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

Suspected stolen cows spark deadly incident in Nafada, one dead

Published

7 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Suspected stolen cows spark deadly incident in Nafada, one dead

By: Zagazola Makama

One person has died and another injured after being caught in possession of cows suspected to be stolen in Barwo SabonGari Village, Nafada Local Government Area, Gombe State.

The incident occurred on March 14, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., involving Buba Wakili, 35, of Garin Alhaji Village, and Damina Jauro, 33, of Duggi Village. Both were reportedly sighted with two cows suspected to be stolen.

Upon noticing villagers approaching, the men attempted to flee but were confronted and overpowered by the community, sustaining varying degrees of injuries.

Damina Jauro was confirmed dead, while Buba Wakili was rushed to General Hospital, Nafada, for medical treatment. The two cows were recovered at the scene.

Police say they have launched an investigation into the incident, and further updates will be communicated as developments unfold.

Suspected stolen cows spark deadly incident in Nafada, one dead

Crime

74-Year-Old Man Arrested With 11kg Cocaine at Abuja Airport as NDLEA Uncovers Major Drug Trafficking Network

Published

7 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

74-Year-Old Man Arrested With 11kg Cocaine at Abuja Airport as NDLEA Uncovers Major Drug Trafficking Network

By: Michael Mike

A 74-year-old man has been arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) uncovered 11 kilogrammes of cocaine hidden in his luggage, in what authorities described as part of a widening crackdown on drug trafficking networks operating across Nigeria.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, stated that the suspect, identified as Ikwuakalom Emeka, was intercepted at the departure hall of the airport on Saturday while attempting to board a British Airways flight BA082 to London’s Heathrow Airport.

He said the NDLEA officers discovered the large consignment of cocaine concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper, carefully wrapped in foil papers and balloons in an apparent attempt to beat airport security checks. The septuagenarian reportedly claimed he was travelling to the United Kingdom for vacation before the drugs were uncovered during a thorough search of his luggage.

Babafemi said the arrest came amid a wave of coordinated anti-narcotics operations by the agency across several states, leading to the seizure of large quantities of opioids and cannabis as well as the arrest of multiple suspects linked to drug distribution networks.

In Lagos, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence stormed a hotel in Victoria Island where they arrested Maryam Olalowo while she allegedly attempted to sell cocaine and a strain of cannabis known as Canadian Loud. She was found in the company of her three children, including an infant.

During interrogation, she told investigators the drugs belonged to her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji, who was subsequently arrested the same day. Authorities later discovered that he had previously been arrested, convicted and jailed for two and a half years in 2015 for a similar drug offence.

Further operations in Lagos Island led to the arrest of two suspects at Ebute Ero with 68,000 pills of tramadol of varying strengths loaded in a truck allegedly destined for the Benin Republic.

A follow-up raid at Idumota market resulted in the arrest of the alleged owner of the consignment, Nnamdi Cyprian, after officers found a parcel containing 1,000 tramadol tablets prepared for dispatch through a waybill service. Another raid at the market days later led to the arrest of a suspect, Nwanosike Kelvin, and the recovery of 47,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection from his shop.

The crackdown also extended to northern Nigeria where NDLEA operatives arrested a suspect in Kano with 386 kilogrammes of skunk, while another suspect was apprehended in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory with 282.2 kilogrammes of the same substance.

In Edo State, operatives raided cannabis farms inside the Egwa forest reserve in Orhionmwon Local Government Area where a suspect was arrested and more than 4.2 tonnes of skunk destroyed on two plantations.

Meanwhile, authorities intercepted 339,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup concealed in two containers at the Apapa seaport in Lagos during a joint inspection involving NDLEA, customs officers and other security agencies.

The agency said the containers had been placed under surveillance following intelligence reports suggesting they were being used to smuggle opioids into the country.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Maj. Gen. Buba Marwa commended officers involved in the operations across Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Edo and the Federal Capital Territory, urging them to sustain the momentum in tackling both the supply and demand sides of drug abuse.

He also highlighted the agency’s ongoing War Against Drug Abuse campaign, which has continued to reach schools and communities nationwide through sensitisation programmes aimed at discouraging drug use among young people.

