Military
Troops Intensify Offensive, Neutralize Scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists, Clear 25 Camps

Troops Intensify Offensive, Neutralize Scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists, Clear 25 Camps
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully neutralized scores of Boko Haram/Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) fighters during a significant week-long offensive against terrorists in the northeast of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, that the land and air offensive, which began on January 7, 2024, as part of Operation Desert Sanity III, also resulted in the clearance and destruction of over 25 terrorist camps in the Sambisa Forest and the Timbuktu Triangle.

The sources reported that during one of the fierce offensives by the troops of the 21 Armored Brigade in Bama, they encountered terrorists in Ukuba, Sambisa, and engaged them with heavy firepower. As a result of the encounter, 11 ISWAP fighters were neutralized, which caused the remaining terrorists to scatter and flee in disarray. During the clash, one gun truck loaded with ammunition exploded and burned.
The troops recovered various weapons and equipment, including one anti-aircraft gun, one rocket-propelled grenade tube, one general-purpose machine gun (GPMG), two RPG chargers, five AK-47 rifles, a terrorist flag, two pickup vans, and one grinding machine mill, among other items. Continuing their offensive operations deeper into the Sambisa Forest, the troops cleared areas such as Garin Abu Umaru, New/Old Mjimia, Garin Munzo, Alafa 1, and Alafa 2. An alleged Amir of Garin Munzo and five other fighters were intercepted and neutralized, while newly established camps were discovered and destroyed.

The source highlighted the team’s bravery and commitment, which significantly contributed to the dislodgement of terrorists from numerous locations, including New Goske, Garin Abbas, Garin Ba’aba, Korege, Arra, Garin Abu Amina, Garin Noma, Garin Malam Ma’azu, Garin Fallujah, Ukuba, Sabil Huda, Garin Munzo, Garin Abu Umaru, New Njimia, Garin Adamu, and a farmland in Dure at Balar, Yaro Bulamari, Yaro Goni Krumidi, Yaro Lawanti, and Yaro Umaradi, among others.
However, while en route to clear these locations, a patrol team triggered an IED around 1530 hours near Alagarno. Fortunately, no casualties were sustained, but the armored personnel carrier sustained damage to its rear track and two turbochargers.
Simultaneously, the troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade advanced and cleared Boko Haram enclaves in Amadaga Madachi and Amadaga villages in Gwoza LGA. The suspected terrorists fled upon noticing the troops’ advance. The troops continued toward Gobara, where they made contact with the enemy, who fled with injuries as evidenced by traces of blood.
In another encounter, the troops of the 159 Battalion and 199 Special Forces Battalion, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), cleared terrorist enclaves at BBalar, Yaro Bulamari, Yaro Goni Krumidi, Yaro Lawanti, and Yaro Umaradi. No contact with the enemy was made during this operation.
In Yobe State, the troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade continued their advances and cleared the area of Gol. They discovered and safely detonated one IED. The terrorists fled the scene, abandoning 67 bags of assorted grains in an underground storage facility along with ammunition.
Additionally, the troops ambushed and neutralized two ISWAP terrorists at Katarko along the road to Yobe State University and recovered two AK-47 rifles.
As the offensive persisted, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade cleared Galengi and Dusuri. About 2 kilometers ahead of Tobolo, contact was made with enemy combatants. The troops engaged the terrorists in a gunfight, killing two and recovering their weapons.
The troops also cleared Arimarim and Koborori villages. Before reaching Galengi, they encountered and neutralized one terrorist, recovering a Dane gun. A terrorist camp was set ablaze during the operation.
Despite facing challenges such as difficult terrain, IED threats, and other issues, the troops have maintained their momentum, focusing on and remaining determined to pursue and decimate the fleeing terrorists wherever they are found in the Sambisa Forest.
According to the source, ISWAP commanders, including Abu Aisha (Khaid) and four assistant commanders (Munzir)—Bako, Mallam Abubakar, Abu Ibrahim, and Hanzala (also a Khaid)—are currently on the run. Nevertheless, the troops are resolute in their determination to hunt them down.
Troops Intensify Offensive, Neutralize Scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists, Clear 25 Camps
Military
Nigerian Army troops killed several bandits, Destroy Bandit Hideout in Sakkarawa Forest, Sabon Birni

