Three suspected accomplices allegedly kill kidnapped boy after ransom payment in Katsina
Three suspected accomplices allegedly kill kidnapped boy after ransom payment in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Three suspected accomplices in a kidnapping operation have allegedly killed a kidnapped boy after collecting ransom from his family in Jibiya Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to information provided to Zagazola Makama, the three suspects, all reportedly from the same community as the victim, allegedly conspired to kidnap a boy identified as Umar Sa’ad Moba and handed him over to a group of kidnappers who took him into the bush.
The kidnappers subsequently contacted the victim’s family, and after negotiations, the family reportedly paid millions of naira as ransom for his release.
Sources said the kidnappers later contacted the three suspects and handed the boy over to them with instructions to return him to his family after the ransom had been paid.
However, while transporting the victim home, the suspects allegedly realised that the boy knew their identities and could expose their involvement in the kidnapping operation.
They reportedly took the boy into the bush, killed him and abandoned his remains before leaving the area.
The victim’s family, having paid the ransom on Saturday but still not seeing their son by Tuesday, reportedly contacted the kidnappers to complain about the delay.
The kidnappers allegedly responded that they had handed the boy over to the three suspects on Saturday and said they would investigate what had happened.
The kidnappers subsequently devised a plan to lure the three suspects back to the area by telling them that additional ransom money had become available.
The suspects reportedly returned, believing they were going to collect more money, but were apprehended by the kidnappers.
During questioning, they allegedly disclosed what they had done with the victim.
The three suspects were subsequently killed by the kidnappers, according to the account.
The incident highlights the complex and dangerous relationships that can exist between kidnappers and their local collaborators, particularly where ransom payments, concealment of identities and fear of exposure are involved.
Troops arrest herder after alleged farm destruction in Plateau
Troops arrest herder after alleged farm destruction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested a herder and recovered one cow following a report of farm destruction in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 7, 2026, when troops responded to a report of farm destruction at Ruweinko village in Bassa LGA.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops arrested the herder and recovered one cow allegedly found in connection with the incident.
The suspect and the recovered animal were moved to the troops’ location for further investigation and necessary action.
Gunmen attack leaves one Berom man dead, and Fulani injured sporadic attack in Plateau
Gunmen attack leaves one Berom man dead, and Fulani injured sporadic attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
One Berom man was killed and while another Fulani man injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire around the Rentis axis of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Oct. 7, 2026, around the Kafi Abu–Kurra Falls road, where troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Gashish, responded to reports of sporadic gunfire.
The troops’ quick intervention forced the gunmen to flee the area.
During an exploitation of the location, the troops discovered the lifeless body of Mr. Pam Philip Alamba, a Berom from Nghar Yelwa village.
Another victim, identified as Mr. Ahmadu Gadido, a Fulani from Exland village, was found with a gunshot wound to the leg.
Gadido was evacuated to the General Hospital, Barkin Ladi, for medical treatment, while the remains of Alamba were deposited at a morgue.
Security forces have commenced a manhunt for the fleeing assailants as efforts continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
A new dimension appears to be emerging in the prolonged security crisis in Plateau State, with reports of armed gunmen carrying out attacks along roads and allegedly targeting Fulani travellers.
Security sources and local accounts indicate that the attacks, some of which have occurred along rural roads and isolated routes, are raising concerns that the conflict may be evolving beyond attacks on communities and farms into deliberate attempts to inflict casualties on people travelling through vulnerable corridors.
Some security sources have described the attackers as suspected mercenaries, although their identities, affiliations and motives have not been independently established.
Troops rescue man injured in alleged Fulani militia attack in Plateau
Troops rescue man injured in alleged Fulani militia attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued a 24-year-old man who was allegedly attacked by suspected Fulani militias along the Rarin–Sho road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Oct. 7, 2026, when troops deployed at Sho responded to a report of an attack on Mafeng Samuel, who was returning from a mining site.
The victim was reportedly attacked by suspected assailants while travelling along the road.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops rescued Samuel, who sustained machete cuts, alongside his motorcycle, while the attackers had fled the area.
The injured victim was evacuated to the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Sho, where he is receiving treatment and responding to medical care.
Meanwhile, troops have commenced offensive operations and a manhunt for the fleeing assailants within the general area.
GOC Dangana visits Sector 4 OPEP, inspects new soldiers’ accommodation in Plateau
GOC Dangana visits Sector 4 OPEP, inspects new soldiers’ accommodation in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Major General William M. Dangana, has visited Headquarters Sector 4 OPEP in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the GOC arrived at the Sector Headquarters at about 10:13 a.m. on Oct. 7, 2026, where he was received by the Sector Commander, Col. V.O. Asuquo.
During the visit, the Sector Commander briefed the GOC on the prevailing security situation and ongoing operations within the area of responsibility.
Maj. Gen. Dangana thereafter inspected a newly constructed four-room accommodation facility for soldiers at the Sector Headquarters.
The GOC commended the Sector Commander for the initiative and efforts towards improving the welfare and living conditions of personnel.
Troops arrest herder after alleged farm destruction in Plateau
Troops arrest herder after alleged farm destruction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested a herder and recovered one cow following a report of farm destruction in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 7, 2026, when troops responded to a report of farm destruction at Ruweinko village in Bassa LGA.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops arrested the herder and recovered one cow allegedly found in connection with the incident.
The suspect and the recovered animal were moved to the troops’ location for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops discover illegal crude oil refining site, recover 1,300 litres of stolen crude in Rivers
Troops discover illegal crude oil refining site, recover 1,300 litres of stolen crude in Rivers
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have discovered two illegal refining sites and recovered about 1,300 litres of stolen crude oil in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the discovery was made at about 1:50 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2026, during an anti-illegal bunkering operation at Okarki Forest.
The troops discovered two illegal refining sites containing equipment used for the illicit processing of crude oil.
Recovered items included one drum oven, one reservoir, one coolant, one plastic bucket, a 15-metre-long pipe and 25 sacks containing about 1,300 litres of stolen crude oil.
The sources said the recovered items were handled in accordance with extant regulations.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
Troops intercept cattle after reported farmland destruction in Plateau
Troops intercept cattle after reported farmland destruction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have intercepted a cow following a report of farmland destruction along the Gate 4, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) road in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:45 p.m. on Oct. 6, when troops deployed at Lamingo responded to a report of destruction of farmland belonging to 36-year-old Mr Izang Igyem.
The troops, upon arrival at the scene, intercepted one cow, while the herder reportedly fled after sighting the security personnel.
The recovered cattle was moved to the troops’ location for further action and an amicable resolution of the matter.
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims during operations in Plateau
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims during operations in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued six kidnapped victims during separate encounters with suspected terrorists in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that at about noon on Oct. 6, troops deployed at Kukawa responded to information on the movement of suspected terrorists towards Wanka Village in Wase LGA.
The troops’ swift intervention forced the terrorists to flee on motorcycles. During exploitation of the area, the troops rescued two kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
The victims were identified as 14-year-old Muhammed Jibo and 12-year-old Muhammed Yahaya. They told the troops that they were kidnapped on Sept. 6 while on their way to meet their father at a farm in Dadin Kowa Village, Kanam Local Government Area.
In a separate operation at about 11:00 a.m. the same day, troops deployed at Yuli on fighting patrol made contact with suspected terrorists on the outskirts of Yuli Village in Wase LGA.
During the encounter, the terrorists abandoned four kidnapped victims and fled into the forest.
The rescued victims were identified as Yakubu Yahaya, 25; Yahuza Dapji, 22; Yahaya Jibo, 20; and Sani Abubakar, 18, all from Dadin Kowa Village in Kanam LGA.
The four victims were handed over to the Village Head of Yuli for further necessary action.
Troops have continued offensive operations and routine patrols across the OPEP Joint Operations Area to safeguard schools, communities and other critical national infrastructure.
The morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain satisfactory.
Troops arrest alleged terrorist collaborators, nine others in Damaturu
Troops arrest alleged terrorist collaborators, nine others in Damaturu
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 233 Tank Battalion have arrested nine suspected terrorist collaborators during a covert operation in Damaturu, Yobe State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 11:20 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected terrorist collaboration network operating within the Damaturu metropolis.
The troops apprehended the alleged syndicate leader alongside eight other members during the operation.
Items recovered from the suspects included one vehicle, 10 mobile phones, seven ATM cards, seven caps, two cartons of dried fish and ₦376,400 in cash.
The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to Headquarters Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai, for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrests are expected to assist ongoing efforts to identify the network’s activities, contacts and possible links to terrorist elements operating in the North-East.
Troops arrest high-profile terrorist after sneaking into Magumeri town
Troops arrest high-profile terrorist after sneaking into Magumeri town
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 109 Special Forces Battalion, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected high-profile terrorist in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Madumaki Modugai, was tracked and apprehended at about 10:45 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2026, in Magumeri town following intelligence-led operations.
The suspect was said to have sneaked into the town, triggering panic and tension among residents who became apprehensive over his presence.
His arrest, however, helped to calm the situation and restore confidence among the locals.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect had allegedly been operating around the fringes of the Lake Chad region and Niger Republic.
Residents and local vigilantes also reportedly told security personnel that the suspect had been involved in terrorist-related activities for about four years.
The suspect remains in military custody for further interrogation and necessary action, while security agencies are expected to investigate his activities, movements and possible links with terrorist networks operating around the Lake Chad basin.
Troops rescue two female abductees who escaped terrorist enclave in Mandara Mountains
Troops rescue two female abductees who escaped terrorist enclave in Mandara Mountains
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 192 Battalion (M) have rescued two female abductees who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims were intercepted at about 8:15 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2026, around the Kuranabasa axis of Gwoza Local Government Area.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the two women had escaped from the Chikede terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains before making their way towards the Kuranabasa area.
The rescued victims are currently in military custody while efforts are ongoing to establish contact with their families and reunite them safely.
The development comes amid continued military operations aimed at disrupting terrorist activities and facilitating the escape and recovery of civilians held in captivity in the Mandara Mountains.
N101m defamation judgment debt: A/Court begins hearing SERAP's appeal Friday
N101m defamation judgment debt: A/Court begins hearing SERAP's appeal Friday
By: Zagazola Makama
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has scheduled hearing for Friday in the appeal filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in relation to the May 5 judgment given against the group by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Information about the planned hearing date is contained in a notice sent on Wednesday by the appellate court's Registry to parties in the appeal marked: CA/ABJ/CV/1114/2026.
Justice Halilu Yusuf of the High Court of the FCT had, in the May 5 judgment, awarded N101million in damages and cost against SERAP and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare upon holding that they defamed two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) through a false publication it made on September 10, 2024.
The judgment was on the suit marked: CV/4547/2024 filed by the DSS officials - Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele - who accused SERAP and Oluwadare of making false claims in publications on the group's website and social media platforms that the claimants invaded their Abuja office on September 9, 2024 and subjected them to harassment.
Justice Halilu Yusuf held among others that claimants led sufficient evidence that effectively established all the ingredients of defamation.
Justice Yusuf rejected that defence of justification raised by SERAP and Oluwadare on the grounds that they failed to provide evidence that their publications were not based on falsehood.
The judge noted that the words like invasion, forceful entry and harassment were used inaccurately, the defendants having admitted at trial that the DSS officials did not forcefully enter into SERAP's premises and did not brandish any weapon
He held that the publications made by the defendants injured the reputation of the claimants in their professional capacity and standing in the society.
Justice Yusuf said: "Having been unable to establish invasion and harassment, the defence of justification fails. There is no doubt that the publication affected the claimants mentally and psychologically."
The judge said, going forward, it was necessary for care and due diligence on the part of SERAP and its officials before releasing information to the public.
He added that in the exercise of their right to tweet and send information out, the defendants should be aware of the rights of others, particularly as it relates to government agencies and their officials.
The judge dismissed the objection raised by the defendants against the competence of the suit and held that the claimants possessed the requisite locus standi to file the suit over which the court has the jurisdiction to entertain.
He held that as against the defendants' argument, the claimants must not be named in the publication complained about for defamation to be established.
Justice Yusuf noted that from when the claimants complained about the inaccuracy of the publications, the defendants failed to take any steps to pull down the injurious publication.
He proceeded to adjudge the publications as defamatory and awarded damages of N100million against the defendants in addition to N1m as cost of prosecuting the suit.
The judge also ordered the defendants to publish a public apology on SERAP's website, X handle, two national daily newspapers and two television stations.
He held that the judgment sum shall attract 10 percent interest per annum from the date of the judgment until the sum is fully paid by the defendants.
Troops kill one terrorist, capture another in Yobe
Troops kill one terrorist, capture another in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 159 Battalion, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised one suspected terrorist and captured another during a fighting patrol in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops engaged the terrorists at about 12:05 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2026, at Abakuradi village in Geidam LGA.
During the encounter, the troops neutralised one terrorist, while another was captured alive.
The troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle from the terrorists.
The captured suspect is currently in military custody for further interrogation and necessary action.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist logistics supplier with motorcycle parts in Damasak
Troops arrest suspected terrorist logistics supplier with motorcycle parts in Damasak
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 5 Brigade, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier at Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 2:00 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2026, at the Delta Gate entrance of Damasak.
During the operation, the troops recovered one mobile phone and several motorcycle spare parts suspected to be intended for logistical support.
The recovered items included four motorcycle batteries, two brake pedals, one brake shoe, three gear selectors, two packs of indicator lights, two handle grips, two switches with wires, two clutch handles, five hand pumps, four pistons, three cartons of Borris and five headlamp bulbs.
The suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Seven-year terrorist fighter surrenders to troops in Monguno
Seven-year terrorist fighter surrenders to troops in Monguno
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected terrorist fighter, who claimed to have spent about seven years with a terrorist group, has surrendered to troops of 242 Reconnaissance Battalion in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorist surrendered at about 9:50 a.m. on Oct. 5, 2026, at Charlie 7, Monguno.
The sources said the man claimed to have escaped from a terrorist camp in Tumbuma village, Marte Local Government Area, citing poor feeding conditions and loss of interest in terrorist activities.
During preliminary debriefing, the surrendered fighter allegedly confessed to participating in several attacks on military bases around Ran, Sairam, Wulgo and Marte areas.
The surrendered fighter was subsequently handed over to Sector 3 Military Intelligence Battalion (MIB) for further profiling, debriefing and necessary action.
His surrender is expected to provide security agencies with additional intelligence on terrorist activities, camps and movements within the Lake Chad region.
Troops recover motorcycle, 30 jerrycans of petrol hidden in abandoned hut in Adamawa
Troops recover motorcycle, 30 jerrycans of petrol hidden in abandoned hut in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 have recovered a motorcycle and 30 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in an abandoned hut in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the items were discovered at about 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 4, 2026, during a routine patrol around Minkissi in Michika LGA.
The troops reportedly found the motorcycle and the 30 jerrycans containing PMS hidden inside the abandoned structure.
The recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops, NDLEA arrest 11 suspected drug peddlers in Yobe
Troops, NDLEA arrest 11 suspected drug peddlers in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
roops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Potiskum, in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested 11 suspected drug peddlers during a joint raid operation in Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 2:00 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2026, following a coordinated raid on Ganda, Wudil and Degubi Bare Bari communities in Fika LGA.
The troops and NDLEA personnel apprehended 11 suspects during the operation and recovered suspected illicit drugs, including cannabis, Tramadol capsules, Diazepam and Exol tablets.
The sources said the suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA office in Potiskum for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The operation is part of ongoing joint efforts by security and law-enforcement agencies to disrupt the illicit drug trade and prevent the circulation of controlled substances in the North-East.
Troops repel massive ISWAP attack on Kukawa military base, kill over 25 terrorists
Troops repel massive ISWAP attack on Kukawa military base, kill over 25 terrorists
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 101 Special Forces Battalion in Kukawa, Borno State, have successfully repelled a major attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists who attempted to overrun the military position from four different directions.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred between about 9:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday night, when a large number of terrorists launched a coordinated assault on the troops’ location.
The troops, supported by the Air Component, fought back fiercely and successfully defeated the attackers after a prolonged exchange of fire.
The sources said the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with more than 25 fighters neutralised, while troops had so far recovered 14 bodies from the battlefield.
They added that troops also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from the fleeing terrorists, including six AK-47 rifles.
However, the military also suffered casualties during the fierce engagement, with some soldiers killed and others sustaining injuries.
Following the successful repulsion of the attack, the Brigade Commander moved to the area to coordinate the readjustment of the defensive posture, replenishment of troops and equipment, and further exploitation of the battlefield.
The development underscores the continued determination of Nigerian troops to prevent terrorist groups from gaining ground in the Kukawa axis and other parts of the Lake Chad region.
Further details on the casualties, recovered weapons and ongoing exploitation operations are expected as the military completes its assessment.
Two arrested over separate assault cases in Jos North
Two arrested over separate assault cases in Jos North
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested two suspects over separate assault incidents in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the first incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 at Baduo Community, where troops responded to a report of an assault and arrested a 17-year-old girl, identified as Miss Aliyah Suleiman.
The suspect reportedly attacked Mr Nanle James with a pistol, hitting him on the forehead and inflicting injuries.
The victim was initially rushed to COCIN Hospital, Busa Buji, before he was referred to the Plateau State Hospital for further medical attention.
In a separate incident at about 10:00 p.m. the same day, troops arrested a 35-year-old man, Mr Philip Gambo, of Yelwan Zangam, Jos North, for allegedly assaulting a 30-year-old man, Mr Abdulhamid Abubakar, with a machete.
The victim was evacuated to A-Anun Hospital for medical treatment.
The two suspects remain in custody and are expected to be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Troops recover 20 cows, 10 sheep after farmer assaulted in Plateau
Troops recover 20 cows, 10 sheep after farmer assaulted in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have recovered 20 cows and 10 sheep following a reported farm encroachment and assault incident at Marit Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:04 p.m. on Oct. 5, when troops responded to a report that Fulani herders had allegedly entered and destroyed crops belonging to a farmer, Mr Monday Musa.
The troops, upon arrival at the location, found Musa injured after he reportedly attempted to drive the herders out of his farm.
The troops subsequently intercepted 20 cows and 10 sheep, while the herders reportedly fled the area.
The recovered livestock were moved to a safe location for further necessary action, while the injured farmer was evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Further investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify the fleeing herders.
Two tipper crew members killed in isolated sporadic shooting by Militia in Plateau
Two tipper crew members killed in isolated sporadic shooting by Militia in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Two men have been killed in an isolated sporadic shooting by local militia elements in the Gero area of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 when troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed at Gero, responded to a report of sporadic shooting on high ground in the area.
The troops, upon arrival at the location, discovered two corpses identified as Mr Sani Mohammed and Mr Luka Bature, 50, both bearing gunshot wounds.
The deceased were reportedly the driver and conductor of a tipper vehicle.
Their remains were evacuated to a mortuary, while troops commenced offensive operations and a manhunt for the assailants.
Security forces are continuing efforts to track down those responsible for the attack.
Troops foil political disturbance as ADC supporters burn APC symbols in Kaduna
Troops foil political disturbance as ADC supporters burn APC symbols in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have intervened to prevent a political disturbance at Kafanchan Township in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 5, when troops responded to a report of a political disturbance in the area.
On arrival, the troops found members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) burning brooms, the symbol of the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside APC campaign posters in what sources described as a symbolic act.
A Keystone security response team had earlier moved to the location, but the situation reportedly escalated, prompting the troops to intervene immediately to restore normalcy and prevent further escalation.
The troops dispersed the crowd, halted the burning of party symbols and cordoned off the area.
The situation was subsequently brought under control, while security personnel remained on ground to prevent a resurgence of the disturbance.
Five suspected kidnappers killed during encounter with troops in Kaduna
Five suspected kidnappers killed during encounter with troops in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Five suspected kidnappers and criminals previously arrested by troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have been killed during an encounter with members of their alleged criminal syndicate in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the five suspects were arrested on Oct. 2 and Oct. 5 by troops of Sub-Sector 71 in Sanga LGA and were subjected to further interrogation.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to involvement in several kidnapping incidents and other criminal activities. They subsequently agreed to lead the troops to their hideouts to facilitate the recovery of weapons and the arrest of other members of the syndicate.
However, at about 8:22 p.m. on Oct. 5, while the troops were heading to the suspected hideouts, they encountered other members of the syndicate, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
During the encounter, the five arrested suspects were killed, while other members of the syndicate fled the area.
No casualty was recorded among the troops.
Security forces have commenced efforts to locate and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal syndicate.
Troops foil armed robbery attempt in Plateau, recover spent ammunition
Troops foil armed robbery attempt in Plateau, recover spent ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attempted armed robbery at Mista Ali in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:02 p.m. on Oct. 4, when troops responded to reports of sporadic shooting by suspected armed robbers in the area.
The troops’ swift intervention forced the criminals to abandon their mission and flee the scene.
A subsequent exploitation of the area revealed that the suspected robbers had attempted to attack a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator identified as Mr Jamilu Bawa.
During the incident, one Dayyabu Mohammed sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and was evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical treatment.
Troops recovered four empty 7.62 x 39mm ammunition shells from the scene.
Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Kidnappers kill Keystone personnel, abduct two women in Jos South
Kidnappers kill Keystone personnel, abduct two women in Jos South
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected kidnappers have killed a Keystone security personnel and abducted two women during an attack on the residence of retired AIG Makama at Gura Top in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:10 p.m. on Oct. 4, when troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to a report of suspected kidnapping activities at the residence.
The troops, upon arrival, discovered that the criminals had shot dead a Keystone personnel identified as Insp. Arum, who was guarding the residence.
The attackers also abducted the man’s wife, Mrs Shake Makama, and his sister, Peace Makama.
Troops, alongside Keystone personnel from the Plateau State Command, have commenced rescue operations in the general area as efforts continue to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victims.
Troops rescue kidnapped victim after pursuing terrorists in Plateau
Troops rescue kidnapped victim after pursuing terrorists in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued a kidnapped victim after pursuing suspected terrorists around Gomma Daji Village in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on Oct. 5, when troops deployed at Kukawa responded to information on the movement of suspected terrorists on the outskirts of Gomma Daji.
The troops initiated pursuit, but the terrorists reportedly fled on motorcycles after sighting the advancing troops.
During exploitation of the area, the troops rescued a kidnapped victim who had been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
The victim was identified as 25-year-old Imrana Usman from Zallamg Village in Kanam Local Government Area. He was reportedly abducted near Gomma Daji.
The rescued victim was subsequently handed over to his relative, Mr Sadu Dalhatu.
Troops have continued to dominate the general area through sustained offensive operations aimed at preventing the terrorists from regrouping and carrying out further attacks.
Suspected cattle rustlers injure youth in isolated attack in Plateau
Suspected cattle rustlers injure youth in isolated attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A youth has sustained injuries after he was reportedly attacked by suspected Fulani cattle rustlers at Bakkanuk Village in Forof District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:50 a.m. on Oct. 5, when troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to a report of an attack on a VGN youth identified as Mr Kamaillo Godfrey Benedict.
The troops, upon arrival at the location, found the victim with injuries, while the suspected attackers had fled the area.
Benedict was evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical treatment.
Troops have commenced efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.
Troops arrest three suspected kidnappers in Kaduna
Troops arrest three suspected kidnappers in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested three suspected kidnappers at Ungwan Haruna Village in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were arrested at about 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 5 by troops deployed at the Wasa Station.
The suspects were identified as 25-year-old Nura Manu, 26-year-old Alhassan Yari Samaila and 28-year-old Abdullahi Abubakar.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were on the wanted list of security agencies over their alleged involvement in kidnapping activities within Sanga Local Government Area and neighbouring communities.
The suspects remain in custody and are undergoing interrogation as security agencies work to establish their wider involvement in kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
Troops kill five Falani bandits, including Kingpin “Baban Love” in Zamfara clash
Troops kill five Falani bandits, including Kingpin “Baban Love” in Zamfara clash
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have reportedly killed at least five suspected bandits, including two notorious figures identified as Baban Love and Mai Zamani, during a gun battle in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Sources said that the bandit kingpin also known as Baban Love, who was reportedly operating with his gang around Gunja, had moved with his fighters when they encountered security personnel, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
According to the information, the security forces eventually overpowered the bandits, killing at least five of them during the encounter.
Mai Zamani was identified as the younger brother of Idi Mai Randa, another suspected bandit who was killed about five months ago.
Residents of Kwarin Ganuwa reportedly celebrated the news of the deaths of Baban Love and Mai Zamani, with their vehicles said to have been recovered and being paraded around the community amid celebrations.
The incident occurred in the western axis of Tsafe Local Government Area, an area that has witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to establish the identities of the other casualties and assess the weapons and other items recovered from the bandits.
These are stories of Fulani communities that many people would never want the public to see.
These are stories of Fulani communities that many people would never want the public to see.
Local militias raid their homes, burn houses, steal valuables and livestock, and sometimes slaughter the stolen animals to make pepper soup and sell those that were rustled, occasionally with the knowledge or cooperation of people in the host communities. Then everyone goes back to business as usual and pretends as if nothing happened.
But when some victims eventually retaliate after repeated attacks, the script suddenly changes. It is then that you will start hearing labels like they are Islamist terrorists allegedly bent on wiping out Christians and hoisting their flag in our land. Which flag, bro? You guys are thieves.
The painful reality of the Plateau crisis is that violence rarely begins in a vacuum. Every incident has a history, a trigger and root causes. Anyone telling you this is simply a religious war is lying to you. Anyone telling you that someone was planning to come and chase you out and take over your land is lying to you. They are arming you with propaganda in order to continue fighting and hating each other.
Much of what is happening is criminality being weaponized along ethnic and religious lines, and ordinary civilians on all sides are paying the price. While the criminals just walk away.
The irony of the matter is that some people are hell-bent on cashing out on the crises. Every day, we see NGOs making appeals for the people they term persecuted Christians in Nigeria, but how much have they given back to the people? Some of those communities were among the most underdeveloped.
This is why it is very easy for your politicians to hide under the guise of championing your cause to continue to win elections without doing anything. Likewise, the state government. Have they built good schools and hospitals? How many people have they lifted from poverty? What are the programmes initiated to get the youths involved in meaningful activities rather than engaging in mining and alcoholism, thuggery or criminality?
Few people are cashing out on the crises in the international community while telling you to endure, hoping that they will come one day to help you chased out the Fulan’s. When will you start asking simple questions like? If the international community claims they really care about us, why haven’t they acted despite all the reporter killings?
All you will continue to hear is condemnation, speeches and Terror threats Alarms 🚨 while some people continue to use your videos to promote the foreign NGO that is cashing out on your plight. They will never solve your problems. Anyone telling you that the whole Fulani will be eliminated or sent out of Plateau for you to live in peace is lying to you. Nobody has the power to expel anybody out of a place he only knew as a home. There is no exit route to the violence.
The only thing that can end the crisis is when you say you are tired of all this nonsense.
Plateau government finally admits attack on Fulani traders when suddenly silence is no longer an option
Plateau government finally admits attack on Fulani traders when suddenly silence is no longer an option
By: Zagazola Makama
Something rather unusual happened in Plateau today. The Plateau State Government actually condemned an attack on Fulani traders.
Yes, Fulani traders, although the official statement carefully introduced them as simply “traders,” perhaps because mentioning the word Fulani might make the incident slightly more uncomfortable for some people.
The attack on traders returning from the Kara Livestock Market in Bukuru left one person dead and seven others injured after their vehicle came under gunfire.
The government’s reaction is welcome. But it also leaves one wondering: Why does the government seem to become more interested in an attack only after it has become impossible to pretend it did not happen?
For years, the public has watched a familiar script unfold. An attack happens. Nobody wants to talk too much about it. Then there is a reprisal. Suddenly, the state becomes extremely concerned, press statements appear. Condolences are issued. The Governor personally visits the scene and tells them, “Nobody can take over your land,” while security agencies are urged to act. And the reprisal becomes the headline.
The government’s statement referred to the victims as “traders.” Nothing wrong with that, technically. But everyone knows who these particular traders were. They were peaceful Fulani pastoralists returning from a livestock market. So why the linguistic gymnastics? Is “Fulani” now one of those dangerous words that must be handled with protective gloves? If the victims had been identified as members of the Berom or Mwaghavul community, would their identity have been equally inconvenient?
And there’s this funny thing about the information ecosystem and propaganda platforms in Plateau. When the incident occurred, many Plateau-based platforms were quick to circulate claims pointing accusing fingers at Fulani militia attacking locals, with some calling for quick intervention. Then the narrative was convenient.
But when subsequent information reportedly pointed in another direction, including allegations involving suspected Berom militia, the same enthusiasm disappeared. The microphones became silent. And, rather mysteriously, the internet developed a severe case of selective mutism. The same platforms that had been shouting suddenly discovered the beauty of silence. The headlines vanished. The outrage suddenly lost its urgency. They pretended not to see the attack again. Why? Because the victims are Fulani.
Apparently, when the suspected attacker is Fulani, everyone becomes an investigative journalist. When the allegation points elsewhere, everyone suddenly remembers the importance of waiting for security agencies to investigate.
It is almost as if somebody is waiting for the second half of the tragedy because it fits the preferred narrative better.
Of course, there is another subject that nobody seems particularly enthusiastic about discussing: “cattle rustling”. And somehow, the subject continues to receive considerably less attention from government of Plateau state. On a daily basis, hundreds of livestock are allegedly stolen from Fulani herders in Plateau by militia groups. Hundreds of others are killed on a daily basis.
And here is the script: “You attack a pastoralist, steal his cattle, destroy his livelihood and then act surprised when the community becomes angry and carries out a reprisal. You then subsequently use the anger generated by that crime as proof that the original victim was the aggressor.” You will even hear some of the youth leaders always saying, “Just because they kill their cows, does that give him the right to attack us?” Let’s simply rearrange the chronology of the crimes in Plateau. If a Fulani person commits a crime today, he must face the law and pay heavy compensation. Infact, the Governor had issued a directive that any herder caught destroying farmland should be nutrialised.
But on the contrary, If a Berom person or any plateau local commits a crime by attacking a Fulani and killing their livestock, the next day, women will protest his arrest and demand that he must be released. In fact, the new name for criminals in Berom communities is “Defenders of the Land.”
At the same time, if a Mwaghavul person commits a crime, he must not face the law. And if any journalist should carry the report like Zagazola, ahh, that one is the spokesperson of the bandits. In this context, who are the bandits?
The innocent people that suffered the initial attack that led to the arrest of the Mwaghavul militia. In many Plateau communities, criminality means patriotism because the criminal belongs to the Berom ethnic group.
The government’s condemnation of the Bukuru attack is therefore welcome. But condemnation alone is not enough. If they really want to end this madness, they must also identify the attackers and take them out. They must expose anyone financing violence through stolen livestock or other criminal proceeds.
Most importantly, the government must resist the temptation to treat justice as a popularity contest. The question should never be, “Which community do we want to defend?”
Because if the state continues to condemn only the violence that fits its preferred narrative, then everybody will eventually become an expert at playing victim while the criminals quietly continue doing business.
MACBAN urges security agencies to recover 160 cows rustled by Berom Militia in Plateau
MACBAN urges security agencies to recover 160 cows rustled by Berom Militia in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau North chapter, has appealed to the Plateau State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to recover 160 cows allegedly rustled in Dogo Nahawa and currently being hidden within Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The cows, belonging to Alhaji Abdullahi Ado Foron and Abdullahi Ardo Umaru, were reportedly rustled on Sept. 30, with credible information indicating that the animals had been moved to Ntaduk area of Fan District.
In a statement, the Zonal Chairman of MACBAN, Plateau North, Mr Abubakar Gambo, said reliable information had established the current location of the cows at Ntaduk, Fan District.
Gambo alleged that the rustling was carried out by suspected Berom youth militia, adding that an effort by security personnel to recover the animals on Sunday was unsuccessful.
He appealed to the Plateau State Government, the military and other security agencies to intensify their search and recovery operation to prevent the situation from escalating.
According to him, recovering the animals would not only protect the property of the affected owners but also help prevent the incident from becoming another trigger for retaliatory attacks and further violence in the state.
He urged all parties to exercise restraint and allow security agencies to recover the animals through lawful means.
16-Year-Old Girl Killed While Returning From River in Plateau
16-Year-Old Girl Killed While Returning From River in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A 16-year-old girl, identified as Salomi Ishaya, has been killed by unidentified assailants while returning from a river in Luwaran village, Kawam District, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Oct. 4, 2026, when troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), based in Jengre, responded to a report of an attack and killing in the community.
The sources said troops arrived at the location and found the victim’s corpse, while the suspected assailants had fled the area.
The victim’s body was evacuated and deposited at the mortuary of the SDA Hospital Mission in Jengre.
Security personnel, working in collaboration with Keystone Security operatives in Jengre, have commenced efforts to track down and apprehend those responsible for the killing.
The motive for the attack was not immediately established, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Two Local Vigilantes Killed, Three Injured Fulani Militia in Attack in Plateau
Two Local Vigilantes Killed, Three Injured Fulani Militia in Attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Two local vigilante youths have been killed and three others injured in an attack by suspected Fulani militias in Angwan Sarki village, Mangor District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Oct. 5, 2026, when troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to a report of an attack on local vigilante youths in the community.
The sources said troops arrived at the scene and discovered the bodies of two victims identified as Japhet Philimon and Nuhu Iliya.
Three other victims sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and were evacuated to the Cottage Hospital in Bokkos for medical treatment.
The attackers had reportedly fled the area before the arrival of the troops.
The troops have commenced offensive operations and a manhunt for the suspected assailants in an effort to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The latest incident comes amid continued security concerns in parts of Plateau State, where isolated attacks have continued to threaten local communities and security volunteers.
Troops Neutralise BHT Fighter, Capture Another in Yobe
Troops Neutralise BHT Fighter, Capture Another in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised one Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) fighter and captured another during an operation in Abakuradi Village, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 12:05 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, following credible intelligence on the movement of Boko Haram elements in the area.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the location and made contact with the terrorists.
During the encounter, one BHT fighter was neutralised, while another was captured alive. Several other terrorists reportedly fled the scene with varying degrees of injuries.
The troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and one magazine from the fleeing terrorists.
The captured suspect is currently in custody for further investigation, while troops are continuing efforts to track the wounded and fleeing terrorists.
FG Confirms 32 People Aboard Military Aircraft That Crashed in Ondo
FG Confirms 32 People Aboard Military Aircraft That Crashed in Ondo
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Government has confirmed that 32 people, 25 passengers and seven crew members were onboard a military aircraft that crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the figure on X following the crash of the aircraft, which was en route from Benin to Lagos.
The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, reportedly disappeared from radio contact at about 9:13 a.m. before information later confirmed that it had crashed in the Igbokoda area.
The wreckage has been located, while search and rescue operations are ongoing.
More update
NAF Launches Search and Rescue After ATR-42 Aircraft Accident in Ondo
NAF Launches Search and Rescue After ATR-42 Aircraft Accident in Ondo
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation following an aircraft accident involving an ATR-42 in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The accident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026, while the aircraft was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Force said Search and Rescue operations were ongoing in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
“The Nigerian Air Force is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing Search and Rescue efforts,” the statement said.
The NAF did not provide further details on the circumstances of the accident or the condition of those onboard.
It said further details would be communicated as the Search and Rescue operation progresses.
Plateau Government Condemns Attack on Fulani Traders at Kara Market, Orders Investigation
Plateau Government Condemns Attack on Fulani Traders at Kara Market, Orders Investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Government has condemned the attack on traders returning from the Kara Livestock Market in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, describing the incident as sad and unacceptable.
The government, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, said it had directed security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the identities and motives of those responsible.
The incident involved traders identified as Fulani pastoralists who were returning from the Bukuru Kara Livestock Market when their vehicle came under gunfire around the State Low-Cost Housing area of Bukuru.
The attack left one person dead and seven others injured, according to a security report. The victims were evacuated for medical treatment.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang expressed condolences to the families of those affected and urged residents to remain calm while security agencies conduct their investigation.
The government said it was particularly concerned about protecting lives and property within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis and had directed relevant agencies to strengthen security along vulnerable routes to prevent further attacks.
It called on communities, traders, pastoralists and other stakeholders to resist attempts to escalate tensions or deepen existing divisions.
“There must be no room for reprisal attacks or the taking of the law into individual hands,” the government said.
The government also urged residents to provide credible information to security authorities that could assist in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the attack.
It reaffirmed its commitment to creating a peaceful environment where all law-abiding residents can live, work and conduct legitimate businesses without fear.
The government further appealed to citizens to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities while investigations into the incident continue.
NAF ATR-42 Aircraft Crashes in Igbokoda, Ondo State
NAF ATR-42 Aircraft Crashes in Igbokoda, Ondo State
By: Zagazola Makama
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft has been involved in an accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the incident, saying it had immediately activated Search and Rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
The circumstances surrounding the accident, including the number of personnel onboard and possible casualties, were not immediately disclosed.
Search and Rescue operations are ongoing.
How Berom Militia Attack Fulani Traders in Mass Shooting Along Bukuru Expressway, Plateau
How Berom Militia Attack Fulani Traders in Mass Shooting Along Bukuru Expressway, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected Berom militia reportedly opened fire on a vehicle conveying Fulani traders returning from Kara Market along the Bukuru Expressway in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing one person and injuring seven others.
The attack occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, around the Total Filling Station Roundabout, Bukuru, when the open-body vehicle carrying about 20 passengers came under sporadic gunfire.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed in Bukuru, responded to the shooting and found eight victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
One of the victims, identified as Musa Abubakar, was confirmed dead, while Ibrahim Aliyu, Abdullahi Aliyu, Abdullahi Saidu, Abdussalam Saidu, Faisal Gambo, Abdussalam Yau and Adam Umar sustained injuries.
The victims were evacuated to the 3 Division Hospital for medical treatment, while security personnel launched efforts to track down the fleeing attackers.
The Plateau State Police Command also confirmed the shooting, saying preliminary investigation showed that the vehicle was conveying traders returning from Kara Market.
The Command said seven injured victims had so far been traced to the Military Clinic at Rukuba Barracks, where they were receiving treatment.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Investigations to take full charge of the investigation and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
The latest shooting has raised serious concerns over emerging pattern of attacks against Fulani civilians and traders around the Jos-Bukuru axis.
The incident came after two other reported attacks involving Fulani communities, including an earlier attack in which armed men dressed in black reportedly invaded a Fulani settlement, killed two children and shot about 38 cattle.
Another reported attack targeted Fulani traders returning from a livestock market, further heightening fears among members of the community who now say they feel increasingly vulnerable of attack by elements from the host local communities.
The apparent concentration of attacks against members of one ethnic community has further drawn attention of whether militia elements could be exploiting existing ethnic tensions in Plateau to deliberately inflict mass casualties.
Security analysts told Zagazola Makama that the repeated attacks, particularly those involving groups of civilians travelling together, warrant deeper intelligence investigation into tracking the perpetrators.
Leaving this to slide as just another attack could add another dangerous layer to the Plateau conflict, as targeted attacks against individuals from a particular ethnic community risk creating an environment in which ordinary civilians begin to feel unsafe regardless of where they travel or carry out lawful activities.
14-Year-Old Child Drowns as Second Remains Missing in Yobe River
14-Year-Old Child Drowns as Second Remains Missing in Yobe River
By: Zagazola Makama
A 14-year-old boy has drowned after two children were swept away by a river in Dapchi community, Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The incident occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, at Unguwar Bulama Alhaji Ahmadu in Dapchi.
Community sources said the two children were swept away by the river, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation involving state and local government emergency teams, as well as local divers.
One of the children, identified as Goni Mustapha, 14, was recovered from the water at about 5:00 p.m.
However, efforts were ongoing to locate the second child as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has renewed concerns over the dangers posed by swollen rivers and other water bodies, particularly during the rainy season when water levels and currents can rise rapidly.
Residents, particularly parents and guardians, have been urged to ensure that children do not play or swim near rivers and streams without adult supervision.
Members of the public have also been advised not to attempt to cross fast-flowing or swollen rivers and to immediately alert rescue teams or community leaders whenever a person falls into a water body.
Authorities and community leaders are expected to continue the search for the missing child while efforts are made to prevent similar incidents in the community.
Troops Foil ISWAP Moves, Defuse Three IEDs Along Major Borno Routes
Troops Foil ISWAP Moves, Defuse Three IEDs Along Major Borno Routes
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI ave thwarted suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) activities and neutralised three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along major routes in Borno State in separate operations.
The operations, conducted across Gwoza, Dikwa and Damboa axes, drew attention to the continuing efforts by the military to deny terrorists freedom of movement and prevent attacks on troops, commuters and civilians in the state.
On Oct. 2, the troops engaged a suspected ISWAP reconnaissance team along the Molai-Damboa main supply route in Damboa Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops engaged the suspected terrorists, forcing them to retreat from the area.
In another operation the following day, troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade, Garrison, discovered an IED along the Gwoza-Wala-Warabe-Pulka route in Gwoza Local Government Area.
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was immediately deployed and safely detonated the device in situ, preventing a potential threat to road users and troops operating along the route.
Also on Oct. 3, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, Garrison, discovered another IED near Bale village along the Dikwa-Ajiri main supply route.
The EOD team subsequently safely detonated the device in situ.
A third explosive device was discovered later that day by troops following information about a suspected IED planted in a farm along the Pulka-Gwoza road.
The EOD team located and safely detonated the pressure-plate IED without casualties.
The series of operations occurred within a 24-hour period and involved major routes linking communities across the northern and central parts of Borno.
The repeated discovery of explosive devices along key routes suggests an attempt by terrorists to restrict movement, disrupt logistics and endanger security forces and civilians using the roads.
Military sources said the successful detection and neutralisation of the devices demonstrated the importance of sustained route-clearance operations, intelligence gathering and vigilance by troops and local residents.
The military has continued to intensify operations across Borno to disrupt terrorist movements, deny them access to strategic routes and protect communities affected by the insurgency.
Troops Arrest 14 Suspected ISWAP Collaborators Along Illegal Route in Yobe
Troops Arrest 14 Suspected ISWAP Collaborators Along Illegal Route in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade have arrested 14 suspected terrorists’ collaborators and smugglers along an illegal route in Kanama, Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were intercepted at about 5:00 a.m. on Oct. 2, 2026, by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Kanama.
The sources said the troops responded to an alert that the suspects travelling in five vehicles along an illegal route close to the military location.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the suspects were involved in smuggling activities and were suspected of collaborating with terrorists.
Items recovered from the suspects included a large quantity of fish, 19 mobile phones, nine ATM cards, one power bank and the sum of ₦129,250.
The sources said the suspects and recovered items remained in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security efforts to monitor suspicious movements, disrupt illicit activities and prevent logistical support to terrorist groups operating in the region.
Heavy Weapons Reportedly Seized From TPLF Forces in Northern Ethiopia
Heavy Weapons Reportedly Seized From TPLF Forces in Northern Ethiopia
By: Zagazola Makama
Government forces have reportedly seized large quantities of weapons and military equipment from forces identified as members of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) following renewed fighting in parts of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray Region.
According to reports from local sources, the clashes occurred across areas stretching from Maichew to Mekelle, with the TPLF forces reportedly launching an offensive before coming under heavy pressure from government forces.
The reports said the TPLF fighters were forced to retreat from several positions, abandoning significant quantities of weapons and military equipment.
Among the weapons reportedly recovered were machine guns, AK-pattern rifles, 82mm mortars, radio communication equipment, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers, grenades and other assorted military hardware.
The reports claimed that the seizures were made in areas around Maichew and toward Mekelle following the fighting.
However, the exact quantity of weapons recovered and the number of casualties on either side could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
The reported development comes amid renewed tensions and military activities in the Tigray Region, where the TPLF has historically been a major political and military force.
Further details on the fighting, including the extent of the government forces’ operations and the current security situation around Mekelle, are still emerging.
GOC 8 Division Inspects Front-Line Bases in Zamfara, Tasks Troops to Sustain Offensive
GOC 8 Division Inspects Front-Line Bases in Zamfara, Tasks Troops to Sustain Offensive
By: Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. Bemgba Koughna, has concluded an operational tour of forward operating bases across Zamfara State as part of efforts to strengthen troops’ combat readiness and ongoing security operations.
During the tour, Koughna inspected tactical deployments, defensive positions and the logistics preparedness of troops deployed to the front lines.
Security sources said the visits were also aimed at assessing the operational situation in the areas of responsibility and identifying areas requiring further adjustments to improve the effectiveness of ongoing operations against terrorists and criminal networks.
The GOC interacted with troops during the visits and commended them for their resilience, dedication and sacrifices in the fight against insecurity.
He charged the personnel to maintain an aggressive operational posture, sustain the momentum of ongoing operations and remain focused until security is restored across the state.
Koughna also reaffirmed the commitment of 8 Division to protecting lives and property, assuring residents of continued military efforts to dismantle terrorist enclaves and improve security across Zamfara.
He urged troops to remain professional and resolute in the discharge of their responsibilities while sustaining close cooperation with other security agencies and local communities.
Seven Passengers Reportedly Shot Near Bukuru Roundabout in Plateau
Seven Passengers Reportedly Shot Near Bukuru Roundabout in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Seven passengers travelling from the Kara Bukuru Livestock Market were reportedly shot by unidentified gunmen near the Total Roundabout in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, when the passengers were travelling in an open-body Boxer vehicle from the market to Rafin Bauna village in Bassa Local Government Area.
According to the driver and a survivor, identified as Murtala Isa Ibrahim, seven of the 20 passengers aboard the vehicle were affected in the shooting.
The victims were reportedly taken to Rukuba Barracks Hospital for medical attention, although their conditions had yet to be established as of the time of filing this report.
No death had been confirmed, and the circumstances surrounding the shooting remained unclear.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over reported attacks on herders and other travellers returning from the Kara Bukuru Livestock Market.
In a related development, a pastoralist association in Plateau has condemned a reported attack on Fulani herders around the Federal Low-Cost area of Bukuru, calling on security agencies to investigate the incident and apprehend those responsible.
The association recalled that five Fulani herders were reportedly killed around Kassa in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Sept. 20 while returning from the same livestock market.
It also cited an earlier attack near the Conoil Filling Station in December 2025 involving herders returning from the market.
The recurring incidents have raised concerns about the safety of pastoralists and traders who depend on the livestock market for their livelihoods.
The association urged the Plateau State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Operation Safe Haven, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to strengthen security along the market route and prevent further attacks.
It also appealed to community members to remain calm and refrain from retaliatory violence, stressing the need for justice and equal protection for all residents, regardless of ethnicity or occupation.
As of the time of filing this report, no official security statement confirming the latest shooting had been issued, and the details remained preliminary pending independent verification.
After al-Minuki, Joint Army, DSS, Amotekun Operation Kills Another ISWAP Leader Planning Terrorist Attacks
Breaking!
After al-Minuki, Joint Army, DSS, Amotekun Operation Kills Another ISWAP Leader Planning Terrorist Attacks
By: Zagazola Makama
An intelligence-led operation by a combined team of troops of the Nigerian Army, Department of Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, and Western Nigeria Security Network aka Amotekun officers, at the weekend in Owo forest, Ondo State, eliminated a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida.
Security sources said Ohida aka Anwar, who was on the verge of planning massive terrorist attacks in some southern states, was killed alongside many members of the terrorist organization by the security forces who led a surprise attack on their forest hideout.
According to the sources, the eliminated ISWAP leader previously served as deputy to ISWAP Central Nigeria leader Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais. Ikrimah was arrested by the DSS in 2023.
Following Ikrimah's arrest, continued the sources, Ohida assumed leadership of ISWAP activities across parts of North central and southern parts of the country, where he subsequently played a key role in the planning, coordination and execution of terrorist operations.
Through the interrogation of Abu Uwais, continued the sources, the DSS was able to gather credible intelligence on plans by Ohida to
attack innocent persons during the forthcoming Yuletide.
"The plan was to attack civilians during the festive period and ultimately disrupt the 2027 general elections. This Intelligence was corroborated by intelligence partners from the United Kingdom, who supported the elimination operation," offered one of the sources.
He said Ohida planned and executed the 31st December 2025, invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station, Owo, Ondo State, carting away right AK-47 rifles before bringing down the station with an explosive. He mentioned the 28 July 2022 Suleja–Zuba Road, Niger State military checkpoint attack in which several soldiers, officers and civilians were killed.
He also blamed on Ohida, the July 11, 2022, attack on Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja; the 23rd April, 2022 attack on Ogaminana Police Station, Adavi LGA, Kogi State, which resulted in the death of five police officers, and the February 7, 2022, attack on Okene Area Command police station.
"The terrorist planned and executed the 24th December, 2020 attack on a Naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the death of two naval officers, not to mention the several attacks he launched across parts of the country," he added.
"We may not immediately realize it, but the elimination of Abdussamad Ohida represents a significant disruption to ISWAP’s leadership structure, operational network and expansion efforts in central and southern Nigeria.
"Ohida's elimination, coming a few months after after the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, is a very big blow to ISWAP’s efforts to expand its operational presence in Nigeria, and underscores the growing efficiency of our security services," he declared.
Suspected Mwaghavul Militia Attack on Herders Reported in Mangu, Cattle Shot in Plateau
Suspected Mwaghavul Militia Attack on Herders Reported in Mangu, Cattle Shot in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected armed Mwaghavul militia members have reportedly attacked herders around Kombilin in Panyam District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, shooting an unspecified number of cattle.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Preliminary reports indicated that the assailants, suspected to be members of a Mwaghavul militia group, targeted herders in the area and opened fire on their cattle.
The exact number of cattle killed or injured in the incident had yet to be established as details were still emerging.
The circumstances surrounding the attack, including whether any persons were injured or killed, remained unclear at the time of reporting.
Further details are being awaited as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Troops Recover Two Rustled Cattle After Foiling Attack in Plateau
Troops Recover Two Rustled Cattle After Foiling Attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have recovered two rustled cattle following an encounter with suspected terrorists in Gululu village, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 2, 2026, when troops responded to reports of cattle rustling by suspected terrorists in the community.
The sources said the troops engaged the suspected assailants, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
A subsequent search of the general area led to the recovery of two cattle allegedly rustled by the fleeing suspects.
The recovered cattle were subsequently handed over to their owner.
The operation highlights ongoing efforts by security forces to curb cattle rustling, protect rural communities and safeguard livelihoods in Plateau State.
Troops, DIA Team Recover SMG Rifle, Ammunition in Taraba Raid
Troops, DIA Team Recover SMG Rifle, Ammunition in Taraba Raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 114 Battalion (Reinforcement), in collaboration with a Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) composite team, have recovered a submachine gun rifle and assorted ammunition during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Taraba State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 3:00 p.m. on Oct. 3, 2026, at Abbare in Lau Local Government Area.
The sources said the joint team recovered one submachine gun rifle, one magazine, 12 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, one round of 7.62mm special ammunition and five rounds of 9mm ammunition.
No contact was made with the suspected criminals, and no arrest was recorded during the operation.
The recovered weapon and ammunition remain in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The raid forms part of ongoing security efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts, recover illegal weapons and prevent armed groups from using such facilities to perpetrate violence in the region.
Troops Arrest 15 Suspected Drug Peddlers in Jos Raid
Troops Arrest 15 Suspected Drug Peddlers in Jos Raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested 15 suspected illicit drug peddlers during a raid on a suspected drug hideout in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 6:00 p.m. on Oct. 3, 2026, at Congo Russia, an area in Jos North.
The sources said the troops raided the identified hideout and arrested 15 suspects, who were subsequently profiled for further investigation and necessary action.
The raid forms part of ongoing security efforts under Operation Enduring Peace to curb drug-related activities and dismantle criminal networks in Plateau State.
Captured Gang Leader Killed in Gun Battle During Operation to Track Down Plateau Soldier’s Killers
Captured Gang Leader Killed in Gun Battle During Operation to Track Down Plateau Soldier’s Killers
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 9, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have neutralised a suspected armed gang leader during an encounter with other members of the gang in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the deceased suspect, identified as Usman Ya’u, was arrested on Sept. 30, 2026, during a manhunt for those responsible for the killing of a soldier in Manja Forest.
The sources said that during interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to his involvement in the killing and agreed to lead troops to the gang’s hideouts in Jibiyal Forest to facilitate the recovery of weapons and arrest of other members.
However, at about 8:00 p.m. on Oct. 2, troops, accompanied by local hunters, reportedly encountered other members of the gang while moving towards the hideout, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
During the encounter, the captured suspect was neutralised, while one of the hunters sustained a gunshot wound.
The injured hunter was evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
The sources said further offensive operations were ongoing to apprehend or neutralise other fleeing members of the gang.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to track down those responsible for attacks on security personnel, dismantle armed criminal networks and restore peace in Plateau State.
Army, Police, DSS launch aggressive operation to rescue 20 abducted NYSC members in Imo
Army, Police, DSS launch aggressive operation to rescue 20 abducted NYSC members in Imo
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies have intensified search-and-rescue operations to secure the release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in Imo State.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Oct. 1 around Umunoha, with security forces subsequently launching coordinated operations to track down the perpetrators and rescue the abductees.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, alongside personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and local vigilantes, launched an offensive operation in Amakohia Forest at about 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3.
The operation followed intelligence gathered during efforts to trace the kidnappers and establish their possible locations.
The sources said the kidnappers had contacted the families of seven victims using telephone numbers belonging to the abducted persons and demanded a ransom of N50 million for each victim.
Operatives of the DSS reportedly geolocated the telephone numbers used for the ransom calls, providing intelligence to support efforts to track the suspects.
In a related development, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to provide operational direction for the rescue mission.
The DIG arrived in the state with two commissioners of police and conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and ongoing search-and-rescue efforts by the Imo State Police Command.
The assessment involved the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso; Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; and other service commanders and members of the command's management team.
The police delegation reviewed operational strategies, personnel deployment and available operational assets, while issuing additional directives to strengthen the coordinated response.
The Police said tactical teams and operational assets had been deployed across identified areas, with intelligence-led tracking efforts being intensified in collaboration with other security agencies.
DIG Nadada assured the public that the Police would sustain the operation until the abducted persons were safely rescued and the perpetrators apprehended.
He urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, while encouraging anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to contact the Police or the nearest security formation. He added that information received would be treated confidentially.
As of the time of filing this report, the joint operation was ongoing, with security agencies yet to announce the rescue of the 20 abducted prospective corps members.
The authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing operations.
Army, Police, DSS launch aggressive operation to rescue 20 abducted NYSC members in Imo
Army, Police, DSS launch aggressive operation to rescue 20 abducted NYSC members in Imo
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies have intensified search-and-rescue operations to secure the release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in Imo State.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Oct. 1 around Umunoha, with security forces subsequently launching coordinated operations to track down the perpetrators and rescue the abductees.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, alongside personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and local vigilantes, launched an offensive operation in Amakohia Forest at about 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3.
The operation followed intelligence gathered during efforts to trace the kidnappers and establish their possible locations.
The sources said the kidnappers had contacted the families of seven victims using telephone numbers belonging to the abducted persons and demanded a ransom of N50 million for each victim.
Operatives of the DSS reportedly geolocated the telephone numbers used for the ransom calls, providing intelligence to support efforts to track the suspects.
In a related development, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to provide operational direction for the rescue mission.
The DIG arrived in the state with two commissioners of police and conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and ongoing search-and-rescue efforts by the Imo State Police Command.
The assessment involved the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso; Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; and other service commanders and members of the command's management team.
The police delegation reviewed operational strategies, personnel deployment and available operational assets, while issuing additional directives to strengthen the coordinated response.
The Police said tactical teams and operational assets had been deployed across identified areas, with intelligence-led tracking efforts being intensified in collaboration with other security agencies.
DIG Nadada assured the public that the Police would sustain the operation until the abducted persons were safely rescued and the perpetrators apprehended.
He urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, while encouraging anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to contact the Police or the nearest security formation. He added that information received would be treated confidentially.
As of the time of filing this report, the joint operation was ongoing, with security agencies yet to announce the rescue of the 20 abducted prospective corps members.
The authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing operations.
Troops Arrest Suspected Bunkerer, Intercept Illegally Refined Diesel in Rivers
Troops Arrest Suspected Bunkerer, Intercept Illegally Refined Diesel in Rivers
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of CIB VIII have arrested a suspected crude oil bunker and intercepted a wooden canoe loaded with eight sacks of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, around the Okwuzi waterside general area in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
The troops reportedly intercepted the wooden canoe during a security operation targeting illegal petroleum activities in the area.
One suspect was apprehended and handed over to the OANDO security team for further action, while the recovered items remained in military custody.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb illegal refining, petroleum product trafficking and other activities associated with crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The authorities are expected to take further action in line with established procedures as investigations continue.
Troops Arrest Suspected Bunkerer, Intercept Illegally Refined Diesel in Rivers
Troops Arrest Suspected Bunkerer, Intercept Illegally Refined Diesel in Rivers
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of CIB VIII have arrested a suspected crude oil bunker and intercepted a wooden canoe loaded with eight sacks of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, around the Okwuzi waterside general area in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
The troops reportedly intercepted the wooden canoe during a security operation targeting illegal petroleum activities in the area.
One suspect was apprehended and handed over to the OANDO security team for further action, while the recovered items remained in military custody.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb illegal refining, petroleum product trafficking and other activities associated with crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The authorities are expected to take further action in line with established procedures as investigations continue.
Troops Arrest Suspected Drug Peddler, Recover Cannabis in Abia
Troops Arrest Suspected Drug Peddler, Recover Cannabis in Abia
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 145 Battalion under Operation UDO KA have arrested a suspected drug peddler and recovered suspected illicit substances and related items in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 6:10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, around the Express Tower and Umuahia Railway general areas.
Items recovered from the suspect included 120 wraps of compressed dried leaves suspected to be cannabis and 42 sachets of suspected cannabis.
The troops also recovered two lighters, a rubber pipe suspected to be used for inhaling crystal methamphetamine, a mobile phone and a suspected cannabis crusher.
Other items recovered were two pairs of black spectacles, a glass board suspected to have been used for cutting substances, a black hand purse, an identity card, two ATM cards, one wrap of suspected wooden substance, six passport photographs and ₦4,600 in cash.
The suspect and recovered items were being processed for further action in accordance with established procedures.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security efforts to curb drug trafficking and other criminal activities in the South-East.
Further details on the suspect’s identity and the outcome of investigations were not immediately available.
19 Killed, One Injured as Trailer Crashes Into Bus, Car in Plateau, Officials say
19 Killed, One Injured as Trailer Crashes Into Bus, Car in Plateau, Officials say
By Zagazola Makama
Nineteen people were killed and one other injured in a fatal road accident involving a trailer, a Hiace bus and a Toyota Corolla at Hawan Kibo, along the Hawan Kibo-Jos road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Official sources said the accident occurred at about 4 p.m. on Friday when a trailer conveying a container reportedly suffered brake failure and rammed into the two vehicles.
The impact of the collision reportedly killed 19 passengers at the scene, while one person sustained injuries.
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed to Hawan Kibo, responded to the incident after receiving information about the crash.
The troops, in collaboration with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), evacuated the casualties to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for further medical attention and necessary procedures.
The circumstances surrounding the accident were yet to be fully established as relevant authorities continued to respond to the incident.
Further details will be provided as more information becomes available.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Kidnappers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Kidnappers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected kidnappers at Makasa village in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources said the suspects, identified as Muhammadu Nura, 35, and Monday Danjuma, 45, were arrested at about 2:15 p.m. on Friday by troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71, Sanga.
The arrest was part of ongoing security operations aimed at curbing kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
The sources said the suspects had been taken into custody and were undergoing investigation to establish their possible involvement in kidnapping activities.
Troops Foil Boko Haram IED Plot Along Maiduguri-Damboa Highway
Troops Foil Boko Haram IED Plot Along Maiduguri-Damboa Highway
By Zagazola Makama
Nigerian troops have foiled an attempt by suspected Boko Haram insurgents to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Maiduguri-Damboa highway in Borno.
The operation reportedly triggered an exchange of gunfire and mortar bombardment near Dalwa village on Friday evening, causing panic among residents in parts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Sources said sounds of gunfire and heavy explosions were heard from about 8 p.m., particularly in communities along the southern axis of the city towards Damboa.
The incident reportedly occurred hours after a separate attack in Marte Local Government Area, where at least 15 farmers were said to have been killed.
A source within the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who spoke on condition of anonymity, said troops acted on intelligence indicating that insurgents were attempting to plant explosives along the highway.
According to the source, the suspected insurgents were detected while allegedly attempting to lay the explosives, prompting troops to engage them with mortar fire.
“The soldiers fired mortar rounds to disperse them, but the insurgents responded with sporadic gunfire before they were eventually dispersed,” the source said.
The source added that calm had been restored to the general area, while troops continued efforts to track the fleeing insurgents.
The Maiduguri-Damboa highway is an important transport route linking Maiduguri with communities in southern Borno, making attempts to plant roadside explosives a significant security concern for commuters and residents.
Several Feared Dead in Fatal Accident at Tom Village in Plateau
Several Feared Dead in Fatal Accident at Tom Village in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Several people are feared dead following a fatal road accident at Tom village, also known as Hawan Kibo, in Sopp Bachi, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The accident reportedly occurred on Friday evening, with preliminary information indicating multiple fatalities.
The exact number of people killed and the circumstances surrounding the crash had yet to be confirmed as of the time of reporting.
Emergency responders and relevant authorities were urged to respond promptly to assist victims and evacuate those affected.
Further details are being awaited as more information emerges from the scene.
Military Pensions Board Begins Payment of New Pension Rates, Arrears to Veterans
Military Pensions Board Begins Payment of New Pension Rates, Arrears to Veterans
By: Zagazola Mamama
The Military Pensions Board (MPB) has commenced the implementation of newly approved pension rates for military pensioners following adjustments arising from the new minimum wage.
The Board disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its Public Relations Officer, Squadron Leader Aliyu Mohammed.
According to the statement, the new pension rates have been implemented, while the applicable arrears have been processed for payment into the accounts of all military pensioners effective Oct. 2, 2026.
The Board expressed appreciation to military pensioners for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the implementation process.
It reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring timely pension payments and improving pension administration in recognition of the sacrifices and invaluable service rendered by Nigeria’s military veterans.
The development is expected to provide relief to retired military personnel whose pension entitlements are affected by the adjustment.
The Board urged continued cooperation as it works to strengthen pension administration and fulfil its obligations to military retirees.
Local criminal groups Kill 25-Year-Old Herder, Kill Cow in Attack in Plateau
Local criminal groups Kill 25-Year-Old Herder, Kill Cow in Attack in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Suspected cattle rustlers have shot dead a 25-year-old herder, identified as Safiyanu Abubakar, and killed one cow in an attack at Gora Village in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 1, while the herder was grazing his cattle in the area.
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation Enduring Peace, reportedly responded to a distress report and proceeded to the scene, where they found Abubakar dead from gunshot wounds.
The troops also discovered that one cow had been killed, while another sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
The assailants had fled before the arrival of the security personnel.
The deceased's body and the affected cattle were subsequently evacuated and handed over to members of his family.
Security sources said intelligence-gathering efforts had been activated to track down the attackers and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
They added that efforts were also underway to engage Fulani leaders in Jos East LGA and calm tensions to prevent possible reprisal attacks.
The killing comes amid continuing security concerns over attacks on herders, cattle rustling and retaliatory violence in parts of Plateau State.
Security agencies have continued to urge communities to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands and provide credible information that could assist investigations.
The circumstances of the attack and the identities of the perpetrators remain under investigation.
Troops Arrest Three Suspects in Rayfield in Jos
Troops Arrest Three Suspects in Rayfield in Jos
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested three suspects during a raid on a reported hideout of suspected miscreants around the residence of retired Gen. H. Umar in Rayfield, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 1:10 a.m. on Oct. 2, following reports about the suspected hideout.
The suspects were identified as Grace Festus Edang, 25; Zoya Alabi, 23; and Ishaya Pierre, 60.
During the operation, troops reportedly recovered substances suspected to be cannabis sativa.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to Keystone Anglo Jos for further investigation and necessary action.
However, during the transfer, one of the female suspects allegedly bit a soldier, identified as X21930 OS Hussaini Ephraim, on the hand.
The injured soldier was evacuated to a nearby hospital, where he received medical attention and was later discharged.
The circumstances surrounding the suspects' alleged activities and the recovered substances are expected to be established through further investigation.
Security sources said troops would continue operations aimed at addressing criminal activities and maintaining security across their area of responsibility.
Berom Militia killed 15-Year-Old Herder in Targeted Attack While Grazing in Plateau
Berom Militia killed 15-Year-Old Herder in Targeted Attack While Grazing in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A 15-year-old herder, identified as Aliyu Ismael, has been killed in targeted attack by Berom Militia while grazing livestock in an open field between Darwat and Wereng Camp villages in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2026, with the attackers suspected to be Berom militia members within the community.
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, reportedly responded to a distress report and proceeded to the scene, where they discovered the lifeless body of the teenager.
Ismael was said to be from the Luggere Fulani hamlets in Riyom LGA.
Following the discovery, the troops initiated a pursuit of the suspected assailants in the general area, but no contact was established.
The deceased's body was subsequently evacuated by family members for burial.
Security sources said an investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.
The killing adds to security concerns over attacks on herders and other civilians in parts of Plateau State, where tensions and retaliatory violence have continued to threaten lives and livelihoods.
Security agencies have continued efforts to pursue suspected perpetrators and engage community leaders to prevent further violence.
Residents have been urged to remain calm, avoid reprisal attacks and provide credible information to security agencies to support investigations.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Armed Robbers, Kidnappers in Plateau
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Armed Robbers, Kidnappers in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in collaboration with local residents, have arrested two suspected armed robbers and kidnappers in Ganawuri town, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the suspects, identified as Kabiru Mohammed and Abdul-Hamid Yusuf, were arrested at about 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2026.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the suspects were allegedly linked to a criminal syndicate suspected of carrying out armed robbery and kidnapping activities in Riyom and neighbouring communities.
The sources said the suspects remained in custody and were undergoing interrogation to establish their alleged roles in the criminal activities and identify other members of the suspected network.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security efforts to track down criminal elements and address threats to lives and property across Plateau State.
Security agencies are expected to sustain investigations and take further action based on the findings.
The suspects' alleged involvement in the crimes has yet to be established through a judicial process.
Troops Foil Fulani Bandits Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Kaduna
Troops Foil Fulani Bandits Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled a kidnapping attempt by Fulani Bandits along the Godogodo–Gidan Waya road in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, rescuing a victim who sustained gunshot wounds.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 12:09 a.m. on Oct. 2, 2026, when troops deployed at Godogodo responded to a report of an attempted abduction involving a man identified as Baba.
The troops' swift intervention reportedly disrupted the operation, forcing the suspected kidnappers to abandon their mission and flee the scene.
The victim, who sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, was rescued by the troops and immediately evacuated to General Hospital, Gidan Waya, for medical attention.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The incident highlights the importance of rapid security response in protecting commuters and residents along vulnerable routes in Kaduna State.
Security agencies have continued operations to prevent kidnappings, rescue victims and bring suspected perpetrators to justice.
Authorities have yet to disclose further details about the circumstances of the attack or the victim's condition.
Troops Arrest Suspected Mwaghavul Militia, Recover Four Cattle Stolen after targeted attack on Fulani herders in Plateau
Troops Arrest Suspected Mwaghavul Militia, Recover Four Cattle Stolen after targeted attack on Fulani herders in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested a 34-year-old Mwaghavul Militia suspected of involvement in cattle rustling and recovered four suspected rustled cattle during a raid in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 9:37 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2026, at Mangun village, following a manhunt for suspected cattle rustlers linked to a reported rustling incident in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area on Aug. 18., after attacking fulani herders.
The suspect, identified as Matthew Ishaya, was arrested at his residence during the operation.
Troops also recovered four cattle suspected to have been rustled and a Bajaj motorcycle from the residence.
Zagazola report that cattle rustling and targeted attacks on herders and local residents have been among the recurring triggers of violence in Plateau State, often setting off retaliatory attacks that deepen mistrust and sustain a cycle of bloodshed.
In several instances, allegations of cattle theft, killings and reprisal attacks have circulated within affected communities without receiving corresponding attention. This uneven visibility has distort public understanding of the conflict, further reinforcing perceptions of selective reporting and make it harder to establish a complete, evidence-based account of how the violence escalates.
The suspect and the recovered items were taken into custody for further investigation to establish the origin of the cattle and determine the suspect's alleged involvement in the earlier incident.
Security sources said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to track down suspected cattle rustlers and disrupt criminal networks operating across Plateau State and neighbouring areas.
Troops storm suspected IPOB-linked camp across treacherous waters in Anambra, recover arms, explosives materials
Troops storm suspected IPOB-linked camp across treacherous waters in Anambra, recover arms, explosives materials
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in a daring operation involving a river crossing into a difficult forest terrain, have stormed a suspected criminal camp in Abator, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, recovering a cache of firearms, ammunition and materials suspected to be associated with improvised explosive device (IED) production.
The operation, conducted on Oct. 1, followed the rescue of three persons abducted in the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area, in an incident that triggered a security response involving troops and local security volunteers.
According to the sources, troops of 185 Battalion, working alongside the local security volunteers, conducted a follow-up operation at about 5:30 a.m. on Oct. 1 and arrested a suspected member of the kidnapping syndicate, identified as Sunday Obi.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly disclosed that the syndicate's camp was located at Abator, across the Isieke waterside in Ogbaru LGA.
The disclosure set the stage for a more demanding operation, requiring the troops to navigate waterways and penetrate an area identified as a hideout for the suspected criminals.
Rather than allowing the difficult terrain to impede the pursuit, the combined force mobilised canoes to cross the river and advance towards the suspected camp.
The approach presented significant operational challenges. The waterways restricted movement, while the surrounding forest offered cover for armed men familiar with the terrain.
Yet the troops pressed ahead.
On reaching the location, the troops engaged the suspected criminals with what security sources described as maximum firepower, forcing them to flee into the surrounding area with reported gunshot wounds.
The operation culminated in the recovery of weapons, ammunition, electronic equipment and materials suspected to be linked to IED production.
The recovered items included two AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action guns, three locally fabricated dane guns, 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 149 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two cartridges.
Troops also recovered suspected IED-making materials, a solar generator, a power bank, a car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones.
The recovery of the materials is expected to assist further investigations into the activities, logistics and possible supply networks of the suspected criminal group.
Security sources said the operation demonstrated the challenges facing troops pursuing armed criminal networks that exploit river channels, remote settlements and difficult forest terrain to establish hideouts and evade security forces.
The distinction is important in a region where security forces continue to confront kidnapping, armed criminality and violence involving groups with different operational identities.
The immediate outcome was that three abducted persons had been rescued, a suspected kidnapper was arrested, and a hideout identified during interrogation was raided, yielding a substantial cache of weapons and other materials.
Security sources said troops would sustain follow-up operations to track down the fleeing suspects, identify their alleged logistics suppliers and apprehend other individuals suspected of facilitating the network.
The operation also draw attention to the importance of intelligence-led security efforts, particularly where waterways and forest corridors provide armed groups with concealment and escape routes.
Kidnapped Plateau resident regains freedom after security pressure
Kidnapped Plateau resident regains freedom after security pressure
By: Zagazola Makama
A resident of Rafiki Village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Mr Patrick Gazu, has regained his freedom after being abducted by suspected kidnappers.
Gazu was released by his abductors following sustained pressure from troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace and other security agencies involved in the rescue operation.
He was reportedly kidnapped at about 11:57 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2025, at his residence in Rafiki Village.
Security sources said the victim has since been reunited with his family and is currently safe.
The sources added that security agencies have commenced a manhunt for the perpetrators, with efforts ongoing to track down and apprehend the criminals.
The successful release underscores the continued efforts by security forces and other agencies to rescue victims of kidnapping and disrupt criminal activities across Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member, recover ₦396,200 in Yobe
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member, recover ₦396,200 in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended a suspected member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) at Babbangida in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The suspect was arrested at about 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 29 by troops of 233 Tank Battalion, Forward Operating Base Babbangida, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect claimed to be an Islamic cleric operating in the Sahara area of the North-East Republic of Niger.
According to security sources, the suspect reportedly travelled by truck from the Zarmadu-Sahara general area of Niger Republic into Nigeria and disembarked at Bayamari.
He subsequently boarded a commercial vehicle to Shuari Madinatu in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Borno State, before his arrest.
Troops recovered one mobile phone, a prayer mat, blanket, jacket, slate, detergent and ₦396,200 in cash from the suspect.
The suspect and the recovered items remain in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
OPHK troops arrest four suspected terrorists during patrol in Adamawa
OPHK troops arrest four suspected terrorists during patrol in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in collaboration with Rangers and Hybrid Forces, have arrested four suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The troops conducted the operation at about 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 29 across Guyeku, Amtasa, Mubang, Zahr and Washim villages in the local government area.
During the patrol, the troops apprehended four suspected members of a terrorist group.
The suspects were taken into custody for preliminary investigation and further action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the security forces to dominate the area, disrupt terrorist activities and strengthen security around communities in the Sector 4 Area of Operations.
Troops repel terrorist activity along Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi road in Sokoto
Troops repel terrorist activity along Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi road in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have repelled terrorist activity along the Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi road in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident occurred at about 10:35 a.m. on Sept. 29, when troops of 26 Battalion, Forward Operating Base Isa, responded to reports of terrorist activity along the road.
The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to withdraw from the area.
Following the encounter, the troops maintained patrols and dominated the area to prevent the terrorists from regrouping and threatening motorists and communities along the route.
Security operations remain ongoing in the area as troops continue efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and strengthen security across the axis.
OPWS troops repel terrorist attack, recover rustled cows in Taraba
OPWS troops repel terrorist attack, recover rustled cows in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have repelled a suspected terrorist attack on Gwamagira settlement in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, recovering rustled cattle abandoned by the attackers.
The incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 30, when troops of 114 Battalion (Rangers) at Andami responded to reports of suspected terrorists riding motorcycles attacking the community.
The troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat and abandon the rustled cattle.
However, the troops discovered that the terrorists had killed one civilian and abducted three others during the attack.
The recovered cattle were subsequently returned to their owners, while troops launched efforts to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Security operations are ongoing in the area as troops continue to search for the victims and pursue the fleeing attackers.
Troops rescue NYSC members after abduction in Imo
Troops rescue NYSC members after abduction in Imo
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued some prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members after they were abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Onitsha–Owerri road in Imo State.
The incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 1 at Umonuwa village in Mbaise Local Government Area, when troops of 34 Artillery Brigade responded to a reported kidnap incident involving two commercial buses.
Preliminary information indicated that the suspected kidnappers abducted 30 prospective corps members travelling in the two buses, while troops subsequently rescued some of the victims.
The troops, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police and Department of State Services, have launched a coordinated operation to track the perpetrators and rescue the remaining victims.
The rescued prospective corps members were handed over to the DSS for debriefing and further assistance.
Security agencies are continuing operations in the area, with further details expected as the operation progresses.
Troops recovered Four cows rustled by berom militia along Shen Road in Jos South
Troops recovered Four cows rustled by berom militia along Shen Road in Jos South
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have recovered four cows suspected to have been rustled by Berom Militiamen along Shen Road in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola News gathered from a security update that the cows were recovered at about 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.
Sources said one of the four cows was confirmed dead, while efforts has been intensified to traced the remaining stolen animals from the criminals.
The search operation is being led by the Commander, Sub-Sector 12, Lamingo, with troops continuing to comb the area.
Further details will be provided as the operation progresses.
Fulani Boy reportedly shot dead in tergeted killing by Berom Militia in Riyom community
Fulani Boy reportedly shot dead in tergeted killing by Berom Militia in Riyom community
By: Zagazola Makama
A Fulani boy identified as Aliyu has reportedly been shot dead in Wereng community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State by suspected Berom Militia in continued targeted attacks.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.
According to preliminary information, the victim was allegedly shot after he was targeted by suspected armed Berom militia members in the community.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could further heighten tension in the area.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the incident and establish the circumstances surrounding the death.
Zagazola urges communities to embrace peace and harmony, end communal crisis in Plateau
Zagazola urges communities to embrace peace and harmony, end communal crisis in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Zagazola Makama has called on communities across Plateau State to embrace peace, mutual respect and dialogue, warning that continued communal violence is undermining the state’s social cohesion, economic recovery and prospects for development.
Zagazola said the recurring violence in parts of Plateau, particularly across Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi, must no longer be treated as an unavoidable feature of community life.
He said the state belongs to all its citizens—irrespective of ethnicity, religion, occupation or community—and that ordinary Berom, Mwaghavul, Fulani and other residents should not be made to pay the price for the actions of armed individuals and criminal groups.
