Troops Recover 225 Rustled Cattle, Repel Bandits in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have recovered no fewer than 225 rustled cattle after engaging suspected bandits in Katsina State.

Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was carried out at about 8:00 a.m. on April 20 by troops of 17 Brigade following credible intelligence on the movement of a notorious bandit leader, identified as Muhammad Filani, and his group.

The sources said the suspects were tracked to Kauri village in Kankia Local Government Area, where troops made contact and engaged them in a firefight.

“Upon contact, the troops engaged the bandits effectively, forcing them to flee and abandon the rustled cattle,” the source said.

The troops subsequently recovered a total of 225 cattle, which were handed over to relevant local authorities for identification and return to their rightful owners.

Military authorities noted that the operation has dealt a significant blow to cattle rustling networks operating within the area.

They added that troops have sustained aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations to deny bandits freedom of action across the state.

Meanwhile, under Operation Savannah Shield, troops continued offensive operations and routine security activities within their areas of responsibility.

Sources, however, confirmed that there was no major incident recorded during the period under review.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while intensifying efforts to combat banditry and related crimes in the North West.

Troops Recover 225 Rustled Cattle, Repel Bandits in Katsina

Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued two victims following a swift response to a distress call in Kaduna State.

Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on April 21, when troops deployed under Operation Enduring Peace at Ungwan Gora checkpoint received reports of gunshots suspected to be from kidnappers.

The sources said the attack took place along the axis between Ungwan Dariya and Rafin Tagwi Bridge in Sanga Local Government Area.

“On receipt of the report, troops responded immediately and moved to the location, where they made contact with the suspected kidnappers,” a source said.

According to the source, the troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes and abandon their victims.

During the operation, two persons who sustained gunshot wounds were rescued by the troops and promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.

Military authorities said the swift intervention of the troops prevented what could have escalated into a successful abduction.

They added that patrols have been intensified within the area to track down the fleeing suspects and forestall further criminal activities.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies.

Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Kaduna

Military Airstrikes Neutralise Over 30 ISWAP Terrorists in Lake Chad Axis

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian military under Operation HADIN KAI has successfully neutralised over 30 terrorists belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in a series of precision air interdiction missions conducted in the Lake Chad region of Borno state.

Sources disclosed that the operation was executed following credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) inputs indicating significant terrorist activity involving logistics movement via waterways around the Kaniram Island axis.

An ISR platform, was deployed to the general area where it established overhead presence and confirmed the sighting of approximately 31 boats dispersed along the riverbank, with associated human activity consistent with ISWAP fighters.

Upon positive identification, the Air Component initiated precision strike operations in line with established Rules of Engagement and targeting protocols.

The first strike effectively disrupted the hub of terrorists and degraded their logistics capability by damaging several of the boats used for movement and supply across the waterways.

Further ISR monitoring revealed attempts by the terrorists to regroup within nearby vegetation. Consequently, follow-on strikes were conducted.

A second precision strike targeted a cluster of about eight terrorists, neutralising them, while additional elements were observed withdrawing into concealed positions.

Subsequently, a third strike was executed on another group of approximately 15 terrorists who had taken cover under tree foliage, resulting in their elimination. Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) confirmed significant attrition, with surviving elements seen dispersing from adjacent hideouts.

In a related strike mission at Sowolwolo, Military air assets engaged and neutralised nine additional terrorists identified within the area. Residual elements were observed fleeing in disarray, indicating loss of cohesion and command structure.

The Nigerian Military Command reiterated that the operation illustrated its sustained commitment to precision targeting, minimising collateral damage while maximising operational impact against terrorist elements.

Military further assured that ISR missions and offensive air operations will continue in coordination with ground forces to exploit the success achieved and deny terrorists freedom of action within the theatre.

The Service reaffirmed its resolve to sustain air superiority and contribute decisively to the restoration of peace and stability in the North East

Military Airstrikes Neutralise Over 30 ISWAP Terrorists in Lake Chad Axis