Military
NAF airstrikes hit Bello Turji’s camp in Sokoto, exterminate scores of fighters including 3 bandit kingpins
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NAF airstrikes hit Bello Turji’s camp in Sokoto, exterminate scores of fighters including 3 bandit kingpins
By: Zagazola Makama
Airstrikes conducted by the Air component of Operation Hadarin Daji of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on April 27, 2024, at Bello Turji’s camp in KAGARA forest located between Shinkafi in Zamfara and Isa LGA in Sokoto, has resulted in the killing of . scores of fighters including three top bandit kingpins.
It was gathered that the Air strikes were conducted a few hours after the terrorists carried out a reprisal attack on a unit of Civilian Joint Task force at Forward Operating Base ISA, in response to the killing of 7 bandits and recovery of 7 AK47 rifles, 4 x motorcycles and other items. Eight Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price during a gunbattle with the bandits.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region that acting on intelligence on withdrawal of the attackers towards the axis of Shinkafi, the Air component immediately dispatched aircraft to track down the terrorists.
Sources said that the terrorists were trailed to Kagara Forest under a Mango tree between Shinkafi and Isa. Consequently, NAF aircraft attacked the camp in multiple waves, leading to the instant obliteration of scores of the terrorists.
The fleeing bandits were intercepted and mopped up by the ground troops in an ambush at Makwaruwa village in Sabon Birni of ISA lGA.
Battle damage assessment indicated that some top bandits like KACHALLAH UBAN DABA, DAN JANGERU and DOGO NA HANTS, while 13 bandits sustained various degrees of injuries. Bello Turji reportedly escaped the attack.
Zagazola understands that the wounded bandits were sneaked into Kagara under ISA and receiving treatment in a Primary school.
The sources said that shortly after the killing Bello Turji’s fighters, the surviving angry fighters stormed Rijiya Malladan and Harin Shalla in ISA where they set the village in flames and destroyed food items. They were, however, pushed back by the Joint troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in collaboration with government backed militia, otherwise known as Yan sa Kai.
The preceding week has no doubt been eventful, especially for Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) in Northwest Nigeria. Alongside the Land Component and other security agencies, aircraft under these operational theatres have ensured that terrorist, insurgents and other criminal elements operating in the regions do not constitute significant security threats to innocent citizens within the regions.
NAF airstrikes hit Bello Turji’s camp in Sokoto, exterminate scores of fighters including 3 bandit kingpins
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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