Troops intensify anti-bandit operations in Katsina, neutralise terrorist

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 17 Brigade have intensified ongoing counterterrorism operations in Katsina State, leading to the neutralisation of a suspected terrorist and recovery of weapons during a fighting patrol in Sabuwa Local Government Area.

The operation, conducted under the ongoing military offensive code-named Operation Forest Sanity IV, took place on May 21 along the Dandume–Damari road near Gamji village.

Military sources disclosed that troops deployed at Combat Team 3, Damari village, encountered a suspected terrorist riding on a motorcycle while conducting clearance patrols within the area.

According to the sources, the troops swiftly pursued and engaged the suspect, resulting in his neutralisation after a brief encounter.

Items recovered from the operation included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine loaded with ammunition, a motorcycle and an Itel mobile phone believed to belong to the suspect.

The sources added that troops later carried out exploitation operations across the surrounding area to ensure no additional threats remained within the vicinity.

Security officials noted that no casualty was recorded among the troops and no equipment was lost during the operation.

Military authorities said the latest success reflects sustained efforts by security forces to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks operating across parts of Katsina State and neighbouring areas.

They reiterated the commitment of the military to maintaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring that residents continue their socio-economic activities without fear.

Communities across several local government areas in Katsina State have in recent years witnessed repeated attacks linked to armed banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping, prompting intensified military offensives and joint security operations across forest corridors in the North-West.

Troops intensify anti-bandit operations in Katsina, neutralise terrorist

Man Stabbed to Death Following Altercation in Plateau Community

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau State have arrested a suspect in connection with the killing of a man following a violent altercation in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.

Sources disclosed that troops of Sector 1 Operation Safe Haven reacted to a distress report at about 2:00 a.m. on May 23 concerning a fight between two residents identified as Sani Haruna and Bashiru Saidu at Bomo village in Bassa LGA.

Upon arrival at the scene, the troops reportedly found Sani Haruna with severe stab wounds allegedly inflicted by Bashiru Saidu during the altercation.

The victim was immediately evacuated to a medical facility in Miango for treatment but was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.

Following the incident, troops in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) launched a manhunt for the suspect.

Security sources said the suspect was subsequently arrested and taken into custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.

Authorities have assured residents of continued efforts to maintain peace and security across communities in Plateau State while urging citizens to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid violence.

Man Stabbed to Death Following Altercation in Plateau Community

Troops Rescue Abducted Victims, Arrest Collaborators, Record Surrenders in North-East Operations

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have recorded significant operational successes including the rescue of abducted civilians, arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators, recovery of weapons, and continued surrender of insurgents’ family members across the North-East theatre.

Security sources disclosed that the operations were conducted under Operation Desert Sanity V and other ongoing clearance missions aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities in the region.

In one of the major breakthroughs, troops operating along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State rescued four abducted persons comprising two women and two children.

The victims were identified as Salamatu Sidiq Ali (19), Halima Idrisa (20), Umar Abdullahi (3), and Mustapha Abdullahi (4), who were abducted during an attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026.

According to the sources, preliminary debrief indicated that the victims were held in a terrorist enclave before being freed following sustained military pressure on insurgent hideouts in the Mandara Mountains.

The rescued persons were later medically evaluated and reunited with their families through community leadership.

The sources added that a total of 65 abducted persons have so far been rescued in ongoing operations, while efforts are continuing to secure the release of others still in captivity.

In a related development, troops apprehended a suspected terrorist collaborator, identified as 50-year-old Mrs. Kellu Alhaji Abba, at a checkpoint in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area.

Items recovered from her included clothing materials and other supplies allegedly intended for delivery to a terrorist operative in the Dumba general area, according to preliminary investigation.

Similarly, troops arrested another suspected logistics supplier, Mr. Amadu Abdu (50), along the Dalori axis while transporting a large quantity of packaged items suspected to be intended for terrorist elements.

Investigations revealed that the suspect had been supplying logistics in exchange for access to grazing areas within terrorist-controlled zones. Items recovered included packaged goods, a mobile phone, a cutlass, suspected illicit substances, and cash.

Elsewhere, troops in conjunction with local hunters arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and terrorist collaborators at Kwaya Kusar Market. The suspects were found with stolen livestock and are currently under investigation.

The operation also recorded the surrender of individuals linked to Boko Haram/ISWAP, including Aishatu Sale (20), who surrendered in Bama Local Government Area, and Hauwa Abubakar (70), who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains.

The sources said the surrendered individuals attributed their decision to sustained military pressure and worsening living conditions in terrorist camps.

In another development, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and a loaded magazine along a suspected terrorist withdrawal route, further degrading insurgent operational capability.

Military authorities said the sustained successes demonstrate continued pressure on terrorist elements and reaffirmed commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the North-East region.

The Military High Command commended the troops for their operational performance and urged them to sustain the momentum in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign.

Troops Rescue Abducted Victims, Arrest Collaborators, Record Surrenders in North-East Operations