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How ground pressure, air power are reshaping the war against banditry in Nigeria’s North-West

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How ground pressure, air power are reshaping the war against banditry in Nigeria’s North-West

By Zagazola Makama

The opening days of 2026 have laid bare a defining reality of Nigeria’s North-West security landscape: the war against banditry is no longer episodic or localised, but a fluid, intelligence-driven contest unfolding simultaneously across multiple states, terrains and threat vectors.

From Katsina to Niger, Kano and Zamfara, a chain of interlinked incidents reveals both the growing effectiveness of air power and intelligence-led ground operations, and the stubborn adaptability of armed criminal networks determined to survive under pressure.

At the core of the evolving campaign is the decisive Nigerian Air Force (NAF) offensive under Operation FANSAN YANMA in Katsina State. Sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) enabled air assets to track the movement of about 50 motorcycles suspected to be ferrying armed bandits along a known infiltration corridor. When a large cluster converged in the Matazu axis, the convergence point was designated and struck with precision. Zagazola later obtained a video footage of the strike with dozens of bandits scattered and burnt beyond recognition.

The impact went beyond the immediate neutralisation of several bandits. By breaking a massed movement likely intended for an attack, redeployment or logistics transfer, the strike achieved a critical operational effect: fragmentation. In contemporary bandit warfare, where speed, numbers and surprise are force multipliers, denying criminals the ability to assemble is often as decisive as killing them outright.

Post-strike behaviour reinforced this assessment. Surviving elements scattered in disarray, disrupting coordination and degrading momentum. This pattern track, fix, strike, fragment increasingly defines the counter terrorism campaign in the North-West Operation FANSAN YANMA.

Yet the Katsina airstrike cannot be viewed in isolation. While bandit formations were being degraded from the air, armed groups continued probing vulnerabilities across the wider North-West corridor.

In Niger State’s Borgu axis, dozens of armed men on motorcycles attacked and set parts of a security outpost ablaze before fleeing. Although no casualties were recorded and no weapons lost, the incident carried symbolic weight. It illustrated the persistence of bandit and insurgent-linked elements in targeting state authority, particularly in remote, border-adjacent communities where response times are tested.

That same transnational dynamic was evident in the crash of a NAF drone on farmland in Kontagora. The drone, reportedly on an operational mission, pointed to the intensity and geographic spread of aerial surveillance and strike efforts. While no casualties were recorded, the incident illustrated the risks inherent in sustained high-tempo ISR operations across vast and rugged terrain.

On the ground, bandit violence continues to exact a human and economic toll. In Katsina’s Malumfashi axis, suspected bandits attacked Naino village, killing two residents and injuring six others. Joint security deployments, medical evacuation and blocking operations followed, but the incident reinforced a grim truth: even as air power constrains large-scale movements, smaller cells retain the ability to strike villages with lethal effect.

Similarly, in Katsina border communities near the Niger Republic, bandits rustled cattle and injured residents who attempted to resist them. Livestock theft remains central to the bandit economy, a source of funding, food and leverage over rural populations.

Further south in Kano State, attacks in Shanono and Tsanyawa LGAs revealed another layer of the conflict. In Farin-Fuwa village, bandits engaged responding forces in a gun battle that claimed the life of a soldier. In Tsanyawa, cattle rustlers struck and escaped before security teams arrived. These incidents show how bandit groups oscillate between direct confrontation and economic sabotage, depending on opportunity and resistance.

Zamfara State continues to illustrate the most complex end of the spectrum. In Bukuyyum LGA, armed bandits and elements of the outlawed YANSAKAI group carried out fatal attacks, including the killing of a civilian inside a mosque and the murder of local hunters along rural routes.

At the same time, swift intervention by security forces in another incident prevented the abduction of civilians, drawing attention to the difference timely intelligence and rapid response can make. Ongoing operations by the troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in the Bukuyyum–Mada axis now focus on tracking fleeing elements, dominating forest corridors and recovering looted arms.

Taken together, these incidents reveal a theatre in transition rather than resolution. Bandit groups are increasingly constrained in their ability to move in large, coordinated formations, largely due to ISR-driven air operations. Yet they remain capable of opportunistic attacks, arson, targeted killings and cattle rustling, particularly in rural and border communities.

The response, correspondingly, is becoming more intelligence-centric. ISR now underpins both air interdiction and ground manoeuvre. Blocking operations, area domination and follow-on patrols increasingly complement strikes from the air, creating cumulative pressure that limits regrouping.

What is unfolding in the North-West is not a single decisive battle, but a campaign of attrition. Air power disrupts, dislocates and degrades. Ground actions deny escape, recover weapons and reassure communities.

