News
Notorious bandit commander Iliya Mai Rasha killed in Guga battle as death toll among attackers rises
Notorious bandit commander Iliya Mai Rasha killed in Guga battle as death toll among attackers rises
By Zagazola Makama
One of the notorious bandit commanders neutralised during Sunday’s fierce gun battle between security forces and armed bandits in Guga Village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, has been identified as Iliya Mai Rasha, a notorious criminal linked to several deadly attacks in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that Mai Rasha was among the senior bandit commanders who joined the assault on Guga at the invitation of notorious kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki.
The sources said the attack, which occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on July 26, involved more than 200 heavily armed bandits drawn from criminal networks operating across Katsina and neighbouring Zamfara State.
However, a combined force of local hunters, the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), and troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade mounted a coordinated response, engaging the attackers in a prolonged gun battle that forced them to retreat with heavy losses.
Security sources said more than 40 bandits were neutralised during the encounter, including at least eight senior commanders, while Idi Abasu Aiki reportedly sustained life-threatening gunshot wounds.
The killing of Iliya Mai Rasha is considered a significant operational success, as he had long been linked to violent attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities in Tsafe and adjoining communities in Zamfara State.
The operation, according to the sources, has dealt a major blow to the criminal network operating across the Katsina–Zamfara axis, with follow-up clearance operations continuing to recover abandoned weapons and pursue fleeing bandits.
Five members of the hunters’ team were, however, killed during the operation after they were caught outside the frontline, highlighting the heavy sacrifice made by local security volunteers in defending their communities. Military authorities and the Katsina State Government have continued to commend the courage of the troops, hunters and community watch personnel who repelled the attack and restored calm to the affected area.
Notorious bandit commander Iliya Mai Rasha killed in Guga battle as death toll among attackers rises
Troops rescue 12 kidnapped victims, foil abduction attempts in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 12 civilians during separate operations against terrorists in Kaura Namoda and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
The operations, conducted on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, followed distress calls and intelligence indicating attempts by terrorists to abduct civilians in the two local government areas.
In the first incident, troops responded to a distress call after terrorists infiltrated a residence at Tsohon Tasha in Kaura Namoda LGA.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon six abducted civilians and flee across a nearby river.
The rescued victims were subsequently evacuated to a safe location and later reunited with their families.
In a separate operation in Tsafe LGA, troops monitoring activities along the Main Supply Route observed terrorists attempting to intercept a Sharon vehicle at Kwanoni Village.
The troops immediately moved to the location and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abort the abduction attempt and withdraw into the adjoining bush.
Six civilians were subsequently rescued during the operation.
The two incidents underscore the continued efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement and prevent them from carrying out attacks and abductions against communities and road users across the Joint Operations Area.
The operations also demonstrate the importance of rapid response to distress calls and timely intelligence in disrupting terrorist activities and safeguarding civilians.
The Joint Task Force has continued to maintain pressure on terrorist elements through patrols, surveillance and other security operations across Zamfara and other parts of the North-West.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA has therefore urged members of the public to sustain their cooperation with security agencies by providing credible and timely information on suspicious movements and activities.
The Theatre said such collaboration remained critical to tracking terrorist elements, disrupting their operations and ultimately eliminating their presence within the Joint Operations Area.
Troops rescue 12 kidnapped victims, foil abduction attempts in Zamfara
Troops arrest suspected foreign national along Azir–Damboa road in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 25 Brigade, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected foreign national along the Azir–Damboa road in Borno State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 5:55 p.m. on Sept. 5 following a tip-off from local residents about the movement of a suspected foreigner along the route.
During preliminary questioning, the suspect reportedly identified himself as a national of the Republic of Cameroon.
He told the troops that he entered Nigeria through Taraba State and was travelling towards Niger State in search of artisanal work but lost his way.
The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation and necessary action, while authorities work to establish his identity, travel history and circumstances surrounding his presence in the area.
Troops arrest suspected foreign national along Azir–Damboa road in Borno
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member with gunshot wound in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion have arrested a suspected ISWAP member who was found loitering around Papa 7 location in Borno State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 9:35 a.m. on Sept. 6 while troops were conducting picketing duties in the area.
The suspect was found with a gunshot wound and was taken into custody for questioning.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that the suspect had descended from Gava in the Mandara Mountains in search of medical attention.
Sources attributed his movement to the effects of sustained military pressure and psychological operations targeting terrorist enclaves in the area.
The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation, while security forces continue operations aimed at degrading terrorist groups and disrupting their activities in the Mandara Mountains.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member with gunshot wound in Borno
Troops arrest two suspected Boko Haram, ISWAP logistics suppliers, recover motorcycle parts in Borno
Troops rescue 12 kidnapped victims, foil abduction attempts in Zamfara
Troops arrest suspected foreign national along Azir–Damboa road in Borno
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