News
Troops Sustain Onslaught On Bandits, Arrest Kingpin, Kill Scores in Sokoto, Zamfara States
By Zagazola Makama
Determined to rid the Northwest region of banditry, kidnapping and other heinous crimes, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) have renewed their aggressive onslaught on bandits’ enclaves across their areas of operation in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara States.
Acting on credible information that a bandit kingpin named Jabi Ruwa and some of his members were taking refuge in Dambala village, troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB), Gwadabawa and those of Raka in Sokoto State, assisted by local guides, mobilized on Friday, 28 July, 2023 and subsequently stormed the hideout in Dambala where Jabi Ruwa and 4 of his members were apprehended. They are currently undergoing preliminary interrogations.
In separate development, on 28 July 2023, troops of OPHD cleared bandits enclaves and thoroughfare routes at Sangeko, Kabugu Lamba, Kaboro and Mairairai villages at Maru Local Government of Zamfara state. During the operation, troops came in contact with armed bandits loyal to notorious bandit leader, Alhaji Ilu, at his hideouts in Sangeko, Kabagon Lamba, Danmani and Kaboro villages under Maru LGA. The Troops engaged the armed bandits with superior fire power which forced the bandits to flee; one of them was neutralized while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Zagazola Makama, a Counter-Insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, learnt that the troops are currently on aggressive patrol within the villages in other to eliminate other bandits and deny them freedom of action within the area.
The Commander Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji, Major General Godwin Mutkut, who also doubles as the General officer Commanding 8 Division has commended the troops and charged them to maintain the momentum. He further called on the people of the region to be vigilant and immediately report any suspected persons or activities of the criminals.
End
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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