Military
FC MNJTF CONCLUDES FAREWELL VISIT BY VISITING SECTOR 4 DIFFA

FC MNJTF CONCLUDES FAREWELL VISIT BY VISITING SECTOR 4 DIFFA
….. says Sector 4 Diffa is strategic to MNJTF’s mission.
- The outgoing Force Commander (FC) Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF)Maj Gen Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim accompanied by the Deputy Force Commander (DFC) Brig Gen Assoualai Blama and other senior officers of the MNJTF today Thursday 13 April 2023 concluded the last leg of his farewell visit that had seen him visit sectors 1, 2 and 3 earlier.
The FC and his entourage were received on arrival at Diffa airport by Commander Sector 4 , Col Maj Mamman Sani Kiaou, Commander Zone 5 and other senior officers of the Sector. After the welcome ceremony, the FC was briefed by the Sector Commander who confirmed the relative peace being enjoyed within his general area of responsibility but said that the main purpose of the interaction today is to appreciate , thank and pay tribute to the outgoing FC. He described the outgoing FC as a courageous and determined General who wanted stability in the Lake Chad Basin region, he said he is proud to have served under him, He reiterated the commitment of the FC at restoring peace in the Lake Chad Basin region and confirmed that the terrorists potency has been greatly diminished and lack the courage to face the troops except sneaky attacks.Speaking further, he said the Sector had always gotten the required support from HQ MNJTF and especially the FC personally. He assured the FC that Sector 4 will continue to partner with other sectors to carry out the mission of the MNJTF which is total eradication of terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin region. Finally, he said on behalf of the Nigerien Military he extend his best wishes to the FC in his new assignment. - The FC while responding, first congratulated the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigerien Armed Forces , Lt Gen Salifou Mody who was recently promoted to his new rank. The FC paid tribute to him for his outstanding leadership and the guidance he gave to the FC during his tenure. The FC then thanked the Commander Sector 4 for his loyalty, courage and superb leadership of the Sector, he described Sector 4 of MNJTF as a strategic part of the MNJTF mission since it is the Tactical Headquarters of the Force, he said there has been a lot of infrastructure development in the Sector and the collaboration with partners as also improved the operational efficiency of the Sector. He implored the Sector to continue to cooperate with other sectors in other to completely rout out the remnants of the terrorists in the Lake Chad Basin region. He said it made him proud that the Sector is capable of carrying out Special Forces operation behind enemy lines. He appreciated the Sector for their recent Special Joint operations with Sector 3 MNJTF (Nigeria) which has further degraded the adversary and induced the surrender of thousands of BHTs, their families and collaborators in the last two months. He said the work of Sector 4 has led to the return of internally Displaced persons to Nguimi, Baroua, Bosso among other places. He pointed out that Agriculture and Commercial activities is picking up in the areas and life is gradually returning to normal.
- He also praised the Sector for the tremendous Civil -Military Cooperation activities that are going in the areas that has brought the civil populace closer to the Security Forces and urged them to sustain this. He enjoined them to put more pressure on the BHTs until they are finally defeated. Continuing further ,he praised the Republic of Niger for the stabilizing role in the sub-region. As part of the farewell visit, The FC and his entourage also visited Sector 4 military cemetery where they paid their respects to the fallen heroes , the FC described them as Heroes of Freedom who will never be forgotten. Prayers were offered for the repose of their souls. Highlights of the visit was exchange of gifts to formally end the visit. The FC and his entourage have returned to the the MNJTF headquarters in N’Djamena Chad. See attached photographs
KAMARUDEEN ADEGOKE
Lieutenant Colonel
Chief Military Public Information Officer MNJTF
13 April 2023
FC MNJTF CONCLUDES FAREWELL VISIT BY VISITING SECTOR 4 DIFFA
Military
Troops kill notorious bandit Abu A. K, several others in Tsafe operation