Nigerian Army troops killed several bandits, Destroy Bandit Hideout in Sakkarawa Forest, Sabon Birni
By: Zagazola Makama
A notorious bandit stronghold known as “Dabar Dan Dari Biyar,” located in Sakkarawa Forest, western Sabon Birni, has been destroyed while several bandits killed following a major a major truce by the combined troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in collaboration with local vigilantes, and community defense groups.
Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that some bandits, including their leader, managed to escape after suffering heavy casualties in the raid which took place on February 17, 2025z
A survivor, who was recently rescued after spending two months in captivity at the notorious Gwali Gwali camp of bandit leader Kachalla Dan Dari Biyar, recounted his ordeals.
According to him, the bandits had planned to deliver a ransom of two million naira alongside a motorcycle to Boko Haram fighters this coming Thursday in exchange for hostages.
He also revealed that the hideout was well-structured, featuring seating arrangements and even makeshift beds, indicating that it was a well-organized base for the criminals.
Other sensitive intelligence gathered from the rescued victim has already been handed over to security agencies for further action.
However, security forces have intensified their pursuit on the fleeing bandits and ensure that they cleared the area completely.
Nigerian Army troops killed several bandits, Destroy Bandit Hideout in Sakkarawa Forest, Sabon Birni
Military
Troops Neutralize Notorious Bandit Kingpin Kamilu Buzar, several fighters in Katsina

Troops Neutralize Notorious Bandit Kingpin Kamilu Buzar, several fighters in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
A coordinated military operation involving the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, Katsina, and the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji has neutralized notorious bandit kingpin Kamilu Chiroma, also known as Buzaro, along with several of his gang members at Dargaza Hill, Maidabino B Ward, Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, which took place in the early hours of February 17, followed actionable intelligence and reconnaissance indicating that Buzaro and his men had set up defensive positions around the hills, armed with sophisticated weapons and prepared to ambush advancing troops.
Acting on this intelligence, an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance platform was deployed to scan the area, confirming the bandits’ movements and fortifications. With this information, ground forces halted their advance while fighter jets were tasked to conduct precise airstrikes on the hideout.
The bombardment was highly successful, taking the bandits by surprise and neutralizing a significant number of Buzaro’s fighters.
Impeccable sources who witnessed the attack reported that several motorcycles used by the gang were destroyed, along with a cache of weapons.
In the aftermath of the damaging assult, ground troops moved in to clear the area, engaging any remaining threats and securing the location.
Top military official described the mission as “very successful,” emphasizing that it has dealt directly a major blow to bandit operations in the region.
The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies, has intensified counter-banditry operations across the Northwest, targeting key criminal strongholds responsible for attacks on communities.
Troops Neutralize Notorious Bandit Kingpin Kamilu Buzar, several fighters in Katsina
Crime
Notorious Bandit Leaders Surrender, Lay Down Arms in Katsina After Fierce Military Offensive

Notorious Bandit Leaders Surrender, Lay Down Arms in Katsina After Fierce Military Offensive
By: Zagazola Malama
Several notorious bandit leaders, who have long terrorized Batsari, Safana, and Jibia Local Government Areas of Katsina State, have surrendered and laid down their arms following a series of intensified military operations.
The surrendering bandits include Abu Radda, Umar Black, Abdullahi Lankai, Jijjige, and Dabar Musa Dan Gandu, all operating from the Jibia axis.

Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that the military’s sustained onslaught against armed groups in the region forced the bandits to seek peace and disarm voluntarily.
During their surrender, the repentant bandits appealed to the government to provide them with alternative means of livelihood, requesting the construction of markets, hospitals, and access to clean water to help them reintegrate into society.
Their surrender was facilitated by the National Community for Security and Societal Advancement in Katsina (NCSOSACK), led by Comrade Hamisa S. Batsari, which represented affected communities in the security dialogue.

As part of their surrender, the bandits handed over their weapons to the military and released several hostages they had kidnapped during their reign of terror. They also vowed to embrace peace and end their involvement in criminal activities.

Top Military sources said that welcomed the surrender but reiterated that operations against unrepentant bandits will continue until total peace is restored in Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and the entire North West and the broader Northwest region.
Notorious Bandit Leaders Surrender, Lay Down Arms in Katsina After Fierce Military Offensive
-
News12 months ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News11 months ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions3 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS12 months ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns12 months ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions1 year ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
National News12 months ago
Fraud and Mismanagement Rock INGO’s IDP Cash Assistance Effort in Bama