U.S.–Nigeria working group deepens security partnership against terrorism, banditry

By: Zagazola Makama

Nigeria’s renewed engagement with the United States on security cooperation signals a deliberate push to consolidate recent gains against banditry and terrorism while repositioning the country as a stabilising force in West Africa.

Nigeria has reaffirmed its strategic commitment to defeating banditry and terrorism and to strengthening national security through deeper collaboration with the United States, The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, gave the assurance on Friday.

The strategic security session of the U.S.–Nigeria Working Group, hosted with a high-level U.S. delegation led by Allison Hooker, comes at a time when Abuja is recalibrating its counter-terrorism and internal security architecture.

At the heart of the meeting was a shared recognition that modern security threats from insurgency in the North-East to banditry and communal violence in the North-West and North-Central, require intelligence-driven, partnership-based responses rather than isolated national efforts.

The presence of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Lateef K. K. Are, alongside the Service Chiefs and heads of the intelligence community, the CDS, COAS, CAS, CDI, CNS, IGP, DG-DSS and DG NIA, illustrated the political and operational weight attached to the engagement.

Beyond protocol, the talks reflected growing confidence in the professionalism of Nigeria’s security and intelligence institutions, which have in recent years shifted towards better coordination, joint operations and community-centred approaches.

The focus on intelligence cooperation is particularly significant as the intelligence sharing, when properly structured, enhances early warning systems, disrupts terror financing networks and improves the precision of military and law enforcement actions, reducing collateral damage and protecting civilians.

Equally important is the emphasis on community protection mechanisms. Nigeria’s security challenges are no longer confined to battlefields; they are deeply rooted in local grievances, weak governance and socio-economic stress. Strengthening community safety frameworks, therefore, complements kinetic operations by preventing recruitment into extremist and criminal networks.

The U.S. offer of support in defence articles, training, capacity building and counter-terrorism financing reflects Washington’s recognition that Nigeria remains a central pillar in regional security. As Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, Nigeria’s stability directly affects the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea.

Special attention to the protection of vulnerable communities, including Christian communities in Northern Nigeria, also signals a broader shift towards inclusive national security , one that frames protection of all citizens as a strategic imperative, not just a moral obligation.

The renewed U.S.–Nigeria engagement is expected to boost confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions, deepen intelligence-driven operations against terror networks and organised crime, and reinforce the country’s leadership role in promoting peace and stability across West Africa and the wider Sahel.

U.S.–Nigeria working group deepens security partnership against terrorism, banditry

Security forces repelled armed bandits in katsina, one kidnapped victim rescued, two injured

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected armed bandits were repelled by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force in Unguwar Kargo and Gidan Chari villages in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State on Thursday night, resulting in the rescue of a kidnapped victim and injuries to two others.

The incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. when the assailants invaded the neighbouring communities. Security patrol teams quickly responded, engaging the bandits in a sustained exchange of gunfire and forcing them to flee the area.

One victim, Ashiru Umaru, 30, of Gidan Kargo village, who had been abducted by the attackers, was successfully rescued. Two other residents, Zaharadden Garba, 35, and Baba Said, 75, sustained injuries during the attack. All victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Kankara, for medical attention.

The area has been secured, and authorities have launched efforts to track down and apprehend the perpetrators.

Security forces repelled armed bandits in katsina, one kidnapped victim rescued, two injured

Ekiti police intercept suspected cattle rustlers, recover over 500 cows and 61 sheep

By: Zagazola Makama

Officers of the Ekiti State Police Command have arrested suspected cattle rustlers and recovered hundreds of stolen animals in separate operations across Ikole and Isan Ekiti Local Government Areas.

Sources said that in the first incident, at about 9:10 a.m., police at Ikole Ekiti Division intercepted and arrested Ibrahim Abubarka, 37, along Isaba Ekiti road with 255 cows in his possession. In a separate operation at the same time, Supol Isan Ekiti Division apprehended 16 suspected bandits along Ilafo Ekiti, recovering 303 cows, 61 sheep, cash totaling ₦311,000, charms, hard drugs, multiple phones, and identity cards of the Kwara State Vigilante Corps.

A Rapid Response Squad (RRS) team, along with other non-state actors, were deployed to secure the recovered animals. All suspects and seized items were handed over to the RRS for discreet investigation.

Following the arrests, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State ordered the deployment of 20 personnel from the 33 PMF unit to reinforce security in the affected areas, aiming to prevent further rustling and ensure the safety of local communities.

Ekiti police intercept suspected cattle rustlers, recover over 500 cows and 61 sheep