Air force strikes bandit camps in katsina, neutralized 27 in dawn operation

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) component of Operation FANSAN YANMA has recorded a major operational success in Katsina State following a precision air operation that neutralised a large number of armed bandits in Faskari Local Government Area.

Zagazola learnt that the operation, conducted in the early hours of Feb. 1, targeted known bandit enclaves in the Shawu–Mununu forest axis, Ruwan Godiya area of Faskari LGA.

According to sources involved in the mission, the strikes followed sustained aerial reconnaissance that confirmed the presence of heavily armed elements believed to be responsible for recent attacks along the Bakori–Guga corridor.

“At about 6:30 a.m., NAF air assets executed a coordinated reconnaissance and strike mission on identified bandit camps in the Shawu Mununu forest,” the sources said.

“The targets were strongly linked to recent violent incidents in the area. The operation achieved its objective, with approximately 27 armed bandits neutralised.”

The sources said follow-up assessments indicated that the surviving members of the group fled the area in disarray, abandoning their hideouts and logistics.

The sources added that the precision of the air strikes significantly degraded the group’s operational capability and disrupted their freedom of movement within the forested belt stretching across parts of southern Katsina.

“There will be no safe haven for criminals anywhere in this region,” he said.

The sources said that NAF has since intensified aerial patrols and surveillance along the Faskari–Bakori–Guga axis to prevent regrouping and to support ground forces in maintaining pressure on fleeing elements.

The sources further noted that the operation forms part of a broader, sustained air-ground campaign to dismantle bandit across the North-West.

“We remain committed to supporting national security objectives. Our air crews will continue to dominate the airspace, deny these groups sanctuary and protect law-abiding communities,” said the sources.

He also urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help identify criminal movements and hideouts.

“The safety of our people is our priority. With the support of the public, we will continue to degrade and defeat all armed groups threatening peace and stability,” the sources said.

Air force strikes bandit camps in katsina, neutralized 27 in dawn operation

NAPTIP Raids Onitsha Hotel, Arrests Six Suspects, Rescues 17 Trafficking Victims

By: Michael Mike

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has uncovered an alleged human trafficking operation following a coordinated raid on a popular hotel in the 33 Area of Onitsha, Anambra State, resulting in the arrest of six suspects and the rescue of 17 victims.

The operation, which was carried out with the support of military personnel, led to the arrest of four suspected traffickers at the hotel, while two other suspects believed to be involved in the buying and selling of babies within the South-East region were apprehended during related operations.

NAPTIP disclosed that four of the rescued victims were diagnosed with HIV and are currently receiving counselling and medical support from the agency, alongside volunteers from the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA).

According to the agency, the raid was triggered by credible intelligence from a non-state actor in Anambra State, which indicated the presence of underage girls allegedly being exploited within the facility.

The intelligence also revealed concerns about the health conditions of the victims, prompting voluntary medical screening after proper counselling.

Investigations revealed that residents in the area had previously raised alarm over suspicious activities at the hotel, which has about 45 rooms. The hotel was reportedly known for frequent visits by men suspected to be engaging in illicit activities with underage girls.

During the operation, some victims were found in compromising situations with clients, while others were reportedly dressed provocatively and waiting for customers.

The victims were said to have told investigators that they were recruited from Benue, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom states and trafficked to Onitsha under false pretences before being forced into prostitution.

The victims further disclosed that they were compelled to remit between ₦20,000 and ₦25,000 daily to their handler, popularly referred to as their “Madam,” after engaging multiple clients each day.

One of the rescued victims recounted being lured to Onitsha by a promise of employment, only to discover upon arrival that she had been forced into sex work.

Another victim alleged that after undergoing HIV testing, their handler seized the medications provided and physically assaulted them for attempting to seek medical treatment.

Reacting to the development, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Hajiya Binta Bello, expressed deep concern over the victims’ suffering and deteriorating health conditions.

She commended the military and the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team domiciled at ANSACA for their swift intervention and collaboration.

Bello described the denial of medical care to the victims as a criminal act, revealing that NAPTIP has launched a manhunt for the fleeing handler. She also confirmed that the owner of the hotel has been invited for questioning as investigations continue.

The NAPTIP boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to intensifying its crackdown on human trafficking, warning traffickers that 2026 would be a difficult year for anyone involved in the crime.