Troops kill notorious bandit Abu A. K, several others in Tsafe operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Operation FANSAN YANMA in a joint operation with other security forces, have eliminated a notorious bandit identified as Abu A. K and several of his gang members in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the deceased bandit, who was linked to the infamous warlord Ado Aleiro, was intercepted after sneaking into Tsafe town to attend the weekly Friday cattle market, his first visit to the town in about five years.
According to the sources, Abu A. K had been among the most wanted bandits terrorising the Tsafe axis and surrounding forests, notorious for killings, kidnappings, and cattle rustling. He was reportedly trailed and captured after arriving in the town through one of his female contacts, identified as Halima, who resides in the Gabbacin Tsafe area.
“Following credible intelligence, troops moved swiftly and apprehended him. He was later neutralised during an exchange of fire as he attempted to escape custody,” the source said.
In a related development, troops on joint patrol operations on Monday morning successfully ambushed and neutralised several other bandits in Tsafe forests, recovering a Boxer-type rifle and other arms.
The operation, which took place around 9 a.m., was described by security officials as a major success in the ongoing offensive against bandit groups operating in the area. The troops also launched another offensive deep into the North of Tsafe forests, killing an undisclosed number of bandits.
According to sources, the remains of Abu A. K were taken to Magazu, one of the forward operating bases under Tsafe LGA, where further identification was carried out.
Security officials also confirmed that the slain bandit was responsible for the killing of three construction workers attached to Setraco Construction Company two weeks ago at a site where the firm was excavating sand in Tsafe area.
Troops kill notorious bandit Abu A. K, several others in Tsafe operation
Military
TROOPS FOIL TERRORISTS’ ATTACK IN BORNO

TROOPS FOIL TERRORISTS’ ATTACK IN BORNO
By: Michael Mike
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade on 17 Oct 2025 successfully foiled an attack planned by Boko Haram terrorists around Kashimri general area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.
The troops had successfully located and destroyed identified Boko Haram camps in the area, thereby frustrating the terrorists’ plans to attack civilians and disrupt socio-economic activities in the area. During the operation, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun fight and neutralized several, while others suffered injuries.
However, the encounter took its toll on our side, as the Commanding Officer, 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other valiant soldiers paid the supreme price, as they fell in battle. These brave heroes fought for the peace of our great nation, and their legacies shall endure forever.
The Nigerian Army will continue to honor the weight of their sacrifices as their loss comes with the reminder of our unyielding resolve to stamp out the scourge of terrorism from our great nation, Nigeria.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, hereby extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the departed. They were not just soldiers but fathers, brothers, and sons who expressed immeasurable courage by taking the last stand in the face of adversity, and we stand together in this time of grief.
The Chief of Army Staff also reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to pursue all terrorist elements relentlessly until total peace and normalcy are restored in the region and the nation by extension.
In the spirit of respect and compassion, members of the public and the media are kindly advised to refrain from sharing or publishing images of personnel who have paid the supreme price during operations generally until their next of kin may have been duly informed. This is to preserve the dignity of such fallen heroes and protecting the privacy of their families.
APPOLONIA ANELE
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
20 October 2025
TROOPS FOIL TERRORISTS’ ATTACK IN BORNO
Military
Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger

Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has neutralised several bandits in a coordinated air interdiction operation conducted along the Mariga axis of Niger State, following credible intelligence and surveillance reports of armed groups on the move with stolen cattle.
The precision airstrikes, carried out under the ongoing intensive counter-banditry campaign, targeted bandits’ movements around Yabawa, Bazana, Awallah, Dankolo, Kumbashi, and extending towards Kakihum, within Mariga Local Government Area.
According to verified local accounts, the operation struck a large convoy of armed bandits who were attempting to move with a herd of stolen cattle from Ragada and neighbouring villages. The air interdiction neutralised several of the criminals, while others fled in disarray into the surrounding forests.
A resident of Ragada, who narrowly escaped from the bandits during the strike, narrated his ordeal. “When the jet began bombing, God saved me; that was how I escaped from their hands,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Nigerian Air Force for the timely intervention.
Multiple eyewitnesses confirmed hearing several explosions followed by thick plumes of smoke and sporadic gunfire, as surviving bandits scattered in confusion. They described the operation as swift, precise, and highly coordinated.
Ground troops of the Nigerian Army, stationed in Rijau, Warari and Gulbin Boka, were reported to have provided complementary support by blocking possible escape routes and securing nearby communities hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Residents of the affected communities hailed the success of the operation, describing it as the “most decisive response” to recent attacks by bandit elements in the area.
One of the local leaders, Mallam Musa Ali from Kumbashi, commended the military for its professionalism and courage. “We have not slept in peace for months, but this operation has brought us hope. The Air Force and soldiers have shown that the government is serious about ending banditry,” he said.
Further intelligence from reliable sources revealed that another armed group, moving with stolen cattle from Magama Local Government, was sighted advancing towards the Kakihum–Kumbashi axis, suggesting that additional operations may be imminent.
The operation was part of ongoing coordinated air and ground efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks across the North Central region.
Local sources disclosed that at least seven separate bandit groups have been operating within the Mariga, Rijau and Magama corridor in recent weeks. However, with the latest air interdictions, several of their movements and attack plans have been effectively disrupted.
Residents across Yabawa, Awallah, and Dankolo expressed optimism that the sustained operations would lead to the restoration of peace and the return of displaced persons to their homes.
Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger
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