Army, NDLEA Arrest Three Suspected Drug Suppliers Linked to Terrorists in Katsina

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency) have arrested three suspected drug peddlers allegedly supplying illicit substances to terrorists and other criminal elements in Katsina State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the joint operation was conducted at about 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi deployed at Kafur, alongside operatives of the NDLEA Area Command, Malumfashi.

The operation targeted Kagara village in Kafur Local Government Area, where the security team raided suspected drug distribution points.

According to the sources, three suspects identified as Mohammed Lawan, 34, Muhawiya Haruna, 40, and Junadata Usman, 40, were arrested during the operation.

Items recovered from the suspects included substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, quantities of tramadol capsules, pregabalin, diazepam, Extol-5 tablets, rubber solution, and “Suck and Die” spirit.

The sources said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in supplying hard drugs and other intoxicating substances to terrorists and criminal elements operating within Kafur and neighbouring communities.

The arrested suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, have been handed over to the NDLEA Area Command in Malumfashi for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt the logistics and supply networks supporting terrorism and other forms of criminality across Katsina State.

Army, NDLEA Arrest Three Suspected Drug Suppliers Linked to Terrorists in Katsina

Troops Foil Terrorist Attacks, Neutralise Notorious Commander in Zamfara

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks, neutralised a notorious terrorist commander and disrupted a large-scale assault through precision airstrikes during separate operations in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 2, acting on credible intelligence, swiftly mobilised alongside local security volunteers to prevent an imminent terrorist attack on communities in the area.

The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing the attackers to retreat with several casualties.

In a related operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers neutralised Alhaji Tukur, identified as a notorious terrorist commander and younger brother of wanted terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.

Several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and fled into nearby forests.

In another operation at Sabon Gari, also in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops responded promptly to reports of terrorist activities. On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists abandoned their mission and escaped into nearby bushes.

A follow-up exploitation of the area led to the neutralisation of one terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, in a major boost to ongoing counter-terrorism operations, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intercepted an estimated 300 terrorists travelling on motorcycles from the Sunke-Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi.

Acting on credible intelligence, three Nigerian Air Force aircraft were deployed to intercept the convoy. As the terrorists attempted to disperse and seek cover beneath trees, the air platforms carried out precision strikes, inflicting heavy casualties and successfully foiling the planned attack.

Military authorities described the operation as another demonstration of the effective synergy between ground troops and the Air Component, noting that the successful interdiction significantly degraded the terrorists’ operational capability.

Troops Foil Terrorist Attacks, Neutralise Notorious Commander in Zamfara

COAS Says New Nigeria Army Depot Amasiri Edda Will Produce New Generation of Combat-Ready Soldiers, Boost Force Expansion, National Unity

By Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri, Ebonyi State, as a landmark achievement in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security, deepen national integration and expand the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond to emerging security challenges.

Shaibu stated this on Wednesday during the maiden Passing-Out Parade of the pioneer recruits of the newly established Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri, in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The COAS said the event represented a defining moment in the history of the Nigerian Army, marking not only the successful completion of military training by the pioneer intake but also the beginning of a new chapter in the Army’s force generation and training architecture.

Addressing a gathering that included the Executive Governor of Ebonyi state, senior serving and retired military officers, members of the Federal Executive Council, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, captains of industry, community leaders and families of the recruits, Shaibu said the depot’s establishment reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable national development and strengthening the country’s security institutions.

He acknowledged former Chiefs of Army Staff and retired senior officers present at the ceremony, members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), led by its President, Dr. Hajia Sa’adatu Hassan Shaibu, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers led by His Royal Majesty Eze Charles Nkuma, as well as host communities of Amasiri and Edda for their support.

The Army Chief noted that the depot, established on Nov. 25, 2025, is strategically located in Ebonyi State and remains the third recruit training depot of the Nigerian Army as well as the first primary recruit training institution established in the South-East geopolitical zone.

According to him, the decision to establish the institution in the South-East demonstrates the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting national cohesion and ensuring balanced development across all parts of the country.

“The establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army represents a landmark achievement in our national journey towards security, unity and equitable development.

“Without doubt, today’s event represents the realisation of a noble vision and another major milestone in the ongoing transformation of our Armed Forces towards effectively addressing the contemporary security challenges confronting our beloved nation,” he said.

Shaibu added that to the people of the South-East, especially Ebonyi State, the depot would remain a symbol of national integration, shared responsibility and collective commitment to peace, security and national development.

