Crime
JNIM Claims Deadly Attack on Benin Military Bases, Says 70 Soldiers Killed
JNIM Claims Deadly Attack on Benin Military Bases, Says 70 Soldiers Killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), a terrorist group operating in the Sahel, has claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks on two military positions in northern Benin Republic on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
In a statement released through its propaganda channels, the group said it killed 70 Beninese soldiers during the assaults. The attacks reportedly targeted military companies stationed near the country’s northern borders with Burkina Faso and Niger – regions increasingly plagued by jihadist violence.
JNIM also published images of weapons and equipment it said were captured during the attacks. Among the items allegedly seized were:
American-made M2HB heavy machine guns, Five PP87 mortars of Chinese origin, Fifty-one rocket-assisted mortar shells, Three surveillance drones, Six motorcycles, Sixty-four grenades, Seventy-eight Kalashnikov rifles, Over 300 ammunition magazines, Type 80 and W-85 machine guns, Type 81-1 rifles Type 56-1 rocket launchers, and T69-1 anti-tank projectiles.
The Beninese government has yet to issue an official statement confirming the claims. However, security sources have confirmed that military operations are ongoing in the northern region, and reinforcements have been deployed to contain the situation.
JNIM, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, has expanded its activities into coastal West African states in recent years, marking a shift in its operational footprint beyond Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
JNIM Claims Deadly Attack on Benin Military Bases, Says 70 Soldiers Killed
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled simultaneous attacks by ISWAP terrorists on Jihuhi and Harang villages in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, leaving one person dead.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that on Jan. 27 at about 1630 hours, the terrorists invaded the villages, firing indiscriminately and setting several houses ablaze.
The attack fatally injured Adamu Inusa, also known as Daddy, 35, a member of the Hunters Group in Hawul.
He was evacuated to General Hospital Hawul, where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His corpse has been deposited at the hospital mortuary and will be released to his family for Islamic burial after clearance operations in the affected communities.
A combined team of troops of Operation HADIN KAI, police tactical units, and local Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/Hunters groups responded promptly, engaging the terrorists and successfully repelling the attack.
The area remains under close monitoring as security forces continue clearance and patrol operations.
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
Bandit attack in Zamfara leaves three abducted, immigration officer injured
By Zagazola Makama
A banditry attack in Damba Local Government Area of Zamfara State left three people abducted and an immigration officer injured, authorities confirmed.
A source said on Jan. 28 at about 12:30 a.m., a group of armed men, suspected to be bandits, launched an attack on a rented accommodation adjacent to the Federal College of Education, Technical (FCET), Gusau, firing sporadically.
During the raid, Insp. Gabriel Abah of the Immigration Service was shot, sustaining a fractured leg. Security forces swiftly responded, engaging the assailants and recovering a G3 rifle and one round of G3 ammunition.
“The injured officer is receiving medical treatment, while efforts continue to locate and rescue the abducted victims,” the source said.
The incident remains under investigation, and security agencies are pursuing the perpetrators.
Bandit attack in Zamfara leaves three abducted, immigration officer injured
Troops, police rescue eight kidnap victims in Kaduna forest
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army troops of Sector 7 of Operation OPEP, in collaboration with the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Forest Guards and local hunters, have rescued eight kidnapped victims from Badurum Kasa Forest in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A security source told Zagazola Makama that the successful operation was carried out on Jan. 28 following actionable intelligence on the hideout of the kidnappers.
According to the source, the joint team mobilised at about 4:23 p.m. and advanced into the forest, where they made contact with the criminals around 5:59 p.m.
“On sighting the troops, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled in disarray into the surrounding bushes,” the source said.
The source added that all the victims were rescued unharmed and immediately evacuated from the forest.
Those rescued were identified as Mrs Rashida Musa, Mrs Hafsat Nuhu, Mr Zakari Saleh, Miss Hasiya Yahaya, Mr Ahmed Yahaya, Mr Ibrahim Saiba, Miss Salma Yahaya and Mr Sophan Idris.
“They were all successfully reunited with their families after medical checks and initial debriefing,” the source said.
The troops have commenced follow-up operations to exploit the area and track down the fleeing suspects.
Troops, police rescue eight kidnap victims in Kaduna forest
Katsina police arrest gun runners, recover AK-47 magazines and ammunition
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep
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