According to him, the cycle of attack, reprisal, cattle rustling, destruction of property, killings and retaliatory attacks has created an environment where fear and suspicion increasingly replace trust between communities.
He stressed that collective blame is dangerous, because crimes committed by individuals should not be used to justify punishment against entire ethnic or religious communities.
“Plateau cannot achieve lasting peace through revenge. A killing cannot be corrected by another killing, and the destruction of one community cannot justify the destruction of another.
“What the people need now is a new culture of dialogue, accountability and coexistence, where criminals are isolated and prosecuted while innocent citizens are protected,” he said.
Zagazola also urged community leaders, religious institutions, youth organisations and traditional rulers to reject inflammatory rhetoric and the spread of unverified information, particularly on social media.
He noted that in a fragile security environment, rumours and exaggerated claims can quickly transform local disputes into wider communal confrontations.
He called for greater confidence-building between communities, including regular inter-community meetings, early-warning mechanisms, protection of farmers and pastoralists, and rapid intervention whenever tensions emerge.
According to him, security forces also have an important responsibility to remain professional, impartial and firm in protecting citizens, while ensuring that perpetrators of violence are investigated and brought before the law regardless of their identity or affiliation.
He further appealed to the Plateau State Government and relevant security agencies to sustain dialogue with affected communities and strengthen mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of disputes over farmland, grazing routes, settlements, property and other sources of tension.
“Plateau does not need another generation growing up believing that their neighbours are their enemies.
“The future of the state depends on whether its people can rise above the grievances of the past and build a society where a child can grow up knowing that a Berom, Mwaghavul, Fulani, Hausa, Igbo or any other Nigerian is first a fellow citizen and neighbour,” he said.
Zagazola said Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary should remind citizens that nation-building is not only the responsibility of governments and security agencies, but also of communities and individuals.
He urged Plateau residents to use the anniversary as an opportunity to reject violence, protect one another and restore the bonds of trust that have been weakened by years of communal conflict.
He said peace should not merely mean the absence of gunshots, but the presence of justice, trust, security, opportunity and peaceful coexistence.
“Plateau has suffered enough. The time has come for communities to choose dialogue over revenge, justice over jungle justice, coexistence over segregation and development over destruction.
“Ending communal violence is not a favour to any ethnic or religious group. It is an investment in the future of every citizen of Plateau State,” Zagazola said.
The Armed Forces and Nigeria at 66: What Does History Say?
The Armed Forces and Nigeria at 66: What Does History Say?
By Chidi Omeje
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary today, 1 October 2026, the Nigerian Armed Forces occupy a complicated but ultimately important place in the country’s national story. Their record cannot be reduced either to military heroism or to the darker history of military rule. Both are part of the historical record.
The incontrovertible truth, however, is that since independence, the Nigerian Armed Forces have been one of the principal institutions holding together the Nigerian state through periods of war, insurgency, communal violence, separatist agitation, banditry and other threats to territorial integrity.
Perhaps the most consequential chapter was the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Whatever the controversies surrounding the war and its conduct, the Federal Military Government's victory preserved Nigeria as one political entity. The subsequent challenges have been transforming that territorial unity into a deeper sense of national belonging.
The military's contribution has also extended well beyond Nigeria's borders. Since the 1960s, Nigeria has been a major contributor to international peacekeeping, including operations in Liberia, Sierra Leone and elsewhere. The United Nations notes that Nigerian forces formed the military backbone of the UN Mission in Liberia between 2003 and 2018, helping create the security conditions for Liberia's democratic transition.
There is, therefore, a legitimate argument that Nigeria's military tradition has always contained a strong peacekeeping dimension. Nigerian soldiers have not merely defended Nigeria; they have repeatedly been deployed to help stabilise other African countries.
However, history must also be honest about military rule It would therefore be historically incomplete to celebrate the Armed Forces without acknowledging their political interventions. From the coups of 1966 through successive periods of military government, the military suspended democratic institutions and governed Nigeria for prolonged periods. Those interventions left an enduring imprint on Nigeria's political development and civil-military relations. That is why the most important transformation in the military's historical role may be the transition from being an institution that once governed Nigeria to being an institution constitutionally subordinate to civilian democratic authority.
The return to civilian rule in 1999 was particularly significant. The current Fourth Republic has now lasted more than 27 years, the longest continuous period of civilian government in Nigeria's history. President Bola Tinubu, in his June 2026 Democracy Day address, described this as Nigeria's longest uninterrupted democratic era.
And there is an interesting historical irony here: the military itself eventually became part of the process that restored democracy. General Abdulsalami Abubakar's transition programme culminated in the 1999 return to civilian government. President Tinubu recently described Abubakar's role as instrumental in restoring democratic institutions and establishing the Fourth Republic.
The strongest evidence of the Armed Forces' changed role is not simply what military leaders say about democracy; it is what the institution does within the constitutional order. Today, the Armed Forces operate under civilian political authority and are deployed by the elected government in accordance with constitutional and statutory responsibilities. The Ministry of Defence describes itself as the civilian face of Nigeria's military authority and the apex policy organ of the defence establishment. That evolution matters enormously.
The Nigerian military today is simultaneously confronting Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, banditry and terrorism in the North-West and North Central, oil theft and attacks on critical infrastructure in the Niger Delta, violent separatist agitation in the South East and other security challenges across the federation. Current operations include HADIN KAI, FANSAN YAMMA, ENDURING PEACE, WHIRL STROKE, SAFE HAVEN, DELTA SAFE and UDO KA, alongside Nigeria's continuing contribution to multinational operations. This is a vastly different constitutional role from that of the military governments of the past.
So, what exactly is history's verdict? History's verdict on the Nigerian Armed Forces is neither an unqualified commendation nor an unqualified indictment. It is a record of sacrifice, national service, political intervention, institutional evolution and, ultimately, a significant return to constitutional professionalism.
The soldier who fought to preserve Nigeria's territorial integrity, the peacekeeper who helped stabilise a neighbouring African country, and the service member currently risking his or her life against terrorists and criminals all belong to the military's history. So too does the soldier who participated in a coup and helped suspend democratic government. One cannot erase the other.
However, there is another important point as Nigeria turns 66: the military should not be judged only by its history of fighting wars. It should also be judged by its relationship with democracy. The real measure of military professionalism in a democracy is not the capacity to seize political power, but the discipline to possess enormous coercive power and remain subordinate to constitutional civilian authority. That is perhaps the most important journey the Nigerian Armed Forces have made since independence.
And as the country confronts increasingly complex security threats, that democratic compact becomes even more important. The military needs public confidence, but public confidence is strengthened by professionalism, accountability, respect for constitutional authority and effective communication with the citizens it protects.
At 66, therefore, Nigeria's Armed Forces deserve recognition for six decades of national and international service, while their history demands that the country remember both their sacrifices and their institutional mistakes.
Happy 66 Independence Anniversary to Nigeria and kudos to the Armed Forces of Nigeria for being there all the way!
*Chidi Omeje is the publisher of Security Digest magazine and member of Zagazola Media Network
A year of military reform, operational expansion and democratic professionalism under President Tinubu
A year of military reform, operational expansion and democratic professionalism under President Tinubu
By: Zagazola Makama
The effectiveness of the Nigerian Army is inseparable from the country’s ability to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other threats to national security. Since Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu assumed office as the 25th Chief of Army Staff in October 2025, his tenure has been marked by an emphasis on institutional reform, operational readiness, technology, troop welfare, force expansion and the constitutional relationship between the military and democratic authority.
Almost one year into his tenure, the emerging record presents a military leadership attempting to combine battlefield pressure with institutional rebuilding. It is a record that also reflects a broader reality of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration: the government has increasingly placed national security, military modernisation and the welfare of personnel at the centre of its response to Nigeria’s complex security environment.
Rather than measuring Shaibu’s tenure solely by the number of terrorists neutralised or criminals arrested, its significance can also be assessed through the less visible changes taking place inside the Army how soldiers are trained, how formations are positioned, how technology is integrated, how personnel and their families are treated, and how the Army understands its place within a constitutional democracy.
Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on Oct. 24, 2025, succeeding Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who moved on to become Chief of Defence Staff. Shaibu brought to Army Headquarters considerable operational experience, having previously commanded major formations and served in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East. His professional background includes service with Operation Lafiya Dole and Operation Hadin Kai, as well as senior command and staff appointments.
That background has shaped the character of his command. Rather than presenting the Army merely as a force that reacts to attacks, Shaibu has consistently spoken about building a force capable of anticipating threats, integrating intelligence, exploiting technology and operating jointly with other security agencies.
His early visits to operational theatres reinforced that approach. In November 2025, during his maiden tour of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri, he directed troops to sustain offensive operations against insurgents and deny terrorist groups the support and sanctuary required to regenerate their capabilities. The message was clear: the Army under his leadership would seek to maintain pressure on armed groups while simultaneously strengthening the institution behind the frontline.
Perhaps the clearest expression of Shaibu’s institutional thinking came in February 2026 with the introduction of the PROSE Command Philosophy. PROSE represents Professional Excellence, Robust Administration, Operational Readiness, Strategic Cooperation and Exemplary Leadership. Shaibu unveiled the philosophy while addressing participants of Senior Course 48 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.
He argued that leadership in Nigeria’s contemporary security environment must be anchored in character, courage and genuine concern for personnel. The significance of PROSE goes beyond an acronym. It attempts to connect five areas that are sometimes treated separately in military administration: professionalism, administration, combat preparedness, cooperation and leadership.
For an Army operating simultaneously in counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and internal-security deployments across several regions, the approach recognises that battlefield success cannot be sustained without institutional discipline. In March 2026, Shaibu further linked the philosophy to respect for human rights, international humanitarian law and the Rules of Engagement. He directed commanders to protect civilians and stressed that adherence to those standards was not simply a legal obligation but also a practical requirement for building public confidence and improving intelligence-led operations.
This aspect of the command philosophy is particularly important in counter-insurgency warfare, where the population is not merely a community to be protected but a crucial source of information. One of the strongest features of Shaibu’s tenure has been the emphasis on technology. The Army Chief has repeatedly argued that the nature of warfare is changing and that Nigeria cannot confront modern armed groups exclusively through conventional ground operations.
In May 2026, the Army disclosed the acquisition of additional TP-2 tactical drones and the reconfiguration of Army aviation assets for combat operations. Shaibu said the investments were intended to strengthen surveillance, target acquisition, precision operations and casualty evacuation. He has also advocated deeper integration of unmanned aerial systems and combat aviation into Army training and operations. At the Combat Arms Training Week in Jaji, he described drone warfare and combat aviation as increasingly indispensable components of modern military operations.
This represents an important shift in the Army’s operational philosophy. The traditional model of troops moving into difficult terrain to locate hostile forces is gradually being complemented by persistent surveillance, aerial reconnaissance, improved intelligence fusion and precision-enabled operations. The objective is not technology for its own sake. The strategic purpose is to give commanders better information, shorten reaction time and reduce the exposure of soldiers to unnecessary risk.
Since his assumption of office, the Army has combined offensive operations with expanded formations, improved intelligence fusion, new equipment, specialised training, troop welfare programmes and a reorganisation of the force structure. Perhaps the most consequential development of the year has occurred above the level of individual battlefield engagements. On July 23, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight divisions to 12 divisions.
The four additional divisions are: 5 Division Makurdi, Responsible for Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States., 9 Division — Ilorin, Responsible for Kwara and Niger States. 10 Division — Jalingo, Responsible for border areas of Taraba and Adamawa States and 83 Division — Benin City, designed to cover Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
The reorganisation also redistributed the responsibilities of existing divisions to create a more rational operational footprint. This represents one of the most substantial structural changes to the Nigerian Army in recent years. Another development that provides the clearest example of Shaibu’s approach to force structure. On Sept. 28, 2026, the Nigerian Army operationalised the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, alongside the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje, all in Kebbi State.
The Army said the new formations are intended to expand its operational footprint, strengthen command and control and reduce response times to security threats in the North-West.
This is significant because the North-West’s security challenge is geographically extensive.
Large distances, difficult terrain and dispersed rural communities can give armed groups an operational advantage when security forces must respond from distant bases.
A more distributed force structure is therefore designed to bring troops, armour and fire-support capabilities closer to vulnerable areas.
The development is consistent with a broader restructuring of the Army’s force posture, creating new opportunities but also additional responsibilities for commanders. The philosophy is straightforward: an Army cannot effectively secure territory if its command structures and operational assets are too distant from the communities requiring protection.
Shaibu has also placed emphasis on expanding the Army’s manpower pipeline. From manpower shortages to a larger training architecture.
According to the COAS, two additional training depots have been established in Osogbo, Osun State, and Amasiri-Idda, Ebonyi State, alongside the existing Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria. The objective is to increase the capacity to produce disciplined and combat-ready personnel capable of meeting the country’s expanding security requirements.
This is an important institutional investment.
Recruitment alone does not create combat power. Personnel must be trained, equipped, professionally socialised and deployed within effective command structures. The graduation of 1,182 Special Forces personnel from the Advanced Infantry Training Programme in August 2026 further demonstrated the emphasis on specialised capabilities. At the ceremony, Shaibu again linked combat effectiveness with discipline, human rights and adherence to the Rules of Engagement.
The message coming from Army Headquarters is therefore increasingly consistent, Nigerian soldiers must be capable of confronting armed groups while remaining accountable to the Constitution and the law.
Perhaps another most consequential aspect of Shaibu’s leadership is one that cannot be measured in battlefield statistics: the treatment of the soldier. The Army’s operational effectiveness ultimately depends on the morale, confidence and welfare of the men and women sent into dangerous environments. Under the welfare programme, the Army has reported extensive construction, renovation and infrastructure projects across the six geopolitical zones. The Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers, or AHOOAS, has also expanded.
The pilot project at Idu, Abuja, delivered more than 400 housing units, which the Army said were occupied by personnel and their families. The scheme has subsequently expanded to locations including Ibadan, Benin, Jos, Gombe and Akwa Ibom. In December 2025, Shaibu commissioned a 60-unit AHOOAS estate in Ibadan, reinforcing the connection between housing, morale and post-service stability.
In June 2026, he commissioned another 80 housing units in Jos.
The Army described the project as part of its broader effort to provide serving and retired personnel with decent and affordable accommodation. At Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Plateau State, renovated accommodation blocks were also commissioned as part of the welfare drive. These initiatives address an issue that military historians and commanders have long understood: a soldier who knows that his family is secure is better positioned to concentrate on the mission.
The welfare agenda extends beyond serving personnel but also caring for the families of fallen soldiers. The Army has reported improvements in its Group Life Assurance arrangements, including efforts to clear outstanding claims to families of fallen personnel.
Its Education Sponsorship Scheme had supported more than 15,000 children of deceased personnel across different levels of education as of May 2026, according to figures cited by Shaibu. This is more than an administrative intervention. For a military institution that asks its personnel to accept the possibility of death in service, the knowledge that families will not be abandoned after a soldier’s death is an important component of institutional trust. It also reinforces the message behind the Soldier First approach: military professionalism is not only about demanding sacrifice; it is also about creating a system that recognises and supports that sacrifice.
Another emerging feature of Shaibu’s approach is the emphasis on indigenous defence capacity.
The Army Chief has pointed to greater patronage of Nigerian defence institutions and industrial facilities, including the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, the Command Engineering Depot in Kaduna and the Special Vehicle Plant in Bauchi. The objective is to improve logistics, strengthen self-reliance and reduce institutional dependence on external sources for selected capabilities. For a country facing persistent security challenges, local defence production has strategic implications.
Equipment that cannot be maintained, repaired or replaced quickly can become a liability.
The development of local technical capabilities can therefore contribute to sustainability, especially when operations continue for prolonged periods.
Another defining feature of Shaibu’s public messaging has been the recognition that military effectiveness depends partly on the confidence of the civilian population. The Army has increasingly framed human rights, civilian protection and humanitarian cooperation as operational requirements rather than peripheral public-relations issues. In July 2026, during a meeting with the International Committee of the Red Cross, Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to international humanitarian law, human rights and established Rules of Engagement. He also highlighted the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Plan, detention-management reforms and efforts to facilitate humanitarian access.
That approach matters in Nigeria’s conflict zones. When communities trust security forces, they are more likely to report suspicious activity, provide early warning and cooperate with investigations. When that confidence collapses, intelligence becomes harder to obtain and criminal and terrorist groups can exploit the resulting information vacuum. For this reason, civil-military relations should be understood as part of the operational architecture.
Perhaps the most politically sensitive dimension of the Army Chief’s tenure is his position on the military’s relationship with democracy.
Shaibu has repeatedly stated that the Nigerian Army must remain apolitical and subordinate to constituted civil authority.
In December 2025, he told newly commissioned officers that the Army must protect democratic governance and remain apolitical in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
That position assumes particular importance as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
The role of the military in elections is constitutionally defined and normally exists in support of civil authorities and the lead security agency, principally the police, rather than as a partisan political actor. Recent military sensitisation activities have reiterated the requirement for neutrality, professionalism and adherence to constitutional responsibilities during electoral duties. This is one of the areas where military professionalism and democratic consolidation directly intersect. A strong military in a democracy is not one that determines political outcomes. It is one that protects the constitutional order while remaining under civilian authority.
Recognition of the Nigerian Army’s counter-terrorism effort
The Army’s reported progress has also attracted external recognition. In July 2026, the Nigerian Army received the Africa’s Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations for 2025 award from African Security Watch. The award was formally presented to Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu at Army Headquarters in Abuja. Such recognition should not be treated as proof that Nigeria’s security problems have been solved. Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence remain serious challenges.
But it is evidence that the Army’s counter-terrorism performance has received recognition beyond Nigeria.
Operational gains—and the unfinished task
More than 1,106 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists during his tenure, including several high-profile commanders operating across the North-East.
Among the notable terrorist leaders neutralised by troops were Abu Bilal Al-Muniki, also known as Abu Mainok; Malam Jidda, Amir of Ngorgore and Malumti villages; Abu Modu; Modu Dogo; Munzir of Dogon Chukun; Abu Aisha, Qaid of Tumbun Mota; and Abul Kaka, among others.
In May 2026, Defence Headquarters announced that coordinated operations involving Nigerian forces and U.S. Africa Command had produced additional strikes against ISIS/ISWAP elements around Metele in the North-East.
The operation demonstrated another important development of the military under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, the growing importance of intelligence sharing and international cooperation in targeting senior terrorist commanders and concentrations of fighters.
The Army leadership has reported notable operational gains across several theatres, including the use of joint operations, intelligence fusion, modern combat platforms and stronger cooperation with other security agencies. Shaibu has attributed recent successes to investments in MRAP vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, surveillance drones, armed drones and expanded Army Aviation. The broader security environment, however, remains difficult.
Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Army reported that troops neutralised 1,717 bandits, arrested 2,660 suspects and rescued 4,052 civilians during the period covered by the COAS’s operational assessment. The operation also recovered more than 527 AK-47 rifles and over 156,000 rounds of ammunition.
In the North-Central zone, where Nigeria faces a complicated mixture of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other criminal activities, Army formations operating under Operation Enduring Peace, Operation Whirl Stroke and Operation Sahel Sanity recorded another set of gains. The Army reported: 576 criminals neutralized, 8,837 suspects arrested and 2,225 civilians rescued.
In the South-East, troops operating under Operation UDO KA reported the neutralisation of 219 criminals, the arrest of 1,494 suspects and the recovery of weapons and improvised explosive devices. The Army said operations had targeted criminal enclaves, including areas around Orsu Forest and the Okigwe axis, while efforts continued to restore normal socio-economic activity. In the South-South, the Army reported that troops neutralised 134 criminals, arrested 3,896 suspects and rescued 341 civilians. In the South-West, the Army reported 13 criminals neutralised, 1,720 suspects arrested and 131 civilians rescued.
The Army itself has not claimed that these problems have disappeared. Indeed, Shaibu’s repeated emphasis on modernisation, training, intelligence and force expansion reflects an acknowledgement that the security environment is changing faster than conventional military structures can comfortably accommodate.
That may ultimately be the most important test of his tenure: whether the institutional reforms now being implemented can outlast individual operations and survive changes in the security environment.
Why Shaibu’s tenure matters to democratic stability
The connection between military professionalism and democracy is sometimes misunderstood. Democracy does not require a weak military. It requires a professional
military that is strong enough to defend the country but disciplined enough to remain within constitutional boundaries. Nigeria’s experience makes that distinction particularly important.
The Army’s responsibilities extend from counter-terrorism to internal security support, border protection, critical infrastructure security and election-related assistance.
At each level, the constitutional position remains the same: the military serves the Nigerian state and its constitution, not a political party. Shaibu’s repeated emphasis on neutrality, civilian protection and subordination to constituted authority therefore provides an institutional framework for the Army’s democratic role.
The bigger picture was building an Army for the next decade. The significance of Shaibu’s first year is therefore not contained in one operation, one weapon system or one military formation. It lies in the attempt to connect several reforms into one institutional direction. President Tinubu’s role in the transformation is particularly important.
President Tinubu’s role in military modernisation
Shaibu has publicly acknowledged this relationship. In his assessment of Army performance, he attributed recent gains partly to the strategic direction and sustained support of the Commander-in-Chief, saying that the President’s leadership had provided political will, resources and policy guidance for operational success. The relationship between the President and the military is constitutionally defined.
The President, as Commander-in-Chief, establishes the strategic direction and provides the political authority and resources within which the Armed Forces operate. The service chiefs are then responsible for translating that direction into military policy, command and operations. Under Tinubu, the expansion from eight to 12 Army divisions provides one of the clearest institutional examples of this strategic relationship. Shaibu’s tenure has also demonstrated that Nigeria’s security challenge is no longer confined to the conventional battlefield. The expansion of the Army, approval for additional personnel, procurement of critical platforms and investment in troop welfare all require decisions at the highest political level.
The military increasingly operates in an environment where propaganda, social media manipulation, misinformation and psychological operations can influence public confidence almost as significantly as a physical attack.
The Army’s growing emphasis on intelligence fusion, drones, surveillance and information management reflects this changing environment. The battle is simultaneously being fought in forests, villages, highways, borders, cyberspace and the information space.
The first year of Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu’s tenure is best understood as a period of institutional consolidation and operational expansion.
There are also substantial challenges that remain unresolved. Nigeria’s security crisis is too complex to be attributed to one service chief or solved within on year. The Army operates alongside the Navy, Air Force, Police, intelligence agencies, state institutions and local communities. Its performance is therefore one component of a much larger national-security system. But the direction of travel under Shaibu is clear.
It is toward an Army that seeks to be more technologically enabled, more geographically responsive, more attentive to the welfare of its personnel, more integrated with other security institutions and more conscious of its constitutional obligations.
For President Tinubu’s administration, that institutional development has an important national consequence: the government requires a professional military capable of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria while remaining firmly within democratic civilian control.
That is the constitutional space in which Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu’s tenure should ultimately be assessed not by partisan expectations, but by whether the Nigerian Army becomes more capable, more professional, more accountable and better prepared to protect Nigerians.
And as Nigeria moves toward another electoral cycle, that distinction will matter. The Army’s most important contribution to democracy will not be choosing political outcomes. It will be ensuring that Nigerians are able to live, work, travel, vote and participate in civic life under a constitutional order protected by a professional military that knows precisely where its mandate begins and where it ends.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Tinubu: Economic outlook has improved, reforms have laid foundation for prosperity
Tinubu: Economic outlook has improved, reforms have laid foundation for prosperity
By: Zagazola Makama
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigeria’s economic outlook has improved significantly, citing stronger growth, rebuilt foreign reserves, lower oil theft and increased non-oil exports as evidence that the country’s economic reforms are beginning to yield results.
Tinubu stated this in his Independence Day address to Nigerians, where he reviewed the country’s economic challenges and outlined his administration’s plans for the next phase of development.
The President said Nigeria’s economic situation had deteriorated significantly before his administration took office in 2023, leaving the government with difficult choices.
He said the reforms introduced by his administration were designed to address structural weaknesses rather than merely manage their symptoms.
“Our reforms did not create the weaknesses in our economy. They confronted them,” Tinubu said.
According to him, Nigeria’s economy has grown by more than four per cent in the year, with contributions from both the oil and non-oil sectors.
He said oil theft had declined, inflation had fallen substantially from its peak, foreign reserves had been rebuilt and the foreign exchange market had stabilised.
Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s non-oil export performance, saying the country recorded more than six billion dollars in non-oil export revenue in 2025.
“These are not idle claims. International observers, journalists, NGOs and multilateral institutions can see the change,” he said.
The President said the private sector had also responded positively, while foreign direct investment continued to rise.
He, however, acknowledged that economic indicators alone would not be sufficient if ordinary Nigerians did not experience improvements in their daily lives.
Tinubu said prosperity should mean safer and more productive farming, reliable electricity for factories, access to credit for businesses, productive employment for young people and more affordable food, transportation and education.
He said the government would therefore focus on increasing productivity across agriculture and industry while improving infrastructure connecting producers to consumers.
Tinubu also acknowledged the continued hardship faced by millions of Nigerians, particularly those struggling to meet the costs of food, education, healthcare and transportation.
He said the government would continue strengthening social protection and essential public services while pursuing long-term economic growth.
The President said Nigeria could not eliminate in four years the economic difficulties accumulated over generations, but insisted that the country could change its direction.
“For the first time in decades, we embark on this task from a position of strength; with an economy whose fundamental direction has been corrected,” he said.
Tinubu described the period ahead as an “age of prosperity,” following what he called the “age of reform.”
He urged Nigerians to maintain faith in the country and work collectively towards building an economy where prosperity is broadly shared.
“Our destination is in sight. Our foundations are strong. Our direction is clear. So let us go forward. No looking back,” he said.
Tinubu promises lower cost of living, more jobs as Nigeria enters prosperity era
Tinubu promises lower cost of living, more jobs as Nigeria enters prosperity era
By: Zagazola Makama
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to make reducing the cost of living, creating productive jobs and expanding industrial growth the central priorities of his administration as Nigeria moves from economic reforms to prosperity.
The President made the commitment in his Independence Day address to Nigerians on Thursday, outlining the next phase of his administration’s economic agenda.
Tinubu said the government’s immediate priority was to reduce the cost of goods and services by addressing the factors that make production and transportation expensive.
“Our priority is to bring down the cost of living. We will achieve this by lowering the cost of producing and moving the things Nigerians consume,” he said.
He said the government was expanding mechanised irrigation and dry-season farming while improving access to seeds, fertiliser, mechanisation, storage and transportation.
According to him, investments in roads, railways and ports are also aimed at connecting farms and factories more efficiently to markets.
The President explained that lower production costs, reduced post-harvest losses, improved electricity supply and faster transportation would ultimately help bring down the prices of goods.
He also identified Nigeria’s young population as a major economic opportunity, saying government must ensure that millions of young people entering adulthood every year have access to productive opportunities.
“We are therefore placing jobs, enterprise, and industrial growth at the heart of our government’s policies,” he said.
Tinubu said the government would deploy Nigeria’s gas resources to power industries, support the revival of factories, expand digital connectivity and invest in skills demanded by employers.
He also pledged support for Nigerian businesses to enable them to expand production and compete in international markets.
“I want to see more Nigerians making things,” the President said, adding that he wanted Nigerian farms to supply cities and factories and Nigerian businesses to sell locally produced goods globally.
Tinubu said the government would also continue targeted support for vulnerable Nigerians through social intervention programmes.
He listed the strengthening of the National Social Register, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and CREDICORP among measures designed to provide support and access to opportunities.
He said CREDICORP would enable working Nigerians to access consumer credit for vehicles, solar systems, digital devices and other essential assets.
The President further said his administration had continued to pay salaries and pensions on time and in full since 2023, while reforms to the national pension programme were being implemented to benefit retirees and vulnerable citizens.
Tinubu acknowledged that economic recovery would take time and require sustained growth and discipline.
“We cannot erase in four years what accumulated over generations. But we can change its course,” he said.
He said the ultimate goal was not merely to manage poverty but to create an economy capable of steadily lifting Nigerians out of poverty.
Tinubu: Nigeria has passed through its own Red Sea, prosperity is next
Tinubu: Nigeria has passed through its own Red Sea, prosperity is next
By: Zagazola Makama
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has passed through its own “Red Sea” following years of difficult economic reforms, saying the country is now entering an era of shared and widespread prosperity.
Tinubu stated this in his Independence Day address to Nigerians on Thursday, marking the 66th anniversary of the country’s independence.
The President said his administration inherited an economy burdened by deep structural distortions, rising poverty and declining hope, which required difficult decisions to correct.
He likened the reforms to the treatment of a patient diagnosed with cancer, arguing that the discomfort associated with the treatment should not be confused with the underlying disease.
According to him, Nigeria had for too long relied on temporary measures to manage economic problems rather than confronting their root causes.
“Now, our purpose is simple: shared and widespread prosperity,” Tinubu said.
He said the country’s economy had grown by more than four per cent in the year, while both the oil and non-oil sectors contributed to renewed growth.
The President also cited lower oil theft, a substantial decline in inflation from its peak, rebuilt foreign reserves, improved stability in the foreign exchange market and record non-oil export revenue exceeding six billion dollars in 2025.
Tinubu said the focus of his administration would now shift towards reducing the cost of living by lowering the cost of producing and transporting goods.
He listed mechanised irrigation, dry-season farming, improved access to seeds and fertiliser, mechanisation, storage, transportation infrastructure, roads, railways and ports as part of the measures being pursued.
He said the ultimate objective was to ensure that increased productivity and lower production costs translated into more affordable goods for Nigerians.
The President also promised greater emphasis on productive employment, industrial growth, digital connectivity and skills development, particularly for young Nigerians.
“I want to see more Nigerians making things. I want to see more Nigerian farms feeding our cities and supplying our factories. I want to see Nigerian businesses selling Nigerian goods to the whole world,” he said.
Tinubu acknowledged that millions of Nigerians were still struggling with food, education, healthcare and transportation costs.
He said the government would continue strengthening social support programmes, the National Social Register, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, CREDICORP, primary healthcare and basic education.
The President said the programmes were intended as a bridge towards prosperity rather than a substitute for economic growth.
“We will defeat” poverty, he declared, while acknowledging that the process would require time, discipline, sustained growth and the creation of millions of productive opportunities.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain focused on the future, saying the country had corrected its economic course and laid foundations for lasting prosperity.
“Nigeria has corrected its course. We have passed through our own Red Sea. This is not the time to look back,” he said.
He called for collective commitment to building a Nigeria where prosperity would be broadly shared and every child could aspire beyond the circumstances of birth.
OPHK troops neutralise 16 terrorists, recover arms in Adamawa
OPHK troops neutralise 16 terrorists, recover arms in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have neutralised multiple terrorists, recovered assorted weapons and repelled coordinated attacks during a series of operations in Adamawa State.
The operations, conducted between Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2026, covered the Sector 4 Area of Operations and involved ground ambushes, a precision air strike and defensive operations against terrorist incursions.
In the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area, troops conducted an ambush on a terrorist enclave, neutralising 16 terrorists.
A subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines and a belt of pump-action cartridges.
In a related operation, the Air Component of OPHK conducted a precision air strike in the early hours of Oct. 1 after an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform detected a concentration of about 16 terrorists alongside 15 motorcycles under a tree canopy in Sector 4.
The terrorists were detected at about 4:40 a.m., while the air interdiction was conducted at approximately 5:30 a.m. following positive identification and target acquisition.
According to the Theatre Command, the strike recorded a direct hit, while subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the destruction of the target.
The few surviving terrorists were reported to have scattered from the area.
Meanwhile, troops also repelled coordinated attacks launched by insurgents against 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha.
The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to abort their mission and withdraw from the area.
However, three soldiers were killed during the fierce engagements, while wounded personnel were evacuated and are receiving medical treatment.
Follow-up exploitation and mop-up operations are ongoing across the affected areas.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the operational successes came amid ongoing efforts to strengthen joint integration and improve coordination among the land, air and other supporting components of the Theatre Command.
Goni said the renewed operational approach was focused on leveraging intelligence, technology and joint capabilities to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North East.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Theatre Command to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and creating conditions for lasting peace, security and socio-economic development in the region.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
The Theatre Command also appreciated the continued support and cooperation of Nigerians as the country commemorated its Independence Anniversary.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops rescue five abducted women in Katsina, recover rustled livestock in Sokoto
Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops rescue five abducted women in Katsina, recover rustled livestock in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued five abducted female victims in Katsina State and recovered rustled livestock after repelling a terrorist attack in Sokoto State.
The operations, conducted separately and driven by intelligence and support from local communities, were carried out in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina and Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto.
In Katsina, troops acted on timely information about the movement of terrorists around the Madaci Forest area of Sabuwa LGA and swiftly mobilised to intercept the criminals.
The troops’ tactical manoeuvres disrupted the terrorists, leading to the successful rescue of five female victims, including a mother and her infant, as well as three other minors and young adults.
The victims, who are originally from Danja and Funtua LGAs, were subsequently handed over to the Chairman of Bakori LGA, Hon. Abubakar Musa, for reunification with their families.
Troops have continued aggressive patrols in the area to dominate the terrain and deny terrorists freedom of movement.
In a related development in Sokoto State, troops of 248 Reconnaissance Battalion repelled a terrorist attack in Badiya village, Shagari LGA.
The troops, acting on credible intelligence regarding suspicious movements, engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding terrain.
The fleeing terrorists abandoned a large herd of rustled livestock, which was subsequently recovered by the troops.
The recovered animals were returned to their rightful owners during a brief ceremony facilitated by the Chairman of Shagari LGA and the local District Head.
The development is expected to support ongoing efforts to restore normalcy and strengthen confidence among communities affected by terrorist activities and livestock rustling in the area.
Troops discover, detonate pressure-plate IED in Gwoza
Troops discover, detonate pressure-plate IED in Gwoza
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have discovered and safely detonated a pressure-plate Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The incident occurred at about 3:50 p.m. on Sept. 28, when troops of 26 Task Force Brigade, Gwoza, discovered the IED approximately 400 metres off a road close to their location in Gwoza.
The device, identified as a pressure-plate IED, was successfully rendered safe and detonated in-situ by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
No casualty was reported in the incident.
The successful disposal of the device prevented a potential threat to troops and other road users within the area.
Six ISWAP family members surrender, minor rescued in Gwoza
Six ISWAP family members surrender, minor rescued in Gwoza
By: Zagazola Makama
Six family members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have surrendered to troops of the Nigerian Army in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The family members surrendered at about 8:49 a.m. on Sept. 28 to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Pulka.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the individuals escaped from a terrorist enclave in Bulakambula, Bama Local Government Area.
The victims were subsequently handed over to representatives of the Grassroots Initiative for Strengthening Community Resilience (GISCOR) at its Pulka office for further assistance and processing.
In a related development, the troops at about 8:55 a.m. intercepted and rescued a female minor, identified as a family member of an ISWAP terrorist, at Hudugum village along the Gwoza–Limankara road in Gwoza LGA.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the minor had escaped from a terrorist enclave in Waa, in the Mandara Mountains.
The rescued minor was subsequently handed over to the Gwoza IDP Camp authorities for appropriate care and further processing.
The developments underscore the continued pressure on terrorist elements operating in the Gwoza axis, as individuals associated with the insurgents continue to escape their enclaves and seek safety in areas controlled by security forces.
OPWS troops neutralise terrorist, arrest another in Benue
OPWS troops neutralise terrorist, arrest another in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have neutralised a suspected terrorist and arrested another during an offensive operation in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation was conducted at about 8:32 a.m. on Sept. 28 at Kyado, where the troops engaged terrorists at the Pevikya terrorist enclave in Adomanyi.
During the encounter, the troops neutralised one terrorist and apprehended another, while other members of the group fled the area.
One AK-47 rifle magazine was recovered from the fleeing terrorists and is currently in the custody of the troops alongside the arrested suspect for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by OPWS to disrupt terrorist activities and strengthen security across vulnerable communities in Benue State.
Nigerian Army activates three new battalions in Zamfara
Nigerian Army activates three new battalions in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has operationalised three new Infantry Battalions in Zamfara State as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and enhance rapid response to emerging threats across the state.
The newly activated formations are the 12 Infantry Battalion, Bakura; 23 Infantry Battalion, Kaura Namoda; and 28 Infantry Battalion, Anka.
A statement by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen. B.P. Koughna, said the development would expand the Army’s operational coverage and improve security within the battalions’ respective Areas of Responsibility.
The statement, issued by the Acting Brigade Commander, Col. Umaru, said the Army remained committed to sustained operations aimed at protecting law-abiding citizens and restoring lasting peace across Zamfara.
Col. Umaru called for stronger collaboration among the military, other security agencies, traditional institutions and communities, stressing that timely and credible intelligence remained critical to successful security operations.
He also charged the newly deployed troops to maintain discipline, professionalism and vigilance while operating within their constitutional mandate and established Rules of Engagement.
The Acting Brigade Commander urged the troops to remain responsive to the security needs of the communities within their areas of responsibility and to sustain close engagement with local stakeholders.
In separate remarks, the Emirs of Bakura, Anka and Kaura Namoda commended the Nigerian Army for establishing the additional battalions.
The traditional rulers described the move as an important step towards strengthening security and restoring normalcy in communities across the state.
They pledged the continued support of traditional institutions through community mobilisation, cooperation and information sharing with security agencies.
The activation of the three battalions is expected to further enhance the Army’s presence and operational reach in Zamfara State, particularly in areas requiring faster response to security threats.
“Identity Cannot Become a Death Sentence, Crime Must Be Treated as Crime, Not Ethnicity” MACBAN Warns Against Collective Blame in Plateau
“Identity Cannot Become a Death Sentence, Crime Must Be Treated as Crime, Not Ethnicity” MACBAN Warns Against Collective Blame in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Assistant Youth Leader of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Barkin Ladi branch, Idris Saidu Adamu, has identified collective blame, civilian vigilantism, identity-based killings, social-media incitement and what he described as unequal treatment of displaced communities as major factors sustaining violence in Plateau State.
Adamu made the submission during an interaction with journalists in Plateau State, where he argued that lasting peace would remain difficult unless government and communities stopped treating criminality as a crime belonging to a particular ethnic or religious group.
He said the presence of criminals in every community should make investigation, evidence and due process the basis for determining responsibility for crimes.
“We are having criminals in all parts. Every tribe, every religion has criminals.”
According to him, one of the most dangerous developments in the Plateau crisis is the practice of civilians taking the law into their own hands whenever an incident occurs.
Adamu alleged that while the Fulani community generally accepts the prosecution of suspects arrested for crimes, there have been instances where community members from other groups have protested against the arrest or prosecution of suspects from their communities.
“As far as the Fulani community in Plateau State is concerned, we have never protested the arrest of any criminal that was. In fact, we want the law to take its course on any criminal that is caught.”
He added: “But on the contrary, in the part of the natives and other tribes, when a criminal is caught, they will come out and protest that such a criminal should not be prosecuted.”
Adamu said such behaviour creates an environment in which criminal suspects can become protected by communal identity, while victims and security agencies are placed under additional pressure.
‘If suspect is not caught, it must be Fulani’
The MACBAN youth leader also accused sections of the population of prematurely attributing crimes to Fulani people whenever the actual perpetrators are not immediately identified.
“If there is any ordinary incident that happens, be it a kidnapping, be it a robbery, anything, any criminality that everyone is capable of doing, if the suspect or the criminal is not caught, the final conclusion to the negative crimes is that it must have been committed by a Fulani.”
He said such assumptions can transform an ordinary criminal investigation into an ethnic confrontation.
Adamu cited Mushere as an example, recalling the kidnapping of the father of former Plateau State Governor Joshua Dariye.
He claimed that the initial suspicion at the time was that Fulani people were responsible, but that subsequent investigations, according to his account, pointed to individuals from the same community as the victim.
“The first thing they did that time was that it was Fulani that kidnapped him. But investigations later revealed that it was his close ally, his tribesman, that kidnapped him under the leadership of one Jethro Bassey.”
That historical claim was presented by Adamu as an illustration of the danger of assigning ethnic responsibility before investigations are completed.
May 2025 Mushere violence
Adamu also referred to the violence that followed the killing of a pastor in the Mushere area in May 2025, arguing that accusations against Fulani residents should have been subjected to investigation before retaliatory action was taken.
Contemporary reports from May 2025 documented the killing of Pastor Mimang Lekyil in Kwakas-Mushere and subsequent violence, including the reported burning of Fulani structures by youths, followed by further killings in Mbor and surrounding communities. Accounts of responsibility for the attacks differed, underscoring the complexity of the sequence of events.
Adamu said: “Instead of them to just let the allegation and fall back and allow security agencies to investigate, they came out and protested it. They began to pull in first that Fulani houses and they burn houses. They killed people on the 27th of May 2025.”
He alleged that Fulani residents were subsequently forced out of Mushere Central and neighbouring areas.
“So they chased all Fulani people out of Mushere central and all other neighboring areas in Mushere city.”
He argued that the incident demonstrated how an allegation, when converted into communal action without investigation, could produce a cycle of retaliation and further displacement.
Adamu further alleged that women confronted security personnel during the violence, some soldiers were wounded, and their houses were burnt while people were inside.
‘Identity cannot become a death sentence’
The MACBAN Youth Leader said another dimension of the crisis was the targeting of passengers travelling on public transportation simply because of their ethnic or religious identity.
“Passengers, people who are in public transit, that are moving from one place to another, they don’t even know what is happening where. They will be singled out of public bus and killed on highway because of their identity.”
He described this as unacceptable, arguing that an individual’s ethnicity or religion cannot constitute evidence of criminal involvement. “That one too must be stopped.”
This, perhaps more than any other issue, goes to the heart of Plateau’s security challenge: when identity becomes a substitute for evidence, ordinary criminality can rapidly become communal violence.
A kidnapper, robber or killer should be identified through investigation, intelligence and evidence. The failure to immediately identify a suspect cannot legitimately become proof against an entire ethnic group.
Social media and the escalation of violence
Adamu also raised concerns over social-media activity by individuals he described as influential figures who allegedly use their platforms to encourage retaliation and violence.
“You will see people that are supposed to be leaders, people that are supposed to take responsibility for this trend, they will come out and gather people and record it and put on social media.”
He alleged that some messages amount to direct calls for attacks. “They are calling for anarchy in this land.”
According to him, repeated public calls for violence should attract the attention of law-enforcement agencies.
“If one Fulani person will come out and do that on social media space, he will not stay more than 24 hours without being arrested.”
In addressing such allegations, however, the same principle of due process should apply: credible threats or incitement to violence should be investigated on the basis of evidence, while lawful expression should not itself be treated as a crime.
Political will and the question of displaced Fulani communities
Adamu said the deeper challenge was what he described as a lack of political will to apply peace and resettlement policies equally to all communities.
“That lack of political will, in fact, anything that we want to do, as far as we are doing it in order to have a lasting peace in this land, that political will must be there.”
He argued that government should not distinguish between displaced citizens on the basis of ethnicity or religion.
“You cannot be segregating among people who are supposed to be your subjects.”
He said some Fulani families who had lived for years in Plateau communities, owned houses and farmland, and established livelihoods had been forced to leave their homes during periods of violence.
“They are chased away. Some of them are now taking refuge in Bauchi, some are in other parts of Plateau.”
According to him, the question of their return has received insufficient attention.
“But this government has never talked about how to resettle the Fulani people back to where they were born and brought up.”
Adamu contrasted this with public calls for other displaced communities to return to their ancestral homes.
“But they are always saying that natives that have been displaced should go back to their houses.”
WHEN THE BAR SEES ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE BLOODSHED: A REJOINDER TO THE JOINT PRESS STATEMENT OF NBA BRANCHES IN PLATEAU STATE
WHEN THE BAR SEES ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE BLOODSHED: A REJOINDER TO THE JOINT PRESS STATEMENT OF NBA BRANCHES IN PLATEAU STATE
By Nuhu Ibrahim, Esq. (Talban Juran Kari)
I have read with considerable concern the Joint Press Statement issued on 28 September 2026 by the Chairmen of the Jos, Pankshin, Bukuru and Shendam Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association on the continuing insecurity in Plateau State.
There is much in the statement with which every conscientious Nigerian should agree. Government bears the primary responsibility for protecting life and property. Perpetrators of killings, terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other violent crimes must be investigated and prosecuted. Security agencies must act professionally and impartially, while victims, irrespective of their identities, deserve justice.
My difficulty, however, is that a statement which so eloquently proclaims the universality of the right to life appears remarkably selective in identifying whose lives have recently been lost.
The communiqué catalogues attacks in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bokkos and repeatedly invokes “terrorists”, “invaders”, “land grabbing” and even “Fulani militia”. Yet it is conspicuously silent about the innocent Fulani people who have themselves been brutally attacked and killed in the same areas and within the same period.
Only on 20 September, five Fulani men travelling from Bokkos towards Kara Cattle Market in Bukuru were reportedly ambushed and killed around the Kassa axis of Barkin Ladi. Their names were given as Buhari Yusuf, Aminu Ahmad, Nasiru Abdullahi, Gambo Abubakar and Muhammad Abdul Rahman. Their killing was reported publicly. Other attacks upon Fulani herders and their livestock were also reported during the same cycle of violence.
Yet, somehow, none of these victims found a line in this lengthy statement on the sanctity of human life.
That omission is difficult to understand.
If the Nigerian Bar Association declares, as the communiqué does, that “Every Nigerian, regardless of status, ethnicity, religion, or location, has an inviolable right to life and security,” then surely a Fulani life cannot become less inviolable merely because its acknowledgement complicates a preferred narrative.
More disturbing is the communiqué's treatment of self-defence.
Of course, self-defence is recognised by law. But my learned colleagues know—or ought to know—better than most Nigerians that self-defence is not an ethnic blank cheque. It does not authorise collective punishment. It does not permit reprisal attacks. It does not justify killing an innocent herder because another Fulani man committed an atrocity somewhere else. It cannot transform cattle rustling, ambush or murder into lawful conduct merely because the perpetrator claims to be defending his community.
This distinction assumes frightening importance in the Plateau context.
When a communiqué simultaneously paints a picture of “Fulani militia” arriving from several Nigerian States and the Republic of Niger, speaks of “invaders” occupying and renaming communities, and then urges communities to exercise a right of self-defence, what message does an innocent Fulani resident hear?
Who, precisely, is the enemy against whom this communal self-defence is contemplated?
This is not an academic question.
In a society already poisoned by suspicion, careless language can provide moral vocabulary for violence. Once an entire ethnic identity is gradually associated with “terrorists”, “militia”, “invaders” and “land grabbers”, the innocent Fulani herder travelling to market risks ceasing to be seen as a fellow citizen. He becomes, in an already inflamed imagination, part of the enemy.
And once that happens, the distance between lawful self-defence and ethnic reprisal becomes terrifyingly short.
This is why the communiqué, perhaps inadvertently, reinforces an allegation which Plateau's elites ought to be doing everything possible to dispel: that attacks upon innocent Fulani people may sometimes be rationalised, sanitised or excused under the convenient vocabulary of “self-defence”, while attacks attributed to Fulani assailants are immediately described in the language of terrorism, invasion and occupation.
That double standard, if allowed to take root, is itself a threat to peace.
If a Fulani man murders a Berom man, arrest him and prosecute him.
If a Berom man murders a Fulani man, arrest him and prosecute him.
If a Mwaghavul man rustles Fulani cattle, prosecute him.
If a Fulani herder destroys another man's farm or attacks a community, prosecute him.
And where any person genuinely acts in self-defence, let the law determine that defence upon evidence, necessity and proportionality.
The ethnicity of an offender must never determine the vocabulary with which his crime is described, just as the ethnicity of a victim must never determine whether his corpse deserves public outrage or institutional silence.
There is another uncomfortable dimension.
The communiqué refers specifically to Kassa among the affected communities. Yet contemporary reporting of the recent Kassa violence described the killing there as a suspected reprisal occurring only hours after a Fulani herder had reportedly been killed and livestock rustled around the Barkin Ladi–Mangu axis.
Let nobody misunderstand me: reprisal killing is murder. Nothing done to a Fulani herder can justify murdering an innocent Berom, just as nothing done by a Berom criminal can justify murdering an innocent Fulani.
But that is precisely the point.
A body of lawyers genuinely interested in ending the cycle cannot narrate the second killing magnificently while the first disappears from the story. Justice cannot begin its chronology at the point most convenient to one side.
I am therefore particularly disappointed that this came from branches of the Nigerian Bar Association.
The Bar is not the Berom Bar Association.
It is not the Mwaghavul Bar Association.
It is not the Fulani Bar Association.
It is the Nigerian Bar Association, and its moral authority in a conflict of this nature must derive from an almost stubborn impartiality.
Our profession teaches us to interrogate evidence, resist prejudice, protect minorities, insist upon individual responsibility and refuse collective guilt. The Bar should therefore be the last institution to reproduce—consciously or otherwise—the ethnic stereotypes that have helped keep Plateau trapped in recurring bloodshed.
The solution to Plateau's tragedy cannot be to replace one victimhood narrative with another. There have been innocent Christian victims. There have been innocent Muslim victims. There have been innocent Berom victims. There have been innocent Fulani victims. Their blood does not acquire different colours according to the tribe or religion of the person bleeding.
I therefore respectfully invite my learned colleagues who signed this communiqué to look again at their own concluding declaration:
“Every Nigerian, regardless of status, ethnicity, religion, or location, has an inviolable right to life and security.”
Beautiful words.
But those words must include Buhari Yusuf, Aminu Ahmad, Nasiru Abdullahi, Gambo Abubakar and Muhammad Abdul Rahman—the five Fulani men reportedly murdered while travelling to market.
They must include the Fulani teenager tending cattle.
They must include the Berom farmer on his farm.
They must include the Mwaghavul villager sleeping in his home.
They must include every innocent person.
Otherwise, universality becomes rhetoric and justice becomes tribal arithmetic.
The Plateau crisis has lasted far too long for influential institutions to continue speaking in ways capable of reinforcing the fears of one community while validating the grievances of another. Lawyers should be dismantling stereotypes, not lending them jurisprudential vocabulary.
Count every corpse.
Mourn every victim.
Investigate every allegation.
Prosecute every murderer.
And condemn every atrocity by exactly the same standard.
That is justice.
That is the rule of law.
And that, rather than a dangerously elastic invocation of communal “self-defence”, is the contribution I expect from the Nigerian Bar Association towards lasting peace on the Plateau.
Nuhu Ibrahim, Esq.
Talban Juran Kari
Kaduna State
Plateau crises: The cotton has fallen. The FALSE narrative has been unmasked
Plateau crises: The cotton has fallen. The FALSE narrative has been unmasked
By: Zagazola Makama
There was a time when every violent incident in Plateau was quickly packaged, exported and presented to the international community as another chapter in a supposedly endless “Christian genocide.” And it worked. But something has changed.
For those following the crisis from outside Nigeria, videos like this may still sound convincing because they are often presented without the context that Nigerians living through the crisis already know. But within Nigeria, particularly among communities directly affected by the violence, the simplistic genocide narrative has increasingly collided with the messy reality on the ground. And that reality is inconvenient.
We have documented thousands of pieces of evidence showing attacks, killings, destruction of property, cattle rustling, reprisal attacks and displacement affecting different communities. In some locations, one community suffers an attack and retaliates; elsewhere, the pattern is reversed. Yet somehow, in certain advocacy circles, the first attack can disappear into the footnotes while the retaliation becomes the headline.
Take, for example, some organisations engineering narratives in Plateau. Their reporting has repeatedly been criticised for selective emphasis, particularly when violence involving Plateau natives is concerned. If the victim belongs to one preferred category, the incident receives international attention. If the same crisis produces victims from another community, particularly Fulani, the story suddenly becomes much more complicated or disappears altogether in the media space.
Nigeria’s security crisis is increasingly being fought on two fronts. There is the physical battlefield, where terrorists, bandits and other criminals attack communities. And there is the information battlefield, where competing groups fight to control the narrative about what happened, who is responsible and why.
The second battlefield can determine what happens on the first.
What they want to push to the international community is: “Hundreds and thousands of churches are being destroyed,” and “Christians are killed for wearing the Cross.” They use terrible headlines to amplify what is, in many instances, a complex farmer-herder and communal conflict.
But what is the business of herders whose livestock was stolen with attacking churches or planing to orchestrate Christians genocide? Even recently, we have seen how the bullet does not differentiate. This time, one Muhammed Abdullahi was shot, but some conflict reporters carefully omitted that part because it does not fit their preferred narrative.
Apparently, in this version of Plateau’s history, the first bullet does not matter nearly as much as the identity of the person who fires the second one. And then comes the familiar formula:
Attack → retaliation → mass burial ceremony → international statement → “Christian persecution” or “genocide” → fundraising, advocacy and another round of international attention. Meanwhile, the underlying cycle continues.
Zagazola has recently published evidence of Fulani victims from Berom and Mwaghavul communities receiving compensation. Just yesterday, another Fulani man paid ₦1 million as compensation for destroying a farm.
Now the question is: Are they paying the compensation for committing genocide against Christians? Because from the look of things, even farm destruction is sometimes described within the wider Plateau conflict narrative as “genocide.”
Unfortunately, the crisis entrepreneurs will never publicise such narratives because stories like these do not fit neatly into the fashionable narrative. They demonstrate something profoundly inconvenient: there are people on both sides suffering losses, and Fulani individuals, when found wanting, are also coming forward to pay compensation.
Everyone knows that a large part of Plateau is peaceful. This crisis is concentrated in only a few LGAs. It started with Barkin Ladi, then Riyom became increasingly affected, later the Mwaghavul communities became drawn into the violence, and now there are concerns about the conflict spreading towards Pankshin. Even most recently, fake attack alarms were being publicized that some part of Plateau capital may be attacked. This narrative was only designed to drag everybody in the state into the crises. Meanwhile, Plateau State capital has remained largely peaceful, with people from different communities going about their normal businesses as usual.
It is only when you go into some of those affected villages that you begin hearing all sorts of narratives flying up and down. Nigerians who have watched these conflicts unfold know that the reality is considerably more complicated.
There are criminal elements among Fulani communities. There are criminal elements among Berom communities. There are criminal elements among Mwaghavul communities. There are armed actors, cattle rustlers, militia members, kidnappers, opportunistic advocates and criminals who exploit ethnic and religious grievances.
A criminal does not become a saint because he belongs to our ethnic group, whether Berom Militia, Mwaghavul Militia or Fulani bandits.
And a victim does not become less deserving of justice because he belongs to the “wrong” community.
The most disturbing aspect of the crisis is that Nigeria’s violence has created an ecosystem in which some actors can benefit from permanent fear. These are the conflict entrepreneurs.
They thrive on outrage and division. They thrive when grieving families are transformed into instruments for a much larger ideological campaign. They thrive when one community believes the other is preparing to destroy it.
This is where social media has become particularly dangerous. An attack committed by few criminals is being transformed into evidence of a national religious conspiracy. You keep hearing words like “The terrorists are attacking us to take over our land and established their religion. When young people are repeatedly told that an entire ethnic or religious population is responsible for the crimes of armed individuals, the result is not justice.
It is collective punishment. When communities are convinced that every member of another group is an enemy, innocent people become targets. The algorithm rewards anger. The conflict entrepreneur monetises it. The community pays the price.
For them, peace can actually be inconvenient. A peaceful Plateau produces fewer dramatic videos. A farmer and herder settling a dispute produces no sensational international headline. A compensation agreement produces no genocide narrative. A community preventing retaliation produces no viral footage. What is exportable is video of a dead body and an angry speech during funeral ceremonies. And so the tragedy continues to generate a market for people who claim to speak for the victims.
But even the international communities are now informed. The days when somebody could produce a dramatic video, invoke “Christian genocide,” send it abroad and expect everyone to simply accept the story without questioning the missing half of the evidence are disappearing.
This is because Nigerians are watching, they are now documenting what is happening. Nigerians are comparing the stories with what actually happened on the ground. This is because every story comes with pictures, coordinates, dates and their timing.
The international community should do the same. The BBC African Eye has taken the lead by carrying out a documentary that showcased the reality on the ground. The BBC recent Africa Eye documentary, Nigeria: Faith, Fear and Fake News, has done something rare and profoundly important in the coverage of Nigeria’s Plateau crises. it has separated the reality of suffering from the narratives built around that suffering.
One of the most important lessons from the BBC investigation is that truth cannot be manufactured by selecting only the victims who fit a preferred narrative. If you want to tell the story of Plateau, tell all of it.
The most important principle emerging from the BBC documentary is simple: Do not confuse a community with the criminals who operate within or around it. A Fulani pastoralist is not automatically a terrorist because an armed criminal happens to be Fulani. A Christian farmer is not automatically part of a militia because a Christian militia member commits a crime. A Muslim is not responsible for Boko Haram or ISWAP. A Christian is not responsible for the actions of a Christian militia. An entire ethnic group cannot be prosecuted for the crimes of individuals.
Zagazola’s position remains unchanged. The BBC Africa Eye documentary has reinforced something Zagazola has consistently maintained that Nigeria’s security crisis is too complicated to be reduced to a religious slogan.
OPEP brokers N1m settlement over farm destruction in Jos South
OPEP brokers N1m settlement over farm destruction in Jos South
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have brokered an amicable settlement between farmers and cattle owners following a reported case of farmland destruction at Gero Gyel District in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident, which was reported on Sept. 28, involved six cattle intercepted while grazing on the affected farmland.
According to a situation report obtained by Zagazola, troops of Sector 6, OPEP, invited the parties for dialogue at about 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 29 in an effort to resolve the dispute peacefully.
The engagement resulted in an agreement that the cattle be released to their owner, Mr Yusuf Abubakar, through the Wakilin Ardo, Abdullahi Shuaibu.
The release followed an agreement on compensation for the reported farm damage, which was assessed at N1 million.
The report said N750,000 was paid to the representative of the farmers, Mr Ilya Solomon, while the remaining N250,000 was agreed to be paid on or before Oct. 12, 2026.
The intervention is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies and community stakeholders in Plateau State to prevent disputes involving farmers and herders from escalating into wider communal violence.
Zagazola understands that such mediation remains critical to maintaining peace and strengthening community confidence in security operations across the OPEP area of responsibility.
OPEC chief backs Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline,linking Nigeria, Niger and Algeria
OPEC chief backs Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline,linking Nigeria, Niger and Algeria
…Says project will boost energy security..
By: Zagazola Makama
The Secretary General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Mr Haitham Al-Ghais, has described the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), linking Nigeria, Niger and Algeria, as an “excellent project” capable of strengthening energy security in Europe and beyond.
Al-Ghais made the remarks in an interview with Algerian television channel, Ennahar, where he highlighted the strategic importance of the long-planned gas infrastructure project to the energy sector and the wider economies of the three participating countries.
The OPEC Secretary General said the pipeline was consistent with efforts to strengthen the security and reliability of global energy supplies, particularly at a time when energy security remains a major concern for consuming countries.
He said the project would not only facilitate the movement of Nigerian natural gas towards Algeria and onward to European markets but could also generate significant economic opportunities along its route.
According to him, the development of the pipeline could create employment opportunities for young people in Nigeria, Niger and Algeria while supporting economic activity in communities and regions connected to the project.
Al-Ghais further commended Algeria’s role in advancing the initiative, describing the country’s efforts as part of a broader drive to promote regional and continental integration through strategic energy infrastructure.
He said the cooperation among Nigeria, Niger and Algeria demonstrated how economic diplomacy could be deployed to advance shared interests in Africa, particularly through projects capable of connecting energy-producing countries with international markets.
The Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline is envisaged as a major regional gas infrastructure project designed to transport natural gas from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria, from where it could access existing pipeline networks linking North Africa with European markets.
Beyond its potential contribution to gas supply, the project has been associated with wider economic objectives, including infrastructure development, job creation, increased investment and stronger economic cooperation among the participating countries.
Al-Ghais expressed optimism that the project would progress to successful completion, saying its timely delivery would enable Nigeria, Niger and Algeria to begin benefiting from its expected economic and social opportunities.
He also expressed his best wishes for the swift success of the initiative, stressing the importance of translating the long-standing plans into tangible benefits for the countries and their populations.
The OPEC chief’s comments come as African energy-producing countries continue to explore ways of expanding gas infrastructure and securing new markets, while positioning natural gas as an important component of the continent’s energy and economic development strategy.
For Nigeria, the project could provide an additional avenue for monetising the country’s substantial natural gas resources, while deepening its energy partnership with Algeria and strengthening regional economic cooperation.
The project also highlights the growing importance of cross-border energy infrastructure in Africa, where inadequate transportation networks and limited investment have historically constrained the ability of resource-rich countries to fully exploit their energy potential.
Suspected Fulani militias kill miner, steal pumping machine in Riyom
Suspected Fulani militias kill miner, steal pumping machine in Riyom
By: Zagazola Makama
A 38-year-old man, Mr Raymond Dalyop, has been killed by suspected Fulani militias while returning from an illegal mining site at Dum community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2026, when troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed at Bachit, responded to a report of an attack and killing in the area.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops discovered the corpse of Dalyop, while his pumping machine was reportedly taken away by the assailants.
The victim’s corpse was evacuated by members of the community for burial.
The troops have activated a manhunt for the perpetrators and intensified efforts to track down those responsible for the killing.
Troops rescue kidnapped soldier in Plateau after sustained pressure on abductors
Troops rescue kidnapped soldier in Plateau after sustained pressure on abductors
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued a soldier who was abducted at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATC), Miango Range, in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The soldier, identified as Cpl. Amos Bala, was reportedly kidnapped on Sept. 27, 2026, at the NATC Miango Range.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim was released by his abductors at about 9:00 p.m. on Sept. 28 following sustained pressure from troops conducting rescue operations in the area.
The soldier reportedly sustained injuries during his captivity and was immediately evacuated to the NATC Medical Centre for treatment.
He was subsequently treated and later rejoined his unit.
The development followed ongoing efforts by troops of Sector 3 OPEP to locate the abducted soldier and secure his safe release.
Eight miners die after mining pit floods in Bauchi
Eight miners die after mining pit floods in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
At least nine miners have died following the flooding of a mining pit at Zurfi Mining Company in Nahuta village, Gwana District of Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The incident occurred at about 9:45 p.m. on Sept. 26, 2026, when contracted miners were working at Pit 3 and a heavy downpour caused the pit to become flooded, trapping several workers underground.
According to the Bauchi State Police Command, one of the miners, identified only as Abner, was reportedly electrocuted and subsequently rescued and rushed to General Hospital Kashere in neighbouring Gombe State, where he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Alkaleri, subsequently led a team to the mining site to assist in rescuing the trapped miners.
The company deployed three water pumps to evacuate water from the pit and facilitate access to the trapped workers.
After concerted rescue efforts by the police and local vigilantes, eight additional victims were recovered at about 11:20 a.m. on Sept. 27.
They were all pronounced dead by medical doctors at General Hospital Kashere.
The deceased were identified as Hamidu Ali, 40, of Nasarawa State; Saidu Abubakar, 29, of Nasarawa State; Olije Abdulrazak, 25, of Kogi State; Musa Abdullahi, 29, of Bauchi State; Abdulrahman Muazu, 23, of Bauchi State; Jafar Abbas, 24, of Bauchi State; Jose Ukese, 28, of Nasarawa State; and Haruna Alkali, 30, of Kebbi State.
The police said post-mortem examinations were conducted before the remains were released to their relatives for burial in accordance with their respective religious rites.
The command said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Preliminary findings indicated that the mining company was duly registered and licensed, although further investigations are expected to determine whether appropriate safety measures were in place at the time of the incident.
Troops, NDLEA arrest nine suspected drug peddlers in Delta
Troops, NDLEA arrest nine suspected drug peddlers in Delta
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 90 Amphibious Battalion, in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested nine suspected drug peddlers in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 11:40 p.m. on Sept. 26, 2026, during an operation within Oghara community.
The troops recovered 13 sachets of Tramadol (100mg), one carton of Codeine, two cartons of cough syrup, 25 grams of suspected cannabis and 25 sachets of cannabis-cake recipe.
The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA office in Sapele for further investigation and appropriate action.
Troops arrest suspected hoodlum, recover 25 cartridges in Abia
Troops arrest suspected hoodlum, recover 25 cartridges in Abia
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 144 Battalion (Rear) under Operation CRUSH have arrested a suspected hoodlum and recovered 25 cartridges in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2026, at Ihere Market, following an operation by troops based at Akirika Obu.
The troops recovered 25 cartridges from the suspect during the operation.
The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police, Eastern Ngwa Divisional Headquarters, for further investigation and appropriate action.
Troops foil IPOB/ESN ambush, IED attacks during offensive operation in Enugu
Troops foil IPOB/ESN ambush, IED attacks during offensive operation in Enugu
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint troops of Sector 1, comprising personnel from 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion (Rear), 197 Special Forces Battalion, 15 Brigade and Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NN SBS), have foiled attacks by suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists during an offensive operation in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 4:00 a.m. on Sept. 28, 2026, around Imezi-Owa, Abunozu communities and Afor-Ugwu/Ajali forest areas of the local government area.
The troops, working in conjunction with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), local informants and with air support from the Air Component of Operation UDO KA, engaged suspected IPOB/ESN fighters near Ugbene Bridge.
The terrorists were forced to flee following the troops’ offensive action.
During exploitation of the area, the troops encountered command-detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and attempted ambushes.
The attacks were successfully foiled by the troops, who continued to dominate the operational area.
Security forces are maintaining operations in the area to prevent the regrouping of the fleeing terrorists and to further clear the forest corridors.
Troops recover 11 rustled cattle from terrorists in Kaduna
Troops recover 11 rustled cattle from terrorists in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 4 Demo Battalion under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recovered 11 cattle suspected to have been rustled by terrorists in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the recovery followed credible information on cattle-rustling activities at Katabu Pole Wire village.
The troops, operating from a checkpoint at Maraban Jos, intercepted the terrorists at about 1:48 a.m. on Sept. 28, 2026, while they were attempting to cross with the cattle.
The troops engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the 11 cattle and flee the area.
The recovered cattle were subsequently handed over to their rightful owners.
Troops arrest impostor posing as soldier in Adamawa
Troops arrest impostor posing as soldier in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 have arrested a suspected impostor allegedly posing as a soldier at Tsamiya Checkpoint in Barama, Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 6:40 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2026, while allegedly parading himself as a military personnel.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect reportedly dressed in military uniform to defraud unsuspecting civilians.
Troops recovered one mobile phone, one power bank and one MP3 player from the suspect.
The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
Troops rescue abducted Gwoza indigene after escape from terrorist enclave
Troops rescue abducted Gwoza indigene after escape from terrorist enclave
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion have rescued an internally displaced person (IDP) who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains after being abducted during an attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim was rescued at about 3:02 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2026, when troops conducting a standard patrol in the Alfa Company area of Gwoza sighted him ahead of their position.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim is an indigene of Ngoshe who was abducted during a terrorist attack on the community on March 3, 2026.
The source said the victim had escaped from the Gava terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains before encountering the troops.
He was subsequently handed over to officials of the Pulka IDP Camp for necessary assistance and further processing.
The development highlights the continued efforts by troops operating in the North-East to locate and rescue persons abducted by terrorist groups and facilitate their safe return to civilian authorities.
Plateau crisis: MACBAN blame communities, government for failure to expose criminals
Plateau crisis: MACBAN blame communities, government for failure to expose criminals
By: Zagazola Makama
The Secretary of MACBAN Plateau State Chapter, Barister Salisu Isa Muhammed have blamed the failure of communities to expose criminals within their midst, weak prosecution and alleged lack of political will by government for the persistence of violence in the state.
Muhammed said the crisis could not be resolved by security operations alone, arguing that Fulani, Berom, Mwaghavul and other communities must take responsibility for identifying and exposing criminals operating among them.
Speaking on the causes of the persistent violence, one of the Fulani leaders said communities had failed to sit down and confront the problem collectively.
“The communities of Plateau have failed in exposing criminals, few criminals among them. There are some reasons why they failed. Maybe if I have time, I will expose those reasons from my own knowledge.”
He said the failure cut across ethnic lines, stressing that communities should expose criminals regardless of whether they were Fulani, Berom, Mwaghavul or from other ethnic groups.
“From all the tribes, Fulani, Berom, Mwaghavul and others, the criminals… they refuse or fail or neglect to expose or fish out criminals among them.”
According to him, criminality should not be generalised to an entire ethnic group because of the actions of a few individuals.
He said, “There are criminals on the Fulani side and there are criminals on the Berom and Mwaghavul side. We should identify who the criminals are among us.”
The leader also raised concerns about the handling of suspects by investigating and security authorities, including the police, intelligence personnel and soldiers.
He said there were instances where suspects were arrested and taken to court but eventually returned to their communities.
“I cannot go into the reason why I am saying this because I am not an investigator, I am not an arresting officer. But I know sometimes, you arrest somebody, take him to court, and he comes back.”
He said the failure to identify and properly deal with criminals was contributing to the continuation of the crisis.
‘Government lacks political will’
The Fulani leader identified what he described as lack of political will as another major factor sustaining the violence.
“Government is not ready to holistically and sincerely face the crisis and deal with it in an appropriate way. Sentiments, politics are there intervening in dealing with the criminals.”
He accused government of failing to demonstrate sufficient responsibility toward victims from affected communities.
According to him, Fulani herders and their families had also suffered killings and other losses during the crisis but had not received adequate government attention.
“Our cows, our herders have been killed on daily basis. It will be difficult to say that a herder has not been killed.”
He said government officials rarely visited affected Fulani communities to offer condolences or discuss the losses suffered by their members.
“Government is not going to us and say, ‘Oh, sorry to what happened to you.’ Not even to talk of compensation of the victims.”
The leader said the perceived absence of government support had created frustration among some members of the community.
“We are the first persons that are suffering from this crisis and the banditry that is ongoing. But nobody compensates us.”
He further alleged that some relief materials brought into Plateau State from outside were not reaching affected Fulani communities.
“Even when relief materials come from outside Plateau State, the government took it and denied us our own share. And we are going complaining and nobody comes to our aid.”
He said such experiences could deepen resentment and make communities more vulnerable to retaliatory violence.
“Meaning the government doesn’t care about what is happening to us, and it turns some of us to be very angry with the government.”
The MACBAN, however, acknowledged that communities must not respond to provocation through violence, saying grievances should instead be reported to the appropriate authorities.
He said the continuing crisis required a collective response involving communities, security agencies and government.
“These are some of the causes. No solution. But the solution must involve all of us.”
He called for Fulani, Berom, Mwaghavul and other communities to abandon collective suspicion, identify criminals within their respective communities and cooperate with security agencies to prevent further attacks and reprisals.
The comments come amid continuing attacks, reprisals and heightened tensions in parts of Plateau State, where communities have repeatedly accused one another of violence, cattle rustling, killings and destruction of property.
Plateau crisis rooted in politics, religion, land ownership, criminality — MACBAN Secretary
Plateau crisis rooted in politics, religion, land ownership, criminality — MACBAN Secretary
By: Zagazola Makama
The Secretary of MACBAN Plateau State Chapter, Barister Salisu Isa Muhammed has identified politics, religion, land ownership disputes and criminality across ethnic communities as some of the factors sustaining the state’s prolonged security crisis.
Isa, who spoke in a mixture of Hausa and English, said the violence that began in 2001 had persisted for too long and required a clear understanding of its root causes before a lasting solution could be achieved.
“We are still in the Plateau crisis. What happened in 2001 should have been properly understood and resolved by now.”
According to him, understanding the causes of a problem is the first step toward resolving it.
“I have the belief that once there is a problem that is known, then the solution to the problem will also be known.”
He said the history of the crisis could not be separated from the intersection of politics and religion, particularly in Jos.
“At its core, what happened in Plateau State was connected to politics and religion.”
The leader said the crisis initially developed around political and religious tensions before gradually expanding into wider communal disputes involving land, identity and insecurity.
According to him, the politicisation and religious dimension of the conflict contributed to growing mistrust between Fulani and other ethnic communities in Plateau.
He, however, said the crisis should not be reduced to religion or ethnicity alone, identifying land ownership and acquisition as another major factor.
“What is bringing this crisis, the crisis in Plateau? One of the factors is the question of who owns the land in Plateau State. The issue of land acquisition is one of the problems triggering this crisis.”
The Fulani leader also identified criminality as another major factor sustaining the conflict, stressing that criminals exist across different communities and ethnic groups.
“The second factor is the issue of criminality. There are criminals among all the different groups. Among the Fulani, there are criminals.”
He said he remained proud of his Fulani identity but insisted that Fulani communities must distance themselves from individuals involved in criminal activities.
“I am a Fulani man, and I will remain a Fulani man, and I will be proud to be Fulani. All Fulani should distance themselves from the criminals among us.”
He, however, argued that criminal elements within different communities could benefit from the continuation of the conflict.
“There are criminals among the Fulani who want this crisis to continue. They benefit from the crisis in one way or another.”
The same, he said, applied to other ethnic groups and communities across Plateau State.
“Among all the other groups, tribes and sub-tribes in Plateau State, there are criminals who are benefiting from the crisis in one way or another.”
According to the leader, one of the biggest obstacles to resolving the crisis is the reluctance of communities to expose criminals within their own ranks.
He said when criminals from one community commit offences, innocent members of that same community often become reluctant to identify them and hand them over to the authorities.
“What is preventing the crisis from ending is that when criminals from the Fulani community commit crimes, Fulani who are not criminals among them may not have the courage to identify those criminals and hand them over to the relevant authorities.”
He said the same principle should apply to every community in the state.
According to him, suspects should be handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation, prosecution and, where the evidence establishes guilt, conviction.
“They should be handed over to the relevant authorities for investigation, proper trial and conviction, so that it will serve as a deterrent to others.”
He said communities must therefore stop protecting criminals simply because they belong to their ethnic or religious group.
The leader stressed that collective blame could deepen the crisis, while identifying individual perpetrators and subjecting them to due process could help restore confidence among the communities.
He called for a broader understanding of the Plateau conflict that takes into account its political, religious, land and criminal dimensions, rather than attributing the violence to an entire ethnic or religious group.
Fulani leaders fault report on killing of ‘bandit’ in Barkin Ladi, say victim was elderly grandfather
Fulani leaders fault report on killing of ‘bandit’ in Barkin Ladi, say victim was elderly grandfather
By: Zagazola Makama
Fulani community leaders in Plateau State have faulted a report that troops of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace allegedly killed a suspected bandit at Rungan Jallo in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, saying the victim was an elderly man and grandfather of a Fulani Point-of-Sale operator killed in a separate attack.
The leaders said the man, identified as Alhaji Yusha’u, was allegedly mistaken for a bandit and shot while returning home from Nyola.
According to the community, Yusha’u was the grandfather of Ismail Zakariya, a Fulani POS operator who was reportedly killed in an ambush in Barkin Ladi by Berom militia.
The development came after reports that troops launched an operation following the killing of two female miners and subsequently made contact with suspected militia members at Rungan Jallo.
The report claimed that troops killed one suspected militia member during the encounter and recovered two motorcycles believed to have been used by the attackers.
However, the Fulani community disputed the identity of the person killed, insisting that the victim was not a bandit but an elderly civilian returning home.
A community source told Zagazola Makama that “Alhaji Yusha’u was the grandfather of Ismail Zakariya, the POS operator who was killed by Berom militia. He was on his way home from Nyola when he was allegedly mistaken for a bandit and gunned down.”
The community leaders called for an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding Yusha’u’s death and determine whether he was involved in the attack that prompted the military operation.
The incident has further heightened concerns among Fulani residents over the safety of civilians caught up in the continuing cycle of attacks and reprisals in parts of Plateau State.
Rumors that 2,000 armed men infiltrating to attack Plateau’ lacks credible evidence
Rumors that 2,000 armed men infiltrating to attack Plateau’ lacks credible evidence
By: Zagazola Makama
A widely circulated claim that more than 2,000 suspected armed Fulani men are currently infiltrating Plateau State from Bauchi, Nasarawa and Kaduna states to attack communities has not been supported by any verifiable evidence from security authorities.
The claim, attributed to peace-building expert Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam, is circulating at a particularly sensitive time, when Plateau communities are already experiencing attacks, reprisals and heightened fear.
The statement alleged that the suspected armed men were entering the state in large numbers and warned that Plateau was “in a state of war.”
However, no operational briefing, security alert, official deployment record or statement from the DSS, Nigerian Army, police or other recognised security agency was identified to substantiate the specific figure of 2,000 armed men or the alleged coordinated movement from the three neighbouring states.
Recent reporting confirms that Plateau is facing genuine security challenges, including attacks and counter-attacks, but that does not establish the specific claim of a 2,000-man infiltration and we are witnessing genuine efforts by the security agencies to contain the situation.
