Troops rescue kidnapped traders, recover stolen vehicle, arrest suspects in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued kidnapped traders, recovered a stolen vehicle and arrested two suspects in separate operations across Katsina State.

The troops responded to a distress call over terrorist activities along the Funtua–Faskari axis, where a commercial vehicle conveying traders was intercepted and its occupants forced into the surrounding bush.

Troops immediately mobilised and pursued the attackers, eventually making contact with the terrorists. A firefight ensued, but the assailants were forced to retreat into the forest by the troops’ superior firepower.

The kidnapped traders were subsequently rescued unharmed and escorted to Sheme Market, where they were reunited with their communities.

In a separate operation, troops deployed in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area acted on credible intelligence concerning the movement of a stolen vehicle along the Katsina–Dutsin-Ma highway.

The troops, working in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force, mounted a coordinated interdiction along the route and intercepted the vehicle, a gold-coloured Toyota Corolla.

Two male suspects, identified as 28-year-old Abdulmalik Haruna and 44-year-old Mohammed Kabir, were arrested in connection with the recovered vehicle.

The suspects and the vehicle have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Dutsin-Ma Division, for further investigation and appropriate legal action.

The latest operations underscore the continued efforts by security forces to disrupt criminal activities, rescue victims and deny terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action across Katsina State.

Troops rescue kidnapped traders, recover stolen vehicle, arrest suspects in Katsina

Troops repel terrorist infiltration attempt on Pulka base, kill one

By Zagazola Makama

Troops have repelled an attempted terrorist infiltration attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising one terrorist and forcing others to withdraw.

The attack occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, when suspected terrorists attempted to infiltrate the military base.

According to a security report obtained by Zagazola Makama, troops responded swiftly and engaged the attackers, defeating the attempted assault.

A reinforcement team from 26 Task Force Brigade, Garrison, subsequently mobilised to the scene and further compelled the terrorists to withdraw from the area.

During the encounter, one terrorist was neutralised, while two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds.

The attack also resulted in damage to three tyres of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles deployed at the base.

The injured soldiers were evacuated to 7 Division Military Hospital (7 DMSH), where they are currently receiving medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

Troops have since maintained heightened vigilance and intensified security around the base and adjoining areas to prevent further attempts by terrorists to infiltrate military positions.

The failed attack underscores the continued pressure by security forces against terrorist groups operating around the Mandara Mountain axis and the importance of maintaining strong defensive positions in vulnerable border communities.

Troops repel terrorist infiltration attempt on Pulka base, kill one

Berom Militia attack herders in Plateau, kill fulani herders, shot seven livestock and rustle dozens in unprovoked assault

By Zagazola Makama

Armed Berom Militia have allegedly attacked Fulani herders along the Jong–Nyeriwei Road and in Dorowa Babuje community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing at least two people and rustling several cattle.

The incidents, which occurred on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, are the latest in a series of violent attacks and counter-attacks that have continued to fuel tensions between communities in parts of Plateau State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama said troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to reports of sporadic gunfire around the Jong–Nyeriwei Road at about 1:09 p.m.

According to the sources, troops arrived at the scene and discovered that a group of armed Berom Militia had attacked Fulani herders in the area. During the attack, a 19-year-old herder identified as Ishaku Yakubu, from Jong Village, was reportedly killed.

The attackers also shot and killed seven cattle, while a sizeable number of other cattle were allegedly rustled and taken away from the area.

The troops subsequently dominated the general areas of Nyeriwei and Enzom in an effort to locate the rustled livestock and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

In a related incident, troops received a distress call from Dorowa Babuje community in Barkin Ladi at about 2:25 p.m. The troops immediately moved to the area and discovered that a 23-year-old man identified as Andata had been shot dead by armed Fulani youths around Marit Junction, Dorowa Babuje.

Following the incident, troops dominated the general area and commenced efforts to track down the perpetrators. The two incidents occurred within hours of each other, raising fresh concerns over the potential for retaliatory attacks in the affected communities.

The Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace has consequently intensified efforts to prevent reprisal attacks and contain the situation.

Security sources said the latest violence draw attention to the fragile security situation in parts of Plateau State, where attacks on herders and livestock theft by Berom Militia have repeatedly triggered retaliatory violence.

The pattern has often involved an initial attack resulting in deaths or destruction of property, followed by a reprisal attack against another community, creating a cycle of violence that is difficult to contain.

The security forces are therefore working to prevent the latest incidents from escalating into further attacks, particularly as troops continue to search for the perpetrators and recover the reportedly rustled cattle. Residents in the affected communities have also been urged to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their hands and provide credible information to security agencies.

Security agencies are expected to sustain patrols and surveillance across vulnerable communities and road corridors to prevent further attacks and ensure that those responsible for the killings and cattle rustling are brought to justice.

Berom Militia attack herders in Plateau, kill fulani herders, shot seven livestock and rustle dozens in unprovoked assault