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Troops’ presence renews hope for safety on Zamfara highways, but locals seek night patrols
Troops’ presence renews hope for safety on Zamfara highways, but locals seek night patrols
By: Zagazola Makama
Commuters and commercial drivers plying the Gusau–Tsafe highway in Zamfara State say the enhanced military presence in the area has brought renewed hope for safe travel after years of fear and deadly bandit attacks.
Zagazola Makama report that the highway, once a corridor of terror where bandits routinely blocked roads, abducted travellers, and ransacked surrounding villages, is now seeing relative calm within the last few months due to intensified operations by Nigerian Army troops, particularly along the Tsafe- Gusau road.
Commercial driver, Usman Bala, who plies the Gusau–Funtua route daily, said that the change is noticeable.
“We used to drive with our hearts in our mouths. Anytime we passed Dan Mali or Babban Kauye, we prayed hard. But now, soldiers are stationed at key flashpoints. You feel a sense of safety you haven’t felt in years,” he said.
Another commercial driver, Musa Lawali, echoed Bala’s sentiment, noting that bandits used to operate with impunity around Makera and Asaula.
“Before, we avoided evening trips. From 4:30 p.m., the road was a death trap. But now, I can move even close to 7 p.m. because I know troops are patrolling. Their presence alone scares the criminals,” Lawali said.
Private motorist Amina Idris, who travels from Gusau to Tsafe weekly for business, said her confidence has improved with every trip.
“I used to dread the journey, especially at Bamamu and Tashan Jirgi axis. I would call my family before I left and when I arrived. Now, I see military checkpoints and even patrols. It’s encouraging,” she said.
Similarly, Dauda Garba, a truck driver who frequently passes through Tsafe, described a recent encounter where troops responded swiftly to an attempted roadblock by suspected bandits.
“They came in within minutes. We saw the gun trucks approach, and the criminals ran. That kind of quick response saves lives,” Garba said.
Another commuter, Suleiman Ibrahim, who drives a private vehicle between Tsafe and Yankara, confirmed that the fear of daytime travel has reduced significantly.
“Before now, even private motorists had to follow convoys or wait for military escort. Now, we go freely. The presence of troops has changed the game,” he said.
But despite the improvements, traditional leaders and community stakeholders are calling for additional measures particularly night patrols to tackle nocturnal attacks.
The Yandoton Tsafe, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu Bawa, commended the military for recent gains but warned that many villages on the fringes of Tsafe are still vulnerable to night raids.
“We have seen progress in the last few weeks. Our roads are safer by day. But the bandits now operate at night. They move through forest corridors and attack villages like Makera, Bamamu, Tashan Jirgi, Dan Mali, Asaula, and Babban Kauye under cover of darkness,” he said.
Another sources from Tsafe identified some of the notorious elements behind these attacks, including a bandit leader known as Bakin Malam, and others such as Hassan Fari, Sarki, son of notorious bandit Ado Allero, and Umaru, son of kingpin Anaruwa.
“These are not petty criminals. They are experienced and armed. We appeal to the Nigerian Army to extend their operations to night patrols. That is when these terrorists strike the most,” he added.
He urged the deployment of additional combat platforms like CSK gun trucks and surveillance drones to cover forest routes and hard-to-reach enclaves where bandits regroup after daytime setbacks.
Despite the lingering threats, residents are beginning to reclaim their confidence, a development largely attributed to the recent push by the Nigerian Army to dominate key transportation routes and neutralise armed groups.
Though, Abdulkarim Abubakar, said the threat still persist along Kauran Namoda Road as notorious bandit kingpin Dan Sadiya is still posing significant threat to motorists and the community with attacks recorded almost every two days.
Meanwhile a frontline commander, told journalists that the military had repelled multiple attacks, recovered weapons including bomb components, and foiled bandits’ attempt to launch coordinated raids in Mada and Kizara areas.
“As the rains approach, we are working to secure farming communities so they can plant in peace,” he said.
For now, travellers like Usman Bala are simply grateful for the return of movement and peace on roads once feared for death and disappearance.
“Every peaceful journey we make is a blessing. We just want the soldiers to keep going and start moving at night too,” he added.
Troops’ presence renews hope for safety on Zamfara highways, but locals seek night patrols
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised)/24 Task Force Brigade have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the attack occurred at about 2:44 a.m. on June 12 when terrorists launched coordinated assaults on the troops’ location from Wurge, Manawaji and Kinuba.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, supported by reinforcements from battalion headquarters, as well as mortar and artillery fire support, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.
Following the encounter, the fleeing terrorists retreating and scampered into the bushes.
At about 5:45 a.m., troops and auxiliary forces conducted a follow-up exploitation along the withdrawal route towards Wurge, during which three RPG-7 high-explosive unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and two torchlights were recovered.
The sources further disclosed that a main battle tank developed technical faults during the aftermath of the engagement, while one soldier sustained injuries from fragments of an RPG blast.
The wounded personnel was evacuated to the 3 Battalion Regimental Aid Post (RAP) for medical treatment.
Military authorities said clearance and follow-up operations were ongoing in the area to consolidate gains and prevent further terrorist regrouping.
They reaffirmed commitment to sustaining aggressive counter-terrorism operations across the North-East theatre.
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Government has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the captivity of bandits.
The government, in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, described the development as tragic and a major loss to the state and the nation.
According to the statement, the retired senior military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
The government said that despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, the situation ended in tragedy.
“The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” the statement said.
It noted that the late officer’s abduction and subsequent death represented not only a loss to his immediate family and Katsina State but also a monumental loss to the country.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a dark moment and a reminder of the need for intensified efforts against criminal elements threatening peace and security.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.
He also assured residents that the government remained resolute in its determination to eliminate banditry and safeguard lives and property across the state.
The government prayed for the repose of the soul of the late retired Major General and urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.
In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.
In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.
“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle, Ammunition in Failed ISWAP Reconnaissance Operation in Borno
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
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