Troops rescue woman, child who lost their way in Adamawa

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued a woman and her daughter who became stranded after losing their way in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the woman, identified as Mrs. Aisha Hamidu, 22, and her daughter were found by troops of the 232 Battalion (Tactical) during a perimeter patrol along the Garaha–Dabna road at about 8:15 p.m. on July 31.

The sources said the patrol was conducted as part of follow-up activities after a military fire mission carried out on July 30 in the area.

Preliminary questioning revealed that Mrs. Hamidu had lost her way and had been wandering with her daughter before they were spotted by the troops.

According to the sources, local residents later identified the woman, after which she and her daughter were safely reunited with their family in Gombi.

Military authorities said the rescue highlights the continued commitment of Operation HADIN KAI troops to protecting civilians and providing humanitarian assistance alongside ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.

Troops rescue woman, child who lost their way in Adamawa

DSS, Community Vigilantes Neutralize Bandit Kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki, 60 Others in Katsina

An intelligence-led operation by the Department of State Services (DSS), has resulted in the death of over 60 suspected bandits in Bakori Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Security sources disclosed that one notorious bandit kingpin, Idi Abasu Aiki, believed to be responsible for several cases of attacks by bandits in the Northwest states of Katsina and Zamfara States, was among those neutralized during the operation.

According to the sources, the operation was backed by members of the Katsina State Community vigilantes and specially-trained hunters, of which four of them were killed by the bandits.

Said one of the sources, “Over 200 armed bandits led by kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki stormed Guga village in Bakori LGA of Katsina State.
“Assisted by several bandits from the Ado Aleru band in Zamfara State, the bandits were out to attack communities they believed had been supporting Community Watch Corps protecting the surrounding villages,” offered the source.
Early last month, the bandits suffered heavy casualties at Dawan Laila village, Bakori LGA, in the hands of the hunters.. The bandits, therefore, were out on a reprisal mission to dislodge the frontline community’s defence group, and thereafter proceed to inflict mass casualties on surrounding villages, the source added.

He continued, “Unknown to the bandits, the DSS had water-tight intelligence plans. The over 200 armed bandits literally walked into a trap. Over 60 of them, including Idi Abasu Aiki and 14 of their top commanders, didn’t come out of that trap alive.”
Another security source disclosed that the DSS and their support security groups undertook massive clearance operation to recover weapons and other items of concern abandoned by the bandits.

DSS, Community Vigilantes Neutralize Bandit Kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki, 60 Others in Katsina

Troops clear suspected terrorist hideouts in Yobe, deny insurgents freedom of movement

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have conducted a clearance operation in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State following intelligence on the suspected convergence of terrorists in the area.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:10 p.m. on Aug. 1 by troops of B Company, Kanama, 159 Task Force Battalion, supported by members of the National Forest Guards.

The sources said the troops, mounted on one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and three gun trucks, advanced to Garin Gada village and Bulagra village to clear the area and deny terrorists freedom of action.

Although no contact was made with suspected insurgents during the operation, troops thoroughly searched the locations as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and prevent the establishment of hideouts.

According to the sources, interactions with residents of both communities indicated that there were no Boko Haram camps within the immediate vicinity. However, the locals disclosed that terrorist elements occasionally passed through the villages for administrative and logistical purposes.

After completing the clearance mission, the troops returned safely to base at about 4:37 p.m.

Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained offensive efforts under Operation HADIN KAI to dominate vulnerable areas and prevent terrorists from regrouping across the North-East.

They added that the overall security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops continue to maintain high morale and operational readiness.

Troops clear suspected terrorist hideouts in Yobe, deny insurgents freedom of movement