Troops, NDLEA arrest 8 suspects, recover illicit drugs in Bayelsa raid

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Headquarters 16 Brigade, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested eight suspects and recovered quantities of illicit drugs during coordinated raids in Bayelsa State.

A military source said the operation was conducted at about 10:30 a.m. on April 14 across Obunagha, Azikoro and Swali communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, and Imiringi in Ogbia Local Government Area.

According to the source, the joint operation led to the arrest of eight suspects and the recovery of about 850 grammes of cannabis sativa and 11 grammes of methamphetamine.

The suspects and recovered substances have since been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Security authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking and related criminal activities in the Niger Delta region.

Troops, NDLEA arrest 8 suspects, recover illicit drugs in Bayelsa raid

Troops foil bandit attack, rescue 10 victims in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Joint Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in Katsina State have foiled a bandit attack and rescued 10 kidnapped persons in Faskari Local Government Area of the state.

Sources said the incident occurred in the early hours of April 12 at Sabon Garin Yankara village following a distress call received at about 3:30 a.m.

According to the sources, a large number of armed bandits invaded the community, prompting the joint troops to be deployed in the area.

They added that the joint team tactically blocked the escape routes of the attackers and engaged them in a fierce gun duel.

“The bandits were forced to abandon the kidnapped victims and fled with gunshot injuries, leading to the rescue of all 10 victims unharmed,” the sources said.

The sources, however, disclosed that a vigilante member, identified as Sanusi Naatta, 45, sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and was later confirmed dead at a hospital.

They noted that security operatives have since blocked all exit routes, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Troops foil bandit attack, rescue 10 victims in Katsina

Nation mourns as brave Commanding Officer, six soldiers fall after repelling attack in Monguno

By: Zagazola Makama

Grief and solemn reflection have trailed the tragic loss of a Commanding Officer and six gallant soldiers of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), whose lives were cut short shortly after successfully repelling a terrorist attack in Monguno, Borno.

In the late hours of April 12, troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force (North East), came under an isolated infiltration attempt at Charlie 13 location. With courage and determination, the soldiers engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, eventually forcing them to flee and securing the area.

But even in victory, tragedy struck. Driven by an unyielding sense of duty and deep concern for his men, the Commanding Officer chose to move forward, towards the very danger others would avoid, to personally assess the situation on ground. It was a decision that reflected the very essence of true leadership: to lead from the front, to share in the risks, and to stand shoulder to shoulder with his troops.

In that moment of selfless courage, his vehicle encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), killing him and six of his men. Their loss is not just a statistic, it is a profound human tragedy.

They were fathers, brothers, sons, and comrades. They were men who wore the nation’s uniform with pride, who stood in the face of danger so others could sleep in peace. They did not retreat when confronted with terror; instead, they stood firm, defended their ground, and ultimately gave everything.

The silence they leave behind echoes loudly across the ranks.

Operation HADIN KAI, in a statement by its Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, expressed deep sorrow, describing the fallen officer as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to duty. Their ultimate sacrifice, the statement noted, will forever remain etched in the memory of the Armed Forces and the nation they served with honour.

As the country mourns these heroes, their bravery lives on not only in the victory they secured that night, but in the enduring reminder that freedom and security are often paid for with the highest price.

Nation mourns as brave Commanding Officer, six soldiers fall after repelling attack in Monguno