National News
Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic approach yielding significant results under 1 Division
Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic approach yielding significant results under 1 Division
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army’s 1 Division, under its current operational concept, is making remarkable strides in securing peace and stability across its area of responsibility, employing a blend of non-kinetic initiatives alongside its kinetic operations, a strategy that is delivering measurable and sustainable results.
1 Division, under the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YANMA, Maj.-Gen. Lander Saraso, has made significant strides in securing its area of responsibility, dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing kidnapped victims, and strengthening civil-military relations. The non-kinetic approach which focuses on reconciliation, dialogue, civic engagement, and fostering collaboration with community stakeholders is turning the tide in the battle against terrorism and criminal activity in Kaduna state.

This Kinetic and non Kinetic initiative, implemented under the guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede and supported by the Kaduna State Government as well as Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, is not only dismantling the 12 year long bandits operational structures but also addressing the root causes of violence, adding a human dimension to the Nigerian Military campaigns.
This innovative approach has resulted in the voluntary surrender of 16 terrorist kingpins, many previously considered hardline elements. Among those who chose peace over conflict were Dogo Gide, Yellow Jambros, Kwolomeri, Alhaji Labi, Biliya, Gwamna, and Kabiru Boderi the younger brother and eventual successor to the infamous terrorist leader, Boderi Isyaku. These individuals turned in their weapons alongside their promises to pursue peace and disassociate themselves from violence. Scores of the bandits terrorising not less than five local government areas agreed to drop their arms and discontinue their reign of terror in and around the state.
The bandits are known to terrorise Chikun, Kajuru, Kagarko, Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas. They have also terrorised communities and major highways, such as the Kaduna-Abuja highway, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway, as well as the Funtua-Birnin Gwari road.
This policy of reconciliation and dialogue further opened the way for the unconditional release of 559 kidnapped victims, many of whom had been held under harrowing conditions for months. Among the victims freed was Dr Ganiyat Popoola, a consultant with the National Eye Center in Kaduna, whose continued detention had previously triggered a warning strike by members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), reflecting the growing concern for their colleague’s safety.

While employing these non-kinetic measures, the division kept up strong operational pressure against terrorist formations and collaborators. This resulted in the neutralization of numerous high-profile terrorist suspects and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and equipment 175 weapons, including PKMGs, AK-47s, G3s, alongside 4,346 rounds of various calibers of ammunition.
Furthermore, a total of 169 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued, while 260 stolen livestock 146 of them cows, were recovered and subsequently handed back to their respective owners. Large quantities of food items, solar equipment, and other logistics previously held by the terrorist groups were also recovered. Suspected collaborators were identified and handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
The 1 Div of the Nigerian Army headquartered in Kaduna, coordinating the operations of lower formations across the Northwest, has, all along, commanded the operations of the ground troops combating the global-scale menace in the Northwest, in collaboration and synergy with the Air Task Force component of the military, the government of Kaduna State and other security agencies.
The Nigerian military peace restoration efforts have ensured that areas which use to be the flashpoint in the axis Kuriga, Manini Chikun, Pole Wire, Birnin Gwari, Ungwan Namama, Kwalba, Rafin Dawa Dende,Ungwan Madaki, Buruku, Udawa, Doka, Maganda, Dogon Dawa, Sabon Layi-Kuriga-Maganda-Farin Ruwa, Sabon Birni, Kuyelo,Farin Ruwa, Damba to Kangon Kadi, Labi,Udawa river Apewohe, Dakwala and Kunai among others, were all cleared.
The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA’s exploits also led to death of many terrorists, in Maidaro, Kagi Hill, Kusharki, Zartake, Ungwan Lima Riyawa, Tungan Madaki, Gengere,Kaso Gwagwada-Chikun-Sarkin Pawa Kidandan, Giwa LGA. Galadimawa, Dogon Dawa, Saulawa, Maidaro, Maganda, Goron Dutse, Sararai, Kushaka, Kuriga, and Yelwa among others.
Maj.-Gen. Lander Saraso, has reaffirmed that
this combination of non-kinetic initiatives alongside strong operational pressure has fostered greater collaboration and understanding within the communities, disrupted the operations of the terrorist groups, and significantly improved the overall security climate in Kaduna state.

