Crime

Lagbaja And Banditry Battle In North-West Nigeria

Published

3 years ago

December 11, 2022

Lagbaja And Banditry Battle In North-West Nigeria

By Zagazola Makama

The asymetric warfare that involves the Nigerian military on one hand, and the twin crimes of terror-banditry and kidnapping on the other, in Northwest Nigeria has raged on over the last eleven years in a startling fashion; much akin to what obtains in every other clime tormented by any form of terror across the globe.

The warfare has raged on in the fashion of the wild bushfire, with both sides unrelentingly beefing up their arsenals, refining their strategies and upscaling their combat-readiness.

The military deployed more troops, weapons and equipment, as the banditry sponsors do same, with the recruitment of more bandits, unleashing a more devastating terror across the Northwestern and parts of the Northcentral Nigeria.

Residents in Northwest Kaduna witnessed increasing threat of banditry, a type of organized crime that includes kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, rape and cattle-rustling.

The Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād Boko Haram terrorist organization, which aimed to expand its base beyond Northeast Nigeria, largely due to the sustained intensified intelligence-led aerial and ground coordinated offensives begun forming alliances with bandit groups.

The situation generated a growing set of intricacies in the warfare, requiring not just the deployment of more troops, weapons and other equipment at the front line, but a genuinely patriotic, committed and exceptionally-intelligent command to guide the operations of the troops in their combat with the criminal non-state actors.

This command is, perhaps, the most-critical component of the military prowess required in its operations against, not just the non-state actors, but every other enemy force in every other form of warfare.

The 1 Div of the Nigerian Army headquartered in Kaduna, coordinating the operations of lower formations across the Northwest, has, all along, commanded the operations of the ground troops combating the global-scale menace in the Northwest, in collaboration and synergy with the Air Task Force component of the military, the government of Kaduna State and other security agencies.

Successive General Officers Commanding (GOCs) 1 Div, had to, therefore, employ exceptional patriotism; committment to the oneness, peace and security of indivisible Nigeria; and intelligence for proper coordination of the operations of troops in asymmetric warfare.

The GOCs had, since 2011, when terror-banditry first erupted in Zamfara, played commendable roles in combating the menace in their respective ways with the resources available to them during their respective tenures.

The present tenure of Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, as the 39th GOC complements the past efforts with outstanding innovation and improved strategy.

Spurred by his flawless understanding of the complexities of the asymmetric war tactics of the Bandits/Boko Haram terrorist sect, General Lagbaja, in line with the clear directives of the military leadership, evolved a winning strategy that fosters complimentary roles between the Nigerian Army, Air Task Force and the Joint Task Force executing the campaign in the frontline.

In a landmark rejigging of strategy, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, inducted Special Forces Battalion into Northwest Operation Forest Sanity, supervised by Gen. Lagbaja to match whatever new strategies the terrorists may have evolved to outwit and overwhelm the capacity of the army to tackle them.

Before the deployment of the Special Forces, military operations were, hitherto, limited to roadblocks and checkpoints, escort duties and providing security for road construction workers. Battles are seldom carried to the main Boko Haram and Bandits camps.

The induction of the special forces, especially the 402 SF Brigade with her 2 Special Forces Battalions comprising of the 134 SF and 198 SF as well as the 167 SF And DHQ SOF, significantly changed the pattern of the operations of the troops in terrorised Kaduna State

Troops of the special forces sleep in the jungle, a gladdening confirmation of the fact that the military now takes the offensive to the terrorists rather than mounting road blocks and check points. This has enhanced the endurance of the troops for more successful combats with the bandits.

With the refinement of combat strategies by the Lagbaja-led 1 Div, the military began to write spectacular success stories in its battle against terror-banditry in the larger chunk of the Northwest, especially in Kaduna State where the ongoing wave of onslaughts against criminals in their enclaves has drawn significant praises.

The team’s act of bravery and commitment influenced the defeat of the terrorists in the axis of Kuriga, Manini Chikun, Pole Wire, Birnin Gwari, Ungwan Namama, Kwalba, Rafin Dawa Dende,Ungwan Madaki, Buruku, Udawa, Doka, Maganda, Dogon Dawa, Sabon Layi-Kuriga-Maganda-Farin Ruwa, Sabon Birni, Kuyelo,Farin Ruwa, Damba to Kangon Kadi, Labi,Udawa river Apewohe, Dakwala and Kunai among others.

The unit’s contributions also led to death of many terrorists, in Maidaro, Kagi Hill, Kusharki, Zartake, Ungwan Lima Riyawa, Tungan Madaki, Gengere,Kaso Gwagwada-Chikun-Sarkin Pawa Kidandan, Giwa LGA. Galadimawa, Dogon Dawa, Saulawa, Maidaro, Maganda, Goron Dutse, Sararai, Kushaka, Kuriga, and Yelwa among others.

The successes recorded on the operations led to the capturing of several enemy weapons, motorcycles, rescue of captured victims and destruction of terrorists enclaves.

The team artfully ensured that flashpoints within the Kaduna General area were kept in check to prevent any form of dissent or criminal activities from any quarter.

So delightening have been the success stories of the army operations against the bandits that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, felt obliged to rain commendations on the troops under 1 Div for their gallantry and urged them not to relent until terrorism and other criminalities are brought to an end in the region.

Though unsung in the pages of Nigerian newspapers or television screens, the numerous successful operations which had resulted to the death of yet-to-be-specified number of terrorists and destruction of their sanctuaries and strongholds can never be downplayed.

