Army troops of Operation Fansan Yamma repel bandits’ attack, recover arms in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with other security agencies, have repelled a bandits’ attack on Kola Village in Salame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Jan. 1, 2026, at about 6:15 a.m., following a distress call that a large number of armed bandits, wielding sophisticated weapons, had invaded the community.

According to the source, the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were swiftly deployed to the area

“The joint security team engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel that lasted for some time. The bandits were overpowered and fled into the nearby forest with their casualties,” the source said.

The added that during a combing of the surrounding bushes, the security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle with 24 rounds of live ammunition, believed to belong to a neutralised bandit.

The team also recovered 48 rustled sheep that had been taken from villagers during the attack.

“No casualty was recorded on the side of the troops and the villagers,” the source said.

The sources said confidence-building patrols were ongoing in the area, while all FOB’s had been placed on alert to watch out for any injured bandits seeking refuge.

The troopd reassured residents of Salame and adjoining communities of sustained security presence and urged them to continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

Army troops of Operation Fansan Yamma repel bandits’ attack, recover arms in Sokoto

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