The COAS explained that beyond its strategic importance to the region, the depot would significantly reduce operational and training pressure on the Nigerian Army’s existing recruit depots in Zaria and Osogbo.

According to him, it also signals the emergence of another centre of excellence for producing highly trained and professional soldiers capable of meeting the country’s present and future security needs.

“On my part as the Chief of Army Staff, the establishment of this depot not only eases the operational and training pressure on the existing depots in Zaria and Osogbo, but also heralds the emergence of a new generation of professionally trained soldiers from this prestigious institution.

“It is equally a proud moment for Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri, which despite being newly established, has successfully and effectively trained and nurtured this pioneer intake under rigorous conditions,” he said.

Shaibu disclosed that the recruits graduating during the ceremony formed part of the first batch of 14,000 personnel under the Federal Government’s Strategic Force Expansion Initiative, which would eventually produce 28,000 additional soldiers for the Nigerian Army.

He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for providing the strategic direction that led to the establishment of the depot and approving the resources required for its successful take-off.

According to him, the President’s support reflects the Federal Government’s determination to continuously strengthen the institutional capacity of the Nigerian Army by producing highly trained, disciplined and mission-ready soldiers in sufficient numbers.

“As the character of warfare and asymmetric threats continues to evolve, so too must our capacity to prepare men and women entrusted with safeguarding the security and territorial integrity of our great nation,” he said.

The COAS also commended the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his unwavering support and partnership, particularly for facilitating the historic groundbreaking ceremony held on Jan. 13, 2026.

“I want to put on record that Your Excellency has written your name in gold as one of the founding fathers of this depot,” he said.

He equally appreciated members of the Federal Executive Council, retired and serving senior military officers from the South-East and other stakeholders whose collective efforts contributed to the successful establishment of the institution.

Shaibu reserved special commendation for the Commandant, instructors and training staff of the depot for successfully transforming civilians into disciplined soldiers through rigorous military training.

“I commend your professionalism, resilience and dedication in transforming these young civilians into soldiers whom the Nigerian Army can confidently deploy into battle.

“This aligns with my Command Philosophy, which seeks to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment,” he said.

The Army Chief added that the instructors had laid a solid foundation for the recruits to effectively support ongoing counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.

Addressing the graduating soldiers, Shaibu reminded them that while they had successfully completed basic military training, the passing-out parade merely marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and professional development.

He noted that although Amasiri is the third recruit training depot in the Nigerian Army, it had already distinguished itself in tactical-level training, as reflected in the impressive parade and weapon proficiency demonstrations by the pioneer recruits.

“As you pass out today, you must understand that the training you have received here is intended to prepare you for the tasks ahead and serve as the foundation for your future military education and operational experience,” he said.

The COAS observed that Nigeria’s security environment had become increasingly complex, with terrorism, insurgency, banditry, separatist violence, transnational organised crime, cyber threats and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons posing unprecedented challenges to national and regional stability.

He therefore urged the recruits to understand from the outset that defending Nigeria would require courage, sacrifice, discipline and unwavering commitment to duty.

Shaibu assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to review and strengthen its recruit training curriculum to meet evolving operational realities.

According to him, greater emphasis is now being placed on combat fitness, weapon handling, marksmanship, fieldcraft, minor tactics and leadership development to produce soldiers capable of operating effectively in contemporary battlefields.

“The training you underwent here was deliberately designed to prepare you for the realities of our operational environment.

“As you proceed into the field, remember that the Nigerian people will look up to you not only as defenders of the nation but also as symbols of hope, courage and national unity,” he said.

The COAS reminded the recruits that the Oath of Allegiance they took was not merely ceremonial but a solemn covenant with the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“When you took the Oath of Allegiance, you pledged to defend Nigeria with your lives.

“Those words are not mere ceremonial requirements but a solemn covenant between you and your country.

“I therefore encourage you to wear your uniform with pride, carry your weapons with responsibility and always treat your comrades with dignity and respect,” he said.

Shaibu urged the soldiers to uphold the core values and traditions of the Nigerian Army throughout their careers, stressing that professionalism, discipline, loyalty and patriotism would remain the hallmarks of military service.

He expressed confidence that the pioneer graduates of the depot would justify the confidence reposed in them and contribute significantly to ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

COAS Says New Nigeria Army Depot Amasiri Edda Will Produce New Generation of Combat-Ready Soldiers, Boost Force Expansion, National Unity