Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 114 Battalion, in conjunction with Department of Intelligence and Analysis (DIA) operatives, have recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a cordon-and-search operation in Murubai Village, Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted on Jan. 22, followed credible intelligence regarding the presence of arms in the village.

The source said the search was carried out at the residence of one Bazoe John, who was not found during the operation. Authorities recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, which are now in the custody of the troops.

The source added that the operation comes after the earlier arrest of two suspected gunrunners, identified as Christopher Adamu and James Yangyang, at Sebos Joint in Mayo Dassa, Jalingo LGA and Tautre Village in Ardo Kola LGA on Jan. 11 and 12 respectively.

Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation

Vice chairman, 64 others released by bandits in Tsafe in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

The vice chairman of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State and 64 other abducted persons have regained their freedom after a deadly ambush by bandits in the area.

The victims arrived safely in Tsafe on Tuesday, following intense efforts by security operatives and local stakeholders to secure their release.

The ambush, which occurred on Jan. 20, left a trail of destruction in Danjibga village, where a fierce gun battle broke out between the attackers and community protection forces.

During the encounter, one operative of the Community Protection Guard (CPG) and two residents were killed, while two others sustained bullet wounds.

Sources said the bandits also set ablaze four vehicles two Golf cars and two Mitsubishi Canter trucks during the attack.

Although the released victims have reunited with their families, an unspecified number of women and children are still feared to be in captivity.

The freed victims and the injured were taken to the Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau, where they are receiving medical care.

The return of the abductees was described as a moment of relief and gratitude, even as the community mourned those who lost their lives in the violence.

Meanwhile, in a related development, another attack in Bakura Local Government Area claimed the life of a 22-year-old farmer, Burhama Sani.

He was reportedly shot dead on his farm along the Bakura–Rabah road after bandits blocked the Fadamma axis and set two vehicles conveying food items ablaze.

Vice chairman, 64 others released by bandits in Tsafe in Zamfara

U.S. Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker Begins Strategic Foreign Visit Including Nigeria, Middle East, and Rome

By: Michael Mike

Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker has embarked on a week-long diplomatic mission that includes stops in Abuja, Nigeria; Muscat, Oman; Manama, Bahrain; and Rome, Italy from January 21–29, 2026, the U.S. State Department confirmed in a statement this week. 

In Nigeria, Hooker is leading the American delegation and serving as head of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group—a recently established platform aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on security and economic issues. During talks in Abuja, the delegation is expected to discuss strategies for protecting vulnerable communities, enhancing cooperation against terrorism, and expanding U.S. investment opportunities in the West African nation. 

The visit comes at a time of heightened focus on Nigeria’s internal security challenges and international efforts to support peace and stability across the region. Local and international observers have noted ongoing discussions between U.S. and Nigerian authorities on religious violence and security cooperation as part of broader diplomatic engagement. 

After concluding discussions in Nigeria, Hooker’s itinerary moves to the Gulf region, where she will lead strategic dialogues with officials in Oman and Bahrain. These talks are expected to advance cooperation on regional security, economic ties, and cultural exchange, reflecting shared interests between the United States and its partners in the Middle East. 

The final leg of the trip will take Hooker to Rome, where she will meet with counterparts from European governments and international organisations. In Italy, engagements will cover major global priorities including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, diplomatic efforts toward peace in the Middle East, and developments in Venezuela. She is also scheduled to hold meetings with senior officials from United Nations agencies based in the city—such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)—to discuss accountability and oversight of U.S.-funded assistance programs and to explore potential new agricultural trade opportunities for American producers. 

Hooker, who was appointed Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs in mid-2025, oversees key regional and bilateral policy issues and plays a central role in shaping U.S. foreign policy across multiple regions. 

Her current tour underscores Washington’s intent to reinforce diplomatic engagement across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe at a time of evolving geopolitical challenges
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