For example, a report published on Sept. 28 said the Nigerian Army had deployed 178 personnel to reinforce security operations in Mangu, while noting that some other allegations circulating around the security situation could not be independently verified. This is important because a real security crisis does not automatically validate every security claim circulating on social media.
The alleged statement also contains the assertion that Plateau is already “in a state of war” and calls for communities to be empowered to defend themselves because of an alleged inability of government to fully protect citizens.
Such rhetoric, when attached to an unverified numerical claim, could further heighten fear and potentially encourage communities to mobilise against one another.
Plateau’s history demonstrates how quickly rumours and unverified claims can become dangerous. Human Rights Watch documented the difficulty of identifying perpetrators during earlier Plateau violence and noted that competing narratives around attacks contributed to an extremely fluid security environment.
This does not mean that attacks against Fulani communities, farming communities or any other civilians should be dismissed. Infact, recent reports have documented more attacks against Fulani herders which led to reprisal attacks affecting farming communities.
The missing evidence
For the claim of “over 2,000 armed men” to be treated as credible, the public would reasonably expect answers to basic questions: Where exactly are the alleged 2,000 men assembling?
Which security agency detected their movement? When did the alleged infiltration begin? What routes are they using?Have any of the alleged infiltrators been arrested or identified? What weapons or vehicles have been intercepted? Which communities are allegedly being targeted? Has the Nigerian Army, police, DSS or Operation Enduring Peace issued a corresponding alert? Until such evidence is produced, the figure remains an unverified allegation, not an established security fact.
There is also a danger in presenting ethnic identity as evidence of criminal intent. Fulani civilians travelling, farming, herding or residing in Plateau cannot automatically be classified as armed infiltrators simply because of their ethnicity. Equally, individuals suspected of attacking Fulani communities should be investigated on the basis of evidence rather than the identity of the wider community.
At a time when Plateau is experiencing a dangerous cycle in which an attack can trigger retaliation, followed by another attack, responsible communication is particularly important.
The appropriate response to credible intelligence is professional security intervention, protection of vulnerable communities, investigation, arrest and prosecution of identified perpetrators, not the circulation of an unsupported figure that could create panic or encourage vigilante mobilisation.
The public should therefore treat the alleged “2,000 armed men infiltrating Plateau” claim with caution unless and until competent security authorities provide independently verifiable evidence supporting it.
In a fragile security environment like Plateau, we have continue to watch how misinformation has become a weapon. The facts must be established before fear is allowed to become a trigger for further bloodshed.
*Plateau in Crisis: Drone Allegations, Operation Rainbow and the Struggle for Peace*
*Plateau in Crisis: Drone Allegations, Operation Rainbow and the Struggle for Peace*
Dr. Salim Musa Umar, FCIDA
The renewed violence in *Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi,* makes the need to reject inherited historical grievances more urgent than ever.
Killings, reprisals and counter-reprisals have brought grief, fear and mutual suspicion. Plateau crisis cannot be resolved by force alone. It needs security intervention, impartial investigations, accountability and reconciliation.
Two issues are especially dangerous: *allegations that spy drones were used to monitor Fulani settlements to gather intelligence for attacks and concerns about the conduct and perceived neutrality of some Operation Rainbow operatives.*
These must be confronted honestly, without ethnic prejudice, political manipulation or selective justice. Government’s first duty is to protect every innocent life, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
*Spy drones*
Reports that spy drones were used to monitor Fulani settlements, to identify locations, observe movements and gather intelligence that could facilitate attacks—warrant urgent independent investigation. If verified, using surveillance technology to target civilian settlements would be a deeply disturbing escalation.
Technology meant for agriculture, development, emergency response and lawful security, must never become a tool for targeting people because of ethnicity.
Authorities must establish whether such surveillance occurred, who was responsible, what information was gathered and whether it aided criminal activity.
Anyone found to have deployed technology to facilitate unlawful attacks must face the law. But allegations must not be treated as established facts before independent verification. Rumours can inflame tensions. Investigations must be evidence-based, transparent and free from ethnic or political interference.
*Fulani lives matter. Berom lives matter. Mwaghavul lives matter. Every community on Plateau matters equally.* No settlement should be a legitimate target because of its inhabitants’ ethnicity. Every community has a right to security, dignity and legal protection.
*Operation Rainbow*
Concerns about the conduct and perceived neutrality of some Operation Rainbow operatives must also be taken seriously. Operation Rainbow was established to protect lives and property, but its effectiveness depends on public confidence in its impartiality. If residents believe security interventions are uneven, or that one community’s suffering receives less attention, that perception can be as damaging as proven misconduct. It can discourage reporting threats and deepen the belief that some lives matter more than others.
Operation Rainbow must demonstrate that it is not an instrument of ethnic mobilisation or a partisan actor in communal disputes. It must protect all law-abiding residents, investigate threats impartially and respond without fear or favour. Allegations that individual operatives participated in unlawful killings, intimidation, selective enforcement or facilitation of attacks especially on the Fulanis, must be independently investigated. Where wrongdoing is established, disciplinary and criminal proceedings must follow.
The Plateau State Government should consider an independent review of complaints about Operation Rainbow in affected communities. It should examine operational records, residents’ complaints, video evidence, handling of distress calls and treatment of civilians. Fulani representatives, alongside Berom, Mwaghavul and other affected communities, should have safe opportunities to present evidence.
Operation Rainbow cannot protect one community against another. Its legitimacy must rest on protecting every law-abiding resident. A Fulani herder deserves the same protection as a Berom farmer or Mwaghavul villager.
Those responsible for murder, destruction, cattle rustling and other crimes must be held accountable.
*DANGEROUS RHETORIC MUST NOT BE IGNORED*
Another serious dimension of the security crisis is the growing normalisation of rhetoric that appears to encourage violence, destruction of property or the forced displacement of people.
A screenshot circulating on social media, contains comments attributed to Chris Nandi and Binkam Solomon. One of the comments appears to advocate targeting cattle as a means of compelling their owners to either “live in peace or leave the state,” while another response appears to suggest that some matters are better left unsaid on social media.
If the material is authentic, correctly attributed and presented in its proper context, it deserves the attention of the relevant security authorities.
This is not a call for retaliation, collective punishment or ethnic profiling. It is a call for a professional investigation.
The authorities should verify the accounts and establish the full context which amounts to unlawful incitement and threats to public peace.
*THE BURNING OF PASTORALIST SETTLEMENTS MUST ALSO BE CONDEMNED*
Equally disturbing are reports of pastoralist hamlets and settlements being set ablaze the crisis. The destruction of homes, shelters, livestock and livelihoods is not merely an act of property damage; it can force vulnerable families to flee and deepen the cycle of displacement, fear and retaliation. Where such burnings have occurred, authorities must establish who was responsible, the circumstances surrounding each incident and whether the attacks were deliberate or coordinated. No community should be collectively punished for the actions of individuals and no person should lose their home or livelihood simply because of their ethnic or occupational identity.
_Drone allegations and concerns about security operatives must receive the same serious attention_ .
Security agencies must move beyond reactive deployments to intelligence gathering, early warning, rapid response and protection of vulnerable communities. No community should conclude it must organise its own retaliation because authorities cannot or will not protect it. The rule of law must apply equally to all.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, elders, women, youths, civil society and government must pursue broad reconciliation that reaches villages, markets and places of worship. Leaders must condemn attacks regardless of perpetrators’ or victims’ identities. Political and public commentators must avoid statements that stigmatise whole communities.
*Conclusion*
Plateau needs *a renewed social contract: its diverse communities share one home and one future. No community can prosper while its neighbours live in fear.*
Government must strengthen preventive intelligence, protect vulnerable settlements, respond rapidly to threats and prosecute perpetrators without discrimination.
The task is not to decide which community deserves more protection. It is to ensure no community is denied protection. *If drone allegations are substantiated, those responsible must face the law. If misconduct or bias by Operation Rainbow operatives is established, it must be addressed.*
There must be no protected perpetrators, no abandoned victims and no ethnic exceptions to the rule of law.
Plateau stands at a crossroads: continuing suspicion, revenge and displacement or justice, mutual respect and reconciliation.
*The choice must be shown in action. The time to stop the killings, investigate the abuse of surveillance technology, address concerns about security neutrality and rebuild trust is now* .
Dr. Salim Musa Umar*, FCIDA, Plateau State Secretary, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Chairman Farmers and Herders Initiative for Peace and Development fhipd.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescue 49 travellers from suspected kidnappers in Zamfara
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescue 49 travellers from suspected kidnappers in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 49 travellers from Kano State who were returning from Senegal after attending a Maulud programme, following an attempted kidnap incident in Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the travellers came under threat from suspected kidnappers after their vehicle reportedly developed a fault while they were travelling through the area.
The troops responded to the incident and successfully rescued all 49 travellers from the suspected kidnappers.
The rescued victims were later handed over to the Chairman of Tsafe Local Government Area, Malam Garba Shehu Fanchers, during the night for immediate welfare and medical assessment.
The local government authorities were expected to facilitate their safe reunification with their families after the necessary checks.
The successful rescue highlights the ongoing efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protect travellers and communities against kidnapping and other criminal activities across the North-West.
Troops arrest four suspects over potato theft, raid criminal hideout in Jos South
Troops arrest four suspects over potato theft, raid criminal hideout in Jos South
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested four suspects in separate operations conducted in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that three suspects were arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 28, 2026, at Latya checkpoint for allegedly stealing Irish potatoes in Doi community.
The suspects were identified as Zion Danjuma, 20; Looji Augustine, 18; and Isah Mohammed, 23.
The sources said the suspects were subsequently handed over to Keystone B Division, Bukuru, for further investigation and appropriate action.
In a separate operation at about 10:20 a.m. the same day, troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, raided a suspected criminal hideout in Shen village, also in Jos South LGA.
During the operation, the troops arrested a 42-year-old suspect identified as Abdullahi Abdullahi.
The suspect has been profiled by the security forces for further action as investigations continue.
The operations are part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt criminal activities and strengthen security across communities in the Jos South axis.
Two women killed, another injured in suspected armed Fulani attack in Barkin Ladi
Two women killed, another injured in suspected armed Fulani attack in Barkin Ladi
By: Zagazola Makama
Two women were reportedly killed while another sustained gunshot wounds in an isolated attack allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani bandits along a road in Rakung village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 3:50 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2026, when troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace, responded to a report of an attack on three local women.
The sources said troops deployed to the location and discovered that two of the victims had been shot dead, while the third victim, identified as Mrs. Umbulet Philip, sustained gunshot wounds.
The bodies of the two deceased victims and the injured woman were evacuated to the General Hospital, Barkin Ladi, for medical attention and further procedures.
Following the attack, the troops activated a manhunt for the assailants and commenced efforts to track down those responsible.
The latest incident adds to the growing security concerns in parts of Barkin Ladi, where attacks on civilians and retaliatory violence have continued to heighten tensions between communities.
Troops intercept six cattle over alleged farm destruction in Jos South
Troops intercept six cattle over alleged farm destruction in Jos South
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have intercepted six cattle following a report of alleged farm destruction in Gero Gyel District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2026, when troops deployed at Gero responded to a report of farm destruction in the area.
The sources said that upon arrival at the location, the troops intercepted six cattle, while the herders reportedly escaped with other cattle.
The intercepted livestock were subsequently moved to a safe location for further necessary action.
Security personnel are expected to continue monitoring the area to prevent further incidents and maintain peace between farming and herding communities.
DSS secures death sentence against kidnap suspect over killing of three persons in Sokoto
DSS secures death sentence against kidnap suspect over killing of three persons in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS) has secured a death sentence against Ibrahim Usman, also known as Dan Iyali, over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of three persons in Sokoto State in 2023.
Usman was prosecuted before the High Court of Justice of Sokoto State, Sokoto Judicial Division, alongside other suspects who are currently at large.
The charges brought against him included criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, culpable homicide punishable with death, and voluntarily causing grievous hurt without provocation.
The case was linked to an incident in September 2023 in which three persons were allegedly kidnapped and killed in Sokoto State.
Following the prosecution, the court found Usman liable on the charges and imposed the death penalty.
The development underscores the ongoing efforts by security and justice authorities to prosecute individuals accused of involvement in kidnapping, violent crime and other serious offences across the country.
The DSS has continued to pursue cases involving suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements through the judicial process.
Fulani victims urge probe into alleged use of teargas during livestock attacks in Mangu
Fulani victims urge probe into alleged use of teargas during livestock attacks in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Fulani victims of a recent attack on livestock in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State have urged security agencies to investigate the alleged use of teargas during attacks on their communities and determine how the material may have come into the possession of armed assailants.
The victims, who spoke in a video obtained by Zagazola Makama following the recent attack at Lamor, Lawet, in Pushit District, said the incident raised questions about the source and possession of the teargas allegedly used during the operation.
According to the victims, apart from riffles, teargas was reportedly deployed during the attack in which eight cattle were allegedly killed, 17 others and two sheep injured, while 74 cattle were reportedly taken away by the attackers.
They alleged that the attackers were suspected Mwaghavul militia and their accomplices, and urged security agencies to fish out those responsible through proper investigation.
The victims questioned how teargas, which they believe is ordinarily associated with law-enforcement operations, could have found its way into the hands of armed groups operating in the area.
They therefore called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to examine the incident, including any evidence of teargas canisters or other materials recovered from the scene.
One of the key questions the victims want investigators to answer is whether the substance allegedly used was genuine law-enforcement teargas, where it originated from, and how it came into the possession of the attackers.
The victims said establishing the source of the material would be important in determining whether there had been any diversion, theft or unlawful supply of security equipment to criminal elements.
The latest allegations come against the backdrop of renewed attacks involving livestock and rural communities in Mangu, with victims reporting that 74 cattle were allegedly stolen during the Sept. 27 incident.
They also recalled an earlier incident, reportedly about two weeks before, in which three herders were allegedly killed and about 50 cattle stolen.
The victims appealed to the Federal Government, Plateau State Government and security agencies to investigate the incidents independently and ensure that any person found responsible, regardless of ethnic or community affiliation, is brought before the law.
They further urged security agencies to preserve evidence from the attack scenes, including any abandoned materials, spent ammunition, teargas canisters or other objects that could assist investigators in identifying the attackers and tracing their sources.
Security agencies have yet to publicly confirm the allegation concerning the use or source of teargas in the latest livestock attack.
8 cows killed, 74 stolen as suspected Mwaghavul militia attack herders in Mangu, says victims
8 cows killed, 74 stolen as suspected Mwaghavul militia attack herders in Mangu, says victims
By: Zagazola Makama
At least eight cows were reportedly killed, 17 others and two sheep injured, while 74 cattle were allegedly stolen during an attack by suspected armed Mwaghavul militia and their accomplices at Lamor, Lawet, in Pushit District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, according to victims
The incident reportedly occurred at about 8 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2026, according to information provided to Zagazola Makama.
Victims of the attack said the attackers, who were reportedly heavily armed, targeted livestock belonging to herders in the area before fleeing with the stolen cattle.
The incident has raised fresh concerns among residents and livestock owners in the area, particularly because it reportedly occurred about two weeks after another attack in which three herders were allegedly killed and about 50 cattle stolen.
The latest incident, if confirmed, would represent another serious escalation in attacks involving livestock and rural communities in Mangu, where recurring violence has continued to deepen mistrust between communities.
The Federal Government, Plateau State Government, Mangu Local Government Council and security agencies are urged to urgently investigate the reported attack, establish those responsible and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
Security agencies should also strengthen surveillance and patrols around vulnerable settlements and livestock routes in the affected areas to prevent further attacks, cattle rustling and possible retaliatory violence.
The priority, however, should remain the protection of civilians, recovery of stolen livestock and prevention of another cycle of reprisal attacks that could further endanger both communities.
Residents and community leaders are equally urged to provide credible information to security agencies and avoid actions capable of escalating the situation.
Army operationalises 28 Armoured Brigade in Kebbi, strengthens security presence in North-West
Army operationalises 28 Armoured Brigade in Kebbi, strengthens security presence in North-West
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has formally operationalised 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, alongside 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje, as part of efforts to strengthen military presence and security operations in Kebbi State.
The COAS, represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North-West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj. Gen. Bemgba Paul Koughna, said the new formations were established to enhance the Army’s operational capacity and improve response to emerging security threats across the North-West.
Maj. Gen. Koughna said the establishment of the brigade was in line with the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to optimise its force structure, expand operational footprints, strengthen command and control and reduce response time to security incidents within the Division’s area of responsibility.
He charged the Acting Commander of 28 Brigade, Col. Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the formation effectively provides the required fire-support capabilities to enhance ongoing operations across the Division.
The GOC said the deployment was particularly important in strengthening security operations in Kebbi State and addressing threats posed by armed criminal elements and other emerging security challenges.
He stressed that achieving lasting peace required discipline, tactical focus and effective cooperation among the military, other security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities.
Koughna also charged the troops to maintain high standards of professionalism and strictly adhere to the Rules of Engagement while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
He reminded the troops of the need to protect law-abiding citizens and ensure that their operations were conducted with due regard for civilian lives and property.
During the visit, the GOC also commiserated with residents of Jandutse community following the recent death of a resident in a bandit attack.
He assured the community that the Nigerian Army would increase its presence in the area as part of measures to improve the safety of residents and prevent further attacks.
The residents expressed appreciation to the GOC for the military’s continued efforts to improve security in Jandutse and other communities across Kebbi State.
The operationalisation of the new formations is expected to further strengthen the Nigerian Army’s footprint in Kebbi and enhance its capacity to conduct sustained operations against bandits and other criminal elements operating across the state.
Fulani man shot at Rakum Junction in Plateau by Berom Militia dies from bullet wounds
Fulani man shot at Rakum Junction in Plateau by Berom Militia dies from bullet wounds
By: Zagazola Makama
A 20-year-old Fulani man, Ismail Zakariyya, who was shot at Rakum Junction in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, by Berom Militia has died from injuries sustained during the attack.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that Zakariyya was attacked at about 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, while returning to his residence in Tafawa community, Riyom LGA.
The victim, who was reportedly a Point of Sale (POS) operator in Barkin Ladi, was said to have sustained a gunshot wound to his stomach after suspected armed assailants ambushed him and others along the route.
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), who responded to the incident, rescued Zakariyya and evacuated him to Sauki Clinic in Katako town for emergency treatment.
However, the victim later succumbed to the gunshot injuries while receiving treatment at the hospital.
The killing has further heightened security concerns in the area, where isolated attacks and reprisals involving members of different communities have continued to threaten civilian lives and livelihoods.
Security personnel have commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack, while investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The latest death adds to a growing pattern of isolated attacks along vulnerable routes in Plateau, reinforcing concerns over the need for sustained security presence, rapid response and intelligence-led operations to prevent further loss of civilian lives.
Troops rescue missing 19-year-old herder found sleeping in bush in Plateau
Troops rescue missing 19-year-old herder found sleeping in bush in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued a 19-year-old herder who was reported missing while grazing livestock at Shen village in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 27, 2026, following a report that the herder had gone missing while grazing at the community.
The troops immediately commenced a search-and-rescue operation in the area in an effort to locate the missing person.
The herder, identified as Hashimu Jafaru, was eventually found in the bush at Shen village, where he was asleep.
During preliminary questioning, the 19-year-old confirmed that he had apparently fallen asleep while in the bush.
The troops subsequently contacted his father, Alhaji Jafaru, for further action and arrangements concerning the young man.
The incident ended without injury or confrontation and highlights the importance of prompt reporting and rapid response to cases involving missing persons, particularly in areas where security concerns remain elevated.
Security personnel continue to urge residents and livestock owners to promptly report missing persons and other suspicious incidents to the appropriate authorities.
Troops recover abandoned sheep after reported farm destruction in Plateau
Troops recover abandoned sheep after reported farm destruction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have recovered two sheep abandoned by herders following a reported farm destruction incident at Nkindiro village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:15 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2026, when troops responded to a report of farm destruction in the area.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops found two sheep that had been abandoned by the herders.
The herders were said to have fled with other cattle after sighting the approaching troops.
The troops recovered the two sheep and moved the livestock to a safe location for further necessary action.
The incident comes amid continuing security concerns over disputes involving farming and livestock activities in parts of Plateau State, where isolated incidents can quickly escalate tensions between communities.
The recovery of the livestock is expected to assist security personnel in establishing the circumstances surrounding the reported farm destruction and identifying the rightful owners.
Troops recover about 800 suspected rustled cattle from terrorists in Plateau
Troops recover about 800 suspected rustled cattle from terrorists in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have recovered about 800 cattle suspected to have been rustled by terrorists in Kingkis village, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation took place at about 6:20 a.m. on Sept. 27, 2026, following a report of the movement of terrorists herding a large number of suspected rustled cattle through the area.
The troops immediately initiated a pursuit operation and subsequently established contact with the terrorists.
Confronted by the advancing troops, the terrorists abandoned the cattle and fled into the surrounding forest.
The troops recovered the cattle and moved them to a safe location pending identification and verification of their rightful owners.
The troops have also continued offensive operations in the area in an effort to track the fleeing terrorists and prevent further criminal activities within the axis.
The recovery comes a day after troops of Sector 2, OPEP, also foiled a cattle-rustling attempt at Sabon Layi in Wase LGA and recovered 57 cattle, which were moved to a military base pending their handover to the owners.
The successive recoveries highlight the continuing security challenge posed by cattle rustling in parts of Plateau State and the potential for such criminal activities to worsen tensions between communities.
Security agencies are expected to intensify operations along rural routes and grazing corridors used by criminal elements while ensuring that recovered livestock are properly identified and returned to their legitimate owners.
43-year-old man killed outside his home in Bokkos by Fulani armed men
43-year-old man killed outside his home in Bokkos by Fulani armed men
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have commenced investigations into the killing of a 43-year-old man, Desmond Ayuba, at Taggai village in Manguna District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State by suspected fulani armed men.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:50 a.m. on Sept. 27, 2026, when troops responded to a report of an isolated attack and killing of Ayuba by suspected Fulani militias in front of his residence.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops confirmed that Ayuba had been killed.
Preliminary information obtained at the location indicated that the deceased had reportedly been involved in a series of disagreements with a Fulani family in the village associated with an individual identified as Alhaji Dere.
The circumstances surrounding the disagreement and whether it was connected to the killing remain subject to investigation.
Security personnel have commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack, while further investigation is ongoing to establish the motive and circumstances of the incident.
Troops foil armed robbery attempt by Mwaghavul Militia after gunmen attack residence in Mangu
Troops foil armed robbery attempt by Mwaghavul Militia after gunmen attack residence in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed at Panyam, have foiled an armed robbery attempt by suspected Mwaghavul militiamen after responding to sporadic gunfire at a residence in Ndai community, Panyam District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on Sept. 27, 2026, when troops received a distress report of sporadic shooting by suspected armed robbers at the residence of Mr Kwoepnan Josiah.
The troops immediately moved to the location and established contact with the suspected criminals. The troops brought superior firepower to bear, forcing the armed robbers to flee the area in disarray.
The troops expended 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition during the engagement.
There were no reports of casualties among the troops or occupants of the residence in the available report.
The incident highlights the continued threat posed by local armed criminal elements operating around vulnerable communities, particularly during nighttime hours.
Security personnel have continued to maintain patrols and rapid-response operations in the area as part of efforts to protect residents and deny criminal elements freedom of action.
Troops foil suspected attack after Fulani bandits spotted near Vodni community in Plateau
Troops foil suspected attack after Fulani bandits spotted near Vodni community in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled a suspected attack after responding to reports of armed men moving with cattle around Vodni community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1 a.m. on Sept. 27, 2026, when troops received information about the movement of armed men reportedly d accompanied by cattle in the Vodni area.
The troops immediately deployed to the location and established contact with the suspected criminals.
The armed men reportedly withdrew into the surrounding bush after encountering the troops’ superior firepower.
The troops subsequently dominated the general area with fighting patrols to prevent the suspected attackers from regrouping or returning to the community.
No casualty was reported in the available situation report.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of Mangu and other areas of Plateau State, where isolated attacks and movements of armed groups have continued to pose risks to rural communities.
Troops have continued to maintain patrols and surveillance around vulnerable communities to deny criminal elements freedom of action and respond promptly to emerging threats.
Troops arrest wanted suspected cattle rustler in Mangu
Troops arrest wanted suspected cattle rustler in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Gyambwas, have arrested a wanted suspected cattle rustler at Langai Pushit village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest followed a report concerning the reappearance of the wanted suspect in the community.
The troops subsequently launched a tracking operation and, at about 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2026, arrested the suspect, identified as Muhammad Kabiru Saidu, 22.
The suspect was taken into military custody and is currently undergoing investigation.
Security personnel are expected to establish his alleged involvement in cattle rustling and determine whether he is connected to other criminal activities in the area.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks and preventing cattle rustling and other related offences across vulnerable communities in Mangu and other parts of Plateau State.
Troops rescue 20-year-old Fulani man shot by Berom Militiamen at Rakum Junction in Plateau
Troops rescue 20-year-old Fulani man shot by Berom Militiamen at Rakum Junction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued a 20-year-old Fulani man who was shot by suspected Berom armed assailants at Rakum Junction in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2026, when troops responded to a report of an attack on a Fulani resident at the junction.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops found the victim, identified as Ismail Zakaria, a 20-year-old resident of Tafawa village, with a gunshot wound to the stomach.
Preliminary information indicated that Zakaria was attacked at Rakum Junction while returning to his village.
The troops immediately rescued him and evacuated him to Sauki Clinic in Katako town, where he is currently receiving medical treatment and responding to treatment.
Security personnel have commenced efforts to identify, track and apprehend the attackers.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of Plateau State, where isolated attacks and reprisals involving different communities have continued to threaten civilian safety.
The military response prevented the incident from resulting in further harm to the victim and demonstrates the importance of rapid intervention and medical evacuation in responding to attacks along vulnerable routes.
Troops foil kidnapping attempts, rescue 10 victims in Zamfara
Troops foil kidnapping attempts, rescue 10 victims in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled two separate kidnapping attempts and rescued 10 victims during ongoing clearance operations aimed at disrupting bandit activities and restoring security in parts of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operations were conducted on Sept. 27, 2026, along the Tsafe–Funtua Road and at Kade Daba village in Kanoma District of Maru Local Government Area.
In the first incident, troops deployed along the Tsafe–Funtua Road responded to reports of gunfire around the Kwanoni axis in Tsafe LGA.
The troops moved swiftly towards the area and encountered armed bandits, who engaged them in a brief exchange of fire before being overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower.
The bandits subsequently abandoned their operation and fled into the surrounding terrain.
Before the arrival of the troops, the assailants had set fire to a commercial vehicle. The occupants were, however, successfully evacuated, while troops secured the vehicle and prevented further damage.
Six persons in another vehicle that reportedly lost control during the attack were also safely rescued by the troops.
The troops subsequently secured the highway and cleared the affected section to facilitate the safe movement of motorists.
In a separate intelligence-driven operation, troops responded to information about an abduction at Kade Daba village in Kanoma District, Maru LGA.
The troops immediately deployed to the area and engaged the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
Three victims were rescued at the scene, while a follow-up search operation in the surrounding area led to the recovery of one additional victim.
This brought the total number of victims rescued during the second operation to four.
In all, 10 persons were rescued from the two separate kidnapping attempts.
The rescued victims are currently receiving necessary care and assessment before being reunited with their families.
The operations underscore the continued efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to maintain pressure on armed groups operating along major highways and rural communities in the North-West, while improving the safety of civilians and road users.
Troops foil ISWAP infiltration attack on Kawuri base in Borno, killed several fighters
Troops foil ISWAP infiltration attack on Kawuri base in Borno, killed several fighters
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have foiled an attempted infiltration attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military Forward Operating Base at Kawuri in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2026, when troops observed terrorists advancing towards the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kawuri.
The troops immediately engaged the terrorists, forcing them to retreat towards the Yuwe axis after an exchange of fire.
The sources said an unconfirmed number of terrorists were neutralised during the engagement, while the surviving fighters fled the area under pressure from the troops.
At about 7:10 a.m. on Sept. 26, troops conducted an exploitation operation along the route used by the fleeing terrorists.
During the operation, the troops recovered weapons, suspected cannabis sativa, Tramadol tablets, cigarette butts and a muffler believed to have been abandoned by the terrorists as they fled.
The recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and intelligence exploitation.
The failed attack comes as troops of Operation Hadin Kai continue to intensify operations against terrorist elements across the North-East, targeting their camps, movements and attempts to infiltrate military positions.
The successful response at Kawuri also underscores the importance of troops maintaining heightened vigilance around Forward Operating Bases and other military positions, particularly in areas where terrorist groups continue to test security lines.
17 ISWAP-linked persons surrender to troops amid factional clashes, hardship in Borno camps
17 ISWAP-linked persons surrender to troops amid factional clashes, hardship in Borno camps
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than 17 persons linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including terrorist family members and one suspected fighter, have surrendered to Nigerian Army troops in different parts of Borno State amid reported factional clashes, internal disagreements and hardship within terrorist enclaves.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the surrenders occurred between Sept. 19 and Sept. 25, 2026, across Dikwa, Bama and Ngala Local Government Areas of the state.
The development included women and children who reportedly fled terrorist-controlled locations, as well as a suspected terrorist who escaped from a camp before surrendering to troops.
The first case was recorded at about 12:42 p.m. on Sept. 19, when a woman identified as a terrorist family member surrendered with her two children to troops of 24 Task Force Brigade at Check Point 1 along the Dikwa-Ajiri road in Dikwa LGA.
The woman and her children were taken into custody for preliminary screening and further action.
At about 8:10 a.m. on Sept. 21, another woman and her child surrendered to troops of the same brigade at the checkpoint along the Dikwa-Ajiri axis.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the woman had escaped from the Yaganari terrorist enclave to Gonori village in Mafa LGA following factional clashes among the terrorists.
She reportedly disclosed that her husband, identified as Bakura Modu, was an ISWAP fighter.
The woman and her child were subsequently kept in the custody of 24 Task Force Brigade for further investigation.
Later that day, at about 2:00 p.m., three additional terrorist family members surrendered to troops of 151 Battalion at Bula Daloye in Bama LGA.
The three persons were taken into custody and subsequently processed for further action.
On Sept. 24, at about 11:24 a.m., troops of 24 Task Force Brigade received the surrender of a suspected terrorist at Check Point 1 along the Dikwa-Ajiri road.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect had escaped from a terrorist camp in Gargash before reaching the military checkpoint.
He was taken into custody for further investigation and profiling.
Also on Sept. 24, at about 5:20 p.m., seven terrorist family members surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised) at the Arabic IDP Camp in Ngala community, Ngala LGA.
The seven persons were handed over to officials of the IDP camp for management and further necessary action.
The latest incident occurred at about 1:55 p.m. on Sept. 25, when a woman and her son surrendered to troops in Bama.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the woman had escaped from a terrorist camp in Bula Daloye following internal disagreements and hardship within the enclave.
She reportedly identified herself as a native of Bula Daloye village and disclosed that she was married to a terrorist fighter identified as Ibrahim Usman.
The woman and her son remain in military custody pending further investigation.
The series of incidents indicates that the pressure within some terrorist enclaves may be affecting not only fighters but also their families and associates, with several of those who surrendered reportedly leaving because of factional violence, internal disagreements and difficult living conditions.
The surrenders also came amid intensified military pressure by troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK)and the Air Component of the Nigerian Armed Forces against terrorist positions across the North-East. Sustained ground operations, patrols, clearance activities and air interdictions have continued to disrupt terrorist movements and logistics, putting pressure on enclaves and limiting the freedom of movement of fighters and their families.
Security sources said the growing pressure has also contributed to the movement of some terrorist family members out of the enclaves, particularly as access to food, mobility and other essential supplies becomes increasingly difficult.
The combination of military pressure, internal factional clashes and deteriorating conditions within some camps is believed to have encouraged more families and associates of the terrorists to abandon the enclaves and surrender to security forces.
The persons remain under the custody or management of the relevant military formations and camp authorities for further processing and necessary action.
Beyond farmer-herder clashes: how armed groups, criminality and misinformation are tearing Mangu apart
Beyond farmer-herder clashes: how armed groups, criminality and misinformation are tearing Mangu apart
By: Zagazola Makama
Plateau State is witnessing a dangerous transformation of communal violence into a self-sustaining security crisis in which attacks, reprisals, cattle rustling, arson, misinformation and political narratives are feeding one another.
The most revealing way to understand the renewed violence in Plateau State may not be to ask who started the latest attack. The more important question is: why does every attack now appear capable of producing another attack?
Because what is unfolding across parts of Mangu, Barkin Ladi and adjoining communities in September 2026 increasingly resembles a conflict system in which violence has acquired its own momentum. The violence in Mangu and adjoining parts of Plateau is no longer adequately explained by the familiar language of a “farmer-herder clash.”
What is emerging from the incidents recorded in September 2026 is something considerably more complex: a cycle in which an attack creates a grievance, the grievance produces retaliation, the retaliation creates another grievance, and the resulting violence is then interpreted through competing ethnic and religious narratives.
The result is a conflict in which the original cause of an incident can quickly become irrelevant. What matters to the next attacker is what happened to his community yesterday.
This is precisely what makes the present situation so dangerous.
Security sources operating in the affected areas have provided accounts of incidents involving both Fulani and Mwaghavul communities. The accounts should not be interpreted as establishing collective responsibility for either population. But when the individual incidents are placed chronologically beside one another, a disturbing pattern becomes visible.
And within the September incidents documented by Zagazola Makama, a significant number of attacks against Fulani herders, their livestock and settlements have been attributed by security sources to suspected Mwaghavul militia members. At the same time, the Leadership Mwaghavul community and their representatives have also reported killings and attacks allegedly committed by armed Fulani elements. Both facts should not be ignored simply because it is politically uncomfortable.
What led to the renewed escalation began when three young herders and 36 cattle were killed while 12 were wounded by Mwaghavul militia on Sept. 12 at Alohom in the Sabon Gari District of Mangu. The three young Fulani herders, Garzali Shuibu, 18; Bashiru Yakubu, 14; and Salim Abubakar, 15, were killed in an attack while tending cattle. The incident was reported by only a few Nigerian media outlets. Surviving herders alleged that suspected Mwaghavul militia from the Alohom, Gaude and Mangu Halle areas were responsible.
This incident was critical to the subsequent sequence that later preceded in the month, as security sources immediately warned that it could trigger reprisals.
On Sept. 13, less than 24 hours after the Alohom killings, gunmen suspected by security sources of being Fulani bandits attacked a commercial bus at Dungus Kuru T-junction, near Science School in Jos South. Six passengers were killed and two others injured. MACBAN and other Fulani leaders immediately issued a press release rejecting Zagazola claims, but Zagazola specifically noted the timing, less than 24 hours after the killing of the three Fulani herders and the destruction of their cattle in Mangu.
On Sept. 14, the following afternoon, suspected Fulani militia reportedly attacked Vodni community in Mangu. Two people were killed and five children sustained gunshot wounds.
Troops arrived after the attackers had fled and found the victims inside a house. The wounded children were evacuated to Mangu General Hospital. This occurred less than 48 hours after Alohom.
On Sept. 14, on the same day, a Christian, Markus Musa, was reportedly killed between Rimi and Kaduno communities while travelling by motorcycle to attend a CAN meeting. Security sources attributed the attack to suspected Fulani bandits. His younger brother, Arum Musa, escaped. Shortly after the attack, angry youths stormed a Fulani hamlet and set it on fire. This added another layer of grievance to an already deteriorating environment.
On Sept. 16, troops at Manja Forest, Mangu, responded to reports of a suspected Fulani militia reprisal attack. The intervention forced the attackers to retreat into the surrounding bush. No casualty was initially reported as the troops’ intervention prevented another attack.
On Sept. 17, the next day, troops received intelligence about suspected Mwaghavul militias moving towards Manja community. The attackers opened fire after sighting troops. Soldiers engaged them and forced them to withdraw into the forest. During the withdrawal, the attackers reportedly set some houses on the outskirts of the community ablaze.
So within roughly 48 hours, Manja experienced two separate attempted attacks, one attributed to suspected Fulani militias and another involving suspected Mwaghavul militias moving toward the community.
On Sept. 18, gunmen suspected to be Mwaghavul militia attacked Yan Gwari Market in Mangu. Three people were reportedly killed: Nanker Andrew, Delshak Jacob and Jessica Thomas, while five others were reported injured. Another victim, Abdullahi, a Muslim, was shot along the withdrawal route of the attackers. The survivor said those who attacked him were local militia groups dressed in black. The attackers reportedly withdrew through the Water Board axis.
On Sept. 19, troops responded to sporadic firing between Kikyau and Alohom. They reportedly encountered armed Fulani herders with cattle attempting to cross a river. Troops engaged them and forced them to withdraw. During the subsequent exploitation, troops observed what appeared to be deliberate destruction of farmland around Alohom. Eight sheep, two lambs and one calf were recovered after reportedly being abandoned by the fleeing group. MACBAN leaders from adjoining communities were summoned as part of the investigation.
On Sept. 20, suspected Mwaghavul militia reportedly attacked herders at Maitumbi village. Several livestock were reportedly killed and others injured. The exact number was still being verified when Zagazola published the report. The report explicitly described the incident as part of continuing tit-for-tat attacks. Sept. 20, barely an hour and a half after the Maitumbi incident, another attack was reported at Kantoma. Suspected Mwaghavul militia reportedly attacked a Fulani cattle harbour.
Security sources reported: 4 cattle killed, 17 cattle wounded, 11 rounds of 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition recovered, 122 empty 7.62×39mm cases recovered, and one locally fabricated sword recovered. Troops subsequently launched clearance and manhunt operations around Jwak Maitumbi and adjoining communities.
On Sept. 20, later that evening, troops responded to sporadic gunshots around Jwerk Kargung. Security sources said suspected Fulani militias were attempting a reprisal attack. Troops deployed from Mangu Halle, together with Operation Rainbow and Keystone personnel, intervened and forced the attackers into the bush.
This gives us an important same-day chain: 2:00 a.m. Maitumbi: suspected Mwaghavul attack on herders/livestock. At 3:35 a.m. in Kantoma, again suspected Mwaghavul attack on cattle harbour. At 8:35 p.m. in Jwerk Kargung, suspected Fulani reprisal attack was attempted, but troops intervened.
Next day, Sept. 21, a 32-year-old man, Fwangmun Karimu, was reportedly killed at Sabon Gari in a reprisal attack. Security sources attributed the attack to suspected Fulani militias who allegedly infiltrated from the Mangu Halle axis. Heavy rainfall was reportedly used to conceal their movement.
Again, on Sept. 22, three men from Kikyau were killed along the Gyambwas–Kikyau road. They were identified as: Gambo Fumyil, Zugumna Bamaiyi, and Samson Dapo.
Zagazola reported that the men had reportedly moved past troops enforcing the curfew at Gyambwas before proceeding toward Kikyau, when they were subsequently ambushed by suspected Fulani bandits.
Sept. 22, only about an hour after the Gyambwas–Kikyau killings, troops encountered youths resisting curfew enforcement at Chichim. Local vigilantes reportedly admitted firing the shots after seeing what they considered suspicious movement. Troops dispersed the youths and warned the vigilantes against taking the law into their own hands.
On Sept. 24, a 36-year-old Alpha Joel was killed during an attack by suspected Fulani bandits at Dindiyes Village, Panyam District, Mangu. The report placed the attack at about 3 a.m. The incident occurred as the area was already under intense security pressure following the preceding reprisals.
Same day, Sept. 24, Mwaghavul militiamen attacked a Fulani herder, killed him and stole 42 livestock while tending cattle at Bankansarki, around Sagas, Kongon Langai District.
On Sept. 25, a major reprisal attack was then reported at Kassa, along the Barkin Ladi–Mangu axis. Zagazola reported that three locals were killed in what was described as a reprisal following the killing of a Fulani herder and the alleged rustling of 30 livestock and 10 sheep.
On Sept. 26, two people were killed at Kantoma.
They were identified as: Ibrahim Namchin, from Kikyau, and Kenneth Ishaku, from Kantoma. Zagazola described the incident as a suspected Fulani reprisal attack. Troops recovered: two empty 7.62mm cartridge cases and one motorcycle. The attackers had fled before troops arrived.
Same day, Sept. 26, at about 10:21 a.m., less than two hours after the reported killing of the two Kantoma/Kikyau men, six houses belonging to Fulani residents were reportedly burnt by Mwaghavul militiamen in reprisal to the attack. Troops arrived to find the houses already burning. No immediate casualty was reported from the arson.
Again, Sept. 26, about 8:10 p.m., suspected armed Mwaghavul youths attacked the Lawet community in Pushit District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a herder and his 12 cattle and injuring another 12, while several others were reportedly rustled.
The September incidents present a clear anatomy of a tit-for-tat conflict in the Plateau. The distinction between perpetrator and victim becomes increasingly blurred because a community that was victimised yesterday can become the perpetrator tomorrow. Both communities continue to suffer unquantifiable losses.
The existing record is not one-sided. Mwaghavul organisations have reported their own casualties. The Mwaghavul Development Association, for example, reported several attacks carried out by Fulani militants in Kikyau, Larkas, Ntul and Kinat in September, including the killing of Geoffrey Gumut and Katbam Titus.
There have also been attacks attributed to suspected Fulani elements, including the reported killing of three locals along the Gyambwas–Kikyau axis and other incidents supplied in security reports.
Therefore, it would be analytically wrong to always describe every Mwaghavul casualty as evidence of a coordinated Fulani campaign to carry out genocide against peace-loving Christians in order to grab their lands.
What is happening is only establishing something that deserves serious investigation: armed actors operating from within the conflict environment, both from the Fulani and Mwaghavul sides, appear capable of repeatedly targeting members of the opposing community and its economic assets. Both groups carry out this attrition in connivance with their communities, and that is the point at which a communal dispute continues to acquire the characteristics of organised violence.
The most dangerous element of the Plateau crisis may not be the first gunshot. It may be what happens after it. A killing produces a story. The story produces anger. Anger produces mobilization and funeral charges. Mobilisation produces another attack. The second attack produces another story. And the cycle continues.
Another dimension of the crisis is information warfare. Fake news peddlers and crisis entrepreneurs continue to benefit from the crises while presenting the crises as one-sided to the international community; the facts on the ground continue to speak otherwise. These crisis actors know clearly that terror always strives by creating fear. They therefore always capitalise on the existing situation to create panic. For example, they will immediately issue a threat alert in the community where they already know that their own militiamen have carried out an attack. They will not report the attack; instead, they will issue a warning that the community may come under attack, urging the security agencies to take the bullet on their behalf.
According to multiple security sources involved in managing the conflict, these competing groups frequently approach security agencies with narratives that place responsibility on the opposing community before the facts have been established. This is a serious operational problem. If a security agency receives an unverified report that “Fulani are attacking,” it may mobilise against Fulani suspects. If the information is false, the security response itself can become a new grievance.
The same applies in reverse. This is why the first duty of a professional security organisation in a communal conflict is not to believe the loudest narrative. It is to establish what happened.
One of the most revealing accounts from the soldiers is the description of incidents initially blamed on Fulani attackers which, after investigation, allegedly turned out to involve ordinary criminality or disputes unrelated to communal conflict. One of the most prevailing attacks is happening around mining sites by locals, where they attack each other because of mineral resources.
Another example cited in the conversation involved attackers who reportedly entered a residence, killed a man and his wife, attempted to kill the children and fled. The initial assumption was reportedly that Fulani attackers were responsible. But subsequent intelligence allegedly pointed in another direction, including the possibility of a dispute over money shared during cow-rustling activities. Angry youths from the community later apprehended the youths and almost lynched them.
In Plateau, criminals continue to exploit communal tension by committing heinous atrocities due to the availability of weapons, thereby deliberately allowing suspicion among the two communities. While the murderer gets away, the community retaliates, killing themselves. Then the original criminal objective disappears beneath an avalanche of ethnic anger. That is how local criminality in Plateau has become communal warfare.
Therefore, the security environment cannot be understood from social-media narratives alone.
The religious narrative that has consistently become a weapon to justify what was going on has proven to be false. Several attempts by locals and foreign actors to frame the Plateau conflict entirely as a religious confrontation have been exposed to be FAKE, as the available evidence points to a more complicated picture. Religion undoubtedly influences identity and perception in Plateau, but the whole crisis involves cattle rustling, land disputes, criminality, revenge attacks, territorial claims, political mobilisation and competition over access to resources.
But crisis entrepreneurs continue to reduce all of this to “Christian persecution or genocide,” thereby obscuring the actual perpetrators and motives behind individual attacks and this violence aimed at coercing populations becomes particularly significant when it is connected to religious objectives.
The Federal Government, Plateau State Government and security agencies must rise up to the occasion and stop treating these issues with kid gloves. They should establish a joint incident-review mechanism that documents attacks, identifies perpetrators, maps recurring corridors and tracks reprisals. The security agencies should also identify communities at the highest risk of retaliatory violence and maintain visible, unpredictable patrol patterns around them.
The government does not need to decide whether Fulani or Mwaghavul people are collectively right. It needs to determine who committed which crime. If a Mwaghavul militia member kills a Fulani herder, he should be arrested. If a Fulani gunman kills a Mwaghavul farmer, he should be arrested. If somebody rustles cattle, he should face the law. If somebody burns a house, he should face the law. If somebody fabricates information to provoke an attack, he should face the law.
If somebody circulates manipulated images to incite violence, that should also attract legal consequences. The identity of the victim must never determine the identity of the perpetrator.
Traditional and community leaders should be required to publicly and consistently reject attacks carried out in their name. The immediate requirement is not another political declaration. It is an independent, evidence-driven security and criminal investigation framework covering all incidents in the state.
One of the most combustible issues in Mangu and other parts of these conflict-prone areas are competing claims of ownership of land and belonging. “Our land” versus the law. One side says: “Our land.” The other says: “We have lived here for generations.” Some of the Fulani have lived in the area for over 300 years and have no other place to call their home. Land disputes require documentation, traditional authority where legally relevant, statutory law and judicial processes. They cannot be settled by armed men.
If a community believes another population has occupied land unlawfully, the remedy is not expulsion through violence, attack or social media ranting. The best thing to do is to challenge it through the competent court of law.
Likewise, if pastoralists believe they have established legitimate residence or grazing rights, those rights must be tested through the appropriate legal and administrative processes.
The moment armed groups begin determining who belongs somewhere, the gun has replaced the law. And sometimes these issues are pushed by illegal mining, tree cutting, erosion and competition over natural resources, which can intensify disputes that are subsequently interpreted through ethnic identity.
A conflict may therefore appear ethnic on the surface while being driven underneath by access to land, water, pasture, forests, minerals and economic opportunity. This is why Plateau requires more than soldiers. It requires land administration, environmental enforcement, livestock management, mining regulation, community mediation and functioning local justice mechanisms.
Conclusion: the mask that must fall
The central lesson from the soldiers’ accounts and the September incident trail is not that one ethnic group is inherently violent. It is more uncomfortable than that. The conflict is being sustained by armed actors on different sides, criminal opportunists, retaliatory logic, disputed land and resource claims, weak accountability and competing information narratives.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter-Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region.
Army deploys 236 Tank Battalion personnel to strengthen security operations in Mangu
Army deploys 236 Tank Battalion personnel to strengthen security operations in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has deployed the first batch of personnel from 236 Tank Battalion to Headquarters Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The deployment, which is part of the recent restructuring of the Nigerian Army, took place at about 4:40 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2026.
The first batch comprised two groups of 89 personnel, making a total of 178 troops, led by the Commanding Officer of 236 Tank Battalion, Lt. Col. H.O. Obire.
The troops were received by the Commander, Sector 8 OPEP, upon arrival at the headquarters.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the newly deployed personnel immediately commenced familiarisation with the Area of Responsibility (AOR) and the operational mandate of the sector.
The deployment comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of Mangu and adjoining communities, where several attacks, killings, livestock destruction and reprisal incidents have been reported in September.
The arrival of the additional personnel is expected to strengthen ongoing security operations, improve troops’ presence in vulnerable areas and enhance the capacity of the sector to respond to emerging threats.
The troops are also expected to work with other security and response elements operating within the area to protect civilians, prevent further attacks and maintain security across communities within the sector’s AOR.
Troops confirmed Suspected Mwaghavul militiamen kill 12 cattle, injure 12, rustle others in Mangu
Troops confirmed Suspected Mwaghavul militiamen kill 12 cattle, injure 12, rustle others in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have confirmed that suspected armed Mwaghavul militiamen have attacked the Lawet community in Pushit District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing 12 cattle and injuring another 12, while several others were reportedly rustled.
The attack occurred at about 8:10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, when troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) responded to a distress report from the community.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that upon arrival at the location, the troops discovered that the armed attackers, suspected to be Mwaghavul youths, had raided the community and targeted cattle belonging to local herders.
The attackers reportedly killed 12 cattle and injured another 12, while several other cattle were taken away during the incident.
Following the attack, troops launched a tracking operation and successfully traced the rustled cattle to the general area of Pankshin, where they were recovered and secured for further action.
The recovery of the cattle prevented their complete loss and could provide useful leads in the ongoing investigation into the attack.
Troops have continued search and offensive operations around the general area of Lawet and adjoining communities in an effort to locate the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in parts of Mangu, where attacks on civilians and livestock have continued to generate fears of retaliatory violence.
Security agencies are expected to intensify patrols and intelligence-led operations around vulnerable communities along the Mangu–Pankshin axis, while efforts are made to establish the identities of those responsible and prevent the incident from triggering another cycle of reprisal attacks.
Troops intervene as suspected farm destruction triggers tension in Jos North
Troops intervene as suspected farm destruction triggers tension in Jos North
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intervened following a reported case of farm destruction at Haske Quarters in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, after troops deployed at Haske Quarters received a report that a farm belonging to Mr. Obed had been destroyed.
The troops immediately moved to the location to assess the situation and found three sheep grazing on the farm, while the herder reportedly fled upon sighting the soldiers.
The troops recovered the sheep and took them to their location for amicable settlement between the affected parties.
The intervention was aimed at preventing the incident from escalating into a confrontation between farmers and herders in the area.
Security personnel are expected to continue monitoring the community and surrounding areas to prevent further incidents and maintain peace between the farming and herding communities.
Troops recover 57 cattle from suspected terrorists in Wase
Troops recover 57 cattle from suspected terrorists in Wase
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have recovered 57 cattle allegedly rustled by suspected terrorists at Sabon Layi community in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:40 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, when troops on night patrol responded to a report of cattle-rustling activities by suspected terrorists in the area.
The troops immediately launched a pursuit and established contact with the suspected terrorists, who reportedly abandoned the 57 cattle and fled, taking advantage of the troops’ superior firepower.
Following the recovery, the troops conducted further patrols around the general area to reassure residents and restore confidence among the local population.
The recovered livestock were subsequently moved to the troops’ base camp and are expected to be handed over to their owners in the morning.
GOC 3 Division holds stakeholders’ meeting after killing of six in Barkin Ladi
GOC 3 Division holds stakeholders’ meeting after killing of six in Barkin Ladi
By: Zagazola Makama
Following the attack on Lajam village in Marit District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, which resulted in the death of six locals and injuries to others, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Maj.-Gen. W.M. Dangana, held a stakeholders’ meeting in the area.
The meeting, held at about 11:56 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, took place at Sector 4 OPEP headquarters in Barkin Ladi.
Those in attendance included the Commander 3 Division Garrison, Brig.-Gen. A. Aminu; Commander 43 Division Engineers, Brig.-Gen. A. Sadiq; Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Barr. Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, and other stakeholders.
Security sources said the meeting formed part of ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and address the persistent cycle of killings and counter-killings in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring communities.
The stakeholders were expected to deliberate on measures to strengthen security, improve community engagement and prevent further retaliatory attacks.
The meeting ended peacefully without any incident.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper with N1.925m in Riyom
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper with N1.925m in Riyom
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a 30-year-old man, Yahaya Mohammed, suspected to be linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, following a report on the movement of suspected kidnappers who had allegedly collected ransom from their victims.
The troops intercepted Mohammed around a forested area and found him carrying a large bag containing N1,925,000 in cash.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect claimed the money was proceeds from the sale of cattle. However, security sources said he was unable to provide reasonable evidence to substantiate the claim.
The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation and necessary action to establish the source of the money and determine whether he has any connection with kidnapping activities in the area.
Wallahi, if you cannot protect us, allow our children to defend us,” grieving mother cries after son and livestock killings by Mwaghavul militiamen in Mangu
“Wallahi, if you cannot protect us, allow our children to defend us,” grieving mother cries after son and livestock killings by Mwaghavul militiamen in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
The mother of a Fulani herder reportedly killed during an attack at Lawet and Lamor in Pushit District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, has made an emotional appeal to security agencies to protect her family and other vulnerable residents from further attacks.
In an emotional video obtained by Zagazola Makama, the grieving mother, overwhelmed by the loss of her son, called on the authorities to take immediate action and prevent further killings.
“Wallahi, if you cannot protect us, allow our own children to defend us,” she said, expressing frustration over what she described as the failure of authorities to provide adequate protection.
The woman was speaking after her son was reportedly killed during the attack on herders and livestock around Lawet and Lamor at about 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
According to information from the area, the attackers suspected to be Mwaghavul militiamen reportedly used tear-gas canisters before opening fire with automatic rifles, allegedly targeting cattle that had been tied inside enclosures at the residences of the herders.
One Fulani herder was reportedly killed, while the exact number of cattle killed or injured was still being established.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of those responsible are yet to be independently established.
The mother’s emotional appeal, however, highlights a deeper concern in the continuing violence in parts of Mangu: when victims believe that the state cannot protect them or deliver justice, some may begin to consider taking security into their own hands.
That is precisely the point at which a security crisis can become even more dangerous.
The tragedy is that a grieving family seeking protection can easily become a community mobilised for retaliation if authorities fail to respond quickly and credibly.
At the same time, calls for self-defence must not become a licence for reprisals against innocent people.Every community has civilians who deserve protection, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
The growing frustration among victims also places a responsibility on the Plateau State Government and security authorities to demonstrate, through concrete action, that violence will be investigated and that perpetrators will face the law.
Mwaghavul militiamen kill 1 Fulani herder, attack cattle in Mangu
Mwaghavul militiamen kill 1 Fulani herder, attack cattle in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected Mwaghavul militiamen have reportedly attacked Fulani herders around Lawet and Lamor in Pushit District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing one herder and shooting at cattle.
The attack occurred at about 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, near the Mangu–Pankshin boundary.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attackers allegedly deployed tear-gas canisters before opening fire with automatic rifles, reportedly including AK-47 rifles.
The attackers reportedly targeted cattle that had already been tied inside enclosures at the residences of the herders.
One Fulani herder was reportedly killed in the attack, while the exact number of cattle killed or injured was still being established as of Sunday.
The incident bears similarities to the recent attack around Alohom in Mangu Halle Ward, where three young Fulani herders were killed and dozens of cattle were reportedly shot dead in an attack also said to have involved the use of tear gas.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over the safety of herders and livestock in communities around the Mangu–Pankshin boundary, particularly amid the continuing cycle of attacks and reprisals in parts of Mangu.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the incident, establish the circumstances surrounding the killing, identify and track down those responsible and take measures to prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities and livestock.
The latest attack comes against the backdrop of several reported incidents involving killings, livestock destruction and reprisal attacks in Mangu in September, underscoring the need for sustained security presence and early intervention in vulnerable communities.
Further details will be provided as credible information becomes available.
Troops raid terrorists’ enclave, neutralise fighter, recover AK-47 in Sokoto
Troops raid terrorists’ enclave, neutralise fighter, recover AK-47 in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised a terrorist during a raid on a suspected terrorist hideout in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted following credible intelligence on the presence of terrorists around Karani village.
The troops advanced towards the suspected terrorist camp and, upon making contact with the hostile elements, engaged them with firepower, neutralising one terrorist while others fled into the surrounding forest.
During the exploitation of the camp, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with live ammunition, one operational motorcycle, military camouflage uniforms, maintenance tools and other logistical supplies.
Following the encounter, the troops conducted clearance operations across the surrounding forest axis to dominate the area and deny the fleeing terrorists freedom of movement.
The recovered weapons and equipment have been taken into custody as troops continue operations to track fleeing members of the group and dismantle their networks in the area.
Troops foil kidnapping attempt, rescue six family members in Zamfara
Troops foil kidnapping attempt, rescue six family members in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled an attempted abduction and rescued six members of a family in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded swiftly to actionable intelligence on an ongoing attack by armed terrorists targeting the family.
The troops immediately mobilised to the location and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee the area.
The intervention enabled the troops to safely rescue all six victims unharmed.
The rescued family members were relocated to a secure facility for preliminary assessment and care, while arrangements are underway to reunite them safely with their relatives.
The operation highlights the continued efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to respond to distress calls and prevent terrorists and other criminal elements from abducting innocent residents in the North-West.
Mwaghavul militia carried out two separate attacks on Fulani herders in Mangu in renewed escalation
Mwaghavul militia carried out two separate attacks on Fulani herders in Mangu in renewed escalation
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected Mwaghavul militia have reportedly launched two separate attacks on Fulani herders in parts of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, resulting in the death of a herders and the alleged rustling of several cattle.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the first incident occurred around Lamor, near Lawet, where a Fulani herder was reportedly killed by unidentified attackers.
Several cattle were also reportedly killed or taken away during the incident, although the exact number of livestock affected could not immediately be established.
In a separate development, Fulani residents and their livestock were reportedly attacked around the Takas area of Mangu.
Sources said the attackers were suspected to be members of a Mwaghavul militia group.
The incidents have heightened tension in the affected communities, particularly amid the recent cycle of attacks and reprisal violence involving different communities in Mangu and neighbouring areas.
The latest reports come against the backdrop of continuing attacks, cattle rustling and retaliatory violence in parts of Plateau State, raising concerns over the safety of rural communities, farmers and herders.
Further details will be reported as credible information becomes available.
Tit for Tat: Six Fulani houses burnt in Kantoma, in Reprisal attack by Mwaghavul Militiamen in Mangu
Tit for Tat: Six Fulani houses burnt in Kantoma, in Reprisal attack by Mwaghavul Militiamen in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Mwaghavul militia men of Kantoma community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State have reportedly set six houses belonging to Fulani residents ablaze in a reprisal attack.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:21 a.m. on Sept. 26, 2026, following the earlier killing of two natives of the community by suspected Fulani elements.
The sources said troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a report of the reprisal attack on Fulani settlements in the community.
According to the sources, the troops arrived at the location to find six Fulani houses already engulfed in flames, while the youths suspected to have carried out the attack had fled before the arrival of the security personnel.
The troops subsequently succeeded in putting out the fire and stabilising the immediate area.
No casualty was immediately reported in connection with the reprisal attack.
As part of efforts to prevent further escalation, an emergency stakeholders’ meeting was scheduled to take place at the headquarters of Sector 8 OPEP.
The meeting is expected to bring relevant stakeholders together to address the immediate tensions and strengthen measures to prevent further retaliatory attacks between communities.
The latest incident draw attention to the continuing cycle of attack and reprisal in parts of Mangu, where violence involving different communities has continued to generate casualties, destruction of property and heightened tensions.
Security agencies are expected to sustain patrols and engagement with community leaders to prevent further attacks and protect residents irrespective of their ethnic or religious identity.
Tit for Tat: Six Fulani houses burnt in Kantoma, in Reprisal attack by Mwaghavul Militiamen in Mangu
Tit for Tat: Six Fulani houses burnt in Kantoma, in Reprisal attack by Mwaghavul Militiamen in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Mwaghavul militia men of Kantoma community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State have reportedly set six houses belonging to Fulani residents ablaze in a reprisal attack.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:21 a.m. on Sept. 26, 2026, following the earlier killing of two natives of the community by suspected Fulani elements.
The sources said troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a report of the reprisal attack on Fulani settlements in the community.
According to the sources, the troops arrived at the location to find six Fulani houses already engulfed in flames, while the youths suspected to have carried out the attack had fled before the arrival of the security personnel.
The troops subsequently succeeded in putting out the fire and stabilising the immediate area.
No casualty was immediately reported in connection with the reprisal attack.
As part of efforts to prevent further escalation, an emergency stakeholders’ meeting was scheduled to take place at the headquarters of Sector 8 OPEP.
The meeting is expected to bring relevant stakeholders together to address the immediate tensions and strengthen measures to prevent further retaliatory attacks between communities.
The latest incident draw attention to the continuing cycle of attack and reprisal in parts of Mangu, where violence involving different communities has continued to generate casualties, destruction of property and heightened tensions.
Security agencies are expected to sustain patrols and engagement with community leaders to prevent further attacks and protect residents irrespective of their ethnic or religious identity.
Two killed in reprisal attack by Fulani Bandits at Kantoma community, Mangu
Two killed in reprisal attack by Fulani Bandits at Kantoma community, Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Two persons have been killed by Fulani bandits in a reprisal attack at Kantoma community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:35 a.m. on Sept. 26, 2026, when troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a report of an attack in the community.
The troops, upon arrival at the scene, discovered the corpses of the two victims, identified as Ibrahim Namchin, a native of Kikyau village, and Kenneth Ishaku, a native of Kantoma.
The assailants had reportedly fled the area before the arrival of the troops.
The troops recovered two empty 7.62mm Special cartridge cases and one motorcycle from the scene.
The bodies of the victims were subsequently handed over to community members for burial, while troops dominated the general area and conducted fighting patrols to prevent further attacks and track possible movements of the assailants.
Security forces have commenced efforts to de-escalate tensions in the community, with an emergency stakeholders’ meeting scheduled at the headquarters of Sector 8 OPEP.
The latest developments highlight the fragile security situation in parts of Mangu, where isolated attacks and subsequent reprisal actions risk triggering a wider cycle of violence between communities.
Six killed, two injured in attack on mining site in Barkin Ladi
Six killed, two injured in attack on mining site in Barkin Ladi
By: Zagazola Makama
Six persons have been killed and two others injured after suspected armed assailants attacked a mining site in Lajam Marit village, Ropp District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:37 a.m. on Sept. 26, 2026, when troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), deployed at Dorowa, responded to a report of an attack at the mining site.
The troops, upon arrival at the location, discovered that six locals had been shot dead by the attackers, while two others sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured victims were identified as Samuel Mamod and Private Mamod Francis Samuel, who was reportedly on pass at the time of the attack.
The two injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Barkin Ladi, for medical attention.
Following the attack, troops have intensified security operations around Dorowa, Babuje, Marit and Lajam communities to prevent further attacks and de-escalate tensions in the affected areas.
The latest incident adds to the growing security concerns in Barkin Ladi, where attacks, reprisals and communal tensions have continued to threaten lives and livelihoods.
Security forces are expected to sustain patrols and intelligence-led operations in the affected communities to identify the perpetrators and prevent further escalation.
Troops arrest 20-year-old over alleged illegal firearm possession in Bassa
Troops arrest 20-year-old over alleged illegal firearm possession in Bassa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have arrested a 20-year-old man, identified as Suleiman Haruna, over alleged possession of an illegal firearm in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was arrested at about 7:50 a.m. on Sept. 26, 2026, at the Rukuba Road checkpoint following credible information received by the troops.
The sources said Haruna was apprehended for allegedly being in possession of an illegal firearm.
He is currently in military custody and undergoing interrogation to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged possession and determine whether he has links to any criminal group.
Security agencies are expected to sustain intelligence-led operations and checkpoint screening across the area to prevent the movement of illegal arms and identify individuals involved in criminal activities.
The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to strengthen security and prevent further violence in communities across Plateau State.
Operation Whirl Stroke rescues six kidnapped victims in Katsina-Ala
Operation Whirl Stroke rescues six kidnapped victims in Katsina-Ala
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have rescued six kidnapped victims around Gbise community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims were rescued on Sept. 25, 2026, after troops conducting patrols in the area received credible information about the presence of the kidnapped victims.
The troops immediately mobilised to the location and evacuated the victims to a secure area for safety and further investigation.
The rescued victims were identified as Gabriel Enujuba, 50; Samson Magbo, 43; Alkasim Modu, 27; Manzo Bello, 27; Sani Abdullahi, 25; and Munza Yusuf, 25.
During preliminary interaction with the victims, five of them reportedly disclosed that they were abducted along the Chenchengi-Takum road.
The sixth victim, Munza Yusuf, said he was kidnapped from his residence in the Ahmadu General area of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The development has prompted troops to intensify intelligence-led operations aimed at locating and apprehending members of the kidnapping syndicate responsible for the abductions.
Security forces are also strengthening patrols and human intelligence networks around vulnerable communities and major routes linking Benue and Taraba states.
The operations are expected to further restrict the movement of criminal elements and prevent them from exploiting isolated communities and transportation corridors.
Operation WHIRL STROKE has directed its troops to remain proactive and responsive to emerging security threats while working closely with local communities to obtain actionable intelligence.
The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and creating a safer environment for residents, farmers, commuters and other law-abiding citizens within its area of operations.
Herder assaulted over alleged destruction of farm crops in Jos North
Herder assaulted over alleged destruction of farm crops in Jos North
By: Zagazola Makama
A herder, identified as Abubakar Abdullahi, has been assaulted by a farmer, Mr Caleb Bulus, following an alleged dispute over the destruction of farm crops in Kwanga village, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:45 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2026, when troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, responded to a report of the assault.
The herder reportedly sustained injuries during the incident and was evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention.
The suspect, Bulus, was arrested and handed over to Keystone Authority, Jos, for further investigation and appropriate action.
Security sources said the incident was being monitored to prevent the dispute from escalating into further communal tension in the area.
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustler in Kaduna
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustler in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Operation WHIRL PUNCH, have arrested a suspected cattle rustler in connection with the theft of cattle belonging to Alhaji Muhammadu Hussaini in Jankasa village, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:05 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2026, following a report of cattle rustling in the community.
The troops deployed in Zangon Kataf swiftly mobilised to the area and arrested a suspect identified as Idi Abdulkarim in connection with the incident.
The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing interrogation to establish his involvement in the alleged cattle rustling and identify possible accomplices.
Security forces are sustaining operations in the area to curb cattle theft and other criminal activities.
Farmer assaulted over grazing dispute in Kaduna
Farmer assaulted over grazing dispute in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
A 40-year-old farmer, Mr Sunday Irmiah, has been assaulted by a suspected herder following a dispute over grazing on his farm in Angwan Rana village, Fadan Kamantan District of Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:58 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2026, when troops of Sector 7, Operation WHIRL PUNCH, responded to a report of the assault.
On arrival at the location, the troops found Irmiah with injuries to his right hand, while the suspected assailant had fled the area with his cattle before the troops arrived.
The injured farmer was evacuated to a hospital in Fadan Kamantan for medical treatment.
Efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspect for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
Security personnel are also monitoring the area to prevent the dispute from escalating into further violence.
Troops arrest Berom Militia for attempting to sell stolen cattle at Bokkos cattle market, weeks after attack on herders
Troops arrest Berom Militia for attempting to sell stolen cattle at Bokkos cattle market, weeks after attack on herders
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation WHIRL PUNCH, in collaboration with troops of Sector 5, have arrested a 29-year-old Berom Militia while allegedly attempting to sell a stolen cattle at a cattle market in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Mabwe Zakaria, was arrested at about 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 25, 2026, after the cattle was identified by its owner.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the cattle was allegedly part of the dozens of livestock rustled on Aug. 18, 2026, after attack on fulani herders in Quan’Pan Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation to establish his involvement in the alleged cattle rustling and identify possible accomplices.
Security agencies are sustaining operations against cattle rustling and other criminal activities across the affected communities.
Herder assaulted over alleged destruction of farm crops in Jos North
Herder assaulted over alleged destruction of farm crops in Jos North
By: Zagazola Makama
A herder, identified as Abubakar Abdullahi, has been assaulted by a farmer, Mr Caleb Bulus, following an alleged dispute over the destruction of farm crops in Kwanga village, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:45 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2026, when troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, responded to a report of the assault.
The herder reportedly sustained injuries during the incident and was evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention.
The suspect, Bulus, was arrested and handed over to Keystone Authority, Jos, for further investigation and appropriate action.
Security sources said the incident was being monitored to prevent the dispute from escalating into further communal tension in the area.
District head rescued from mob attack in Jos East
District head rescued from mob attack in Jos East
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, have rescued the District Head of Fursum in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State, Alhaji Musa Usman, from a mob attack by youths of Ninseng community.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:45 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2026, when troops responded to a report of a mob attack at the district head’s residence.
The youths reportedly attacked Usman, accusing him of allegedly supporting Fulani residents in the community.
The attack followed a reported incident in which a local was attacked and killed at an illegal mining site in Nabar Dutse community.
Troops intervened and rescued the district head, who sustained injuries during the attack.
He was subsequently evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention.
During the incident, the district head’s vehicle was also set ablaze by the attackers.
The troops brought the situation under control and dominated the general area to prevent further escalation and possible retaliatory attacks.
Security forces are maintaining a presence in the area while efforts continue to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops thwart terrorist attack, recover AK-47, arrest suspect in Kaduna
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops thwart terrorist attack, recover AK-47, arrest suspect in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have thwarted a suspected terrorist movement, recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition, and arrested a suspected criminal during separate operations in Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operations were conducted between Sept. 23 and 24, 2026, as troops sustained clearance operations to disrupt terrorist and criminal activities across the Joint Operations Area.
On Sept. 23, troops of Sector 1, acting on credible intelligence about the movement of suspected terrorists through the bushes around Rijana in Kachia Local Government Area, swiftly mobilised to the area and laid an ambush.
The troops engaged the terrorists after sighting them, forcing the suspects to flee into the surrounding terrain.
During a follow-up exploitation of the area, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition, one magazine carrier and a military jungle hat, among other items.
In a separate operation the same day, troops conducted a clearance operation at Awom village in Kachia LGA to deny terrorists and other criminal elements access to safe havens within the community.
During the operation, the troops arrested a suspected criminal identified as Jacob, who was found in possession of one fabricated pistol and seven rounds of ammunition.
The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and prompt response during the operations.
It said the troops would sustain offensive and clearance operations aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, denying criminal elements freedom of action and protecting communities within the Joint Operations Area
Troops rescue 14 kidnapped victims, recover arms, ammunition in Katsina
Troops rescue 14 kidnapped victims, recover arms, ammunition in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims and recovered arms, ammunition and a motorcycle during ongoing clearance operations in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to security sources, the troops carried out routine security patrols along the Faskari axis on Sept. 25, 2026, when they intercepted a group of suspected terrorists.
The troops engaged the terrorists and overpowered them, forcing the group to abandon their positions and flee into the surrounding terrain.
During the subsequent clearance operation, the troops rescued 14 kidnapped victims, comprising 12 males and two females.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the victims had been abducted from Anguwan Miko and Tafoki communities, both in Faskari LGA.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and necessary support before being reunited with their families.
In a related operation within the same area, the troops also foiled an attempted attack by suspected terrorists.
Following the engagement, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, some quantity of 7.62mm special ammunition and a motorcycle reportedly used by the suspects.
Troops repel terrorist attack on Latok community in Plateau, launch manhunt
Troops repel terrorist attack on Latok community in Plateau, launch manhunt
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 9, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in collaboration with local youths, have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on Latok community in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on Sept. 25, when the attackers invaded the community, prompting the deployment of troops to the area.
According to security sources, the troops, supported by Bong youths, responded swiftly and engaged the attackers, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
The troops subsequently exploited the area and discovered two youths who had sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
Two houses were also found to have been razed, while an undisclosed number of cattle were reportedly rustled by the attackers.
The injured victims were evacuated to Kwalla Hospital, where they were admitted for medical attention.
Following the attack, troops have commenced offensive operations and a manhunt to track down the fleeing criminals and recover the rustled livestock.
Security sources said the ongoing operation is aimed at preventing the attackers from regrouping and restoring confidence among residents of the affected community.
The incident underscores the continuing security challenges in parts of Plateau State, where attacks, cattle rustling and retaliatory violence have continued to threaten rural communities.
Troops have therefore intensified patrols and clearance operations across vulnerable areas while working with local communities to obtain credible intelligence on the movements of armed criminals.
Troops foil attack by Fulani bandits on Gyamgyam community in Plateau
Troops foil attack by Fulani bandits on Gyamgyam community in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attack by fulani bandits on Gyamgyam community in Garga District of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 7:45 a.m. on Sept. 25, when troops responded to reports of sporadic shootings in the community.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops discovered that the community had come under attack by some assailants.
Security sources said no casualty was recorded, as members of the community resisted the attackers and prevented them from achieving their objective.
Following the incident, the troops commenced area domination patrols around the community and adjoining locations to deter further attacks and track the movement of the assailants.
The operation is ongoing as security forces continue to maintain a presence in the area and monitor the security situation.
Troops intercept 41 cattle after alleged farm destruction in Jos East
Troops intercept 41 cattle after alleged farm destruction in Jos East
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, deployed at Kudeddu, have intercepted 41 cattle allegedly involved in the destruction of a farm at Zabir village in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 10:56 a.m. on Sept. 25, when the troops responded to a report of farm destruction allegedly caused by cattle grazing in the area.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops intercepted 41 cattle grazing without a herder.
The livestock were subsequently moved to a safe location pending identification of their owners.
Security sources said the Miyetti Allah leadership in Jos East Local Government Area had been contacted to assist in identifying the owners of the cattle and facilitate the necessary follow-up action.
The development highlights the continuing need for effective management of livestock movement and prompt intervention in disputes involving farmers and herders to prevent such incidents from escalating into wider communal tensions.
One killed, two injured in attack on mining site in Jos East
One killed, two injured in attack on mining site in Jos East
By: Zagazola Makama
One person was killed while two others sustained gunshot wounds after suspected Fulani militias attacked an illegal mining site at Nabar Dutse community in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 25, when troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, responded to a distress report from the mining site.
Upon arrival, the troops discovered that the assailants had shot and macheted one of the victims, identified as Mr Azang Azi, to death.
Two other victims, identified as Emmanuel Azi and Musa Ashom, sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
The troops subsequently dominated the area with fighting patrols and commenced a manhunt for the fleeing assailants.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to track down the attackers and prevent further attacks in the area.
Security forces conduct show of force, protect Juma’at prayers in Jos-Bukuru
Security forces conduct show of force, protect Juma’at prayers in Jos-Bukuru
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in collaboration with 551 Nigerian Air Force Station, Operation Keystone, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies, conducted a show of force across major flashpoints within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis on Sept. 25.
The operation, conducted at about 1:45 p.m., formed part of proactive security measures to ensure hitch-free Juma’at prayers across various sectors and sub-sectors within the Joint Operations Area.
The security agencies deployed personnel to strategic locations and worship centres to provide adequate security before, during and after the Friday prayers.
The show of force was also aimed at deterring criminal elements from exploiting the period to carry out attacks or other acts capable of disrupting public peace.
Security personnel maintained visible presence across the metropolis while monitoring movement and responding to any emerging security concerns.
The coordinated deployment reflects ongoing efforts by the security agencies to strengthen public safety through preventive operations and inter-agency cooperation.
Troops launch manhunt after 43-year-old man abducted in Plateau
Troops launch manhunt after 43-year-old man abducted in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have launched a manhunt for suspected kidnappers following the abduction of a 43-year-old man, Mr Philip Azarachi, at his residence in Agingi village, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 8:43 p.m. on Sept. 24, when troops responded to a report of the abduction.
Following the report, the troops immediately laid an ambush and manned possible escape routes used by the criminals in an effort to intercept them.
However, no contact was established with the kidnappers.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to track the abductors and secure the safe rescue of the victim.
Troops have also intensified surveillance and patrols within the area as part of measures to prevent the kidnappers from escaping with the victim.
Kasa killings: Army commander faces backlash after refusing to release recovered AK-47
Kasa killings: Army commander faces backlash after refusing to release recovered AK-47
By: Zagazola Makama
The campaign of allegations against the Army sector commander in Barkin Ladi following his refusal to release a recovered AK-47 rifle exposes a disturbing attempt by some dubious community actors to turn professional military conduct into an ethnic controversy in Plateau State.
The latest controversy surrounding a highly professional senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Col. Victor Asuquo, Sector Commander of Barkin Ladi, for refusing to compromise with the locals, is revealing a dangerous new dimension to the Plateau crisis.
The allegation that the commander is “supporting Fulani” because he refused to hand an assault rifle recovered at a violent crime scene to local youths is not only unsubstantiated; it dangerously distorts the basic responsibility of a security commander.
According to the account, troops responding to reports of gunfire around Kassa discovered three dead persons and recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, reportedly about nine rounds. Some of the locals allegedly demanded that the rifle be returned to them on the grounds that it belonged to the deceased youth leader, who was killed during a heavy exchange of fire with the Fulani armed men, but the Sector Commander refused.