Zagazola is a Counterinsurgency Expert and Security Analyst

Crime

Troops intensify anti-bandit operations in Katsina, neutralise terrorist

Published

8 hours ago

May 24, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Troops intensify anti-bandit operations in Katsina, neutralise terrorist

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 17 Brigade have intensified ongoing counterterrorism operations in Katsina State, leading to the neutralisation of a suspected terrorist and recovery of weapons during a fighting patrol in Sabuwa Local Government Area.

The operation, conducted under the ongoing military offensive code-named Operation Forest Sanity IV, took place on May 21 along the Dandume–Damari road near Gamji village.

Military sources disclosed that troops deployed at Combat Team 3, Damari village, encountered a suspected terrorist riding on a motorcycle while conducting clearance patrols within the area.

According to the sources, the troops swiftly pursued and engaged the suspect, resulting in his neutralisation after a brief encounter.

Items recovered from the operation included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine loaded with ammunition, a motorcycle and an Itel mobile phone believed to belong to the suspect.

The sources added that troops later carried out exploitation operations across the surrounding area to ensure no additional threats remained within the vicinity.

Security officials noted that no casualty was recorded among the troops and no equipment was lost during the operation.

Military authorities said the latest success reflects sustained efforts by security forces to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks operating across parts of Katsina State and neighbouring areas.

They reiterated the commitment of the military to maintaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring that residents continue their socio-economic activities without fear.

Communities across several local government areas in Katsina State have in recent years witnessed repeated attacks linked to armed banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping, prompting intensified military offensives and joint security operations across forest corridors in the North-West.

Troops intensify anti-bandit operations in Katsina, neutralise terrorist

Crime

Man Stabbed to Death Following Altercation in Plateau Community

Published

9 hours ago

May 24, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Man Stabbed to Death Following Altercation in Plateau Community

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau State have arrested a suspect in connection with the killing of a man following a violent altercation in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.

Sources disclosed that troops of Sector 1 Operation Safe Haven reacted to a distress report at about 2:00 a.m. on May 23 concerning a fight between two residents identified as Sani Haruna and Bashiru Saidu at Bomo village in Bassa LGA.

Upon arrival at the scene, the troops reportedly found Sani Haruna with severe stab wounds allegedly inflicted by Bashiru Saidu during the altercation.

The victim was immediately evacuated to a medical facility in Miango for treatment but was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.

Following the incident, troops in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) launched a manhunt for the suspect.

Security sources said the suspect was subsequently arrested and taken into custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.

Authorities have assured residents of continued efforts to maintain peace and security across communities in Plateau State while urging citizens to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid violence.

Man Stabbed to Death Following Altercation in Plateau Community

Crime

Troops Rescue Abducted Victims, Arrest Collaborators, Record Surrenders in North-East Operations

Published

1 day ago

May 23, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Troops Rescue Abducted Victims, Arrest Collaborators, Record Surrenders in North-East Operations

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have recorded significant operational successes including the rescue of abducted civilians, arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators, recovery of weapons, and continued surrender of insurgents’ family members across the North-East theatre.

Security sources disclosed that the operations were conducted under Operation Desert Sanity V and other ongoing clearance missions aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities in the region.

In one of the major breakthroughs, troops operating along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State rescued four abducted persons comprising two women and two children.

The victims were identified as Salamatu Sidiq Ali (19), Halima Idrisa (20), Umar Abdullahi (3), and Mustapha Abdullahi (4), who were abducted during an attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026.

According to the sources, preliminary debrief indicated that the victims were held in a terrorist enclave before being freed following sustained military pressure on insurgent hideouts in the Mandara Mountains.

The rescued persons were later medically evaluated and reunited with their families through community leadership.

The sources added that a total of 65 abducted persons have so far been rescued in ongoing operations, while efforts are continuing to secure the release of others still in captivity.

In a related development, troops apprehended a suspected terrorist collaborator, identified as 50-year-old Mrs. Kellu Alhaji Abba, at a checkpoint in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area.

Items recovered from her included clothing materials and other supplies allegedly intended for delivery to a terrorist operative in the Dumba general area, according to preliminary investigation.

Similarly, troops arrested another suspected logistics supplier, Mr. Amadu Abdu (50), along the Dalori axis while transporting a large quantity of packaged items suspected to be intended for terrorist elements.

Investigations revealed that the suspect had been supplying logistics in exchange for access to grazing areas within terrorist-controlled zones. Items recovered included packaged goods, a mobile phone, a cutlass, suspected illicit substances, and cash.

Elsewhere, troops in conjunction with local hunters arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and terrorist collaborators at Kwaya Kusar Market. The suspects were found with stolen livestock and are currently under investigation.

The operation also recorded the surrender of individuals linked to Boko Haram/ISWAP, including Aishatu Sale (20), who surrendered in Bama Local Government Area, and Hauwa Abubakar (70), who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains.

The sources said the surrendered individuals attributed their decision to sustained military pressure and worsening living conditions in terrorist camps.

In another development, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and a loaded magazine along a suspected terrorist withdrawal route, further degrading insurgent operational capability.

Military authorities said the sustained successes demonstrate continued pressure on terrorist elements and reaffirmed commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the North-East region.

The Military High Command commended the troops for their operational performance and urged them to sustain the momentum in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign.

Troops Rescue Abducted Victims, Arrest Collaborators, Record Surrenders in North-East Operations