Military
Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger
Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has neutralised several bandits in a coordinated air interdiction operation conducted along the Mariga axis of Niger State, following credible intelligence and surveillance reports of armed groups on the move with stolen cattle.
The precision airstrikes, carried out under the ongoing intensive counter-banditry campaign, targeted bandits’ movements around Yabawa, Bazana, Awallah, Dankolo, Kumbashi, and extending towards Kakihum, within Mariga Local Government Area.
According to verified local accounts, the operation struck a large convoy of armed bandits who were attempting to move with a herd of stolen cattle from Ragada and neighbouring villages. The air interdiction neutralised several of the criminals, while others fled in disarray into the surrounding forests.
A resident of Ragada, who narrowly escaped from the bandits during the strike, narrated his ordeal. “When the jet began bombing, God saved me; that was how I escaped from their hands,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Nigerian Air Force for the timely intervention.
Multiple eyewitnesses confirmed hearing several explosions followed by thick plumes of smoke and sporadic gunfire, as surviving bandits scattered in confusion. They described the operation as swift, precise, and highly coordinated.
Ground troops of the Nigerian Army, stationed in Rijau, Warari and Gulbin Boka, were reported to have provided complementary support by blocking possible escape routes and securing nearby communities hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Residents of the affected communities hailed the success of the operation, describing it as the “most decisive response” to recent attacks by bandit elements in the area.
One of the local leaders, Mallam Musa Ali from Kumbashi, commended the military for its professionalism and courage. “We have not slept in peace for months, but this operation has brought us hope. The Air Force and soldiers have shown that the government is serious about ending banditry,” he said.
Further intelligence from reliable sources revealed that another armed group, moving with stolen cattle from Magama Local Government, was sighted advancing towards the Kakihum–Kumbashi axis, suggesting that additional operations may be imminent.
The operation was part of ongoing coordinated air and ground efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks across the North Central region.
Local sources disclosed that at least seven separate bandit groups have been operating within the Mariga, Rijau and Magama corridor in recent weeks. However, with the latest air interdictions, several of their movements and attack plans have been effectively disrupted.
Residents across Yabawa, Awallah, and Dankolo expressed optimism that the sustained operations would lead to the restoration of peace and the return of displaced persons to their homes.
Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger
Troops Neutralise Intruder Near Military Position in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade have neutralised a suspected intruder during a perimeter patrol in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to sources, the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on June 20 at Ngamdu, where troops were conducting routine security patrols around a military location.
The sources stated that the troops sighted a female intruder approaching the defensive perimeter of the position.
The suspect was subsequently neutralised near the parapet during the operation.
Military authorities said the patrol was completed successfully without any further security incident.
Ngamdu, located along a strategic corridor in Kaga Local Government Area, has remained an area of security interest due to ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai continue to maintain surveillance and conduct routine patrols aimed at preventing attacks and safeguarding military positions and surrounding communities.
Troops Neutralise Intruder Near Military Position in Borno
Two Teenage ISWAP Family Members Surrender to Troops in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Two teenage girls believed to be family members of ISWAP terrorists have surrendered to troops of the Nigerian Army in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Military sources disclosed that the girls, identified as Tata Ahmodu, 16, and Adama Abubakar, 14, surrendered at about 1:35 p.m. on June 19 to troops of the 192 Battalion (Mechanised) deployed at Forward Operating Base Pulka.
According to preliminary findings, the teenagers escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Jongo area around the Dure general area within the Sambisa Forest axis.
The escapees reportedly told troops that sustained military pressure and lack of basic necessities within the camp contributed to their decision to flee the terrorist enclave.
Following their surrender, the girls were screened, documented and taken into custody by military authorities for further investigation and necessary action.
Security officials said the development reflects ongoing pressure on terrorist groups in the North-East, which continues to yield defections, surrenders and rescues of vulnerable persons.
They added that efforts are ongoing to sustain operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and restoring normalcy in affected communities.
Two Teenage ISWAP Family Members Surrender to Troops in Borno
Troops Repel Bandits Attack in Kaduna Community, One Civilian Killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7 (Sub-Sector 71) Sanga under Operation Enduring Peace have repelled an attack by bandits on Ungwan Goma community in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Military sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on June 20 when troops responded to reports of an attack by unidentified gunmen on the community.
According to the sources, the troops, in collaboration with local youths, engaged the attackers and successfully repelled the assault, forcing the gunmen to withdraw.
However, during the confrontation, one civilian, identified as Mr. Yahaya Danladi, was killed.
The body of the deceased was handed over to Keystone Gwantu for necessary action.
Military authorities said troops have since intensified domination patrols and offensive operations within the general area to track down and possibly apprehend or neutralise the fleeing attackers.
They added that efforts are ongoing to restore calm and prevent further incidents in the affected community.
Troops Repel Bandits Attack in Kaduna Community, One Civilian Killed
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