That refusal subsequently became the centre of a confrontation between the Army troops and some of the youth leaders, who mobilised women and youths in the community to protest, demanding the removal of the Army troops from Barkin Ladi.
Despite intervention by some community leaders, the Sector Commander insisted that when such a weapon is recovered at a scene where people have been killed, its chain of custody, ballistic examination, ownership and possible use in the incident become matters for law-enforcement investigation. Returning it to a private individual or community group means potentially returning the weapon to an armed actor.
The question that should be asked is: How did a civilian youth leader acquire an AK-47 rifle that was only legally approved for the Nigerian Army, Police and other security agencies? Was it licensed or issued by a recognised security institution? Who supplied the ammunition?
Why was an assault rifle being held by a civilian group in an already volatile environment? These are questions that should be answered through investigation, not through street pressure.
The reported confrontation also illustrates how difficult the task of security forces has become in Barkin Ladi.
Youth leaders in Barkin Ladi had, in many instances, attempted to woo the Sector Commander to attack and dislodge Fulani communities within the area, but the commander reportedly refused on many occasions, insisting that if they were concerned about the presence of armed persons or communities in particular locations, such matters should be presented to the state government rather than asking the military to conduct an illegal operation to remove civilians from their homes. That also didn’t go well with the community leaders.
The Commander stood his ground, insisting that the Nigerian Army is not a land-reclamation agency. It cannot decide, on the basis of pressure from one community, that another civilian population should be expelled from a settlement, insisting that if there are legitimate disputes over land ownership, traditional boundaries, settlements or historical agreements, those issues require civilian administrative, judicial and political processes. Security forces can protect lives and prevent violence while those disputes are addressed.
The blackmail against the Nigerian Army troops did not start now. In April 2026, angry women and youths in the Kassa and Gashish communities of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State attacked soldiers and destroyed a military checkpoint. The protest and attack followed the burial of a resident, Gyang Nuhu Choji, allegedly killed in a reprisal attack by Fulani armed attackers. The “crime” of the troops was simply resisting allowing the local militia to cross over to carry out an attack on Fulani communities.
Eventually, they succeeded in dislodging the troops from the location and bringing another security outfit to the location. Since then, attacks have increased in the surrounding locations as criminal Berom youths continue to carry out attacks and targeted killings, which have resulted in reprisals by the fulani attackers. The timing of the Kassa confrontation cannot be ignored. The latest dispute did not occur in a vacuum.
On Sept. 20, reports emerged that five Fulani men travelling from Barkin Ladi towards Jos South were killed in an attack around the Kassa axis. MACBAN identified the victims as Buhari Yusuf, Aminu Ahmad, Nasiru Abdullahi, Gambo Abubakar and Muhammad Abdul Rahman, and alleged that the attackers were Berom militia members. The killings themselves have been reported by multiple outlets.
Earlier in September, Berom militiamen reportedly attacked Fulani herders around Jong-Nyeriwei and Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi, including killings and cattle rustling.
There were further several reports of attacks on herders and cattle around Plateau during the same period.
These incidents demonstrate that the conflict is no longer simply a question of one community defending itself against invasion by another community. It is a well known cycle involving community-backed militias, criminal actors, vigilantes, armed individuals, retaliatory attacks, cattle rustling, targeted killings, misinformation and growing distrust of security institutions. That is precisely why community leaders must stop presenting every security intervention through an ethnic lens.
This matters because reprisal violence does not normally begin with the person pulling the trigger in the second attack. It is often prepared psychologically by the first attack, followed by mobilisation, rumours, threats and demands for revenge. That appears to be precisely the situation confronting Barkin Ladi and other parts of Plateau state.
There is an uncomfortable political reality emerging in Barkin Ladi. Youths and community actors appear to demand maximum military intervention when their own people are attacked, but become suspicious of the same security forces when soldiers prevent them from retaliating against another community. That is an impossible standard.
A security commander cannot be expected to protect civilians from armed Fulani attackers on Monday and then ignore armed members of another community on Tuesday simply because they claim to be protecting themselves and, in disguise, continue to carry out mass murder and stealing of livestock. The same standard must apply to everybody. An AK-47 does not become legitimate because it is held by a Berom militia.
And an armed Fulani fighter does not become legitimate because he claims to be protecting Fulani communities or his livestock. The same principle applies to criminal gangs, vigilantes, militia formations and politically connected individuals.
Some of the youths also complained about military surveillance drones operating in the area, alleging that whenever the drones flew over their communities, attacks subsequently occurred, accusing the Army of collaborating with the bandits to carry out attacks.
The military commander reportedly rejected the allegation, explaining that surveillance operations were conducted to improve situational awareness and protect communities rather than support any ethnic group.
The latest dispute has therefore raised concerns over attempts by some dubious youths leaders to pressure security personnel into taking positions in what has increasingly become a complex cycle of communal attacks, retaliation and counter-retaliation.
The Nigerian Army’s responsibility has become particularly difficult in an area where these competing communities expect the security forces to protect them while simultaneously suspecting them whenever military decisions do not conform to their expectations.
For the troops, the assignment is not simply about confronting armed attackers. It is about protecting civilians, preventing reprisals, recovering weapons, responding to distress calls, securing roads, protecting communities and stopping isolated incidents from developing into wider communal violence.
That responsibility comes with enormous personal risk. The public often sees the military when soldiers arrive in gun trucks. What is less visible is what happens before and after those deployments. Troops move into areas where armed men may be hiding among difficult terrain. They respond to distress calls at night. They patrol roads after communities have been attacked.
They secure burial ceremonies because intelligence indicates that mourners could themselves become targets. And sometimes, they pay the ultimate price from both Fulani attackers and Berom or Mwaghavul militia men.
Recent attacks in Plateau have demonstrated that security personnel are not immune from the violence they are deployed to contain. Police and security personnel have themselves been killed while responding to emergencies. Every such death should remind Nigerians that the men in uniform are not operating from behind a desk. They are walking into the same danger that civilians fear.
The youths and political actors pushing these allegations should be reminded that security forces have repeatedly intervened to protect them. If the commander were genuinely interested in harming the community, why would troops repeatedly deploy to protect its people?
The state has suffered enough from the politics of victimhood. Every community has its dead. Every community has its grievances. Every community can produce a list of atrocities committed against its people. But none of those grievances gives anybody the right to demand that the Army become an instrument of revenge.
In Plateau, the language of security has increasingly been contaminated by the language of communal allegiance. That must change. If soldiers protect a Fulani settlement, it does not mean they are Fulani. If they protect a Berom community, it does not mean they are Berom. If they rescue a Christian victim, they have not become Christian militants. If they rescue a Muslim victim, they have not become Muslim sympathisers.
They are soldiers of the Nigerian state. Their obligation is to the Constitution and the protection of human life. That principle is particularly important in Plateau because every successful reprisal creates the conditions for another reprisal. Stopping that cycle sometimes requires soldiers to make decisions that will be unpopular with one community or another. That is precisely why professional commanders must be allowed to operate without communal intimidation.
The Nigerian army did not create Plateau’s historical grievances. Neither did they create the farmer-herder conflict. They did not create cattle rustling. They did not create militia mobilization. Instead, they inherited a security environment in which decades of mistrust have made every incident potentially explosive. The responsibility of the troops is therefore to prevent today’s violence from becoming tomorrow’s massacre.
That requires difficult decisions. Sometimes it means refusing a community’s demand.
Sometimes it means disarming people who believe they are protecting themselves. Sometimes it means deploying troops to protect people whom another community considers hostile. And sometimes it means standing between two angry groups and telling both of them No.
That is what professional security leadership looks like. Behind the commander are hundreds of soldiers whose names will never appear in newspapers.
They are the ones sitting in checkpoints through the night. The ones sleeping beside their vehicles. The ones eating whatever is available during patrols. The ones calling home after an operation simply to reassure their families that they are alive. The ones moving towards gunfire while civilians are moving away from it. Some will return home with physical injuries. Others will carry memories that they will never publicly discuss. And some will never return.
Their sacrifice deserves recognition without turning them into heroes of one community against another. They should be recognised as Nigerian soldiers serving Nigerians.
The greatest contribution the public can make to the military at this difficult moment is cooperation. Community leaders should provide credible intelligence. Youth leaders should discourage retaliation. Traditional rulers should speak against inflammatory mobilisation. Politicians should resist the temptation to turn every security operation into a political contest.
Religious leaders should reject collective blame.
And residents should allow investigations to determine who is responsible for attacks.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter-Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region.
43 Boko Haram family members intercepted after escaping terrorist captivity in Borno
43 Boko Haram family members intercepted after escaping terrorist captivity in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted 43 family members linked to the Boko Haram after they reportedly escaped from terrorist captivity during clashes between rival Boko Haram factions in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the group was intercepted at about 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2026, by troops in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the individuals had escaped from terrorist captivity in Yuwe following clashes between ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS).
The sources said the group was subsequently handed over to personnel of 7 Military Intelligence Brigade (7 MIB) for further investigation and appropriate action.
The interception is significant as it provides security agencies with an opportunity to obtain intelligence on the activities, movements and internal clashes of terrorist factions operating in the area.
Further investigation is expected to establish the identities of those intercepted, their individual circumstances in captivity and whether any of them have links to terrorist activities.
Security agencies have continued to intensify operations across parts of Borno State to prevent terrorist groups from exploiting population movements and rural communities for recruitment, logistics and other forms of support.
Troops intercept female ISWAP family member fleeing terrorist enclave in Gwoza
Troops intercept female ISWAP family member fleeing terrorist enclave in Gwoza
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted a female family member of an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist along the Gwoza–Limankara road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the woman was intercepted at about 4:51 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2026, by troops of 192 Battalion (Motorised) operating in the area.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the woman escaped from a terrorist enclave in Chikide, located within the Mandara Mountains, before being intercepted by the troops.
She is currently in military custody for further investigation and screening to establish her identity, circumstances surrounding her escape and any information that could assist ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the area.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper, recover AK-47 rifle in Borno
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper, recover AK-47 rifle in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was arrested at about 11:40 a.m. on Sept. 24, 2026, by troops of 149 Battalion (Motorised) and CJTF personnel in Gubio town.
Following the arrest, the suspect reportedly led the troops to Ardimini village, where they recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and 12 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The suspect and the recovered items are currently in the military’s custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The recovery is expected to assist security agencies in establishing the suspect’s possible links to kidnapping activities and other criminal networks operating in the area.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP collaborator, recover ₦296,000 in Yobe
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP collaborator, recover ₦296,000 in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist collaborator at Geidam Market in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2026, by troops of 159 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Forest Guards.
The suspect was arrested following security operations at the market, during which the troops recovered one mobile phone and the sum of ₦296,000 in cash.
The suspect and the recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources said the investigation would help determine the suspect’s alleged links with ISWAP and establish the source and intended use of the recovered funds.
Troops rescue four kidnapped victims after terrorist attack on vehicle in Zamfara
Troops rescue four kidnapped victims after terrorist attack on vehicle in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued four civilians after responding to an attack on a vehicle along the Gusau–Sokoto road in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 2:15 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2026, when troops of Counter-Terrorism 4 at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Fangaltama responded to a distress call concerning the attack.
The troops engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding bushes.
The four civilian occupants of the vehicle were subsequently rescued by the troops.
The rescued victims were secured by the troops, while efforts are expected to continue to track the fleeing attackers and prevent further attacks along the busy Gusau–Sokoto corridor.
Troops raid abandoned terrorist camp, recover AK-47 magazine and ammunition in Niger
Troops raid abandoned terrorist camp, recover AK-47 magazine and ammunition in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 22 Brigade, operating under Operation Savannah Shield, have raided an abandoned terrorist camp at Alogomo in Edu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops conducted a fighting patrol to the terrorist camp at about 9:00 a.m. on Sept. 24, 2026, from their location at Dabanlema.
The terrorists reportedly fled the camp before the troops arrived, denying the soldiers direct contact with the group.
The troops subsequently exploited the camp and recovered one AK-47 magazine loaded with eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The camp was later destroyed by the troops before they withdrew to their base.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt terrorist hideouts and deny armed groups safe havens within the area.
Troops raid abandoned terrorist camp, recover AK-47 magazine and ammunition in Niger
Troops raid abandoned terrorist camp, recover AK-47 magazine and ammunition in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 22 Brigade, operating under Operation Savannah Shield, have raided an abandoned terrorist camp at Alogomo in Edu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops conducted a fighting patrol to the terrorist camp at about 9:00 a.m. on Sept. 24, 2026, from their location at Dabanlema.
The terrorists reportedly fled the camp before the troops arrived, denying the soldiers direct contact with the group.
The troops subsequently exploited the camp and recovered one AK-47 magazine loaded with eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The camp was later destroyed by the troops before they withdrew to their base.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt terrorist hideouts and deny armed groups safe havens within the area.
Troops intercept ₦2.7m ransom, phones meant for terror kingpin in Katsina
Troops intercept ₦2.7m ransom, phones meant for terror kingpin in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 35 Battalion deployed at FOB Faskari have arrested three suspected terrorists while allegedly transporting ₦2.7 million ransom and mobile phones intended for onward delivery to a suspected terror kingpin in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The suspects were apprehended at about 11:30 a.m. on September 24, 2026, while riding on a motorcycle within the Faskari area.
Military sources identified them as Habibu Hamza, 35; Inusa Alhaji Iliya, 15; and Umar Alhaji Isihu, 16.
Preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects were allegedly travelling to hand over the ransom money and mobile phones to individuals identified as Alhaji Gadani, said to be a younger brother of the late Ado Aleru, and another individual identified as Zailani Shu’ibu.
According to the preliminary account, Gadani is based in Yankuzo village, while Shu’ibu was said to be located around Unguwan Tsamiya, both in Faskari LGA.
The items allegedly being conveyed comprised ₦2.7 million in ransom, one Android phone and two small Tecno mobile phones.
The military said the items were intended for onward transmission to a suspected terror kingpin.
The three suspects and recovered exhibits were subsequently moved to the 17 Brigade Provost Group for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrest highlights the increasingly important role of tracking the financial and logistical networks supporting kidnapping and terrorist activity in parts of Katsina.
Beyond the armed elements operating in forests and rural communities, ransom payments, communications devices, couriers and intermediaries constitute an important support chain that enables criminal groups to sustain their operations.
In a separate operation, troops of CT2 conducted fighting patrols around Unguwan Samanja, Alikere and Ruwan Godiya, including the Danyaro–Unguwan Bako and Ruwan Godiya–Doma road axes, to deny terrorists and kidnappers freedom of movement.
No contact was made with criminal elements during the patrols, which ended without incident.
Troops of FOB Jibia also conducted fighting patrols along the Jibia–Katsina highway and other parts of their area of responsibility, followed by stop-and-search operations aimed at preventing terrorist and criminal activities.
Similarly, troops from CT2 and CT4 conducted fighting patrols along the Wanzamai–Faskari–Yankara–Unguwan Boka–Shemе–Funtua–Giwa axis, with stop-and-search operations conducted during the movement.
The military said the operations were aimed at frustrating the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements operating within the area.
Meanwhile, troops of 35 Battalion conducted perimeter patrols around Natsinta Cantonment General Area, while other patrols continued across the unit’s area of responsibility.
The military described the general security situation in the area as calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
The latest arrest is significant because it provides an indication of how ransom payments may move through intermediaries and couriers before reaching criminal commanders.
However, the identities and alleged roles of the arrested persons remain subject to further investigation, and the preliminary interrogation should not be treated as a judicial determination of guilt.
Army expansion: COAS tasks new officers to turn manpower into combat power
Army expansion: COAS tasks new officers to turn manpower into combat power
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly commissioned officers of Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29/2026 to transform the Nigerian Army’s expanding manpower and force structure into tangible combat power through competent, disciplined and purposeful leadership.
Shaibu gave the charge on Friday, September 25, 2026, while addressing the newly commissioned officers at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Parade Ground, Jaji, Kaduna State.
The COAS said the commissioning came at a critical stage in the transformation of the Nigerian Army, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the expansion of the Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of an additional 28,000 soldiers.
He said the expansion would significantly increase the responsibilities of the officer corps, particularly in ensuring that additional manpower translates into improved operational readiness, effectiveness and combat capability.
According to him, numbers alone cannot guarantee improved security outcomes.
He stressed that the value of an expanded force would ultimately depend on the quality of leadership, the ability of commanders to make sound and timely decisions and their capacity to maintain discipline and operational effectiveness under pressure.
The COAS therefore urged the new officers to lead by example, earn the confidence of their soldiers and place mission accomplishment and troop welfare above personal interests.
He reminded them that military rank provides authority, but character, integrity, competence and personal example are what ultimately generate trust and willing followership.
Shaibu further directed the officers to remain combat-ready regardless of their professional specialisations, noting that the demands of military service could require them to assume combat and other operational responsibilities whenever duty called.
He encouraged them to continuously develop their tactical competence, maintain physical fitness and pursue professional development while embracing emerging technologies increasingly shaping modern warfare.
These, he said, include unmanned systems, enhanced surveillance capabilities, intelligence fusion and digital communications.
The Army Chief also stressed the importance of joint operations and inter-agency cooperation in confronting Nigeria’s increasingly complex security environment.
He urged the officers to build effective professional relationships with the other Services, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies, paramilitary organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
He said intelligence sharing, operational synergy and coordinated action remained critical to achieving mission objectives and protecting civilians.
The commissioning of DSSC 29/2026 followed six months of intensive military training and adds another cadre of professionally trained officers to the Nigerian Army’s expanding force structure.
Shaibu tasked the officers to justify the nation’s investment in their training through competence, discipline, loyalty and dedicated service.
He urged them to leave Jaji prepared to accept responsibility, provide solutions rather than excuses and lead their soldiers with courage, fairness and professionalism.
The COAS said the Army’s ongoing expansion must ultimately produce a more capable and responsive force able to confront contemporary and emerging security threats across the country.
COAS unveils Nigerian Army Airborne School, tasks troops on special operations readiness
COAS unveils Nigerian Army Airborne School, tasks troops on special operations readiness
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has unveiled the Nigerian Army Airborne Training School at Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State, with a charge to personnel to attain the highest standards of specialised training and operational readiness.
Shaibu, who unveiled the School on Friday, September 25, 2026, said the establishment of the institution represents a strategic investment in developing highly skilled, agile and mission-ready personnel capable of undertaking complex airborne and special operations.
He said the changing character of warfare and the increasing sophistication of asymmetric threats require a force that is highly trained, adaptable and capable of operating effectively across difficult and diverse operational environments.
According to him, airborne and special operations capabilities are increasingly important to contemporary military operations, particularly in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and other asymmetric security environments.
The COAS therefore tasked the Commandant and instructors of the new School to develop and continually refine rigorous, operationally relevant training programmes that reflect global best practices while addressing Nigeria’s peculiar security challenges.
He said the School would serve as a centre of excellence for airborne operations, parachuting, air assault and other specialised military skills.
Shaibu explained that the initiative would enhance combat readiness and operational flexibility, while strengthening the Army’s ability to rapidly deploy appropriately trained personnel in support of joint and multi-agency operations.
The Army Chief assured the institution of continued support from Army Headquarters through the provision of necessary infrastructure, equipment and manpower required to fulfil its mandate.
He said the initiative formed part of ongoing efforts to build a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient Nigerian Army capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Airborne School, Brig. Gen. Muhammed Sani Usman, said the institution had been upgraded from a wing of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, into a full-fledged school.
Usman explained that the upgrade was driven by the Army’s continuing force-development efforts and the need to strengthen specialised capabilities, particularly those required to complement the operational employment of Nigerian Army Aviation.
The establishment of the School is expected to provide a dedicated institutional framework for developing personnel with specialised airborne capabilities and improving the Army’s capacity to generate forces for rapidly evolving operational requirements.
The event underscores the Army’s broader emphasis on specialised force development as it confronts increasingly complex security challenges requiring speed, mobility, precision and interoperability across conventional and asymmetric operational environments.
FACT-CHECK: How a man killed in 2023 is now being recycled as a “terror kingpin” in Plateau
FACT-CHECK: How a man killed in 2023 is now being recycled as a “terror kingpin” in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
There is something deeply disturbing about the latest circulation of a photograph purportedly showing a suspected “terror kingpin” arrested in Riyom, Plateau State.
The more disturbing issue is that the man Alhaji Adamu Idris Gabdo, the Ardo of Panyam in Mangu Local Government Area, whose photograph appears to have been recycled was himself victim of targeted killing in Plateau. His disappearance, death and recovery of his remains were publicly documented by the Nigerian military in 2023.
Three years after his death, his image is now being dragged back into the security narrative this time apparently as though he were a perpetrator. That is not a harmless mistake.
In a conflict as sensitive as Plateau, turning the photograph of a dead victim into the face of an alleged terrorist can distort the historical record, dishonour the dead and potentially inflame the living.
On September 24, 2023, Adamu Idris Gabdo was reported missing after travelling to Panyam.
His disappearance generated considerable tension because of the already fragile security situation in Mangu. Operation Safe Haven subsequently launched a search operation.
On October 5, 2023, the military announced that its troops had recovered Gabdo’s remains around Boi, along the Pankshin–Bauchi Road in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The remains were handed over to his family for burial.
It referred to him as the late community leader and said the recovery of his remains would enable investigations to identify those responsible for what it described as a heinous crime.
In other words: Gabdo was not identified by the military as an attacker. He was identified as the victim of a killing. The chronology becomes even more important.
On November 8, 2023, the Nigerian Army announced that troops of Operation Safe Haven had arrested Philip Gokas, also known as Jaykimo, in Lagos. The Army described Gokas as the alleged mastermind behind the murder of the late Adamu Idris Gabdo. The Army said the suspect had admitted involvement and was providing information that could assist investigators in apprehending other suspects.
This means that the historical record already contains a very important distinction: Adamu Idris Gabdo = the murdered Ardo of Panyam.
Philip Gokas/Jaykimo = the person the Army announced in 2023 as an alleged mastermind in Gabdo’s murder.
That distinction cannot now be erased by attaching Gabdo’s photograph to an entirely different security narrative three years later.
The September 24, 2026 report that triggered the latest circulation says security sources reported the arrest of a suspected key figure in Riyom. But there is a crucial detail that appears to have been lost in the social-media amplification.
There have been genuine arrests in connection with violence in Plateau.
For example, in August 2026, Plateau police confirmed the arrest of a suspect believed to be linked to the Bi Mper attack in Mangu that killed 25 people. Channels Television reported the police confirmation and noted that investigations were continuing.
Therefore, fact-checking this latest Riyom report does not mean denying that security agencies are conducting operations or making arrests.
Nor does it mean defending anyone suspected of committing violence. The question is much narrower and much more important:
Kidnappers abduct man at residence in Jos South, security guard injured
Kidnappers abduct man at residence in Jos South, security guard injured
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected kidnappers have abducted a man, identified as Chunu Kefas Odafe, at his residence in Rohwol Kanang, Ungwan Doki District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:40 p.m. on Sept. 24, opposite Our Lady of Perpetual Hope Catholic Church.
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed in Bukuru, responded to a distress report and proceeded to the scene.
On arrival, the troops found the victim’s security guard at the gate with machete wounds, while the suspected kidnappers had fled the area with their target.
The injured security guard was evacuated to ECWA Hospital, Bukuru, for medical attention.
The troops immediately activated rescue operations and commenced efforts to track the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the abducted victim.
Security forces are also intensifying operations in the surrounding areas as efforts continue to locate the perpetrators and rescue Odafe.
Troops arrest seven curfew breakers, recover 23 cattle in Mangu
Troops arrest seven curfew breakers, recover 23 cattle in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in conjunction with Keystone Gindiri Division, have arrested seven persons for allegedly violating the curfew imposed in parts of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrests were made at about 6:55 p.m. on Sept. 24 during a curfew enforcement operation in Kasuwa Ali, Mangu LGA.
The troops also intercepted 23 cattle found grazing along the Gindiri–Chanso road in the area.
According to the sources, the herder fled on sighting the troops, leaving the livestock behind.
The arrested suspects were handed over to Keystone Gindiri Division for further necessary action, while the recovered cattle were moved to a safe location.
Security forces have continued to intensify patrols and enforcement operations across the area as part of efforts to maintain law and order and prevent further security breaches.
Three Locals killed in Kassa in Reprisal to killing of fulani herder, rustling of 30 livestock, 10 sheep along Barkin Ladi–Mangu axis
Three Locals killed in Kassa in Reprisal to killing of fulani herder, rustling of 30 livestock, 10 sheep along Barkin Ladi–Mangu axis
By: Zagazola Makama
The security situation along the Barkin Ladi–Mangu axis of Plateau State has escalated following a fresh attack in Kassa village that left three locals dead, coming hours after a Fulani herder was killed by Berom Militia and 40 animals were reportedly rustled in the area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the latest incident occurred at about 12:40 a.m. on Sept. 25, when troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to reports of sporadic shootings in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The troops’ swift intervention reportedly forced the gunmen, suspected by security sources to be Fulani militias, to flee the area.
A search of the location led to the recovery of three bodies identified as Ishaya Pam, 48; Barnabas Gyang, 27; and Daniel Mutuwal, 30.
The troops also recovered an abandoned AK-47 rifle loaded with nine rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition at the scene.
The Kassa attack occurred shortly after another incident around the boundary between Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas, where a Fulani herder was killed and livestock were reportedly rustled by Berom Militiamen.
In that earlier incident, troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Gyambwas, responded at about 3:55 p.m. on Sept. 24 to a report of cattle rustling and an attack on a herder.
On arrival at the location, the troops discovered the body of a 24-year-old herder identified as Abubakar Mudi, who had sustained gunshot wounds.
Other herders told the troops that about 30 cows and 10 sheep were suspected to have been taken by the attackers during the incident.
Security sources said the attackers were suspected to be members of a Berom militia group, although investigations are ongoing to establish the identities and motives of those responsible.
The troops have since commenced tracking operations to locate the suspected rustlers, recover the stolen livestock and arrest the perpetrators.
Security personnel and local vigilantes have also intensified patrols and offensive operations across the affected areas following the two incidents.
The sequence of attacks highlights the retaliatory nature of violence along parts of the Barkin Ladi–Mangu corridor, where attacks on communities and herders, livestock rustling and reprisal killings can rapidly trigger further violence.
Troops said they are intensifying efforts to prevent further retaliatory attacks.
A call for an independent review of Operation Rainbow as allegations of attacks on Fulani communities deepen
A call for an independent review of Operation Rainbow as allegations of attacks on Fulani communities deepen
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Government can no longer afford to treat growing allegations of bias, arson and attacks involving personnel of Operation Rainbow as ordinary complaints in a state already trapped in a cycle of communal violence.
The allegations are serious enough to demand an independent investigation because repeated allegations that a security outfit is attacking the very communities it is mandated to protect can rapidly destroy public confidence and deepen an already dangerous conflict into another layer.
Operation Rainbow was created as a state security initiative to support the protection of lives and property and has since undergone substantial expansion. In December 2025, Governor Caleb Mutfwang said the outfit was intended to protect residents regardless of faith or ethnicity and instructed its personnel to respect the law, human rights and civilian engagement. The state has also subjected its personnel to training on standard operating procedures and rules of engagement.
That makes the allegations now being raised particularly disturbing.
There have been previous accusations by some fulani residents of Mangu that Operation Rainbow personnel were involved in extrajudicial killings . The European Union Agency for Asylum documented those allegations in its review of the Plateau security situation. Operation Rainbow denied similar allegations in 2024, describing them as false and misleading.
The fact that the allegations have been denied does not make them irrelevant. Nor does the fact that they have been made make them proven.
That is precisely why there must be an independent investigation.
According to accounts from Fulani residents in some affected communities, there is now a growing perception that Operation Rainbow is not being seen as a neutral security presence.
One Fulani community leader alleged that residents came under heavy fire from personnel they initially believed had arrived to protect them. According to his account, the residents were caught off guard when the security personnel allegedly opened fire, resulting in several deaths and forcing others to flee for safety.
The allegations of arson are even more troubling
There are also allegations from Fulani residents that Operation Rainbow personnel have, in some instances, been involved in the burning of homes or property belonging to members of their communities. If established, such conduct would represent an extraordinary breach of the basic purpose of a security organisation.
A security officer who participated in burning the home of a civilian is not protecting that civilian. A security officer who attacks an unarmed community is not restoring peace.
And a security formation that is perceived to punish an entire community because of the alleged actions of individuals risks becoming another source of insecurity.
There are thousands of security personnel and community-based operatives across Plateau. Many may be performing difficult and dangerous duties in communities where attacks occur with little warning. Indeed, Operation Rainbow personnel themselves have also been attacked: a senior officer of the outfit was killed in an ambush along the Bokkos–Barkin Ladi axis on Sept. 22, according to reports.
That reality makes accountability even more important.
Security personnel deserve protection. Civilians deserve protection. Both cannot be protected by allowing allegations of abuse to remain unresolved. Plateau cannot fight an insurgency of mistrust The greatest danger is not simply what happened during any single alleged operation. It is what happens afterward.
When a Fulani community believes that the security forces have come to attack rather than protect it, residents may stop providing intelligence.
When indigenous communities believe that security forces are failing to protect them, they may turn increasingly hostile towards the security agencies. When both sides begin to see security personnel through an ethnic lens, every movement of a patrol vehicle can become a source of suspicion. That is how a security crisis becomes self-perpetuating.
The state has already witnessed how quickly violence can move from an attack to reprisal, from reprisal to counter-reprisal, and eventually to a cycle in which civilians who had nothing to do with the original incident become targets.
Recent security incidents across Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos demonstrate how fragile the situation remains. Security personnel themselves have become targets, while civilians continue to face killings, attacks and destruction of property.
Against that background, the security architecture must be above ethnic suspicion.
Government must investigate not defend
The Plateau State Government should resist the temptation to automatically defend Operation Rainbow whenever allegations emerge. The appropriate response is investigation. Where an allegation is false, establish that clearly and publicly. Where an operative acted lawfully, explain the circumstances. Where misconduct occurred, identify the personnel involved and prosecute them. Where command failure occurred, hold the responsible commanders accountable. And where evidence shows that civilians were deliberately targeted, there should be no institutional protection for the perpetrators.
This is particularly important because the state has repeatedly emphasised that Operation Rainbow is supposed to be an inclusive security structure. In December 2025, Governor Mutfwang said the outfit was designed to protect people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds and that legitimate complaints against operatives would attract disciplinary action where wrongdoing was established.
Those commitments must now be tested through transparent action.
Bring in the federal security agencies
There is also a strong case for reviewing the operational role of Operation Rainbow in the most volatile areas of Plateau.
The Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other constitutionally mandated agencies should have a decisive role in operations involving the use of lethal force, arrests and intelligence-led raids.
Operation Rainbow can continue to contribute community intelligence, early warning and local knowledge, but its operations should be subject to clear command arrangements, documented rules of engagement, civilian oversight and effective mechanisms for investigating complaints.
The recent training of Operation Rainbow personnel on standard operating procedures and rules of engagement is a positive step, but training has meaning only when compliance is monitored and violations have consequences.
Protect every community
Plateau does not need a security structure that is perceived as protecting one ethnic group against another. It needs a security structure that protects citizens against criminals.
If a Fulani herder is attacked, the perpetrator must be pursued. If a Berom, Mwaghavul, Afizere or any other citizen is attacked, the perpetrator must equally be pursued. If a farmer’s crops are destroyed, the law must address it. If cattle are stolen, the law must address it. If a community is attacked, security forces must protect it. If a member of a security formation commits a crime, the law must protect the victim by holding that operative accountable.
The uniform cannot become a shield against accountability. And ethnicity cannot become evidence of guilt. The growing allegations surrounding Operation Rainbow therefore deserve something more serious than political denials or counter-accusations. They deserve an independent, transparent and credible investigation capable of establishing what happened, who was responsible and whether operational procedures were followed.
Because in a conflict as deeply polarised as Plateau’s, perceived injustice can become fuel for the next attack.
And if the people who are supposed to protect communities are themselves increasingly perceived as a threat by some of those communities, then the government has a security problem that cannot be solved by deploying more personnel alone.
Plateau needs security that citizens can trust and that trust must be earned through impartiality, evidence, accountability and equal protection under the law.
Fulani herder reportedly killed, 42 cattle rustled by Mwaghavul Militia in Mangu
Fulani herder reportedly killed, 42 cattle rustled by Mwaghavul Militia in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
A Fulani youth reportedly herding cattle has been killed while 42 cows were allegedly rustled by Mwaghavul Militia at Bankansarki area, around Sagas in Kongon Langai District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to report received Zagazola Makama on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, the victim was attacked while tending the cattle, with the attackers reportedly taking away the 42 animals.
The incident reportedly follows an earlier attack on Sept. 12, 2026, around Sabon Gari in Mangu, where three Fulani herders were reportedly killed and about 50 cattle rustled.
There have also been reports of the destruction of houses and cattle around Kantoma on Sunday, although details of the incident have yet to be independently established.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over recurring attacks, cattle rustling and property destruction in parts of Mangu, where retaliatory violence has continued to deepen tensions between communities.
Community leaders and stakeholders have called for an impartial and transparent investigation by the Federal Government, Plateau State Government and security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the attacks.
They also urged authorities to identify and prosecute anyone found responsible, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation, while strengthening security around vulnerable communities and livestock routes to prevent further attacks and reprisals.
One killed as troops repel Fulani bandits attack on Dindiyes community in Plateau
One killed as troops repel Fulani bandits attack on Dindiyes community in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A 36-year-old man, identified as Alpha Joel, has been killed during an attack by fulani bandits on Dindiyes Village in Panyam District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on Sept. 24, 2025, when troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to a distress report concerning an attack on the community by suspected Fulani militias.
The troops’ quick intervention reportedly forced the attackers to withdraw from the area in disarray.
The troops subsequently exploited the location and discovered the corpse of Joel, who was reportedly performing sentry duty in the community when the attackers struck.
The security forces have since dominated the general area and commenced offensive operations and a manhunt for the fleeing assailants.
Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack, while security forces continue to maintain a presence in the community to prevent further attacks.
Troops rescue four men intercepted during curfew enforcement in Plateau
Troops rescue four men intercepted during curfew enforcement in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have safely moved four occupants of a vehicle intercepted during curfew enforcement in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:35 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2026, when troops deployed at Gyambwas in Mangu Halle responded to a report of a white Boxer vehicle, with registration number Plateau JJN 990 XA, caught up with curfew enforcement along the Mangu Halle axis.
The troops intercepted the vehicle and identified the occupants as three Fulani men Ahmad Adamu, Belal Umar and Idris Abdul all reportedly from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The driver, identified as Adamu Abdullahi, was described as a Jukun from Taraba State who resides in Mangu.
The occupants and the vehicle were subjected to a thorough search and interrogation by the troops.
Given the prevailing security situation in Mangu and adjoining communities, the troops subsequently moved the vehicle and its occupants to a safe location while on patrol.
The intervention was aimed at preventing the occupants from being exposed to possible security threats arising from the tense security environment in the area.
Fulani Bandits Killed Two vigilantes in Plateau Tit for Tat Attack
Fulani Bandits Killed Two vigilantes in Plateau Tit for Tat Attack
By: Zagazola Makama
Two members of a vigilante group have been shot dead by suspected Fulani Bandits in Yelwa Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:10 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2026, when troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed at Yelwa, responded to reports of sporadic shooting in the community.
The troops, upon arrival at the location, discovered two vigilantes, identified as 50-year-old Philibus Maichibi and 60-year-old Pam Alamba, lying dead with gunshot wounds.
The attackers had fled the area before the arrival of the troops.
The troops subsequently launched search operations across the general area but did not make contact with the attackers.
Security forces have continued to dominate the area with offensive operations aimed at tracking the perpetrators and preventing further attacks.
Bungudu LGA chairman, four other kidnap victims escape terrorists’ captivity in Zamfara
Bungudu LGA chairman, four other kidnap victims escape terrorists’ captivity in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi, and four other kidnap victims have escaped from terrorists’ captivity and been received by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
The five victims escaped in the early hours of Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in the general area of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area during an intelligence-led military operation targeting a suspected terrorists’ location.
Abdullahi was abducted from his residence in Bungudu town in July 2026, an incident that had earlier been acknowledged by the Theatre Command.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the victims were received by troops deployed in the area and immediately provided with security cover.
They were subsequently evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving treatment, undergoing medical evaluation and routine debriefing.
The statement said one of the victims had already been reunited with his family, while arrangements were underway to safely reunite the remaining victims with their families and the Zamfara State Government.
The Theatre Command commended the victims for their courage and resilience after spending a prolonged period in captivity, while also praising the troops for their vigilance and professionalism in securing them.
It said the development represented a major relief to the victims’ families and residents of Bungudu Local Government Area and Zamfara State.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops will sustain clearance and dominance operations across the general area to disrupt terrorist activities, protect communities and facilitate the safe recovery of other persons who may still be held in captivity or reported missing.
The Theatre Command also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the nearest military formations and other security agencies.
Two locals killed at mining site by Fulani bandits in Plateau
Two locals killed at mining site by Fulani bandits in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have discovered the corpses of two men at a mining site around Gana-Daji High Ground in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the corpses were discovered at about 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 23, 2026, following a report received by the troops.
The source said that troops deployed to the area responded to the report and, upon arrival, confirmed the discovery of the two bodies.
The deceased were identified as Rabiu, from Maraban Kantoma in Mangu Local Government Area, and Hassan Issac, from Shendam Local Government Area.
The two men were suspected to have been killed by suspected Fulani bandits, although the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation.
The relatives of the deceased subsequently evacuated the corpses for burial.
Following the discovery, the troops dominated the general area around Gana-Daji and commenced offensive operations and a manhunt for the suspected perpetrators.
Security forces are working to establish the motive for the killings and identify those responsible for the deaths.
Corpse of man discovered in forest in Kaduna
Corpse of man discovered in forest in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have discovered the corpse of a man identified as Mallam Ishaku in Wasa Forest, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the corpse was discovered at about 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 23, 2026, by troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71, Sanga, deployed at Wasa Station, during a patrol of the area.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was allegedly attacked by unidentified criminals, who reportedly carted away his Boxer motorcycle.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of the perpetrators remain under investigation.
The corpse was subsequently evacuated and handed over to the Keystone Wasa Divisional Police for further necessary action.
Security forces are expected to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing and motorcycle theft.
Niger: 57 security personnel reportedly killed in two attacks in one day
Niger: 57 security personnel reportedly killed in two attacks in one day
By: Zagazola Makama
At least 57 members of Niger’s defence and security forces were reportedly killed in two separate attacks on Sept. 23, 2026, in the Tillabéri and Tahoua regions.
The latest reported casualty figures indicate that 38 soldiers of the Nigerien Armed Forces were killed when Islamic State militants allegedly attacked a military position at Dabagu, in the Konni Department of Tahoua Region.
According to reports from local sources, several soldiers are also missing following the attack, while the bodies of some of those killed were being transported to Tahoua. Other remains were reportedly evacuated to Niamey by helicopter.
The reported attack came on the same day as another deadly incident around Abala-Filingué in Tillabéri Region, where 19 gendarmes were reportedly killed in an attack attributed to Islamic State militants.
The combined provisional toll from the two incidents therefore stands at 57 members of Niger’s defence and security forces killed in a single day. However, the figures have not been formally confirmed by Nigerien authorities and may change as recovery and identification operations continue.
The incidents underline the continuing operational pressure facing Nigerien forces across multiple theatres, particularly in areas where armed groups maintain the ability to mount attacks against security positions and patrols.
Further details on the circumstances of the Dabagu attack, including the number of wounded and the status of the missing personnel, remain unclear.
Niger: 35 people reportedly killed in three incidents across Dosso and Tillabéri
Niger: 35 people reportedly killed in three incidents across Dosso and Tillabéri
By: Zagazola Makama
At least 35 people, including civilians and members of Niger’s security forces, were reportedly killed in three separate incidents between Sept. 17 and Sept. 23, 2026, in Dosso and Tillabéri regions.
The reported figures, drawn from field reports attributed to Abdou Pagoui and Hamid Amadou N’gadé, have not been independently verified and should be treated as provisional.
According to the reports, the first incident occurred on Sept. 17 in Karakara Commune, Dioundiou Department of Dosso Region, where 12 civilians were reportedly killed after Nigerien forces allegedly accused them of collaborating with armed groups.
A local resident, whose identity was withheld, reportedly told the source that the security forces arrived following an attack by armed groups and accused villagers of providing assistance to the attackers.
The circumstances surrounding the reported deaths, including the identities of those killed and whether any investigation has been initiated, remain unclear.
A separate attack was reported late on Sept. 22 in Yeldou, Kra-Kra Commune, also in Dosso Region. According to the reports, armed men attacked the community at about 11:30 p.m., killing eight people and injuring several others.
On Sept. 23, a GARSI patrol belonging to Niger’s Gendarmerie Special Forces was reportedly attacked in Abala Department of Tillabéri Region.
The provisional casualty figure from that incident was put at 15 gendarmes killed, including Capt. Hassoumi and Adjudant Djingarey. The attack was attributed to the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS).
The three incidents would bring the reported death toll to 35 over the six-day period.
However, the circumstances and casualty figures in the three incidents require further independent verification. In particular, allegations concerning the killing of civilians by security forces are contested and should not be presented as established facts without corroborating evidence.
The incidents nevertheless highlight the continuing security pressures confronting Niger across Dosso and Tillabéri, where communities and security personnel remain exposed to attacks by armed groups.
The reported deaths of the two GARSI personnel also underscore the risks faced by Nigerien security forces operating against armed groups in the country’s western regions.
Two suspected cattle rustlers arrested with stolen cow in Plateau
Two suspected cattle rustlers arrested with stolen cow in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested two suspected cattle rustlers and recovered a stolen cow at Saya Village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, identified as 33-year-old Umar Abdullahi and 30-year-old Gambo Lamo, were arrested at about 4:00 p.m. on Sept. 22, 2026, following credible information received by the troops.
The suspects were reportedly found with a cow belonging to Mr Jafar Hassan, which had allegedly been stolen several days earlier while grazing around the Jengre area of the local government.
Preliminary investigation conducted by the troops established that the recovered animal was the stolen cow reported missing by its owner.
The suspects and the recovered cow were subsequently handed over to Keystone Outpost, Mista Ali, for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Security sources said investigations would continue to determine the suspects’ possible links to other cattle theft incidents in the area.
Two corpses discovered at mining site allegedly killed by fulani bandits in Plateau
Two corpses discovered at mining site allegedly killed by fulani bandits in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have discovered the corpses of two men allegedly killed by Fulani bandits at a mining site around Gana-Daji High Ground in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the corpses were discovered at about 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 23, 2026, following a report received by the troops.
The source said that troops deployed to the area responded to the report and, upon arrival, confirmed the discovery of the two bodies.
The deceased were identified as Rabiu, from Maraban Kantoma in Mangu Local Government Area, and Hassan Issac, from Shendam Local Government Area.
The two men were suspected to have been killed by fulani militiamen, although the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation.
The relatives of the deceased subsequently evacuated the corpses for burial.
Following the discovery, the troops dominated the general area around Gana-Daji and commenced offensive operations and a manhunt for the suspected perpetrators.
Security forces are working to establish the motive for the killings and identify those responsible for the deaths.
Motorcycle rider killed, motorcycle snatched in Plateau
Motorcycle rider killed, motorcycle snatched in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
An unidentified person has been killed by suspected armed robbers who also snatched the victim’s motorcycle along the Maikatako–Foloh road in Butura District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 3:50 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2026, when troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Bokkos, responded to a report of a killing and motorcycle snatching along the road.
The troops, upon arrival at the scene, discovered the lifeless body of the victim, while the suspected criminals had fled the area with the motorcycle.
The corpse was recovered and subsequently handed over to the Keystone Bokkos Divisional Police for further necessary action.
Meanwhile, security forces have commenced efforts to track and apprehend the perpetrators, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Large farmlands belonging to 13 farmers destroyed in Plateau
Large farmlands belonging to 13 farmers destroyed in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Large farmlands belonging to 13 farmers have been destroyed in Jol Community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in an incident that has heightened concerns over recurring farmer-herder tensions in the area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:40 a.m. on Sept. 23, 2026, when troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed at Dakku, responded to a report of the destruction of farmlands.
The troops, upon arrival at the location, confirmed that large portions of the farms had been destroyed.
Preliminary information indicated that the destruction was allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herders, although security forces are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, an emergency meeting has been convened involving Fulani leaders and indigenous community representatives in the area, as part of efforts to find a lasting solution to the recurring destruction of farmlands and reprisal actions in the local government.
Security sources said the engagement is expected to help de-escalate tensions, prevent retaliatory attacks and strengthen community-based mechanisms for resolving disputes between farmers and herders.
Farmer allegedly kills herder’s cow over crop destruction in Kaduna
Farmer allegedly kills herder’s cow over crop destruction in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
A farmer has allegedly killed a cow belonging to a Fulani herder following a dispute over alleged destruction of crops at Sorian Village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:40 a.m. on Sept. 23, 2026, when troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed at Madakiya, responded to a report of an attack on cattle.
The source said the cow belonged to a Fulani herder, identified as Mr Samaila Lawal, while the farmer was identified as Mr Nathaniel Andrew.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops confirmed that the cow had been killed, while the farmer had fled the area.
Preliminary information indicated that the farmer allegedly attacked the cattle after accusing the animals of destroying his crops.
Security forces have commenced efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect, with a view to facilitating an amicable resolution of the dispute and preventing possible reprisal action.
Community leaders and other relevant stakeholders are expected to support efforts to de-escalate tensions arising from the incident.
Okada rider killed in suspected robbery attack in Jos East
Okada rider killed in suspected robbery attack in Jos East
By: Zagazola Makama
An Okada rider, identified as 30-year-old Moses Inyam, has been killed after he was allegedly attacked and robbed by suspected assailants while returning home in Nabur Dutse Village, Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 24, 2026, when troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, responded to a distress report concerning an armed robbery attack in the area.
The source said Inyam, who was reportedly riding home when he was attacked, sustained severe machete wounds during the incident and was dispossessed of an undisclosed amount of money and other valuables.
“Upon arrival at the location, the troops found the victim with machete cuts and immediately evacuated him to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention.
“He was, however, later confirmed dead by medical personnel,” the source said.
The circumstances of the attack, including the identity and number of the assailants, are still being established.
The security forces have commenced offensive operations and a manhunt for the perpetrators, with efforts ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident comes amid continued security concerns in parts of Plateau State, where armed attacks and criminal activities have occasionally targeted commuters, farmers and commercial motorcycle operators.
Security agencies have continued to urge residents to promptly report suspicious movements and provide useful information that could assist ongoing operations.
Berom Militia slaughter cow inside primary school premises in Plateau
Berom Militia slaughter cow inside primary school premises in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Hakorin Kadduna (OPEP), have launched a manhunt for Berom militia who allegedly attacked cattle and slaughtered one cow inside the premises of Lakara Primary School in Bisichi Village, Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:40 a.m. on Sept. 24, 2026.
The troops, deployed at Bisichi, were said to have responded to a report of an attack on cattle by unidentified criminals around Lakara Primary School.
The source said that upon arrival at the location, the troops discovered one cow that had been slaughtered inside the primary school premises.
The perpetrators had, however, fled the area before the arrival of the troops.
Following the incident, the troops dominated the general area and commenced offensive operations and a manhunt for the fleeing criminals.
Efforts are ongoing to identify the perpetrators and establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Troops arrest three suspected illegal miners, recover equipment in Nasarawa
Troops arrest three suspected illegal miners, recover equipment in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 177 Guards Battalion, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mararaba Udege, have arrested three suspected illegal miners during an anti-illegal mining operation in Nasarawa State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the operation was conducted at about 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Opa 2 in Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state.
The troops apprehended the three suspects and recovered one pumping machine, two hoses, five shovels, two diggers, two Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) gallons and one MP3 player.
The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation was conducted under Operation MESA as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal mining activities and protect the state’s natural resources.
Police foil kidnap attempt, rescue six FUDMA students and driver in Katsina
Police foil kidnap attempt, rescue six FUDMA students and driver in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued six students of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) and their driver after armed bandits intercepted their vehicle along the Kankara-Dutsin-Ma road.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 9:45 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, around Unguwar Kanawa-Dantudu Village, when the armed bandits reportedly blocked the road and intercepted a Volkswagen Golf 3 with registration number BCH 58 SB.
The vehicle was driven by 35-year-old Sani Umar of Dutsin-Ma and was conveying the six female students from Kaduna to Dutsin-Ma.
Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Kankara, led personnel of the Police Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) to the scene.
The police engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing the attackers to flee into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
The area was subsequently cordoned off while security personnel conducted clearance operations.
The seven occupants were eventually traced and rescued unhurt.
They were identified as Sani Umar, the driver, and six FUDMA students: Emmanuela Anyaba, 20; Regina Felix, 19; Peace Joseph, 23; Mercy Michael, 19; Maryam Salisu, 21; and Nafisa Yakubu, 18.
The victims were taken to Kankara General Hospital for medical evaluation and were subsequently discharged.
The six students were handed over to the Chief Security Officer of FUDMA, while the driver was handed over to officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing perpetrators.
46-year-old man shot dead in isolated attack by suspected fulani bandits in Barkin Ladi
46-year-old man shot dead in isolated attack by suspected fulani bandits in Barkin Ladi
By: Zagazola Makama
A 46-year-old man, identified as Danjuma Dadou, has been shot dead by suspected Fulani bandits at Panse Village along the Kurra Falls road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, when troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Gashish, responded to a report of sporadic shooting in the area.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops discovered Dadou’s lifeless body bearing gunshot wounds. The attackers had fled the area before the arrival of the troops.
The troops immediately launched search operations within the general area in an attempt to locate the assailants, but no contact was established.
Security forces are currently dominating the area and conducting offensive operations to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
Suspected Fulani militia attack on commercial vehicle leaves two injured, one dead in Plateau
Suspected Fulani militia attack on commercial vehicle leaves two injured, one dead in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Two passengers sustained gunshot injuries while another person was killed after a commercial vehicle came under attack at Rakwok Village along the Kurra Falls road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 8:45 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, when troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Gashish, responded to a report of an attack on a commercial vehicle conveying two passengers.
The vehicle was reportedly attacked by suspected fulani bandits members while travelling along the route.
Upon arrival at the scene, troops found the two passengers, identified as 65-year-old Ali Makawu and 42-year-old Hannatu Samson, with gunshot wounds.
The attackers had fled the area before the arrival of the troops.
During a search of the surrounding area, the troops discovered the body of a man identified as Henry inside a building within the vicinity.
Preliminary findings indicated that Henry may have been hit by a stray bullet during the attack.
The injured passengers and the body of the deceased were evacuated to the General Hospital, Barkin Ladi.
Troops are currently dominating the Rakwok area and conducting operations aimed at tracking down the perpetrators, preventing further attacks and restoring normalcy along the route.
Farmers, herders clash over alleged farm encroachment in Kaduna
Farmers, herders clash over alleged farm encroachment in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have contained a clash between farmers and herders over an alleged attempt to encroach on farmland at Mahauta Village in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, when troops of Sector 7, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), deployed at Manchok, responded to a report of the confrontation.
The troops moved to the area and succeeded in containing the situation before it could escalate further.
Four persons, comprising two herders and two farmers, were found to have sustained injuries during the confrontation.
The injured victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Care Centre in Manchok for treatment.
Following the incident, the Ardo of Dakachi and the respective youth leaders of the communities were apprehended and detained for questioning as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the clash.
Security forces are maintaining presence in the area to prevent further escalation and restore calm between the affected communities.
Four illegal miners killed as mining pit collapses in Plateau
Four illegal miners killed as mining pit collapses in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Four persons have died following the collapse of a sand excavation pit at Tangur Community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, when troops of Sector 5, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Bokkos, responded to a report of a sand collapse involving suspected illegal miners along a river line in the community.
The troops visited the scene and confirmed that four victims had died as a result of the collapse.
The deceased were identified as Mallam Fahad Aliyu and three other women whose identities were not immediately established.
The bodies were recovered by their relatives for burial rites.
During preliminary inquiries, troops engaged the community leader over the incident.
The community leader reportedly told the troops that he was not aware of the illegal mining activities taking place in the area.
Further investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the extent of illegal mining activities at the location.
Troops arrest two suspected illicit drug peddlers in Plateau
Troops arrest two suspected illicit drug peddlers in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have arrested two suspected illicit drug peddlers during a raid operation at Jengre in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the operation was conducted at about 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, following intelligence on the activities of suspected drug dealers operating from a hideout in the area.
During the operation, the troops arrested two suspects identified as 35-year-old Manasseh Musa and 20-year-old Awwal Ado.
Items recovered from the suspects included quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs, two mobile phones and the sum of N62,500.
The suspects are currently in custody for further necessary action and investigation.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces under OPEP to disrupt criminal activities and deny criminal elements safe havens across Plateau State.
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue three victims in Plateau
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue three victims in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Bokkos, have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued three victims along the Sha-Daffo road in Daffo District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, following a distress report on suspected kidnapping activities along the route.
The troops swiftly responded to the report, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their operation and flee into the surrounding area.
The rescued victims were identified as 42-year-old Haruna Rabiu, 25-year-old Mary Joseph and 29-year-old Bridget Gideon.
The victims reportedly sustained minor injuries and were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment.
Security forces have commenced efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by troops under OPEP to disrupt criminal activities and protect communities and road users across Plateau State.
Troops disperse youths, curb vigilante firing during curfew enforcement in Mangu
Troops disperse youths, curb vigilante firing during curfew enforcement in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have dispersed a crowd of youths who resisted the enforcement of a government-imposed curfew at Chichim Community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, when troops enforcing the curfew encountered local youths who were reportedly refusing to comply with the restriction.
The situation resulted in an altercation between the youths and the troops.
The troops, however, applied minimal and non-lethal force to disperse the crowd and prevent the situation from escalating.
In a related development, troops at about 9:50 p.m. responded to reports of sporadic gunshots within the community.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops encountered some local vigilantes who admitted to firing the shots.
The vigilantes reportedly told the troops that they had observed suspicious movements in the area, prompting them to open fire.
The troops warned the vigilantes against taking the law into their own hands and urged them to remain law-abiding while reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate security authorities.
The troops are currently dominating the general area to prevent a breakdown of law and order and ensure compliance with the curfew.
The development highlights the need for restraint and coordination among communities, vigilante groups and security agencies, particularly in areas affected by heightened security concerns.
Three locals killed in suspected Fulani bandits ambush in Mangu
Three locals killed in suspected Fulani bandits ambush in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Three locals have been killed in an isolated attack by Fulani Bandits along the Gyambwas-Kikyau road in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 8:25 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, when troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Gyambwas, responded to a report of an attack on locals in the area.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops discovered the bodies of three victims identified as Gambo Fumyil, Zugumna Bamaiyi and Samson Dapo.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the victims were from Kikyau Community and had reportedly manoeuvred past troops enforcing the state-imposed curfew in Gyambwas before proceeding towards Kikyau.
The victims were subsequently ambushed by suspected fulani bandits members along the route. The assailants fled the scene before the arrival of the troops.
Security forces have since intensified operations in the area and commenced a manhunt for the attackers.
Troops are currently dominating the general area as part of efforts to track the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
The incident comes amid heightened security measures in parts of Mangu, where authorities have imposed curfew restrictions following recent security concerns.
Deputy Commander of Operation Rainbow killed in ambush by Fulani Bandits along Bokkos-Barkin Ladi road
Deputy Commander of Operation Rainbow killed in ambush by Fulani Bandits along Bokkos-Barkin Ladi road
By: Zagazola Makama
The Deputy Commander of Operation Rainbow, CSP Dennis David Babale, has been killed after gunmen suspected to be Fulani Bandits ambushed personnel of the security outfit along the Bokkos-Barkin Ladi road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 4:06 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, when the personnel, travelling in a Toyota Hilux vehicle, came under attack by unidentified gunmen.
Troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a distress report and moved to the location of the attack.
Sources said that Babale sustained gunshot wounds during the ambush and was evacuated to the General Hospital, Barkin Ladi, for medical attention.
He, however, later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Following the attack, troops, working alongside personnel of other security agencies, launched offensive operations and a manhunt for the assailants within the general area.
Security forces have intensified efforts to track the attackers and prevent further attacks along the route.
The latest incident comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of Plateau State, where armed attacks and reprisals have continued to pose challenges to the safety of communities and security personnel.
Alleged Wire Tapping: Court Reserves Ruling on El-Rufai's No Case Submission
Alleged Wire Tapping: Court Reserves Ruling on El-Rufai's No Case Submission
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has reserved ruling on a no case submission by a former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El'Rufai, on a charge of alleged wiretapping brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The DSS filed an amended five-count charge against el-Rufai following a February 13, 2026, Arise TV interview where he stated that associates had listened to the phone communications of National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.
The secret police had told the court that El'Rufai's actions breached the Cybercrimes and Nigerian Communications laws.
At the resumed hearing, on Tuesday, counsel to El'Rufai, Paul Erokoro, SAN, informed the court that they filed a no case application on 26th August 2026.
A. K. Ekere who held brief for Erokoro, urged the Court to discharge the case filed against El'Rufai and award penalties against the DSS, arguing that no prima-facie evidence was before the court to warrant a defence.
Responding, the prosecuting lawyer, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution filed its reply to the no-case submission on 6th September, 2026. He urged the court to overrule the no case submission filed by the defence and order El'Rufai to begin his defence.
He added that as there was evidence of El'Rufai's confession which was tendered as evidence in court. That it duly established a case against the former governor.
After listening to lawyer to the DSS, and to the former governor, the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdullmalik adjourned the matter to October 26, 2026.
Troops, police rescue seven kidnapped victims on Dayi-Malumfashi road in Katsina
Troops, police rescue seven kidnapped victims on Dayi-Malumfashi road in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade, in collaboration with the Nigerian Police, have rescued seven kidnapped victims along the Dayi–Malumfashi road in Katsina State.
The rescue operation was conducted at about 11:45 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2026, when the security forces intercepted a green-coloured Volkswagen Golf 3, with registration number Kano BCH-528ZY, conveying the victims.
The rescued persons comprised six females, reportedly students of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, and the vehicle’s driver, identified as Sani Umar.
The victims were rescued during ongoing security operations along the route, while efforts continue to ensure their safety and establish the circumstances surrounding their abduction.
Military sources said the troops remain on high alert and have maintained strong operational readiness across the area.
The rescue comes amid sustained security operations along major routes in Katsina State to prevent kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Katsina Gov Lauds Military, DSS, Vigilantes For Foiling Mass Kidnap, Neutralizing 18 Bandits, Recovering Arms, Livestock
Katsina Gov Lauds Military, DSS, Vigilantes For Foiling Mass Kidnap, Neutralizing 18 Bandits, Recovering Arms, Livestock
The Katsina State governor, Dr.
Dikko Radda, has lauded the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and vigilantes
for stopping scores of bandits from attacking and mass-kidnapping residents of
Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, Bakori Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
A statement by the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’su,
stated that the intelligence-led operation, on Monday, resulted in the security forces neutralizing 18 armed bandits, recovering several arms and rustled livestock.
He said, "The operation was intelligence-driven. Acting on credible information about planned mass abduction for ransom by the criminal group, our forces laid ambush using operational assets and engaged the bandits. The criminals were led by one Alhaji Musa Duki, a former school headmaster turned bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari LGA.
"The operation targeted bandits who had been terrorising residents of Kakumi Ward and surrounding communities. The security forces recovered one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three motorcycles, two cows and 94 sheep," he disclosed.
According to the Commissioner,
the governor commended the gallantry of the security forces, and assured residents "that a sustained covert operation is ongoing to track and neutralize the kingpin and dismantle his network completely. We will not relent until every forest and hideout is cleared.
"Efforts are ongoing by the military and the DSS to identify other members of the network, locate their hideouts and thwart further kidnapping operations in Bakori, Faskari and neighbouring communities," he declared.
The Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs wishes to inform the public of a major breakthrough recorded in the ongoing fight against banditry in Katsina State.
In the early hours of Monday, September 21, 2026, at about 0100hrs, a joint security operation comprising hunters, members of Community Watch Corps and local vigilante groups successfully ambushed and neutralized 18 armed bandits at Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, Bakori Local Government Area.
Fulani bandits on reprisal kill 32-year-old man in Sabon Gari, Mangu in Plateau
Fulani bandits on reprisal kill 32-year-old man in Sabon Gari, Mangu in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A 32-year-old man, identified as Fwangmun Karimu, has been killed in a reprisal attack at Sabon Gari Village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 10:15 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2026, when troops of Sector 8, Operation Hakorin Damisa (OPEP), responded to a report of an attack and killing in the community.
According to military sources, troops arrived at the location and found that Karimu had been shot dead by suspected Fulani militias who allegedly infiltrated the community from the Mangu Halle axis.
The attackers reportedly took advantage of heavy rainfall to conceal their movement and subsequently escaped from the area.
The victim was later buried in accordance with local customs.
Security forces have commenced efforts to track down and apprehend the perpetrators, while troops continue to dominate the general area to prevent further attacks.
Fulani bandits kill 49-year-old man in Pankshin, Plateau
Fulani bandits kill 49-year-old man in Pankshin, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Fulani bandits have killed a 49-year-old man, identified as Monday Danladi, in Kromlu Village, Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 21, 2026, when troops of Sector 8, Operation Hakorin Damisa (OPEP), deployed at Fier, responded to a report of an attack and killing in the community.
According to military sources, the troops arrived at the scene and found the victim’s corpse bearing gunshot wounds, while the assailants had already fled the area.
Troops, in collaboration with personnel of Keystone and local hunters, subsequently secured the general area and commenced a manhunt for the attackers.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Pankshin, for further necessary action.
Security forces are continuing efforts to track down the perpetrators and establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Suspected Fulani herders destroy cabbage farms in Riyom, Plateau
Suspected Fulani herders destroy cabbage farms in Riyom, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected Fulani herders have allegedly destroyed cabbage farms belonging to Mr Danjuma Gyang and six other farmers at Rinyan Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident was reported at about 7:00 a.m. on Sept. 21, 2026, prompting troops of Sector 6, Operation Hakorin Damisa (OPEP), to respond to the area.
According to military sources, troops who arrived at the location discovered that the cabbage farms had been cut down with machetes during the night.
The affected farms reportedly belonged to Gyang and six other farmers in the community.
Security forces have commenced efforts to track down and apprehend those responsible for the destruction as investigations continue into the incident.
OPEP troops arrest suspected criminal over attack on family in Riyom
OPEP troops arrest suspected criminal over attack on family in Riyom
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Hakorin Damisa (OPEP), have arrested a suspected criminal in connection with an alleged attack on a man and his family in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspect, identified as Isah Ardo, was arrested at about 4:20 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2026, by troops deployed at Ganawuri.
According to military sources, Ardo was arrested in Ganawuri Town in connection with the reported attack on Mr Bagu Manuly and his family at Gonifal Guru in Ganawuri District.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing preliminary investigation to establish his
Terrorists rustle 120 cattle, kill two herders in Wase, Plateau
Terrorists rustle 120 cattle, kill two herders in Wase, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Terrorists have reportedly rustled about 120 cattle and killed two herders at an isolated Fulani settlement on the outskirts of Gimbi Town in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 7:00 a.m. on Sept. 21, 2026, prompting troops of Sector 2, Operation Hakorin Damisa (OPEP), Wase, to respond to the report.
According to military sources, the troops arrived at the location and discovered that the attackers had already fled with the rustled cattle.
No contact was established with the attackers as troops commenced search operations and efforts to track their movement.
The military has continued to search the surrounding areas in an effort to recover the stolen livestock and locate the perpetrators.
Further details on the identities of the deceased herders and the circumstances surrounding the attack were not immediately available.
Katsina security forces neutralise 18 bandits, recover rifles and 96 livestock in Bakori
Katsina security forces neutralise 18 bandits, recover rifles and 96 livestock in Bakori
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces comprising hunters, Community Watch Corps and local vigilante groups have neutralised 18 suspected bandits during an intelligence-led operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs said the operation was conducted at about 1:00 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, at Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, following intelligence on an alleged plan by the criminals to abduct residents for ransom.
According to the ministry, the security personnel laid an ambush and engaged the armed group, resulting in the death of 18 suspected bandits.
The ministry identified the leader of the group as Alhaji Musa Duki, whom it described as a former school headmaster turned bandit kingpin operating from Mununu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the scene included one G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and three motorcycles.
Security personnel also recovered two cows and 94 sheep believed to have been rustled livestock.
The ministry said no casualty was recorded among the security operatives during the operation.
It added that a covert operation was ongoing to track down Duki and dismantle his network.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mua’zu, commended the hunters, Community Watch Corps and vigilante members for their role in the operation.
He also urged residents to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information to support ongoing operations against banditry across the state.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist with alleged links to terror activities in Kogi
Troops arrest suspected terrorist with alleged links to terror activities in Kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade have arrested a suspected terrorist who was allegedly loitering around a military position in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The suspect was apprehended at about 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 18, 2026, by troops deployed at a blocking position in Taki.
According to military sources, preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect is a herder from Ndaakwu Village in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
The troops reportedly recovered a mobile phone from the suspect, and preliminary exploitation of the device allegedly revealed communications suspected to be linked to terrorist activities.
Items recovered from the suspect included a wristwatch, a small mirror and the sum of ₦83,500.
The suspect remains in military custody as further investigation and exploitation continue to establish his possible links and activities.
Plateau imposes dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu
Plateau imposes dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Government has imposed an immediate dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas following emerging security concerns in the affected communities.
The government announced the restriction on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, directing residents to remain indoors between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. until further notice.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, mni, said the measure was introduced to enable security agencies to stabilize the affected areas, protect lives and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
According to the statement, residents are expected to comply fully with the directive and plan their commercial, agricultural and other activities around the restricted hours.
The government also directed security operatives to strictly enforce the curfew across the three local government areas.
It further announced an immediate ban on the use of motorcycles within the affected jurisdictions as part of measures to address the security situation.
The government reassured law-abiding residents that security personnel deployed to enforce the measures would operate professionally.
The curfew comes amid a series of attacks, attempted attacks and reprisal incidents reported in parts of Plateau State, particularly in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu, prompting increased deployment and patrols by security forces.
The directive was signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication on behalf of the Plateau State Government.
Jankare’s downfall: How an armed enforcer’s reign ended in violent internal feud
Jankare’s downfall: How an armed enforcer’s reign ended in violent internal feud
By: Zagazola Makama
The rise and eventual downfall of Jankare, popularly known as “Jan Kare Uban Alfahari,” has continued to attract attention following his reported death in a violent internal dispute with another armed actor several months ago.
Jankare was known for his frequent appearances in the media, where he reportedly projected an image of strength, boasting about his influence and displaying weapons believed to be in his possession.
His public posture, according to accounts circulating about his activities, portrayed him as a powerful and feared figure who believed he could intimidate others through his reputation, connections and access to weapons.
However, the image of invincibility eventually came to an end when a dispute reportedly erupted between him and another armed individual.
The disagreement escalated into a violent confrontation that resulted in Jankare’s death, bringing to an abrupt end the activities of a man who had built his reputation around fear, weapons and intimidation.
His reported downfall has since been cited by observers as another example of the dangers associated with violent networks, where disputes among armed actors can quickly turn against members of the same group.
The circumstances surrounding his death also underscore a recurring pattern in conflict environments: individuals who accumulate weapons and influence outside lawful structures can eventually become victims of the same violence they help sustain.
Operation Hakorin Damisa troops arrest suspected burglar in Plateau
Operation Hakorin Damisa troops arrest suspected burglar in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Hakorin Damisa (OPEP), have arrested a suspected burglar, identified as Haruna Habibu, while allegedly attempting to break into a residence in Kissahip Village, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspect was arrested at about 3:10 p.m. on Sept. 20, 2026, by troops conducting patrols in the area.
According to military sources, Habibu was apprehended while allegedly trying to gain entry into the residence of a woman identified as Mrs Izunyon Patience.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further necessary action.
OPEP troops repel suspected reprisal attack after killing of pastor in Plateau
OPEP troops repel suspected reprisal attack after killing of pastor in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Hakorin Damisa (OPEP), have repelled a suspected reprisal attack by suspected Fulani militias following the killing of a local resident in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on Sept. 20, 2026, at Marit Junction, where troops responded to a report of an attack on two locals.
Military sources said troops arrived at the scene and confirmed that one of the victims, identified as Rev. Andy Samuel, 53, had been shot dead, while the second victim sustained injuries and was evacuated to the General Hospital for medical attention.
The troops reportedly came under attack shortly after leaving the hospital.
The attackers were suspected to be Fulani militias carrying out a reprisal attack following earlier violence reported in Dorowa Babuje, Sherum, Maraban Kantoma and Lajam communities, all in Barkin Ladi LGA.
Reinforcements from Sector 8, supported by other force multipliers and air support from Nigerian Air Force Super Tucano aircraft, responded to the attack.
The troops successfully repelled the attackers and prevented the violence from spreading to other communities.
Troops are currently dominating the general area and conducting fighting patrols to maintain security and forestall further attacks.
Security forces have also continued to urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements as efforts intensify to prevent retaliatory violence and further escalation in the area.
OPEP troops foil attack on Wumat community in Plateau
OPEP troops foil attack on Wumat community in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5, Operation Hakorin Damisa (OPEP), have foiled an attempted attack by unidentified criminals in Wumat Village, Tarangol District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 20, 2026, following reports of sporadic gunshots around the community.
The troops, deployed at Plateau State University (PLASU), swiftly responded to the distress call and moved towards the affected area.
According to military sources, the troops’ quick intervention forced the unidentified attackers, who were allegedly attempting to attack the village, to withdraw in disarray into the surrounding bush.
No casualty was recorded during the incident.
The troops have continued to dominate the general area with fighting patrols to prevent the attackers from regrouping and forestall further attempts to attack the community.
Troops neutralise five suspected kidnappers during gun battle in Kaduna
Troops neutralise five suspected kidnappers during gun battle in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have neutralised five suspected kidnappers and members of a criminal syndicate during an encounter in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Sept. 21, 2026, following the arrest of five suspected notorious criminals and kidnappers by troops of Sub-Sector 71 in the area on Sept. 20.
According to military sources, the suspects were subjected to further interrogation during which they allegedly confessed to involvement in various kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The suspects reportedly agreed to lead the troops to locations believed to be hideouts of the syndicate, with the objective of recovering weapons and apprehending other members of the group.
However, while the troops were en route to the suspected hideouts at about 12:30 a.m., they encountered other members of the criminal syndicate, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
During the encounter, the five previously arrested suspects were killed, while other members of the syndicate fled the area.
No casualty was recorded among the troops during the engagement.
Security forces have commenced efforts to locate and apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate as operations continue in the area.
GOC visits Maraban Kantoma over recent cattle attack, urges stakeholders to promote peace
GOC visits Maraban Kantoma over recent cattle attack, urges stakeholders to promote peace
By: Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Operation Hakorin Damisa (OPEP), Major General W.M. Dangana, has visited Maraban Kantoma in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State for an on-the-spot assessment of the scene of a recent attack on cattle.
The GOC, accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Plateau State on Security, visited the location at about 1:00 p.m. on Sept. 20, 2026.
During the visit, Maj. Gen. Dangana interacted with the Ardo of Marit, the Berom Youth Leaders Association President, Barrister Solomon Mwantiri, and other stakeholders from the area.
The GOC stressed the need for community leaders and other stakeholders to call their wards to order and discourage acts capable of escalating tensions and undermining peace in the area.
He urged the stakeholders to work with security agencies and promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence as part of efforts to achieve lasting peace in Plateau State.
The visit was completed without incident.
OPEP troops foil suspected Fulani bandits reprisal attack on Jwerk Kargung village in Plateau
OPEP troops foil suspected Fulani bandits reprisal attack on Jwerk Kargung village in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Operation Hakorin Damisa (OPEP), have foiled an attempted reprisal attack on Jwerk Kargung Village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 8:35 p.m. on Sept. 20, 2026, following reports of sporadic gunshots around the community.
Troops deployed at Mangu Halle, alongside personnel of Operation Rainbow and Keystone Mangu Division, swiftly responded to the report and moved to the affected area.
According to military sources, the quick intervention of the troops forced the gunmen, suspected to be Fulani militias, who were allegedly attempting to attack the village, to withdraw into the bush.
The troops subsequently dominated the general area and commenced offensive operations to frustrate further criminal activities and prevent the attackers from regrouping.
Security forces are maintaining patrols around the community as efforts continue to safeguard residents and prevent further attacks.
The growing role of local militias, criminal networks and possible external forces in the escalation of violence in Plateau State
The growing role of local militias, criminal networks and possible external forces in the escalation of violence in Plateau State
By: Zagazola Makama
The security crisis in Plateau State is increasingly moving beyond the traditional description of a farmer-herder dispute. What is emerging is a multi-layered armed conflict in which communal grievances, local militia mobilisation, criminality, retaliatory violence and information manipulation are reinforcing one another.
The most important distinction for the Federal Government is this: ordinary Berom, Mwaghavul and Fulani citizens are not the enemy. The security threat is posed by identifiable individuals and armed group networks operating within or around these communities.
Available evidence shows that armed groups associated with both farming and pastoralist communities have been involved in violence. BBC, ACLED and Zagazola Media Network have documented attacks involving both farmer and pastoralist communities in Plateau and warned that attacks frequently trigger reprisal violence, producing a cycle of retaliation. The present danger is that this cycle is becoming institutionalised.
There are now repeated reports of armed groups dressed in black moving between communities, conducting mass attacks and withdrawing to hide in the same communities before security forces arrive.
On August 11, troops reportedly engaged an armed group identified by security sources as Berom militia after intelligence indicated that the group was moving from Barkin Ladi towards communities in Mangu. The same reporting also recorded an encounter with suspected Fulani militia in another part of Mangu.
The following day, three people one local resident and two Fulani herders were killed in a clash involving Mwaghavul youths and herders in Jwak Maitumbi, Mangu. Troops intervened and used surveillance to clear the area.
More recently, troops reportedly foiled an attempted attack by suspected local militias moving towards Manja in Mangu on September 17. The attackers reportedly exchanged fire with troops and, while withdrawing, set houses on the outskirts of the community ablaze.
These incidents demonstrate a serious reality that armed communal networks exist, possess firearms and are capable of moving offensively across community boundaries and should be treated as a national security problem. The same cycle is consuming both sides. The danger is particularly visible in the sequence of attacks recorded in September.
On September 12, three young Fulani herders were reportedly killed in Alohom, Mangu, while dozens of cattle were also shot. Community leaders alleged that the attackers were Mwaghavul militia members dressed in black. Some bullets were recovered at the scene.
Less than 24 hours later, six commuters were reportedly killed when the same gunmen dressed in black attacked a commercial vehicle at Dungus Kuru in Jos South, killing both Muslims and Christians. Suspicion is not evidence. But suspicion itself can become a weapon. Both groups traded blames on who was responsible for the attacks.
Once communities believe that one attack must have been retaliation for another, young men will just mobilise before investigators establish what actually happened and carry out a deadly attack on the other community. That is how a single criminal attack becomes a communal war.
Berom and Mwaghavul armed groups require the same scrutiny as armed Fulani groups. They are all criminals and have perpetrated terror. It would be dangerous and analytically dishonest to discuss Plateau insecurity while examining only one side, as many mediums domiciled in Plateau state are doing. There have been hundreds of documented reports of armed Berom militias, including the most recent August incident in which troops reportedly intercepted a group moving towards communities in Mangu.
There have also been clashes involving Mwaghavul youths and herders, as recorded in Jwak Maitumbi.
At the same time, there are repeated reports of attacks attributed by community members to armed Fulani bandits. For example, the Mwaghavul Youth Movement recently alleged that armed Fulani elements were responsible for attacks in Kikyau, Larkas, Ntul and Kinat in Mangu. While some of the reports were true, some of them were rejected by MACBAN.
The security principle should therefore be that if an armed Berom group attacks civilians, pursue it. If an armed Mwaghavul group attacks civilians, pursue it. If an armed Fulani group attacks civilians, pursue it. If a criminal gang exploits the conflict, pursue it. Use the same energy used to go after Fulani bandits to go after Berom and Mwaghavul militias. Their actions show that they are all part of the same security problem when they engage in organised violence against civilians.
The most dangerous development may be the emergence of conflict entrepreneurs, which deserves much greater attention.
Youth groups in Plateau are already turning communal fear into an economic and social enterprise. There is no gainsaying that some individuals are financially benefiting from inflammatory content, mobilisation or conflict-related activities. The underlying phenomenon is real enough to warrant investigation. An attack committed by criminals can be transformed into evidence of a national religious conspiracy. And once such a narrative takes hold, facts become almost irrelevant.
