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Wanted bandit arrested at hajj camp, four other bandit set to travel to Saudi via Abuja– sources

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Wanted bandit arrested at hajj camp, four other bandit set to travel to Saudi via Abuja– sources

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives have arrested a notorious bandit, Yahaya Zango, at the Hajj Camp in Abuja while he attempted to disguise as a pilgrim preparing for this year’s pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Zango, who has been on the wanted list of security agencies for alleged involvement in banditry and kidnapping across northern Nigeria, was apprehended during routine screening of intending pilgrims.

A reliable security source Zagazola Makama on Sunday that the suspect was intercepted while trying to board a bus alongside other pilgrims headed for the airport.

The source disclosed that the arrest followed credible intelligence which prompted enhanced surveillance and internal screening within the camp.

“Upon close monitoring and verification, the suspect’s identity was uncovered, and he was immediately taken into custody without incident,” the source said.

The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation while further investigations are ongoing to unravel his network and activities.

Meanwhile, impeccable sources have alleged that at least four other individuals with suspected links to banditry are currently among those listed to travel for the 2025 Hajj through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Those named include Madele, said to be the father of notorious bandit kingpin Ado Aliero; Bello Bazamfare; and a woman believed to be the mother of another infamous bandit leader, Gwaska Dankarami. One of the four is reportedly a sibling of Ado Aliero himself.

In 2024, similar concerns were raised after 14 suspected bandits were reportedly sponsored to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Three were apprehended on their return, while one was controversially released under unclear circumstances.

Security agencies are said to be intensifying screenings and intelligence operations around this year’s pilgrimage to prevent a recurrence.

Wanted bandit arrested at hajj camp, four other bandit set to travel to Saudi via Abuja– sources

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Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau

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Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Gallant troops of the Nigerian Army’s 33 Artillery Brigade have launched a major offensive against terrorist and bandit hideouts in Dajin Madam Forest, straddling Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau State, destroying several camps and neutralising two armed criminals during successive encounters.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation commenced at about 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 8, 2026, with troops advancing into the forest in a coordinated offensive against criminal elements operating within the area.

During the operation, the troops successfully cleared several terrorist camps across five identified locations within the forest, denying the criminals access to their established hideouts and support infrastructure.

The troops subsequently destroyed and burnt the terrorists’ life-support structures, including facilities believed to have sustained their presence and operations in the forest.

The offensive gathered momentum at about 3:41 p.m. when troops made contact with the armed bandits at another location within the forest.

The soldiers engaged the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.

Evidence of the effectiveness of the engagement was indicated by bloodstains observed along the bandits’ withdrawal routes, suggesting that some of the fleeing criminals might have sustained gunshot injuries.

Undeterred, the troops continued exploiting the general area, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of ammunition, communication equipment, mobility assets and other logistics.

Items recovered included 135 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, PKT ammunition links, two motorcycles, two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), two communication radios and four mobile phones.

The troops also recovered three woodland and desert camouflage uniforms, two Keystone camouflage uniforms and other sundry items believed to be associated with the activities of the criminal group.

In a further demonstration of sustained combat pressure, the troops made another contact with the fleeing bandits at about 6:30 p.m. during a pursuit operation.

The soldiers engaged the criminals, neutralising two bandits close to Kukawa village in Kanam Local Government Area.
Two additional motorcycles were also recovered during the encounter.

Following the successful engagements, the troops moved to a harbour position at Kukawa, where they continued to maintain their operational presence in the area.

The operation represents a significant offensive against armed criminal networks using the Dajin Madam Forest corridor as a hideout, with the destruction of their camps, recovery of ammunition and logistics, and the neutralisation of two bandits further disrupting their operational capabilities.

The sustained advance by the troops also illustrated the Nigerian Army’s determination to deny terrorists and bandits safe havens in the forests linking Kanam and Wase, while maintaining pressure on fleeing elements.

Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau

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ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo

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ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo

By: Zagazola Makama

An inspection team from the ECOWAS Force Headquarters and Army Headquarters has assessed the operational readiness of Nigeria’s ECOWAS standby force at Naquora Barracks in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the team, led by Brig.-Gen. Sheikh Sulaiman Massaquoi, visited the barracks on Nov. 7, 2026, to evaluate the troops’ preparedness for possible deployment.

The team received briefings on troop readiness, training and administrative matters, and witnessed demonstrations on roadblock operations and crowd dispersal.

Massaquoi commended the troops for their performance and urged them to sustain high standards of professionalism, discipline and physical fitness.

The inspection visit ended without any incident.

ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo

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Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau

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Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt and rescued a gunshot-wounded victim along the Rafin Sanyi axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 6 OPEP, deployed at Sopp, responded to a distress report at about 9:40 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, after suspected kidnappers blocked the road in the area.

The swift intervention of the troops reportedly forced the criminals to flee before they could carry out their operation.
The troops subsequently combed the area and rescued one occupant of a Sharon vehicle who had sustained a gunshot wound.

The victim was evacuated to the Nigerian Army Medical Outpost at Tigi, where he received first aid treatment.

Troops have continued to dominate the general area through fighting patrols to prevent the criminals from regrouping and forestall further attacks.

Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau

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