Crime

Lagbaja And Banditry Battle In North-West Nigeria

Published

4 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 Arrest Two Suspected Burglars Attempting to Steal Chickens in Plateau

Published

3 minutes ago

November 9, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Troops Arrest Two Suspected Burglars Attempting to Steal Chickens in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested two suspected burglars while allegedly attempting to break into a poultry house to steal chickens in Doi community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 6:10 a.m. on Nov. 7, 2026, by troops deployed at Latya Guard Location.

The suspects were reportedly caught while attempting to gain entry into the poultry house with the intention of stealing chickens.

They were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police, B Division, Bukuru, for further investigation and necessary action.

Troops Arrest Two Suspected Burglars Attempting to Steal Chickens in Plateau

Crime

Troops Arrest Herder Over Alleged Destruction of Farmland in Benue

Published

7 minutes ago

November 9, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Troops Arrest Herder Over Alleged Destruction of Farmland in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested a herder over alleged malicious grazing on farmland at Tse Tur, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was arrested by troops deployed at Umbago at about 5:50 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026.

The arrest followed reports of alleged unauthorised grazing on the farmland, which resulted in damage to crops.

The suspect remains in military custody for further action.

Troops Arrest Herder Over Alleged Destruction of Farmland in Benue

Crime

NDLEA Arrests Ugandan Woman with Cocaine Concealed in Private Parts, Uncovers Multi-Billion-Naira Drug Cartels

Published

12 hours ago

November 8, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NDLEA Arrests Ugandan Woman with Cocaine Concealed in Private Parts, Uncovers Multi-Billion-Naira Drug Cartels

…Intercepts N900m opioid shipment, busts synthetic cannabis syndicate, uncovers drugs concealed in female headwear bound for UK, Australia

By: Michael Mike

A Ugandan woman who travelled to Nigeria with members of her church for a religious programme has been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle 1.15 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed around her pelvic region, in a sweeping crackdown by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) that also exposed international drug trafficking networks and massive illicit drug consignments across several states.

The 34-year-old suspect, identified as Farida Nansubuga, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, last Tuesday while preparing to board a flight to Uganda with 87 wraps of cocaine strapped around her body beneath two layers of underwear.

Her arrest formed part of a series of operations in which the agency intercepted a shipment of 750,000 tablets of the highly potent opioid, Tapentadol, valued at about N900 million, dismantled a network importing chemicals for the production of synthetic cannabis and recovered hundreds of kilogrammes of illicit drugs destined for local and international markets.

According to a statement on Sunday by NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, Nansubuga arrived in Nigeria on October 29 with members of her church for a prayer programme at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos.

While the other members of her delegation reportedly returned to Uganda after the religious engagement, she remained behind to collect a drug consignment allegedly arranged by an associate identified as Joy, who resides in Uganda.

The agency said preliminary investigations revealed that Joy had connected her to a Nigerian contact who arranged transportation to a hotel on the morning of her scheduled departure.

It was allegedly at the hotel that a man handed her the cocaine and instructed her to conceal it beneath her clothing to evade airport security.

She reportedly expected to receive at least $1,000 upon successfully delivering the drugs in Uganda, although no definite payment had been agreed.

Babafemi said her arrest followed a joint passenger-screening operation involving NDLEA operatives and aviation security personnel at Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport. A preliminary body search raised suspicion, prompting her transfer to a designated private search room, where the 87 wraps weighing 1.150 kilogrammes were recovered.

In another major interception at the airport, NDLEA operatives uncovered 750,000 tablets of Tapentadol 250mg, weighing 526 kilogrammes and valued at N900 million, in a consignment imported from India.

The shipment, which arrived aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Ahmedabad last Tuesday was declared as Paracetamol 500mg and packed in 11 cartons concealed within two wooden structures.

However, suspicious of the declaration, the agency placed the consignment under surveillance until November 6, when a joint examination with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies exposed the deception.

Babafemi noted that the opioid tablets were discovered in 10 of the 11 cartons, while only the last carton contained paracetamol tablets allegedly used as cover for the illicit shipment.

The airport operations also exposed attempts to move cannabis and synthetic drug-manufacturing materials through international cargo channels.

The spokesman said last Wednesday, operatives intercepted 32 parcels of Loud, a potent cannabis strain weighing 16.15 kilogrammes, concealed inside two wooden sofas in a consolidated cargo from Houston, Texas, United States.

A freight agent, Ibrahim Abdulwaheed Adewale, who presented himself to clear the consignment, was arrested. A follow-up operation on November 6 led to the arrest of a 34-year-old Ibadan-based caterer, Adeoye Sarafa Ojo, who allegedly came to collect the package.

Ojo reportedly told investigators that he was acting on the instructions of a friend, Taiwo Anuoluwapo Olusegun.

Similarly, the agency uncovered an alleged international syndicate importing chemicals used in the production of Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, from the United Kingdom.

The investigation followed the interception, on October 23, of nine parcels of illicit substances concealed in two cartons of snacks bearing the label “Michael Tea Guy” in a consolidated cargo arriving aboard an Air Peace flight from the UK.