Yet, the challenge remains far from over. Bandit networks are fluid, opportunistic and deeply embedded in difficult terrain. Sustaining pressure, maintaining ISR superiority and denying escape routes will be critical in preventing regrouping and retaliatory attacks.

The strategic lesson is clear: sustained dominance requires continuity. Tactical victories, no matter how precise, must be followed by relentless monitoring, cross-state coordination and disruption of the economic lifelines that sustain banditry.

As 2026 unfolds, early indicators suggest that when intelligence leads and force follows decisively, criminal networks pay a heavy price. The challenge ahead lies in sustaining this momentum long enough to convert battlefield success into lasting stability for communities across Katsina, Niger, Kano, Zamfara and the wider North-West region.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region.

How ground pressure, air power are reshaping the war against banditry in Nigeria’s North-West

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AMF Celebrate the African Child: Building Foundations for Dreams, Learning, and Leadership

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AMF Celebrate the African Child: Building Foundations for Dreams, Learning, and Leadership

By Comrade Philip Ikodor

The Ashlee Momoh Foundation today joined the global community to commemorate the International Day of the African Child, reaffirming its commitment to the safety, education, and empowerment of children across the continent.

In a statement issued to the media, the Founder and Lead, Princess Ashlee Omonegbo Momoh, said the Foundation stands firmly behind efforts to help every African child reach their full potential.

“While we celebrate the vibrancy, brilliance, and resilience of African children, we must also confront the systemic barriers that still limit their growth,” Princess Momoh stated.

Key Challenges Facing the African Child Today:

  1. Education Gaps: Millions lack access to quality education, digital literacy, and inclusive learning environments.
  2. Socio-Economic Barriers: Pervasive poverty drives child labor and denies many children basic healthcare, nutrition, and stable housing.
  3. Security and Instability: Armed conflict and community violence continue to threaten the safety, mental health, and future of children in vulnerable and military-affected communities.

AMF’s Call to Action:
To truly empower the African child, stakeholders must shift from short-term relief to sustainable, localized investment. The Foundation calls on governments, civil society, and private sector partners to collaborate in:

  1. Building safer, child-friendly communities
  2. Subsidizing healthcare and expanding access to quality education, including digital skills
  3. Creating inclusive learning spaces that protect children from conflict and displacement

“Every child deserves a secure foundation to dream, learn, and lead. At the Ashlee Momoh Foundation, we remain committed to building that foundation — together,” Princess Momoh added.

The Ashlee Momoh Foundation is a Nigeria-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing child welfare, education, and empowerment across Africa through sustainable programs, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.

AMF Celebrate the African Child: Building Foundations for Dreams, Learning, and Leadership

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A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Minister Tegbe’s Brilliant Start

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A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Minister Tegbe’s Brilliant Start

By: Lateef O. AREMU

Just few days into his tenure, Nigeria’s new Minister of Power, Engineer Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has already begun to illuminate the path towards a more stable and efficient electricity supply for the nation. Sworn into office on June 9, 2026, Minister Tegbe’s initial pronouncements and decisive actions reflect a profound understanding of the sector’s complexities, a testament to his distinguished professional background, intellectual brilliance and clear demonstration of the understanding of the task ahead. The minister unlike many before him did not over simplify the task at hand. He acknowledged the challenges and meticulous outlined the approaches towards finding solutions to the problem. He is not promising immediate miracle, but steady growth and measurable efforts towards achieving the set goals.

Minister Tegbe arrives at the helm of the Power Ministry with an impressive pedigree. A former Senior Partner and Head of Technology Advisory Services and Markets at KPMG Professional Services in Nigeria and across Africa, he has a proven track record of leading major reform initiatives, developing robust governance structures, and navigating intricate regulatory frameworks. His extensive experience in advisory services, coupled with his qualifications as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCIT), positions him uniquely to tackle the multifaceted challenges plaguing Nigeria’s power sector.

In his inaugural engagements, Minister Tegbe wasted no time in outlining a clear vision. He pledged to strengthen collaboration, improve governance, and enhance accountabilityacross the entire electricity value chain. This emphasis on systemic improvements, rather than solely technical fixes, directly mirrors his background in advisory and governance. His insight that
many of the sector’s challenges are rooted in governance and coordination rather than purely technical issues is a direct reflection of his strategic thinking honed at KPMG, where he led advisory services focused on governance and regulatory frameworks.

One of his immediate and commendable actions was to rally Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Agencies and Parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Power. During this crucial meeting, Minister Tegbe underscored the necessity of a unified and coordinated approach among all stakeholders to achieve the administration’s goals for the Power Sector. This call for synergy, urging stakeholders to operate as “one team with one mandate” is a pragmatic approach to a sector historically plagued by siloed operations and a lack of cohesive strategy. His ability to quickly identify and address this fundamental organizational challenge speaks volumes about his leadership and analytical prowess.

