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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
MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group
CELEBRATING PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU
The President/Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, has been announced “MAN OF THE YEAR” by THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE News Board of Editors.
The prestigious recognition reaffirmed Mr. President’s exemplary leadership, visionary thinking, and unwavering commitment to transforming the country amid mounting economic and security challenges.
The awards organisers also noted that the President has marched on with courage and determination to change Nigeria for the better, and proven to be a leader who is driven more by convictions and taken decisions which are in the best interest of the nation.
To commemorate this milestone, THISDAY is unveiling a Special Edition on Monday, January 27, 2025, to afford the President’s
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MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group
Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident
By: Michael Mike
Nigerian government has commiserated with the government and people of Türkiye over the fire incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort that resulted in the death of 66 persons injured over 50 others.
The condolence message was contained in a statement signed by the acting spokesperson of the federal ministry of foreign affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The statement read: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to express deep condolence to the Government and People of the Republic of Turkiye over the unfortunate fire incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort.
“The fire, which claimed the lives of 66 persons and injured over 50 others in Bolu Province in Northwestern Turkiye, was reported to have started in the early hours of Tuesday 21st January 2025.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria sympathizes with the Government of the Republic of Turkiye and the families of the victims of the fire incident, and also wishes a speedy recovery of the injured.”
Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident
Yobe’s Commitment To Agric. Development very Impressive -Islamic Development Bank
By: Mamman Mohammed
The Islamic Development Bank has expressed satisfaction with the preparedness of Yobe state government to partner the bank for an agricultural project.
Mr. Javed khan, Senior Agriculture Specialist of the Bank stated this at a courtesy call on Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, at the Government House, Damaturu.
Khan said the commitment of Yobe state government to meeting its obligations is quite impressive and encouraging.
Khan who led a team from the bank on assessment tour of the state to see for itself the documents developed and the preparations on ground for the project, said the team was convinced with government’s committment to the project.
“We were initially discouraged not to come to Yobe state citing insecurity but, we insisted on coming and are impressed with the peace and security, and the government’s commitment to the project.
“We are working towards a target in the next three months for the state to obtain approval from the bank for the project.
“The working synergy between our team and your team suggests that we will achieve our target within the stipulated time frame” Khan said.
Responding, Governor Buni commended the Bank for not listening to the enemies of progress of the state.
“l am glad you did not listen to them, some of whom have never been anywhere close to Yobe state but giving stories about what they don’t know.
“You are now here and you have seen things for yourselves and can tell the story better. We are ready for this partnership using agriculture to drive the economy of our state and the people.
“All the 17 local government areas in the state are now accessible and the people can access their farms and make this proposed project successful” Buni said.
The Governor explained the importance of agriculture to the people, adding “this project would guarantee food security and economic prosperity in our post insurgency recovery programme.
“The resilience exhibited by our people in embracing agriculture being their major preoccupation to rebuild their lives after the protracted insecurity is very encouraging and need to be supported” he said.
The Governor re-ephasized the readiness of his administration to partner the bank to make agricultural development in the state a huge success story.
Yobe’s Commitment To Agric. Development very Impressive -Islamic Development Bank
MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group
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Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident
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