Military
Army moves to boost intelligence gathering via indigenous language
Army moves to boost intelligence gathering via indigenous language
In a bid to boost operational efficiency through intelligence gathering, the Nigerian Army has continued to train its personnel on indigenous language proficiency.
The reports gathered that a total of 124 personnel comprising 39 officers and 85 soldiers, graduated from the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) 9th Indigenous Languages Proficiency Course 9/2022 on Friday in Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, represented by the Chief of Administration, Maj.-Gen. Usman Muhammed said the nature of the current security environment was characterised by a plethora of challenges requiring military attention.
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Yahaya said that all army operations were intelligence-driven, adding that their ability to surmount the security challenge would largely be dependent on intelligence gathering.
He said effective intelligence gathering could be facilitated by an understanding of the local languages of the personnel involved in the operations.
The COAS expressed optimism that the course would be of immense benefit to the participants and the Nigerian army considering the changing nature of the nation’s domestic security environment.
According to him, there is no gainsaying that the nation’s security environment is undermined by the current threats, which include among others things, terrorism banditry and other challenges in virtually all parts of the country.
He said the army would continue to redouble its efforts with a view to stemming the menace of insecurity and guaranteeing peaceful co-existence in all parts of the nation.
According to him, the current domestic security reality has necessitated the deployment of the Nigerian army troops to the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Suffice to say that all these operations are intelligence-driven.
“Therefore, our ability to adequately and professionally respond to these domestic security challenges will depend essentially on credible and reliable intelligence, which is dependent on the ability to communicate with the local population.
“The populace is being encouraged with the slogan, ‘see something, say something which depends on the ability of personnel to communicate with people within the operational area.
“Effective communication in part will essentially require some level of proficiency in the local dialect of the operating environment.
“This informs why you have learnt the three major Nigerian languages of Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba.
“Proficiency in these local languages will, therefore, hasten your speedy integration and ability to penetrate local operating environments,” he said.
Yahaya urged the graduating officers to continue to use every available opportunity to improve their current proficiency level to be able to engage in sustained conversations within their places of employment.
The Director-General of NARC retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab said the course was designed to bridge the communication barriers between army personnel and the local populace in the conduct of internal security operations.
Wahab said that officers and soldiers were currently being deployed to different parts of the country, adding that there was the belief that there was a problem with intelligence gathering.
He said that security was a two-way thing which involved “securing you through you” and the need to trust those who are providing the security for them.
According to him, if you cannot talk to people, if you cannot relate with them in the language they understand, they won’t trust you.
“The belief is that speaking somebody’s language is going to inspire trust immediately, because of the belief that this is my person.
“And that’s the reason why the army challenged the centre to run this programme,” he said.
Wahab said the feedback from the previous courses had been encouraging, adding that plans were on the ground to open up the course to the general public.
The Training Officer, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Nuhu, who represented the General Officer Commanding (GOC), said the language course would help the army to address security challenges.
He urged personnel who would pass through the resource centre to continue to practice their proficiency in the languages they had been trained in to enable them to be perfect.
The Course Senior, Col. Muhammed Ahmad thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the opportunity to learn and understand other languages to enhance their operational effectiveness.
Ahmad, who spoke on behalf of other participants pledged to justify the training by deploying the knowledge acquired in their various areas of responsibility.
Military
Nigerian Army troops killed several bandits, Destroy Bandit Hideout in Sakkarawa Forest, Sabon Birni
Nigerian Army troops killed several bandits, Destroy Bandit Hideout in Sakkarawa Forest, Sabon Birni
By: Zagazola Makama
A notorious bandit stronghold known as “Dabar Dan Dari Biyar,” located in Sakkarawa Forest, western Sabon Birni, has been destroyed while several bandits killed following a major a major truce by the combined troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in collaboration with local vigilantes, and community defense groups.
Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that some bandits, including their leader, managed to escape after suffering heavy casualties in the raid which took place on February 17, 2025z
A survivor, who was recently rescued after spending two months in captivity at the notorious Gwali Gwali camp of bandit leader Kachalla Dan Dari Biyar, recounted his ordeals.
According to him, the bandits had planned to deliver a ransom of two million naira alongside a motorcycle to Boko Haram fighters this coming Thursday in exchange for hostages.
He also revealed that the hideout was well-structured, featuring seating arrangements and even makeshift beds, indicating that it was a well-organized base for the criminals.
Other sensitive intelligence gathered from the rescued victim has already been handed over to security agencies for further action.
However, security forces have intensified their pursuit on the fleeing bandits and ensure that they cleared the area completely.
Nigerian Army troops killed several bandits, Destroy Bandit Hideout in Sakkarawa Forest, Sabon Birni
Troops Neutralize Notorious Bandit Kingpin Kamilu Buzar, several fighters in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
A coordinated military operation involving the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, Katsina, and the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji has neutralized notorious bandit kingpin Kamilu Chiroma, also known as Buzaro, along with several of his gang members at Dargaza Hill, Maidabino B Ward, Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, which took place in the early hours of February 17, followed actionable intelligence and reconnaissance indicating that Buzaro and his men had set up defensive positions around the hills, armed with sophisticated weapons and prepared to ambush advancing troops.
Acting on this intelligence, an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance platform was deployed to scan the area, confirming the bandits’ movements and fortifications. With this information, ground forces halted their advance while fighter jets were tasked to conduct precise airstrikes on the hideout.
The bombardment was highly successful, taking the bandits by surprise and neutralizing a significant number of Buzaro’s fighters.
Impeccable sources who witnessed the attack reported that several motorcycles used by the gang were destroyed, along with a cache of weapons.
In the aftermath of the damaging assult, ground troops moved in to clear the area, engaging any remaining threats and securing the location.
Top military official described the mission as “very successful,” emphasizing that it has dealt directly a major blow to bandit operations in the region.
The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies, has intensified counter-banditry operations across the Northwest, targeting key criminal strongholds responsible for attacks on communities.
Troops Neutralize Notorious Bandit Kingpin Kamilu Buzar, several fighters in Katsina
Notorious Bandit Leaders Surrender, Lay Down Arms in Katsina After Fierce Military Offensive
By: Zagazola Malama
Several notorious bandit leaders, who have long terrorized Batsari, Safana, and Jibia Local Government Areas of Katsina State, have surrendered and laid down their arms following a series of intensified military operations.
The surrendering bandits include Abu Radda, Umar Black, Abdullahi Lankai, Jijjige, and Dabar Musa Dan Gandu, all operating from the Jibia axis.
Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that the military’s sustained onslaught against armed groups in the region forced the bandits to seek peace and disarm voluntarily.
During their surrender, the repentant bandits appealed to the government to provide them with alternative means of livelihood, requesting the construction of markets, hospitals, and access to clean water to help them reintegrate into society.
Their surrender was facilitated by the National Community for Security and Societal Advancement in Katsina (NCSOSACK), led by Comrade Hamisa S. Batsari, which represented affected communities in the security dialogue.
As part of their surrender, the bandits handed over their weapons to the military and released several hostages they had kidnapped during their reign of terror. They also vowed to embrace peace and end their involvement in criminal activities.
Top Military sources said that welcomed the surrender but reiterated that operations against unrepentant bandits will continue until total peace is restored in Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and the entire North West and the broader Northwest region.
Notorious Bandit Leaders Surrender, Lay Down Arms in Katsina After Fierce Military Offensive
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