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DSS, Army Neutralizes 50 Bandits, Rescuing Kidnapees, as Niger Assembly Speaker hailed operation
DSS, Army Neutralizes 50 Bandits, Rescuing Kidnapees, as Niger Assembly Speaker hailed operation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army have struck a major blow against banditry in Niger State, neutralizing over 50 armed men and rescuing kidnapped victims in a daring joint operation.
The incident, which occurred on Aug. 26 in Kumbashi village of Mariga Local Government Area, is being hailed as one of the most successful security interventions in recent times.
The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, described the operation as “a demonstration of superior intelligence, training and firepower,” while commending the operatives for their courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
Eyewitnesses told Zagazola Makama that about 300 bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons, attempted to invade Kumbashi at about 3 p.m. on Tuesday. The attack targeted a DSS service asset camp in the area.
However, security operatives swiftly repelled the assault after a fierce gun duel that left no fewer than 50 of the assailants dead. Several others reportedly fled with gunshot wounds.
“My constituents confirmed that the bandits, clearly shaken by the scale of their losses, were seen dismembering the corpses of their dead colleagues, loading them in sacks, and hauling them off on motorcycles,” Sarkin-Daji said.
The Speaker, who represents Mariga constituency in the Assembly, added that seven kidnapped victims were freed during the operation, while rustled cattle were also recovered from the criminals.
The development follows an earlier breakthrough by the DSS in Wawa, Niger State, where its operatives arrested alive Abubakar Abba, leader of Mahmuda, one of the most notorious terror groups in Nigeria.
For many locals, the latest operation offers renewed hope that security agencies are regaining the upper hand against banditry that has plagued the North-Central state.
Community sources in Kumbashi said that the success of the operation was particularly inspiring because the security operatives were outnumbered nearly six to one, yet held their ground.
“They stood firm when hundreds of bandits surrounded them. If not for their bravery, Kumbashi would have been wiped out,” a local resident said.
Sarkin-Daji, in his commendation, urged residents of the state to continue supporting security agencies with timely information to sustain the momentum against the criminal groups.
He also assured that the Assembly would continue to provide legislative backing to enhance security interventions in the state.
The Niger State operation adds to the growing list of successful joint missions by the DSS and the military, reflecting a wider strategy of intelligence-led warfare to dismantle terror and bandit networks across the country.
DSS, Army Neutralizes 50 Bandits, Rescuing Kidnapees, as Niger Assembly Speaker hailed operation
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt and rescued a gunshot-wounded victim along the Rafin Sanyi axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 6 OPEP, deployed at Sopp, responded to a distress report at about 9:40 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, after suspected kidnappers blocked the road in the area.
The swift intervention of the troops reportedly forced the criminals to flee before they could carry out their operation.
The troops subsequently combed the area and rescued one occupant of a Sharon vehicle who had sustained a gunshot wound.
The victim was evacuated to the Nigerian Army Medical Outpost at Tigi, where he received first aid treatment.
Troops have continued to dominate the general area through fighting patrols to prevent the criminals from regrouping and forestall further attacks.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau
Troops Raid Jos Hotel, Arrest Five Suspects Over Phone Snatching, Recover 26 Phones
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have raided a hotel along Baring Road in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, arresting five suspected criminals and recovering 26 mobile phones and other items.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 1 OPEP, while on patrol, responded to a report of phone snatching at about 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026.
Following the incident, the stolen phone was reportedly tracked to Prime House Hotel within the area, prompting the troops to conduct a raid on the facility.
The operation led to the arrest of five suspects identified as Tahir Suleiman, 25; Muhammed Ahmed, 25; Muhammed Labaran Haruna, 27; Yahya Yunusa, 20; and Aisha Mohammad, 22.
The suspects were reportedly found in possession of the tracked phone, while a further search led to the recovery of 26 mobile phones, 27 pouches, three MP devices, two earpods, an HP laptop, a knife and four power banks.
The vehicle belonging to the suspects was also towed to the headquarters of Sector 1 for a comprehensive search.
The suspects and recovered exhibits remain in custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops Raid Jos Hotel, Arrest Five Suspects Over Phone Snatching, Recover 26 Phones
Troops Rescue 119 Civilians, Recover Eight Vehicles from Terrorists in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 119 civilians, including women and children, and recovered eight vehicles after confronting terrorists who blocked a major road and abducted travellers in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 3:45 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, by troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion, 27 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2, while conducting surveillance along the Dutsen Kura–Bulazarma–Kamuya road.
The troops reportedly sighted terrorists blocking the road and abducting civilians alongside their vehicles, prompting the mobilisation of the battalion’s Special Forces Quick Reaction Force and another QRF team from 27 Task Force Brigade headquarters.
The teams moved through the Mangari–Dora route, pursued and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon the abducted civilians and vehicles in confusion.
The operation led to the rescue of 119 civilians comprising 69 men, 35 women and 15 children, while eight vehicles were also recovered.
The rescued victims were subsequently reunited safely with their families.
However, during the withdrawal, troops discovered an improvised explosive device (IED) around the Bam Buratai Junction–Bula Zarma general area.
The unit’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team marked and secured the location for safe disposal of the device.
The troops returned to base at about 7:36 p.m. the same day.
Troops Rescue 119 Civilians, Recover Eight Vehicles from Terrorists in Borno
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