Gunmen Kill Teen Herder, Rustle Hundreds of Cattle in Fresh Benue Attack

By Zagazola Makama

Gunmen have reportedly killed a 15-year-old herder and rustled hundreds of cattle during an attack on a grazing herd at Olahimu Village in the Ogoli Oboju area of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 7:00 a.m. on Monday, July 21, when armed assailants stormed the herd belonging to the family of the late Ardo Risku Muhammad, who was himself killed in the area a few weeks ago.

During the attack, the deceased’s younger brother, Muhammad Isiyaku, 15, was shot dead on the spot.

The attackers reportedly made away with about 500 cattle, although many of the animals were later recovered during search efforts around the Okudu axis. Some cattle were also killed during the attack, while others remain unaccounted for.

Four persons were initially declared missing following the incident. However, three of them—identified as Muhammed Ismaiel, 17, Muhammed Hamza, 13, and Abu Ali, a family labourer—later escaped from the attackers and reunited with their family.

One labourer, Saidu Musa, remains missing as search efforts continue.

The incident was reported to the Ogoli Ugboju Divisional Police Headquarters, and police personnel reportedly visited the scene as part of preliminary investigations.

The family appealed to the Benue State Government and security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to intensify efforts to rescue the missing labourer, recover the remaining stolen cattle, and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

They also called for increased security deployment to Olahimu, Ogoli Oboju, and other border communities in Otukpo LGA to prevent further attacks and protect residents from recurring violence.

Gunmen Kill Teen Herder, Rustle Hundreds of Cattle in Fresh Benue Attack

Troops Rescue 10 Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle with Terrorists in Sokoto

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 10 kidnapped victims after engaging suspected terrorists in Gandi Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 5:00 p.m. on July 20 by troops of the 1 Brigade deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gandi in conjunction with members of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps (SSCGC).

The sources said the troops made contact with the terrorists at Badanma Village following actionable intelligence on their movement in the area.

During the ensuing firefight, the superior firepower of the security team forced the terrorists to flee, abandoning 10 kidnapped victims who were being held captive.

The victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety, while troops launched a pursuit operation to track down the fleeing terrorists.

Military sources said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects and dismantle their hideouts as part of sustained operations aimed at combating kidnapping and banditry across Sokoto State.

The sources added that the joint operation underscores the growing synergy between the Nigerian Army and the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps in enhancing security and protecting vulnerable communities under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Troops Rescue 10 Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle with Terrorists in Sokoto

Troops Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Motorcycles After Repelling Terrorists in Sokoto

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued six kidnapped victims and recovered two motorcycles after repelling a terrorist attack on communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 11:25 a.m. on July 20 by troops of the 1 Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) Shagari and Sifawa.

The sources said the troops swiftly responded after receiving reports that suspected terrorists had attacked civilians in Wanke and Kaura villages.

On reaching the area, the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce firefight, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bush.

In their haste to escape the superior firepower of the troops, the terrorists abandoned six kidnapped victims, who were immediately rescued by the security forces.

The troops also recovered two motorcycles believed to have been used by the fleeing terrorists during the operation.

The rescued victims were evacuated to safety for medical evaluation and debriefing, while troops commenced pursuit operations to track down the fleeing suspects.

Military sources said the operation is part of sustained offensive efforts under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to deny terrorists freedom of action, rescue abducted civilians and restore security across communities in Sokoto State.

Troops Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Motorcycles After Repelling Terrorists in Sokoto