Bandit attacks, cattle rustling expose persistent security gaps in Kano rural communities

By: Zagazola Makama

Incidents of armed banditry and cattle rustling in Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kano State in the early hours of Jan. 2 has exposed the evolving security challenges confronting rural communities on the fringes of the North-West.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that suspected armed bandits invaded Farin-Fuwa village in Shanono LGA at about 2:55 a.m., prompting a swift response by security forces deployed in the area.

The responding teams of security forces engaged the attackers in a gun duel, during which one security personnel lost his life, while the suspects fled under pressure.

Although the attackers were forced to withdraw, analysts note that the fatality point to the growing boldness of bandit groups operating close to Kano’s rural settlements, often exploiting early morning hours to launch surprise attacks.

In a separate but related incident, suspected cattle rustlers struck Yakanawa village in Tsanyawa LGA at about 1:40 a.m. the same day, carting away an unspecified number of cattle before security teams could reach the scene.

The rustlers reportedly escaped moments before the arrival of responding forces, again highlighting the speed and mobility that continue to give criminal groups an operational edge in remote areas.

The two incidents reflect a broader pattern in which bandit groups adapt their tactics, shifting between direct armed assaults and economic sabotage through cattle rustling to sustain their operations.

The proximity of Shanono and Tsanyawa LGAs to known bandit corridors linking parts of Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States, suggesting that cross-border criminal movement continues to complicate security efforts.

While security forces have intensified patrols and tactical deployments across affected areas, it was argued that lasting stability will require a combination of sustained kinetic operations, community-based intelligence and disruption of the economic lifelines that sustain bandit groups.

Zagazola warned that unless cattle rustling networks are decisively dismantled and armed groups denied safe routes and hideouts, sporadic attacks and losses may continue, posing a lingering threat to rural livelihoods and overall security in Kano State

Bandit attacks, cattle rustling expose persistent security gaps in Kano rural communities

Troops clear terrorist enclaves, neutralise IEDs in Sambisa offensive

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have cleared several terrorist enclaves and neutralised multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs during an ongoing offensive into the Sambisa Forest axis of Borno State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted under Operation Desert Sanity V, involved troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade (SAB) and 26 Task Force Brigade, operating in conjunction with vigilante forces.

According to the source, the troops departed their Harbour Area at about 9:20 a.m. on Dec. 31, and conducted clearance operations along designated withdrawal routes within the Sambisa axis.

“The troops successfully cleared the terrorist enclaves of Garin Kago, Garin Alhaji Bita and Garin Malam Muazu during the operation,” the source said.

The areas were described as active terrorist locations; however, the insurgents reportedly fled before the arrival of the advancing troops.

“Despite the terrorists’ withdrawal, several life-support structures within the enclaves were identified and destroyed in line with operational guidelines,” the source added.

During the withdrawal phase, troops encountered three buried IEDs, which were promptly detonated in situ by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team without incident.

The troops later returned safely to Brigade Headquarters at about 4:45 p.m., while casualties recorded during the operation were immediately evacuated to the 7 Division Medical Hospital for further medical attention.

The operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to degrade terrorist networks, dismantle logistics bases and deny insurgents freedom of movement within the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.

Troops clear terrorist enclaves, neutralise IEDs in Sambisa offensive

Troops neutralise two terrorists, recover arms in Sambisa Forest

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised two Boko Haram terrorists and recovered arms during clearance operations into the Sambisa Forest area of Borno.

Zagazola learnt that the operation was conducted on Dec. 29 by troops of 26 Task Force Brigade, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hybrid forces and hunters.

According to the sources , the troops, led by the Commander of 26 Task Force Brigade, advanced from their harbour area towards Tokumbere and Lagara axes en route to Sabil Huda to link up with troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade.

The sources said that the troops successfully cleared Tokumbere and Lagara communities before making contact with a Boko Haram/ISWAP delay party along the axis.

The sources said the troops engaged the terrorists with heavy volume of fire, neutralising two of them, while others fled in disarray, possibly with gunshot wounds.

The sources added that troops conducted exploitation of the general area without further contact.

During the exploitation, the military said one AK-47 rifle and one AK-47 magazine loaded with 15 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition were recovered.
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