Airstrikes by Nigerian Air Force Free Kidnapped Victims from Bandits in Katsina, after several terrorists killed

By: Zagazola Makama

Atleast Five kidnapped victims have managed to escape captivity after an airstrike by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA under the Northwest Operation FARAUTAR MUJIYA, targeted bandit hideouts near Babare Hills in Katsina State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims Musa Umar (45), Alhaji Hassan Dando (47), Saminu Ali (35), Yasir Salisu (15), and Muhammad Buhari (17) were held by bandits after being kidnapped from Jibia’s Bachaka quarters and Lankwasau village in early October.

The escape occurred in the early hours of November 10, 2024, during an air interdiction as part of Operation Fansa Yamma, the Nigerian military’s intensified campaign against banditry in the northwest.

According to Musa Umar, one of the freed victims, the airstrikes struck the bandits’ enclave, leading to significant casualties among the bandits and forcing guards to abandon their posts. This enabled five of the captives to break free from their chains and flee the area.

Four of the victims sought help at an army Forward Operating Base in Faru and were later transferred to the Jibia Army Camp.

Meanwhile, Umar made his way to Jibia General Hospital for medical assistance. He reported that about 30 people remained captive at Babare Hills, with chains still preventing their escape.

The Nigerian Military has significantly ramped up its operations to tackle the pervasive issue of banditry across the northwest region.

Through a series of strategic airstrikes and ground offensives under Operation Fansa Yamma, security forces have targeted major hideouts and supply routes used by bandit groups. Recent airstrikes, including successful missions around Babare Hills in Katsina State, have not only neutralized scores of bandits but also led to the liberation of kidnapped victims who managed to escape amid the chaos.

The intensified campaign reflects a shift toward proactive and relentless pressure on bandit enclaves across the northwest. High-profile operations involving the Nigerian Air Force and ground troops are focused on reclaiming areas that have long been hotspots of criminal activity.

These ongoing efforts aim not only to weaken the operational capacity of bandits but also to dismantle the infrastructure supporting their movements and activities. Authorities have also underscored the importance of intelligence gathering and sustained air surveillance in locating bandit camps and preventing future attacks, underscoring the military’s evolving strategy to end banditry and secure the region.

Airstrikes by Nigerian Air Force Free Kidnapped Victims from Bandits in Katsina, after several terrorists killed

Terrorists killed 15 people in Kebbi

By: Our Reporter

Fifteen (15) persons were reportedly killed in Kebbi State, Northwest Nigeria, says an official who described the attackers as unknown gunmen amid fears of a new terror group, Lukurawa.

More insight into the incident emerged when Yahaya Danjada, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, said in a statement that his boss, Senator Umar Tafida, attended the funeral prayer for 15 victims of a tragic attack by unknown gunmen in Mera village, Augie Local Government Area, offering condolences and support to the grieving families.

The funeral prayer was also attended by the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammadu Mera, the Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, the Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Army, the Director of State Security Kebbi State, Commissioner for Home and Internal Security Affairs, Director of Security Kebbi State, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Civil Defense and Vigilante’ Commandant, and other government officials.

Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, representing the Kebbi State Governor, offered condolences to the grieving families, expressing deep sorrow and commitment to bringing those responsible to justice.

According to the deputy governor, the Kebbi State Government stands with the bereaved and will work closely with security agencies to prevent further incidents.

The Emir of Argungu urged unity and resilience, calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure community safety.

The funeral prayer concluded with prayers for peace and the souls of the departed and a shared commitment to strengthen regional security and stability.

The Kebbi State Government reassures citizens of ongoing efforts to protect lives and prevent future tragedies.

Recalled that Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters, DHQ, has confirmed the existence of a new terrorist group in Sokoto and Kebbi States, namely Lukurawa.

The emergence of this group is said to have brought a dark cloud over the Northwest States, as they have been described by locals as deadly and could pose more threat than bandits and Boko Haram.

Although there was no claim of responsibility for this attack by any group, locals believe that the Lukurawa group may be behind the attack following the refusal of some locals to join or allow their children to accept inducement to join the new fighting terror group.

Terrorists killed 15 people in Kebbi

NIDCOM Gets 17 Trafficked Girls Rescued, 5 Traffickers Arrested in Ghana

By: Michael Mike

Seventeen young Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana have been rescued and repatriated back to the country while five traffickers were equally arrested.

This latest rescue operation brought to 130 girls repatriated back to Nigeria from Ghana alone since July 2024.

According to a statement signed on Sunday by the Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). Abdur-Rahman Balogun, this was sequel to the combined and coordinated efforts of the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Ghana, and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.

Speaking on this latest efforts, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO NiDCOM, expressed her gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her support in facilitating the safe return of the young girls back to the country.

She also commended the vital roles played by the BOT Chairman of NIDO Ghana, Chief Callistus Elozieuwa,, and the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit in bringing the traffickers to justice.

She reiterated NiDCOM’s commitment to protecting Nigerians in the diaspora under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which gave priority to combating human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of Nigerian citizens at home and in the Diaspora.

Balogun, in the statement, stated that the rescued young girls, ages 18 to 29 years, come from various states, including Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Edo, and Ebonyi.

He said they were lured to Ghana under false promises of employment but were instead forced into exploitative situations and bound by an oath of secrecy.

Dabiri-Erewa expressed her determination to the rescue of those still trafficked in conjuction with various stakeholders, noting that many more trafficked Nigerians are still awaiting rescue.

Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service, Mr. Williams Ayaregah praised NiDCOM’s efforts under Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership.

He said: “More than ever, traffickers must realise that Ghana is no longer a safe haven.”

The operation, conducted in Kpone Katamanso, Tema, resulted in one of the largest single- operation arrests, with five traffickers apprehended.

Mr. Akinboye Akinsola, representing NiDCOM, played a critical role in escorting the rescued women back to Nigeria, where they were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and reintegration.

Chief Callistus Elozieuwa added that two young men were also repatriated, including one who was previously detained in Ghanaian prison.

With NIDO Ghana’s assistance, the young man underwent rehabilitation and has now returned to his home state, Anambra, for family reintegration.

This cross-national effort underscores NiDCOM’s dedication to eradicating human trafficking and highlights the importance of international collaboration to protect Nigerians abroad.

NIDCOM Gets 17 Trafficked Girls Rescued, 5 Traffickers Arrested in Ghana