Military
CAS Advocates Indigenous Solutions During Strategic Visit to Caverton Helicopters

CAS Advocates Indigenous Solutions During Strategic Visit to Caverton Helicopters
By: Olusola Akinboyewa
As part of his operational tour of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) establishments in Lagos, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, on 13 December 2024, visited Caverton Helicopters Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility to evaluate progress on the ongoing 2,500-hour and 5-year major inspections of NAF Bell-412 helicopters (NAF 599 and NAF 600). The visit highlighted the critical role of indigenous expertise in advancing NAF’s operational capabilities and fostering sustainable aviation solutions.

Air Marshal Abubakar commended Caverton’s technical expertise and cutting-edge facilities, expressing satisfaction with the quality of work being done. He noted that NAF 600 was near operational readiness, while NAF 599 was 70% complete.

The CAS emphasized the importance of leveraging local partnerships to reduce reliance on foreign services, enhance NAF’s fleet maintenance, and build national capacity for aircrew training and technical development. He described the collaboration with Caverton as a model for sustainable solutions that align with the NAF’s commitment to operational excellence.

The Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Helicopters, Mr. Olabode Makanjuola, assured the CAS of the company’s readiness to continue delivering top-notch services to support NAF operations. He highlighted the facility’s achievements in overhauling critical helicopter components and noted the value of the NAF partnership in strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry. The visit underscored the strategic importance of indigenous collaborations in bolstering national security and advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
CAS Advocates Indigenous Solutions During Strategic Visit to Caverton Helicopters
Military
Troops Eliminate Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Bello Kaura in Zamfara

Troops Eliminate Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Bello Kaura in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA ave neutralised a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Bello Kaura, in a successful operation carried out in Goburawar Dawan Jiya village, located in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Reliable intelligence sources, told Zagazola Makama that the operation occurred during the weeklong offensive campaign resulting in the death of Kaura and several of his fighters during a tactical raid on their hideout.
Zagazola understand that Kachalla Bello Kaura was identified as a key terror figure responsible for numerous deadly attacks across Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto States.
He was also linked to the terror group Ansaruddin, and was believed to have facilitated the group’s incursion into Bagega Forest and the Gando Game Reserve, where he reportedly received training in the assembly and use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Born in Sunke village in Anka LGA, Kaura was the younger brother of late Kachalla Alhaji Shadari, another infamous bandit kingpin who was eliminated by security forces in January 2023 during an operation in the Sunke Forest.
Following Shadari’s death, Kaura assumed leadership of the group and continued to orchestrate violent attacks, particularly in Anka, Bukkuyum, and Gummi LGAs of Zamfara State. He was also responsible for cross-border assaults in parts of Kebbi and Sokoto States, often attributed to Lakurawa by security agencies.
Security sources confirm that the operation was carried out after weeks of surveillance and coordinated intelligence efforts, resulting in a significant blow.
Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining pressure on terror and bandit networks in the North West zone and called on residents to continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing military and security operations.
Troops Eliminate Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Bello Kaura in Zamfara
Military
Troops Launch Operation Munzo, Neutralize Terror Kingpin Mati, Several FightersAnd Recover Weapons in Zamfara

Troops Launch Operation Munzo, Neutralize Terror Kingpin Mati, Several Fighters
And Recover Weapons in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The Troops under the Headquarters Operation Forest Yakin (HQOPFY) have commenced “Operation Munzo,” a special clearance operation targeting terrorist camps in Zamfara State.
Zagazola Makama gathered from intelligence sources that the operation kicked off from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bagega in Anka Local Government Area, with troops advancing through Tibuki and Sabuwar Tunga villages to the notorious Mati terrorist camps.
The sources said heavy resistance was encountered as the terrorists engaged the advancing troops with light and support weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades. However, the troops responded with superior firepower, neutralising scores of the insurgents in the process.
Intercepts suggest that the terror kingpin known as Mati, believed to be the mastermind of several attacks in the area, was killed along with several of his fighters during the fierce exchange.

A soldier attached to the Special Boat Service (SBS) sustained a gunshot wound to the lower rib and has since been stabilised and evacuated for treatment.
Items recovered from the scene include one PKT rifle with two belts and 90 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, five AK-47 rifles, and 12 magazines containing 487 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Also recovered were three Baofeng radios with chargers, military and police uniforms, and other combat gear. Three motorcycles belonging to the terrorists were destroyed on site, while rustled cattle found at the camp were also eliminated.
All terrorist life-support structures in the Mati camp were completely burnt and destroyed during the operation. However, two tyres of a combat support vehicle were damaged, and another vehicle sustained a broken lower arm.
In a separate movement, logistics vehicles advancing from FOB Bagega to FOB Dan Gulbi at about 9:15 a.m. came under ambush near a bridge. The troops promptly repelled the attack.
While casualty figures on the side of the attackers remain unconfirmed, one soldier sustained injuries and is reported to be in stable condition.
“Operation Munzo” is expected to continue in the coming days as troops intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist enclaves across Zamfara’s forested zones.
Troops Launch Operation Munzo, Neutralize Terror Kingpin Mati, Several Fighters
And Recover Weapons in Zamfara
Military
Military and Civilian Joint Task Force Ambushed by Armed Bandits, Two Bandits Killed, Several Injured

Military and Civilian Joint Task Force Ambushed by Armed Bandits, Two Bandits Killed, Several Injured
By: Zagazola Makama
A team from Operation Fansar Yamma (OPFY), alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CPG), came under heavy gunfire on April 6, 2025, as they responded to a distress call along the Doka-Agama Lafia Road in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The military personnel and CPG members were ambushed by unknown armed bandits, resulting in a fierce gun battle.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that two armed bandits were shot dead during the engagement.
However, three military personnel and one CPG member sustained gunshot injuries. The injured victims were swiftly evacuated to the General Hospital Tsafe for medical treatment.
Military and Civilian Joint Task Force Ambushed by Armed Bandits, Two Bandits Killed, Several Injured
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