74-Year-Old Man Arrested With 11kg Cocaine at Abuja Airport as NDLEA Uncovers Major Drug Trafficking Network

Crime

EXCLUSIVE: Troops kill ISWAP top Shura council member Bako Gorgore in Borno

Published

1 day ago

March 14, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

EXCLUSIVE: Troops kill ISWAP top Shura council member Bako Gorgore in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly killed a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Malam Bako Gorgore, also known as Abou Mustapha, during an encounter in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said Gorgore, believed to be about 60 years old, was killed during an encounter with troops in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno, a region bordering the Lake Chad basin that has long served as a strategic hub for insurgent operations.

The development was reportedly confirmed through multiple intelligence channels after security operatives intercepted internal communications among ISWAP fighters acknowledging his death.

Gorgore was regarded as one of the longest-serving figures within the insurgency that began under the late Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf, in the early 2000s. Originally from Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State, he rose steadily through the ranks to become one of the most influential commanders within the ISWAP hierarchy.

Over the years, he occupied several strategic operational and leadership roles within the group, particularly in the Timbuktu Triangle, the vast forested and marshland region stretching across northern Borno near Lake Chad.

Between 2018 and 2021, he reportedly served as the overall commander responsible for the Faruuk axis in the Timbuktu Triangle following the tenure of another insurgent commander, Mustapha Krimima. During that period, intelligence assessments described Gorgore as one of the key operational planners responsible for coordinating insurgent movements and logistics across the Lake Chad region.

Role in the fall of Abubakar Shekau

One of the most defining episodes associated with Gorgore was the internal conflict within the Boko Haram movement that culminated in the death of Abubakar Shekau, the notorious leader of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS). Security sources say Gorgore was among the senior ISWAP commanders who led fighters into Sambisa Forest in 2021, during the confrontation that forced Shekau into a final standoff.

According to intelligence reports at the time, Shekau detonated an explosive device during the confrontation in Tokumbere area of Sambisa, killing himself and some of his loyalists rather than surrender to the ISWAP faction. The incident dramatically reshaped the insurgent landscape in the North-East, weakening the JAS faction while strengthening ISWAP’s operational dominance in parts of Borno State.

Rise to ISWAP’s top leadership circle

Following the restructuring of ISWAP leadership after the Sambisa events, Gorgore continued to consolidate his influence within the organisation.
By 2022, he was elevated to the Shura Council, the highest decision-making body within the group, operating under the broader command structure aligned with the Islamic State’s global leadership.

Before his elevation to the council, he reportedly served as Amir Jaysh (military commander) in the Timbuktu Triangle after Mustapha Krimima.
His responsibilities included supervising combat operations, managing fighters, and coordinating activities across the Lake Chad “Tumbumma” enclaves a network of islands and marshlands long used as insurgent hideouts.

Previous death rumours

Interestingly, Gorgore had previously been reported dead in 2022, when intelligence suggested he was killed in a Nigerian Air Force airstrike targeting ISWAP positions in the Lake Chad region. However, subsequent intelligence assessments indicated that he survived the strike with injuries and later resurfaced within the group’s command structure. His reappearance at the time reinforced perceptions of him as one of the more resilient and elusive figures within the insurgency.

The confirmed killing of Gorgore could have important implications for the leadership cohesion of ISWAP. As a senior Shura member with deep operational experience dating back to the early Boko Haram years, his removal potentially disrupts command continuity within the group.

The insurgency in the Lake Chad region has historically depended on experienced commanders capable of navigating the complex terrain and maintaining loyalty among fighters.
The death of a veteran figure like Gorgore weakens institutional memory within the insurgent network. It may also trigger internal power struggles as younger commanders compete to fill the vacuum.”

Beyond the operational impact, the death of Gorgore also carries symbolic significance.
As one of the few surviving commanders linked to the original Boko Haram leadership under Mohammed Yusuf, his removal represents the gradual erosion of the insurgency’s old guard.

While ISWAP retains operational capabilities and continues to mount attacks in parts of the North-East, the loss of senior figures like Gorgore is expected to complicate its internal command dynamics. The coming months will reveal whether the group can quickly replace such experienced leadership or whether the loss will translate into reduced operational cohesion within its ranks.

EXCLUSIVE: Troops kill ISWAP top Shura council member Bako Gorgore in Borno