Additionally, the 1 Division facilitated extensive free medical outreaches in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities, strengthening relationships between the military and the populace, and fostering understanding and unity. Traditional, religious, and market leaders were engaged through peace meetings, while initiatives like the Football for Peace Tournament held in collaboration with Simoiben Football Academy fostered reconciliation amongst the youth, many of whom are vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups. Public speaking engagements were also used to educate the youth on their role in securing their future emphasizing peace, unity, education, and civic responsibility.
The Nigerian Army under 1 Division remain committed to employing all available means including dialogue, reconciliation, education, civic engagement, and decisive action to consolidate peace and enable the eventual return to normalcy and stability in the region.
According to him, the division’s approach stands as a clear affirmation that peace cannot be won by force alone, but through understanding, dialogue, justice, and compassion.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic approach yielding significant results under 1 Division
National News
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
By: Bodunrin Kayode
President Bola Tinubu will today visit the Plateau state capital Jos to commiserate with residents who lost loved ones during the Palm Sunday shooting spree by criminals that took place at Angwa rukuba area of the city.
The President who was scheduled to visit Ogun state postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, meant to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.
From the Plateau, the President is expected to travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday public holiday which ushers the beginning of the Easter public holiday which rounds up the lent period.
A state house release signed yesterday by the Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircrafts for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth on Saturday April 4th.
“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.
“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructural projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“These projects include: the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school Complex.
“Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission some of Governor Duoye Diri’s completed projects.” Said the release.
Sadly several residents lost their lives during the black Palm Sunday shooting spree which is suspected to have been carried out by auto bike riding bandits following after their patterns in the hinterlands of the state.
These bandits who had tormented, killed and destroyed homes of residences of the Jos north axis of the state for several years after September 7th 2001
This damnation let loose on innocent residents is resurfacing after hundreds of killings had occurred in the Jos North council area of the state from September 7th 2001 till date.
And because of the myriad of challenges creeping into the federal security system sub regionals have geared up to manage their on police and Intel services which would assist greatly because they are masters of their territories.
The Federal government is fast tracking the process of state police to ensure that each sub nationals take charge of their environment to ensure that they support the center in the maintenance of internal security.
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
National News
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that in 2026, the length of the rainy season in Gombe State is expected to be between 107 and 138 days.
This is contained in the Agency’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document, which Gayus Musa, the meteorological manager for Gombe State, made available to Our Correspondent in Gombe on Tuesday.
The total amount of rainfall across Gombe State in 2026 is predicted to be between 701 mm in the northern part of the state (Nafada) and 1089 mm in the South (Shongom).
The onset of the rainfall is expected to commence in the state on May 29 (Shongom) and cease by October 22 (Yamaltu/Deba).
Similarly, in the prediction, four local government areas of the state, namely: Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye were likely to be impacted by a severe dry spell (21 days and above) between June and August.
Musa while speaking to Our Correspondent on the first rainfall experienced in some communities in Akko, Gombe and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state on Monday urged farmers to resist the temptation of early planting of crops.
He described the first rain as false onset, explaining that the rainfall was false because it would not support any germination as seeds planted with such rain would not survive.
“This (first rain) is a false onset because the precipitation cannot carry any germination and so any seed planted would not survive.
“So farmers should not engage themselves in planting but to prepare their farmlands while getting their seeds and other inputs ready,” he said.
Musa advised farmers in the state, to make use of the prediction in carrying out farming activities towards avoiding losses in view of the impact of climate change on agriculture.
He further urged relevant authorities in the state to take proactive measures towards tackling environmental issues associated with the rainy season.
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
National News
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
By: Michael Mike
The rumoured interest of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar in becoming the governor of Bauchi State come 2027 may have been confirmed he resigned on Monday to prepared ground for actualization of his political ambition.
The resignation was ahead of the deadline set for political appointees seeking elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.
In a resignation letter submitted to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tuggar expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and contribute to the implementation of the administration’s Four-D foreign policy strategy.
The former minister also appreciated the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.
During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through initiatives focused on people-centred diplomacy. These included humanitarian evacuations, facilitation of scholarships for Nigerians abroad, and sustained support for citizens in the diaspora.
His tenure also witnessed increased diaspora engagement, including efforts to develop a structured database of Nigerians living abroad aimed at strengthening their participation in national development.
In addition, Tuggar strengthened bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with traditional partners and regional alliances, particularly across the Global South. His leadership also promoted regional security cooperation and supported the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiative.
He also prioritised economic diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector, while facilitating diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained Nigerians in foreign countries and improved bilateral relations.
The resignation letter was received on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, ahead of the March thirty-first deadline directed by President Tinubu in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
Tuggar’s resignation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
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