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
Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Two persons have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a bandit attack on vigilante operatives in Edogi, Lafiagi axis of Kwara State.
The incident, which occurred during a clash between the vigilantes and suspected bandits, also left four persons with gunshot wounds. Among the injured are Mohammed Ndagi,Saidu Jiya,and Philips John,all members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). A civilian passerby, Babangida Daniel was also caught in the crossfire.
They were rushed to the General Hospital in Lafiagi for emergency treatment. However, the VGN Commander, Mohammed Yatsu (50), and Babangida Daniel were confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The remaining injured victims have been referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) for further medical care.
Meanwhile, ASP Sado Sunday, who was reportedly involved in the operation, remains missing as search efforts continue.
Security sources say efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators and restore calm in the area.
Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara
Security forces repel attack, reclaim villages in Bokkos LGA, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A joint security operation has reclaimed several deserted villages in the Horop District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, following persistent attacks and occupation by suspected Fulani militias.
Zagazola Makama was reliably informed that the clearance operation was launched after residents of Hokk and neighboring villages fled their homes, reporting that the attackers had taken over their communities and erected temporary shelters.
In response, a combined troops of the Nigerian Army, team of Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel were deployed to the area to restore order and secure the villages.
The troops, encountered strong resistance from the armed attackers. A fierce gun battle ensued, but the attackers were eventually overpowered and forced to retreat into nearby bushes.
During the operation, several makeshift huts erected by the militias were destroyed, and two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing assailants were recovered.
Authorities say patrols and security presence in the area have been intensified to prevent further incursions and allow displaced villagers to safely return to their homes.
Security forces repel attack, reclaim villages in Bokkos LGA, Plateau
Troops arrest 25 suspected bandits, kidnappers in Katsina-Ala, Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint security operatives have arrested 25 suspected bandits and kidnappers during a coordinated operation along the Katsina-Ala–Takum Federal Highway in Benue State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the patrol, which was conducted on Monday, was initiated following intelligence reports of planned attacks on Tor-Donga town by suspected armed herdsmen and bandits, the Benue State Police Command said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, credible intelligence led the patrol team to Gbisetown, a known flashpoint along the highway, where four suspects were initially apprehended after attempting to flee upon sighting the security convoy.
“While returning to Tor-Donga, the operatives again sighted suspicious movement around the same Gbisetown area. A general raid of the surroundings was carried out, leading to the arrest of 21 more suspects believed to be linked to recent kidnappings and banditry in the area,” said the sources.
Security has been heightened in Katsina-Ala and its environs in response to growing concerns over armed herdsmen attacks and kidnapping incidents.
Troops arrest 25 suspected bandits, kidnappers in Katsina-Ala, Benue
Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara
Security forces repel attack, reclaim villages in Bokkos LGA, Plateau
Fourteen arrested bandits confirmed loyal to notorious militia leader Konyo in Benue
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