted major hideouts and supply routes used by bandit groups. Recent airstrikes, including successful missions around Babare Hills in Katsina State, have not only neutralized scores of bandits but also led to the liberation of kidnapped victims who managed to escape amid the chaos.
The intensified campaign reflects a shift toward proactive and relentless pressure on bandit enclaves across the northwest. High-profile operations involving the Nigerian Air Force and ground troops are focused on reclaiming areas that have long been hotspots of criminal activity.
These ongoing efforts aim not only to weaken the operational capacity of bandits but also to dismantle the infrastructure supporting their movements and activities. Authorities have also underscored the importance of intelligence gathering and sustained air surveillance in locating bandit camps and preventing future attacks, underscoring the military’s evolving strategy to end banditry and secure the region.
Airstrikes by Nigerian Air Force Free Kidnapped Victims from Bandits in Katsina, after several terrorists killed
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