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Troops sustain security operations in Taraba amid rising tension, population returns
Troops sustain security operations in Taraba amid rising tension, population returns
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has intensified security operations across parts of Taraba State under Operation LAFIYA JAMAA to restore civil authority and ensure the return of displaced persons to conflict-affected communities.
Zagazola Makama report that the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), and the police troops have carried out multiple patrols, escort missions, and security operations between May 24 and 25, covering sensitive areas in Karim Lamido, Zing, and Jalingo LGAs.
Troops on escort duty provided security cover for a humanitarian team from the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA), led by Mrs Echuseh, as they delivered cash and relief materials to displaced residents in Bandawa, Karim, and Bambuka communities, severely affected by recent communal conflict.
The successful escort mission ensured that vulnerable populations in the area accessed critical relief support without incident, reinforcing military-civilian cooperation and the Army’s stabilisation efforts.
In a separate confidence-building effort, troops deployed to Munga Lelau, Bunkachi, and Gwamu villages observed that locals who had earlier fled due to insecurity had started returning to their homes. The presence of security forces has helped restore a sense of safety and rekindle hope among the traumatized residents.
Similarly, troops in Kambari village, Karim Lamido LGA, embarked on a patrol of the outskirts of the town to deny criminal elements freedom of action. No hostile contact was made, and the patrol concluded without incident.
In Zing LGA, another unit from the Battalion conducted an aggressive foot patrol at Monkin village to dislodge potential threats and deter further escalation of violence in the area. The troops returned safely after completing the assignment.
Joint night patrols were also conducted by troops around the Munga Lelau–Bambuka axis and within Kambari town to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and prevent the regrouping of armed groups.
In Jalingo, troops mounted a checkpoint at Kpantinapo community where they conducted a “Stop and Search” operation aimed at intercepting illicit arms, ammunition, and wanted persons. The operation was described as successful and hitch-free.
Meanwhile, in Jeb Jeb village of Karim Lamido LGA, troops initiated a “Block Force” operation along the Amper–Bachubi road to locate and engage suspected hostile elements. While no contact was made during this mission, it point to the security forces aggressive push to deny bandits and militia groups any operational space.
The sources said although, the general security situation within the area remains calm, the sources described the current situation as unpredictable, requiring sustained vigilance.
Troops sustain security operations in Taraba amid rising tension, population returns
Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing
By: Zagazola Makama
A police patrol team was ambushed on Sunday morning by suspected members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN) along the Okigwe–Umuahia Expressway in Imo State, resulting in the death of one officer and the disappearance of another.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the attack occurred at about 8:20 a.m. near Umuaka in Okigwe while the team was on routine patrol duties.
According to security sources, the patrol team was ambushed by heavily armed assailants who opened fire without provocation.
Police Constable Oluebube Onwubuariri, one of the patrol officers, sustained gunshot wounds to the ribs and was rushed to the General Hospital, Okigwe, where he was confirmed dead.
The team leader, Assistant Superintendent of Police Casmir Eronobi, has been declared missing. He was last seen with his AK-47 rifle bearing breech number 12592 and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
A massive manhunt is underway to locate the missing officer and recover the service weapon.
Security reinforcements comprising tactical teams from Owerri, the military, local vigilantes, and hunters have been deployed to comb the surrounding forests and restore order.
Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing
Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**
By: Zagazola Makama
A recently released video showing notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji expressing interest in surrendering and accepting peace has left many Nigerians speculating whether the once-feared warlord has finally developed a conscience.
However, contrary to popular assumptions, Turji’s decision appears less about remorse and more about reality. The video, which went viral over the weekend, is not the result of a moral awakening but rather a product of desperation.
“Turji is not laying down arms because he suddenly loves peace. He is doing so because his operational capabilities have been severely weakened.”
Three days before the video surfaced, Zagazola reported that Turji was actively seeking surrender following the killing of his operational commander, Danbokolo, who was the true engine behind Turji’s terror enterprise.
Danbokolo was reportedly neutralized during a joint operation coordinated by the State Services and the Hybrid Forces, a local security team made up of Civilian JTF.
“Let’s be honest, Turji was more of a spokesman. Danbokolo handled the heavy lifting — the ambushes, raids, and executions,” the source said. “Once Danbokolo was gone, so was Turji’s swagger.”
The once-fire-spitting Turji now finds himself walking a tightrope, stripped of influence and hunted by the very people he once terrorized.
While the circumstances surrounding his potential disarmament are still being delicately managed, insiders confirm that the collapse of his network has been swift and decisive.
It is believed this recent development points to the impact of sustained, intelligence-driven offensives against high-value targets in the region.
Now, the question remains: will the government accept Turji’s amnesty after the atrocities he committed against peaceful communities in the Northwest? That remains uncertain.
Will his surrender end banditry in the Northwest? CERTAINLY NOT.
Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**
Troops arrest suspected militia, recover arms in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Lafiyan Jama’a have arrested a suspected militia member and recovered arms and ammunition in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to intelligence sources, the suspect, identified as Stephen Gyang, aged 40, was apprehended on July 6, 2025, at about 9:12 p.m. along Kafi Abu–Rakwok road.
The sources said the troops, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the suspect while he was reportedly laying in ambush with the intent to attack unsuspecting commuters.
Items recovered from the suspect included one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 30 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition.
The suspect, who hails from Kafi Abu in Barkin Ladi LGA, is currently in the custody of troops for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops arrest suspected militia, recover arms in Plateau
Suspected burglar beaten to death by mob in Gwagwalada
Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing
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