Army Graduates Drone Pilot Trainees in Sokoto

By Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army has graduated a new set of drone pilot trainees at the 8 Division Training School, Giginya Military Cantonment in Sokoto State.

Security sources said the ceremony, held on May 1, was attended by senior officers, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force North-West Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. B.P. Koughna, alongside formation commanders, commanding officers and staff officers of the division.

According to the sources, the training focused on enhancing the operational capacity of personnel in the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

In his remarks, the GOC emphasised the importance of force protection and operational preparedness, noting that drone technology has become a critical force multiplier in modern military operations.

He said the effective use of UAVs would improve reconnaissance capabilities, optimise resource deployment and enhance overall operational efficiency.

The sources added that the event was conducted successfully without any incident.

Army Graduates Drone Pilot Trainees in Sokoto

Troops Neutralise Four Suspected Terrorists, Recover Arms in Katsina

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised four suspected terrorists during a patrol along Turare–Yantumaki Road in Katsina State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 11:40 a.m. on Friday when the troops came under attack by armed assailants while on routine patrol.

The sources disclosed that the soldiers responded swiftly, overpowering the attackers and killing all four suspects without recording any casualties on their side.

According to the sources, items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two motorcycles, multiple mobile phones, and cash amounting to N153,400.

They added that some of the recovered Android phones contained images of the suspects dressed in military uniforms and have been handed over for forensic analysis.

Preliminary intelligence identified the neutralised suspects as Bishir Holami, Jamilu Baki, Ibrahim Doro, and Abdurraman Maje.

The sources further revealed that the suspects were linked to a series of attacks in Gobirawa, Raddawa, Kuki, and other communities within Dutsinma and Matazu Local Government Areas.

They noted that the operation is considered a significant blow to a bandit network reportedly led by one Muhammadu Fulani, which has been associated with violent activities across Matazu, Musawa, Charanchi, and Kankia areas.

A security official said the development reflects ongoing intensified offensive operations aimed at curbing criminal activities and restoring normalcy in the state.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.

Troops Neutralise Four Suspected Terrorists, Recover Arms in Katsina

One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara

By Zagazola Makama

The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued one kidnapped victim and neutralised a suspected armed bandit following an attack on Dankabali Village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on April 30 when about 20 armed bandits on 10 motorcycles invaded the community in Kagara District and abducted four residents.

The sources disclosed that the abducted persons were identified as Ladan Mani Sarkin Diya, Halima Mani, Rabiatu Muhammad, and Karima Muhammad.

According to the sources, the troops under Operation Fansar Yamma and the police joint tactical team was mobilised immediately after receiving the distress call and commenced search-and-rescue operations.

They added that during a combing operation in a nearby forest, the joint forces made contact with the bandits, leading to an exchange of fire in which one bandit was neutralised.

The sources further said one of the abducted victims, Ladan Mani Sarkin Diya, was successfully rescued unharmed, taken to the General Hospital in Talata Mafara for medical examination, and later reunited with his family.

They noted that ongoing operations are aimed at rescuing the remaining three victims and apprehending the fleeing suspects.

Security presence has since been reinforced in the Dankabali axis, while surveillance and patrols have been intensified to prevent further attacks.

One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara