Nigerian Army troops, with air support and joint forces, repel bandits’ attack in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Nigerian Army troops, in collaboration with other joint security forces and supported by military air assets, have successfully repelled an attack by suspected armed herders on Edikwu Ankpali village in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to security sources, the incident occurred on 24 January at about 1:00 p.m., when a large group of armed men operating with cattle stormed the community, attacking residents.

Responding swiftly to a distress call, troops of the Nigerian Army, alongside personnel of the 80 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Operation Zenda, and the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the Benue Police Command, engaged the assailants.

The sources said that the combined superior firepower forced the bandits to retreat into the surrounding forest.

Military air support was immediately deployed, with an attack helicopter conducting precision strikes on two points along the Opaha-Ojapu axis, where the fleeing bandits were reportedly heading.

The extent of the damage caused by the air strikes is still being assessed as several bandits met their waterloo.

The troops have maintained a strong presence in Edikwu Ankpali, while troops continue to hold the Opaha axis with aerial surveillance, carrying out clearance operations and monitoring the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.

Nigerian Army troops, with air support and joint forces, repel bandits’ attack in Benue

Rayyan Microfinance Bank unveiled by Zulum

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has unveiled Rayyan Microfinance Bank, headquartered in Maiduguri, the state capital on Sunday.

Rayyan Bank chaired by Dr Usman Shettima is an Ethically Compliant Digital Bank that offers non-interest financing which is an insignia of Islamic banking to rural communities.

With a commitment to ethical compliance practices, the bank also provides a comprehensive range of banking solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals and businesses.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held in Forshams Event Centre, Maiduguri, Zulum emphasised that the bank is a critical tool for building resilience and fostering self-reliance among the people of Borno.

He highlighted its projected role in providing the financial backbone communities need to rebuild livelihoods affected by years of insurgency.

“Microfinance banks are crucial for driving financial inclusion, reducing poverty and promoting economic growth through providing accessible financial services such as small loans, savings accounts and insurance amongst others to low income individuals who don’t have access to traditional banking systems in Nigeria.

“I want to commend the vision and tenacity of the chairman and members of this very important bank, I also want to assure you that the government, under my leadership, will partner with you to promote the ideals of the non-interest banking system which is very important to our economy.” said Zulum

Demonstrating Borno State government’s confidence in the new institution, Zulum directed the State Ministry of Finance to immediately open an account with Rayyan Microfinance Bank.

Following the unveiling, the Governor formally presented the bank to the public, urging residents, cooperatives, and business owners to utilise its services to grow their businesses, support local enterprises, and contribute to the state’s economic resurgence.

The event featured keynote addresses and lectures by the academia, regulatory agencies, religious scholars, and other stakeholders, highlighting the potential of non-interest banking to promote ethical investments and foster inclusive economic growth.

Rayyan Microfinance Bank unveiled by Zulum

Troops neutralise notorious kidnap kingpin in Jama’a LGA, Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops have neutralised a notorious kidnapping kingpin, Amadu, during a raid in Malafiya town, Atiku Ward of Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Sources said that Amadu was the leader of a criminal syndicate terrorising Malafiya and surrounding communities with crimes ranging from kidnapping and cattle rustling to armed robbery.

According to the sources, Amadu had been on the most-wanted lists of security agencies and was linked to several high-profile crimes in the area, including the killing of a businessman in September 2025 and an attempted abduction of a prominent local figure’s relative.

The sources said that following credible intelligence on the gang’s hideout, troops conducted a raid on Jan. 25, 2026, to apprehend the remaining criminal elements. During the operation, there was an exchange of fire between the troops and the suspects.

“In the course of the engagement, Amadu attempted to escape and was neutralised. A search of the scene led to the recovery of a locally made pistol,” the sources said.

The sources added that the general area has since been calm, while clearance and confidence-building patrols have been intensified to prevent a resurgence of criminal activities.

Troops neutralise notorious kidnap kingpin in Jama’a LGA, Kaduna