The algorithm rewards anger. The conflict entrepreneur monetises it. The community pays the price. Emotional mobilisation can become another weapon This is perhaps one of the most uncomfortable truths recently revealed by the BBC investigation in Plateau.
A 2026 Premium Times investigation documented how misinformation, old photographs and videos, inflammatory narratives and unverified claims circulated on social media during Plateau violence and helped intensify perceptions of impending reprisals. The investigation found that online narratives could move faster than official clarification and contribute to real-world tension.
This creates a new type of warfare: the person who does not carry a rifle but helps create the environment in which someone else picks one up. The people must begin to ask: Who benefits financially, politically or socially from keeping Plateau permanently in crises? That question deserves the same seriousness as the question of who pulled the trigger.
This is how communities become militarised:
Attack → fear → mobilisation → revenge → counter-revenge → displacement → arming of youths → media propaganda → another attack.
Eventually, young people who previously had no interest in violence begin to believe that joining an armed group is necessary for survival. At that point, the conflict develops its own recruitment mechanism. The state is then fighting not merely armed men, but an entire ecosystem of fear.
Perhaps the most disturbing allegation emerging from affected communities is that some of the worst attacks may involve non-local gunmen or hired fighters who enter a community, conduct mass attacks and disappear into areas where they are difficult to identify. If evidence confirms that mercenaries are being formed in Plateau to conduct attacks and then sheltered by local networks, the character of the conflict changes substantially.
It would mean that some attacks are not merely spontaneous communal reprisals. They could represent organised armed operations using local knowledge, local logistics and external manpower. That claim cannot be simply accepted, but neither should it be ignored.
One of the most persistent claims in Plateau is that local residents, youths groups and traditional authorities know the individuals responsible for carrying out attacks. While these individuals carry out terror, their host communities view them as heroes or defenders of the land. The communities always protect the criminals even when they genuinely possess information about perpetrators, making peace efforts difficult for security agencies.
The greatest obstacle is often fear and, in many cases, complicity from within. A resident who identifies an armed perpetrator may fear retaliation from that person’s relatives or associates, likewise, a traditional ruler may fear that publicly naming suspects could trigger another attack. A youth leader may possess information but fear being branded a traitor.
The Federal Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces already recognise the need for a combination of military pressure, intelligence and peace-building. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, had during his visit to Plateau State directed troops to sustain pressure on criminal groups while supporting peace-building, stronger intelligence gathering and cooperation with traditional and community leaders.
The next step should be to turn that principle into a specific Plateau armed-group strategy, while a dedicated multi-agency cell should map:
armed Fulani networks, armed Berom networks, armed Mwaghavul networks, criminal or kidnapping gangs, weapons suppliers and gun runners,financiers, informants and logistics networks. suspected external actors; and online actors demonstrably linked to mobilisation or threats.The purpose should be individual identification and prosecution.
Develop an attack attribution system.Every major attack should generate a formal case file containing:location + time + victims + weapons + ammunition + direction of attack + escape route + witnesses + communications intelligence + previous incidents + suspects + evidence. This would make it harder for perpetrators to sometimes disappear behind the phrase “unknown gunmen.”
Treat weapons as evidence, not just recovered items.The recovery of an AK-47, locally fabricated rifle or ammunition should trigger ballistic and intelligence exploitation. The question should be: Where has this weapon appeared before? A weapon used in three attacks across different LGAs could provide a direct link between incidents that communities currently regard as separate.
The person who fires the weapon is only one part of an organised attack. Establish a rapid-reaction architecture around known flashpoints. Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos and vulnerable approaches to Jos South require sustained intelligence-led patrols.
The message to Plateau’s communities must also change. The Federal Government should make one point unmistakable: No community has a licence to kill another community in the name of self-defence. A Fulani civilian must not be treated as a militia member or a terrorist simply because he is Fulani. The same goes for Berom and Mwaghavul.The state must pursue armed individuals based on evidence of conduct, not identity.
The greatest threat to Plateau is not simply the number of people killed in individual attacks.
The problem is that people are gradually normalising killings as if they were nothing. Once that continues to happen, every road becomes a potential frontline, every market becomes a potential target, every cattle route becomes a security corridor, and every social-media post can become an early-warning signal for revenge.
Identify the armed networks. Identify their financiers. Identify their weapons. Identify their logistics. Identify those who shelter them. Identify those who incite attacks. Build admissible evidence. Arrest suspects. Protect witnesses. Prosecute cases. And do this regardless of whether the perpetrator is associated with a Berom, Mwaghavul, Fulani or any other community.
Plateau’s conflict is no longer adequately understood as two communities simply fighting over land. It is increasingly a security ecosystem involving communal grievances, armed local networks, criminal opportunists, retaliatory mobilisation and information warfare.
The Federal Government therefore has an opportunity to change the trajectory of the crisis: move from responding to communities after they are attacked to dismantling the armed networks that repeatedly produce the attacks.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region.
OPHK debunks recirculated 2016 Amnesty report on Giwa Barracks
OPHK debunks recirculated 2016 Amnesty report on Giwa Barracks
By Zagazola Makama
The Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has clarified that a widely recirculated Amnesty International report alleging deaths of detainees, including children, at Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri relates to events from 2016 and not current conditions at the facility.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Sunday, September 20, by Capt. Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters JTF North East, Operation HADIN KAI.
According to OPHK, the Amnesty International report was published in May 2016 and the figures cited in it concerned alleged deaths recorded between January and May of that year.
The military said the recirculation of the report without its original date and historical context could create the false impression that the reported deaths were recent occurrences.
“While the report represents Amnesty International’s account of events at the time, its contents should not be presented as a current development, fact, or used to characterise the prevailing situation at the facility a decade later,” OPHK said.
The statement urged media organisations, online platforms and members of the public to exercise due diligence when sharing archival reports, particularly those relating to sensitive security and humanitarian issues.
OPHK said the Joint Investigation Centre at Giwa Barracks currently operates in accordance with applicable Nigerian laws, established procedures and relevant international standards.
It added that the centre places emphasis on the welfare, lawful treatment and rehabilitation of detainees, including access to medical care, skills acquisition, vocational training, as well as Western and Islamic education.
According to the military, the centre also maintains engagement with relevant humanitarian and human rights organisations, while national and international media organisations have been granted access in 2026 to observe its activities and prevailing conditions.
OPHK reiterated its commitment to professional conduct, respect for applicable laws and standards, and continuous improvement in the management and welfare of persons in its custody.
The task force further urged members of the public to verify the date, source and context of security-related reports before sharing them, particularly when such reports concern events from previous years.
The military said the clarification was necessary to ensure that historical allegations are not inadvertently presented as current developments or used to generate unnecessary public apprehension.
GOC 3 Division convenes stakeholders’ meeting to address recurring conflict in Mangu
GOC 3 Division convenes stakeholders’ meeting to address recurring conflict in Mangu
By Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Maj.-Gen. W.M. Dangana, has led a stakeholders’ engagement in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State as part of ongoing efforts to address recurring communal conflicts.
The engagement, held at about 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, took place at the Primary School, Kasuwa Ali, Mangu, and was organised by a special committee constituted by the GOC.
The meeting was attended by Maj.-Gen. Dangana and his staff officers, the Special Adviser on Security to the Plateau State Government, the Commander, Sub-Sector 81, leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and other stakeholders from Mangu.
The engagement formed part of the non-kinetic approach being adopted by the security leadership to address recurring conflicts involving Fulani communities and indigenous groups in the area.
Discussions focused on the need to prevent reprisal attacks, strengthen communication among communities and security agencies, and promote peaceful resolution of disputes before they escalate into violence.
The stakeholders were also expected to deepen collaboration and community-level engagement as part of broader efforts to improve security and restore lasting peace across Mangu and neighbouring communities.
The meeting underscores the continued emphasis by OPEP on combining kinetic operations with dialogue and other non-kinetic measures to address the underlying tensions contributing to recurring violence in parts of Plateau State.
One killed, another injured in Fulani Bandits attack in Plateau
One killed, another injured in Fulani Bandits attack in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
One person was killed while another sustained gunshot wounds when fulani bandits attacked two locals at Batem Community, near Wereng Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 2 a.m. on Sunday, September 20, according to security sources.
The victims were identified as Bitrus Luka and Kenneth Luka, who were reportedly attacked by the unidentified gunmen under circumstances that were not immediately clear.
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a report of the attack and moved towards the location.
However, upon arrival, the troops were reportedly denied access to the scene by members of the community.
Security sources said Bitrus was killed in the attack, while Kenneth sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to a hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Due to the restriction of access to the scene, security personnel were only able to obtain a photograph of the injured victim at the hospital.
Troops have remained on heightened alert in the area to prevent any reprisal attack and maintain peace following the incident.
Security agencies are also monitoring developments in the community as efforts continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify the perpetrators.
OPEP troops arrest three suspected drug peddlers in Plateau
OPEP troops arrest three suspected drug peddlers in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), in conjunction with Vigilance Network Group (VGN), have arrested three suspected drug peddlers during a raid operation at Gyel Community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted at about 10:10 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, following intelligence on the activities of suspected drug dealers operating from the area.
Security sources told Zagazola that troops raided a suspected hideout during the operation and arrested three suspects.
The troops also recovered a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as ₦7,400 in cash.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits are currently in custody for further necessary action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt criminal activities and deny criminal elements safe havens within communities across Plateau State.
Troops arrest five suspected criminals, recover fabricated AK-47 rifle in Kaduna
Troops arrest five suspected criminals, recover fabricated AK-47 rifle in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71, Sanga, in conjunction with Operation PULAKO, have arrested five suspected criminals and recovered a fabricated AK-47 rifle during clearance operations in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The operation was conducted at about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, following intelligence on the activities of criminal elements operating from identified hideouts in the area.
Security sources told Zagazola that troops raided suspected criminal hideouts at Kibam, Ungwan Haruna, Nunku and Fadan Wate villages during the operation.
The suspects arrested were identified as Mamman Manu, 22; Musa Lawal, 40; Dahiru Usman, 25; Mammuda Muhammed, 50; and Saleh Idi, 40.
One fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered from the suspects during the operation.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in activities that had been terrorising residents of Sanga Local Government Area and neighbouring communities.
The suspects and the recovered weapon are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Troops have continued clearance operations across the area as part of efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and restore security in vulnerable communities.
Four cattle killed, 17 injured in Mwaghavul Militia attack in Plateau
Four cattle killed, 17 injured in Mwaghavul Militia attack in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Four cattle were killed while 17 others sustained injuries when Mwaghavul Militia men attacked a Fulani cattle harbour site at Kantoma Community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 3:35 a.m. on Sunday, September 20, according to security sources.
Troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a report of the attack and moved to the affected location.
Upon arrival, the troops discovered four cattle that had been shot dead, while 17 others were found with varying degrees of injuries.
Security personnel also recovered 11 rounds of 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition, 122 empty cases of 7.62×39mm ammunition and one locally fabricated sword at the scene.
Following the attack, troops commenced clearance operations and a manhunt for the assailants around Jwak Maitumbi and adjoining communities.
The operation is aimed at tracking down the perpetrators and preventing further attacks or any possible breakdown of law and order in the area.
Security agencies have continued to maintain heightened surveillance across vulnerable communities in Mangu and other parts of Plateau State.
MACBAN condemns alleged killing of five Fulani herders by Berom Militia in Barkin Ladi
MACBAN condemns alleged killing of five Fulani herders by Berom Militia in Barkin Ladi
By Zagazola Makama
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State chapter, has condemned the alleged killing of five Fulani herders by Berom Militia who were travelling from Bokkos Local Government Area to Kara Cattle Market in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by its Plateau State Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the association alleged that the victims were ambushed around Kassa in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area by individuals it described as Berom militias.
MACBAN said the incident occurred while the victims were travelling along the route for their legitimate business activities, adding that the alleged attack had left their families and the wider Fulani community in mourning.
The association identified the deceased as Buhari Yusuf, Aminu Ahmad, Nasiru Abdullahi, Gambo Abubakar and Muhammad Abdul Rahman.
MACBAN alleged that the Kassa axis had previously witnessed attacks involving its members, describing the latest incident as part of what it considers a pattern of violence against Fulani herders and cattle traders using the route.
The association called on the Federal Government, Plateau State Government and security agencies to investigate the incident, identify and apprehend those responsible, and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.
It also urged authorities to strengthen security along the Kassa route and other identified flashpoints to prevent further attacks.
While expressing concern over the incident, MACBAN appealed to Fulani youths and members of the community to remain calm and law-abiding and specifically discouraged any form of retaliation.
“The continued killing of innocent citizens is unacceptable and poses a serious threat to peace, security, and harmonious coexistence in Plateau State,” the association said.
The statement comes amid heightened security operations in parts of Plateau State following a series of attacks involving communities and herders. Security agencies have continued to deploy troops and conduct both kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at preventing reprisal attacks and addressing recurring communal tensions.
The allegations contained in the MACBAN statement have not independently established the identity of the attackers or the circumstances surrounding the killings. Further investigation by security authorities is expected to clarify the incident.
Five Fulani reportedly killed in targeted attack by Berom Militia near Barkin Ladi
Five Fulani reportedly killed in targeted attack by Berom Militia near Barkin Ladi
By: Zagazola Makama
Five Fulani men were reportedly killed after gunmen opened fire on a vehicle conveying them from Barkin Ladi towards Jos South in Plateau State.
According to preliminary information obtained by Zagazola Makama, the victims were reportedly travelling to a market when the vehicle came under attack close to a security checkpoint along the route.
Sources said the occupants were unable to escape as the attackers opened fire on the vehicle, killing all five persons inside.
The identities of the deceased and the precise circumstances surrounding the incident were still being verified as of the time of filing this report.
The incident comes amid continuing targeted attacks and reprisal by both the Fulani and local communities in part of Plateau state.
CAN Panyam District mourns Mangu Market attack victims, calls for stronger security
CAN Panyam District mourns Mangu Market attack victims, calls for stronger security
By: Zagazola Makama
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Panyam District, has condoled with the families of victims of the recent attack at Mangu Market and the entire Koggul community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The association made the call in a condolence message following its participation in the mass burial of victims from Koggul Village whose lives were lost in the attack.
CAN Panyam District expressed sympathy with the bereaved families, praying for strength and comfort for those affected by the tragedy, while also wishing those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery.
During its condolence visit, the Christian body urged members of the community to remain steadfast in faith, united and vigilant in protecting one another.
The association also appealed to the Federal Government, Plateau State Government, local government authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property and take proactive measures to prevent further attacks.
CAN said the Church remained committed to praying for peace, justice, healing and unity across Plateau State and Nigeria, while assuring affected families of its continued prayers and support.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace. May God comfort every grieving heart, heal the wounded, and preserve His Church and our communities from every form of violence and destruction,” the statement said.
The association further prayed for lasting peace in Mangu and Plateau State and called on all communities to work towards peaceful coexistence and the protection of human life.
Operation Enduring Peace flags off 6th football tournament to promote youth inclusiveness in Plateau
Operation Enduring Peace flags off 6th football tournament to promote youth inclusiveness in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Maj.-Gen. W.M. Dangana, has flagged off the sixth edition of the OPEP Football Tournament aimed at promoting youth inclusiveness, peaceful coexistence and social cohesion in Plateau State.
The tournament, themed “Youth Inclusiveness in Plateau State,” was officially kicked off at about 1600 hours on Sept. 19, 2026, at the Jeremiah Hussain Stadium, University of Jos, in Jos North Local Government Area.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff, OPEP, Brig.-Gen. M.S. Sule, accompanied by other staff officers, the Commander, Sector 1 OPEP, representatives of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Dangana commended the organisers for using sports as a platform to engage young people and foster unity and mutual understanding among different ethnic, religious and community groups in the state.
He said the tournament formed part of OPEP’s non-kinetic approach to conflict prevention, particularly through meaningful youth engagement and activities capable of strengthening peaceful relationships among communities.
The opening match of the tournament saw the University of Jos team defeat Jos North Local Government Area 3–0.
The event ended without any security incident, with security personnel maintaining a presence around the venue throughout the programme.
Troops arrest three suspected drug peddlers in Jos
Troops arrest three suspected drug peddlers in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, have arrested three suspected drug peddlers and recovered substances suspected to be cannabis sativa during a night patrol in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspects were arrested at about 2020 hours on Sept. 19, 2026, along Angware Market in Jos East LGA, while troops were conducting a night patrol in the area.
The suspects were identified as 23-year-old Emmanuel Izan, 22-year-old Samson Dembo and 22-year-old Itseh Musa.
According to security sources, the troops recovered quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa from the suspects during the operation.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have since been handed over to the Jos East Local Government Area Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue injured victim in Jos
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue injured victim in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attempted kidnapping and rescued an injured victim at the ECWA Staff Quarters in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 2030 hours on Sept. 19, 2026, when troops responded to a distress report over the attempted abduction of Mr Theophilius Geowam Dakup at his residence.
According to security sources, the troops’ swift intervention forced the suspected kidnappers to abandon their mission and flee the area.
The troops subsequently rescued Dakup, who sustained injuries during the incident, and immediately evacuated him to Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos for medical attention.
Meanwhile, troops have intensified patrols and are dominating the general area in an effort to track possible escape routes and prevent further criminal activity.
Gunmen kill four illegal miners in Barkin Ladi
Gunmen kill four illegal miners in Barkin Ladi
By: Zagazola Makama
Four suspected illegal miners have been killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a vehicle conveying them from a mining site at Ganna Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 0338 hours on Sept. 20, 2026, when troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to a report of shooting involving an Opel vehicle conveying four suspected illegal miners at Ganna Ropp village.
The troops, upon arrival at the scene, confirmed that all four occupants of the vehicle had been shot dead.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were returning from a mining site in the Ganna Ropp area when the vehicle came under attack by the unidentified gunmen.
The victims were identified as the driver, Mallam Sadam, and Mr Umar, while the identities of the remaining two victims are yet to be established.
The corpses were subsequently evacuated by personnel of the Keystone Outpost, Ganna Ropp, for further necessary action.
Meanwhile, troops are currently dominating the general area with offensive operations and a manhunt for the attackers, as efforts continue to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Troops repel armed herders, recover livestock after sporadic firing in Mangu
Troops repel armed herders, recover livestock after sporadic firing in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8 of the Nigerian Army have responded to reports of sporadic firing between Kikyau and Alohom communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, forcing suspected armed herders to withdraw from the area.
The incident occurred at about 1645 hours on Sept. 19, 2026, when troops of Sub-Sector 81, Gyambwas, responded to reports of sporadic shooting allegedly involving armed herders in the area.
On arrival at the location, the troops reportedly sighted armed Fulani herders with their cattle attempting to cross a river line. The troops moved in pursuit, established contact and engaged the armed group, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
While exploiting the withdrawal routes, the troops observed what appeared to be deliberate destruction of farmland around the general area of Alohom.
The troops subsequently intercepted eight sheep, two lambs and one calf that had reportedly been abandoned by the fleeing herders, who escaped with other cattle after sighting the security forces.
The recovered livestock were moved to a safe location for necessary action.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) within adjoining communities have been summoned by the security authorities as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the alleged shooting and destruction of farmlands.
Tit for tat: Suspected Mwaghavul militia attack herders in Mangu, kill livestock
Tit for tat: Suspected Mwaghavul militia attack herders in Mangu, kill livestock
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected Mwaghavul militia reportedly attacked herders at Maitumbi village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State in the early hours of Sunday, killing several livestock and injuring others as tit for tat attacks continue.
According to local sources, the incident occurred at about 2 a.m. on Sept. 20, 2026, when the attackers allegedly stormed the settlement and targeted the herders and their animals.
The sources said several livestock were killed during the attack, while some others were injured. The circumstances surrounding the attack and the exact number of animals killed or injured were still being verified as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has heightened concerns among residents and herders in the area, amid recurring attacks and reprisals involving farming and herding communities in parts of Mangu.
Security personnel are expected to establish the circumstances of the incident and identify those responsible, while efforts are ongoing to obtain further details from residents and relevant security authorities.
Troops recover locally fabricated weapon from another suspect’s residence in Bassa
Troops recover locally fabricated weapon from another suspect’s residence in Bassa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Nigerian Army, have recovered a locally fabricated weapon from the residence of another suspect in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The recovery was made at about 1800 hours on Sept. 19, 2026, following credible intelligence on the alleged illegal possession of firearms.
According to security sources, troops subsequently conducted a cordon-and-search operation at the residence of the suspect, identified as Vincent Azi, leading to the recovery of the locally fabricated weapon.
Azi was arrested and is currently in custody, where he is undergoing detailed investigation to determine the source of the weapon and the circumstances and intent surrounding its possession.
Security sources said the investigation would also establish whether the suspect has any links to other criminal networks involved in kidnappings, attacks or distribution of firearms in the area.
Troops arrest suspected militia member, recover weapon, ammunition in Mangu
Troops arrest suspected militia member, recover weapon, ammunition in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Nigerian Army, have arrested a suspected armed militia member and recovered a locally fabricated automatic weapon and ammunition during a confidence-building patrol in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted at about 1900 hours on Sept. 19, 2026, along the Tul–Ntam–Angwan Mata–Deng-Deng road, where troops apprehended a 38-year-old suspect identified as Bitrus Sani Dabak.
The suspect was arrested around the Water Board General Area while allegedly attempting to conceal a weapon from the troops.
A search conducted on him led to the recovery of one locally fabricated automatic weapon, nine rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm ammunition and a mobile phone.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to establish his affiliation, activities and possible links to other criminal elements operating in the area.
The development forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at preventing targeted attacks, disrupting armed groups and strengthening the safety of communities across the area.
GOC 3 Division engages Bokkos stakeholders over farmer-herder conflicts
GOC 3 Division engages Bokkos stakeholders over farmer-herder conflicts
By: Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. W.M. Dangana, has engaged district heads and other stakeholders in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State as part of efforts to address recurring farmer-herder conflicts in the area.
Maj. Gen. Dangana arrived at the headquarters of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace, in Bokkos at about 1:00 p.m. on September 19, 2026, where he was received by the Sector Commander.
The GOC thereafter proceeded to the Palace of the Saf Bokkos, where he held an engagement meeting with district heads and other stakeholders from across the local government area.
The engagement formed part of ongoing non-kinetic efforts by the military and other stakeholders to address the underlying tensions between farming and herding communities and promote peaceful coexistence.
Discussions with traditional leaders and community stakeholders are expected to support the identification of local grievances, strengthen communication with security agencies and help prevent disputes from escalating into violence.
The engagement was conducted peacefully and without any incident.
Troops arrest two suspects, recover suspected stolen goods in Plateau
Troops arrest two suspects, recover suspected stolen goods in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested two suspected criminals and recovered a vehicle loaded with suspected stolen items at Berger Junction, Mista-Ali, in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspects were arrested at about 4:00 a.m. on September 18, 2026, following information about suspected criminals allegedly offloading stolen goods at the location.
The troops, acting on the report, swiftly mobilised to the area and arrested two suspects identified as Ibrahim Sulaiman, 33, and Ibrahim Husaini, 23.
The troops also recovered a Mercedes-Benz E220 vehicle allegedly loaded with suspected stolen items.
The recovered items included eight 25-litre containers of palm oil, four 4-litre containers of palm oil, two 50kg bags of rice, one 50kg bag of sugar, one carton of Maggi seasoning and an empty 25-litre jerrycan.
The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Keystone Mista-Ali Outpost for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
Security sources said the arrest followed sustained intelligence gathering and patrol operations aimed at disrupting criminal activities and recovering stolen property in the area.
Soldier injured in road traffic accident in Jos
Soldier injured in road traffic accident in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
A soldier has sustained injuries in a road traffic accident while on administrative patrol along the Lamingo Road in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 11:20 a.m. on September 19, 2026, when Lance Corporal Kenechukwu Nwabueze, of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, was involved in the accident while riding a motorcycle.
The injured soldier was immediately evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention.
His condition was not immediately disclosed, while an investigation has commenced to establish the circumstances and possible cause of the accident.
Troops arrest 11 suspected kidnappers, victims identify four in Jos
Troops arrest 11 suspected kidnappers, victims identify four in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, have arrested 11 suspected kidnappers during a raid operation conducted in parts of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was launched at about 5:40 a.m. on September 19, 2026, following the recent kidnapping and subsequent release of Mrs Juliana Goyang and 11-year-old Master Idumafa Amupitan in the Gwafan community of Jos North.
According to security sources, troops conducting a manhunt for the kidnappers raided suspected criminal hideouts around Shere, Gwafan and Maza Hills.
During the operation, the troops arrested 11 suspects for questioning and further investigation.
The two rescued victims subsequently identified Sa’du Abdullahi, Abdullahi Ahmad, Sabi’u Likita and Abdullahi Ya’u as persons allegedly involved in their abduction.
The suspects remain in military custody and are undergoing further investigation to establish their individual roles in the kidnapping and determine whether they are connected to other criminal activities in the area.
The operation is part of intensified efforts by security forces to dismantle kidnapping networks operating around Jos and its environs and prevent further abductions.
Troops arrest 29-year-old man over alleged illegal firearm possession in Jos
Troops arrest 29-year-old man over alleged illegal firearm possession in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested a 29-year-old man, Mr Vincent Azi, for alleged illegal possession of a firearm in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspect was arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on September 19, 2026, at Dong Kassa community following information concerning his alleged possession of a firearm.
Troops subsequently conducted a search of the suspect’s residence, but no significant item was recovered during the operation.
A security source said Azi remains in custody while further investigations are being conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegation.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at identifying and disrupting the movement and illegal possession of firearms within communities in Plateau State.
Troops launch offensive operation after vigilante killing, arrest deaf man with Baofeng communication radio
Troops launch offensive operation after vigilante killing, arrest deaf man with Baofeng communication radio
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41 Gashish, have launched an offensive operation in the general area of Panshe community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, following the killing of a local vigilante member while on sentry duty by suspected Fulani bandits.
The operation was conducted at about 5:00 a.m. on September 19, 2026, after the vigilante member, identified as Christopher Titus, was killed in an isolated attack in the community.
During the operation, troops encountered suspected Fulani militias, who reportedly fled towards rocky terrain upon sighting the advancing soldiers.
The troops subsequently arrested a deaf man in the area and recovered two motorcycles and a Baofeng communication radio.
The arrested man and recovered items have been taken into custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
Troops have continued to dominate the general area through offensive operations and patrols aimed at tracking the fleeing suspects and preventing further attacks in the community.
Troops intercept cattle grazing on farm in Barkin Ladi
Troops intercept cattle grazing on farm in Barkin Ladi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace, have intervened following a report of alleged farm destruction at Wereh village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops responded at about 11:30 a.m. on September 19, 2026, following a report that a farm belonging to Mr Davou Dungvoul had been destroyed.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops intercepted a herd of cattle grazing on the farm without any herder present.
The troops moved the livestock to a safe location for further necessary action and to prevent possible escalation between farmers and herders in the area.
The incident is being handled as part of ongoing security efforts to prevent disputes over farmland and livestock from escalating into violence in the affected communities.
Suspected Mhwaghavul militia attack three cattle herders in Aloghom, Mangu
Suspected Mhwaghavul militia attack three cattle herders in Aloghom, Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Three cattle herders have reportedly been attacked in the Aloghom axis of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, in an incident allegedly involving suspected Mhwaghavul militia members.
The victims, identified as Abdulkadir Musa, 30; Adamu Haruna, 20; and Ibrahim Dahiru, 20, were reportedly in the area with cattle when gunshots were fired, resulting in the reported attack.
Preliminary information indicated that Abdulkadir Musa was at home when he heard gunshots and reportedly came out to ascertain what was happening, only to be shot.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, including motive for the attack, have not been independently established.
The incident comes amid a recurring pattern of violence reported in parts of Mangu and other areas of Plateau State, where attacks involving armed actors from opposing communities have frequently been followed by reprisals.
Security and community sources have previously reported a pattern in which disputes or attacks involving cattle, livestock routes, farmland and alleged livestock theft by locals can quickly escalate into armed confrontations.
In some cases, an initial attack on farmers, herders or livestock is followed by a retaliatory attack against members of the other community which resulted in deaths, destruction of property, burning of homes and the loss or killing of livestock.
In the Aloghom area, the reported attack on the three cattle herders is therefore being viewed against the background of previous incidents in which violence between armed groups has affected both farming and herding communities.
The current condition of the three victims remains critical.
Troops neutralise suspected terrorist in Kaduna, others flee with gunshot wounds
Troops neutralise suspected terrorist in Kaduna, others flee with gunshot wounds
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71 Sanga, have neutralised a suspected terrorist during an offensive operation at Ungwan Nungu village in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The operation was conducted at about 8:00 p.m. on September 18, 2026, after troops deployed at Ungwan Nungu responded to intelligence on the activities of suspected terrorists operating from a hideout in the community.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops made contact with the criminals, resulting in a gun battle during which one of the suspects, identified as Bashir Mohammed, was neutralised.
Other members of the group reportedly fled the scene with possible gunshot wounds sustained during the encounter.
Troops have commenced efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while operations continue in the area to prevent the criminals from regrouping and further terrorising surrounding communities.
Kidnapped woman, 11-year-old boy regain freedom in Plateau
Kidnapped woman, 11-year-old boy regain freedom in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A kidnapped woman, Mrs Juliana Goyang, and an 11-year-old boy, Master Idumafa Amupitan, have regained their freedom after being held by their abductors in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims were released from captivity at about 10:10 p.m. on September 18, 2026, following their abduction around the Gwafan and Lamingo areas of Jos North.
Security sources said the victims have since been debriefed and reunited with their respective families.
Meanwhile, intelligence gathering and covert operations are ongoing to track and apprehend the criminals responsible for the abduction.
Security agencies are also intensifying surveillance and intelligence-led operations around the affected areas to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops neutralise suspected terrorist in Kaduna, others flee with gunshot wounds
Troops neutralise suspected terrorist in Kaduna, others flee with gunshot wounds
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71 Sanga, have neutralised a suspected terrorist during an offensive operation at Ungwan Nungu village in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The operation was conducted at about 8:00 p.m. on September 18, 2026, after troops deployed at Ungwan Nungu responded to intelligence on the activities of suspected terrorists operating from a hideout in the community.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops made contact with the criminals, resulting in a gun battle during which one of the suspects, identified as Bashir Mohammed, was neutralised.
Other members of the group reportedly fled the scene with possible gunshot wounds sustained during the encounter.
Troops have commenced efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while operations continue in the area to prevent the criminals from regrouping and further terrorising surrounding communities.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops rescue wounded civilians, recover 117 cows, stolen vehicle in Zamfara
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops rescue wounded civilians, recover 117 cows, stolen vehicle in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have disrupted criminal activities in Zamfara State, rescuing three wounded civilians, recovering 117 suspected rustled cattle and other livestock, and retrieving a stolen Toyota Camry.
The operations were conducted as part of ongoing clearance and security operations aimed at restoring peace and protecting communities and road users across the state.
Following a distress call on an attack by armed bandits on travellers along the Dampo–Rumba Road in Bakura Local Government Area, troops rapidly mobilised to the scene and engaged the attackers.
The troops’ firepower forced the assailants to retreat into the surrounding bush, leaving behind three civilians who had sustained injuries during the attack.
The troops immediately administered first aid to the victims and evacuated them to a medical facility for further treatment. The road was subsequently secured, while aggressive patrols continued along the route to safeguard commuters.
In a separate intelligence-led operation, troops deployed around the Magami axis intercepted five trucks suspected of transporting rustled livestock to Gusau.
A thorough search of the trucks led to the recovery of 117 cows, two donkeys, one goat and five cow skins.
The recovered livestock and other items were subsequently handed over to the Chairman of the Zamfara State Committee on the Recovery of Rustled Animals in Gusau for appropriate action and efforts to reunite the animals with their rightful owners.
Similarly, troops operating in Tsafe Local Government Area recovered a stolen Toyota Camry with registration number RBC 804CL following intelligence shared among joint tracking teams.
The driver reportedly refused to stop when flagged down and fled towards a nearby community. Troops pursued the vehicle, forcing the occupants to abandon it and escape on foot.
The recovered vehicle has been secured for further administrative and legal proceedings.
The latest successes underscore the sustained efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops to disrupt bandit activities, protect vulnerable road users, recover stolen property and livestock, and deny criminal elements freedom of movement across Zamfara State.
FG constitutes 10-member panel to probe deaths of 37 in NSCDC custody, suspends 20 officers
FG constitutes 10-member panel to probe deaths of 37 in NSCDC custody, suspends 20 officers
By Zagazola Makama
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State over alleged illegal mining.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the development in a statement on Saturday, September 19, 2026, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 17.
The Minister also ordered the suspension of all officers allegedly involved in the incident, pending the outcome of the investigation, in addition to the earlier suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC.
Tunji-Ojo described the reported deaths as deeply disturbing, stressing that the government owes the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of what happened.
He said the committee would establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and deaths.
The committee is also expected to determine responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct, and recommend appropriate sanctions, compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.
The Minister directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant personnel to fully cooperate with the investigation and ensure that all records and material evidence connected to the incident are preserved and made available to the panel.
“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence,” the Minister warned.
The committee is chaired by Mr Jonathan Kure, mni, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, while Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, will serve as Secretary.
Other members are retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. Olayinka Buhari, Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; a representative of the Niger State Government; Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria; lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and Dr George Agbakahi, a public affairs analyst.
The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister.
It has also been empowered to co-opt relevant experts, access necessary facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident and receive memoranda from members of the public.
Meanwhile, 20 additional NSCDC personnel have been suspended in connection with the incident.
Those suspended include the Officer-in-Charge of Station Guard, SC Usman Isah Ndamaka; Station Guard personnel ASCI Hassan Mohammed and CCA Bala Mohammed; Arresting Officer/OIC Investigation, CSC Oluwadare Sunday; Arresting Officers DCC Obafemi Elvis and CSC Annas Shitto Lamino; HOD Intelligence/Investigation, DCC Philip Ajayi; O/C Legal, ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado; and Day/Night Duty Officer, ASCI Alhassan Mohammed.
Others are IC Abdullahi Sale, IC Mohammed Sonfada, CAI Liman Abubakar, CAI Bala Usman, IC Mohammed Jiya, DSC Isah Suleiman, CAI Ahmed Wushishi, IC Sale Adamu, IC Haruna Mohammed, ASCI Aliyu Sallah and CAI Isah Sanusi.
The Minister expressed condolences to the families of those who died and appealed for calm as the independent investigation gets underway.
Troops foil kidnapping attempt, rescue three victims in Katsina
Troops foil kidnapping attempt, rescue three victims in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Dandume–Damari road in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State, rescuing three abducted men and recovering an abandoned vehicle.
The troops responded swiftly to a distress call from local residents reporting an ongoing abduction along the road. On arrival at the location, the troops made contact with the armed bandits and engaged them, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bushes.
In their haste to escape, the bandits abandoned their victims and a black Volkswagen Golf vehicle. The troops subsequently pursued the fleeing criminals, cleared the immediate area and rescued the three male victims unharmed.
The rescued victims were subjected to preliminary security checks and provided necessary assistance before being allowed to continue their journey safely.
No casualty was recorded among the troops during the encounter.
The successful operation further highlights the sustained efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt criminal activities and deny bandits freedom of action across Katsina State.
The troops have continued day and night security patrols along critical routes and communities in Dandume, Malumfashi and Dutsin-Ma, as well as around educational institutions and other public facilities, to strengthen security and protect residents.
Three reportedly killed after gun men attacked Yan Gwari Market in Mangu, Plateau
Three reportedly killed after gun men attacked Yan Gwari Market in Mangu, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Three people have reportedly been killed in a suspected attack by gun men at Yan Gwari Market in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims reportedly killed at the scene have been identified as Nanker Andrew, Delshak Jacob and Jessica Thomas.
Five other persons Polina Colis, Gloria Fwanshak, Sekyen Lonkat, and Bamret Thomas are reportedly receiving medical treatment following the incident.
One Abdul Muhammad was accosted by the attackers on their withdrawal route around kwata area of the market.
The attackers withdrew through the water board axis
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the identity of the attackers and the motive, remain unclear.
The reported casualty figures and the identities and conditions of those injured are still being verified.
Further updates will be issued as credible information becomes available.
OPWS troops arrest six suspected armed robbers in Benue
OPWS troops arrest six suspected armed robbers in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have arrested six suspected armed robbers at Chembe in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The suspects were apprehended at about 10:15 a.m. on Sept. 16, 2026, by troops stationed at JOORTAR during ongoing operations in the area.
The troops recovered two motorcycles and one round of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the suspects.
The suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
Troops discover and safely recover nine IEDs in Niger State
Troops discover and safely recover nine IEDs in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerien troops have discovered and safely recovered nine command-detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along a road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The IEDs were discovered at about 9:40 a.m. on Sept. 17, 2026, at different locations between Machan, Gyada and Masaka villages along the Baruten Daji–Dekara Road.
Following the discovery, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team moved to the area and safely disconnected and recovered all nine explosives.
The operation prevented a potentially deadly attack and enabled security forces to secure the affected route.
Niger govt imposes 24-hour curfew in Minna over deaths of miners in NSCDC custody
Niger govt imposes 24-hour curfew in Minna over deaths of miners in NSCDC custody
By: Zagazola Makama
The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Minna, the state capital, following rising tension over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The curfew is aimed at dousing tension and maintaining peace and public order in the state capital as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The development comes amid protest in the city with angry youth blocking many part of the town.
There have been multiple investigations into the incident, including a probe ordered by President Bola Tinubu and an investigative committee constituted by the Niger State Government.
Security agencies have been urged to ensure the enforcement of the curfew while protecting lives and property and allowing the investigation into the deaths to proceed without disruption.
VIDEO: IGP Disu meets Niger governor over deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners
VIDEO: IGP Disu meets Niger governor over deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, has arrived at the Niger State Government House in Minna over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The IGP was received by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, during the visit, where he commiserated with the state government and the families affected by the incident.
Disu assured the governor of a thorough, transparent and comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine what led to the loss of lives while the suspects were in government custody.
The visit comes amid growing concern over the incident, with President Bola Tinubu ordering a full and transparent investigation and warning that the Federal Government would not tolerate deaths resulting from official negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
The Niger State Government has also constituted a Committee of Inquiry, while the NSCDC Commandant General has suspended the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and members of his team pending investigations.
Tinubu orders full investigation into deaths of suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody
Tinubu orders full investigation into deaths of suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody
By: Zagazola Makama
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full, transparent and unhindered investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following enforcement operations around the Lt. General Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the life of every Nigerian matters and that no citizen should lose their life while in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
Tinubu expressed deep concern over the reported deaths, describing the development as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
He said while the Federal Government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities across the country, enforcement operations must be conducted strictly within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons in custody.
The President stressed that the fact that the victims were suspected of illegal mining did not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.
He warned that the government would not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect people placed under their care.
“Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse or negligence, contributed to these deaths, such an officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. There must be accountability,” Tinubu said.
The President directed relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive, transparent and unhindered, covering the circumstances of the arrests, the conditions under which the detainees were held, the events leading to their deaths and the conduct of all officials involved.
The directive comes as the Niger State Government has also constituted a Committee of Inquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba as Chairman and Commissioner for Homeland Security Maurice Magaji as Secretary.
The Niger State Government said forensic examinations and autopsies would be conducted to establish the exact cause of death, while the NSCDC Commandant General has suspended the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and members of his team to allow investigations to proceed.
Troops rescue four residents with machete wounds after attack by Fulani bandits in Riyom
Troops rescue four residents with machete wounds after attack by Fulani bandits in Riyom
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have rescued four residents who sustained machete injuries after suspected Fulani militias attacked locals in Gonifal Village, Ganawuri District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, when troops of Sector 6, OPEP, responded to a report of an attack on residents in the community.
The troops’ swift intervention reportedly forced the attackers to flee the area. The troops subsequently exploited the location and rescued four residents found inside a house with machete wounds.
The victims were identified as Bagu Mabuly, Ngyuk Bagu, Musa Bagu and Chen Bagu.
The injured residents were evacuated to Ganawuri Maternity Clinic, where they received first aid treatment.
Meanwhile, troops have commenced a manhunt for the fleeing attackers as security forces continue efforts to track them down and prevent further attacks in the area.
Troops foil militia attack, repel assailants after houses set ablaze in Mangu
Troops foil militia attack, repel assailants after houses set ablaze in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled an attempted attack by suspected militias heading towards Manja community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, when troops of Sector 8, OPEP, responded to a report of movement of suspected militias towards the community.
On sighting the troops, the assailants opened fire, prompting the troops to immediately engage them. The troops reportedly overpowered the attackers, forcing them to retreat deep into the forest.
However, during their withdrawal, the assailants reportedly set some houses on the outskirts of the community ablaze.
The troops subsequently exploited and cleared the general area before returning to base, while efforts are ongoing to establish the extent of damage caused by the reported arson.
Security personnel are also maintaining vigilance in the area as investigations continue and efforts are made to track the fleeing assailants.
Independent journalist Safwan U. Ahmed alerts security agencies over alleged threat to his life in Mangu
Independent journalist Safwan U. Ahmed alerts security agencies over alleged threat to his life in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Independent journalist Safwan U. Yahaya has alerted security authorities over what he described as a threatening and intimidating communication allegedly directed at him by Walshak John Samuel over his publications concerning the Mwaghavul community.
Yahaya made the disclosure in a public statement, saying he decided to release a video publicly because it directly addressed him by name and raised serious concerns about his personal safety.
According to the journalist, Samuel, in the video, spoke directly about his publications concerning the Mwaghavul community, saying he had been monitoring his posts and videos for some time. Ahmed said the speaker cautioned him over what he publishes, referred to the expression “take it or leave it” and ended the message by saying, “Please take this message seriously.”
Yahaya said although Samuel stated that he was not threatening him, he believed the language, context and circumstances surrounding the message warranted a proper security assessment, particularly because he had previously received communications which he considered threatening or intimidating.
The journalist further disclosed that on Aug. 19, 2026, he received another communication containing the words, “Look for him and take him off.” He said he had preserved the evidence and made it available to the appropriate authorities.
Yahaya stressed that he welcomes criticism, corrections and disagreements over his journalism, adding that anyone who considers his reports inaccurate should provide facts and evidence for scrutiny.
He, however, said disagreements over journalism should not degenerate into intimidation or create circumstances in which a journalist genuinely fears for his safety.
The journalist said he had formally reported the matter to the security authorities for investigation, security assessment and preventive intervention.
He also stated that he would not retaliate or take the law into his own hands, but would allow the relevant authorities to examine the evidence and establish the facts.
Yahaya said his journalism remains anchored on facts, evidence, security, accountability and peace, adding that he would continue to advocate peaceful coexistence, justice and accountability without targeting any ethnic or religious community.
He said the decision to make the matter public was not intended to provoke anyone but to document the incident transparently and enable the appropriate authorities to assess the security implications.
“Humanity First. Peace First. Let the evidence speak,” yahaya said.
JNIM claims killing of 150 Malian soldiers, capture of 93 others in Dioura attack
JNIM claims killing of 150 Malian soldiers, capture of 93 others in Dioura attack
By: Zagazola Makama
The Al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has claimed responsibility for the Sept. 10 attack on a Malian military position in Dioura, Mopti Region, alleging that 150 soldiers were killed and 93 others captured.
The attack on the Forces Armées Maliennes (FAMa) position was confirmed by the Malian military, which said at the time that its forces had launched a response operation. The army later reported that several dozen terrorists had been neutralised during the counter-operation, alongside the destruction of several vehicles and motorcycles.
In its latest claim, JNIM said its fighters destroyed 15 military vehicles and more than 100 motorcycles during the assault. The group also claimed to have seized six military vehicles and 10 motorcycles, as well as RPG launchers, mortars, recoilless guns, rifles and large quantities of ammunition.
The figures released by JNIM have not been independently verified. Earlier reports also indicated that the group claimed to have taken control of the military camp before withdrawing, while Malian authorities acknowledged the attack and said a military response was underway.
The claimed casualties, if confirmed, would represent a major loss for the Malian military. However, available independent reporting has cited lower casualty estimates, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the final toll from the battle.
JNIM’s claim comes amid an intensification of attacks against Malian security positions, particularly across the country’s central regions, where the group has continued to challenge government forces and disrupt military movements.
Chad authorities display weapons seized in eastern provinces
Chad authorities display weapons seized in eastern provinces
By: Zagazola Makama
Chadian authorities have displayed a cache of weapons seized during security operations targeting the circulation and illegal possession of firearms across several provinces in eastern Chad.
The seized weapons were presented on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, following operations conducted in Wadi Fira, Ennedi East, Ouaddaï and Sila provinces.
The operations were carried out as part of ongoing efforts by the Chadian authorities to curb the proliferation of weapons and prevent their illegal possession and circulation in the eastern part of the country.
Authorities said the seizures reflected intensified security measures aimed at strengthening control over firearms and other weapons in the region, where the movement of arms remains a major security concern.
The weapons were displayed as part of efforts to demonstrate the outcome of the ongoing crackdown and reinforce measures to prevent seized arms from returning to circulation.
Terrorist kingpin releases 18 rustled cattle following OPEP pressure in Plateau
Terrorist kingpin releases 18 rustled cattle following OPEP pressure in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
JOS, Plateau State — A suspected terrorist kingpin operating along the Plateau-Bauchi border has voluntarily released 18 cattle reportedly rustled from residents of Kukawa in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The development occurred at about 12:00 p.m. on Sept. 17, 2026, following sustained pressure from troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) against terrorist activities in the area.
According to security sources, the cattle were released through the Fulani leader of Kukawa, Alhaji Nahi, by a suspected terrorist kingpin identified as Dogo, who operates around the border between Plateau and Bauchi states.
The livestock were reportedly among cattle rustled by the terrorists around Kukawa.
The release is being viewed by security sources as an indication of the impact of ongoing military operations aimed at disrupting criminal and terrorist activities across the OPEP area of responsibility.
The troops have continued offensive operations in line with the operational directives of Operation ENDURING PEACE, with efforts focused on degrading criminal networks and recovering property taken from communities.
Further security operations are ongoing across the affected areas.
Suspected Fulani Bandits attack illegal miners, injure two in Barkin Ladi
Suspected Fulani Bandits attack illegal miners, injure two in Barkin Ladi
By Zagazola Makama
Two illegal miners sustained machete injuries after suspected armed bandits attacked a mining site in Jong village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 12:25 p.m. on Sept. 17, 2026, when troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a distress report concerning the attack.
The swift intervention of the troops forced the attackers to flee the area before they could cause further harm.
A subsequent search of the scene showed that the assailants had allegedly made away with a pumping machine, two mobile phones and about 50 yards of electric wire.
Two victims, identified as Dung Gyang and Luka Pam, were found at the scene with machete injuries.
The injured victims were evacuated to a hospital for medical attention.
Security personnel have commenced efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while investigation into the incident continues.
Farmer injured in alleged attack by herders in Bokkos
Farmer injured in alleged attack by herders in Bokkos
By Zagazola Makama
A female farmer was injured after she was allegedly attacked by suspected Fulani herders at Josho village in Daffo District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 5:15 p.m. on Sept. 16, 2026, when troops of Sector 5, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a report of an attack on the farmer, identified as Mrs Sarah Luka.
According to the report, the attack followed an alleged dispute after Luka resisted cattle grazing on her farmland.
Troops who arrived at the scene found the victim with injuries, while the suspected attackers had fled before their arrival.
Luka was evacuated to a hospital for medical attention.
Security personnel have commenced efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects for further investigation and appropriate legal action
Army committee inspects sites for new 237 Tank Battalion in Bauchi
Army committee inspects sites for new 237 Tank Battalion in Bauchi
By Zagazola Makama
A high-level military committee has inspected proposed locations for the establishment of the newly formed 237 Tank Battalion in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The inspection was conducted on Sept. 17, 2026, by a committee led by the Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. S.S. Shehu.
The delegation included the Bauchi State Commissioner for Lands, the Chief Security Adviser to the Bauchi State Government and the Chairman of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, among other officials.
On arrival at the headquarters of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 82, Operation ENDURING PEACE, in Tafawa Balewa, the delegation was received by the Sub-Sector Commander, Maj. F. Ogunleke.
Ogunleke subsequently led the committee on an inspection of selected temporary facilities being considered to accommodate the battalion.
Among the facilities inspected were the ATBU Annex and the Government Girls Secondary School, Tafawa Balewa.
The committee also assessed two locations being considered for the permanent establishment of the battalion one in Tafawa Balewa and another in Murno, Boto District of the local government area.
The inspection ended at about 1:30 p.m., after which the committee proceeded to Toro for further engagements as part of the ongoing process for establishing the battalion.
The development is part of efforts to identify suitable facilities and locations for the operational deployment and long-term accommodation of the newly established military formation.
Troops repel terrorists’ attack in Tsafe, several attackers reportedly wounded
Troops repel terrorists’ attack in Tsafe, several attackers reportedly wounded
By Zagazola Makama
TSafe, Zamfara State — Troops have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists in the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, with several of the attackers reportedly wounded during the encounter.
The incident occurred on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, in a mountainous area around the outskirts of Tsafe, along the route from Magazu towards Kwanoni.
Sources said the attackers launched the assault at about 2:20 p.m., triggering a prolonged exchange of gunfire that lasted until around 3:54 p.m.
The troops responded to the attack and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forest and rocky terrain.
Sources in the area said some of the terrorists were wounded during the confrontation, while there were also unconfirmed reports that some may have been killed.
Security personnel were said to be consolidating their positions in the area while efforts were ongoing to establish the exact casualties suffered by the attackers.
Further details on the incident and the identities or number of casualties were still being gathered as of the time of filing this report.
DSS re-arraigns five suspected Ansaru members over Oyo school kidnapping
DSS re-arraigns five suspected Ansaru members over Oyo school kidnapping
By Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS) has re-arraigned five men accused of involvement in the May 15 kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as the subsequent killing of two of the victims.
The defendants were brought before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a seven-count charge bordering on their alleged involvement in the activities of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, commonly known as Ansaru.
The five suspects pleaded not guilty to all seven counts when the charges were read to them.
Following their pleas, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who led the DSS legal team, urged the court to fix an early date for the commencement of trial in accordance with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Oyedepo also asked the court to protect the identities of prosecution witnesses expected to testify during the trial.
He specifically requested that the names of the witnesses be shielded and that they be allowed to give evidence while wearing masks, citing the need to safeguard them from possible threats.
The defence counsel, Bala Dakum, did not object to the applications.
Justice Salim Ibrahim subsequently granted the requests of the prosecution and ordered that the witnesses’ identities be protected in accordance with the court’s directives.
The judge adjourned the case until Oct. 18, 2026, for further proceedings.
He also ordered that the five defendants remain in the custody of the DSS pending the continuation of the case.
The prosecution alleges that the suspects were connected to the kidnapping operation in Oriire, during which pupils and teachers were abducted, with two of the victims later killed.
The case is expected to provide further details of the alleged roles of the defendants and their links, if established in court, to the Ansaru terrorist network.
Breaking: NSCDC launches probe as 30 suspected illegal miners die in Commands custody in Niger
Breaking: NSCDC launches probe as 30 suspected illegal miners die in Commands custody in Niger
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered an investigation into the deaths of several suspected illegal miners arrested during an enforcement operation in Niger State.
The suspects were apprehended on Sept. 15 and 16, 2026, during a joint operation targeting illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the state.
The NSCDC Niger State Command initially reported that scores of detainees were found dead in the early hours of Sept. 17 following what was described as a suspected disease outbreak.
The remains have since been evacuated to the General Hospital, Minna, where medical examinations are expected to determine the actual cause of death.
The development has generated concern among relatives of some of the detainees, with family members alleging that more than 30 people died while in custody.
However, the NSCDC has cautioned against attributing the deaths to any particular disease before medical and laboratory examinations are concluded.
In a statement issued by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, directed the immediate constitution of a high-powered investigative team.
The team, headed by the Deputy Commandant General responsible for Intelligence and Investigation, is expected to establish what happened before and after the suspects were taken into custody.
Investigators are to examine the physical condition of the detainees at the point of arrest, the duration of their detention, conditions inside the facility, medical care provided to them and other circumstances that could have contributed to the deaths.
The Corps said it was also working with health authorities and other security agencies to implement appropriate medical and public-health measures.
It further directed that the health and welfare of suspects still in custody be given immediate priority, while personnel who may have come into contact with the affected detainees are also protected.
The NSCDC said the incident would be addressed strictly on the basis of verified medical and investigative findings.
The Corps also reiterated that its campaign against illegal mining would continue, stressing that the enforcement of the law must be carried out alongside respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons in custody.
The Commandant General expressed condolences to the families of those who died and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated.
The Corps appealed to the public to remain calm while the medical and investigative processes are concluded, promising to release further information as verified facts become available.
The incident has meanwhile raised questions about the health status and detention conditions of the arrested miners, with the pending medical examination expected to provide critical answers on what caused the deaths.
Chad releases Seba python into Zah Soo National Park
Chad releases Seba python into Zah Soo National Park
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chadian authorities have successfully released a Seba python into a waterway within the Zah Soo National Park as part of efforts to protect wildlife and preserve the country’s natural ecosystem.
Chad’s Minister of the Environment, Hassan Bakhit Djamous, announced the development on Sept. 17, 2026, in a statement published on his Facebook page.
The minister said the python was successfully released into a waterway in the national park, although he did not provide further details on where the reptile was rescued from or the circumstances that led to its relocation.
The Seba python, also known as the African rock python, is one of Africa’s largest snake species and is associated with wetlands, grasslands and other suitable habitats.
The release highlights ongoing efforts by environmental authorities to return wildlife to appropriate natural habitats and support the conservation of biodiversity.
Zah Soo National Park is among the protected areas where wildlife conservation efforts are being pursued as authorities seek to safeguard natural habitats and maintain ecological balance.
Twelve years on: A tribute to Braimoh, Hedima and other fallen heroes
Twelve years on: A tribute to Braimoh, Hedima and other fallen heroes
By Edward Gabkwet
The month of September 2026 marks 12 years since two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots took to the skies on a mission from which one would never return, while the other would disappear into the uncertainty of war.
Group Captain Abdulrasheed Bamidele Braimoh and Wing Commander Chimda Hedima were flying an Alpha Jet aircraft, NAF 466, on a combat mission against Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast when their aircraft went down near Kauri in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State on September 12, 2014.
Hedima was subsequently captured and killed by the terrorists, while Braimoh has since been declared killed in action, in line with the provisions of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Twelve years later, their story deserves more than a passing mention. It deserves to be remembered. More importantly, it should compel us to confront an uncomfortable question: How much do Nigerians truly appreciate the men and women who stand between the nation and those who seek to destroy it?
Many would agree that we have become too accustomed to casualty figures involving soldiers killed or maimed, aircraft lost or another funeral taking place. This is a sad reality that risks making tragedies appear ordinary.
But it must not be so.
Behind every military or para-military casualty is the story of a child who will grow up without a parent, parents who will bury their sons or daughters, spouses who suddenly become widows or widowers, and comrades who must return to the battlefield knowing that the colleague who stood beside them yesterday will not be there tomorrow.
Oftentimes, Nigerians criticise military operations, especially when there are setbacks. Such criticism is understandable, particularly in a democratic society like ours. However, in the intensity of these arguments, we sometimes forget the men and women at the centre of these operations.
The pilot who straps himself into a combat aircraft does not know with certainty whether the mission will end with a safe landing. In the same way, the soldier or sailor who moves into a forward position cannot be certain that he or she will return home to family.
Yet, they proceed.
They serve with honour and courage, accepting the enormous burden and consequences that come with their duty. The willingness to place one’s life in danger for the survival and security of others is one of the noblest obligations a citizen can undertake.
Braimoh and Hedima did precisely that on September 12, 2014.
Nigeria’s counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts have produced heroes whose names are well known, as well as many others whose sacrifices have barely entered the national consciousness.
Some died in heroic battles, while others paid the supreme price in ambushes, improvised explosive device attacks or assaults on isolated outposts, with their stories receiving little national attention.
Neglecting the legacies of such heroes who paid the supreme price strikes at the heart of a nation’s sense of responsibility. A nation that ignores its fallen heroes risks losing its sense of national obligation, and the consequences of such neglect can extend far beyond the immediate grief of their families.
Honouring our heroes must therefore go beyond ceremonies associated with the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day or occasions when their coffins are draped in the national flag.
There should be a permanent and accessible national record of Nigeria’s fallen military personnel. Their names, photographs and stories should be preserved. Their families should be recognised, and their sacrifices should form part of our national history.
Perhaps most importantly, young Nigerians should be taught that citizenship is not only about what one receives from the nation, but also about what some citizens have sacrificed for its survival.
As we evoke the memories of Group Captain Abdulrasheed Bamidele Braimoh and Wing Commander Chimda Hedima, we should also remember the many other Nigerian military and para-military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Twelve years after NAF 466 disappeared from the skies over the Northeast, the memories of Braimoh, Hedima and many others should remind us that the fight against terrorism has never been merely about recovering lost territory or counting casualties.
It has always been about those who leave home in uniform, venture into dangerous environments so that others can remain safe, and sometimes do not return.
Today, let us pause and remember the pilots, soldiers, airmen, sailors and para-military personnel who sacrificed their lives for our safety. Let us also remember their families, who continue to live with their absence.
And let us remember that behind every military casualty is a Nigerian life given in the service of our nation.
May we never become so accustomed to the sacrifices of our Armed Forces and other security agencies that we cease to be moved by them.
May we never forget Braimoh, Hedima and the many others who went before and after them.
And may Nigeria always remain worthy of the sacrifices made in her defence.
Gabkwet, an Air Vice Marshal, writes from Abuja.
Troops intercept bus carrying illegal mining equipment in Kogi
Troops intercept bus carrying illegal mining equipment in Kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have intercepted a commercial bus conveying suspected illegal mining equipment en route to Agbaja Forest in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The interception was carried out at about 0223 hours on Sept. 15, 2026, at the Jamata Block position, following the movement of the equipment from Zamfara State.
According to security sources, the troops intercepted the equipment while it was being offloaded from the commercial bus into a boat for onward transportation to the forest.
The suspected illegal miners reportedly fled upon sighting the troops, abandoning the equipment and the vehicle.
Items recovered included three mining machines, three pumping machines, six rolls of pressure pipes, four diesel engine parts, seven head pans, 15 shovels and three sieving rugs.
The troops also recovered one 14-seater commercial bus suspected to have been used to convey the equipment from Zamfara State.
The recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Government for further necessary action.
Security authorities are expected to continue investigations to identify the individuals behind the movement of the equipment and determine the intended mining activities in the Agbaja Forest.
Troops rescue 22 kidnapped victims in Niger State
Troops rescue 22 kidnapped victims in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 18 Brigade, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, have rescued 22 kidnapped victims during an operation against terrorists in Muchiya Village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
The operation was conducted at about 1430 hours on Sept. 15, 2026, following reports of terrorist activities in the area.
According to security sources, the troops responded to the location and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandon their victims.
A total of 22 kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation, while one victim sustained injuries and was evacuated to a hospital for medical attention.
The troops also recovered three motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists.
The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the leadership of Muchiya community for further action and reunification with their families.
Security forces are expected to sustain operations in the area to track fleeing terrorists and prevent further attacks and abductions.
Troops arrest two suspected ISWAP members in Borno, Adamawa
Troops arrest two suspected ISWAP members in Borno, Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 247 Reconnaissance Battalion, in collaboration with local hunters, have arrested two suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during separate operations in Borno and Adamawa states.
The first suspect was apprehended at about 1100 hours on Sept. 15, 2026, by troops deployed at UBA, in conjunction with hunters, at UBA-Marghi Village in Askira Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to security sources, the suspect was arrested while allegedly wearing clothing associated with ISWAP.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect had stayed in Kelle Village, also in Askira LGA, in 2025. The village is reported to have been dominated by ISWAP elements at the time.
In a separate operation at about 1305 hours the same day, troops of the 247 Reconnaissance Battalion, working with local hunters, arrested another suspected ISWAP member at Kwachifa Village in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The second suspect was identified as an indigene of Kaita Town in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation to having worked with terrorist elements for about nine years.
The two suspects remain in military custody and are undergoing further investigation to establish their links, activities and possible networks.
Security agencies are expected to conduct further screening and intelligence exploitation as part of efforts to identify other individuals connected to the suspected terrorist networks.
Troops recover 40 cows after alleged destruction of retired general’s farm in Plateau
Troops recover 40 cows after alleged destruction of retired general’s farm in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have recovered 40 cows found grazing on a farm belonging to retired Major General JB Amodu at Jebbu Village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 1830 hours on Sept. 15, 2026, following a report of alleged destruction of the farm.
According to security sources, troops deployed to the location responded to the report and intercepted 40 cows grazing on the farm without a herder in sight.
The livestock were subsequently moved to a safe location for further necessary action and to prevent possible escalation of the situation.
The development highlights the continuing security and land-use tensions in parts of Plateau State, particularly incidents involving open grazing and alleged destruction of farmlands.
Security authorities are expected to establish the ownership of the livestock and circumstances surrounding their presence on the farm.
87-year-old woman found dead in Jos wildlife forest reserve
87-year-old woman found dead in Jos wildlife forest reserve
By: Zagazola Makama
An 87-year-old woman, identified as Mrs Kande Bulus, has been found dead along a stream in the Wildlife Park Forest Reserve in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident was reported at about 0930 hours on Sept. 16, 2026, after troops of Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a report of the discovery.
According to security sources, preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased had left her family residence in Dong Kassa, Jos North LGA, and proceeded to the Wildlife Park Forest Reserve but did not return home.
Concerned family members subsequently launched a search for her and discovered her body near a stream within the forest reserve.
The body was reportedly found with injuries consistent with machete cuts on her arm and face.
Security authorities have commenced further investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and determine whether any criminal elements were involved.
Efforts are ongoing to gather additional information that could assist investigators in establishing the events leading to the incident.
Farmer found dead after failing to return home in Plateau, residents suspected fulani herders to be responsible
Farmer found dead after failing to return home in Plateau, residents suspected fulani herders to be responsible
By: Zagazola Makama
A 48-year-old farmer, identified as Mr Marcus Yakubu, has been found dead on high ground at Kassa Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State as residents suspects that the attack was carried out by fulani herders.
The discovery was made at about 0838 hours on Sept. 16, 2026, after troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a report of a corpse found in the area.
According to security sources, troops arrived at the location and confirmed the body as that of Yakubu, who had reportedly left home on Sept. 15 to carry out farming activities but failed to return.
The deceased’s family members subsequently located and recovered his body.
Troops rescue two-year-old boy from kidnappers in Kaduna
Troops rescue two-year-old boy from kidnappers in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have rescued a two-year-old boy abducted alongside his mother by suspected kidnappers at Ungwan Nungu Village in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The rescue operation was conducted at about 1600 hours on Sept. 16, 2026, following intelligence on the movement of the kidnappers and their victims.
According to security sources, troops conducted a search operation at Tayu High Grounds in Tayu Village and adjoining areas of Sanga LGA in an effort to locate the abducted mother and child.
During the advance, the troops made contact with the suspected kidnappers, leading to an exchange of fire.
The kidnappers subsequently abandoned one of the victims, identified as Jafaru Baba, two years old, and fled into the surrounding bush.
The rescued child was recovered by the troops and later handed over to his father.
Security sources said troops expended 17 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition during the encounter.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the boy’s mother and apprehend the suspected kidnappers responsible for the abduction.
Security forces have also intensified search operations across the surrounding terrain to deny the fleeing criminals freedom of movement.
Troops arrest three notorious cattle rustling syndicates, recover 27 cattle in Plateau
Troops arrest three notorious cattle rustling syndicates, recover 27 cattle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have arrested three suspected cattle rustling syndicates and recovered 27 cattle believed to have been stolen after attack on Fulani herders in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted at about 0535 hours on Sept. 16, 2026, following reports of cattle-rustling activities at Perka Village, Ampang District, Mangu LGA.
According to security sources, troops raided an identified hideout of the suspected cattle rustlers in the village and arrested three suspects identified as Danjuma Bakmun, 33; Nantok Bitrus, 30; and Manji Ibrahim, 30.
The troops also recovered 27 cattle suspected to have been rustled from their owners.
The suspects and recovered livestock were subsequently moved to the troops’ location in Mangun for further interrogation.
The latest recovery has also drawn attention to the sustained targeted killing and cattle rustling which continue to fuel insecurity in parts of Mangu. Recalled that three young Fulani herders were killed suspected Mwaghavul militia in Alohom community, Sabon Gari District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. The victims including Garzali Shuibu, 18; Bashiru Yakubu, 14; and Salim Abubakar, 15 were reportedly attacked while grazing in the area on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The soldiers deployed from Sabon Gari moved to the location and reportedly found the horrifying bodies of the three youths, alongside 36 cattle that had been shot dead. Another 12 cattle sustained gunshot wounds, while two other members of the herding group were reported missing.
The targeting of herders is particularly significant because the killing of young herders, theft of cattle or destruction of livestock can generate immediate anger within affected communities and create conditions for retaliatory attacks.
Similarly, attacks on farming communities, including killings, destruction of crops and other property, have also contributed to grievances and reprisals.
Operation Enduring Peace have set up perimeters to mitigate farm encroachment but both the herders and farmers have continued to violate the agreement. While the farmers continued to destroy farmlands, the locals also continue to stage poisonous crops along cattle as part of deliberate efforts to kill cattle belonging to the fulani.
The security concern, therefore, goes beyond the recovery of stolen cattle. Criminal elements who attack vulnerable communities have continued to exploit existing ethnic and communal tensions, while subsequent reprisals often widen the conflict and make it increasingly difficult to distinguish ordinary criminality from communal violence.
Security forces have consequently continued to emphasise intelligence gathering, early intervention and community cooperation to prevent isolated criminal incidents from escalating into broader reprisals.
Meanwhile, Fulani leaders have been invited to assist security authorities in identifying the rightful owners of the recovered cattle.
Sources said investigation is ongoing to establish the suspects’ alleged involvement in recent attacks against herders and the cattle rustling in Mangu general area.
Troops foil suspected Fulani militia reprisal attack in Mangu, Plateau
Troops foil suspected Fulani militia reprisal attack in Mangu, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have foiled a reprisal attack by suspected Fulani militias at Manja Village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 0558 hours on Sept. 16, 2026, when troops deployed at Manja Forest responded to a report of an attack on the community.
According to security sources, the troops’ swift intervention forced the suspected attackers to retreat deep into the surrounding bush.
The troops subsequently exploited the general area in search of fleeing or remaining attackers before returning to their base.
Security personnel have maintained a red alert in the area to forestall any further incursion or attack on the community.
No casualty was reported in the initial account of the incident.
Plateau killings: IGP Disu visits state, vows to hunt down attackers
Plateau killings: IGP Disu visits state, vows to hunt down attackers
By: Zagazola Makama
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has visited Plateau State following a wave of deadly attacks in parts of the state, assuring residents that the Nigeria Police Force would intensify operations to apprehend those responsible.
Disu, who arrived in the state on Wednesday, paid a condolence visit to the Plateau State Government over the recent killings and expressed the Police Force’s commitment to strengthening security operations across affected communities.
The visit followed the killing of nine passengers travelling in a commercial bus at Dungus Junction, Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area, as well as separate attacks in Vodni community in Pushit District of Mangu LGA and Tahoos community in Riyom LGA.
Speaking during the visit, Disu said he was in the state to engage with stakeholders and address the security challenges arising from the recent attacks.
“I am on the Plateau to discuss issues bothering on the killings in Mangu and other parts of the state,” the IGP said.
He said the Police were concerned about the deteriorating security situation and had already made some arrests in connection with the incidents.
“We are not happy with the situation and I can assure you we have made some arrests,” Disu said.
The IGP further said he had engaged relevant stakeholders as part of efforts to develop lasting solutions to the recurring violence.
According to him, the Police would continue to work with the state government, other security agencies and local communities to improve security and restore confidence among residents.
“Having gone round and engaged with stakeholders to have lasting solutions to the problem, I can assure you people have hope and confidence in the police and we will continue working together in synergy and collaboration for a secure environment,” he said.
Disu assured the Plateau State Government that the Police would strengthen collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to address the security challenges confronting the state.
He also pledged that security agencies would continue efforts to identify, arrest and bring those responsible for the recent attacks to justice.
The IGP’s visit comes amid heightened security operations across parts of Plateau State following a series of attacks and reprisal incidents that have claimed civilian lives and heightened tensions among communities.
Troops arrest two suspected burglars over hotel air conditioner theft in Jos
Troops arrest two suspected burglars over hotel air conditioner theft in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have arrested two suspected burglars accused of stealing air conditioner compressors from a hotel along Busa Buji Road in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspects were arrested at about 1610 hours on Sept. 15, 2026, following a report that two individuals had burgled the facility where they were reportedly lodged.
According to security sources, troops responded to the report and arrested the suspects, identified as Usman Jafar, 28, and Ibrahim Abdullahi, also known as Abba, 30.
During preliminary questioning, the suspects reportedly confessed to burgling the hotel and stealing two air conditioner compressors.
Items recovered from the suspects included one desert vest, one military identification card, one screwdriver, three pliers and one mobile phone, among other items.
The suspects remain in custody and are undergoing investigation to establish the full extent of their alleged activities and determine whether they are connected to other cases of burglary in the area.
Security authorities said further action would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
Troops rescue 31 kidnapped victims, neutralise two terrorists in North-West
Troops rescue 31 kidnapped victims, neutralise two terrorists in North-West
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and disrupted terrorist activities during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi States.
In Katsina State, troops rescued 10 kidnapped victims, including an infant, following a sustained operation against terrorists responsible for the abduction of civilians in Funtua Local Government Area.
The operation followed reports of the abduction of residents from communities within the area, prompting troops to pursue the fleeing terrorists and engage them.
In a separate operation in Kebbi State, troops rescued 21 kidnapped victims in Kangiwa Local Government Area and subsequently facilitated their reunion with their families.
The operations also resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected terrorists, including a suspected terrorist kingpin identified as Abbah Alhassan.
Troops further arrested two suspected terrorists linked to criminal networks operating in Katsina State.
Security sources said the operations were conducted through sustained intelligence gathering, rapid response and coordinated ground actions aimed at disrupting terrorist and kidnapping networks across the North-West.
The latest successes are expected to provide relief to affected communities while further degrading the operational activities of criminal groups in the region.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have continued to sustain offensive and intelligence-led operations across the North-West as part of efforts to rescue kidnapped victims, disrupt criminal networks and restore security to affected communities.
OPEP Commander visits NTV community after attack, leads clearance operations in Plateau
OPEP Commander visits NTV community after attack, leads clearance operations in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), alongside the Commander of Sub-Sector 41, has visited NTV community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State following an attack that claimed the lives of two local vigilantes and left another injured.
The visit took place at about 1030 hours on Sept. 16, 2026, a day after suspected attackers opened fire on local vigilantes who were on sentry duty within the community.
During the visit, the Sector Commander sympathised with the families of the deceased and the Magharvul community over the loss of their loved ones.
Addressing community members, the commander urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in preventing criminal activities and responding effectively to threats within the area.
He also encouraged the community to sustain its cooperation and synergy with security agencies as part of collective efforts to restore and maintain peace.
Following the engagement, the commander led troops in clearance operations across surrounding bushes and mountainous terrain identified by community members as possible routes used by the attackers.
The operation was aimed at denying suspected armed groups freedom of movement and disrupting their ability to launch further attacks against the community.
Troops also provided security cover during the burial of the victims to prevent any possible disruption and reassure residents.
Security sources said the morale and fighting efficiency of troops remain satisfactory as operations continue to dominate the area and prevent further attacks.
Kidnapped woman escapes abductors in Plateau, receives treatment for minor injuries
Kidnapped woman escapes abductors in Plateau, receives treatment for minor injuries
By: Zagazola Makama
A woman who was kidnapped by suspected armed robbers along the Kassa–Barkin Ladi highway in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State has reportedly escaped from her abductors and is receiving medical treatment.
The victim was abducted on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, after suspected armed robbers blocked the highway with stones and intercepted vehicles along the route.
Security sources said the woman managed to escape from her abductors in the early hours of Wednesday, Sept. 16, and subsequently made her way to safety.
She is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Heipang, where she is being attended to for minor injuries reportedly sustained during the incident.
The development followed an earlier response by troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), deployed at the Alpha Guard location, who cleared the highway after discovering an ash-coloured Sharon vehicle without a registration number at the scene.
Sources said a security team has been dispatched to independently verify the circumstances of the woman’s escape and establish the location from which she escaped, as well as gather further evidence.
Security forces are also expected to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend the suspected kidnappers operating along the Kassa–Barkin Ladi axis.
Operation Enduring Peace troops arrest two suspected Mhwaghavul militia for cattle rustle in Mangu
Operation Enduring Peace troops arrest two suspected Mhwaghavul militia for cattle rustle in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have arrested two suspected Mhwagavul militia for cattle rustling during a raid operation at Mangun Village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted at about 1800 hours on Sept. 15, 2026, following reports of activities by suspected cattle rustlers operating in the area.
According to security sources, the troops raided an identified hideout of the suspected criminals in the village and arrested two suspects identified as Klishik Dashuk, 28, and Bamshak Micheal, 26.
Items recovered from the suspects included two mobile phones, quantities of substances suspected to be marijuana and other illicit drugs, as well as ₦28,755 in cash.
The suspects are currently in military custody and undergoing interrogation to establish their alleged involvement in cattle rustling and other criminal activities in the area.
Armed robbers kidnap passenger after blocking highway in Plateau
Armed robbers kidnap passenger after blocking highway in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected armed robbers and kidnappers have abducted a passenger after blocking the Kassa–Barkin Ladi highway with stones in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 1956 hours on Sept. 15, 2026, along the road in the Barkin Ladi area.
According to security sources, troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), deployed at Alpha Guard location, responded to reports of suspected armed robbers and kidnappers operating along the highway.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops discovered an ash-coloured Sharon vehicle without a registration number.
Further checks revealed that one passenger had been whisked away by the criminals before the arrival of the troops.
The troops immediately cleared the highway of the obstruction to restore the free flow of traffic and prevent further attacks on motorists.
Efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the kidnapped victim while security forces intensify operations to track down the fleeing criminals.
Two killed, one injured as suspected Fulani Bandits attack NTV community in Plateau
Two killed, one injured as suspected Fulani Bandits attack NTV community in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Two residents were killed while another sustained gunshot wounds when suspected Fulani militias attacked the NTV axis of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack occurred at about 2300 hours on Sept. 15, 2026, when troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Gashish, responded to reports of sporadic shootings in the community.
According to security sources, Keystone personnel deployed in NTV engaged the suspected attackers after they launched an assault on the community, forcing the assailants to withdraw into the surrounding bush.
The troops, alongside the Keystone personnel, subsequently searched the area and discovered the bodies of two locals identified as Perit Danladi and Homefry Caleb.
Another resident, identified as Rinfaranga Williams, was found with gunshot wounds and was evacuated to a General Hospital for medical treatment.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the attack was allegedly carried out as a reprisal following the recent killing of cattle in Mangu Local Government Area.
Security forces have continued to dominate the general area and launched offensive operations and a manhunt for the fleeing attackers.
The development underscores the fragile security situation in parts of Plateau State, where attacks and reprisals between communities continue to fuel tension and insecurity.
Troops arrest six suspected illegal miners in Plateau
Troops arrest six suspected illegal miners in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have arrested six suspected illegal miners during an operation at a mining site in Agindi Village, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted at about 1450 hours on Sept. 15, 2026, as part of efforts to check illegal mining activities in the area.
According to security sources, the troops raided the mining site and arrested six suspects identified as Gabriel Sunday, 17; Shedrack Bulus, 17; Vincent Amos, 17; Victor Ishaya, 19; Micheal Adikaba, 15; and Nikus Adikaba, 19.
Items recovered during the operation included two diggers, shovels, cutlasses, one fetcher and five mobile phones.
The suspects were taken into custody and profiled for further action as security authorities continue efforts to curb illegal mining and associated criminal activities in the area.
Troops Investigate Death of Businessman in Bokkos Stray-Bullet Incident
Troops Investigate Death of Businessman in Bokkos Stray-Bullet Incident
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State are investigating the death of a businessman, identified as Musa Saidu, who was allegedly killed by a stray bullet during a security response to an incident in Sha District on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026.
Sources said the incident occurred earlier in the day when security personnel responded to reported security incidents in the area.