NAPTIP Raids Onitsha Hotel, Arrests Six Suspects, Rescues 17 Trafficking Victims

Behold! Wind Of Change In Borno’s Third-tier Governance

By Dauda Iliya

A phenomenal wind of change is blowing across third-tier governance in Borno State, with the inauguration of the state’s 27 newly elected local government council chairmen, Thursday, January 29, as launchpad.

In a strategic shift in grassroots governance, named: Zulum’s New Formula, about sixty percent of the council chiefs are all under the age fifty, a historic departure from the dominant paradigm of majority above-sixty, and already aging-out, politicians holding the third-tier governance fort.

Most striking, however, is the fact that Governor Zulum has ensured fifteen percent of the chairmen are in their thirties—a novel and unprecedented development.

Moreover, over sixty percent of them hold bachelor’s or postgraduate degrees, combining knowledge, education and leadership, a pacesetting accomplishment in the annals of local government administration, at least in Northern Nigeria.

This novel grassroots governance approach has already produced results: several chairmen have prepared strategic blueprints aligned with the Governor’s 25-year development framework and 10-year strategic transformation plan.

The new chairmen were elected on 13th December 2025, in the third local government poll conducted under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration within six and a half years.

The election fulfilled the provision of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates that local government areas be governed by elected officials—a principle recently reaffirmed by the Supreme Court.

Apart from the striking age shift, majority of these grassroots-governance new breeds were sieved from backgrounds in administration, political appointment, academia, business and, most-strikingly, practical farming.

Zulum’s New Formula is advised by the fact that the youth form the largest demographic group in Borno State, as is incontrovertibly the case in all states of the country, and have played a significant role in promoting the state’s peace and stability.

To, therefore, integrate them into governance, Governor Zulum has entrenched the trend of appointing many young people to political and public offices.

The newly inaugurated local council leadership is also gender-inclusive, with a considerable number of women elected as councillors and further opportunities emerging for women in both elective and appointive roles.

Prior to the inauguration, Governor Zulum submitted an executive communication to the House of Assembly seeking to amend the Local Government Administration Law 2000, extending chairmen’s tenure from two to three years. This responds to popular demand and allows greater time to initiate and deliver development projects.

As he administered the oath of office on them, that historic Thursday, Zulum whose massage was delivered by the acting Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur, charged them to be above board in the conduct of local governance and develop their local government areas in fulfillment of their respective realities and according to existing and emerging imperatives.

His aim is to put to shame, all doubting Thomases and pessimists about his pacesetting novel grassroots governance formula.

“As you take your oaths of Allegiance and Office, you have not just won an election, but you have accepted a covenant with the people of Borno State,” Zulum. He pointed out to the local council helmsmen, “You have volunteered to bear the weight of their hopes, their struggles and their aspirations for a better life at the grassroots, the very foundation of our society.”

The governor emphasized that their stewardship comes at a pivotal moment in the history of the state, and described them as the primary engines for the implementation of his 25-Year Development Plan and the immediate drivers of his 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.

“Your success at the local level is the critical foundation for the Borno of our collective vision, a State of sustained peace, shared prosperity and renewed hope,” he charged.

Zulum underscored to them his profound passion for, and commitment to, his novel grassroots governance formula.

The resources you steward are the lifeline of our communities. You must be guardians of every Naira, aligning every project and programme with the pillars of our 10-Year Strategy. Focus on essentials that directly improve lives, security and dignity of our people. No vanity projects. Furthermore, I direct your immediate attention to the welfare of Local Government staff. Timely payment of salaries and entitlements is non-negotiable. In the same vein, all workers must report to their duty posts promptly. Productivity and discipline must be restored.

As he bade them farewell in their tortures grassroots governance voyage, he charged:

“The path ahead is steep, but the destination is worth the climb. You are the critical keystone for our long-term plan to transform Borno state. The legacy you leave begins today, with your integrity, your humility and your unwavering commitment to service. I have faith that you will be the leaders Borno State needs.”

Zulum, on one hand, and the massive assemblage of well-wishers, Doubting Thomases and pessimists, all on the other, watched the newly inaugurated local council helmsmen as they set their respective ships sailing across the turbulent sea of grassroots governance on a voyage to justify, or otherwise, the governor’s novel grassroots governance formula.

Whatever happens, a desirable wind of change is blowing across Borno State’s grassroots governance, purposefully for the lasting good of a state rising from the ruins of terror.

Dauda Iliya is the Special Adviser on Media/Spokesperson to the Borno State Governor

Behold! Wind Of Change In Borno’s Third-tier Governance