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Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger

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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

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Military Air Interdiction Neutralizes Scores, Decimates Terrorist Gathering and Destroy Gun Truck in Borno

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Military Air Interdiction Neutralizes Scores, Decimates Terrorist Gathering and Destroy Gun Truck in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Military in Operation HADIN KAI has recorded another significant success against terrorist elements in Borno State, neutralising scores of insurgents and destroying a gun truck during a precision air interdiction mission.

Military sources disclosed that the operation was carried out on June 4 following credible intelligence and aerial surveillance over the Madamari general area in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to the sources, an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, detected a group of about 15 terrorists who had dismounted from a gun truck and assembled under a tree within the target area.

Upon positive identification and confirmation of hostile activity, the platform designated the target and guided a strike aircraft onto the location.

“The strike aircraft executed a precise engagement on the terrorist gathering, resulting in the neutralisation of all the terrorists at the location,” the source said.

In a follow-up strike, the ISR platform tracked and designated the terrorists’ gun truck, which was subsequently destroyed by precision munitions. Four additional terrorists were neutralised in the process.

Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) conducted after the operation revealed that surviving terrorists in the vicinity were seen fleeing in different directions in an attempt to evade further air strikes, indicating the effectiveness of the engagement.

The sources said that the successful operation is part of sustained air offensives aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting their freedom of movement and denying them safe havens across the North-East theatre.

Military high command at Operation HADIN KAI reiterated their commitment to maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist elements and their logistics networks, in its ongoing clearance operations across the region.

Military Air Interdiction Neutralizes Scores, Decimates Terrorist Gathering and Destroy Gun Truck in Borno

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Force Commander OPWS Visits Boundary Area Between Nasarawa and Kaduna States, Reviews Security Measures

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Force Commander OPWS Visits Boundary Area Between Nasarawa and Kaduna States, Reviews Security Measures

By: Zagazola Makama

The Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Maj.-Gen. K.M. Gara, on Friday visited the boundary area between Nasarawa and Kaduna States to assess the security situation and strengthen operational coordination along the Akwanga–Kaduna highway corridor.

Security sources said the visit, which took place at about 12:42 p.m. on June 5, also included the Commander of the Garrison, Brig.-Gen. D.C. Nwakonobi, and the Nasarawa State Police Area Commander, DCP S. Alli.

According to the sources, the team inspected operational deployments and received briefings on the security situation and combat readiness of troops from the Sub-Sector 71 Commander under Operation Safe Haven.

The sources added that the visit was aimed at assessing the highway axis between Akwanga and the boundary between Nasarawa and Kaduna States, with a view to strengthening measures against persistent kidnapping incidents along the route.

They noted that the exercise also sought to enhance synergy between Operation Safe Haven and Operation Whirl Stroke in addressing insecurity in the general area.

“The visit was part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping along major highways and improve inter-agency coordination,” the sources said.

The sources further confirmed that the visit was conducted peacefully without any security incident.

They added that routine patrols were ongoing across the Joint Operations Area to protect schools, churches and other critical national infrastructure.

Troops’ morale and operational efficiency, the sources said, remained satisfactory across the theatre.

Force Commander OPWS Visits Boundary Area Between Nasarawa and Kaduna States, Reviews Security Measures

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Army Opens Combat Support Arms Training Week 2026 in Uyo

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Army Opens Combat Support Arms Training Week 2026 in Uyo

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army on Tuesday commenced the 2026 Combat Support Arms Training Week (COSAT) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with a call for enhanced adaptability, resilience and indigenous innovation to strengthen operational effectiveness.

The event, hosted by the Headquarters Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC), was held at the Ibom Hall in Uyo Local Government Area and brought together senior military officers, government officials and other stakeholders.

The theme of the training week is: “Strengthening Combat Support Arms Adaptability and Resilience Through Indigenous Innovation for Integrated Operational Support Within a Joint and Multi-agency Framework.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, participants underscored the importance of leveraging local innovation and inter-agency collaboration to address evolving security challenges and enhance operational support capabilities.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Capt. Iniobong Ekon (Rtd), attended the event alongside top military officials and invited guests.

Also present were the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. W. Shaibu, represented by Maj.-Gen. A.A. Adekeye; the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. E.E. Emekah; and the Chief Host and Corps Commander, Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps, Maj.-Gen. R.E. Hedima.

Other attendees included corps commanders, senior serving and retired military officers, the Commander 2 Brigade/Sector 4 Operation Delta Safe, as well as representatives of various security agencies and organisations.

Activities conducted during the opening ceremony included professional lectures, static displays by combat support corps and the presentation of souvenirs.

The training week is expected to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, professional development and the exchange of ideas aimed at enhancing the Nigerian Army’s capacity to provide effective combat support within joint and multi-agency operations.

The event was conducted without any security or logistical incidents.

Army Opens Combat Support Arms Training Week 2026 in Uyo

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