Troops Recover Stolen Cattle from Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists in Sokoto State

By: Zagazola Makama

The troops from the Headquarters 1 Brigade and 1 Battalion mobilized to Kalgo village, Sokoto State, following sightings of suspected Lakurawa terrorists in the area.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that upon learning of the troops’ approach, the suspected terrorists fled the scene, abandoning 38 rustled cattle. The operation, led by the Commander of 1 Brigade, was carried out without incident.

The recovered livestock was returned to its rightful owners in Mera village, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Sources disclosed confirmed that intensified operations are ongoing to secure the broader area and prevent further incursions by the armed group.

This recovery operation comes amid rising threat by the Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

On Tuesday November 11, some armed men believed to be from the Lakurawa group raided Kura village in Soron Yamma ward, Binji Local Government Area.

The attackers seized a large number of livestock but reportedly did not harm or abduct any villagers, according to local sources.

Troops Recover Stolen Cattle from Suspected Lakurawa Terrorists in Sokoto State

Escaped Kidnap Victim Rescued by Troops in Zamfara State Shares Harrowing experience

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have successfully rescued a kidnapped victim Salim Ishaq Umar, indigent of Gusau who escaped from a terrorist enclave in Munhaye Forest in Zamfara state after 47 days in captivity.

The escape reportedly occurred on the morning of November 12, after which the victim sought help from military personnel stationed nearby.

Following the rescue, the victim was transported to the CT 7 Headquarters in Tsafe, where military personnel conducted a preliminary debriefing.

Salim who shared the traumatic story of his abduction and captivity at the hands of armed kidnappers, revealed the brutal tactics used by criminal groups in Zamfara State. Umar recounted how he was abducted from his home on the night of August 8, 2024, when three armed men, one of whom wielded an AK-47 rifle, woke him from his sleep and took him into the bush.

During the attack, the assailants reportedly shot a security officer and confiscated Umar’s phone. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of 30 million naira and five motorcycles, which his family managed to pay.

However, despite meeting these demands, Umar was not released. After 47 days in captivity, the kidnappers raised their demands, requesting an additional 100 million naira and ten motorcycles.
Their leader allegedly threatened to kill him if his family did not comply. Facing the threat of death, Umar began to devise an escape On not released.

After 47 days in captivity, the kidnappers raised their demands, requesting an additional 100 million naira and ten motorcycles. Their leader allegedly threatened to kill him if his family did not comply. Facing the threat of death, Umar began to devise an escape plan. “On hearing that, I started to make up my mind to escape from them,” he explained.

Together with two other captives, he planned to flee, though, tragically, only he managed to escape. His two fellow captives were captured again on November 11, 2024, shortly after their escape attempt.

Umar revealed that he was subjected to harsh conditions, including limited access to food and water, and witnessed threats against his life if further ransom demands were not met. He was eventually transferred to a new location in the bush where he remained until he managed to escape. He made his way to the nearest military post, where troops took him into protective custody.

Escaped Kidnap Victim Rescued by Troops in Zamfara State Shares Harrowing experience

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