Furthermore, Minister Tegbe has already demonstrated a commitment to tangible results. He commended the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for its prompt response to a recent feeder outage, which was resolved within the timeframe he directed. This swift restoration of supply, which he noted was reported directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlights his dedication to urgency and service delivery, a quality that will undoubtedly instill confidence in both the public and sector operators.

Looking ahead, the Minister disclosed plans to introduce a performance-based incentive framework across the power sector to reward productivity, innovation, and excellence. This initiative is a clear demonstration of his understanding of motivational strategies and his commitment to fostering a culture of accountability and efficiency. This is the kind of principles often championed in top-tier consulting firms like KPMG. Such a framework is designed to drive continuous improvement and ensure that all stakeholders are aligned with the overarching objective of enhancing electricity supply.

In just a few short days, Engineer Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe has not only articulated a clear vision for Nigeria’s power sector but has also initiated concrete steps towards its realization. His blend of deep technical understanding, strategic leadership, and a commitment to good governance, all honed through years of high-level advisory work, positions him as a transformative figure.

As Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe assumes the role of Nigeria’s minister of power, Nigerians can look forward to a future where the brilliance of their Minister of Power translates into a consistently brighter and more reliable electricity supply.
With Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe at the helms of affairs in the power sector in Nigeria, Nigeria can rest asuured that “there is light at the end of the tunnel”

Lateef O. AREMU (Akano Gudugba)
S3 /706D
Odo-Ada Compound,
Oke-Eleta, Ibadan
08162994660
akanoola@gmail.com

A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Minister Tegbe’s Brilliant Start

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NDLEA Sells Drug Barons’ Assets for N6.1bn, Sends Warning to Criminal Networks

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NDLEA Sells Drug Barons’ Assets for N6.1bn, Sends Warning to Criminal Networks

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a major financial blow to drug trafficking syndicates, raising over N6.1 billion from the auction of properties confiscated from convicted drug kingpins across the country.

The assets, which include a six-storey luxury hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, and three other high-value properties, were forfeited to the federal government following court orders obtained under Nigeria’s asset recovery laws.

The Victoria Island hotel accounted for the bulk of the proceeds, attracting a winning bid of N5.9 billion during a public auction conducted in Abuja on Monday. Altogether, four properties were successfully sold, while bids submitted for four others fell below the approved reserve prices and were consequently rejected.

The exercise marked one of the most significant asset recovery auctions conducted by the anti-narcotics agency in recent years and underscores a growing determination by authorities to target not only drug traffickers but also the wealth accumulated from illicit activities.

Announcing the results, the Head of Asset Recovery and Management Unit at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Tamarantare Francis Ali-Bozi, disclosed that Tope Ojo and Tunde Olonishakin Estate Firm emerged the successful bidder for the Victoria Island hotel.

Other successful bidders included FSS Limited, which secured a property in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, with an offer of N219.5 million; A-BNB Global Innovations Limited, which won a block of flats in Ejigbo, Lagos, for N104 million; and Fazeen Global Link Limited, which acquired a property in Akure, Ondo State, for N29.36 million.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), declared that the auction represented more than a revenue-generating exercise, describing it as a strategic weapon in the fight against organised crime.

Represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, Marwa said the disposal of recovered assets sends a strong signal that individuals involved in the illicit drug trade would not be allowed to retain or benefit from the proceeds of their crimes.

He noted that public auctions of forfeited assets help reinforce public trust in the justice system by demonstrating transparency and accountability in the management of recovered properties.

According to him, the agency remains committed to tracking, recovering and disposing of criminal assets in a manner that serves the public interest while strengthening Nigeria’s asset recovery framework.

“We shall continue to pursue drug traffickers, dismantle criminal networks, recover the proceeds of crime and uphold the rule of law without fear or favour,” he stated.

Marwa also stressed that extensive safeguards were put in place to guarantee the integrity of the process. He said all assets were professionally valued by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, while auctioneers engaged for the exercise were screened and pre-qualified through procedures approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement.

The NDLEA boss added that representatives of anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations, the media and members of the public were invited to witness the bid-opening exercise in order to ensure transparency and public confidence.

He maintained that the auction was conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and other relevant regulations.

Analysts say the successful sale of the forfeited properties highlights a growing shift in Nigeria’s anti-drug strategy from merely arresting traffickers to systematically dismantling the financial foundations of criminal enterprises.

For law enforcement authorities, the message is unmistakable: drug trafficking may generate vast fortunes, but those fortunes can ultimately be traced, seized and converted into public assets.

NDLEA Sells Drug Barons’ Assets for N6.1bn, Sends Warning to Criminal Networks

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