Saidu, who was described by residents as a well-known businessman in the community, was reportedly inside his residence when he was struck by a bullet.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remained unclear as of the time of filing this report, while authorities were yet to establish whether the bullet was fired by security personnel responding to the incident.
The Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) in Bokkos LGA subsequently visited the victim’s family and expressed concern over the incident.
The commander reportedly assured the family that the circumstances leading to Saidu’s death would be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate findings would be established.
Residents said the incident had caused tension in the community, with calls for a transparent investigation to determine how the businessman was killed.
The development comes amid heightened security operations in parts of Plateau State following recurring attacks and reprisals involving communities in the affected areas.
Security authorities have continued to urge residents to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations into security-related incidents.
Zagazola understands that further details on the outcome of the investigation are expected from the security authorities.
Troops arrest six suspected illegal miners, seize 5,000 bags of ilmenite sand in Bayelsa
Troops arrest six suspected illegal miners, seize 5,000 bags of ilmenite sand in Bayelsa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force South South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have arrested six suspected illegal miners and intercepted a large wooden boat conveying about 5,000 bags of illegally mined ilmenite sand in Bayelsa State.
The suspects were apprehended at about 4:45 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2026, when troops of 343 Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion deployed at Tamogbene in Ekeremor Local Government Area intercepted the locally made wooden boat.
Security sources said the troops, acting on operational information, stopped the vessel and discovered the mineral-laden bags being transported from the area.
Six persons suspected to be involved in the illegal mining and transportation of the mineral resources were arrested during the operation.
The suspects, alongside the recovered boat and the 5,000 bags of suspected illegally mined ilmenite sand, have been taken into military custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces in the Niger Delta to tackle illegal mining and other activities considered detrimental to the region’s natural resources and security environment.
The latest arrest underscores the continued military focus on disrupting illicit economic activities and the movement of illegally extracted mineral resources through waterways in the South-South region.
OPWS troops arrest suspected gunrunner, recover locally fabricated pistol, ammunition in Nasarawa
OPWS troops arrest suspected gunrunner, recover locally fabricated pistol, ammunition in Nasarawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered a locally fabricated pistol and four rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition in Nasarawa State.
The arrest was carried out at about 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 13, 2026, when troops of Sector 2, OPWS, deployed at Obi, apprehended the suspect at Agwatashi in Obi Local Government Area.
Security sources said the troops recovered one locally fabricated pistol and four rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the suspect.
The suspect and the recovered items have since been handed over to the Police Division in Obi for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces under OPWS to disrupt the illegal movement of firearms and ammunition and prevent such weapons from reaching criminal elements operating across Nasarawa and neighbouring communities.
Troops neutralise two terrorists, recover HK 21 machine gun in Niger
Troops neutralise two terrorists, recover HK 21 machine gun in Niger
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD have neutralised two terrorists during a fighting patrol in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The operation was conducted at about 8:55 a.m. on Sept. 14, 2026, when troops of the Civilian Intervention Battalion (CIB) XVI, conducting a fighting patrol from Dekara towards Gidan Zana and Sabon Gida general areas, encountered the terrorists.
Security sources said the troops engaged the terrorists during the patrol and successfully neutralised two of them.
The troops subsequently recovered one HK 21 machine gun and 15 belted rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition from the operation.
The fighting patrol was part of ongoing efforts by troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the general area, disrupt terrorist activities and prevent armed groups from establishing freedom of movement across communities in the axis.
Troops have continued to maintain offensive and patrol operations across vulnerable areas to deny criminal and terrorist elements access to communities and key routes.
Troops raid terrorist enclaves near Nigeria-Niger border, recover AK-47, ammunition in Kebbi
Troops raid terrorist enclaves near Nigeria-Niger border, recover AK-47, ammunition in Kebbi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2 have conducted an offensive operation against terrorist enclaves around Gumki in Arewa Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, forcing the terrorists to withdraw towards the fringes of the Nigeria-Niger border.
The operation was conducted at about 3:00 a.m. on Sept. 14, 2026, when troops of 1 Battalion moved against suspected terrorist enclaves in the Gumki general area.
Security sources said the troops made contact with the terrorists during the operation, resulting in a firefight.
Unable to withstand the troops’ offensive, the terrorists reportedly withdrew from the area, allowing the troops to exploit the location and recover weapons, ammunition and other items.
The recovered items included one AK-47 rifle with an additional magazine, one PKT machine-gun magazine, 187 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 PKT ammunition and 14 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm special ammunition.
Troops also recovered four motorcycles, two mobile phones, combat kits, assorted charms and the sum of ₦87,000.
The operation is part of sustained efforts by security forces to dismantle terrorist enclaves and deny armed groups freedom of movement along communities bordering Niger Republic.
Troops are continuing offensive and clearance operations in the area while maintaining surveillance around the border axis to prevent the terrorists from regrouping or returning to the affected enclaves.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist spy, recover attack footage in Borno
Troops arrest suspected terrorist spy, recover attack footage in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gajiram have arrested a suspected terrorist spy during a patrol along the Maiduguri–Monguno Road in Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspect was apprehended at about 3:20 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2026, when troops deployed at FOB Gajiram encountered him during a patrol along the Main Supply Route (MSR).
During a search, troops recovered a mobile phone and clothes packed inside a sack bag from the suspect.
Security sources said further examination of the mobile phone allegedly revealed video footage depicting terrorist attacks on troops.
The suspect was subsequently taken into custody by Sector 3 Military Intelligence Battalion (MIB) for further investigation and appropriate action.
The arrest highlights ongoing intelligence-led efforts by security forces to identify individuals suspected of providing information or other forms of support to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
Troops continue to conduct patrols and intelligence operations along major routes and vulnerable communities in Borno to disrupt terrorist networks and prevent attacks on military and civilian targets.
Troops arrest four suspected terrorist collaborators, recover ₦4m in Monguno
Troops arrest four suspected terrorist collaborators, recover ₦4m in Monguno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested four suspected terrorist collaborators and recovered ₦4 million during an operation in Monguno town, Borno State.
The suspects were apprehended at about 12:15 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2026, at Charlie 7 in Monguno, during an operation conducted by the troops and CJTF personnel.
During the operation, the security personnel recovered a backpack sprayer, one arrow and three mobile phones from the suspects.
A sack containing ₦4 million in cash was also recovered during the operation.
The four suspects and the recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
The arrests form part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations by security forces to identify and disrupt individuals suspected of providing support to terrorist networks operating in the Lake Chad Basin.
Security forces have continued to intensify surveillance, patrols and intelligence gathering across Monguno and other communities in the North-East to deny terrorist groups access to logistics, information and financial support.
Terrorist member surrenders with AK-47, explosives in Borno
Terrorist member surrenders with AK-47, explosives in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
A suspected terrorist member has surrendered to troops of Sector 2 in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, handing over an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and other military items.
The terrorist reportedly surrendered at about 8:20 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2026, at the Borgozo parapet in Benisheikh town, following an approach to troops of 29 Task Force Brigade and Forest Guards.
According to security sources, the suspect claimed to have escaped from the Timbuktu Triangle on Sept. 11 before making his way to the troops to surrender.
He reportedly handed over one AK-47 rifle, one additional magazine and 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Other items surrendered included two unserviceable AK-47 magazines, one hand grenade, one locally made improvised explosive device (IED), one magazine pouch and a bicycle.
The development is significant as security forces continue to combine sustained pressure on terrorist enclaves with opportunities for members willing to abandon violence to surrender and return to peaceful civilian life.
The surrendered suspect and recovered items have been taken into custody for further processing and investigation, while security forces continue to intensify operations around the Kaga axis and other areas of Borno State.
Troops intercept two suspected JAS family members heading to Mandara Mountains
Troops intercept two suspected JAS family members heading to Mandara Mountains
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, have intercepted two persons suspected to be family members of fighters belonging to the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction while allegedly attempting to reach terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains.
The suspects were intercepted at about 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2026, by troops of 192 Battalion (Mechanised) during a patrol along the Gwoza–Limankara Road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the two suspects were intercepted while travelling towards the Gathahure/Kunde areas of the Mandara Mountains, where JAS elements are known to operate.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly revealed that the suspects had departed Kaleri Street in Maiduguri on Sept. 11 and travelled to Gwoza Local Government Area.
During the operation, troops recovered one mobile phone, one wristwatch, one knife and ₦10,800 in cash from the suspects.
The suspects and recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
The interception forms part of ongoing intelligence-led operations by troops to monitor movements towards known terrorist enclaves and disrupt efforts by terrorist networks to facilitate the movement of personnel and families into their areas of operation
ISWAP leadership crisis deepens as Ba Shuwa purges senior Buduma commanders in Lake Chad
ISWAP leadership crisis deepens as Ba Shuwa purges senior Buduma commanders in Lake Chad
By Zagazola Makama
The leadership crisis within the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly deepened in the Lake Chad area, with the group’s Wali, Ba Shuwa, accused of ordering the execution of a senior Buduma Shura Council member and the arrest of several prominent Buduma commanders.
Credible intelligence told Zagazola that the latest development formed part of an intensifying internal purge within ISWAP, reportedly driven by growing suspicion among the group’s leadership that some Buduma commanders were considering defection to the JAS faction or surrender to Nigerian troops operating around the Lake Chad axis.
Among those reportedly arrested is Yaku Abu Adam, who was recently appointed Deputy Amir al-Jaysh.
Intelligence assessments indicate that Yaku’s recent elevation may have been used as a means of bringing him closer to the ISWAP leadership before his arrest.
Another senior commander, identified as Bashihuba, was also reportedly detained, with intelligence assessments indicating that both men could face execution in the coming days.
The latest purge reportedly followed the execution of Malam Haruna, a senior member of the Buduma Shura Council.
Third major purge in three months
The development is reportedly the third major purge involving senior Shura Council members within ISWAP in the past three months, highlighting growing distrust and internal fractures within the terrorist organisation.
Sources indicated that Ba Shuwa’s actions are largely driven by concerns that elements of the Buduma leadership may abandon ISWAP and either realign with the rival JAS faction or surrender to Nigerian security forces.
The situation has reportedly heightened tensions between the central ISWAP leadership and Buduma commanders operating around the Lake Chad islands and adjoining areas.
The growing divisions are also being assessed against the backdrop of intensified military and non-kinetic pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
The overall security assessments indicate that the leadership crisis could temporarily weaken ISWAP’s command and control structure around the Lake Chad area, particularly as senior commanders become preoccupied with internal security and loyalty concerns.
However, the instability also carries security risks, including the possibility of retaliatory attacks by affected factions seeking to demonstrate strength or settle internal disputes.
The reported crackdown is particularly significant because of the strategic role played by the Buduma community within ISWAP’s Lake Chad structure, where the group has maintained networks of fighters, commanders and logistical support.
Sources have also linked the growing distrust to psychological operations messaging directed at terrorist factions, particularly narratives highlighting alleged marginalisation and grievances among Buduma elements within ISWAP.
With the possibility of retaliatory violence during the period of heightened internal tension, security forces operating around the Lake Chad area have been advised to maintain heightened vigilance.
Sources recommended close monitoring of developments within the terrorist camps, particularly movements involving senior commanders and their loyalists.
The sources also called for strengthened intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance efforts around detention locations and areas where potential defectors could emerge.
Zulum meets Army Chief Shaibu in Abuja over security, restoration of normalcy in Borno
Zulum meets Army Chief Shaibu in Abuja over security, restoration of normalcy in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday met with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja as part of ongoing efforts to consolidate security and the restoration of normalcy across the state.
The meeting, held behind closed doors, formed part of the governor’s routine engagements with the Service Chiefs on security matters and the continued stabilisation of communities affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
Although details of the discussions were not immediately disclosed, the meeting is understood to have centred on security operations in Borno and measures to sustain the gains recorded in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
Security and the restoration of normalcy remain key priorities of the Zulum administration, which has continued to provide logistics, equipment and other forms of support to the military and security agencies operating in the state.
The state government’s support has been directed towards strengthening operational capacity and creating conditions for the safe return of displaced residents, reopening of communities and resumption of socio-economic activities.
The military has continued to sustain offensive operations against remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in different parts of Borno, with troops conducting intelligence-led operations to disrupt terrorist networks, logistics and freedom of movement.
The governor’s engagement with the Army leadership comes as security agencies continue efforts to consolidate the progress made in several parts of the state and prevent terrorist elements from regrouping.
Zulum was accompanied to the meeting by the Senator representing Borno South, Sen. Mohammed Ali Ndume; member representing Kukawa, Mobbar, Guzamala and Abadam Federal Constituency, Hon. Malam Gana Bukar Kareto; Commissioner of Finance, Hon. Lawan Umar Dalorima; and Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Maina Yaumi.
The meeting further underscores the continued coordination between the Borno State Government and the Nigerian Army in supporting security operations and the broader effort to restore lasting stability across the North-East.
Ajose pledges continuity, sustained pressure against terrorists as new OPHK commander
Ajose pledges continuity, sustained pressure against terrorists as new OPHK commander
By Zagazola Makama
The newly appointed Theatre Commander, North East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, has pledged to sustain the gains recorded in the North-East while deepening cooperation with the Borno State Government, humanitarian organisations, international partners, hybrid forces and the media.
Ajose made the commitment in Maiduguri during his introduction and stakeholders’ engagement following the formal transition of command from the outgoing Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar.
He said the change in leadership would not alter the fundamental mission of Operation HADIN KAI, which is to facilitate the restoration of normalcy in the North-East and create the conditions necessary for socio-economic activities to thrive.
According to him, the progress already recorded in the Theatre provided a foundation upon which the new command would build.
“I must admit that visible and appreciable progress has been made towards achieving this mandate, and I convey my sincere appreciation to the outgoing Theatre Commander for his leadership, steadfastness and professional example that has made those gains possible,” Ajose said.
He pledged to consolidate the achievements of his predecessor while ensuring that the military campaign remained focused on protecting communities, sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and creating the conditions for displaced persons to return home safely.
Ajose: I am not a stranger to the North-East
The new Theatre Commander said his previous appointments had given him considerable familiarity with the North-East, its people, terrain and the security challenges confronting the region.
Ajose previously served as Commander of 5 Brigade and as Chief of Staff of 4 Special Forces Command in Borno State.
“I am familiar with the terrain, the people and the complexity of the threats. I therefore assume this command with some knowledge of this Theatre,” he said.
He added that his experience from various command and staff appointments in the Nigerian Army would guide his approach to the responsibilities of leading Operation HADIN KAI.
Ajose said his immediate objective would be to build upon the operational gains recorded under Abubakar rather than disrupt the structures and partnerships that had contributed to the progress in the Theatre.
Commander pledges continuity with Borno Government
Ajose gave particular assurance of continuity in the strategic partnership between the Theatre Command and the Borno State Government.
Addressing Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum, he acknowledged the progress recorded in the state, including the reopening of markets, functioning of schools, repatriation of displaced citizens and stabilisation of communities affected by the insurgency.
He said those achievements were the result of deliberate cooperation between the state government and the military.
“I pledge continuity of partnership, as milestones were achieved today, which include re-opening markets, functioning schools, repatriation and stabilization,” Ajose said.
“All these did not happen in isolation. They happened because both government chose to lead, and because the Theatre chose to work with that leadership.”
He assured the governor that the military would maintain the tradition of practical cooperation and ensure that the partnership remained focused on tangible results for the people.
Humanitarian partnership central to restoration of normalcy
Ajose also recognised the role of humanitarian organisations operating across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, particularly those working in difficult and insecure environments.
He described cooperation with humanitarian partners as an operational necessity rather than a ceremonial relationship, stressing that the restoration of normalcy could not be achieved by military action alone.
“To our humanitarian partners, I recognize your courage and your presence in difficult locations. Collaboration and coordination with partners like you are not a courtesy but a necessity for the good people of this region,” he said.
The Theatre Commander said he would favour direct engagement and honest dialogue whenever disagreements emerged between the military and humanitarian actors.
“Where there has been friction, I will prefer honest dialogue to silence. Where cohesion as a group, I will protect it,” he said.
Ajose stressed that humanitarian action would remain an important component of his command’s approach to the conflict.
“Lasting peace in the North-East will not be secured by kinetic action alone. The humanitarian line of effort remains central to the return of normalcy, and I will treat it as such,” he said.
Sustained pressure on terrorists, dignified pathway for surrender
On the operational front, Ajose pledged to maintain pressure on terrorist elements who continue to choose violence while preserving an opportunity for those willing to abandon the insurgency.
“Lastly, I intend to build on the successes of my predecessor by sustaining pressure on those who still choose violence, while keeping open a dignified pathway for those who choose to surrender,” he said.
The approach, he explained, would combine military pressure against terrorist groups with a structured opportunity for fighters and their families who abandon violence to surrender and pursue a peaceful return to society.
He also pledged to prioritise the protection of vulnerable civilians and support returns of displaced populations to their ancestral communities.
According to him, such returns must be voluntary, safe and sustainable, with the security environment sufficiently stabilised to allow communities to rebuild their lives.
Foreign partners, hybrid forces assured of continuity
The new Theatre Commander extended the command’s appreciation to Nigeria’s international partners, particularly the United Kingdom and the British Defence Staff for Africa, as well as the hybrid forces supporting the counter-insurgency campaign.
He said their assistance had contributed to strengthening the operational capabilities of Operation HADIN KAI.
“To our foreign partners, the United Kingdom and the British Defence Staff for Africa, as well as the hybrid forces, I extend the appreciation of this Theatre Command for the successful support that has strengthened our operations,” he said.
Ajose assured the partners that the Theatre Command would maintain continuity in its engagements and seek to translate existing cooperation into greater operational effect.
“This command will remain a reliable partner and will work with you to ensure that our cooperation produces greater operational effect in the discharge of the Operation HADIN KAI mandate,” he said.
Ajose asks media for fairness, accuracy and responsibility
The new commander also placed considerable emphasis on the role of the media in the counter-insurgency campaign, urging journalists to exercise fairness, accuracy and responsibility in reporting security developments.
He said public confidence was itself an important component of the operational environment and that residents of the North-East deserved information that would help them understand developments without unnecessarily inflaming tensions.
“I ask for fairness, accuracy and responsibility. Public confidence is part of the battle space, and the good people of the North-East deserve information that informs, and not information that inflames,” Ajose said.
He sought the continued partnership of journalists and other stakeholders, offering accessibility and clarity of purpose in return.
“I ask from you what you gave the outgoing Theatre Commander: that is openness, operational and goodwill, and in return I offer accessibility, clarity of purpose, and a willingness to work with every partner whose objective is peace,” he said.
“There is no impossibility for him who will try”
Ajose concluded his remarks by drawing inspiration from a statement associated with Alexander the Great, which he described as a personal mantra.
“There is no impossibility for him who will try. Therefore, I shall continue to try,” he said.
He thanked stakeholders for their presence and support as he assumed command of the Theatre.
The transition effectively places Ajose at the helm of Operation HADIN KAI at a stage when the military campaign is increasingly being pursued through a combination of sustained combat operations, intelligence-led actions, humanitarian coordination, government support, strategic partnerships and efforts to facilitate the safe return of displaced communities.
Outgoing OPHK commander lauds Zagazola other media for their courage, professionalism and objective coverage
Outgoing OPHK commander lauds Zagazola other media for their courage, professionalism and objective coverage
By Zagazola Makama
The outgoing Theatre Commander, North East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, has commended the Zagazola Media Network and other media organisations for their courage, professionalism and objective coverage of the counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.
Abubakar gave the commendation on Tuesday during his farewell engagement with stakeholders in Maiduguri, as he formally handed over the command of Operation HADIN KAI to the incoming Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose.
The Theatre Commander specifically acknowledged the media’s consistent presence in the Theatre, including in some of the most difficult and remote operational locations, where journalists have continued to report the realities of the conflict and the efforts of troops, humanitarian actors and affected communities.
“To the gentlemen of the press, I thank you for your consistent presence in this Theatre and for helping the public appreciate both the cost and progress of this campaign,” Abubakar said.
He particularly recognised the efforts of journalists who had travelled to difficult frontline locations, including Kareto and Ngoshe, to document developments and bring the experiences of soldiers, communities and other stakeholders to the attention of the wider public.
“You reported from the most difficult locations, including Kareto, Ngoshe and other remote areas, bringing to light the stories of our troops, our partners and the communities we serve, and holding us to account where it mattered,” he said.
Commander praises Zagazola’s frontline coverage
Abubakar’s remarks amounted to a strong recognition of the role played by specialised security-focused media organisations, particularly the Zagazola Media Network, in keeping the public informed about developments in the North-East.
The Theatre Commander said the media had maintained what he described as fair, objective and unbiased reportage, noting that balanced reporting had helped the public better understand the realities of the counter-insurgency campaign.
“You have maintained fair, objective and unbiased reportage. Your balanced reporting has enlightened the populace, thereby discrediting fake news and terrorist propaganda,” he said.
His remarks underscored the importance of credible journalism in an operating environment where misinformation, disinformation and terrorist propaganda can influence public perception, undermine confidence and create confusion around security operations.
Rather than merely reporting battlefield developments, Abubakar noted that the media had also helped to tell the wider story of the conflict documenting the sacrifices of troops, the resilience of communities, the contributions of partners and the progress being made towards restoring normalcy.
The outgoing commander said responsible journalism remained critical to ensuring that the public understood both the challenges and progress of the military campaign.
He urged journalists to sustain the same standards of fairness, courage and professional responsibility under the incoming Theatre Commander.
“I urge you to continue covering this Theatre with the same fairness, courage and sense of responsibility you extended to me, and to accord the incoming Theatre Commander the same professional cooperation in the interest of peace in the North-East,” he said.
The appeal comes as Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose assumes command of Operation HADIN KAI with a pledge to sustain the gains recorded under his predecessor while strengthening collaboration with the Borno State Government, humanitarian organisations, international partners, hybrid forces and the media.
Ajose has also urged journalists to maintain fairness, accuracy and responsibility in reporting security developments, stressing that public confidence forms an important part of the operational environment.
“The good people of the North-East deserve information that informs, and not information that inflames,” Ajose said.
Beyond the battlefield
For more than a decade, the North-East conflict has required the media to operate in an environment where access to frontline communities is difficult, security conditions are unpredictable and information is often contested.
The recognition by the outgoing Theatre Commander therefore places particular emphasis on the responsibility of journalists operating in the Theatre to verify information, provide context and distinguish confirmed developments from claims circulated by combatants and other interested actors.
For Zagazola Media Network and other security-focused news organisations, frontline reporting has increasingly involved documenting military operations, humanitarian developments, the return of displaced persons, community resilience and the broader efforts to restore normal economic and social activities across affected areas.
Abubakar’s commendation also reinforced the principle that effective counter-insurgency communication is not solely the responsibility of the military.
Accurate and responsible journalism, public awareness and timely clarification of false information remain important elements in preventing terrorist propaganda and misinformation from gaining influence among communities.
As the command changes hands, the outgoing Theatre Commander urged the media to maintain the professional relationship established with the Theatre while holding the new leadership accountable through credible and responsible reporting.
He stated that the battle for the North-East is fought not only on the frontline, but also in the information space, where facts, credibility and responsible journalism remain critical to sustaining public confidence and supporting the broader quest for peace.
Over 7,000 IDPs return to ancestral homes as OPHK restores normalcy in Borno says Maj Gen Abubakar
Over 7,000 IDPs return to ancestral homes as OPHK restores normalcy in Borno says Maj Gen Abubakar
By Zagazola Makama
More than 7,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their ancestral communities across Borno State following improved security conditions created by sustained military operations under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), the outgoing Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, has said.
Abubakar disclosed this during his farewell and introduction engagement with humanitarian partners, representatives of the Borno State Government and members of the press in Maiduguri on Tuesday.
He said the return of the displaced families represented one of the clearest indicators of the progress recorded by the Theatre during his tenure as the 15th Theatre Commander of OPHK.
According to him, the fundamental mandate given to the Theatre was not merely to conduct military operations but to facilitate the restoration of normalcy in the North-East, allowing communities to recover and socio-economic activities to resume.
He explained that normalcy could be measured by the reopening of schools and markets, access to farmlands, restoration of essential services and, most importantly, the ability of families who had fled violence to return safely to their ancestral homes.
“Together, we have seen over 7,000 displaced families return to their ancestral communities and today, communities that were abandoned for years have been re-occupied, such that returned communities now exist in every Local Government Area of Borno State,” he said.
The development, he noted, marked a significant shift in communities that had remained largely deserted for years as a result of insurgency and the fear of attacks.
Abubakar said the return of the IDPs was made possible by the combined efforts of the military, the Borno State Government, humanitarian organisations, traditional institutions and local communities.
He stressed that the objective of military operations was ultimately to create a secure environment where civilians could reclaim their communities, rebuild their homes, cultivate their farms and restart their livelihoods.
The outgoing commander said the return of displaced families was supported by sustained counter-terrorism operations which degraded the capabilities of JAS and ISWAP across the Theatre.
Abubakar said the pressure generated by sustained military operations, combined with non-kinetic measures, had also contributed to a major wave of surrenders.
He disclosed that more than 969 JAS/ISWAP fighters and their family members surrendered within the last one year, creating another pathway through which affected communities could gradually move away from the cycle of violence.
The Theatre Commander said the restoration of security had produced visible changes in several communities across Borno.
He pointed to the reopening of trade routes and local markets, allowing residents to resume economic activities that had been disrupted by years of insurgency.
“No theatre in the country enjoys a stronger partnership than the one we enjoyed with Borno State Government” — Maj Gen Abubakar
“No theatre in the country enjoys a stronger partnership than the one we enjoyed with Borno State Government” — Maj Gen Abubakar
By Zagazola Makama
The outgoing Theatre Commander, North East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, has lauded the Borno State Government for what he described as unwavering support to military operations, declaring that no theatre of operations in the country enjoyed a stronger partnership with its host government than the relationship between OPHK and the Borno State Government.
Abubakar made the declaration during his farewell and introduction engagement with humanitarian partners, representatives of the Borno State Government and members of the press in Maiduguri on Tuesday.
He said the partnership between the Theatre and the state government had been critical to the fight against insurgency, protection of civilians, restoration of normalcy and the return of displaced persons to their ancestral communities.
“I say it plainly; no theatre of operations in this country enjoys a stronger partnership with its host government,” Abubakar said.
The outgoing commander specifically commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his sustained support to Operation HADIN KAI, particularly through the provision of critical combat enablers that had strengthened the operational capacity of troops across the Theatre.
He listed Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs), long-range surveillance cameras and drones, among other support provided by the Borno State Government.
According to him, the state government’s contributions had gone beyond ordinary civil-military cooperation, providing practical capabilities that directly supported troops in their efforts to protect communities and degrade terrorist networks.
“These critical contributions have strengthened the partnership between the State Government and Operation HADIN KAI, and reinforced our collective resolve to defeat the insurgency, protect innocent lives, sustain peace, restore normalcy and enable the safe return of displaced persons to their communities,” he said.
Abubakar said the support was particularly significant because the restoration of normalcy in the North-East required a strong partnership between the military and the government responsible for the welfare and recovery of affected communities.
He urged the Borno State Government to maintain the partnership with his successor, saying the incoming Theatre Commander would require the same level of cooperation and support to consolidate the gains already recorded.
“I therefore respectfully request that this same partnership and support be extended to the incoming Theatre Commander as he assumes the duty of sustaining the gains we have made,” he said.
The outgoing Theatre Commander extended his appreciation to the wider humanitarian community, particularly organisations operating in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.
He commended the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) for its continued support to vulnerable populations and its contribution to stabilisation efforts across the North-East.
Abubakar said humanitarian organisations had remained important partners in addressing the consequences of the insurgency, particularly the suffering of displaced persons and other vulnerable civilians.
He said their work, guided by the principles of humanity, impartiality and neutrality, had complemented the security efforts of Operation HADIN KAI in tangible ways.
“Your work, guided by the principles of humanity, impartiality and neutrality, has alleviated the suffering of the most vulnerable and has complemented our stabilisation efforts in tangible ways,” he said.
He explained that the military had also continued to support humanitarian operations by providing protection, escorts and an enabling security environment for aid workers to operate.
According to him, the relationship was based on complementary responsibilities, with the military creating the security conditions while humanitarian organisations delivered assistance to affected populations.
The Theatre Commander also highlighted the importance of regular dialogue between military and humanitarian actors.
He described the recent humanitarian roundtable as a productive engagement that provided stakeholders with an opportunity to examine coordination challenges and improve the conduct of humanitarian operations.
Abubakar urged stakeholders to institutionalise such engagements, saying regular dialogue would help prevent misunderstandings and improve the delivery of assistance to vulnerable communities.
He reiterated that requests for military escorts by humanitarian organisations should be made 48 hours before movement to enable the Theatre to properly plan and provide appropriate security.
“I urge this partnership to be maintained,” he said.
Abubakar also paid tribute to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for its specialised capacity-building support to Operation HADIN KAI.
He said the organisation had provided valuable assistance to the Theatre both within and outside Nigeria, particularly in areas relating to professionalism, International Humanitarian Law and protection of civilians.
He singled out the ICRC’s support for improving detainee management at the Joint Interrogation Centre, saying the intervention had strengthened the Theatre’s handling of persons in custody.
According to him, the improvements recorded in detainee management contributed to commendations received by OPHK both locally and internationally.
He acknowledged that the relationship between the military and humanitarian community had sometimes experienced disagreements, but said the ability to resolve such issues through dialogue remained one of the major achievements of the partnership.
“I know our relationship with the humanitarian partners has not been without friction, but the honest dialogue we have built is itself an achievement, and I enjoin you to protect it,” Abubakar said.
The outgoing commander also expressed appreciation to Team HADIN KAI, describing its integration into OPHK since May 8, 2026, as a strategic partnership that had strengthened the Theatre’s intelligence-led operations.
He said the team had supported precision targeting, non-kinetic operations and capacity building, thereby improving the Theatre’s common operational picture.
Abubakar cited the May 15, 2026 operation at Metele, which he said resulted in the neutralisation of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, identified in his speech as the ISIS second-in-command, as a notable outcome of the partnership.
He said the collaboration had enhanced the professionalism and effectiveness of OPHK’s counter-terrorism efforts.
The outgoing Theatre Commander also acknowledged the contribution of the British Defence Staff – West Africa, particularly in strengthening OPHK’s combat capabilities and Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) capacity.
He said British military advisers had contributed expertise, capacity building and equipment support.
Abubakar noted that the partnership had recently expanded to direct engagement with Forward Operating Bases, including support for defensive measures, tactical drone deployment and improved surveillance.
He urged his successor to build upon and further consolidate the relationship.
Partnership linked to return of displaced persons
Abubakar’s commendation of the government and humanitarian organisations came against the backdrop of significant progress in the return and resettlement of displaced populations.
He disclosed that more than 7,000 displaced families had returned to their ancestral communitiesacross Borno State during his tenure.
He said communities that had remained abandoned for years were gradually being reoccupied, with returned communities now present in every Local Government Area of the state.
The Theatre also facilitated the rescue of 638 civilians from terrorist enclaves, while all 46 studentsinvolved in the attempted abduction at the Federal Government Girls College, Monguno, were safely rescued.
He further highlighted the voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation of more than 3,000 Nigerians from Cameroon, carried out through the collaboration of the Borno State Government, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
According to Abubakar, these developments demonstrated that security operations, humanitarian intervention and government support were mutually reinforcing components of the wider effort to restore normalcy.
The outgoing Theatre Commander also appreciated other security agencies, hybrid forces and what he described as the “friends of OPHK” for their support throughout his tenure.
He said their information, cooperation and encouragement had helped shape collective efforts toward fulfilling the Theatre’s mandate.
Abubakar said the fight against insurgency required more than military operations, stressing that sustainable recovery depended on the combined efforts of security agencies, government institutions, humanitarian organisations and communities.
As he handed over the Theatre to the incoming 16th Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, Abubakar appealed to all partners to sustain the cooperation that had characterised his tenure.
He said the partnership between OPHK and its stakeholders had contributed significantly to the gradual return of normalcy, including the reopening of markets and trade routes, resumption of educational activities and the return of displaced families to their ancestral homes.
He urged all partners to give Ajose the same openness, cooperation and goodwill extended to him, saying the consolidation of peace in the North-East would depend heavily on maintaining the partnerships built over the years.
Over 1,106 Boko Haram, ISWAP terrorists neutralised under outgoing Theatre Commander Abdulsalam
Over 1,106 Boko Haram, ISWAP terrorists neutralised under outgoing Theatre Commander Abdulsalam
By Zagazola Makama
The outgoing Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, says troops neutralised more than 1,106 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists during his tenure, including several high-profile commanders operating across the North-East.
Abubakar disclosed this during his farewell and introduction engagement with humanitarian partners, representatives of the Borno State Government and members of the press in Maiduguri.
The outgoing commander, who served as the 15th Theatre Commander of OPHK, said the operational successes were recorded through sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at degrading terrorist networks and facilitating the restoration of normal socio-economic activities across the region.
He said among the notable terrorist leaders neutralised by troops were Abu Bilal Al-Muniki, also known as Abu Mainok; Malam Jidda, Amir of Ngorgore and Malumti villages; Abu Modu; Modu Dogo; Munzir of Dogon Chukun; Abu Aisha, Qaid of Tumbun Mota; and Abul Kaka, among others.
According to him, the elimination of the terrorist commanders and their fighters significantly disrupted elements of the Boko Haram and ISWAP networks and contributed to sustained pressure on the insurgents across the Theatre of Operations.
“The mandate given to Operation HADIN KAI when I assumed command was clear: to facilitate the restoration of normalcy in the North East so that socio-economic activities can thrive,” Abubakar said.
He explained that the military’s understanding of normalcy went beyond battlefield successes, noting that it was reflected in the restoration of essential services, reopening of markets and schools, resumption of farming activities and the return of displaced families to their ancestral communities.
Abubakar said the Theatre’s operations also resulted in the recovery of more than 475 assorted weapons and 24,409 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.
He added that troops discovered and safely detonated no fewer than 295 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) between April 2025 and September 2026, preventing the explosives from being used against troops and civilians.
The outgoing Theatre Commander said security forces also intensified operations against the financial and logistics networks sustaining terrorism in the region.
According to him, more than ₦300 million linked to terrorist financiers was intercepted, while at least 758 suspected terrorist logistics collaborators were arrested during the period.
He said the combination of sustained military offensives and non-kinetic engagements had further weakened terrorist formations, resulting in an unprecedented wave of surrenders.
Abubakar said over 969 JAS/ISWAP fighters and their family members surrendered within the last one year, attributing the development to sustained kinetic pressure and efforts to provide those willing to abandon terrorism with a dignified pathway out of the conflict.
The commander said the Theatre also rescued 638 civilians from terrorist enclaves, while troops successfully rescued all 46 students during an attempted abduction at the Federal Government Girls College, Monguno.
He noted that the operational gains had translated into broader improvements in security and the gradual restoration of civilian life in communities previously devastated by the insurgency.
According to him, more than 7,000 displaced families have returned to their ancestral communities, with returned communities now existing in every Local Government Area of Borno State.
He also highlighted the voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation of more than 3,000 Nigerian citizens from the Republic of Cameroon, carried out through collaboration between the Borno State Government, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Abubakar described the exercise as a demonstration of what sustained cooperation among the military, government institutions and humanitarian partners could achieve in restoring stability to conflict-affected communities.
He said other indicators of improving normalcy included the return of the National Youth Service Corps orientation programme to Maiduguri after more than 13 years, while WAEC and NECO examinations are now being conducted in communities such as Banki and Gwoza.
Trade routes that were previously disrupted by the insurgency have also reopened, while local markets in several communities have resumed activities, he added.
The outgoing commander further said the Theatre was strengthened structurally and technologically during the period, including the operationalisation of Sector 4 to close an operational gap between Southern Borno and Northern Adamawa.
He said the induction of Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters and the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Regiment had enhanced the precision and effectiveness of air-supported operations.
According to him, the Military Command and Control Centre has also been strengthened to link frontline surveillance cameras, providing commanders with improved situational awareness and supporting quicker operational responses across the Theatre.
Abubakar said the achievements recorded during his tenure were products of collective efforts involving troops, other security agencies, the Borno State Government, humanitarian organisations, traditional and community leaders, the media and other stakeholders.
He urged the partners to sustain the cooperation and support necessary to consolidate the gains recorded in the fight against terrorism and the restoration of stability in the North-East.
Maj.-Gen. Abubakar is handing over the command of the North East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, to Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, who takes over as the new Theatre Commander.
The change of command comes as Operation HADIN KAI continues sustained operations against the remaining Boko Haram and ISWAP elements across the North-East, while supporting efforts to stabilise liberated communities and enable the continued return and resettlement of displaced populations.
Troops rescue 10 kidnapped victims in Katsina
Troops rescue 10 kidnapped victims in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 10 kidnapped civilians during a swift operation against armed terrorists in Katsina State.
The operation followed reports that terrorists had abducted residents of Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area.
Following receipt of actionable intelligence, troops deployed around the Sabuwa axis were mobilised to intercept the terrorists as they fled with the victims.
The sustained military pursuit reportedly put the terrorists under pressure, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding area.
The troops subsequently secured all 10 victims, comprising three adult males, six females and one infant, and moved them to safety.
The rescued victims are expected to be handed over to the Sabuwa Local Government authorities for medical evaluation and subsequent reunification with their families.
The successful operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt terrorist activities and rescue civilians abducted by criminal elements across the North-West.
Suspected phone snatcher arrested at Federal University of Education Pankshin
Suspected phone snatcher arrested at Federal University of Education Pankshin
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected phone snatcher has been arrested by security personnel at the Federal University of Education, Pankshin, Plateau State, following intelligence on alleged phone-snatching activities on the campus.
The suspect, identified as Musa Jibril, a native of Bokkos, was reportedly tracked by campus security personnel before he was apprehended while allegedly attempting to carry out another phone-snatching operation within the university premises.
Sources said the suspect was also alleged to have impersonated a military officer, although the circumstances surrounding the alleged impersonation were still being investigated.
During preliminary questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted involvement in phone-snatching incidents on the campus.
The arrest followed heightened security awareness over reports of criminal activities targeting members of the university community, particularly students.
Security authorities are expected to conduct further investigations to establish the suspect’s network, determine whether he was acting alone and ascertain his involvement in other reported incidents on campus.
The development has prompted renewed calls for students, staff and visitors to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious movements or activities to campus security personnel.
Members of the university community have also been advised to take reasonable precautions in safeguarding their phones and other valuables, particularly in crowded areas and isolated sections of the campus.
Security personnel are continuing efforts to strengthen surveillance and maintain a safe environment for teaching, learning and other academic activities at the institution.
MACBAN condemns killing of travellers in Plateau, warns against unverified allegations
MACBAN condemns killing of travellers in Plateau, warns against unverified allegations
By: Zagazola Makama
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State Chapter, has condemned the killing of travellers in Jos South Local Government Area of the state, describing the incident as senseless and unacceptable.
The association also warned against what it described as the growing practice of blaming the Fulani community for violent incidents without credible evidence or the conclusion of investigations by security agencies.
In a statement signed by its Plateau State Chairman, Alh. Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, MACBAN expressed condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.
The association said the loss of innocent lives was deeply disturbing and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough, professional and impartial investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
MACBAN said it was particularly concerned about what it described as premature accusations against the Fulani community, warning that such claims could further inflame tensions in the state.
“There is no basis for anyone to attribute this unfortunate incident to the Fulani community without evidence,” the association said.
It urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information, false accusations and hate speech capable of escalating the situation.
The association further called on anyone deliberately circulating false information or defamatory allegations against the Fulani community to desist, warning that such actions could attract legal consequences.
MACBAN reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and cooperation with security agencies, urging residents to remain calm and allow authorities to complete their investigations without interference.
The statement comes amid heightened concerns over attacks on travellers and renewed tensions between communities in Plateau State.
MACBAN condemns killing of travellers in Plateau, warns against unverified allegations
MACBAN condemns killing of travellers in Plateau, warns against unverified allegations
By: Zagazola Makama
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State Chapter, has condemned the killing of travellers in Jos South Local Government Area of the state, describing the incident as senseless and unacceptable.
The association also warned against what it described as the growing practice of blaming the Fulani community for violent incidents without credible evidence or the conclusion of investigations by security agencies.
In a statement signed by its Plateau State Chairman, Alh. Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, MACBAN expressed condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.
The association said the loss of innocent lives was deeply disturbing and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough, professional and impartial investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
MACBAN said it was particularly concerned about what it described as premature accusations against the Fulani community, warning that such claims could further inflame tensions in the state.
“There is no basis for anyone to attribute this unfortunate incident to the Fulani community without evidence,” the association said.
It urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information, false accusations and hate speech capable of escalating the situation.
The association further called on anyone deliberately circulating false information or defamatory allegations against the Fulani community to desist, warning that such actions could attract legal consequences.
MACBAN reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and cooperation with security agencies, urging residents to remain calm and allow authorities to complete their investigations without interference.
The statement comes amid heightened concerns over attacks on travellers and renewed tensions between communities in Plateau State.
COAS charges Plateau troops to sustain security gains, strengthen peace efforts
COAS charges Plateau troops to sustain security gains, strengthen peace efforts
By: Zagazola Makama
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) to sustain pressure on criminal elements and strengthen efforts to consolidate peace and stability in Plateau State.
Shaibu gave the charge on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, during an operational visit to the headquarters of 3 Division and OPEP, where he reviewed the security situation, ongoing operations and measures to protect vulnerable communities.
During the visit, the COAS inspected the ongoing construction of the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Control Station, a facility expected to boost the Army’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities when completed.
The system is also expected to provide commanders with improved real-time situational awareness and timely intelligence to support operational decision-making.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander OPEP, Maj. Gen. Maxwell Dangana, briefed the COAS on security developments within the Division’s area of responsibility, including ongoing operations and engagements with stakeholders aimed at preventing violence and sustaining peace.
Shaibu commended the troops for their courage, professionalism and commitment to duty, urging them to remain vigilant and disciplined while maintaining close cooperation with other security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders.
He stressed that military operations must be complemented by dialogue, reconciliation and other peace-building initiatives to prevent criminal elements from undermining the gains recorded in the state.
The COAS directed the troops to respond decisively to security threats while maintaining professionalism and respect for the rights of law-abiding citizens.
He assured the personnel of continued support from the Nigerian Army and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and creating an environment where communities can live and pursue their legitimate livelihoods without fear.
Shaibu also called on residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that sustainable peace in Plateau requires collective responsibility among security forces, government authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens.
Troops intercept cattle allegedly destroying farmlands in Kaduna
Troops intercept cattle allegedly destroying farmlands in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted a herd of cattle allegedly destroying farmlands at Dogon Daji Village in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The incident occurred at about 3 p.m. on Sept. 14, 2026, while troops deployed at Sabon Gida were conducting a farm patrol in the area.
Security sources said the troops encountered the cattle while they were allegedly grazing on and destroying farmlands.
The livestock were subsequently moved to a safe location for further necessary action.
The intervention is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to prevent farmer-herder disputes and maintain peace in affected communities.
Two killed in attack by Berom Militia at Ta Hoss as troops rescue suspected assailants from mob
Two killed in attack by Berom Militia at Ta Hoss as troops rescue suspected assailants from mob
By: Zagazola Makama
Two people were killed in an attack by Berom Militia at Ta Hoss Community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 9 a.m. on Sept. 14, 2026, when troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, responded to a report of an attack in the community.
Upon arrival, the troops found two corpses at the scene and discovered that two natives of Mere Community, suspected of carrying out the attack, had been apprehended by villagers.
The suspects were reportedly being threatened with lynching by an angry mob when troops, working with personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Mobile Police, intervened and rescued them.
The Chairman of the Berom Youth Movement, the Gwom of Ta Hoss and other clergymen subsequently addressed the agitated crowd and appealed for calm.
The suspects were later handed over to the DSS for further investigation and appropriate action.
Security personnel have continued to monitor the area to prevent further escalation and maintain peace in the affected community.
One cow dies, two slaughtered after suspected poisoning in a targeted attack in Riyom
One cow dies, two slaughtered after suspected poisoning in a targeted attack in Riyom
By: Zagazola Makama
One cow has died while two others were slaughtered after five cattle were suspected to have grazed on a poisonous substance arranged by locals at Torok Community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident was reported at about 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 14, 2026, prompting troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, to respond to the area.
Security sources said troops discovered that five cattle were suspected to have been affected after grazing on a poisonous substance. One of the cattle reportedly died at the spot, while two others were slaughtered.
An investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the appropriate action.
Man killed by suspected Fulani bandits as reprisal attacks continue in Mangu, Plateau
Man killed by suspected Fulani bandits as reprisal attacks continue in Mangu, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A Christian leader, identified as Markus Musa, has been killed by suspected Fulani bandits in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid continuing reprisal attacks in parts of the area.
Musa was reportedly on his way to attend a meeting of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) when he was ambushed at about 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 14, 2026, between Rimi and Kaduno communities.
Security sources said the victim was travelling on a motorcycle with his younger brother, Arum Musa, when suspected Fulani bandits attacked them.
The attackers reportedly shot Musa in the head, killing him, while his younger brother escaped unharmed.
The killing comes amid renewed tensions and reprisal attacks in Mangu, following a series of violent incidents involving farming and herding communities.
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Operation ENDURING PEACE, responded to the incident and commenced fighting patrols and a manhunt for the assailants.
Security forces have continued to dominate the affected areas as efforts intensify to prevent further escalation and track down those responsible for the killing.
Another victim attacked in Dirdep as violence raises fresh security concerns in Mangu
Another victim attacked in Dirdep as violence raises fresh security concerns in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Another resident has been attacked around the Anguwan Mai Jirgi axis of Dirdep in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, in a fresh incident raising concerns over the security situation in the area.
The victim, identified as Salisu Ibrahim, popularly known as Kawu, was reportedly attacked at about 10 p.m.
According to information available, Ibrahim was severely beaten during the incident and sustained a serious leg injury, with reports indicating that the leg may have been fractured.
The latest attack has renewed calls for stronger security presence and faster response to incidents in vulnerable communities across Mangu.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions that could further escalate tensions.
DSS secures 10-year jail term for nine crude oil thieves arrested with Navy in Akwa Ibom
DSS secures 10-year jail term for nine crude oil thieves arrested with Navy in Akwa Ibom
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has convicted and sentenced nine out of 19 suspects arrested for alleged crude oil theft in the state.
The convicts were arrested during an intelligence-led operation jointly conducted by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Navy.
Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Joy Ikpeme found the nine men guilty on two counts bordering on conspiracy and tampering with an oil pipeline, contrary to Section 1(7) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The court sentenced each of the convicts to five years imprisonment on count one and 10 years on count two, without an option of fine.
The sentences are to run concurrently.
The convicts, alongside 10 other suspects, were arrested earlier in the year after operatives of the DSS and Nigerian Navy uncovered an illegal crude oil theft operation at an oil wellhead identified as ASABO-D in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
A security source described the conviction as another milestone in ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities across Nigeria’s maritime and riverine areas.
The source said the activities continued to undermine the country’s oil revenue while causing environmental damage to host communities.
The remaining 10 suspects are expected to face further legal proceedings.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops arrest drug peddler, foil terrorist attack, rescue two victims in Kaduna, Sokoto
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops arrest drug peddler, foil terrorist attack, rescue two victims in Kaduna, Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested a suspected illicit drug peddler in Kaduna State, foiled a terrorist attack and rescued two kidnapped victims in Sokoto State.
The operations were conducted on Sept. 12 and 13, 2026, as part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist and criminal activities across the Joint Operations Area.
On Sept. 12, troops of Sector 1 conducting a stop-and-search operation along the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari road intercepted a suspect identified as Yohana Musa.
Security sources said Musa was found in possession of a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs and substances while travelling towards Birnin Gwari.
The suspect and recovered items have been taken into custody for further investigation.
In a separate operation on Sept. 13, troops of Sector 2 responded to a distress call following a terrorist attack at Unguwan Lalle in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with firepower, forcing the attackers to withdraw in disarray.
During the operation, the troops rescued two kidnapped victims.
Acting on further intelligence indicating an attempt by the terrorists to regroup, the troops swiftly mobilised to the location and re-established contact with the group.
The terrorists were engaged in a fierce gun battle and again forced to withdraw.
During exploitation of the area, troops recovered 157 rounds of PKT ammunition, phone batteries and other items.
The Theatre Commander commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism, stressing that the force would continue to deny terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.
Members of the public were urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces to support ongoing operations.
Repentant Boko Haram member surrenders with AK-47, IED to troops in Borno
Repentant Boko Haram member surrenders with AK-47, IED to troops in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A 22-year-old member of the Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BHT/ISWAP) has surrendered to troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
The terrorist, identified as Musa Babagoni, reportedly surrendered on Sept. 13, 2026, after escaping from the group on Sept. 11.
According to security sources, Babagoni surrendered in an operation conducted by troops in collaboration with Forest Guards.
Items recovered from him included an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, magazines, a hand grenade, a locally fabricated improvised explosive device (IED), a magazine pouch and a bicycle.
The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation and processing.
The security situation in the area remains generally calm as troops continue operations to protect communities and prevent renewed terrorist activities.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons and activities to security agencies.
Army, Police eliminate terrorists, recover arms in Kebbi
Army, Police eliminate terrorists, recover arms in Kebbi
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army troops and the Police operatives have eliminated several terrorists during a clearance operation at Gumki Forest in Kangiwa, Kebbi State.
The operation was conducted in the early hours of Monday as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the area.
A statement by the Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said the operatives recovered one PKT rifle with 174 rounds of live ammunition and one AK-47 rifle with 14 rounds of ammunition.
Other items recovered include military camouflage uniforms, a pair of boots, two mobile phones, charms and four motorcycles.
The police said the cleared area remained calm after the operation, while joint security forces continued clearance activities aimed at flushing out terrorists and other criminal elements from the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, commended the operatives for their gallantry and commitment to duty.
Hadejia reaffirmed the command’s commitment to coordinated and intelligence-led operations against banditry, terrorism and other forms of criminality.
He also urged residents to provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
Gunmen abduct two residents in Jos North
Gunmen abduct two residents in Jos North
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted two residents, identified as Benaiah Bala and Silas Yahaya, from their residence in Kwanga Village, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 10:10 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, near Haske Quarters in the community.
Security sources said troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, responded to a report of the kidnapping and immediately launched a pursuit of the perpetrators.
However, the troops were unable to establish contact with the fleeing kidnappers.
Security forces are continuing efforts to track the abductors and rescue the two victims.
The latest incident comes amid ongoing security challenges in parts of Plateau State, where security agencies have sustained operations to protect communities and prevent criminal activities.
Six commuters killed in Plateau attack hours after Fulani herders, cattle were massacred in Mangu
Six commuters killed in Plateau attack hours after Fulani herders, cattle were massacred in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
At least six people have been killed and two others injured after suspected Fulani Bandits opened fire on a commercial bus at Dungus Kuru T-junction, close to Science School in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, less than 24 hours after three young Fulani herders were killed and dozens of cattle were shot dead in Alohom community, Sabon Gari District of Mangu Local Government Area.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, responded to a distress report concerning an attack on commuters travelling in a commercial bus from the Farin Lamba axis.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops discovered that the attackers, who were travelling in a vehicle, had opened fire on the bus, killing six passengers on the spot. The victims comprised five males and one female, while two other passengers sustained gunshot injuries.
The troops immediately evacuated the injured victims to a hospital for treatment and commenced an exploitation of the surrounding area in an attempt to track the attackers.
No contact was established with the assailants, who had fled the scene before the arrival of the troops. Further offensive and security operations were ongoing in the general area as authorities moved to prevent another attack and establish the identities of those responsible.
The latest attack is particularly disturbing because of its timing. It came barely a day after the killing of three young Fulani herders at Alohom, where 36 cattle were also killed and another 12 reportedly wounded in an attack attributed by eyewitnesses to suspected Mwaghavul militia.
The three deceased herders were identified by members of the Fulbe community as Garzali Shaibu, 18; Bashiru Yakubu, 14; and Salim Abubakar, 15. Two other members of the herding group were also initially reported missing.
Military sources said troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, moved to the area after receiving information about the attack and recovered the bodies of the three herders.
The deaths of the young herders and destruction of the cattle had already heightened fears of a retaliatory attack in other parts of Plateau.
That fear now appears to have materialised, although there is currently no military, or Police confirmation that the Dungus Kuru attack was carried out in direct retaliation for the Mangu killings.
What is, however, undeniable is the frightening sequence: civilians from one community were attacked and killed, followed within hours was two separate deadly attack on civilians.
At about 1:40 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026,
Suspected Fulani militia allegedly killed two people and injured five children during another attack on Vodni community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, deployed at Vodni responded to a distress report following the attack. Upon arrival at the location, the troops discovered that the assailants had fled after sighting the soldiers.
However, the troops heard the cries of children coming from a nearby house and immediately moved towards the location.
Inside the house, the troops discovered the bodies of two victims, while five children were found with gunshot injuries. The injured children were immediately evacuated to Mangu General Hospital, where they were receiving medical attention. That pattern is precisely how Plateau’s cycle of revenge has continued to deepen.
A dangerous chain of killings
In the days preceding the Alohom attack, there had already been a series of killings involving farmers, herders and other civilians. The latest incident comes against the backdrop of a rapidly deteriorating security situation across parts of Mangu, Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom, Jos South and other parts of the state recording incidents that have further heightened fears of reprisals.
The latest wave began prominently on Wednesday, Sept. 9, when armed suspected Berom militiaallegedly attacked Fulani herders along the Jong–Nyeriwei Road and around Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. According to military sources, troops responded to sporadic gunfire around the Jong–Nyeriwei Road at about 1:09 p.m. The troops reportedly discovered that a 19-year-old Fulani herder, Ishaku Yakubu, had been killed.
Seven cattle were also reportedly shot dead, while several other cattle were allegedly rustled by the attackers.
Later the same afternoon, at about 2:25 p.m., troops responded to another attack at Marit Junction, Dorowa Babuje. A 23-year-old man identified as Andata was found shot dead, While troops separately recovered the body of missing farmer, Geoffrey Gumut in Mangu. The circumstances surrounding Gumut’s death remained under investigation, although residents had raised suspicions against herders.
Zagazola reported that the two incidents occurred within hours of each other and immediately raised fears of retaliatory attacks.
The significance of that day was not merely the deaths. It was the speed with which violence was spreading between communities.
Sept. 9: Kidnapping attempt in Bassa, At about 10 p.m. on the same day, troops foiled an alleged kidnapping attempt at the residence of the late Gen. Bagudos in the Jebbu Bassa area of Bassa Local Government Area.The suspected kidnappers fled when security personnel arrived, while one suspect was subsequently arrested.
Zagazola reported that the suspects were believed to be armed Fulani herders, although the incident was treated as a criminal kidnapping attempt rather than a confirmed communal attack.
At about 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 9, troops engaged suspected kidnappers around Angwan Boka in Riyom LGA. One suspected kidnapper (a local from the area) was killed during the encounter, while others escaped. Troops recovered a Plateau made fabricated rifle and continued clearance operations in the area.
At about 8:34 a.m. on Sept. 10, suspected Berom militia allegedly rustled cattle belonging to Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar at Langei village in Barkin Ladi. Troops launched a pursuit but did not make contact with the fleeing suspects. The incident added another layer to an already volatile farmer-herder situation in the area.
At about 2:45 p.m., a 26-year-old man identified as Tokare Davou was killed around a mining site at Jong village in Dorowa Babuje District. Zagazola reported that local criminals were suspected to be responsible. Troops recovered the victim’s body with gunshot wounds and launched a manhunt for the attackers. The incident also highlighted the growing security problems surrounding mining sites, where competition over access to mineral resources has reportedly generated criminal violence.
At about 8:02 p.m. on Sept. 10, a local vigilante member, Peter Gyang, was killed at Kafi Abu village in Barkin Ladi. Military sources said Gyang was on sentry duty with three other vigilantes when suspected Fulani bandits attacked. The other three vigilantes reportedly fled, leaving Gyang behind. Troops launched a manhunt and intensified patrols in the area.
Also at about 1 a.m. on Sept. 10, suspected kidnappers reportedly blocked the Jos–Makarfi highway in Riyom and opened fire on a commercial bus. Three passengers were injured and rescued by troops. Two other passengers were reportedly abducted before the soldiers arrived. Local criminals suspected to he responsible. The incident demonstrated that the violence was no longer confined to isolated rural communities but was increasingly affecting major transport routes.
At about 4:35 p.m., troops encountered suspected terrorists around Dogon Ruwa in Wase Local Government Area while searching for kidnapped victims. A kidnapped woman, Hauwa Mohammed, was rescued after the attackers withdrew from the firefight. Other kidnapped victims who escaped during the encounter reportedly returned home.
The most politically and ethnically sensitive incident occurred on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Alohom community in Sabon Gari District of Mangu LGA. Three young Fulani herders were killed during an attack on a group of herders.
36 cattle were also killed, while another 12 sustained gunshot wounds. Two other members of the group were initially reported missing.
Survivors and Fulani eyewitnesses alleged that suspected Mwaghavul militia from the Alohom, Gaude and Mangu Halle areas were responsible. The incident nevertheless immediately raised fears of retaliation.
Less than 24 hours later, at about 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 13, gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits attacked a commercial bus at Dungus Kuru T-junction near Science School in Jos South LGA. The attackers reportedly opened fire on the bus carrying traders from the Farin Lamba axis. Six passengers five males and one female were killed, while two others were injured.
The accumulation of these incidents has created an environment where every killing is increasingly interpreted through an ethnic lens, and where communities are beginning to anticipate retaliation leaving the security and response agencies overstretched.
Dioura falls as Mali’s security crisis spreads south while Kati tightens its grip
Dioura falls as Mali’s security crisis spreads south while Kati tightens its grip
By: Zagazola Makama
The reported fall of the military position at Dioura in Ténenkou Circle, Mopti Region, is more than another battlefield setback for Mali. It is a warning that the country’s security crisis is increasingly spreading beyond the traditional conflict zones and putting pressure on the military’s ability to maintain a permanent presence outside major garrisons.
According to the analysis, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has claimed control of the Dioura position through its media platform, Az-Zallaqa. No independent confirmation of the claim, casualty figures or the extent of the group’s control was immediately available. But Dioura’s strategic importance goes beyond the size of its military installation.
Dioura: a small post with a big strategic value
Dioura is positioned in a critical part of central Mali, linking areas around the Inner Niger Delta, Ténenkou and wider Mopti, with routes extending towards Niono and the Mauritanian frontier. The position therefore functions as a forward security point rather than simply another military barracks. Its repeated targeting is significant.
The post was attacked in March 2019, when dozens of soldiers were killed and military equipment seized. It was attacked again in May 2025, in another major assault that reportedly left about 40 soldiers dead and saw the military position overrun for an extended period.
If the latest reported capture is confirmed, the pattern raises a fundamental question about the ability of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) to hold isolated positions in contested territory.
The problem is not necessarily the loss of one military post. The problem is what happens when several such posts begin falling at the same time.
The JNIM strategy: weaken the network, not necessarily capture Bamako. JNIM does not need to seize Bamako to demonstrate that the state is losing control of its territory. It can achieve strategic effects by progressively attacking the network of forward military positions, disrupting roads, targeting supply convoys and forcing the army to concentrate its forces around major urban centres.
That creates a dangerous choice for FAMa.
They can reinforce remote positions and expose troops and supply convoys to ambushes, or withdraw from vulnerable locations and concentrate their forces in larger towns. Either way, the insurgents gain. If troops remain, they become isolated targets. If they withdraw, the insurgents gain greater freedom of movement.
The result is what could be described as territorial attrition a gradual erosion of effective state presence without the need for a conventional military offensive against major cities.
Mali’s security crisis is no longer confined to the north The wider concern is the geographical spread of violence. For years, Mali’s insecurity was largely associated with the northern and central regions. That picture has changed.
The JNIM threat has increasingly demonstrated the ability to operate around major transport corridors, agricultural areas and economically important zones. The southern regions are particularly important because they contain major agricultural production areas, mining operations and transport routes connecting Mali with neighbouring countries. Any sustained disruption in areas around Kayes, Koulikoro, Sikasso, Bougouni or along key commercial corridors would have consequences far beyond military security. It would affect food supplies, fuel distribution, mining revenues, commercial transport and government revenue.
When insecurity reaches the economic arteries of a country, it stops being merely a counter-insurgency problem. It becomes a state survival problem.
The developments therefore raise renewed questions about Mali’s reliance on Russian security assistance. The transition from Wagner to Africa Corps was presented as part of a broader strategic partnership intended to strengthen Mali’s sovereignty and military capacity. But the latest battlefield developments raise questions about how effectively that partnership is translating into sustained territorial security. The reported withdrawal of Russian personnel from Kidal, cited in the original analysis, has further fuelled debate about the limits of the Russian model.
The central issue is not whether Russia has military capabilities. It does. The question is whether those capabilities are being deployed as part of a coherent national strategy capable of securing Mali’s enormous territory.
A foreign force can provide specialised support, intelligence, aviation and protection for strategic locations. It cannot permanently substitute for a professional national army capable of holding territory, securing roads and maintaining relationships with local communities.
The Kati problem
The most troubling argument raised by the analysis concerns the growing distinction between protecting the regime and protecting the country. If the government’s most reliable security arrangements are concentrated around Bamako and Kati while peripheral military positions remain increasingly vulnerable, the security architecture risks becoming centred on regime protection rather than national territorial defence. That would be a serious strategic distortion.
Kati is important because it is closely associated with Mali’s military leadership and has become a major centre of political and military power.
But securing Kati does not secure Dioura.
Protecting the leadership does not secure the routes between Mali’s agricultural and commercial centres. And protecting the capital does not prevent JNIM from expanding its influence in remote communities.
A state can maintain political control over a capital while gradually losing effective control over its periphery. That is one of the most dangerous phases of an insurgency.
The government continues to function. The military continues to issue statements. The national flag continues to fly over administrative buildings. But outside major population centres, armed groups increasingly determine who moves, who trades and which roads can safely be used.
This is why Dioura matters. It is not because the position itself is large. It is because every abandoned or overrun forward position expands the space in which armed groups can operate.
Mali is also confronting several overlapping security challenges. The state is fighting JNIM and Islamic State-linked groups while dealing with the continuing northern conflict involving Tuareg-led armed movements, local militias and communal tensions. This creates a fragmented security environment in which the military cannot concentrate exclusively on one enemy.
At the same time, the reliance on civilian militias and local armed groups carries its own risks, particularly where communal tensions and allegations of abuses are involved.
A security strategy built around multiple armed actors can produce short-term tactical gains while creating longer-term problems of accountability and command cohesion.
The growing restrictions on independent reporting add another layer to the crisis.
When governments restrict journalists and control the flow of information, they may temporarily reduce politically damaging narratives. But censorship does not restore lost territory. In fact, prolonged information restrictions can make strategic decision-making harder by preventing uncomfortable realities from reaching policymakers and the public.
A government fighting an insurgency needs accurate information more than it needs flattering information.
The reported fall of Dioura should therefore be viewed as part of a wider strategic trend rather than an isolated tactical incident. If the Malian military continues to lose forward positions while concentrating increasingly around major urban centres, the country risks developing a security structure in which the state controls the cities while armed groups dominate the spaces between them. That is precisely the environment in which insurgencies thrive.
The real test for Bamako is not whether it can defend Kati. It is whether it can keep Dioura, secure the roads to it, protect the communities around it and maintain a credible military presence across the territory. If it cannot, then the question facing Mali is no longer simply how to defeat JNIM. It is how to prevent the gradual disappearance of effective state authority beyond the major cities.
Dioura may be a small military post. But strategically, it is a warning light. And if the warning is ignored, the next battlefield may not be another remote barracks. It may be the economic corridors, supply routes and southern regions that Mali depends on to keep the state functioning.
Niger’s Refoundation faces internal fractures as calls grow for political reset
Niger’s Refoundation faces internal fractures as calls grow for political reset
By: Zagazola Makama
Three years after the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s transition is reaching a critical juncture, with growing questions over the security situation, governance, national cohesion and the direction of the military-led administration.
A new political analysis argues that the authorities of the Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP) now face the difficult task of correcting the course of the transition without deepening the divisions that have emerged within the country.
The argument comes as Niger continues to confront a persistent jihadist threat while dealing with the political and military consequences of the reported attempted coup of Aug. 29, 2026.
The military authorities justified the July 26, 2023 takeover on the grounds of worsening insecurity, failures of governance and the need to fundamentally reform the Nigerian state.
Three years later, however, many of those challenges remain. Insecurity continues to affect several parts of the country, while concerns over governance, corruption and patronage remain.
The analysis argues that the transition should therefore be judged not by the circumstances that brought the military to power, but by its ability to deliver the reforms and security improvements promised to Nigeriens. At the same time, the authorities appear to have moderated some of the most confrontational positions adopted during the early months of the transition, particularly in their international posture. That shift, according to the analysis, should be consolidated rather than reversed.
The most serious challenge now confronting the CNSP may, however, be inside the security establishment itself. The reported Aug. 29 attempted coup exposed serious tensions within Niger’s military and raised questions about the level of confidence between the political leadership and sections of the armed forces.
The response to the crisis reportedly involved Russian personnel and drone capabilities against mutinous Nigerien soldiers. The development has generated controversy because the confrontation was fundamentally an internal dispute involving Nigerien security forces. The analysis argues that the episode could have lasting consequences for military cohesion, particularly among special forces personnel. The concern is not simply that the army is divided between the Presidential Guard and special operations units. The deeper problem is that mistrust could begin spreading across the wider military institution.
That would create a dangerous situation for a country already fighting JNIM and Islamic State-linked groups across multiple theatres. The central warning is that the authorities could gradually shift their priority from protecting the state to protecting the regime.
An army designed primarily for counter-terrorism requires initiative, professional autonomy, battlefield experience and strong command cohesion. An administration primarily concerned with preventing another coup may instead prioritise loyalty, surveillance and political reliability. Such a transformation could weaken precisely those capabilities Niger needs most against jihadist groups.
The reported replacement of Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou by Brig. Gen. Mamane Sani Kiaou as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces therefore takes on added significance. If the change forms part of a wider restructuring of the military, the authorities will face a delicate balancing act between restoring political control and preserving combat effectiveness.
Another major concern raised by the analysis is the increasingly polarising language used to define political loyalty. Attempts to divide Nigeriens into “patriots” and “traitors” could deepen social divisions rather than strengthen national unity. Criticism of the government should not automatically be equated with hostility to Niger. Likewise, defending national sovereignty should not require treating every political disagreement as evidence of foreign manipulation.
The analysis argues that a state becomes more vulnerable when legitimate internal grievances are consistently explained through the actions of external enemies. Foreign pressure and geopolitical competition are real. But they cannot explain every internal weakness.
The country’s growing relationships with Russia and other international partners have fundamentally altered the strategic environment. But foreign partnerships cannot substitute for national institutions. Russia, France, the United States, China and other global actors pursue their own interests in the Sahel.
The analysis therefore warns Niger against assuming that any external power will permanently protect the interests of the current leadership. International partners support states and regimes when their interests converge.
If a government loses the ability to maintain stability, cohesion and effective governance, its external partners can adjust their calculations.
The real strategic objective should therefore be to build enough national strength and institutional legitimacy that foreign powers compete to work with the country — rather than compete to control its political direction. The proposed alternative is not a return to the political system that existed before 2023 without reform. Instead, the analysis calls for a broader national dialogue capable of bringing different sections of Nigerien society into the transition process. It proposes four principal measures.
First, the creation of a Council of Elders composed of respected former national leaders, retired senior military officers, traditional rulers, intellectuals and other figures with broad moral credibility. Such a body could provide independent advice on the country’s institutional future.
Second, reforming the existing Consultative Council for the Refoundation into a broader National Council of the Refoundation with a stronger legislative role and wider representation of Nigerien expertise.
Third, adjusting the government team to focus more directly on national service, institutional credibility and delivery. Fourth, establishing a realistic timetable for the restoration of pluralistic political life. The objective would be to provide Nigeriens with a clear political destination rather than an open-ended transition.
For the military authorities, this is ultimately a security question as much as a political one.A divided country provides opportunities for jihadist groups. A divided military creates operational vulnerabilities. A population that increasingly distrusts government institutions becomes harder to mobilise against insurgents.
And a security establishment preoccupied with internal political threats has less capacity to concentrate on the enemy in the field.
Niger’s vast territory and its position at the heart of the Sahel make this particularly dangerous.
The country borders Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Algeria, Libya and Chad. Instability inside Niger therefore has consequences far beyond Niamey.
A crossroads for the CNSP
The central message is that the CNSP still has an opportunity to correct course.
The transition does not necessarily have to end in confrontation between the authorities and their opponents. Nor does political opening necessarily mean surrendering the gains the military authorities claim to have made in restoring sovereignty and restructuring the state. But sustainable stability will require moving beyond slogans and confronting the country’s internal problems directly.
Niger cannot build national unity by demanding uniformity of opinion. It cannot defeat terrorism while weakening the cohesion of its own security forces. And it cannot protect sovereignty by becoming excessively dependent on foreign partners.
The challenge before Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani is therefore bigger than maintaining control. It is to build institutions capable of surviving beyond the personalities currently occupying power. The proposed “rectification” is ultimately a call to turn the refoundation from a project of political control into a genuinely national process. Because the fundamental choice facing Niger is increasingly clear:
A state secured by force may survive for a time. A state secured by legitimacy, institutional cohesion and national consensus has a far better chance of enduring.
After Barmou: Is Niger shifting from a counter-terrorism army to a regime-protection force?
After Barmou: Is Niger shifting from a counter-terrorism army to a regime-protection force?
By: Zagazola Makama
The removal of Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou as Chief of Staff of the Nigerien Armed Forces marks far more than a routine change at the top of the military hierarchy.
It may represent the opening phase of a deeper restructuring of Niger’s armed forces following the reported military mutiny of late August a restructuring driven not only by operational requirements, but increasingly by the ruling authorities’ overriding concern: loyalty to the regime.
On Friday, Sept. 11, Niger’s authorities announced the appointment of Brig. Gen. Mamane Sani Kiaou, previously Chief of Staff of the Army, as the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, replacing Barmou.
The appointment came only days after reports of a serious internal military crisis that exposed divisions within the security establishment and raised questions about the confidence of Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani’s government in elements of its own armed forces.
The timing is significant. From elite commander to casualty of a military fracture Barmou was not an ordinary military officer.
Long before the July 2023 coup, he was one of the principal figures in the development of Niger’s special operations capabilities. He had commanded special forces formations and was closely associated with the Special Operations Command and Special Intervention Battalions.
He was also regarded as an experienced operational commander with extensive exposure to Western military training and international security cooperation. That background makes his removal particularly significant.
The very units and operational structures that Barmou helped build were designed to do one thing: find the enemy, move rapidly, strike hard and sustain pressure against armed groups operating across Niger’s vast and difficult terrain.
Today, however, some of those same capabilities appear to have become a source of political anxiety for the authorities. The question confronting the regime is no longer simply whether the army can defeat the Islamic State Sahel Province or Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). It is whether the most capable elements of the army can also be trusted not to challenge the government. That distinction could fundamentally reshape Niger’s military doctrine.
The reported military disturbances of Aug. 28 and 29 appear to have exposed a fracture that had been building beneath the surface. The crisis reportedly involved officers and personnel associated with highly trained operational formations precisely the kind of forces that any government fighting a determined insurgency would normally want to strengthen.
But for a regime that has already come to power through a military takeover, an armed force capable of independent action presents a different calculation. A professional military needs initiative. A regime worried about another coup needs control. That is the dilemma now confronting Niamey.
If the authorities conclude that highly trained and autonomous combat formations can become politically dangerous, they may begin prioritising loyalty over operational independence. That could mean targeted removals, transfers, command changes, closer surveillance of senior officers and a restructuring of special operations formations.
It could also mean strengthening formations considered politically more dependable, particularly those directly responsible for protecting the leadership. The circumstances surrounding Barmou’s departure are particularly important. According to information contained in the original analysis, Barmou was reportedly involved in attempts to manage the military crisis without escalating it into a confrontation between Nigerien soldiers.
He was said to have favoured negotiations with mutinous personnel, while other elements of the leadership reportedly considered a more forceful response, including Russian assistance.
Whether every element of that account is ultimately confirmed remains to be seen. But the broader political message is already clear.
Barmou’s removal suggests that the authorities are no longer comfortable leaving the management of sensitive military crises entirely in the hands of commanders whose primary instinct may be to preserve institutional cohesion. For a professional army, avoiding a fight between soldiers is often a virtue.
For a regime facing an internal military challenge, however, negotiation can be interpreted as weakness, hesitation or insufficient loyalty. That is where the relationship between operational professionalism and political reliability becomes dangerous.
Who is Mamane Sani Kiaou?
Kiaou enters the position at a particularly difficult moment. Before his promotion, he had reportedly toured several defence areas, including Agadez and Zinder, with official messaging focused on cohesion, engagement with troops, countering misinformation and lessons from the August crisis. His elevation therefore appears to have a significance beyond ordinary military rotation. He could be tasked with restoring discipline and operational effectiveness. But he may also be expected to restore political control over the military establishment.
If that becomes the dominant mission, the restructuring could extend deep into the special forces, command structures and elite formations. The immediate priority could be to ensure that no military formation becomes sufficiently autonomous, influential or powerful to pose a challenge to the political leadership.
This is where the greatest strategic danger lies.
Special forces are valuable because they possess initiative, cohesion, mobility, specialist training and the ability to operate with considerable independence. Those characteristics make them highly effective against insurgents. But those same characteristics can become politically uncomfortable for governments that fear military intervention. The temptation, therefore, is to dilute those capabilities.
Commanders can be rotated. Units can be reorganised. Senior officers can be transferred.
Special operations structures can be placed under tighter political supervision. Elite formations can be dispersed or absorbed into larger structures. And officers considered too influential or insufficiently reliable can gradually be removed from positions of authority.
Such measures may reduce the immediate coup risk. But they can also reduce battlefield effectiveness. An elite military capability that took years to build cannot simply be recreated by presidential decree. Training, institutional memory, battlefield experience, trust between commanders and soldiers, and the ability to operate independently under pressure are accumulated over years. Destroying that architecture is considerably easier than rebuilding it.
The jihadists may benefit from the distraction
This is the strategic paradox facing Niger.
While Niamey concentrates on controlling its military, JNIM and Islamic State militants remain focused on expanding their operational space.
The areas of Tillabéri, Tahoua and Diffa, together with Niger’s wider borderlands and the Liptako-Gourma region, require highly mobile, experienced and locally knowledgeable forces.
If elite formations become preoccupied with internal investigations, loyalty assessments, command changes and political surveillance, the insurgents may exploit the resulting gaps.
A commander worried about whether his decisions will later be interpreted as political disloyalty may become less willing to take operational risks. An officer concerned that influence over his troops could make him politically suspicious may avoid building strong independent command relationships. A military organisation obsessed with internal loyalty can gradually become less willing to exercise the initiative required in counter-insurgency warfare.
That is how a political security strategy can unintentionally produce an operational security problem.
Implications for Nigeria
If Niger’s elite combat units are weakened or distracted by internal restructuring, JNIM and Islamic State elements could exploit the security gaps along the Niger–Nigeria border. Instability in Niger could push terrorists, weapons and fighters toward Nigeria, particularly through vulnerable areas of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa and Yobe. Any deterioration in Niger’s military effectiveness could force Nigeria to deploy more resources to its northern borders and intensify surveillance and counter-terrorism operations. Increased Russian involvement in Niger could alter the regional security balance and potentially complicate intelligence-sharing and military cooperation between Niger and Nigeria. A politically preoccupied Nigerien military may have less capacity for effective cooperation with Nigeria and other regional partners against JNIM, Islamic State and cross-border criminal networks. lastly, Bandits, arms traffickers and terrorist groups could exploit any security vacuum along the largely porous Nigeria–Niger frontier.
The biggest concern for Nigeria is that a military focused increasingly on regime security rather than battlefield effectiveness could create a security vacuum on its doorstep. Any prolonged weakening of Niger’s counter-terrorism capacity would inevitably increase pressure on Nigeria’s already stretched northern security architecture.
Russia and the growing role of Africa Corps
Another dimension is Niger’s increasing reliance on Russian security support, particularly Africa Corps. Russian personnel can provide specialised capabilities, protect strategic installations and support selected operations.
But they cannot replace the Nigerien military.
Niger is a vast country of more than one million square kilometres, with difficult terrain, porous borders and insurgent networks that exploit local knowledge, mobility and community relationships. No foreign force can substitute indefinitely for a national military capable of operating across that entire environment.
The danger is therefore the emergence of a two-tier security system: heavily protected political and strategic centres around Niamey, while remote communities remain dependent on increasingly stretched national forces.
