News
Freed Kidnap Victims Reveal Terrorist Losses, Camps in Rijana Forest After Interception by Troops
Freed Kidnap Victims Reveal Terrorist Losses, Camps in Rijana Forest After Interception by Troops
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have intercepted five recently released kidnap victims in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, whose accounts provided fresh intelligence on terrorist activities and the structure of armed groups operating in the Rijana Forest.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims were intercepted at about 2:00 p.m. on July 16 by troops of 1 Division Sub-Sector 5 deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kajuru.
During preliminary debriefing, the victims disclosed that they had been held captive by a 34-member terrorist group operating from the Rijana Forest.
According to the victims, the group suffered heavy losses following an ambush by troops at Gwantu Village on July 8, during which 12 terrorists, including their leader identified as Doro, were reportedly neutralised.
The victims further revealed that, despite the setback, several other terrorist groups remain active within the Rijana Forest axis.
They identified three additional armed groups, each comprising an estimated 25 to 40 fighters, allegedly led by commanders identified as Mato, Hassan, and others.
Security sources said the intelligence provided by the rescued victims is being analysed and will support ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and restoring security across the Kajuru–Rijana corridor.
The victims have since been taken to a secure location for further debriefing and necessary medical and psychosocial support, while troops continue clearance operations in the area to track down the remaining terrorist groups.
Freed Kidnap Victims Reveal Terrorist Losses, Camps in Rijana Forest After Interception by Troops
Fulani Herder Shot in Suspected Ambush by Berom Militia in Plateau as Tension Rises in Riyom
By Zagazola Makama
A Fulani herder identified as Ja’afaru was reportedly shot in an ambush by suspected armed assailants in Tanjol Community, Jol Ward of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, in what residents fear could heighten tensions in the area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, as the victim and other herders were returning home after grazing their cattle.
According to community sources, the group was allegedly ambushed by suspected Berom militia, who opened fire on them before fleeing the scene.
The Fulani community in the area confirmed the incident, stating that Ja’afaru sustained gunshot injuries during the attack. The condition of the victim could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
The incident comes barely 24 hours after another violent attack in the neighbouring Yarwai Community, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where suspected assailants reportedly attacked a herder and shot eight cattle.
Security sources said efforts were underway to verify the latest incident and identify those responsible, while troops and other security agencies have intensified patrols in the affected communities to forestall reprisals and maintain public order.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, avoid retaliatory actions, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.
Fulani Herder Shot in Suspected Ambush by Berom Militia in Plateau as Tension Rises in Riyom
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper Terrorising Jos–Makurdi Road in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested a suspected kidnapper believed to be part of an armed criminal syndicate responsible for attacks and abductions along the Jos–Makurdi highway in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 5:00 p.m. on July 16 during a targeted operation by troops deployed at the Sector’s Standing Operating Base (SOP) in Bangai Village, Riyom LGA.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a member of an armed criminal group that has been terrorising commuters and residents along the Jos–Makurdi road corridor, carrying out kidnappings and other violent crimes within the area.
Security sources said the suspect is currently in military custody and is assisting investigators with useful information aimed at dismantling the criminal network and apprehending other members of the syndicate.
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper Terrorising Jos–Makurdi Road in Plateau
Troops Rescue Two Escapees from Terrorist Camp in Gwoza
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion have rescued two abductees who escaped from a terrorist enclave in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims were found wandering around the Armuda Bridge area at about 6:50 a.m. on July 16 and were rescued by troops conducting routine security operations in the area.
During preliminary debriefing, the rescued victims disclosed that they had escaped from a terrorist camp located in the Agapalwa general area after taking advantage of the apparent disarray within the enclave.
According to the victims, the camp had become largely dysfunctional, with no effective leadership, as several terrorist fighters had either fled or sustained injuries during recent military operations.
The accounts provided by the escapees are believed to corroborate ongoing intelligence indicating that sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI have significantly weakened terrorist strongholds across parts of southern Borno.
The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and are expected to undergo medical evaluation and further debriefing to obtain actionable intelligence that could support ongoing counterterrorism operations in the area.
Military sources said troops remain committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist enclaves to facilitate the rescue of more captives and dismantle the remaining insurgent networks operating in the region.
Troops Rescue Two Escapees from Terrorist Camp in Gwoza
Fulani Herder Shot in Suspected Ambush by Berom Militia in Plateau as Tension Rises in Riyom
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper Terrorising Jos–Makurdi Road in Plateau
Suspected Berom Militia Shoot Eight Cattle in Attack on Herdsman in Plateau
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