Crime
Army eliminate 6 Bandits as Forest Sanity III’ pushes deeper into Sokoto forests
Army eliminate 6 Bandits as Forest Sanity III’ pushes deeper into Sokoto forests
By: Zagazola Makama
As the troops of Operation FANSAN YABMA have continued their aggressive operations in the thick undergrowth of Gandumi Forest, North of Goronyo, the stillness of a late-morning haze was shattered on Thursday as soldiers from the 8 Division Gar Strike Team swept through a cluster of makeshift huts and weapons pits.
It was the latest push under Operation Forest Sanity III, a rolling clearance campaign designed to uproot terrorist and bandit enclaves that have long exploited Sokoto’s sprawling woodlands as a sanctuary.
Between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., the troops struck two separate hideouts: one in Gandumi Forest, Goronyo Local Government Area, and another in Indulumu village, Maradun LGA. Military sources told Zagazola Makama that six armed militants were neutralised in the combined raids.
Two AK-47 rifles, three motor-cycles, camouflage fatigues, assorted drugs and maintenance kits were recovered, while the camps themselves were levelled and set ablaze to prevent re-occupation.
“Every foot of ground we seize in these forests denies criminals a staging area,” a senior officer on the mission explained. “The goal is to keep them constantly off balance so they cannot regroup or threaten nearby communities.”
Barely an hour later and 70 kilometres away, a separate drama unfolded in Isa Local Government Area. Dozens of bandits riding motorcycles rolled toward Gamaroji, a dusty farming community often hit by rustling raids, only to meet an ambush laid by crack operatives on special assignment.
Acting on what authorities described as “specific, time-sensitive intelligence,” the team intercepted the convoy at about 11 a.m. A fierce exchange of fire ensued; one gunman was killed, the rest fled, abandoning two Honda motorcycles, an empty AK magazine and two assault rifles bearing.
Local residents told Zagazola Makama that the rapid response averted what could have been a mass abduction or livestock theft.
“We heard gunshots outside the village and thought they had come for us again,” said farmer Bawa Yusuf. “When it fell silent, we saw security men bringing out seized rifles. People are breathing easier tonight.”
Sokoto’s Eastern corridor from Goronyo down through Isa into Zamfara’s Maradun axis forms a critical transit route for armed gangs shuttling cattle, weapons and abductees between forest camps and black market buyers.
Operation Forest Sanity III, launched in March as the newest phase of the multi agency offensive, focuses on these corridors. Its mix of deliberate daytime assaults and intelligence driven night manoeuvres has already yielded a string of weapons recoveries and hostage rescues.
A defence Intelligence said the aim is two-fold: “Deny the bad actors depth and logistics, while reassuring civilians that the state is reclaiming every contested space.”
For villages like Gamaroji and Indulumu, each successful raid offers a brief respite. Yet many residents remain cautious, mindful that retreating fighters often strike back at soft targets.
A District head who chose to be anonymous for the fear of being targeted urged continued vigilance. “We thank the security forces for today’s success,” he told Zagazola. “But we still need sustained patrols and quick response lines because the criminals melt into other forests.”
Military commanders say the campaign will persist “until all camps are dismantled and freedom of movement is restored.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
End
Troops recover another bodies of four herders, targeted and killed by Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have recovered the bodies of four herders allegedly killed by local youths in a reprisal attack in Kamantan Chiefdom, Kaduna State.
Security sources said the incident followed a kidnapping episode at Zuturuntinta village, where the herders were reported missing.
The sources disclosed that troops received intelligence on April 4 indicating that the victims were attacked and killed while relocating with their cattle to a safer location on the same night of the incident.
“They were reportedly intercepted and attacked by some angry youths, allegedly in retaliation for the death of a local during the kidnapping incident,” the source said.
Following the report, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in the area requested military assistance to mobilise the community for a search operation to locate the missing herders.
Troops were immediately deployed to the village, where they convened a meeting with community members, including the village head.
The village head was said to have provided local hunters and members of the Kaduna Vigilante Service (KADVS) to support the search alongside troops and Fulani representatives.
During the operation, troops identified multiple indicators suggesting the herders had been killed.
“Following blood trails, troops discovered a shallow grave where the four victims were buried,” the source added.
Items recovered at the scene included two mobile phones.
The remains of the victims were reburied at the same location in accordance with Islamic rites, with the consent of their families and Fulani community leaders.
The Sector Commander has directed community leaders to produce those responsible for the killings not later than Wednesday to face justice and help restore peace in the area.
Troops have since been deployed to reinforce security and prevent possible reprisal attacks.
Troops recover another bodies of four herders, targeted and killed by Kaduna
Troops recover suspected rustled cattle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have recovered suspected rustled cattle during a night patrol in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the recovery was made on April 3 at about 10:05 p.m. following intelligence on the movement of suspected cattle rustlers along Suma Ruga Rakwok village axis.
It was gathered that troops deployed at Kanse laid an ambush along a bush path in the area.
On sighting the troops, the rustlers reportedly abandoned the cattle and fled into the surrounding bush.
The recovered livestock have been secured, while efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number and identify the rightful owners.
Sources added that Fulani community leaders would be contacted to facilitate proper identification and handover of the cattle.
Troops recover suspected rustled cattle in Plateau
Troops neutralise kidnapper, rescue victim in Enugu
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have neutralised a suspected kidnapper and rescued a victim during a search-and-rescue operation in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted on April 3 at about 6:05 a.m. following a distress call from the Nigeria Police, Obolo Division, based on a report by the Ezimo Community Neighbourhood Watch.
It was gathered that the troops, drawn from 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, made contact with the suspected kidnappers during the operation, leading to a gun battle.
One of the suspects was neutralised, while others fled into the surrounding bush.
During exploitation of the area, the troops successfully rescued the kidnapped victim.
Items recovered at the scene included six mobile phones, a power bank, a torchlight, energy drinks, clothing and food items.
The corpse of the neutralised suspect and the rescued victim were handed over to the police for further action.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure the area remains secure.
Troops neutralise kidnapper, rescue victim in Enugu
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