Ex-bandit kingpin Lankai abducted by Bello Turji faction, later released in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Audu Lankai, also known as Ofisa, a repentant bandit leader, was reportedly abducted by members of the notorious Bello Turji faction during a rivalry clash in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State, but was later released and reunited with his family.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that LANKAI was released on Feb. 2, 2026, at about 8:20 p.m. at Malamawan Danbedi.

The abduction follows earlier reports of an ambush in which Lantai Officer, another bandit leader, was reportedly targeted by the Turji faction. On Jan. 28, Bello Turji, leader of the faction, released an audio recording claiming that Lantai remained alive but in his custody, citing ongoing investigations into alleged misconduct by Lantai.

“Lankai was released by Turji and safely returned to his family, sources while security agencies are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any attack that will affect communities within the areas ,” a source said.

The sources said that the troops will continue to maintain heightened surveillance in the affected axis and have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.

Ex-bandit kingpin Lankai abducted by Bello Turji faction, later released in Katsina

Army troops of Operation Fansan Yamma repel bandits’ attack, recover arms in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with other security agencies, have repelled a bandits’ attack on Kola Village in Salame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Jan. 1, 2026, at about 6:15 a.m., following a distress call that a large number of armed bandits, wielding sophisticated weapons, had invaded the community.

According to the source, the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were swiftly deployed to the area

“The joint security team engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel that lasted for some time. The bandits were overpowered and fled into the nearby forest with their casualties,” the source said.

The added that during a combing of the surrounding bushes, the security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle with 24 rounds of live ammunition, believed to belong to a neutralised bandit.

The team also recovered 48 rustled sheep that had been taken from villagers during the attack.

“No casualty was recorded on the side of the troops and the villagers,” the source said.

The sources said confidence-building patrols were ongoing in the area, while all FOB’s had been placed on alert to watch out for any injured bandits seeking refuge.

The troopd reassured residents of Salame and adjoining communities of sustained security presence and urged them to continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

Army troops of Operation Fansan Yamma repel bandits’ attack, recover arms in Sokoto

Air force strikes bandit camps in katsina, neutralized 27 in dawn operation

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) component of Operation FANSAN YANMA has recorded a major operational success in Katsina State following a precision air operation that neutralised a large number of armed bandits in Faskari Local Government Area.

Zagazola learnt that the operation, conducted in the early hours of Feb. 1, targeted known bandit enclaves in the Shawu–Mununu forest axis, Ruwan Godiya area of Faskari LGA.

According to sources involved in the mission, the strikes followed sustained aerial reconnaissance that confirmed the presence of heavily armed elements believed to be responsible for recent attacks along the Bakori–Guga corridor.

“At about 6:30 a.m., NAF air assets executed a coordinated reconnaissance and strike mission on identified bandit camps in the Shawu Mununu forest,” the sources said.

“The targets were strongly linked to recent violent incidents in the area. The operation achieved its objective, with approximately 27 armed bandits neutralised.”

The sources said follow-up assessments indicated that the surviving members of the group fled the area in disarray, abandoning their hideouts and logistics.

The sources added that the precision of the air strikes significantly degraded the group’s operational capability and disrupted their freedom of movement within the forested belt stretching across parts of southern Katsina.

“There will be no safe haven for criminals anywhere in this region,” he said.

The sources said that NAF has since intensified aerial patrols and surveillance along the Faskari–Bakori–Guga axis to prevent regrouping and to support ground forces in maintaining pressure on fleeing elements.

The sources further noted that the operation forms part of a broader, sustained air-ground campaign to dismantle bandit across the North-West.

“We remain committed to supporting national security objectives. Our air crews will continue to dominate the airspace, deny these groups sanctuary and protect law-abiding communities,” said the sources.

He also urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help identify criminal movements and hideouts.

“The safety of our people is our priority. With the support of the public, we will continue to degrade and defeat all armed groups threatening peace and stability,” the sources said.

Air force strikes bandit camps in katsina, neutralized 27 in dawn operation