Military
Troops dislodged bandits camp as security forces rescue hostages in coordinated FCT operations
Troops dislodged bandits camp as security forces rescue hostages in coordinated FCT operations
By: Zagazola Makama
A coordinated joint operation by the Nigerian Army, police and the Department of State Services (DSS) has led to the dislodgement of kidnappers’ camps and the rescue of multiple abducted victims across communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following a series of overnight attacks by armed criminals.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation, which unfolded between Dec. 5 and 6, was initiated after gunmen invaded Zone D community behind LEA Primary School, Ushafa, at about 11:30 p.m., abducting Mrs Patience Uzor, 49, and her 27-year-old son, Mr. Friend Obinna John.
In a swift response, a combined troops swiftly mobilised to the scene, rescuing Mrs Uzor as the kidnappers fled into the bush with Obinna.
But the gang continued its onslaught, storming a Fulani settlement owned by Mallam Jibrin Usman at the outskirts of Zuma I and Zuma II villages around 1:30 a.m., where they abducted four other residents identified as Abubakar Ibro Jibrin, Lukman Ali Jibrin, Ibrahim Jibrin Sale and Abdussalam Idris.
Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, directed the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to lead a joint operation comprising the Police and DSS to ensure the victims’ safe rescue.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives tracked the kidnappers to the Mpape Daji Forest via Kagarko LGA, bordering Bwari, where the criminals opened fire on the security team upon sighting them behind the Mpape hills.
During the gun duel, operatives successfully rescued Abubakar Jibrin.
The team immediately reinforced and sustained the pursuit, following the kidnappers’ trail through difficult terrain. Hours of coordinated pursuits led the operatives to Kweri Forest, where another fierce engagement ensued.
The encounter resulted in the rescue of the remaining three victims Lukman Jibrin, Ibrahim Jibrin and Abdussalam Idris while the kidnappers reportedly fled with suspected bullet wounds.
Security forces thereafter dislodged the criminals’ camp, recovering the area and preventing further regrouping of the bandits. No casualties were recorded among the security team throughout the engagements.
All rescued victims were evacuated to Bwari General Hospital for medical examination before being reunited with their families.
Sources said that police authorities have urged community members and other security stakeholders to report any person seen with suspected gunshot wounds to the nearest police formation, stressing the need for timely intelligence to aid the arrest of fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, the FCT Command has deployed strategic personnel along identified routes and vulnerable corridors to prevent further incursions by criminal elements into the territory.
The authorities assured residents of continued efforts to rescue the remaining abducted victim and to sustain offensive operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks within the FCT and neighbouring states.
End
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kankomi have recovered 50 rustled cattle after repelling suspected cattle rustlers during an ambush operation in Chikun Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9:55 a.m. on July 4 over the activities of suspected rustlers at Ungwan Gontu community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly laid an ambush and made contact with the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and escape into the surrounding area.
During the operation, the troops recovered 50 rustled cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owner.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as security operations continue to combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Kaduna State.
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Military
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
By Zagazola Makama
Security was significantly reinforced around Niger’s Presidential Palace in Niamey following reports of unrest involving elements of the country’s armed forces, security sources told Zagazola Makama.
According to multiple security sources, the heightened deployment of the Presidential Guard, supported by armoured vehicles around the Presidential Palace on the night of July 3 and into July 4, followed what was described as a limited protest by personnel of an armoured unit within the Niger Armed Forces (FAN).
The sources said some soldiers reportedly declined deployment to frontline positions in northern Tillabéri Region, particularly around Inatès and Chinagodrar, citing inadequate heavy equipment and insufficient operational resources to confront the growing security threats in the area.
The protest was described by one source as a “small mutiny,” although there has been no official confirmation from the Nigerien authorities.
Security sources said the development triggered concern within the country’s leadership, prompting the reinforcement of security around the Presidential Palace and temporary restrictions on movement in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The Tillabéri Region remains one of Niger’s most volatile security zones, with recurrent attacks by armed extremist groups, including factions linked to the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerien government and military authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the reported protest or the increased security presence around the Presidency.
The situation remains under close observation.
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Military
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the critical role of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in strengthening discipline, leadership and operational effectiveness across the Nigerian Army.
The COAS made the remarks on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed 6 Division Regimental Sergeant Major’s House in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
Speaking at the event, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described RSMs as the backbone of regimental administration and custodians of discipline, standards and morale within the Army.
He said the provision of dedicated accommodation for RSMs was not merely a welfare initiative but a strategic investment aimed at enhancing leadership at the unit level and improving operational efficiency.
According to the Army Chief, RSMs play a vital role in translating command directives into action, maintaining troop cohesion and ensuring effective implementation of operational orders across various theatres of operation.
He added that the senior non-commissioned officers also serve as the crucial link between officers and soldiers, fostering professionalism, mutual trust and esprit de corps within formations and units.
Shaibu noted that the influence of RSMs in mentoring soldiers, enforcing discipline and sustaining troop morale remains indispensable to the success of military operations.
He stressed that providing conducive accommodation for key regimental leaders would enhance their ability to discharge their responsibilities effectively and contribute to improved operational readiness.
The COAS reiterated that under his “Soldier First” philosophy, the welfare of personnel, particularly those occupying critical leadership positions, remains a top priority.
He maintained that sustained investment in welfare infrastructure and leadership development would continue to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to remain a resilient, professional and combat-ready force capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
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Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
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