News
Escalating Air, Ground Operations Push Bandits into Retreat, Offer Relief to Northwest Communities
Escalating Air, Ground Operations Push Bandits into Retreat, Offer Relief to Northwest Communities
By: Zagazola Makama
Over the past week, residents in Nigeria’s northwest have reported an unprecedented surge in air bombardments as the Nigerian military intensifies its campaign against banditry in Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states.
Zagazola Makama understands that the Nigerian military airstrikes have intensified across Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states, where residents say they are witnessing a powerful shift in the long-running fight to secure their communities.
The air campaign, part of Operation Fansa Yamma, has seen coordinated bombardments targeting known bandit strongholds and routes, with reports indicating sustained strikes around key locations such as Babare Hills in Katsina and Gando Forest in Zamfara.
The aggressive campaign was part of the joint efforts to soften ground for the surface forces ahead of the Operation Desert Sanity 3.
In Zamfara, a state that has borne the brunt of bandit attacks, villagers recount a steady decline in recent incursions following intense air raids over the past week. “For years, we were under constant threat.
Bandits would sweep through our villages, raiding, looting, and taking people almost on Daily basis,” said Shehu Alhassan, a farmer from Tsafe.
“But since these airstrikes began, it’s been quiet. We no longer see their motorcycles, and it feels like the military is finally turning things around.” This newfound peace comes after several years of reports highlighting the dire situation in Zamfara, where rural communities have been gripped by kidnappings, extortion, and violence as bandits established bases in nearby forests.
In Katsina State, similar reports detail how ongoing airstrikes have unsettled bandit groups to the extent that several kidnapped victims recently managed to escape their captors.
The Nigerian Air Force’s early morning strikes in the Babare Hills area forced bandits to abandon camps, inadvertently giving some captives the opportunity to break free. Musa Umar, a former hostage, described the disarray he witnessed: “They panicked when the bombing started, and suddenly the guards were gone. We took that chance to break our chains and flee.” This pattern of disrupted bandit operations has been particularly encouraging for communities that have seen waves of abductions, including schools and families affected by kidnappings for ransom.
Kebbi State, though less affected in the past, has also seen a dramatic drop in bandit presence in local markets and villages following an intense night of airstrikes. For days now, villagers report an absence of armed men previously known to frequent markets to buy supplies. Ibrahim Musa, a local trader, shared his observations:
“They used to come almost every week to stock up on food and fuel, but it’s been days since any of them appeared. The constant bombing has them scared, I think, and they’re keeping away.” he said.
The recent airstrikes have put bandit groups on edge, interrupting their movements and, for the first time, making it difficult for them to access supplies. In some cases, entire hideouts have been wiped out, weakening the groups’ organizational structure and forcing them to reconsider their stronghold areas.
Escalating Air, Ground Operations Push Bandits into Retreat, Offer Relief to Northwest Communities
News
Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia
Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia
By: Zagazola Makama
Less than 24 hours after three Fulani youths were reportedly killed in an attack in Plateau state, another youth has allegedly been killed and one abducted in targeted attack in Riyom LGA by Birom Militia.
Security and local informants told Zagazola Makama that the latest incident occurred on Feb. 21 in Jol community, where suspected Birom militia members attacked herders, killing one Muhammed Sani, while another victim, identified as Faruq Jamilu, was abducted. An unspecified number of cattle were also reportedly killed or injured during the assault.
The development came barely a day after three youths Tahiru Muhammad, Jibrin Salisu and Abdulmumin Isyak were said to have been ambushed and killed on Feb. 19 while returning from Dorowan Babuje in Barkin Ladi area.
Zagazola report that the earlier attack occurred at about 7:00 p.m. near Jong Fulani community. Sources alleged that the victims were intercepted by armed Birom Militia assailants, and security personnel later recovered spent cartridges and a motorcycle and a bottle of alcohol otherwise known as Goskolo at the scene.
Community representatives alleged that the succession of incidents reflected sustained pattern of attacks targeting pastoral settlements and livestock in parts of the state in recent months.
Zagazola report that repeated cases of attacks and killing, cattle poisoning, rustling and arson had heightened tensions and triggered fears of reprisals across the affected areas while the state government and concerned authorities have done little or nothing to fish out the perpetrators.
Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia
Former CP David Danjuma Auta dies at Air Force Military Hospital, Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
A retired Commissioner of Police, CP David Danjuma Auta (Rtd), JP, KSM, KSS, has died.
He passed away on Feb. 19, 2026, at the Air Force Military Hospital, Jos, after a brief illness.
Born on June 11, 1941, CP Auta enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on Feb. 26, 1962, and served in several capacities, culminating as Commissioner of Police in Ogun State before retiring on Feb. 26, 1997.
He hailed from Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
He is survived by his wife and seven children. The corpse has been deposited at the hospital morgue, and burial arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Former CP David Danjuma Auta dies at Air Force Military Hospital, Jos
Five killed, house burnt in cross-border communal attack in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Five persons have been killed and a house razed following a late-night attack on Azoke village in Ado Local Government Area of Benue.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Feb. 19 when suspected assailants from Akparata community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi allegedly invaded the village.
The victims were identified as Nwefuru Elu, Nwefuru Agnes, Nwali Nworie Christianana, Obasi Nwode and Nwozo Nwode.
It was gathered that the attackers also set ablaze a house belonging to one Elumu Nwokwo during the assault, heightening tension in the area.
Security personnel who responded to a distress alert visited the scene and documented evidence as part of preliminary investigation.
Authorities said efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible, while further investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Residents were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as measures were being intensified to prevent escalation of violence in the area.
Five killed, house burnt in cross-border communal attack in Benue
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Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia
Police arrest officer previously at large over missing firearms in Riyom Division in Plateau
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