Military
MNJTF CELEBRATES THE SUCCESS OF OPERATION LAKE SANITY 2, PRESENTS OPERATIONAL MEDALS TO TROOPS
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MNJTF CELEBRATES THE SUCCESS OF OPERATION LAKE SANITY 2, PRESENTS OPERATIONAL MEDALS TO TROOPS
By: OLANIYI OSOBA
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has commemorated the successful completion of Operation LAKE SANITY 2 (OPLS 2 ) with a presentation of medal ceremony that celebrated the bravery and sacrifices of its troops. The OPLS 2 Medal presentation ceremony held at Headquarters MNJTF Farcha in N’Djamena, Chad was graced by the Minister of Armed Forces, Veteran and War Victims of Chad, Issaka Maluoa Djamous, as the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH).
The Honourable Minister of Defence Chad, in a stirring address, commended the exceptional heroic action and dedication demonstrated by the troops throughout the operation. He stated that the success of OPLS 2 was not only a significant milestone but also a testament to the unwavering resolve and immense sacrifices of the troops.
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The SGOH underscored the critical importance of collaboration between the MNJTF and national forces in restoring peace and stability across the sub-region, emphasizing that solidarity and team work have contributed to strengthening the foundations of lasting peace in the region which has been plagued by instability for several years. The SGOH also paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the operation, reiterating that the sacrifices will never be forgotten.
In his welcome remarks, the Force Commander (FC) MNJTF Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali highlighted the critical successes under OPLS 2 over the past year. He said the achievement includes repatriating over 30,000 refugees and internally displaced persons, dismantling of crucial terrorists logistical bases, neutralisation of over 310 terrorists and the crippling of the Terrorists’ operational capabilities.
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General Ali also reiterated that OPLS 2 also led to the arrest of over 160 logistics suppliers and informants as well as the surrender of more than 800 terrorists and their families as well as the recovery of significant arms and ammunition, indicating a decline in support for terrorism.
Major General Ali on behalf of the troops, expressed profound gratitude for the continued support and strategic direction provided by the Lake Chad Basin Commission, particularly by the Head of Mission during the operation. He also acknowledged the visionary leadership of former force commanders , whose efforts in previous operations such as AMNI FAKAT, GAMA AIKI and YANCIN TAFKI laid the groundwork for the success of OPLS 2.
The occasion was graced by the Head of Mission MNJTF, Governors and Chiefs of Defence Staff of Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) and Key Military Commanders from national forces. Others are top government functionaries from Chad, Royal Fathers, members of the Diplomatic Corps and specially invited guests. Highlights of the ceremony include the decoration of the FC, DFC, sector commanders and troops for their outstanding contributions to OPLS 2.
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The Chiefs of Defence Staff of TCCs were also honoured with the prestigious OPLS 2 Medal for their extraordinary contributions to regional peace and stability. In addition, families of soldiers wounded or who paid the supreme sacrifice during the operation were presented with tokens as a symbol of MNJTF’s profound gratitude and respect. The ceremony concluded with the commissioning of the newly remodelled MNJTF’s Photo Stand by the SGOH
MNJTF CELEBRATES THE SUCCESS OF OPERATION LAKE SANITY 2, PRESENTS OPERATIONAL MEDALS TO TROOPS
Military
Nigerian Army troops killed several bandits, Destroy Bandit Hideout in Sakkarawa Forest, Sabon Birni
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Nigerian Army troops killed several bandits, Destroy Bandit Hideout in Sakkarawa Forest, Sabon Birni
By: Zagazola Makama
A notorious bandit stronghold known as “Dabar Dan Dari Biyar,” located in Sakkarawa Forest, western Sabon Birni, has been destroyed while several bandits killed following a major a major truce by the combined troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in collaboration with local vigilantes, and community defense groups.
Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that some bandits, including their leader, managed to escape after suffering heavy casualties in the raid which took place on February 17, 2025z
A survivor, who was recently rescued after spending two months in captivity at the notorious Gwali Gwali camp of bandit leader Kachalla Dan Dari Biyar, recounted his ordeals.
According to him, the bandits had planned to deliver a ransom of two million naira alongside a motorcycle to Boko Haram fighters this coming Thursday in exchange for hostages.
He also revealed that the hideout was well-structured, featuring seating arrangements and even makeshift beds, indicating that it was a well-organized base for the criminals.
Other sensitive intelligence gathered from the rescued victim has already been handed over to security agencies for further action.
However, security forces have intensified their pursuit on the fleeing bandits and ensure that they cleared the area completely.
Nigerian Army troops killed several bandits, Destroy Bandit Hideout in Sakkarawa Forest, Sabon Birni
Military
Troops Neutralize Notorious Bandit Kingpin Kamilu Buzar, several fighters in Katsina
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Troops Neutralize Notorious Bandit Kingpin Kamilu Buzar, several fighters in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
A coordinated military operation involving the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, Katsina, and the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji has neutralized notorious bandit kingpin Kamilu Chiroma, also known as Buzaro, along with several of his gang members at Dargaza Hill, Maidabino B Ward, Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, which took place in the early hours of February 17, followed actionable intelligence and reconnaissance indicating that Buzaro and his men had set up defensive positions around the hills, armed with sophisticated weapons and prepared to ambush advancing troops.
Acting on this intelligence, an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance platform was deployed to scan the area, confirming the bandits’ movements and fortifications. With this information, ground forces halted their advance while fighter jets were tasked to conduct precise airstrikes on the hideout.
The bombardment was highly successful, taking the bandits by surprise and neutralizing a significant number of Buzaro’s fighters.
Impeccable sources who witnessed the attack reported that several motorcycles used by the gang were destroyed, along with a cache of weapons.
In the aftermath of the damaging assult, ground troops moved in to clear the area, engaging any remaining threats and securing the location.
Top military official described the mission as “very successful,” emphasizing that it has dealt directly a major blow to bandit operations in the region.
The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies, has intensified counter-banditry operations across the Northwest, targeting key criminal strongholds responsible for attacks on communities.
Troops Neutralize Notorious Bandit Kingpin Kamilu Buzar, several fighters in Katsina
Crime
Notorious Bandit Leaders Surrender, Lay Down Arms in Katsina After Fierce Military Offensive
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Notorious Bandit Leaders Surrender, Lay Down Arms in Katsina After Fierce Military Offensive
By: Zagazola Malama
Several notorious bandit leaders, who have long terrorized Batsari, Safana, and Jibia Local Government Areas of Katsina State, have surrendered and laid down their arms following a series of intensified military operations.
The surrendering bandits include Abu Radda, Umar Black, Abdullahi Lankai, Jijjige, and Dabar Musa Dan Gandu, all operating from the Jibia axis.
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Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that the military’s sustained onslaught against armed groups in the region forced the bandits to seek peace and disarm voluntarily.
During their surrender, the repentant bandits appealed to the government to provide them with alternative means of livelihood, requesting the construction of markets, hospitals, and access to clean water to help them reintegrate into society.
Their surrender was facilitated by the National Community for Security and Societal Advancement in Katsina (NCSOSACK), led by Comrade Hamisa S. Batsari, which represented affected communities in the security dialogue.
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As part of their surrender, the bandits handed over their weapons to the military and released several hostages they had kidnapped during their reign of terror. They also vowed to embrace peace and end their involvement in criminal activities.
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Top Military sources said that welcomed the surrender but reiterated that operations against unrepentant bandits will continue until total peace is restored in Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and the entire North West and the broader Northwest region.
Notorious Bandit Leaders Surrender, Lay Down Arms in Katsina After Fierce Military Offensive
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