If the most capable Nigerien formations are simultaneously being reorganised for political reasons, the resulting gap could become even more significant.
The future position of Defence Minister Salifou Mody will also be important. Questions surrounding a possible reconfiguration of the military leadership have already generated speculation about whether Mody could eventually be moved to another political position while Tiani assumes greater direct control over defence affairs. There has also been speculation about Gen. Amadou Ibro, Tiani’s chief of staff, potentially receiving expanded responsibilities. These scenarios remain unconfirmed. But if subsequent decrees produce further changes at the top of Niger’s security architecture, Barmou’s removal will likely be remembered not as an isolated personnel decision but as the first visible step in a much wider restructuring.
The real test for Kiaou
The defining question for Mamane Sani Kiaou will therefore not simply be whether he can restore discipline. It will be what kind of discipline he is being asked to restore. If the objective is to rebuild cohesion, strengthen command structures, protect professional competence and ensure that the army remains focused on defeating insurgent groups, the restructuring could ultimately strengthen the Nigerien Armed Forces. But if the central objective is to ensure that the army can never again become a threat to the regime, the consequences could be very different.
The distinction is fundamental. An army built primarily around political loyalty looks toward the capital and asks: An army built primarily around national defence looks toward the battlefield and asks. The danger for Niger is that the two missions could gradually become confused.
Before the 2023 coup, the country invested heavily in building specialised forces capable of intelligence gathering, rapid deployment and counter-terrorism operations. The post-coup authorities inherited that architecture.
But the August 2026 crisis appears to have changed the political calculus. The men best trained to fight insurgents may now also be viewed as the men most capable of challenging the regime. That creates an uncomfortable choice.
The coming months will reveal which path Niamey chooses. If the restructuring preserves professional competence while restoring discipline and institutional cohesion, Niger could emerge with a more unified military.
If, however, loyalty tests, purges and political control become more important than battlefield effectiveness, the country could enter a dangerous cycle in which the military spends more time watching itself than watching the enemy. And that is precisely the opportunity insurgent groups do not need to be told about.
Man shot by Mwaghavul Militia in Mangu, Plateau
Man shot by Mwaghavul Militia in Mangu, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A 35-year-old man, identified as Sani Abdullahi, was shot by suspected attackers at the Rampiya area of Mangu Ward 1, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday night, according to local sources.
Abdullahi reportedly survived the attack and was rushed to Allah Na Kowa Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the identity and motive of the attackers, remain unclear.
Local sources alleged that the attackers were members of a Mwaghavul militia group, but this could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
Cattle destroy farmer’s crops in Plateau
Cattle destroy farmer’s crops in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Cattle belonging to one Auwal Baba have destroyed a farm belonging to Mr Ajik Izam at Saradan village in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, deployed in Angware, responded to a report of the incident at about 12:45 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2026.
Following the incident, both parties were invited by the troops for an amicable settlement and resolution of the dispute.
Troops arrest six illegal miners in Plateau
Troops arrest six illegal miners in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have arrested six suspected illegal miners during a patrol operation at the Rakwok mining site in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted at about 1 a.m. on Sept. 13, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the area.
The suspects were identified as Silas Jems, Yahuza Yau, Livingston Alexander, Raharaddin Saidi, Ismail Musa and Goddo Abdulmajid.
Other miners reportedly fled the site upon sighting the troops.
Items recovered during the operation included one cutlass, seven torchlights, one small rubber container and one small button mobile phone with a battery.
The suspects have been profiled and remain in custody for further action.
Troops arrest three Fulani men in Plateau after farmer’s killing
Troops arrest three Fulani men in Plateau after farmer’s killing
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have arrested three persons during a raid on two Fulani settlements in Bachi community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation, conducted on Sept. 13, 2026, followed a manhunt for criminal elements responsible for the killing of a farmer at Fang community in Riyom LGA on Sept. 12.
During the raid at Baggat and Shong 2 Fulani hamlets, troops arrested three residents identified as Anas Usman, Nuhu Mohammad and Haruna Ahmed.
Security sources said the three suspects are not necessarily the perpetrators of the killing, but their arrest is part of efforts to mount pressure on local Fulani leaders to assist security agencies in identifying and producing those responsible for the crime.
The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and intelligence exploitation.
Police operatives reportedly kill several bandits, recover motorcycles in Sokoto
Police operatives reportedly kill several bandits, recover motorcycles in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Police operatives conducting an operation in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State reportedly neutralised several suspected bandits on Sunday afternoon and recovered their motorcycles.
The operation is believed to be part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt bandit groups operating across the state.
Details of the operation, including the exact number of suspects neutralised and the number of motorcycles recovered, were not immediately available.
The development comes as security forces continue to intensify operations against banditry and other criminal activities across Sokoto State.
Five killed in armed herders’ attack on civilians in Benue
Five killed in armed herders’ attack on civilians in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Five people, including a police personnel and four civilians, have been killed in an attack allegedly carried out by armed herders along the Ayilamo–Audu road in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 11, according to a military situation report.
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), deployed in Ayilamo, responded to information about the attack in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police.
On arrival, the security forces found the bodies of one police personnel and four civilians, who had been killed during the attack.
The remains of the victims were subsequently deposited at the morgue of Ayilamo Hospital.
Following the incident, troops dominated the general area and commenced patrols to prevent further attacks and restore security along the affected route.
The killing has further heightened concerns over the safety of residents and commuters along vulnerable roads in Logo LGA, where armed attacks continue to pose a serious threat to civilians.
Security forces are expected to intensify patrols and take decisive action against those responsible for the killings.
Troops rescue four kidnapped victims after gunmen attack vehicle in Katsina
Troops rescue four kidnapped victims after gunmen attack vehicle in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued four kidnapped victims after engaging terrorists who attacked a vehicle and abducted passengers along the Ruwan Godiya axis of Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 11, following intelligence on the terrorist attack and abduction of passengers before Ruwan Godiya.
Troops of 35 Battalion mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon the four victims and flee into the surrounding terrain.
The rescued victims were subsequently released to continue with their journey after the intervention by the troops.
The operation highlights the continued efforts by troops to secure major road corridors and prevent terrorists and criminal elements from preying on commuters in Katsina State.
Troops have continued patrols and surveillance along the affected axis to deny the attackers freedom of movement and prevent further attacks.
Troops arrest suspected drug peddler with illicit substance in Kaduna
Troops arrest suspected drug peddler with illicit substance in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have arrested a suspected drug peddler and recovered a vehicle conveying a large quantity of substances suspected to be illicit drugs in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The suspect was arrested at about 4:50 p.m. on Sept. 12 by troops of 2 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base Polewire.
The troops intercepted the suspect while he was travelling in a vehicle loaded with a large quantity of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The suspect and the recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by troops to disrupt criminal activities and illicit trafficking along key routes in the North-West.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops rescue three kidnapped victims along Anka–Gummi road
Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops rescue three kidnapped victims along Anka–Gummi road
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three kidnapped victims following a swift response to an attack by terrorists along the Anka–Gummi road in Zamfara State.
The troops, operating in Anka Local Government Area, were on routine patrol when they received information that terrorists had attacked a commercial vehicle along the highway.
The soldiers immediately moved to the location and engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee into the surrounding terrain and abandon their captives.
During the intervention, the troops safely rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered a handheld communication radio reportedly abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
The rescued victims are currently receiving necessary medical assessment and care before being reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, troops have intensified search and recovery operations to locate the affected vehicle and track down the fleeing attackers.
Security forces have also maintained a strong presence along the Anka–Gummi corridor, with continuous patrols aimed at protecting motorists, securing the critical transport route and denying criminal elements freedom of movement.
The successful rescue underscores the importance of sustained military presence and rapid response along vulnerable highways in Zamfara, where armed groups continue to target travellers and commercial vehicles.
Troops arrest 22-year-old suspected terrorist logistics supplier in Borno
Troops arrest 22-year-old suspected terrorist logistics supplier in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 22-year-old suspected terrorist logistics supplier accused of supplying materials and providing information to terrorists operating around Mada in Borno State.
The suspect, identified as Baba Kaka Abdullahi, was arrested at about 11:36 a.m. on Sept. 11 by troops of 273 Battalion, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and Forest Guards.
The troops were conducting a farming patrol around the Kadauri general area when they intercepted the suspect.
Preliminary investigation reportedly established that Abdullahi had been supplying logistics and passing information to terrorists operating around the Mada area.
The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by troops under Operation Desert Sanity V to disrupt terrorist supply networks and cut off the flow of information and logistics to insurgents operating in the North-East.
Two minors escape terrorist enclave, surrender to troops in Gwoza
Two minors escape terrorist enclave, surrender to troops in Gwoza
By: Zagazola Makama
Two minors, aged 14 and 10, who were reportedly living with suspected terrorists have escaped from their enclave in the Mandara Mountains and surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The children, identified as Abdullahi Usman, 14, and Usman Hamba, 10, surrendered at about 9:35 a.m. on Sept. 11 to troops of 192 Battalion conducting picketing and fighting patrols along the Gwoza–Limankara road.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the two minors escaped from the enclave of suspected terrorists identified as Kwatarra in the Mandara Mountains.
The children reportedly told troops that severe hardship and difficult living conditions inside the terrorists’ camp forced them to escape and seek safety.
Troops recovered one Calus mobile phone from the minors and subsequently subjected them to proper screening and documentation.
Efforts are ongoing to establish contact with their relatives and reunite the children with their families.
The development provides another grim indication of the difficult conditions reportedly faced by civilians and family members trapped within terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains.
Troops continue to maintain pressure on terrorist hideouts and movement corridors around the Gwoza axis as part of ongoing operations under Operation Desert Sanity V.
The general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops maintain satisfactory morale and operational readiness.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist fighter in Kukawa
Troops arrest suspected terrorist fighter in Kukawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 20-year-old suspected terrorist fighter who allegedly returned to Kukawa town after spending about a year with terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad axis of Borno State.
The suspect, identified as Abubakar Ali, also known as Boru Sulum, was arrested at about 5:30 a.m. on Sept. 12 during a first-line cordon-and-search operation conducted by troops following credible intelligence on plans by terrorists to attack troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion, Kukawa.
Military sources said Ali had entered Kukawa town on Sept. 11, prompting security forces to place the area under heightened surveillance.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect had reportedly fled Kukawa about a year ago and joined terrorist groups operating from the Dumbullum and Kareto camps in Guzamala Local Government Area.
The suspect was also alleged to have displayed an AK-47 rifle on his WhatsApp status in the past, further raising suspicion about his association with the terrorist group.
Ali is currently in the custody of Headquarters 19 Brigade for further investigation and interrogation.
The arrest came as troops intensified security operations around Kukawa to disrupt terrorist infiltration and prevent planned attacks against military positions and communities.
The development underscores the importance of intelligence-led operations in identifying suspected infiltrators and individuals attempting to re-enter communities after associating with terrorist groups.
The general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops maintain satisfactory morale and operational readiness.
Troops arrest two suspected terrorists’ collaborators with ₦3.65m in Monguno
Troops arrest two suspected terrorists’ collaborators with ₦3.65m in Monguno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators and recovered ₦3.65 million from them in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspects, identified as Mallam Alhaji Momoh, 35, and Jidda Haruna, 30, were arrested at about 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 at Charlie 4 in Monguno town.
According to a military situation report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the suspects told troops that they were travelling to Baga to buy fish when they were intercepted.
Items recovered from them included personal clothing, six loaves of bread and the sum of ₦3,650,000.
The circumstances surrounding the large amount of cash and the suspects’ alleged links to terrorists are now being investigated.
The suspects and recovered items remain in the custody of Headquarters Sector 3 for profiling, interrogation and further necessary action.
The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at identifying and disrupting terrorist collaborators and support networks operating across the Lake Chad axis.
Troops continue to maintain heightened surveillance around Monguno and adjoining communities to prevent terrorist infiltration and disrupt their activities.
The general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops maintain satisfactory morale and operational readiness.
Troops rescue eight abductees, including children, in Gwoza
Troops rescue eight abductees, including children, in Gwoza
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued eight abductees, including several children, from terrorist captivity along the Gwoza East corridor of Borno State.
The victims were rescued in two separate operations on Sept. 12 by troops conducting perimeter and routine patrols around the Armuda and Gava axis of Gwoza Local Government Area.
The first group of five abductees comprised Mallam Sadiq, 65; Asmau Sadiq, 14; Abdulbashir Sadiq, 11; Aisha Sadiq, 8; and Fatima Sadiq, 6.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the victims escaped from the enclave of terrorists identified as Chikede.
Further interrogation established that Mallam Sadiq was the Chief Imam of Ngoshe town and had been abducted alongside his family during the attack on the community on March 3, 2026.
In a separate development at about 4 p.m. the same day, troops on routine patrol at the base of Gava sighted another three abductees at the fringes of Armuda.
They were identified as Mrs Binta Abubakar, 20; Yahaya Saleh, 11; and nine-month-old Mohammed Abubakar.
The trio also reportedly escaped from their terrorist captors before being located by the troops.
Mallam Sadiq and his family were subsequently handed over to the local authorities in Gwoza, while Mrs Binta and her children were handed over to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Pulka for care and further assistance.
The latest rescue brings the total number of victims rescued through the Gwoza East corridor to 157.
The operation highlights the continued pressure being mounted by troops along the Gwoza axis, particularly against terrorist enclaves and movement routes used to hold abducted civilians.
The rescue of the children, including a nine-month-old baby, is also a stark reminder of the human cost of prolonged terrorist captivity in communities affected by the insurgency.
Troops continue to dominate the area through sustained patrols and clearance operations aimed at rescuing more victims and preventing terrorists from re-establishing freedom of movement.
The general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops maintain satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
Troops arrest three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Borno
Troops arrest three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered food items, household goods, bicycles and mobile phones during separate operations in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspects were arrested on Sept. 11 by troops of 73 Battalion, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), during operations around Koppa and its environs.
The first two suspects, Umar Alhaji Bako, 30, and Lawan Bukar, 21, were arrested opposite Koppa village while allegedly transporting food and household items from Maiduguri to Alajiri village in Mafa Local Government Area for delivery to terrorists.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that terrorists had been sending them money to purchase the items and subsequently collecting them at their farms in Alajiri.
They further disclosed that failure to deliver the requested supplies attracted severe punishment and that the operation marked their third attempt to supply the terrorists.
Items recovered from the suspects included assorted sweets, detergents, spaghetti, mosquito coils, groundnut and palm oil, salt, corn flour, slippers, clothing materials, earrings, caps, Vaseline, a mat, two MP3 music boxes, two Tecno keypad phones, two bicycles and ₦1,700.
In a separate operation at about 8:30 p.m. the same day, troops arrested another suspected logistics supplier, Mal. Abdullahi Abubakar, 62, at Koppa village.
Abubakar reportedly confessed that he had been sent money by terrorists to purchase logistics items for them in Sojiri and was promised ₦10,000 as a reward if he successfully returned with the supplies.
He also alleged that several farmers in the area carry out similar errands for terrorists, either willingly or under coercion.
Items recovered from him included 240 sachets of milk, five litres of groundnut oil, six pieces of kola nut, a matchbox, a hijab, a bicycle and ₦35,500.
The three suspects and recovered items remain in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrests expose the difficult but critical battle to cut off the supply lines sustaining terrorist groups in the North-East. While some civilians may be acting under threats, those knowingly facilitating the movement of food and other materials to terrorists risk strengthening the very groups responsible for insecurity in their communities.
Security agencies are expected to establish the extent of the suspects’ involvement, distinguish coercion from willing collaboration and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the appropriate legal consequences.
The general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops maintain satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
Troops arrest six suspected kidnappers, recover Dane gun in Adamawa
Troops arrest six suspected kidnappers, recover Dane gun in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested six suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating across parts of Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The suspects were arrested during a raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout around Soktu Hill in Song LGA on Sept. 13.
The operation followed credible human intelligence on the activities of the gang. Troops of Sector 4, in collaboration with local hunters, mobilised and stormed the suspected hideout at about 8:30 a.m.
Three suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate were arrested during the operation, while one Dane gun was recovered.
Military sources said subsequent interrogation and follow-on covert operations led to the arrest of three additional members of the syndicate, bringing the total number of suspects arrested to six.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the group allegedly operates around Skotu, Dumne and Maigero communities in Song Local Government Area.
The suspects reportedly confessed to involvement in the kidnapping of more than seven victims, with the syndicate allegedly collecting ransom payments from their relatives.
They further disclosed that some victims who failed to comply with the gang’s ransom demands were killed, according to information obtained during interrogation.
The suspects and recovered weapon are currently in the custody of 226 Battalion for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation represents a significant blow to a kidnapping network that has reportedly terrorised communities across the Song axis.
Security forces are expected to sustain follow-up operations to identify other members of the syndicate, recover more weapons and rescue any victims who may still be in captivity.
The general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops maintain satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
Troops arrest three suspected drug peddlers, recover 92 parcels of Colorado in Borno
Troops arrest three suspected drug peddlers, recover 92 parcels of Colorado in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested three suspected drug peddlers and recovered 92 pieces of suspected Colorado concealed inside cartons of television sets along the Maiduguri–Mafa road in Borno State.
The suspects were arrested on Sept. 9 by troops of 195 Battalion, deployed along the route for logistics strangulation operations.
The suspects were identified as Haruna A. Usman, 39; Mohammed Haruna, 40; and Dauda Ali, 40.
They were intercepted while travelling in a Mitsubishi Fuso Canter truck with registration number Lagos AGL 199 XF.
A military situation report obtained by Zagazola Makama said the vehicle was conveying five cartons containing LG television sets, which were allegedly being used to conceal the suspected drugs.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the vehicle had been loaded at Babbanlayi by Mohammed Haruna, who reportedly claimed that the goods belonged to Haruna A. Usman.
Troops subsequently tracked and arrested Usman in connection with the consignment.
Five mobile phones were also recovered from the suspects.
The suspects, recovered vehicle and exhibits are expected to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by troops under Operation Desert Sanity V to disrupt the logistics networks and criminal activities supporting insecurity across the North-East.
The general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops maintain satisfactory morale and operational readiness.
Troops rescue 20-year-old man after three months in terrorist captivity in Kaga
Troops rescue 20-year-old man after three months in terrorist captivity in Kaga
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued a 20-year-old man, Adam Yabana, who escaped from terrorist captivity after spending more than three months in captivity in Borno State.
Yabana was intercepted by troops of 156 Task Force Battalion, operating in conjunction with the AHQ Intelligence Fusion Battalion and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Mainok, Kaga Local Government Area, during a clearance operation on Sept. 9.
The operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected terrorists around Abasuri village.
During the clearance operation, the troops intercepted Yabana, who told investigators that he had been captured by terrorists while working on a farm in the Gowo general area.
According to preliminary interrogation, he remained in captivity for over three months before successfully escaping on Sept. 8 and making his way to Barmalanti village.
He was subsequently directed towards Mainok, where troops intercepted him during the ongoing clearance operation.
The rescued man is expected to be handed over to the intelligence personnel of 29 Task Force Brigade for further investigation and debriefing.
The troops thereafter returned safely to their blocking position in Mainok.
The development highlights the continued efforts by troops operating under Operation Desert Sanity V to clear terrorist-infested areas, rescue civilians held in captivity and deny insurgents freedom of movement across the theatre.
The general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops maintain their operational posture and readiness to respond to emerging threats.
Three Fulani youths slaughtered by suspected Mwaghavul militia buried in Mangu
Three Fulani youths slaughtered by suspected Mwaghavul militia buried in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Three young Fulani herders allegedly killed by suspected Mwaghavul militia in Alohom community, Sabon Gari District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, have been buried.
The victims — Garzali Shuibu, 18; Bashiru Yakubu, 14; and Salim Abubakar, 15 — were reportedly attacked while grazing in the area on Saturday, Sept. 12.
Their Janazah prayer was observed before they were laid to rest, as grief and anger continued to grip the community following the killings.
According to a military situation report obtained by Zagazola Makama, troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, were alerted after receiving information that herders had come under attack at Alohom.
The soldiers deployed from Sabon Gari moved to the location and reportedly found the bodies of the three youths, alongside 36 cattle that had been shot dead.
Another 12 cattle sustained gunshot wounds, while two other members of the herding group were reported missing.
Surviving members of the group alleged that the attackers were armed men suspected to be members of the Mwaghavul militia operating around Alohom, Gaude and the wider Mangu Halle areas.
The allegation remains subject to investigation by security agencies.
There were also claims by some Fulani residents that personnel of a sister security agency were sighted around the area during the incident but allegedly failed to prevent the killings.
That claim is also being investigated.
Empty tear-gas canisters were reportedly recovered from the scene, although their connection with the attack had yet to be established.
The killing of the three youths, particularly 14-year-old Bashiru Yakubu, has further inflamed tensions in the area.
It is difficult to comprehend how a community can lose three young people in such a violent manner, with one of the victims barely into his teenage years. These were not statistics; they were young lives, sons and members of families whose future has now been brutally cut short.
The incident has also raised fears of possible reprisal attacks, especially amid angry reactions circulating within the affected community.
Security agencies must urgently establish what happened, identify and arrest those responsible and prevent the killings from becoming another trigger for retaliatory violence.
Troops have intensified patrols and are dominating the area to prevent further attacks, locate the missing persons and restore confidence among residents.
Police Air Wing eliminates nine bandits, destroys camps, recovers arms in North-West
Police Air Wing eliminates nine bandits, destroys camps, recovers arms in North-West
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigeria Police Air Wing has eliminated nine suspected bandits and disrupted several criminal camps and logistics networks during sustained aerial operations across parts of Katsina and Zamfara States.
Seven of the suspects were identified as associates of notorious bandit kingpin, Ado Aleru, during operations conducted around Karaduwa, Matazu, Dutsin-Ma, Dan Musa and Yankuzo in Katsina State.
The Force said the operations involved coordinated surveillance, reconnaissance, troop insertion, air cover and interdiction missions aimed at disrupting bandit activities and denying the criminals freedom of movement.
In a separate operation around the Jangebe axis of Zamfara State, two senior lieutenants linked to another notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Abdullahi Na Sanda, were also eliminated.
The aerial operations also resulted in the destruction of bandit camps and the recovery of weapons and other military hardware.
Items recovered and destroyed included three PKM machine guns, three AK-47 rifles, 20 magazines, ammunition and a rocket launcher with warheads.
According to the Force, the coordinated air and ground operations have significantly disrupted the bandits’ communication and logistics networks while providing air support to ground troops and facilitating the rescue of kidnapped victims.
The Police said the operations would be sustained to prevent the criminals from regrouping, re-establishing camps and threatening communities across the affected areas.
Troops raid suspected Lakurawa motorcycle repair workshop in Sokoto
Troops raid suspected Lakurawa motorcycle repair workshop in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 8 Guards Task Force deployed at Forward Operating Base Kware have raided a motorcycle repair workshop allegedly being used by suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Kware town, Kware Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The operation was conducted at about 10:05 a.m. on Sept. 11 following intelligence indicating that suspected members of the group were using the workshop to repair their motorcycles.
The terrorists reportedly fled the location upon sighting the advancing troops, abandoning two motorcycles at the workshop.
The troops recovered the two motorcycles and took them into custody for further investigation.
Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while troops continue to intensify surveillance and offensive operations within the area to disrupt the activities and mobility of criminal elements.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper, recover AK-47 rifle in Edo
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper, recover AK-47 rifle in Edo
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 4 Brigade, conducting operations under Operation Whirl Punch and Operation Rescue, have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
The suspect, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, was arrested at about 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Obaretin community along the Benin–Sapele Road.
Troops recovered an AK-47 rifle with registration number 6624011, one magazine and eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the suspect.
Other items recovered include a Tecno mobile phone, two bags, a torchlight, a music box and assorted charms.
The suspect and the recovered items are currently in military custody as further investigation continues to establish his possible links to kidnapping activities and other criminal operations in the area.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations within the 2 Division area of responsibility aimed at disrupting criminal networks and denying kidnappers freedom of movement.
Security forces are expected to conduct further interrogation and investigation to determine the suspect’s associates and possible operational links.
Motorcycle rider killed in road crash involving NIPSS participant in Plateau
Motorcycle rider killed in road crash involving NIPSS participant in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A motorcycle rider identified as Benjamin has been killed in a road traffic accident involving a black Toyota vehicle at Vom area of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The accident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, when troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, responded to a report of the crash.
Upon arrival, the troops found the Toyota vehicle, with registration number KLT-811 AA, Gombe, involved in the accident. The vehicle was identified as belonging to Col. Isuwa, a participant of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
The motorcycle rider, Benjamin, died from injuries sustained in the crash, while the senior military officer sustained injuries and was evacuated to a hospital for medical attention.
The deceased’s remains were subsequently deposited at a morgue by Keystone K, Vom Division, while the damaged vehicle was also recovered to the same facility.
The family of the deceased has been contacted as authorities commence investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Security personnel and relevant authorities are expected to determine the circumstances that led to the collision and establish any factors that may have contributed to the fatal incident.
Troops arrest three suspects in connection with killing of 17-year-old in Plateau
Troops arrest three suspects in connection with killing of 17-year-old in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, have arrested three persons during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout following the killing of a 17-year-old, Peter Gyang, at Kafi-Abu village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was launched on Saturday, Sept. 12, following intelligence on the isolated attack in which Gyang was killed by unidentified criminal elements at Kafi-Abu.
Troops subsequently conducted a raid on Kedawa, a settlement identified as a possible route used by the perpetrators to access Kafi-Abu and escape after carrying out the attack.
During the operation, soldiers arrested three suspects identified as 69-year-old Yakubu Jaoji, 28-year-old Mukadas Abubakar and 56-year-old Muhammad Hassan.
The suspects were taken into custody and profiled for further action as investigations continue to establish their possible links to the killing.
The raid forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to track down perpetrators of attacks in the Barkin Ladi area and prevent further violence between communities.
Troops have continued to dominate the general area while investigations are ongoing.
Herders pay ₦4.5m compensation to 38 farmers over farm destruction in Plateau
Herders pay ₦4.5m compensation to 38 farmers over farm destruction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Herders have paid ₦4.5 million in compensation to 38 farmers following the destruction of their farms in Dambwash, Danbukor and Fokko villages in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The compensation followed an agreement reached on Aug. 19, 2026, after the farms were reportedly destroyed on Aug. 16.
Troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace, Bokkos, facilitated an amicable settlement between the affected farmers and the herders on Saturday, Sept. 12.
All parties involved in the dispute were present during the settlement, including the Ardo of Tarangol District, who participated in the resolution process.
The herders subsequently fulfilled the agreement by paying the sum of ₦4.5 million to the 38 affected farmers as compensation for the damaged farms.
The military said the settlement was concluded peacefully without any incident.
The development highlights the importance of community-based conflict resolution in preventing disputes between farming and herding communities from escalating into violence.
Security forces have continued to encourage affected communities to seek peaceful resolution of disputes and avoid resorting to reprisal attacks that could further worsen tensions in the area.
Troops discover another corpse of missing man during search operation in Plateau
Troops discover another corpse of missing man during search operation in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, have discovered the corpse of a man identified as Joseph Dachung in a bush near Fwil village in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The corpse was discovered at about 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 12 during search operations launched following an incident of cattle rustling in the area.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Dachung had earlier been reported missing by members of the community on Sept. 9, raising concerns over his whereabouts.
Troops recovered the corpse from the bush and handed it over to the community for further necessary action.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, while security personnel continue offensive operations in the general area as part of efforts to track criminal elements and prevent further incidents.
The discovery comes amid heightened security operations across parts of Plateau State, where troops have intensified patrols and searches following recent attacks and criminal activities.
Troops discover corpse of missing farmer in Mangu as residents suspects herders behind killing
Troops discover corpse of missing farmer in Mangu as residents suspects herders behind killing
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Gyambwas, have discovered the remains of a 56-year-old farmer, Mr Geoffrey Gumut, who was earlier reported missing at Kikyuau village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops responded at about 6:35 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, following a report that Gumut had gone missing.
The soldiers, working alongside local residents, immediately commenced search operations across the general area in an effort to locate the missing farmer.
During the search, the victim’s body was discovered on his farm. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear and are currently subject to investigation.
Residents in Mangu suspects that the killing was orchestrated by Fulani herders who usually invade their farms with their livestock.
Keystone Mangu Division was contacted for further necessary action, while security personnel have commenced efforts to establish what happened to the farmer and identify those responsible.
The discovery has further heightened security concerns in parts of Mangu, where recent attacks and killings have increased tensions especially between farming and herders communities.
Troops remain active in the general area as investigations continue and efforts are made to prevent further attacks and possible retaliatory violence.
GOC visits Plateau community after killing of herder, seven cattle
GOC visits Plateau community after killing of herder, seven cattle
By: Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. W.M. Dangana, has visited the scene of the recent killing of a herder and seven cattle at Jong/Nyerwai village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Dangana arrived at the headquarters of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace, in Barkin Ladi at about 1:59 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, where he was received by the Commander, Sector 4 OPEP.
The visit was undertaken as an on-the-spot assessment of the location where the herder and seven cattle were killed on Sept. 9.
During the visit, the GOC expressed sympathy to members of the affected community over the incident and urged continued restraint to prevent the situation from escalating into further violence.
He particularly commended Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi for their restraint and decision to discourage members of the community from embarking on reprisal attacks.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in parts of Plateau State following a series of attacks involving farming and herding communities.
Security authorities have continued to emphasise the need for communities to resist retaliatory violence, warning that reprisal attacks often produce fresh casualties and deepen an already fragile security situation.
The visit was completed without incident, while troops remain deployed across vulnerable locations in the area to prevent further attacks and maintain peace.
Troops intercept 10 rams after suspected herders flee in Plateau
Troops intercept 10 rams after suspected herders flee in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Gashish, have intercepted 10 rams abandoned by a group of suspected Fulani herders who fled upon sighting security personnel in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops, deployed at Panse general area, responded at about 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 following a report of unidentified Fulani herders camping around Rakwok community.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops observed the herders with their livestock. The group reportedly fled into the surrounding area after sighting the approaching soldiers, leaving some of their animals behind.
The troops subsequently recovered 10 rams abandoned at the scene and moved the animals to a secure location for further necessary action.
The development forms part of ongoing security operations in the area aimed at monitoring the movement of armed groups and preventing criminal elements from exploiting remote communities to carry out attacks.
Troops remain deployed across the general area to maintain security and respond to emerging threats.
Mwaghavul Militia Killed Three herders, Slaughter 36 cattle in unprovoked attack in Plateau
Mwaghavul Militia Killed Three herders, Slaughter 36 cattle in unprovoked attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Three Fulani herders have been killed and two others reported missing after armed Mwaghavul Militia attacked a group of herders at Alohom community in Sabon Gari District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday, Sept. 12, also resulted in the deaths of 36 cattle, while 12 other cattle sustained gunshot wounds, according to a military situation report obtained by Zagazola Makama.
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, were alerted after receiving information that herders grazing in the area had come under attack. Soldiers deployed from Sabon Gari immediately moved to the location and found the bodies of three herders.
Military sources said the victims had suffered fatal injuries, while the dead cattle were found with gunshot wounds. The surviving herders told troops that two other members of their group were missing, although efforts to establish their whereabouts were ongoing.
Some Fulani eyewitnesses alleged that the attackers were militia men suspected to be from the Mwaghavul ethnic group in Alohom, Gaude and Mangu Halle general areas.
There were also allegations from some Fulani bystanders that some security personnel from sister agency were sighted around the area during the incident without making efforts to prevent the gruesome killings.
Sources said the allegation was also being investigated. Empty tear-gas canisters were reportedly recovered from the scene, although their circumstances and connection to the attack had yet to be established.
The incident has left the area tense, with troops conducting clearance patrols and dominating the general area to prevent further violence and identify those responsible.
A dangerous cycle
Security sources expressed concern that the attack could trigger the familiar cycle of reprisal violence between communities, particularly in an area where disputes and attacks involving herding communities have previously escalated rapidly.
The killing of three herders, the disappearance of two others and the destruction of livestock could fuel anger within the affected community, while any retaliatory attack could in turn produce fresh casualties.
The military has therefore warned the Fulani community against taking the law into its own hands, urging residents to allow constituted authorities to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
The situation demonstrates how attacks on civilians in Plateau can quickly move beyond the immediate victims, with the killing of people or livestock potentially provoking revenge attacks against other communities that had no direct involvement in the original incident.
The latest attack has also renewed concerns over what many affected communities perceive as selective condemnation of violence in Plateau State, particularly where victims are from the herder community.
For years, critics have accused The Plateau State Government, youth groups and advocacy platforms in Nigeria of responding more forcefully when attacks affect farming communities, while remaining comparatively muted when herders are killed, their cattle are attacked or their communities come under assault.
That perceived imbalance has become a source of deep resentment among herders and communities who argue that the value of a civilian life should not depend on ethnicity, religion or which community is accused of being the aggressor.
The danger in such selective outreach is that silence after one attack can become fuel for the next retaliation. When victims believe that authorities and influential voices will only speak when violence affects the other side, confidence in official channels weakens and the temptation to seek revenge outside the law grows.
Security officials have repeatedly warned that this cycle is particularly dangerous in Plateau, where a single killing can rapidly generate rumours, mobilise youths and provoke attacks against completely unrelated civilians.
Troops under Operation HARD KNOCK are continuing operations in the area to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further escalation.
The military said its troops remain deployed across the general area to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
Troops intercept 22 cows, six sheep after alleged farm destruction in Plateau
Troops intercept 22 cows, six sheep after alleged farm destruction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have intercepted 22 cows and six sheep allegedly involved in the destruction of a farmer’s crops at Jebbu Miango in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops responded at about 2:45 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, following a report of the destruction of a farm belonging to a resident identified as Mr Kefas.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops found the livestock grazing on the farmland without any herder in sight.
The 22 cows and six sheep were subsequently moved to a safe location for necessary action, while efforts are expected to determine their ownership and establish the circumstances surrounding the reported farm destruction.
Security forces are maintaining surveillance in the area to prevent further incidents and preserve peace between farming and herding communities.
Troops foil armed herders’ invasion of farmlands in Plateau
Troops foil armed herders’ invasion of farmlands in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have foiled an attempt by suspected armed herders and their cattle to invade farmlands around Manja community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 5:25 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026, when troops deployed at Manja Forest responded to reports of the movement of the armed herders through a forested area in the community.
The troops’ swift intervention forced the suspected criminals to withdraw further into the forest.
A subsequent search of the area revealed that the suspected herders had uprooted and looted farm produce, including yam and potatoes that were due for harvesting.
Security forces have commenced efforts, in collaboration with Fulani leaders in the area, to identify the suspects and establish their whereabouts.
Troops have also intensified patrols around the community and adjoining areas to prevent further attacks on farmers and destruction of farmlands.
Troops rescue kidnapped couple in Kaduna after Fulani Bandits abandon victims
Troops rescue kidnapped couple in Kaduna after Fulani Bandits abandon victims
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have rescued a kidnapped couple after a gun battle with Fulani Bandits in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The incident occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, when troops deployed at Mayir Garrison location responded to a report of the abduction of Mr Hassan Isah and his wife, Juliana Hassan, at Ateli village.
The troops, working alongside local vigilantes, immediately launched a pursuit of the kidnappers and established contact with the criminals.
During the encounter, the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled into the surrounding area, allowing the troops to safely rescue the couple.
However, Isah sustained injuries during the incident and was evacuated to the General Hospital, Wamba, for medical attention.
Security forces have commenced efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers, while troops continue to dominate the area to prevent further attacks.
Troops intervene as farmers, herders clash over alleged farm destruction in Kaduna
Troops intervene as farmers, herders clash over alleged farm destruction in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have intervened in a clash between farmers and herders at Mabushi village, Kurmin Dawaki District, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The incident occurred at about 6:20 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026, following a report of a confrontation between the two groups over the alleged destruction of farmlands.
Troops deployed to the area promptly intervened and brought the situation under control, preventing further escalation.
Four victims, however, sustained injuries during the clash and were evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Manchok for medical attention.
During the intervention, troops also recovered abandoned cattle reportedly belonging to Ardo Ambo of Jankasa village in Kaura Local Government Area.
The cattle were moved to a safe location pending efforts to resolve the dispute and restore calm between the parties.
Security forces detained Ardo Ambo and Dakachi of Kurmin Dawaki for questioning as investigations continued into the circumstances surrounding the clash.
Troops have maintained security presence in the area to prevent further violence and support efforts toward peaceful resolution of the dispute.
Troops rescue kidnapped woman after gunfight with terrorists in Plateau
Troops rescue kidnapped woman after gunfight with terrorists in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have rescued a kidnapped woman following an encounter with suspected terrorists in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted at about 4:35 p.m. on Sept. 10 after troops received information about the movement of terrorists alongside suspected kidnapped victims around Dogon Ruwa.
Military sources said the troops advanced along the reported axis and made contact with the suspects, who engaged them in a fierce firefight.
The terrorists were forced to withdraw in disarray following the troops’ superior firepower, allowing the soldiers to exploit the area.
During the operation, the troops rescued one of the kidnapped victims, identified as Mrs Hauwa Mohammed, who had been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
During preliminary debriefing, the rescued woman contacted her brother, Mallam Aliyu Mohammed, who confirmed that other kidnapped victims who escaped during the encounter had successfully returned home.
The rescued victim was subsequently handed over to her brother, while troops continued to search the surrounding bushes in an effort to track and apprehend the fleeing criminals.
Security forces have intensified operations across the area to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and rescue other victims who may still be in captivity.
Fulani bandits kill local vigilante on sentry duty in Plateau
Fulani bandits kill local vigilante on sentry duty in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A local vigilante member has been killed by suspected fulani bandits while on sentry duty at Kafi Abu village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 8:02 p.m. on Sept. 10, when troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a report of an attack on members of the local vigilante group.
Military sources said the troops arrived at the location and found the lifeless body of the victim, identified as Mr Peter Gyang, bearing gunshot wounds.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Gyang was on duty alongside three other members of the local vigilante group when the attackers struck.
The three other vigilantes reportedly fled the scene, leaving Gyang behind.
Troops have commenced a manhunt for the assailants while conducting fighting patrols to dominate the general area and prevent further attacks.
Troops launch pursuit after cattle rustling by suspected Berom Militia in Plateau
Troops launch pursuit after cattle rustling by suspected Berom Militia in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have launched a pursuit of suspected Berom Militia who rustle and stole an unspecified number of cattle belonging to Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 8:34 a.m. on Sept. 10 at Langei village, where the cattle were reportedly rustled by the criminals.
Military sources said the troops responded to the report and immediately initiated pursuit of the rustlers through identified escape routes.
However, no contact was established with the fleeing suspects during the operation.
Efforts are ongoing to track down the rustlers and recover the stolen cattle, while troops continue to maintain surveillance around the affected communities.
Gov Alia Commends DSS For Apprehending Ayilamo Attackers, Commiserates with Victims
Gov Alia Commends DSS For Apprehending Ayilamo Attackers, Commiserates with Victims
By: Zagazola Makama
Governor Hyacinth Alia has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the prompt and professional operation that led to the arrest of three suspects allegedly connected with the Thursday attack on Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Alia denounced the attack which led to the tragic loss of innocent lives, including four police officers, according to a statement signed by his chief press secretary,
Sir Tersoo Kula.
The governor described the arrest as a significant step towards uncovering the full circumstances of the incident and bringing those responsible to justice.
He said, "We urge the DSS to intensify its investigation and make the best use of the information obtained from the suspects in its custody.
Governor Alia described the act as a "despicable attack on the peace-loving people of Ayilamo and a grave threat to the security and stability of Benue State.
“The reported killing of four law enforcement officers is particularly painful and underscores the enormous sacrifices being made by security personnel in the line of duty”.
He described it as a disturbing reminder of the persistent insecurity and repeated attacks on vulnerable communities and law-enforcement officers in the area.
Governor Alia said, “I extend heartfelt condolences to the people of Ayilamo, the families of all the victims, and the entire Logo Local Government community. We mourn with you and assure you that you are not alone in this difficult period”.
The Governor also commiserates with the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, over the loss of the four officers who paid the supreme price in the service of their fatherland.
He said, “We honour their courage and sacrifice and pray that God grants their families, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss”.
On the arrest of the suspects, he said, "Every available lead should be diligently followed to identify and arrest the remaining accomplices, sponsors, collaborators, and other persons connected with the attack. All those found culpable must face the full weight of the law”, he asked.
He assured that his administration will continue to collaborate with the security agencies to strengthen security in Ayilamo, Logo, and other vulnerable communities across the State.
He said, "We are committed to supporting efforts aimed at preventing further attacks, protecting residents, restoring peace, and ensuring that affected communities receive the necessary attention and support.
"We appeal to the people of Ayilamo and surrounding communities to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding.
“I encourage residents to provide credible and timely information to the security agencies while refraining from actions that could heighten tension or undermine the ongoing investigation”.
The Governor assured the people of Ayilamo and the entire State that they will not be abandoned, stressing , "we remain resolute in our determination to protect lives and property, uphold justice, and restore lasting peace across Benue State”.
Troops launch manhunt after locals criminals kill miner in Barkin Ladi
Troops launch manhunt after locals criminals kill miner in Barkin Ladi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have launched a manhunt for suspected attackers following the killing of a 26-year-old man around a mining site by local criminals in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 2:45 p.m. on Sept. 10 around Jong village in Dorowa Babuje District.
Military sources said the troops responded to a report of an attack and killing of the victim, identified as Mr Tokare Davou.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops discovered the victim’s body bearing gunshot wounds, while the suspected attackers had fled the area.
Zagazola reports that attacks on mining sites have been on the rise, with rival miners allegedly targeting one another over competition for control of mining areas and access to valuable mineral resources.
The troops have commenced offensive operations and a manhunt for the fleeing criminals within the Dorowa Babuje general area, as efforts continue to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing.
Troops foil kidnap attempt at late Gen Bagudos’ residence in Plateau, arrest suspect
Troops foil kidnap attempt at late Gen Bagudos’ residence in Plateau, arrest suspect
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt at the residence of the late Gen. Bagudos in the Jebbu Bassa area of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 10 p.m. on Sept. 9, when troops responded to a distress report on an attempted kidnapping at the residence.
Military sources said the troops, supported by personnel from the 3 Division Garrison and Keystone Bassa Division, swiftly mobilised to the location, forcing the suspected kidnappers to abandon their mission and flee.
The suspects, believed to be armed Fulani herders, reportedly escaped from the area following the arrival of the security personnel.
However, one of the suspects was subsequently arrested and is currently being interrogated to obtain information that could lead to the arrest of other fleeing members of the criminal group.
Security forces have intensified efforts to track down the remaining suspects and prevent further criminal activities in the area.
Troops recover cattle after suspected crop destruction in Jos East
Troops recover cattle after suspected crop destruction in Jos East
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have recovered a cow after responding to a report of crop destruction on a farm along Kerker village in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 2:38 p.m. on Sept. 10, when the troops were alerted to the destruction of crops on a farmland in the area.
Military sources said the troops swiftly mobilised to the location and intercepted one cow allegedly involved in the incident, while the herders fled with the remaining cattle upon sighting the security personnel.
The recovered cow was moved to a safe location for further action.
The development underscores ongoing security efforts to prevent clashes between farmers and herders and protect agricultural activities across communities in the state.
Airstrikes destroy terrorist logistics hubs, neutralise 18 in Tumbunma Baba
Airstrikes destroy terrorist logistics hubs, neutralise 18 in Tumbunma Baba
By Zagazola Makama
Nigerian military aircraft under Operation Hadin Kai have destroyed several terrorist structures and logistics hubs, neutralising about 18 terrorists in an air interdiction operation at Tumbunma Baba in the Tumbuns general area.
The operation, conducted at about 6:05 a.m. on Sept. 11, followed intelligence reports of a high-profile terrorist meeting taking place on the islands.
According to military sources, the formation, conducted the air interdiction after confirmatory intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions on Sept. 9 identified several terrorist structures and logistics hubs in the area.
The aircraft reportedly acquired and engaged the identified targets with onboard munitions, resulting in the destruction of several structures and logistics facilities.
The strikes also neutralised approximately 18 terrorists believed to be operating from the enclave.
Military sources assessed the operation as having achieved an estimated 85 per cent success rate, with further air interdiction recommended to consolidate the gains and disrupt surviving elements in the area.
The operation is part of sustained efforts by the military to degrade terrorist networks, destroy their logistics infrastructure and deny them freedom of movement and coordination within the Tumbuns.
Troops arrest terrorist kingpin, ammunition courier, logistics supplier in Kaduna
Troops arrest terrorist kingpin, ammunition courier, logistics supplier in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have arrested a suspected terrorist kingpin, intercepted an ammunition courier and apprehended a suspected terrorist logistics supplier in separate intelligence-led operations across Kaduna State.
The operations, conducted on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, targeted terrorist hideouts, supply routes and support networks in Kubau, Igabi and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of the state.
In the early hours of the day, troops of Sector 1 conducted a clearance operation at Dabar Dabo, identified as a known terrorist hideout in Kubau LGA.
During the operation, the troops arrested a suspected terrorist kingpin and two other members of his syndicate at the hideout.
The three suspects were taken into military custody for further investigation and intelligence exploitation.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops of Sector 1, acting on credible intelligence concerning the movement of ammunition, arrested a 50-year-old woman suspected of serving as an ammunition courier in Igabi LGA.
The suspect was allegedly found in possession of 300 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a bag.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had travelled from Zamfara State to Lafia, where she allegedly received the ammunition for onward delivery to terrorist elements operating around Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.
The suspect and recovered ammunition have been secured in military custody as investigations continue to establish her network and intended recipients.
Later the same day, troops of Sector 1, working with a community vigilante group, apprehended another suspected terrorist logistics supplier in Birnin Gwari LGA.
During preliminary interrogation and a search of the suspect, troops recovered four communication devices suspected to have been used in connection with terrorist activities.
The suspect and recovered devices were also taken into military custody for further investigation.
The series of operations highlights the growing focus of Operation FANSAN YAMMA on dismantling the support structures that sustain terrorist groups, including their command networks, ammunition couriers, communication channels and logistics suppliers.
The successful interception of the ammunition consignment also represents a significant disruption to the movement of military-grade supplies into terrorist operating areas in Kaduna State.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA has continued to intensify intelligence-led operations across the North-West to disrupt terrorist networks, deny criminal elements freedom of action and prevent the movement of arms, ammunition and other logistics across the Joint Operations Area.
The Joint Task Force has also acknowledged the support of members of the public and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest security agency.
Troops raid suspected kidnappers’ hideout, recover clothing, food items in Edo
Troops raid suspected kidnappers’ hideout, recover clothing, food items in Edo
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the Ogori Mangogo/Imorga Forest in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, recovering clothing, food supplies and other items believed to have been abandoned by the criminals.
The operation was conducted at about 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, by troops of 195 Battalion (Rear) and 109 Special Forces Battalion (Rear), alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police and the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC).
Sources said that the joint team conducted a clearance operation following intelligence indicating the presence of suspected kidnappers in the forest.
The troops searched and cleared the suspected hideout but did not make any arrest, as the occupants had reportedly fled before the arrival of the security forces.
Items recovered from the hideout included three trousers, four shirts, a blanket, one wrapper, a mat, a head warmer and a black face mask.
The troops also recovered a small solar panel with its battery, a camouflage face cap, three nylon trampolines, local medicine and other miscellaneous items.
Food supplies found at the hideout included one bush fowl, three tubers of yam and a nylon bag of garri, suggesting that the location had been used as a temporary camp.
The recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and exploitation.
Security forces are expected to sustain clearance operations and patrols across the forest axis to locate fleeing suspects and deny criminal elements the opportunity to establish hideouts from which they could launch attacks or abduct residents and travellers.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist informant, recover motorcycle, cash in Sokoto
Troops arrest suspected terrorist informant, recover motorcycle, cash in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 8 Guards Task Force (GTF) Administration, operating from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Denge Shuni, have arrested a suspected terrorist informant in Denge Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The suspect was apprehended at about 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, during an operation conducted within the community.
According to a security report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the troops arrested the suspect over alleged links to terrorist activities in the area.
During the operation, the troops recovered one Tecno mobile phone, one motorcycle and ₦195,200 in cash from the suspect.
The suspect and the recovered items were subsequently handed over to 8 Military Intelligence Brigade (8 MIB) for further interrogation and investigation.
The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by security forces in the Sokoto axis to identify and dismantle support networks providing information, logistics and other assistance to terrorist groups operating in the region.
Troops are expected to sustain intelligence-led operations across the area to uncover other suspected collaborators and disrupt criminal and terrorist networks.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP informant, recover ID card, drugs in Borno
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP informant, recover ID card, drugs in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected informant linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspect was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, at Fulatari community in Monguno LGA.
According to sources, the troops, acting on intelligence, apprehended the suspect over alleged involvement in providing information to ISWAP terrorists.
During the operation, the troops recovered one National Identity Card, a packet of paracetamol and other sundry items from the suspect.
The suspect and the recovered items remain in the custody of the troops for further investigation and appropriate action.
The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-led operations by security forces and local civilian auxiliaries to identify and disrupt terrorist support networks in communities around Monguno and other areas of the North-East.
Troops are expected to continue intelligence gathering and surveillance operations to uncover other suspected collaborators and prevent terrorists from exploiting local communities for information and logistics.
Troops arrest two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, seize motorcycle spare parts in Borno
Troops arrest two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, seize motorcycle spare parts in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 159 Battalion, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and intercepted a large consignment of motorcycle spare parts allegedly destined for terrorists in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspects were apprehended at about 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, while allegedly transporting the logistics items from Asaye Village in Damasak, Mobbar LGA.
Sources told Zagazola Makama, that the troops intercepted the suspects and recovered a large quantity of motorcycle components believed to have been intended to support the mobility and operational activities of terrorist elements.
The recovered items included 50 motorcycle tyres, 10 crankshafts, 50 oil seals, 31 traffic indicators, 49 acceleration cables, 46 clutch cables, 20 spindles, 10 packs of bearings, 20 brake rods, 75 gaskets and 20 motorcycle brake shoes.
Others were 80 piston kits, 146 chains and sprockets, 11 speedometers, 15 clutch plates, two packs of piston rings, 32 rocker arms, 10 CDI units, 100 shock rubbers, 10 coils, 64 Danpa rubbers, 20 rectifiers, 30 fuel taps, 50 fuel filters and 20 Pag valves.
The troops also recovered 24 hand pumps, 10 ignition keys, 10 complete clutches, 19 clutch levers, 20 Super KG spare parts and 145 pairs of footwear.
Other personal items recovered from the suspects included three mobile phones and ₦3,200 in cash.
The suspects and all recovered items were subsequently handed over to 27 Military Intelligence Regiment (27 MIR) for further investigation.
Security forces have continued to target not only armed terrorists but also their networks of informants, financiers and logistics suppliers, which provide the support required for sustained terrorist operations.
The latest operation is expected to assist ongoing intelligence efforts to identify other individuals involved in supplying materials to terrorist groups within and around the Damasak–Mobbar axis.
Troops receive surrendered suspected terrorist member from CDF in Borno
Troops receive surrendered suspected terrorist member from CDF in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 152 Task Force Battalion in Banki, Borno State, have received a suspected terrorist member who surrendered to authorities through the Chadian Defence Forces (CDF).
The individual, a male who claimed to be an indigene of Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State, was handed over to Nigerian troops at about 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026.
According to a security report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the suspected terrorist was handed over by the CM Intelligence Service of Bargaram Division of the CDF.
The development is part of ongoing cross-border security cooperation and intelligence-sharing efforts aimed at facilitating the surrender and processing of individuals associated with terrorist groups operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
The surrendered individual is now in the custody of Nigerian troops for profiling, interrogation and further action in accordance with established procedures.
The development also highlights the importance of continued cooperation among security forces in the Lake Chad Basin in degrading terrorist networks and encouraging members to abandon violent extremist groups.
Troops rescue woman, daughter after escape from terrorist camp in Borno
Troops rescue woman, daughter after escape from terrorist camp in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion have rescued a woman and her daughter after they escaped from a terrorist camp in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State.
The duo were intercepted by the troops at about 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, after escaping from their captors at Huje terrorist camp in the Mandara Mountain area.
According to a security report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the rescued woman is an indigene of Chinene, in Borno State, and was reportedly subjected to a forced child marriage in 2025.
The troops provided immediate protection to the woman and her daughter before subsequently handing them over to authorities at the Pulka Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The rescue highlights the continued humanitarian consequences of terrorism in communities around the Mandara Mountains, where vulnerable civilians have been exposed to abduction, forced displacement and other abuses.
Security forces have continued operations in the area to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement, rescue civilians held in captivity and facilitate the return of displaced persons to safety.
The rescued mother and her daughter are expected to receive necessary humanitarian support and assistance at the IDP camp following their ordeal.
Troops repel terrorist infiltration attempt on Pulka base, kill one
Troops repel terrorist infiltration attempt on Pulka base, kill one
By Zagazola Makama
Troops have repelled an attempted terrorist infiltration attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising one terrorist and forcing others to withdraw.
The attack occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, when suspected terrorists attempted to infiltrate the military base.
According to a security report obtained by Zagazola Makama, troops responded swiftly and engaged the attackers, defeating the attempted assault.
A reinforcement team from 26 Task Force Brigade, Garrison, subsequently mobilised to the scene and further compelled the terrorists to withdraw from the area.
During the encounter, one terrorist was neutralised, while two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds.
The attack also resulted in damage to three tyres of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles deployed at the base.
The injured soldiers were evacuated to 7 Division Military Hospital (7 DMSH), where they are currently receiving medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
Troops have since maintained heightened vigilance and intensified security around the base and adjoining areas to prevent further attempts by terrorists to infiltrate military positions.
The failed attack underscores the continued pressure by security forces against terrorist groups operating around the Mandara Mountain axis and the importance of maintaining strong defensive positions in vulnerable border communities.
U.S. Air Force C-17 delivers military equipment to Nigerian Air Force under FMS agreement
U.S. Air Force C-17 delivers military equipment to Nigerian Air Force under FMS agreement
By Zagazola Makama
A United States Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft has delivered military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force as part of an ongoing foreign military sales agreement between the two countries.
The development was announced on Thursday by the official X handle of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), which described the delivery as a demonstration of the growing security partnership between the United States and Nigeria.
AFRICOM said the equipment was delivered over the weekend and would support Nigeria’s efforts to counter terrorism and other security threats in the region.
“Partnership in action,” AFRICOM said, noting that the equipment formed part of a foreign military sales agreement designed to further the U.S.-Nigeria defence partnership.
The command said the delivery would aid Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, particularly as the country continues to confront persistent threats from terrorist and insurgent groups.
The latest delivery comes amid increasing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, with both countries strengthening collaboration in intelligence, training, equipment and other areas aimed at improving Nigeria’s capacity to tackle terrorism.
The use of a U.S. Air Force C-17 for the delivery also underscores the logistical component of the bilateral defence relationship, enabling the movement of military equipment directly in support of Nigeria’s operational requirements.
Nigeria has continued to seek enhanced international partnerships as its armed forces sustain operations against terrorist and criminal networks across the North-East, North-West and other conflict-affected parts of the country.
AFRICOM’s announcement signals continued U.S. support for Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its military capabilities and confront terrorism, while reinforcing Washington’s broader security partnership with Abuja.
Troops engage suspected local militias, soldier wounded during clearance operation in Plateau
Troops engage suspected local militias, soldier wounded during clearance operation in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have engaged suspected local militia elements in a fierce firefight during a clearance operation at Kogul Village in Muko District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation, conducted between Sept. 8 and 9, followed reports of arson, destruction of farmlands and the expulsion of residents from the community.
During the operation, the troops established contact with the suspected militias and engaged them in a fierce firefight, forcing the criminals to withdraw into the forest.
A soldier, Pte. Husseini Ibrahim, sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg during the encounter and was evacuated to General Hospital, Mangu, for medical attention.
Troops subsequently exploited the general area in an effort to locate and arrest the fleeing criminals and recover their weapons.
However, no further contact was established before the troops returned to base, while operations to track the fleeing suspects remain ongoing.
Troops intercept four cattle after foiled attack on Manja community in Plateau
Troops intercept four cattle after foiled attack on Manja community in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have intercepted four cattle allegedly found grazing on farmland without a herder at Manja community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops, while conducting a fighting patrol at about 7:00 a.m. on Sept. 9, 2026, acted following a report of a foiled attack on the community.
The cattle were found unattended on a farmland and were subsequently moved by the troops to a secure location to prevent possible escalation of tension in the area.
Efforts are ongoing to engage Fulani leadership in the area to establish the identity of the cattle owner and facilitate their recovery by the rightful owner.
Troops rescue three injured victims, launch operation to free two kidnapped passengers in Plateau
Troops rescue three injured victims, launch operation to free two kidnapped passengers in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have rescued three passengers injured during an attack by suspected kidnappers along the Jos–Makarfi highway in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on Sept. 10, 2026, when troops responded to reports of sporadic shootings by suspected kidnappers who had blocked the highway.
On arrival at the scene, the troops discovered a commercial bus with registration number EPE-840XB, driven by Mr Baba Ruwa from Oyo State, which had been intercepted by the criminals.
The suspected kidnappers reportedly fled after sighting the troops, allowing the soldiers to rescue three passengers who had sustained gunshot wounds.
Further interrogation of the rescued victims revealed that the criminals had abducted two other passengers identified as Mrs Precious and Mrs Esther.
The three injured victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Riyom, for medical attention.
Security sources have raised concerns over the growing involvement of some local Berom militia elements in kidnapping-for-ransom activities within parts of Plateau State. The development is reportedly being driven by the proliferation of locally fabricated firearms, which has increased the capacity of criminal elements to mount road ambushes, intimidate communities and abduct travellers.
The emerging trend has further complicated security operations in affected areas, as some of the criminals are believed to exploit their familiarity with the terrain and local communities to evade security forces.
Meanwhile, security agencies are intensifying operations to identify and dismantle the criminal networks, recover illegal weapons and prevent further attacks on motorists and residents.
Troops gun down kidnapper, recover locally fabricated rifle made in Plateau
Troops gun down kidnapper, recover locally fabricated rifle made in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a gun battle with a group of kidnappers at Angwan Boka in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops, who were deployed in the area, engaged the suspected kidnappers at about 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, following a report of their activities in the area.
During the encounter, the troops brought their superior firepower to bear, neutralising one of the kidnappers, while others fled into the surrounding area.
The troops subsequently exploited the area and recovered one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops are currently conducting clearance operations in the area to track down and neutralise other fleeing members of the kidnapping gang.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE to disrupt criminal activities and improve security across Plateau State.
Berom Militia attack herders in Plateau, kill fulani herders, shot seven livestock and rustle dozens in unprovoked assault
Berom Militia attack herders in Plateau, kill fulani herders, shot seven livestock and rustle dozens in unprovoked assault
By Zagazola Makama
Armed Berom Militia have allegedly attacked Fulani herders along the Jong–Nyeriwei Road and in Dorowa Babuje community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing at least two people and rustling several cattle.
The incidents, which occurred on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, are the latest in a series of violent attacks and counter-attacks that have continued to fuel tensions between communities in parts of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama said troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to reports of sporadic gunfire around the Jong–Nyeriwei Road at about 1:09 p.m.
According to the sources, troops arrived at the scene and discovered that a group of armed Berom Militia had attacked Fulani herders in the area. During the attack, a 19-year-old herder identified as Ishaku Yakubu, from Jong Village, was reportedly killed.
The attackers also shot and killed seven cattle, while a sizeable number of other cattle were allegedly rustled and taken away from the area.
The troops subsequently dominated the general areas of Nyeriwei and Enzom in an effort to locate the rustled livestock and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
In a related incident, troops received a distress call from Dorowa Babuje community in Barkin Ladi at about 2:25 p.m. The troops immediately moved to the area and discovered that a 23-year-old man identified as Andata had been shot dead by armed Fulani youths around Marit Junction, Dorowa Babuje.
Following the incident, troops dominated the general area and commenced efforts to track down the perpetrators. The two incidents occurred within hours of each other, raising fresh concerns over the potential for retaliatory attacks in the affected communities.
The Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace has consequently intensified efforts to prevent reprisal attacks and contain the situation.
Security sources said the latest violence draw attention to the fragile security situation in parts of Plateau State, where attacks on herders and livestock theft by Berom Militia have repeatedly triggered retaliatory violence.
The pattern has often involved an initial attack resulting in deaths or destruction of property, followed by a reprisal attack against another community, creating a cycle of violence that is difficult to contain.
The security forces are therefore working to prevent the latest incidents from escalating into further attacks, particularly as troops continue to search for the perpetrators and recover the reportedly rustled cattle. Residents in the affected communities have also been urged to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their hands and provide credible information to security agencies.
Security agencies are expected to sustain patrols and surveillance across vulnerable communities and road corridors to prevent further attacks and ensure that those responsible for the killings and cattle rustling are brought to justice.
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover phones and cash in Zamfara
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover phones and cash in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), have neutralised a suspected terrorist during a counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operation in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Zagazola Makama gathered from military sources that the troops, deployed in the Galadi area of Sokoto State, sighted suspected terrorists riding motorcycles while attempting to cross a road in Shinkafi LGA.
The troops engaged the suspects with fire, neutralising one of them, while others reportedly fled the area.
Upon inspection, the deceased suspect was found wearing a woodland camouflage vest underneath his traditional kaftan.
Further exploitation of his mobile phone reportedly revealed photographs of the deceased wearing camouflage and allegedly brandishing a PKM machine gun.
The troops recovered four mobile phones and N30,350 in cash from the suspect.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt terrorist and bandit activities across the North-West.
Troops arrest two suspects over attack on farmers in Kogi
Troops arrest two suspects over attack on farmers in Kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, operating from Irekpeni Patrol Base, have arrested two suspected criminals over an attack on farmers in Irekpeni Village, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Zagazola Makama gathered from military sources that the incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2026, when the suspects allegedly attacked farmers working on their farmlands and inflicted machete injuries on some of the victims.
Following the incident, troops moved in and apprehended two suspects believed to be linked to the attack.
The injured farmers were evacuated by the troops to Irepana Clinic for medical attention.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police at Irekpeni for further investigation and prosecution.
Troops arrest two suspected kidnappers in Oyo
Troops arrest two suspected kidnappers in Oyo
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 2 Division Garrison, in collaboration with local vigilantes and acting on technical intelligence, have arrested two suspected kidnappers in Ijana Village, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Zagazola Makama gathered from military sources that the suspects were apprehended at about 1:50 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2026, in connection with the kidnapping of a Togolese national on Sept. 1 at Adeleji Village, Igbeti general area of the state.
During the operation, the troops recovered 82 cattle and three mobile phones from the suspects.
The arrested suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops rescue kidnapped victim in Edo
Troops rescue kidnapped victim in Edo
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 322 Army Regiment, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and local vigilantes, have rescued a kidnapped victim from suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Zagazola Makama gathered from military sources that the operation took place at about 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 7, 2026, following an engagement with the suspected kidnappers along Juju Junction, behind Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma.
The security team reportedly engaged the criminals, forcing them to abandon their victim and flee the area.
The victim was subsequently rescued and handed over to the Nigeria Police for further action.
Security forces are continuing efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and strengthen operations against kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
AHQ committee visits Delta communities over proposed establishment of 83 Division
AHQ committee visits Delta communities over proposed establishment of 83 Division
By: Zagazola Makama
A committee from the Army Headquarters has visited the headquarters of 63 Brigade in Asaba, Delta State, as part of efforts to facilitate the establishment of the proposed 83 Division of the Nigerian Army.
Zagazola Makama gathered from military sources that the committee visited the brigade on Sept. 7, 2026, and was received by the Commander, 63 Brigade and Sector 1, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Brig.-Gen. I.B. Buhari.
The commander subsequently briefed the committee on the security situation and operational area of responsibility of the brigade.
The team later proceeded to Oshimili North Local Government Area, where it paid a courtesy visit to the Onu of Ebu at his palace. The visit was aimed at informing the traditional ruler about developments concerning the proposed establishment of the division and discussing suitable locations for the deployment of its units.
At about 1:39 p.m. the same day, the committee also visited the Obi of Akwukwu-Igbo.
During the assessment, two proposed sites and four proposed office spaces were inspected for possible use by the new formation.
The visit was conducted without any incident.
Troops arrest three suspected armed robbers, recover pistol in Benue
Troops arrest three suspected armed robbers, recover pistol in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with local hunters, have arrested three suspected armed robbers at Torkula in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Zagazola Makama gathered from military sources that the suspects were apprehended at about 8:50 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2026.
The troops also recovered one locally fabricated pistol from the suspects, who were allegedly involved in robbery activities in the general area.
The suspects and recovered weapon are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Local Criminals kill civilian, rustle 25 cattle in Plateau
Local Criminals kill civilian, rustle 25 cattle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected local criminals have killed a civilian and rustled 25 cattle during an attack in Ratt Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama gathered from military sources that the incident occurred at about 5:42 a.m. on Sept. 8, 2026.
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to a distress report on the cattle rustling incident and proceeded to the affected community.
On arrival, the troops discovered that the criminals had killed one civilian before taking away the victim’s 25 cattle.
Security forces have commenced efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and recover the rustled cattle.
Troops arrest suspected child trafficker in Nasarawa
Troops arrest suspected child trafficker in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 177 Guards Battalion, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mararaba Udege, have arrested a suspected child trafficker found in possession of a 10-year-old girl in a commercial vehicle travelling from Suleja to Otukpo.
Zagazola Makama gathered from military sources that the suspect was apprehended at about 1 p.m. on Sept. 8, 2026, during a stop-and-search operation.
The suspect reportedly claimed to be a dismissed personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and told the troops that the minor had been handed over to him by her aunt for transportation to Otukpo.
However, during separate questioning, the girl reportedly denied knowing the suspect or the woman he identified as her aunt, raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding her movement.
The suspect and the child were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police at Mararaba Udege Division for further investigation and necessary action.
Correctional Service, Army Intelligence deepen collaboration on custodial security
Correctional Service, Army Intelligence deepen collaboration on custodial security
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps have agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation to enhance custodial security and contribute to national security.
The commitment was made when the Chief of Military Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Hedima, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, in Abuja.
The Service Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, disclosed this in a statement on the outcome of the meeting.
Nwakuche said the Correctional Service currently manages about 81,000 inmates across its custodial facilities, with approximately 65 per cent awaiting trial, while more than 4,000 inmates are on death row.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies, noting that the increasing complexity of security threats required improved intelligence coordination and timely information sharing.
The Controller-General said enhanced cooperation with the Army Intelligence Corps would strengthen the Service’s ability to identify and respond to emerging security threats within custodial facilities.
In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Hedima called for closer operational collaboration between the two institutions, particularly through joint training, designation of intelligence focal officers and prompt exchange of actionable intelligence.
He said effective intelligence sharing was essential to preventing security breaches and addressing threats that could originate from or affect custodial facilities.
The proposed joint training is also expected to enhance the capacity of personnel from both institutions to detect, assess and respond to emerging security challenges.
Beyond custodial security, the two institutions are expected to strengthen cooperation in areas relating to inmate rehabilitation and reintegration.
The Correctional Service said the partnership would support existing rehabilitation programmes, including education, vocational training and deradicalisation, as part of broader efforts to reduce recidivism and address security threats.
The Service emphasised that rehabilitation remained an important component of national security, particularly in preventing vulnerable inmates from being influenced by extremist or criminal networks.
The engagement between the NCoS and Army Intelligence Corps comes amid growing emphasis on stronger inter-agency intelligence cooperation as a critical tool for tackling Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The two institutions are expected to sustain the partnership through structured intelligence-sharing mechanisms and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening custodial security and supporting the broader national security architecture.
FG moves to operationalise 112 national emergency number
FG moves to operationalise 112 national emergency number
By Zagazola Makama
The Federal Government has commenced steps to operationalise the 112 national emergency number as a single, toll-free channel through which Nigerians can access emergency services across the country.
The move followed a directive by Vice-President Kashim Shettima during a stakeholders’ meeting on the National Emergency Number 112 Project in Abuja on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026.
Shettima directed relevant government agencies to develop a comprehensive operational roadmap and standard operating procedures for the nationwide rollout of the emergency number.
The Federal Government has consequently constituted a committee comprising the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to finalise the framework for consideration and formal endorsement by the National Economic Council (NEC).
The NEC had recently approved 112 as Nigeria’s single universal toll-free emergency number, replacing the fragmented emergency response lines currently operated by different agencies.
The initiative is aimed at eliminating delays and bureaucratic bottlenecks while providing citizens with easier access to rapid assistance during emergencies, including fires, road crashes, medical emergencies and security incidents.
Speaking at the meeting, Shettima urged members of the committee to draw from global best practices in developing the operational framework and ensure that the project moves from policy approval to practical implementation.
He charged the stakeholders to finalise the roadmap and standard operating procedures for presentation to the NEC, stressing the importance of making tangible progress.
“Let’s make progress so that whatever time we have spent here is worth spending,” the Vice-President said, while assuring stakeholders that the Federal Government would provide the resources required to drive the process.
He said adequate funding would be made available once the project progressed to the implementation stage.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, expressed the full support of the Nigeria Police Force for the adoption of 112 as the country’s unified national emergency number.
Disu described the initiative as a significant step towards providing Nigerians with a simple and reliable means of accessing emergency assistance.
He said that during emergencies such as armed attacks, road crashes, fire outbreaks, medical crises or kidnapping incidents, citizens often face the additional challenge of determining which agency to contact.
According to him, the 112 system would provide a single access point through which an emergency call could be directed to the appropriate response agency.
Earlier, the Personal Assistant to the President on e-Governance in the Office of the Vice-President, Mrs Lydia Aina, said Nigeria’s emergency response system currently operates across multiple agencies, platforms and jurisdictions.
She explained that the fragmented structure often affects how emergencies are received, coordinated and responded to.
Aina said the objective was to move from the existing fragmented system to a coordinated and eventually fully integrated national emergency response framework.
She stressed that the success of the 112 initiative would depend not only on the emergency number itself but also on the people, agencies, operational standards and systems required to make it functional when citizens place emergency calls.
“Our job now is to turn it into an actual working programme with milestones,” she said.
According to her, six immediate priorities have been identified, beginning with governance and a clear delineation of responsibilities among participating agencies.
Other stakeholders at the meeting pledged their support for the initiative, including the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar; Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed; and Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, among others.
The Federal Government’s move is expected to strengthen coordination among emergency response agencies, reduce response delays and provide Nigerians with a more accessible mechanism for seeking urgent assistance.
If successfully implemented nationwide, the 112 system could provide a unified gateway linking citizens to police, fire, medical, road safety, disaster management and other emergency response services.
The initiative is therefore being positioned as a major step towards building a faster, more coordinated and citizen-centred emergency response system in Nigeria.
Troops arrest five suspected criminals in Jos East
Troops arrest five suspected criminals in Jos East
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have arrested five suspected criminals during a raid on identified criminal hideouts in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts by the security forces to disrupt criminal activities and maintain peace across the Joint Operations Area.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sub-Sector 12 conducted a raid on identified hideouts of criminal elements in the Laminga and Sabon Gari areas of Jos East.
During the operation, the troops arrested five suspects identified as Musa Yusuf, 23; Ibrahim Mohammed, 18; Anas Mohammed, 38; Musa Yusuf, 24; and Ibrahim Mohammed, 27.
The suspects were subsequently profiled for further investigation and appropriate action.
The operation forms part of sustained efforts by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE to identify and disrupt criminal networks operating within Plateau State and prevent them from threatening residents and communities.
Meanwhile, troops have continued routine patrols across the Joint Operations Area, with particular attention to schools, places of worship and other critical national infrastructure.
The military said the patrols were aimed at safeguarding vulnerable locations, deterring criminal activities and providing a secure environment for residents to go about their lawful activities.
The morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain satisfactory as operations continue across the theatre.
Troops foil cattle rustling, recover over 500 cattle in Kaduna
Troops foil cattle rustling, recover over 500 cattle in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled a major cattle rustling operation and recovered more than 500 cattle in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The operation was conducted on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, following a distress call from residents over the activities of suspected terrorists at Rugar Mande Kurmin.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that troops immediately mobilised to the suspected withdrawal routes of the criminals and established blocking positions to prevent the rustlers from escaping with the animals.
The troops engaged the suspected terrorists from multiple positions, forcing them to withdraw in disarray and abandon the cattle.
The soldiers subsequently recovered over 500 rustled cattle from the area.
The recovered livestock were later handed over to their respective owners.
The successful operation further demonstrates the sustained efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protect lives and property while disrupting criminal activities and denying terrorists and bandits freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.
The military has continued to intensify patrols and other offensive operations across vulnerable communities and routes in Kaduna and other parts of the North-West.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA urged members of the public to sustain their support for the security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements and criminal activities.
The military said such collaboration remained critical to tracking criminal elements, preventing attacks and restoring lasting peace across the Joint Operations Area.
Sudan war spills into Chad, Nigeria emerges as critical buffer against widening Sahel insecurity
Sudan war spills into Chad, Nigeria emerges as critical buffer against widening Sahel insecurity
By Zagazola Makama
The war in Sudan is increasingly taking on a regional character, with its consequences extending beyond the immediate battlefield into neighbouring Chad and creating a widening security arc stretching from the Sahara and Central Africa toward Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.
The convergence of Sudan’s protracted conflict, the deepening instability across the Sahel and competition over strategic resources such as gold, uranium and oil is creating a volatile security environment in which Nigeria could increasingly find itself serving as the critical buffer between the conflict-ridden Sahel and the relatively more stable coastal West African states.
What is emerging is no longer a collection of isolated crises, but an interconnected security ecosystem involving armed groups, illicit trafficking networks, displaced populations, foreign interests, mercenary formations and competing external powers.
Sudan lies at the heart of this emerging crisis where fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023 has increasingly affected neighbouring states.
Chad has borne one of the heaviest humanitarian consequences of the Sudan conflict, receiving a large population of Sudanese refugees, particularly in the eastern provinces of Ouaddaï, Wadi Fira and Ennedi-Est.
But the security dynamics are changing.
The eastern Chad is no longer merely a humanitarian rear area for the Sudan conflict. It is progressively becoming a frontline, transit and commercial zone where weapons, fighters, minerals and other illicit commodities can move across poorly controlled desert corridors. The Tiné axis, in particular, has become increasingly vulnerable to cross-border violence.
Recent assessment cites a series of reported incursions and attacks along the Chad-Sudan frontier, including clashes involving Chadian forces and civilians, as well as drone attacks around Tiné and Mourdi.
The situation has forced Chad to take increasingly stringent measures along its eastern frontier, including the closure of its border with Sudan following deadly incidents.
The danger, according to the assessment, is that continued fighting in Darfur could progressively transform eastern Chad from a buffer zone into an extension of Sudan’s battlefield. That development would have consequences far beyond Chad.
One of the most troubling dimensions of the emerging crisis is the alleged expansion of an illicit corridor linking Libya, Sudan and Chad, through which weapons, ammunition, fighters and valuable commodities can move across vast areas where state control remains limited.
Security sources identifies routes running from southern Libya through areas such as Kufra and Faya before extending toward Darfur and eastern Chad. Border towns and commercial centres, including Adré, Iriba and Tiné, are identified as important nodes in this expanding regional network.
From there, the illicit flows can connect with routes leading toward Niger, Cameroon and ultimately Nigeria. This is where the crisis becomes particularly important for Nigeria.
Nigeria does not share a border with Sudan, yet developments thousands of kilometres away could eventually affect its security environment through a chain of interconnected corridors.
The most serious concern is the southward movement of small arms and light weapons (SALW).
Sources warns that weapons originating from conflict zones and illicit markets in the Sahara could increasingly move through Niger and Cameroon before entering Nigeria. For Nigeria, the concern is not simply the quantity of weapons entering the country, but who eventually gains access to them.
The country is already confronting multiple armed threats, including Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorism in the North-East, large-scale banditry in parts of the North-West and other forms of organised criminal and separatist violence. An influx of additional weapons, explosives, drones and trained foreign fighters could therefore provide criminal and extremist organisations with new capabilities.
The danger is particularly acute because Nigeria’s northern and eastern borders are connected to a wider regional environment in which armed groups can exploit difficult terrain, informal crossings and established smuggling networks.
Cameroon represents another potential pathway for regional spillover. Sources identifies Kousséri, close to the Chadian border, as well as Garoua-Boulaï and Kentzou along the Central African Republic frontier, as important transit areas in the wider regional security architecture.
For Nigeria, the concern is especially significant in the Far North and along the Lake Chad Basin.