Two of the parcels contained 1.2 kilogrammes of cannabis, while forensic analysis established that the remaining seven contained chemicals used in manufacturing synthetic cannabis.

A 51-year-old freight agent, Afolabi Wale, was arrested while attempting to clear the consignment.

Further investigations led operatives to two additional cartons shipped to the same recipient aboard an Allied Air flight. A sting operation conducted between October 26 and 28 resulted in the arrest of another 51-year-old suspect, Okwuite Benjamin Ojone, when he arrived to take delivery.

A search of the additional cartons uncovered three parcels weighing 3.30 kilogrammes concealed in detergent packs and 11 plastic bottles containing mainly liquid substances weighing 16.25 kilogrammes.

The seizures brought the total recovery from the operation to 1.20 kilogrammes of cannabis and 28.65 kilogrammes of chemicals suspected to be intended for synthetic cannabis production.

Beyond the airport interceptions, the NDLEA also uncovered several attempts to export illicit drugs through courier companies.

In Lagos, operatives last Tuesday intercepted 46 blocks of cannabis weighing 22.2 kilogrammes packed in two cartons and destined for the United Kingdom.

Earlier, on October 30, the agency intercepted 296 tablets of Swinol destined for Australia, alongside three separate shipments of tramadol intended for the UK.

The tramadol consignments included 20 capsules from Benin City and 96 capsules from Sapele, Delta State, concealed in vitamin C containers, as well as 600 tablets of Tramadol 225mg from Asaba hidden inside female headwear.

The latest discoveries underscored the increasingly elaborate concealment methods employed by trafficking networks, which exploit ordinary household items, clothing, food containers and international cargo channels to move illicit substances across borders.

The agency also recorded significant recoveries from domestic distribution networks.

In Lagos, a 32-year-old suspect, Abubakar Ali, was arrested on November 6 at Marine Beach, Apapa, after operatives discovered a drug storage facility built inside the sitting room of his apartment.

Items recovered included 1.06 kilogrammes of Tramadol 250mg, 1.27 kilogrammes of Tramadol 225mg, 400 grammes of pregabalin capsules, 355 grammes of diazepam, 200 millilitres of codeine and 6.07 kilogrammes of cannabis.

In Ondo State, operatives raided Odofin Road, Uso, last Friday recovering 148 bags of cannabis weighing 1,818 kilogrammes.

On the same day, officers raided a cannabis plantation in Board Forest, where they destroyed one hectare of the farm, recovered 242 kilogrammes of the substance and arrested a 36-year-old suspect, Itoro Linus Akpan.

In neighbouring Ekiti State, a 53-year-old man, Agbo Paul Peter, was arrested at Osin Forest, Osin-Ekiti, on November 5 with 216 kilogrammes of cannabis and cannabis seeds.

Edo State also recorded major interceptions, with operatives stopping a Golf saloon car carrying 19 bags of cannabis weighing 201 kilogrammes along the Auchi-Ibillo Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

The driver, Abdulmumid Isah, 39, and a passenger, Danako Godwin, 25, were arrested.

Three other suspects were apprehended during a raid on a notorious drug joint along Ihama Road, GRA, Benin City, where quantities of Colorado, Loud and cannabis were recovered.

In Taraba State, three suspects were arrested within two days at the agency’s checkpoint in Lankaviri, Yorro Local Government Area, with 283 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 226.255 kilogrammes.

The arrests involved Ibrahim Abdullahi, 45, who was found with 156 blocks weighing 149.275 kilogrammes; Kabiru Usman, 25, with 80 blocks weighing 40.07 kilogrammes; and Babangida Babayo, 32, with 47 blocks weighing 36.91 kilogrammes.

In Enugu State, officers arrested a 57-year-old man, Celestine Ejiakor, at Eke Obinagu checkpoint last Tuesday with 44 blocks of cannabis weighing 22.5 kilogrammes.

Another operation at Ugwuoba checkpoint led to the arrest of Godwin Shaapera, 40, with 24,000 capsules of tramadol weighing 13.4 kilogrammes and 697 grammes of ketamine.

Delta State was not left out of the nationwide operations, as operatives arrested Edugua Othuke, 30, at Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area, on October 31, recovering 10.54 kilogrammes of skunk, 9.4 kilogrammes of cannabis seeds and 4.3 grammes of methamphetamine.

Another suspect, Akpofure Tobore, 34, was arrested last Wednesday at Upper Agbarho, Ughelli, with quantities of skunk, tramadol, Rohypnol and laughing gas.

Beyond enforcement, the agency said its commands continued public enlightenment campaigns under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, targeting schools, religious institutions, workplaces and communities.

Reacting to the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended personnel of the agency’s commands in Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Taraba and Enugu for the arrests and seizures.

Marwa described the Ugandan woman’s arrest as a disturbing illustration of how drug cartels exploit religious gatherings and international travel to recruit unsuspecting or financially vulnerable individuals as couriers.

He urged officers across the country to sustain the pressure on trafficking networks through intensified supply reduction operations and public awareness campaigns.

NDLEA Arrests Ugandan Woman with Cocaine Concealed in Private Parts, Uncovers Multi-Billion-Naira Drug Cartels