The porous nature of borders across the region means that the movement of weapons, criminals, extremist ideology and displaced populations cannot be treated as separate phenomena. What begins as a conflict in Sudan can therefore generate secondary effects in Chad, Niger and Cameroon before eventually reaching Nigerian territory. Beyond the movement of weapons and fighters lies another increasingly important factor: competition for natural resources. Gold in Darfur and eastern Chad, together with uranium and other strategic minerals in the wider Sahel, has acquired growing geopolitical significance.
It was argued that control of resource-rich areas is becoming intertwined with the financing of armed groups and the deployment of foreign security actors. Where valuable minerals are controlled by armed groups or criminal networks, proceeds from illicit extraction can potentially be converted into weapons, vehicles, communications equipment and other military capabilities.
This creates a dangerous cycle: conflict produces displacement; insecurity enables illicit mining; illicit mining generates revenue; revenue purchases weapons; and weapons prolong conflict. The result is a conflict economy that becomes increasingly difficult for governments to dismantle.
The emerging regional configuration presents both a security challenge and a strategic responsibility for Nigeria, Nigeria is geographically positioned between the troubled Sahel and the Atlantic-facing states of the Gulf of Guinea. Its territory therefore sits downstream of several potential routes for the movement of weapons, fighters, drugs, illicit minerals and extremist networks.
Nigeria is therefore a potential security buffer whose stability could have a decisive influence on whether the current crisis remains concentrated in the Sahel and Central Africa or gradually penetrates deeper into coastal West Africa. But Nigeria is itself under considerable internal security pressure.
In the North-East, troops continue to confront Boko Haram and ISWAP under Operation HADIN KAI. In the North-West, security forces are battling armed bandit networks, while other parts of the country face separate security challenges. This means Nigeria has limited room for complacency.
A major deterioration in Chad, Niger or Cameroon would not necessarily produce an immediate military threat to Nigeria. The more likely danger would be gradual: more illicit crossings, more weapons, more criminal networks, more displaced people and greater opportunities for extremist groups to establish relationships with existing local actors.
The humanitarian consequences could prove as significant as the military implications. Chad is already under substantial pressure from the large number of Sudanese refugees it hosts. Any major deterioration in Darfur or eastern Sudan could trigger another wave of displacement.
Should Chad’s capacity to absorb additional refugees become overwhelmed, displaced populations could seek alternative routes through Niger, Cameroon and potentially toward Nigeria. For the North-East, which continues to deal with the humanitarian consequences of years of Boko Haram and ISWAP violence, another major displacement crisis would place additional pressure on communities, local authorities and humanitarian organisations.
The risk is therefore not simply about where refugees settle. Large, sudden population movements can also create competition over land, water, food, employment and other scarce resources, potentially producing tensions that armed groups can exploit.
Perhaps the most consequential conclusion of the assessment is its characterisation of the emerging situation as the architecture of a possible “Second Africa War” not necessarily a conventional war involving clearly defined opposing armies, but a fragmented conflict system involving states, insurgent groups, criminal networks, mercenaries, foreign interests and resource competition. Such a conflict would be difficult to contain precisely because it would have no single battlefield.
Its frontlines would include desert routes, border communities, mining sites, refugee settlements, trafficking corridors and increasingly the digital and financial spaces used to facilitate illicit networks. The Sudan conflict would remain one of its principal drivers, while instability in the Sahel would provide an existing network through which the effects could travel southwards.
What Nigeria must watch
The immediate priority for Nigeria should therefore be early warning rather than waiting for spillover to become a domestic crisis.
Greater intelligence cooperation with Chad, Niger and Cameroon would be crucial, particularly concerning movements of weapons, foreign fighters, organised criminal groups and illicit commodities. Nigeria would also need stronger surveillance of vulnerable border areas, improved information sharing between security and intelligence agencies, and closer cooperation with regional institutions.
The objective should not be to militarise every border community, but to ensure that authorities can detect emerging trafficking and extremist networks before they acquire sufficient capacity to threaten Nigerian communities. The Lake Chad Basin remains particularly important because it already connects Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon through a security environment shaped by terrorism, displacement, trafficking and environmental pressures.
The warning for Abuja
Nigeria cannot afford to view the Sudan war as a distant conflict. The geographical distance between Sudan and Nigeria may create an illusion of strategic separation, but the region’s informal economies, porous borders and transnational armed networks have repeatedly demonstrated that distance is not necessarily protection. The greater danger may not be a dramatic invasion or a sudden mass movement of fighters.
It could instead be the gradual accumulation of seemingly disconnected developments a new weapons route here, an illicit mining network there, a foreign fighter entering through an informal crossing, a criminal group acquiring military-grade equipment, or displaced communities moving further south.
Individually, each development may appear manageable. Collectively, they could reshape Nigeria’s security environment. Therefore, the strategic objective should be to interdict the crisis upstream rather than fight its consequences downstream. That requires Nigeria to look beyond its immediate borders and treat developments in Sudan, Chad, Niger, Libya and Cameroon as interconnected components of one evolving regional security problem.
The ultimate test will be whether Nigeria can prevent the instability spreading southward while simultaneously strengthening the resilience of its own vulnerable communities.
If it succeeds, Nigeria could remain the buffer that prevents the Sahelian and Central African security crises from reaching the Gulf of Guinea.
If it fails, the country risks becoming not merely the downstream recipient of regional instability, but one of its principal theatres.
Zagazola is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Côte d’Ivoire authorities dismantle illegal gold mining site, arrest 16 in Toumodi
Côte d’Ivoire authorities dismantle illegal gold mining site, arrest 16 in Toumodi
By Zagazola Makama
Ivorian authorities have dismantled an illegal gold mining site at Kahankro in Toumodi, following a targeted operation against illicit mining activities in the area.
The operation was conducted on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, under the “Filet Vert du Nord” (Northern Green Net) initiative by the BSSI, a specialised security unit under Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Water and Forests.
According to the ministry, the operation was based on intelligence gathered on illegal mining activities at the site.
Authorities said the operation uncovered several violations of the country’s mining, forestry and water regulations, including mining without a valid licence, deforestation and pollution caused by the use of chemicals.
A total of 16 people were arrested during the operation. The suspects reportedly included nationals of Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea.
Security personnel seized several items from the site, including three water pumps, one generator, one motorcycle, four gas cylinders, nine mobile phones and 15,065 CFA francs in cash.
The authorities also destroyed equipment and structures used for the illegal mining activities.
Items destroyed included 21 stone crushers, 18 washing units, 15 concentration carpets, 13 shelters, 10 ventilators, eight shovels, eight water pumps and 27 basins.
The operation forms part of the Ivorian Government’s broader efforts to protect the country’s natural resources, forests and water bodies from the environmental damage associated with illegal gold mining.
Authorities said illegal mining poses significant risks to the environment through deforestation, soil degradation and pollution of water sources.
The BSSI called on local communities to continue cooperating with security and environmental authorities by providing credible information on illegal mining activities.
The agency said sustained cooperation from residents would be critical to strengthening efforts to curb illegal gold mining and protect Côte d’Ivoire’s natural resources.
Troops arrest two suspected Boko Haram, ISWAP logistics suppliers, recover motorcycle parts in Borno
Troops arrest two suspected Boko Haram, ISWAP logistics suppliers, recover motorcycle parts in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation HADIN KAI, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested two suspected logistics suppliers to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspects were arrested on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, following credible human intelligence on the movement of logistics items believed to be destined for terrorist elements operating in the Yunusari-Mobbar axis.
According to a military intelligence source, troops of 159 Battalion, supported by the CJTF, swiftly mobilised a fighting patrol to the Gumsa area, where they intercepted the suspected logistics consignment and arrested two civilians.
The suspects were identified as Mala Mustapha, 50, and Massa Aliyu, 40, both natives of Asaye village in Damasak, Mobbar LGA.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects allegedly purchased motorcycle spare parts for terrorist elements believed to be hibernating between Yunusari and Mobbar general areas.
The operation led to the recovery of a large quantity of motorcycle components, including 50 motorcycle tyres, 10 crankshafts, 50 oil seals, 31 traffic indicators, 49 acceleration cables and 46 clutch cables.
Other items recovered included 20 spindles, 10 packs of bearings, 20 brake rods, 75 gaskets, 20 motorcycle brake shoes, 80 piston kits, 146 chains and sprockets, 11 speedometers and 15 clutch plates.
The troops also recovered piston rings, rocker arms, CDI units, shock rubbers, coils, Danpa rubbers, rectifiers, fuel taps, fuel filters, PAG valves, hand pumps and ignition keys, among other motorcycle spare parts.
Also recovered were 145 pairs of footwear, which investigators are examining as part of the suspected logistics consignment.
The security forces further recovered two Tecno Android phones, one small Tecno phone and N3,200 in cash from the suspects.
The suspects and the recovered items have been handed over to 27 Military Intelligence Regiment (27 MIR) for further investigation and appropriate action.
The latest operation underscores the increasing focus by troops on disrupting the logistics networks that sustain terrorist groups in the North-East.
By intercepting supplies before they reach terrorist hideouts, security forces are seeking to restrict the mobility and operational capacity of the insurgents operating across the border communities and remote areas of Borno.
Military sources said troops remain on alert and are sustaining intelligence-led operations against terrorist elements and their collaborators across the theatre.
The security situation in the area remains fluid, while the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain high, according to the military.
Troops rescue 12 kidnapped victims, foil abduction attempts in Zamfara
Troops rescue 12 kidnapped victims, foil abduction attempts in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 12 civilians during separate operations against terrorists in Kaura Namoda and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
The operations, conducted on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, followed distress calls and intelligence indicating attempts by terrorists to abduct civilians in the two local government areas.
In the first incident, troops responded to a distress call after terrorists infiltrated a residence at Tsohon Tasha in Kaura Namoda LGA.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon six abducted civilians and flee across a nearby river.
The rescued victims were subsequently evacuated to a safe location and later reunited with their families.
In a separate operation in Tsafe LGA, troops monitoring activities along the Main Supply Route observed terrorists attempting to intercept a Sharon vehicle at Kwanoni Village.
The troops immediately moved to the location and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abort the abduction attempt and withdraw into the adjoining bush.
Six civilians were subsequently rescued during the operation.
The two incidents underscore the continued efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement and prevent them from carrying out attacks and abductions against communities and road users across the Joint Operations Area.
The operations also demonstrate the importance of rapid response to distress calls and timely intelligence in disrupting terrorist activities and safeguarding civilians.
The Joint Task Force has continued to maintain pressure on terrorist elements through patrols, surveillance and other security operations across Zamfara and other parts of the North-West.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA has therefore urged members of the public to sustain their cooperation with security agencies by providing credible and timely information on suspicious movements and activities.
The Theatre said such collaboration remained critical to tracking terrorist elements, disrupting their operations and ultimately eliminating their presence within the Joint Operations Area.
Troops stand firm, repel ISWAP attack on Pulka in Borno
Troops stand firm, repel ISWAP attack on Pulka in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation HADIN KAI, supported by the Nigerian Air Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military position in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, as the troops continued ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists launched an aggressive assault on the military location, apparently attempting to overwhelm the troops and disrupt ongoing security operations around the community.
However, the soldiers stood their ground and responded with sustained firepower, frustrating the attackers and preventing them from gaining access to or overrunning the military position.
The determined resistance reportedly forced the terrorists to withdraw from the area with casualties, while the military positions in Pulka remained firmly under the control of the security forces.
The engagement was reinforced by the timely intervention of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, which provided Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) support to the ground troops.
The aerial surveillance enhanced the troops’ situational awareness and enabled closer coordination between the ground and air components during the engagement.
As the terrorists attempted to withdraw following the resistance from the ground troops, the air component reportedly conducted precision strikes against identified hostile elements, disrupting their movement and frustrating their attempt to regroup.
The CJTF also supported the operation by providing local information and assisting the security forces with situational awareness within the area.
Zagazola Makama gathered that one soldier sustained a gunshot injury to his left arm during the encounter.
The injured soldier was immediately evacuated for medical attention, stabilised and is currently responding to treatment. His condition was said to be stable.
Following the withdrawal of the terrorists, troops commenced exploitation operations within the area to assess the damage inflicted on the attackers, recover any abandoned weapons or equipment and gather intelligence that could support follow-up operations against the fleeing elements.
The successful defence of the position highlights the resilience, combat readiness and determination of troops deployed under Operation HADIN KAI to prevent terrorist groups from regaining ground or disrupting security operations in the North-East.
The coordinated response involving the ground troops, Nigerian Air Force and CJTF also underscores the importance of joint operations and timely intelligence in countering terrorist attacks in the theatre.
Military sources said troops remained deployed in and around Pulka and had been placed on heightened alert following the attack.
They are continuing aggressive patrols, surveillance and other offensive and defensive operations aimed at denying the terrorists freedom of movement and preventing them from establishing operational footholds in the area.
The troops are also expected to sustain pressure on the fleeing terrorist elements and exploit available intelligence to track their movements and disrupt their activities.
Meanwhile, residents and other members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the nearest security formation.
The military reiterated its commitment to protecting communities, safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens and sustaining ongoing operations to defeat terrorism and restore lasting peace and stability across the North-East.
Military Airstrikes hit suspected terrorist hideout in Zamfara, several fighters killed
Military Airstrikes hit suspected terrorist hideout in Zamfara, several fighters killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Nigerian security forces under Operation FANSAN YANMA have carried out air operations against suspected terrorists in Yankuzo community, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, reportedly killing several fighters.
According to local sources, the operation took place on the evening of Sept. 7, 2026, when five military aircraft were said to have conducted a coordinated operation over the community.
The sources said the aircraft engaged suspected terrorists in the area, with several of the fighters reportedly killed, although the exact number of casualties could not immediately be established.
Among those reportedly killed was a terrorist identified as Isiya Gurgu, said to be a close associate of a notorious bandit leader known as Musa Commander, who is reportedly linked to the Ado Aleru network.
The sources further claimed that Musa Commander is associated with several terrorist-controlled communities, including Tsamiya and other settlements in the area.
According to the account, the security forces appeared to have exercised caution during the operation to minimise civilian casualties, with the engagement reportedly focused on individuals seen carrying weapons or dressed in military-style uniforms.
Several other suspected terrorists were also reportedly wounded during the operation.
Yankuzo has reportedly remained a stronghold for armed groups linked to the notorious Ado Aleru network, with residents allegedly facing persistent threats from fighters operating in and around the community.
Further details on the casualties and the outcome of the operation are expected as security agencies continue to assess the situation.
Troops rescue four kidnapped victims in Benue
Troops rescue four kidnapped victims in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued four kidnapped victims after responding to a kidnapping incident at Chede in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Sept. 6, 2026, when troops of Sector 1, OPWS, deployed at Gbise, responded to reports of kidnapping activities in the area.
The troops engaged in a pursuit of the fleeing suspects, forcing the kidnappers to abandon the four victims and escape into the surrounding area.
The rescued victims were subsequently taken into military custody for further action, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The latest operation underscores the continued efforts by security forces to disrupt kidnapping activities and rescue victims across Benue State.
Troops arrest 14 suspected criminals, recover equipment in Plateau
Troops arrest 14 suspected criminals, recover equipment in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested 14 suspected criminals and recovered mining equipment, motorcycles and other items during a raid operation in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
It was gathered that the operation was conducted at about 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 7, 2026, by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, OPEP, who raided a location suspected to be harbouring criminals behind the New Government House along Shinko Road.
During the operation, the troops apprehended seven suspected illegal miners and recovered one pumping machine, three hoses and an excavator.
While returning from the site, the troops also apprehended seven suspected hoodlums and recovered seven motorcycles, four mobile phones and a substance suspected to be cannabis.
The suspects were subsequently profiled and handed over to Headquarters, Joint Task Force OPEP, for further action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to curb criminal activities, illegal mining and other security threats in Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist logistics supplier with 64 rolls of clothing material in Adamawa
Troops arrest suspected terrorist logistics supplier with 64 rolls of clothing material in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 247 Recce Battalion have arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier and intercepted 64 rolls of clothing material during a stop-and-search operation in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 12:40 p.m. on Sept. 6, 2026, when troops deployed at Tsamiya Checkpoint intercepted a vehicle and apprehended the driver.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 64 rolls of clothing material of different colours, which security sources said were similar to materials reportedly used by terrorists.
The driver was unable to give a satisfactory account of the intended destination of the materials, raising suspicion that they could be linked to terrorist logistics activities.
The suspect and recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
Troops discover, detonate terrorist-planted IED along Damboa-Bulabulin road
Troops discover, detonate terrorist-planted IED along Damboa-Bulabulin road
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have safely detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by terrorists along the Damboa-Bulabulin-Maiduguri road in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Zagazola gathered that the IED was discovered at about 12:07 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2026, by troops of 19 Battalion, deployed under 25 Brigade, while conducting a road dominance patrol and escorting civilian vehicles along the route.
The explosive device was located around Asorok, shortly before Bulabulin, where it had been buried by suspected terrorists.
The troops secured the area and safely detonated the IED, preventing possible casualties and damage to civilian and military vehicles using the route.
Following the successful clearance of the threat, the troops continued their movement to the checkpoint at Kumala.
The incident highlights the persistent threat posed by terrorist-planted explosives along major routes in the North-East and the importance of sustained military patrols and escorts to protect road users.
Troops foil terrorist ambush along Buni Gari-Buratai road in Borno
Troops foil terrorist ambush along Buni Gari-Buratai road in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade have foiled an ambush by suspected terrorists along the Buni Gari-Buratai road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 10:45 a.m. on Sept. 7, 2026, when the terrorists ambushed the troops while they were operating along the route.
During the encounter, one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED), damaging two of its tyres.
The troops subsequently exploited the ambush site and recovered one AK-47 magazine, 30 rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, two RPG bombs, one motorcycle and two bicycles.
No casualty was reported in the incident, while the troops continued their operations to dominate the area and deny terrorists freedom of movement.
Troops intercept 11 empty CNG cylinders, open-loop kit in Borno
Troops intercept 11 empty CNG cylinders, open-loop kit in Borno
Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 233 Tank Battalion have intercepted a vehicle conveying 11 empty Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders and a Greco open-loop kit without the required clearance.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on Sept. 6, 2026, when troops deployed at Mega Checkpoint intercepted the vehicle during a routine stop-and-search operation.
The troops apprehended the driver and recovered the 11 empty CNG cylinders and one Greco open-loop kit.
The items were reportedly being transported without security clearance, prompting the troops to detain the driver for further investigation.
The apprehended driver and recovered items remain in military custody for further action.
Troops foil terrorist IED attack along Mairari–Gajiram road in Borno
Troops foil terrorist IED attack along Mairari–Gajiram road in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have foiled an attempted terrorist attack along the Mairari–Gajiram main supply route in Borno State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:45 a.m. on Sept. 5, when the troops, while conducting a patrol along the route, encountered two command-detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted at different locations.
The devices were detonated by suspected terrorists as the troops approached the locations.
No casualties were recorded among the troops.
Following the explosions, the troops engaged the terrorists from their suspected positions with disciplined fire, while additional reinforcement from the Brigade Garrison, led by the Garrison Commander, was deployed to the area.
The combined response forced the terrorists to retreat in confusion.
The troops subsequently secured the route and continued operations to prevent further attacks and deny terrorist elements freedom of action along the strategic corridor.
Troops arrest suspected foreign national along Azir–Damboa road in Borno
Troops arrest suspected foreign national along Azir–Damboa road in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 25 Brigade, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected foreign national along the Azir–Damboa road in Borno State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 5:55 p.m. on Sept. 5 following a tip-off from local residents about the movement of a suspected foreigner along the route.
During preliminary questioning, the suspect reportedly identified himself as a national of the Republic of Cameroon.
He told the troops that he entered Nigeria through Taraba State and was travelling towards Niger State in search of artisanal work but lost his way.
The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation and necessary action, while authorities work to establish his identity, travel history and circumstances surrounding his presence in the area.
Four terrorist family members surrender to troops in Borno
Four terrorist family members surrender to troops in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
MAIDUGURI, Sept. 7, 2026: Four family members of suspected terrorists, including an eight-month-old infant, have surrendered to troops of 192 Battalion (M) along the Gwoza–Limankara road in Borno State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the group surrendered at about 1:35 p.m. on Sept. 6.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the four individuals escaped from the Hiduwa terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains, within Gwoza Local Government Area of the state.
The surrendered persons reportedly told troops that the lack of basic necessities in the terrorist camp forced them to leave the enclave and seek safety.
The individuals and the infant are currently under the care and custody of the troops as authorities conduct further screening and investigation.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member with gunshot wound in Borno
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member with gunshot wound in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion have arrested a suspected ISWAP member who was found loitering around Papa 7 location in Borno State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 9:35 a.m. on Sept. 6 while troops were conducting picketing duties in the area.
The suspect was found with a gunshot wound and was taken into custody for questioning.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that the suspect had descended from Gava in the Mandara Mountains in search of medical attention.
Sources attributed his movement to the effects of sustained military pressure and psychological operations targeting terrorist enclaves in the area.
The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation, while security forces continue operations aimed at degrading terrorist groups and disrupting their activities in the Mandara Mountains.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member with gunshot wound in Borno
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member with gunshot wound in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion have arrested a suspected ISWAP member who was found loitering around Papa 7 location in Borno State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 9:35 a.m. on Sept. 6 while troops were conducting picketing duties in the area.
The suspect was found with a gunshot wound and was taken into custody for questioning.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that the suspect had descended from Gava in the Mandara Mountains in search of medical attention.
Sources attributed his movement to the effects of sustained military pressure and psychological operations targeting terrorist enclaves in the area.
The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation, while security forces continue operations aimed at degrading terrorist groups and disrupting their activities in the Mandara Mountains.
Investigation begins as SNCO dies after shooting incident at Kuje custodial centre
Investigation begins as SNCO dies after shooting incident at Kuje custodial centre
By Zagazola Makama
Authorities have commenced an investigation into a shooting incident involving a senior non-commissioned officer at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:37 a.m. on Sept. 7 while the personnel was on duty at the facility.
According to the sources, the SNCO fired at his commanding officer, but the shot missed after the officer moved away.
The SNCO subsequently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and an investigation has been launched to establish what led to the shooting.
The remains of the deceased personnel were evacuated to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) for further action.
Authorities are expected to provide additional details as the investigation progresses.
Naval officer, driver arrested with 248 moulds of suspected cannabis in Rivers
Naval officer, driver arrested with 248 moulds of suspected cannabis in Rivers
By Zagazola Makama
PORT HARCOURT, Sept. 7, 2026: Operatives of the Safer Highway Patrol have arrested a Lieutenant serving with the Nigerian Navy, NNS Ogun, alongside a 51-year-old driver, Felix Dickson, over the alleged transportation of illicit drugs along the East-West Road in Rivers State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were intercepted while conveying five large “Ghana-Must-Go” bags containing 248 moulds of suspected cannabis sativa, popularly known as “Scottish Loud.”
Dickson, a native of Owhe Community in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, was reportedly driving the vehicle from Lagos to Port Harcourt when the patrol team intercepted it.
According to a Situation Report, preliminary questioning indicated that Dickson allegedly told investigators that he was contracted by the naval officer to drive the vehicle and deliver the consignment to its intended destination in Port Harcourt.
The two suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken into custody, while further investigation is ongoing to establish the source of the consignment and identify other persons who may be connected to the alleged drug trafficking network.
The development highlights continued efforts by security agencies to disrupt the movement of illicit substances and other criminal activities along major highways in the country.
Troops intercept suspected terrorist logistics consignment in Zamfara
Troops intercept suspected terrorist logistics consignment in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 1 Brigade, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Sabon-Gari, have intercepted a vehicle suspected of conveying logistics to a terrorist element in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:16 p.m. on Sept. 6, when troops intercepted the vehicle in Kaura Namoda town.
The vehicle was conveying four female passengers, two children and two male passengers.
During a search of the vehicle, one of the suspects reportedly attempted to flee and was neutralised by the troops.
The troops subsequently recovered three bags of suspected cannabis from the vehicle.
According to the military sources, the driver reportedly confessed that the recovered items were intended for delivery to a suspected terrorist at Dayau Village in the same local government area.
The driver and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and prevent the movement of illicit supplies to armed groups in Zamfara State.
Troops recover AK-47 rifle after terrorist encounter in Sokoto
Troops recover AK-47 rifle after terrorist encounter in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 8 Division Garrison, while reinforcing troops at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ghandi, encountered and engaged suspected terrorists along the Gundumi Road in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists fled following the encounter as troops maintained pressure on the group.
The troops subsequently recovered one AK-47 rifle abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
The recovered weapon has been secured by the troops, while operations continue to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement within the area.
Troops repel simultaneous terrorist attacks in Sokoto
Troops repel simultaneous terrorist attacks in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 8 Division Garrison have repelled simultaneous attacks by suspected terrorists on troops at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tidibale and Tidibale Village in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the attacks occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Sept. 6, when the terrorists launched coordinated assaults on the military position and the nearby community.
The troops responded and successfully repelled the attacks. One soldier sustained a gunshot wound and was evacuated for medical attention.
Two gun trucks were also immobilised after sustaining direct gunfire to their fuel tanks, resulting in the vehicles catching fire.
The troops have maintained their positions and continued security operations in the area to prevent further attacks.
Gunmen kill man in Mangu, Plateau
Gunmen kill man in Mangu, Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
JOS, Sept. 7, 2026: Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Operation SAFE HAVEN, have commenced efforts to track down assailants who killed a man in Kadun community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:08 p.m. on Sept. 6, when the troops responded to a report of an attack and killing in the community.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops found the victim, identified as Mai Unguwan Sarkin Yamma, dead.
The assailants had, however, fled the area before the arrival of the troops.
The troops have commenced efforts to track and apprehend the perpetrators, while security operations are ongoing in the general area to prevent further attacks.
Troops rescue wounded herder after ambush in Plateau
Troops rescue wounded herder after ambush in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation SAFE HAVEN, have rescued a wounded herder following an attack on two herders along a road in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:45 p.m. on Sept. 6, when troops deployed at a designated location responded to a distress report involving two herders returning from Katume Fulani settlement.
The troops’ swift intervention forced the unidentified attackers to flee the area.
During an exploitation of the location, the troops rescued one of the victims, identified as Mustapha Ali, who had sustained a gunshot wound to his leg.
The rescued victim told the troops that he was travelling with Alhaji Wadda on a motorcycle after delivering cattle at Katume Fulani settlement when they were ambushed by unidentified persons along the road.
Ali was immediately evacuated to the 3 Division Medical Centre for medical attention.
Meanwhile, the troops have continued to dominate the general area with offensive operations and a manhunt for the fleeing attackers.
Security forces are also working to identify the perpetrators and prevent further attacks along the route.
Suspected Fulani Bandits attack two men in Plateau, one killed
Suspected Fulani Bandits attack two men in Plateau, one killed
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation SAFE HAVEN, have responded to an attack on two civilians by suspected Fulani bandits at Marit Junction in Dorowa Babuje, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:33 p.m. on Sept. 5, when unidentified gunmen attacked the victims, identified as Mr Umra Yakubu and Nandom Jibir.
The troops quickly responded to the distress call, forcing the attackers to flee the area.
The troops subsequently combed the location and found the two victims with gunshot wounds.
They were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Barkin Ladi, for medical attention.
However, Nandom Jibir was later confirmed dead at the hospital.
The troops have since intensified patrols and are dominating the general area of Dorowa Babuje in an effort to track down and apprehend the perpetrators.
Security forces are also maintaining vigilance in the area to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among residents.
Troops respond to alleged farm destruction in Jos East
Troops respond to alleged farm destruction in Jos East
By Zagazola Makama
JOS, Sept. 7, 2026: Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation SAFE HAVEN, have commenced efforts to track persons suspected of destroying a farmland in Babawo Village, Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a report of alleged malicious farm destruction along the Babawo Village road at about 5:35 p.m. on Sept. 6.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops discovered that a farmland belonging to one Monday Azi had allegedly been grazed by unidentified herders.
The perpetrators were not found at the scene when the troops arrived.
The troops have commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the alleged destruction, while security personnel continue to monitor the area to prevent further incidents.
Soldier injured in road accident during patrol in Plateau
Soldier injured in road accident during patrol in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A soldier serving with Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation SAFE HAVEN, sustained minor injuries in a road traffic accident while on patrol in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:10 p.m. on Sept. 5 along Haske Quarters, Jos North, while the troops were conducting a night patrol on motorcycles.
The soldier, identified as Pte. Lohpon Peter, sustained bruises to his hand and face following the accident.
He was immediately evacuated to a nearby clinic where he received medical attention.
The incident was described as a road traffic accident, with no indication of hostile involvement.
MACBAN raises alarm over alleged killings, displacement of Fulani pastoralists in Niger, Kebbi
MACBAN raises alarm over alleged killings, displacement of Fulani pastoralists in Niger, Kebbi
By Zagazola Makama
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has called on the Federal Government and the governments of Niger and Kebbi states to urgently intervene over alleged attacks and displacement of Fulani pastoralists in parts of the two states.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bello Aliyu Gotomo, the association described the situation as an emerging humanitarian crisis, alleging that attacks initially reported in Niger State had spread to the Yauri axis of Kebbi.
MACBAN claimed that more than 10,000 pastoralists had fled their communities and taken refuge in Kaoje, Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
It also alleged that over 5,000 cattle were left roaming after their owners were reportedly killed or fled their communities to escape attacks.
According to the association, the situation had contributed to widespread destruction of farmlands stretching from Agwara, Bargu and Kainji towards the border with the Benin Republic.
MACBAN alleged that the attacks involved hunters, local tribal militias and some vigilante members, including alleged elements from neighbouring Benin Republic.
The association further claimed that some cattle belonging to displaced or killed pastoralists had been stolen and transported to cattle markets in parts of southern and eastern Nigeria for sale.
It said its Lagos branch was already holding some animals allegedly identified as stolen, although the claims could not be independently verified.
MACBAN also alleged that stolen cattle meat was being transported from forests and illegal abattoirs into Kaduna metropolis, urging authorities to investigate the alleged cattle-rustling networks.
The association called for immediate security intervention to halt the alleged killings and protect pastoralist communities in the affected areas.
It also urged the authorities to identify and provide emergency assistance to displaced persons, particularly those taking refuge around Kaoje and Yauri, while conducting a comprehensive investigation into the alleged cattle-rustling networks.
MACBAN said perpetrators of the attacks and cattle theft should be identified and brought to justice, irrespective of their affiliations.
The association’s allegations come amid continuing security challenges and communal tensions affecting farming and pastoralist communities across parts of the North-West and North-Central regions.
Troops intercept suspected terrorist logistics supplier, recover motorcycles, PMS in Katsina
Troops intercept suspected terrorist logistics supplier, recover motorcycles, PMS in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics supplier and recovered four brand-new motorcycles and 450 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Katsina State.
The operation was conducted following actionable intelligence along the Gurbi–Zurmi transit corridor linking Katsina and Zamfara States.
According to military sources, the troops mounted a targeted stop-and-search operation during which they intercepted a commercial utility truck allegedly attempting to bypass security protocols.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of four brand-new motorcycles concealed in sealed packages, apparently to evade detection.
The troops also recovered 15 jerrycans, each containing 30 litres of PMS, which were allegedly concealed among containers of vegetable and palm oil to disguise the fuel consignment.
The driver, identified as Mallam Abbas Umoru, was arrested and is currently in military custody for questioning.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered logistics were allegedly destined for terrorist enclaves operating within the border areas of Katsina and Zamfara States.
The interception is considered a significant disruption to terrorist supply networks, particularly their access to motorcycles for mobility and fuel for sustaining operations.
The suspect and recovered items remain in military custody as investigations continue to uncover other members of the logistics network and their links to terrorist groups operating in the region.
Troops foil Boko Haram ambush, dismantle makeshift camps in Borno
Troops foil Boko Haram ambush, dismantle makeshift camps in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade, operating under Operation HADIN KAI, have foiled an attempted ambush by suspected Boko Haram terrorists along the Buni Gari–Buratai axis in Borno.
The troops, while conducting a routine patrol along the axis, encountered the terrorists who attempted to attack the military convoy.
The troops responded decisively, forcing the terrorists to withdraw from the area in disarray.
Following the encounter, reinforcements were deployed to the location, where the troops cleared the ambush site and conducted exploitation operations across the surrounding terrain.
During the operation, the troops discovered and dismantled several makeshift settlements suspected to have been used as hideouts by the terrorists.
Items recovered from the camps included a motorcycle, bicycles, a magazine, ammunition and rocket-propelled grenade bombs.
Sources said there were no casualties among the troops during the encounter, although some military vehicles sustained damage.
Despite the damage, the troops remained operational and successfully completed the mission.
The development underscores the continued efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement and action across the North-East.
The security situation along the axis remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining aggressive patrols and other security operations to protect communities and critical routes.
The military has urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
Senator Buba Denies Banditry Links, Files Criminal Complaint in Niger Republic as Suspects Face Prosecution in Nigeria
Senator Buba Denies Banditry Links, Files Criminal Complaint in Niger Republic as Suspects Face Prosecution in Nigeria
Senator representing Bauchi South, Shehu Buba, has denied allegations linking him to banditry, describing recent viral videos and related claims as fabricated, misleading and part of a sustained campaign to damage his reputation.
Buba, who chairs the Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry and is the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) gubernatorial candidate in Bauchi State, said he had filed a criminal complaint in Niamey, Niger Republic, against Hassan Saleh Hussein over alleged defamation and electronic insults.
In a statement issued on September 6, 2026, titled “Setting the Record Straight: My Response to Fabricated Videos, False Allegations and a Sustained Campaign of Disinformation,” the senator said he had previously avoided responding to every allegation against him but decided to speak out because repeated accusations were damaging his reputation and public service record.
Buba, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, said his work had involved engagements with security agencies and communities affected by banditry, including interventions he maintained could not always be publicly disclosed without compromising security operations.
Tracing the controversy to September 2024, the senator said it followed the killing of two charcoal sellers by a militia group allegedly linked to the Bauchi State Agency for Vigilante and Youth Empowerment.
According to him, he visited the victims’ families and demanded justice, after which the Bauchi State Commissioner for Internal Security, Barrister Abubakar Abdulhamid Bununu, allegedly linked him to banditry.
Buba further alleged that Governor Bala Mohammed subsequently petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of sponsoring a “bandit kingpin” for the 2024 Hajj through an aide.
The senator denied the accusation and said he invited security agencies to investigate the claims. He explained that his sponsorship of pilgrims, like his scholarships, medical assistance and empowerment programmes, had traditionally been based on recommendations from community and religious leaders.
Rather than engage in a public confrontation, Buba said he filed a defamation suit, marked CV/413/2024, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
The senator also addressed his relationship with Hassan Husseini, whom he said was introduced to him in 2024 as an orphan requiring educational assistance.
According to Buba, he enrolled Husseini in a private school in Kaduna and provided him with a bicycle for transportation, but Husseini later abandoned his studies and asked for a large sum of money to start a car dealership.
The senator alleged that after he declined the request, Husseini began recording visitors to his residence and that the materials were subsequently used in an alleged blackmail scheme.
Buba said he petitioned the Nigeria Police on September 9, 2025, after the videos circulated and he received alleged demands for money.
He said five suspects were subsequently arraigned before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/526/2025 on allegations of criminal conspiracy, cyberstalking, defamation, advance-fee fraud and extortion.
According to the statement, the case remains before the court, with the next hearing scheduled for September 29, 2026.
Buba also disclosed that he had initiated another legal process following remarks by former Bauchi State Governor and APC gubernatorial candidate Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, who he said publicly questioned the source of his wealth in July 2026.
The senator said he considered the remarks defamatory and instructed his lawyers, Jay Adl Attorneys, to petition the appropriate authorities.
He maintained that his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress for the PRP and pursue his Bauchi governorship aspiration should be debated on the basis of policies, competence and vision rather than what he described as fabricated allegations.
Addressing the latest controversy, Buba said a content creator known as “D English Alhaji” began circulating videos in August 2026 purporting to show bandit kingpins visiting his residence.
He described the claims as false, saying a fact-check had subsequently found that the videos were manipulated and presented out of context.
The content creator, according to the senator, later interviewed Husseini from Niamey, Niger Republic, during which further allegations were made against him.
Buba rejected the allegations and described them as malicious and motivated by financial and partisan interests.
He said his decision to file a criminal complaint in Niamey was consistent with his preference for seeking legal remedies rather than engaging in political confrontation.
Buba also defended his record as former Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, saying he had worked with security and intelligence agencies as well as communities affected by insecurity.
He said his engagements included advocacy for military operations, intelligence gathering, dialogue, deradicalisation and community participation in addressing insecurity.
The senator challenged anyone with credible evidence of wrongdoing against him to submit it to the appropriate authorities, saying he was prepared to face any legitimate investigation.
“I have nothing to hide and nothing to fear from any legitimate investigation,” he said.
He also urged journalists, editors, fact-checkers and civil society organisations to independently verify allegations before publishing or amplifying them, including by examining the disputed videos, reviewing court records and consulting relevant security institutions.
Buba appealed to his supporters to remain calm and avoid provocation as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify.
“Our focus is on winning the 2027 elections and offering Bauchi State a credible alternative founded on service, development and security. Let us remain calm, disciplined and committed to the democratic process,” he said.
By PRNigeria
Troops arrest five suspected drug peddlers in Delta
Troops arrest five suspected drug peddlers in Delta
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 90 Amphibious Battalion, in conjunction with personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested five suspected illicit drug peddlers during a cordon-and-search operation in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.
The operation was conducted at about 10:10 p.m. on Sept. 4, 2026, at Ugberukoko Community, following human intelligence on alleged drug peddling activities within the Sapele general area.
During the operation, the troops apprehended five suspects and recovered six bottles of a substance suspected to be codeine from their possession.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were handed over for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops arrest five suspected fuel thieves in Akwa Ibom
Troops arrest five suspected fuel thieves in Akwa Ibom
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 2 Brigade Garrison deployed at HITECH 1 along the Uyo–Oron Road in Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have arrested five suspected criminals for allegedly attempting to steal Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
The suspects were apprehended at about 8:05 p.m. on Sept. 4, 2026, while allegedly trying to siphon fuel from a fuel dump belonging to HITECH Company.
During the operation, the troops recovered seven 25-litre jerrycans containing approximately 175 litres of AGO.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were handed over to the company’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), who subsequently transferred them to the Nigeria Police Division in Nsit Atai Local Government Area for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims, neutralise suspect in Lagos
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims, neutralise suspect in Lagos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 65 Battalion, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and vigilantes, have rescued two civilians abducted from their farm at Igbonla in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The operation, which was conducted at about 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2026, followed information on the abduction of the two civilians.
During the operation, the security team engaged the suspected kidnappers, neutralising one of them, while two others fled into the surrounding bush and abandoned the victims.
The two rescued victims were found unhurt and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police, alongside the remains of the neutralised suspect, for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation was conducted under Operation MESA, as part of ongoing efforts to protect civilians and combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in Lagos State.
25 ISWAP family members surrender to troops in Borno
25 ISWAP family members surrender to troops in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A total of 25 terrorist family members have surrendered to Nigerian troops in separate incidents in Borno State, amid intensified military operations against terrorist groups in the North-East.
At about 3:45 p.m. on Aug. 30, four terrorist family members surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion (Marine) at Combat Outpost Ladari.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the individuals came from Arianna, Koloram Yerwa Kura and Tumbuma communities in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
The surrendered persons are currently in the custody of 24 Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation and necessary action.
In a related development, at about 2 p.m. on Sept. 2, another group of terrorist family members comprising seven women and 14 children surrendered to troops of 112 Task Force Battalion at Mafa in Dikwa Local Government Area of the state.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the group fled the Yaganari terrorist enclave due to ongoing clashes between rival terrorist factions.
The latest surrenders highlight the impact of sustained military pressure and internal divisions within terrorist groups operating across the North-East, while security agencies continue to process surrendered persons in line with established procedures.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist logistics supplier, recover medical supplies in Borno
Troops arrest suspected terrorist logistics supplier, recover medical supplies in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, in collaboration with the Forest Guards and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator and logistics supplier in Borno State.
The suspect was apprehended at about 3:45 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2026, in Benisheik Town, Kaga Local Government Area, following intelligence on suspected terrorist logistics activities.
During the operation, the troops recovered a large quantity of medical supplies from the suspect.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect claimed to have been sent by one Mr Goni Comd, identified as a suspected terrorist leader, to procure the medical items for the group.
The suspect and recovered items are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops investigate destruction of maize farm in Plateau
Troops investigate destruction of maize farm in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have commenced efforts to track down unidentified criminals responsible for the destruction of a maize farm in Waya Village, Mangor District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops responded at about 1:50 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2026, following a report of malicious farm destruction in the area.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops discovered that a maize farm had been destroyed with machetes by unidentified persons.
Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, while security presence has been sustained in the area to prevent further attacks on farming activities.
Troops investigate destruction of maize farm in Plateau
Troops investigate destruction of maize farm in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have commenced efforts to track down unidentified criminals responsible for the destruction of a maize farm in Waya Village, Mangor District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops responded at about 1:50 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2026, following a report of malicious farm destruction in the area.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops discovered that a maize farm had been destroyed with machetes by unidentified persons.
Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, while security presence has been sustained in the area to prevent further attacks on farming activities.
Troops arrest two suspected criminals in Plateau
Troops arrest two suspected criminals in Plateau
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in conjunction with Keystone and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) from Bauchi State, have arrested two suspected criminals during a joint raid operation in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted at about 1:10 a.m. on Sept. 6, 2026, following a report on the activities of suspected criminal elements allegedly travelling from Bauchi State to Plateau State for criminal activities.
The troops raided identified criminal hideouts at Maijuju Village in Jos East LGA and arrested two suspects identified as 26-year-old Abubakar Adamu and 24-year-old Umar Musa.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to Keystone, Bauchi State, for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops arrest nine suspected drug peddlers in Plateau
Troops arrest nine suspected drug peddlers in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in conjunction with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), have arrested nine suspected drug peddlers during a raid operation at Zawan Riverside in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted at about 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2026, following intelligence on the activities of suspected criminals, drug peddlers and armed robbers using the area as a hideout.
During the operation, the troops arrested nine suspected drug peddlers, while other suspected criminals reportedly fled the area.
The troops also dismantled and burnt down makeshift canopies used by the criminals and recovered a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were profiled for further investigation and necessary action.
Operation Whirl Stroke sustains offensive, arrests suspected kidnapper, rescues victim
Operation Whirl Stroke sustains offensive, arrests suspected kidnapper, rescues victim
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have sustained intelligence-driven operations across their Joint Operations Area, leading to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and the rescue of an abducted victim in separate operations in Nasarawa and Benue states.
In Nasarawa State, troops of Sector 2, OPWS, on Sept. 4, arrested a suspected kidnapper identified as Adamu Lamu at Agyaragu.
The arrest followed the escape of one of the alleged kidnapping syndicate’s victims, identified as 31-year-old Nehemiah Elisha.
According to preliminary information, Elisha, after escaping from his abductors, sighted one of the suspected kidnappers at a market in Agyaragu and alerted troops deployed in the area.
The troops swiftly responded and apprehended Lamu, who was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and legal action.
In a separate operation in Benue State, troops of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion XI, deployed at Torkula, rescued a kidnapped victim along the Umene-Torkula Road at about 10:07 a.m. on Sept. 6.
The troops were conducting a patrol to dominate the area and prevent criminal activities when they discovered the victim, identified as Vincent Nyado, tied and abandoned by the roadside.
Preliminary information indicated that Nyado had allegedly been abducted by suspected terrorists. The abductors reportedly fled into the surrounding bushes upon sighting the approaching troops, abandoning their victim.
The rescued victim was secured by the troops, while efforts are ongoing to obtain further information that could assist in identifying and apprehending the fleeing suspects.
The OPWS command said the task force remained resolute in its mandate to curb violence across the North-Central region and Taraba State, directing troops to sustain intelligence-led operations and cooperation with other security agencies and local communities.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities and improve security across the region.
Operation Hadin Kai intensifies campaign against ISWAP, Boko Haram, records major gains in August
Operation Hadin Kai intensifies campaign against ISWAP, Boko Haram, records major gains in August
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have intensified their campaign against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram terrorists across the North-East, recording significant operational gains during sustained ground and air operations in August 2026.
The offensive operations resulted in the neutralisation of 152 terrorists, arrest of 142 suspects and surrender of 219 terrorists during the month, highlighting the increasing pressure being brought to bear on terrorist networks operating across the theatre.
The operations also disrupted terrorist movements and logistics through a combination of ground offensives, intelligence-led actions and air interdictions.
According to operational data obtained by Zagazola Makama, troops conducted 10 air interdictionsduring the period and successfully neutralised nine improvised explosive devices (IEDs), denying terrorists the opportunity to use the explosive devices against troops and civilians.
The destruction of the IEDs also helped to secure major routes and movement corridors frequently used by security forces and local communities.
The sustained offensive also yielded significant recoveries of weapons, ammunition and other items linked to terrorist operations. Troops recovered 58 weapons and explosive items, including AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, locally fabricated firearms, a hand grenade and an RPG bomb. A total of 1,184 rounds of ammunition were also recovered during the operations. Other items recovered included 16 mobility assets, 44 mobile phones, a Sony video camcorder and N1,794,910 in cash.
The recoveries are expected to further support ongoing intelligence efforts aimed at tracking terrorist logistics networks, identifying their collaborators and disrupting their ability to sustain attacks across the region.
The August operational figures reflect the multi-dimensional approach adopted by Operation Hadin Kai, combining offensive ground operations, air interdictions, intelligence gathering and community-supported security activities.
The surrender of 219 terrorists during the month also represents an important dimension of the campaign, as it reduces the manpower available to terrorist organisations while providing security agencies with opportunities to obtain valuable information on terrorist structures, movements and logistics.
The military’s continued pressure has increasingly forced terrorist elements to operate under more difficult conditions, with their freedom of movement and ability to sustain conventional attacks being progressively constrained.
The campaign is aimed at creating conditions for the safe return of displaced populations, reopening access routes, restoring economic activity and enabling communities to resume normal livelihoods.
The destruction of IEDs, in particular, remains critical to civilian safety, as the devices pose a persistent threat to troops, farmers, commuters and other residents using roads and rural pathways.
The military high command and local communities have commended the troops for their sacrifices, resilience and commitment to restoring peace across the North-East.
As Operation Hadin Kai enters subsequent phases of its counter-insurgency campaign, the August results demonstrate the continued emphasis on dismantling terrorist logistics, degrading their fighting capability and compelling members of the insurgent groups to abandon the battlefield.
The ultimate objective was to deny ISWAP and Boko Haram the ability to threaten communities, reclaim areas affected by insurgency and create a more secure environment for sustainable recovery across the North-East.
Niger: Junta blames Macron after mutiny as security challenges persist
Niger: Junta blames Macron after mutiny as security challenges persist
By Zagazola Makama
Niger’s military authorities have blamed France and other foreign interests for the recent mutiny at a military base in Niamey, while questions continue to mount over the cohesion of the country’s armed forces and the worsening security situation.
The Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP), which seized power in July 2023, made the accusations following a Council of Ministers meeting on Sept. 4, describing the soldiers involved in the mutiny as “traitors and renegades” allegedly manipulated to serve a foreign agenda.
The junta specifically accused former French President Emmanuel Macron of being behind what it described as an attempt to destabilise the regime.
However, the authorities have not publicly provided detailed evidence establishing a direct link between Macron, the mutineers and the events at the base.
The mutiny, which occurred on Aug. 28 and 29 around Base 101 in Niamey, represents one of the most serious internal challenges faced by the military authorities since they took power.
Presidential Guard takes centre stage
One of the most significant elements of the government’s statement was its description of the Presidential Guard as the “spearhead” of the defence and security forces that responded to the crisis.
The emphasis on the Presidential Guard has raised questions over its increasingly prominent role in protecting the military government.
Under a conventional military structure, the national armed forces are primarily responsible for defending the country’s territory, while a presidential guard is principally tasked with protecting the head of state and key state institutions.
The decision to publicly highlight the Presidential Guard as the leading force in the response has therefore fuelled debate over the relationship between the guard and the wider Nigerien Armed Forces.
It also comes amid reports of tensions and distrust within the military following the mutiny.
Russia’s growing role
The crisis has also highlighted Niger’s deepening military relationship with Russia.
Russian-linked Africa Corps personnel have been reported to operate from Base 101 and have been associated with efforts to support the authorities during the recent crisis.
The cooperation is presented by Niamey as a sovereign partnership aimed at strengthening Niger’s ability to fight armed groups and defend its territory.
Critics, however, argue that the reliance on foreign military personnel sits uneasily with the junta’s longstanding rhetoric against foreign interference and its emphasis on national sovereignty.
Security situation remains fragile
While the authorities focus on alleged foreign involvement in the mutiny, armed groups continue to pose a serious threat in western Niger.
Fresh attacks were reported in parts of the Tillabéri region in early September, including Darbani, Diamballa, Namarigoungou and Zibane.
The incidents reportedly resulted in deaths and injuries, while livestock were also taken during the attacks.
At Diamballa, two young girls reportedly drowned while fleeing during the attack, while a man was wounded. Another man was reportedly killed at Namarigoungou.
The attacks underline the continuing vulnerability of rural communities in Tillabéri, one of Niger’s most volatile regions and an area bordering Mali and Burkina Faso.
Questions over the army’s cohesion
Beyond the accusations against France, the mutiny has exposed deeper questions about the cohesion of Niger’s security forces.
The central challenge for Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani is now to maintain control of the military while ensuring that the armed forces remain capable of confronting jihadist groups operating across large parts of the country.
The crisis has also generated concerns over possible purges, changes in command structures and the growing reliance on forces considered loyal to the leadership.
Any prolonged deterioration in trust between the political leadership and the regular armed forces could further complicate Niger’s counter-insurgency campaign.
Government invokes religious mobilisation
The authorities have also called on religious leaders to strengthen prayers against what they describe as imperialist powers and their African allies.
The move has attracted criticism from opponents of the junta, who argue that religious mobilisation cannot substitute for effective military planning, equipment, leadership and institutional cohesion.
For now, the Nigerien government continues to portray the mutiny primarily as a foreign-backed destabilisation attempt.
But the simultaneous persistence of jihadist attacks and internal tensions within the security establishment suggests that Niger’s security crisis is more complex than a confrontation with external powers.
The events of late August have therefore placed renewed attention on the strength of the Nigerien military, the expanding role of the Presidential Guard and the country’s growing dependence on Russian security assistance.
For communities in Tillabéri and other conflict-affected areas, however, the immediate concern remains unchanged: the continuing threat posed by armed groups and the ability of the state to protect civilians and secure its territory.
Niger: Fresh attacks in Tillabéri follow mutiny in Niamey
Niger: Fresh attacks in Tillabéri follow mutiny in Niamey
By Zagazola Makama
NIAMEY — Security challenges have continued to mount in western Niger following the recent mutiny at a strategic military base in the capital, with fresh attacks reported in several communities in the Tillabéri region.
On Sept. 2, armed assailants reportedly attacked the communities of Darbani, Diamballa and Namarigoungou in Tillabéri, according to local reports. The incidents resulted in civilian casualties and the loss of livestock.
At Diamballa, two young girls reportedly drowned in a pond while attempting to flee the attack, while another resident sustained gunshot injuries. In Namarigoungou, a man was reportedly killed during the assault.
The attacks were followed on Sept. 3 by another incursion at Zibane in the Anzourou commune, where further casualties were reported during the violence.
The latest incidents came only days after an attempted mutiny at Base 101 near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey. The unrest, involving soldiers reportedly frustrated by worsening security conditions and battlefield losses, was eventually suppressed with assistance from Russia-linked Africa Corps personnel.
The mutiny represented one of the most serious internal security challenges faced by the military authorities since they seized power in 2023. Reports indicate that the fighting around the airport and other strategic locations lasted for hours before loyalist forces regained control.
The developments have renewed concerns over the ability of Niger’s security forces to simultaneously contain internal tensions and respond effectively to persistent attacks by jihadist groups, particularly in the country’s western regions.
Tillabéri, which borders Mali and Burkina Faso, remains one of Niger’s most volatile security zones, with armed groups continuing to target rural communities and security personnel.
The latest violence also highlights the growing humanitarian cost of insecurity, as civilians face killings, injuries, livestock theft and disruption of livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the Nigerien authorities have continued to maintain that the security situation is under control. On Sept. 4, the government accused France of having a role in instigating the recent mutiny, although it did not publicly provide detailed evidence to support the allegation.
Troops dislodge terrorists, recover PKT machine gun, rifles, motorcycles in Sokoto
Troops dislodge terrorists, recover PKT machine gun, rifles, motorcycles in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s COAS Intervention Battalion 7, Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, have dislodged terrorist elements and recovered a PKT machine gun, rifles, ammunition and motorcycles during offensive operations in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation was conducted as part of sustained efforts by the troops to clear terrorist enclaves and deny armed groups freedom of movement in the North-West.
The troops advanced through identified terrorist threat areas, including Manu, Alkasim and Kandam villages, as well as the Magarya forest axis.
Sources said that upon making contact with the terrorists in the Magarya forest enclave, the troops engaged them with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their positions and flee deeper into the forest.
During subsequent follow-up operations and a thorough search of the area, the troops recovered a PKT machine gun, AK-47 rifles, a large quantity of 7.62 x 54mm belted ammunition, motorcycles and assorted logistical and miscellaneous items.
The recovered weapons and mobility assets are believed to have been used by the terrorists to sustain their operations within the area.
The troops have continued to maintain a strong operational posture and dominate the general area to prevent the terrorists from regrouping and to ensure the security of surrounding communities.
The operation is part of the ongoing offensive efforts under Operation Fansan Yamma to dismantle terrorist enclaves and restore peace and stability across the North-West.
Troops arrest 28-year-old man over alleged suspicious loitering in Plateau
Troops arrest 28-year-old man over alleged suspicious loitering in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, have arrested a 28-year-old man, Aminu Isah, over alleged suspicious loitering in Dogo Nauwa Village, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was arrested at about 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2026, after troops observed him allegedly loitering aimlessly within the general area.
The suspect was profiled by the troops and subsequently handed over to the Keystone Bukuru Division for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops arrest three suspected kidnappers, recover N3.5m in Plateau
Troops arrest three suspected kidnappers, recover N3.5m in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested three suspected kidnappers and recovered N3.5 million during an operation in a forest area of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, identified as Sahabi Isah, 20; Umar Mohammed Sani, 26; and Usman Suleiman, 21, were arrested at about 9 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2026, following a report that suspected kidnappers had moved after collecting ransom from a victim.
The suspects were intercepted while travelling in a vehicle within the forest area.
One of the suspects reportedly attempted to escape but was re-arrested by a soldier. The suspect allegedly offered the soldier N500,000 to release him, but the soldier refused the offer.
Troops recovered N3.5 million from the vehicle.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Umar Mohammed Sani was allegedly only a passenger in the vehicle, while two of the suspects claimed that the recovered money was proceeds from the sale of rustled cattle.
The three suspects remain in custody as further investigation continues to establish their individual roles and the source of the recovered funds.
Troops foil farmers-herders clash, restore peace in Kaduna
Troops foil farmers-herders clash, restore peace in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in conjunction with other security agencies, have foiled a clash between farmers and herders over alleged encroachment on farmlands at Nok Community in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops responded at about 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 5, 2026, following a report of a confrontation between the two groups.
The intervention of the security personnel brought the situation under control and prevented the dispute from escalating.
A peace meeting was subsequently convened at about 11 a.m., with the Vice Chairman of Jaba LGA and other stakeholders in attendance.
The stakeholders resolved the dispute amicably, while normalcy has been restored in the area.
Security agencies are expected to sustain monitoring of the community to prevent a recurrence of the conflict.
Troops recover 42 rustled cattle, return them to owner in Plateau
Troops recover 42 rustled cattle, return them to owner in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have recovered 42 cattle rustled by suspected criminals in the Jwak Maitumbi-Sarbot general area of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops responded at about 1:32 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2026, following reports of sporadic shootings by suspected cattle rustlers in the area.
The troops launched a pursuit on two fronts along the suspected escape routes of the criminals.
Faced with pressure from the troops, the rustlers abandoned the cattle and fled towards the Sabon Gari general area.
The troops subsequently recovered all 42 cattle.
Further investigation established that the cattle belonged to Alhaji Hussaini Sale of Dorowa Babuje. The troops contacted him and formally handed over the 42 cattle to him.
The successful recovery underscores the troops’ continued efforts to protect rural communities and prevent cattle rustling in the area.
Troops intercept 30 cows, 50 sheep over alleged illegal grazing in Plateau
Troops intercept 30 cows, 50 sheep over alleged illegal grazing in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have intercepted 30 cows and 50 sheep allegedly involved in illegal grazing at Rafin Bauna Village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2026, when troops deployed at the Rafin Bauna Guard location responded to a report of cattle grazing within the residential area.
Upon arrival, the troops found the livestock grazing within the community and moved them to a safe location.
Efforts are ongoing to identify the owners of the livestock for necessary action.
Troops mediate as 24 cows found grazing on farmland in Plateau
Troops mediate as 24 cows found grazing on farmland in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace, have recovered 24 cows found grazing on a farmland belonging to a farmer in Exland Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5 p.m. on Sept. 4, 2026, when troops of Sub-Sector 41, deployed at Exland Guard location, responded to a report of farmland destruction involving the farm of Mr Samuel Danjuma.
On arrival at the location, the troops intercepted 24 cows grazing on the farmland, while the herder reportedly fled after sighting the security personnel.
The livestock were moved to a safe location, while the owner of the cattle, identified as Mr Abdulqadir Ibrahim of Waru, Exland Village, was invited by the troops.
Following discussions, both parties agreed that the cattle owner would provide a bag of maize on Sept. 7 as compensation for the damage allegedly caused to the farmland.
The cattle owner also signed an undertaking before the 24 cows were released to him in the presence of community leaders.
The intervention prevented further escalation and provided a peaceful resolution to the dispute between the farmer and livestock owner.
Troops launch rescue operation after hospital matron kidnapped in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after hospital matron kidnapped in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace, have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of Mrs Sarah Dalang, a matron at Cottage Hospital, Bokkos, Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 2:20 p.m. on Sept. 4, 2026.
According to the sources, the troops responded to a report of the kidnapping and mobilised alongside other security agencies to commence search and rescue operations.
The security personnel conducted operations around suspected hideouts of the kidnappers but no contact was established with the criminals.
Efforts are ongoing to track the kidnappers, locate the victim and secure her safe release.
Security agencies have continued to intensify operations across Bokkos and adjoining areas to disrupt criminal activities and protect residents.
COAS welfare flight moves 350 personnel in and out of North-East theatre
COAS welfare flight moves 350 personnel in and out of North-East theatre
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) welfare flight has transported a total of 350 personnel into and out of the North-East theatre of operations.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the first welfare flight for September 2026 was conducted on Sept. 3 using a chartered ValueJet aircraft.
According to the sources, 174 personnel were transported into the Operation Hadin Kai theatre, while 176 personnel were moved out of the theatre.
The latest movement brings the cumulative number of personnel transported into and out of the theatre through the COAS welfare flight initiative to 35,165.
The movement was conducted successfully without any incident.
Troops arrest suspected illegal bunkerer, seize 100 litres of refined condensate in Delta
Troops arrest suspected illegal bunkerer, seize 100 litres of refined condensate in Delta
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force South South, Operation Delta Safe, have arrested a suspected illegal bunkerer and intercepted about 100 litres of illegally refined condensate concealed inside tubers of yam in Delta State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 3 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2026, by personnel of CIB VIII and Tantita operatives.
The suspect was reportedly conveying the illegally refined product when security personnel intercepted him and discovered the condensate concealed in tubers of yam.
The suspect and the recovered items are currently in the custody of the troops and are expected to be handed over to the Operations Department of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division for further action.
The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation Delta Safe to disrupt illegal oil bunkering and other activities undermining the nation’s oil and gas sector.
Troops arrest suspected IPOB member waving Biafra flag in Abia
Troops arrest suspected IPOB member waving Biafra flag in Abia
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 144 Battalion have arrested a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) while on routine patrol in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 4:40 p.m. on Sept. 4, 2026, along the CKC general area of Asa Road.
The sources said the suspect was allegedly waving a Biafra flag and shouting, “Biafra will be free,” when he was apprehended by the troops.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation and appropriate action.
IED detonates under military vehicle during patrol in Imo
IED detonates under military vehicle during patrol in Imo
By Zagazola Makama
An improvised explosive device (IED) detonated under a military vehicle during a routine patrol along the Ihite Ukwa–Health Centre axis in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:50 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2026, when troops of 34 Artillery Brigade stepped on the device while conducting a patrol.
The sources said the explosion damaged the front-right fender of the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.
No casualty was recorded in the incident.
The troops have continued to maintain security operations in the area while efforts are ongoing to prevent further attacks along the route.
Troops foil kidnapping, rescue three victims in Benue
Troops foil kidnapping, rescue three victims in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued three victims at Tse Ogar, Naka, in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 5:35 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2026.
The troops, deployed at Naka, responded swiftly to the kidnapping incident and successfully rescued the three victims.
The rescued victims were subsequently released to reunite with their families.
The operation underscores the continued efforts by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke to protect communities and deny criminal elements freedom of action across the state.
Troops arrest three suspected illegal miners in Abuja
Troops arrest three suspected illegal miners in Abuja
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 7 Guards Battalion have arrested three suspected illegal miners operating at a newly established gold mining site in Shere, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 4, 2026, by troops of the battalion’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bwari under Operation MESA.
The suspects were reportedly engaged in gold mining activities at the site when troops moved in and arrested them.
The three suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
Troops recover locally fabricated AK-47 rifle abandoned by terrorists in Sokoto
Troops recover locally fabricated AK-47 rifle abandoned by terrorists in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 8 Task Force Group Administration Battalion, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have recovered a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and six rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the recovery was made at about 2:52 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2026, by troops of the battalion’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Rabah.
The weapon and ammunition were recovered under shrubs between Ubuntu and Maikujera villages in the area.
According to the sources, the weapon was suspected to have been abandoned by terrorists at the location where they ambushed troops on Aug. 28, 2026.
The recovered weapon and ammunition are currently in military custody for further action, while troops continue operations to track down the fleeing terrorists.
Troops recover 12 rustled cattle during patrol in Kebbi
Troops recover 12 rustled cattle during patrol in Kebbi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have recovered 12 rustled cattle during a fighting patrol in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 7 a.m. on Sept. 3, 2026, by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Kanya.
The troops conducted a fighting patrol to Raba Kwana Village, where they recovered the 12 cattle believed to have been rustled by criminal elements.
The recovered cattle were subsequently handed over to their owners.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to protect rural communities, safeguard livestock and deny criminal elements freedom of action in the area.
Troops recover three decomposing terrorist bodies after foiled attack in Borno
Troops recover three decomposing terrorist bodies after foiled attack in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion have recovered three decomposing corpses believed to be those of terrorists who sustained injuries and later died while fleeing a foiled attack in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the discovery was made at about 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 3, 2026, during exploitation operations northeast of Kukawa along the Jemmù-Alagarno axis.
The development followed the foiling of an attack by terrorists on troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion at Cross Kauwa in Kukawa LGA on Aug. 28, 2026.
According to the sources, the terrorists were believed to have sustained injuries during the failed attack and subsequently died along their withdrawal route.
During the exploitation, troops also recovered a damaged AK-47 rifle believed to have been affected by an airstrike, a solar panel, a camouflage shuttle bag, a prayer mat, an empty PKT ammunition link and a raincoat.
The three decomposing corpses were subsequently buried in situ.
The operation forms part of sustained efforts by troops to exploit areas used by terrorists following failed attacks and recover abandoned weapons and equipment.
Troops rescue female abductee in Gwoza, Borno
Troops rescue female abductee in Gwoza, Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion have rescued a young female abductee in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim was intercepted at about 1:41 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2026, while reportedly on a spying mission from Mountain Village of Saha.
According to the sources, the young woman surrendered to the troops at Armuda in Gwoza LGA.
The rescued victim is currently in the custody of the troops, while efforts are ongoing to reunite her with her family members.
The development is part of sustained military operations aimed at disrupting terrorist activities and rescuing persons held or exploited by terrorist groups in the North-East.
Troops arrest four suspected terrorists, collaborators in Monguno
Troops arrest four suspected terrorists, collaborators in Monguno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Headquarters Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai, have arrested four additional suspects, including a tax collector and three suspected collaborators, during an ongoing operation in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrests were made at about 6:48 a.m. on Aug. 30, 2026, during the second day of a three-day operation to detect and apprehend suspected terrorists and their collaborators within the sector’s area of responsibility.
The troops, working with credible sources and surrendered terrorists, were deployed to various entry and exit points of Monguno town.
The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects comprising one tax collector and three other suspected collaborators.
Items recovered from the suspects included one wristwatch, a chemical identified as “Lamb Dashi,” one sack of beans, assorted drugs including antibiotics, one Infinix mobile phone and ₦104,350.
The suspects and recovered items are currently in the custody of Headquarters Sector 3 for further necessary action.
The second day of the operation ended at about 7:05 p.m. and the operation remains ongoing, with further updates expected.
Security sources said the general situation across the North-East theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
Two brothers surrender to troops in Damboa, Borno
Two brothers surrender to troops in Damboa, Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Two suspected members of a terrorist group have surrendered to troops of 25 Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai, in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the two suspects, identified as Mustapha Tijani, 27, and Malayi Tijani, 18, surrendered at about 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 2, 2026.
The development followed recent cordon-and-search operations conducted in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Damboa town and an appeal by the Commander of 25 Brigade urging residents to encourage relatives involved in terrorist activities to renounce the activities and surrender.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the two repentant terrorists are biological brothers.
The sources added that their elder brother, Mallam Modu Tijani, who had also renounced terrorism, currently resides at the Unity IDP Camp in Damboa.
The two suspects are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation and appropriate action.
The development underscores ongoing efforts by security forces to encourage terrorist members and their associates to abandon violence and embrace the surrender process.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist informant in Ngamdu, Borno
Troops arrest suspected terrorist informant in Ngamdu, Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 154 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with Forest Guards and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected terrorist informant and collaborator in Ngamdu, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Bacha Modu Isah, was arrested at about 10:10 p.m. on Sept. 2, 2026, following credible intelligence.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect is a native of Gowo Village in Kaga LGA.
During the operation, troops recovered a charm, lighter, ring and a leather item from the suspect.
The suspect is currently in military custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to identify and disrupt terrorist informants, collaborators and support networks operating within communities in the North-East.
Troops rescue 42-year-old abductee escaping from captors in Borno
Troops rescue 42-year-old abductee escaping from captors in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion have rescued a 42-year-old woman who escaped from her captors in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the woman, identified as Mrs Zainab Huftar, was rescued at about 10:15 a.m. on Sept. 2, 2026, during a perimeter patrol around Armuda Bridge.
The troops reportedly sighted the woman while she was fleeing from her captors and immediately mobilised to rescue her.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that Huftar was from Chinene and had been married to a man identified as Yakubu Zamga, who was reportedly believed to be a member of Boko Haram.
The rescued woman reportedly told the troops that she escaped from Chinene because of severe hunger and starvation.
She is currently receiving necessary assistance as efforts are ongoing to reunite her with her family members.
The latest rescue brings the total number of victims rescued through the Gwoza East corridor to 147.
The development highlights the continued efforts by troops operating in the area to rescue persons held by terrorist groups and facilitate their safe return to their families.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy along Cross-Kukawa road in Borno
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy along Cross-Kukawa road in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion have arrested a 60-year-old man suspected of being an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) spy along the Cross-Kukawa road in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Mallam Garba Audi, was arrested at about 9:55 a.m. on Sept. 3, 2026.
The arrest followed human intelligence indicating the possible movement of an ISWAP spy from Monguno towards Kukawa.
Acting on the information, troops intensified surveillance around their defensive location and arrested Audi, who was reportedly found wandering aimlessly along the Cross-Kukawa road.
During preliminary investigation, the suspect claimed to have lost his way from Digimari in northern Borno.
Troops recovered cement bags containing clothing and mosquito nets from the suspect.
The suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody and are to be transferred to 19 Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation.
Troops rescue 11-year-old girl from suspected terrorist spying mission in Borno
Troops rescue 11-year-old girl from suspected terrorist spying mission in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion have rescued an 11-year-old girl who was allegedly abducted and taken from her community for a suspected spying mission in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the girl, identified as Miss Aisha Mustafa, was rescued at about 1:41 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2026, during a routine patrol around the Armuda general area.
According to the sources, the girl was among three persons allegedly taken from Mountain Village of Saha by two suspected terrorists.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the terrorists allegedly intended to use the victims to monitor the activities of troops deployed around Ngoshe.
The sources said that upon sighting the troops, Aisha fled towards them and surrendered, while the other two individuals reportedly fled back towards the village.
The rescued girl is currently receiving necessary assistance as efforts are ongoing to reunite her with her family members.
Security sources said the incident highlights the continued efforts by troops operating in the Gwoza axis to protect vulnerable residents and disrupt terrorist attempts to exploit civilians for intelligence-gathering activities.
Two teenage terrorist members surrender to troops in Monguno
Two teenage terrorist members surrender to troops in Monguno
By Zagazola Makama
Two teenage members of a terrorist group have surrendered to troops of Sector 3 Operation Hadin Kai in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the two, identified as Umar Mohammed, 17, and Aliu Hassan, 13, surrendered at about 7:15 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2026, to troops deployed at Charlie 7 in Monguno town.
The youths reportedly surrendered with one wristwatch and a catapult.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the two had escaped from a terrorist camp in Martab, Marte Local Government Area, citing harsh living conditions at the camp.
The surrendered youths and recovered items are currently in the custody of Headquarters Sector 3 Military Intelligence Branch for further necessary action.
The development adds to ongoing efforts by security forces to encourage members of terrorist groups to abandon violence and surrender to authorities.
From DPO to IGP: Disu returns to Ago-Iwoye where his police journey began
From DPO to IGP: Disu returns to Ago-Iwoye where his police journey began
By Zagazola Makama
Decades after serving as a young police officer at Ago-Iwoye Division in Ogun State, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has returned to the station — this time as the head of the Nigeria Police Force.
It was a homecoming filled with memories, reflection and a powerful reminder of how far a career in public service can take a person.
During the nostalgic visit over the weekend, Disu returned to places that once formed part of his daily life as a young officer. He revisited his former office, walked through the residence where he once lived and returned to the farm he tended during his early years in the police.
The places may have changed with time, but for the IGP, they represented the beginning of a journey that would eventually take him to the highest professional position in the Nigeria Police Force.
Standing in the environment where he once served as a Divisional Police Officer, Disu’s story offered a striking contrast between his past and present.
From a young police officer working in Ago-Iwoye to the officer occupying the Force Headquarters, the journey was built over decades of service, responsibility and progression through the ranks.
But rather than treating the return as a celebration of his present position, Disu appeared to use it as an opportunity for reflection.
He posed a simple but thought-provoking question: “Can YOU visit where you worked before?”
Behind the question was a bigger message — that people should never become too important to remember where they started.
For many young officers, the Ago-Iwoye experience could easily be seen as just another posting. For Disu, however, it became the first chapter of a career that would eventually lead him to the pinnacle of the police profession.
His return therefore carried a human lesson beyond policing: success does not erase one’s beginnings.
The old office, former residence and farm served as physical reminders of a period when the IGP was simply another young officer trying to build a career.
Years later, he returned not as the same young officer, but as the Inspector-General of Police.
His story is a testament to the power of dedication, humility and perseverance — and a reminder to serving officers and young Nigerians that extraordinary destinations can grow from very ordinary beginnings.
From Ago-Iwoye to Force Headquarters, Disu’s journey demonstrates that where a person starts does not necessarily determine where he or she will end.
Sometimes, the most powerful measure of success is being able to return to the beginning, look around and remember who you were before the world knew who you became.
Two killed as local gunmen rustle cattle in Plateau
Two killed as local gunmen rustle cattle in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Two persons were killed when suspected local criminals attacked residents and rustled cattle at Kopnale Village in Mangun District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:07 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2026.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, responded to a distress report of an attack and cattle rustling in the community.
The troops, alongside local vigilantes, arrived at the scene and discovered the corpses of two natives bearing gunshot wounds, while the attackers had fled the area.
The sources added that three cattle were also rustled by the criminals during the incident.
The troops are currently conducting offensive operations and a manhunt for the perpetrators in their suspected hideouts.
Security agencies have continued to intensify operations in vulnerable communities across Plateau State to prevent attacks and protect lives and property.
Suspected militia kill motorcyclist along Nyong-Bodel road in Plateau
Suspected militia kill motorcyclist along Nyong-Bodel road in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
An unidentified person was killed by suspected militias along the Nyong-Bodel road in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 3:50 p.m. on Sept. 4, 2026.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace, deployed at Bodel, responded to a report of an attack and killing of the victim along the road.
The troops arrived at the scene and discovered the victim’s corpse alongside his motorcycle, while the suspected attackers fled after sighting the troops.
The corpse was evacuated to a mortuary, while efforts are ongoing to establish the identity of the victim and apprehend the assailants.
Security agencies are also intensifying patrols and surveillance along the route to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among residents and road users.
Troops launch rescue operation after hospital matron kidnapped in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after hospital matron kidnapped in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace, have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of Mrs Sarah Dalang, a matron at Cottage Hospital, Bokkos, Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 2:20 p.m. on Sept. 4, 2026.
According to the sources, the troops responded to a report of the kidnapping and mobilised alongside other security agencies to commence search and rescue operations.
The security personnel conducted operations around suspected hideouts of the kidnappers but no contact was established with the criminals.
Efforts are ongoing to track the kidnappers, locate the victim and secure her safe release.
Security agencies have continued to intensify operations across Bokkos and adjoining areas to disrupt criminal activities and protect residents.
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover four motorcycles in Katsina
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover four motorcycles in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have neutralised a terrorist and recovered four motorcycles and other items during a dawn offensive operation in Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation was conducted on Sept. 4, 2026, following credible intelligence on the presence of terrorists around the Yantumaki Forest area.
According to security sources, the troops launched a coordinated offensive against the terrorists and engaged them with superior firepower, forcing the surviving elements to flee into the surrounding bushes.
During the subsequent exploitation of the area, the troops confirmed the neutralisation of one terrorist and recovered four motorcycles, one mobile phone and five empty intravenous drip containers.
The recovered medical containers were suspected to have been used in treating wounded terrorists operating in the area.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by Operation Fansan Yamma to sustain pressure on terrorist networks, degrade their operational capabilities and deny them freedom of movement within the Joint Operations Area.
The theatre has also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations and facilitate the eradication of terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area.
Troops respond as youths assault herder in Plateau
Troops respond as youths assault herder in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have responded to the assault of a herder by youths at Waduru Community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 7:50 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, while the victim, identified as Muazu Ahmed Abdullahi, was grazing in the area.
Following a distress report, the troops moved to the location but the alleged assailants fled upon sighting the security personnel.
The troops found Abdullahi with injuries sustained during the assault and immediately evacuated him to Kum Hospital, Latya, for medical attention.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The security intervention is part of ongoing efforts to prevent attacks and maintain peaceful coexistence among communities in the area.
Troops arrest herder over alleged farm destruction, assault in Plateau
Troops arrest herder over alleged farm destruction, assault in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested a herder following an alleged destruction of a farm and assault of a farmer at Kawan Village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, following a report that cattle belonging to Mr Abubakar Saidu had destroyed the farm of Mr Ishaya Baki.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops discovered that Baki had confronted the herder over the alleged destruction of his farm and was subsequently attacked with a machete.
The farmer sustained injuries during the assault and was evacuated to a hospital for medical attention.
The alleged assailant was subsequently arrested by the troops and is currently in custody for further action.
The incident is being handled as part of ongoing efforts by security forces to prevent disputes between farmers and herders from escalating into wider violence.
Troops arrest three suspected phone snatchers in Plateau
Troops arrest three suspected phone snatchers in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested three suspected phone snatchers in the Yanshanu/Rikkos general areas of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the troops responded to a report on the activities of suspected phone snatchers at about 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops arrested three suspects identified as Abudulgafar Dahiru, 27; Nasiru Buhari, 27; and Nawasi Ismai, 21.
The suspects reportedly confessed to involvement in the alleged criminal activities during preliminary questioning.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Keystone Nasarawa Gwong Division for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops foil Berom Militia attack, recover locally fabricated gun in Plateau
Troops foil Berom Militia attack, recover locally fabricated gun in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attack by Berom militia at Zakaret Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, when troops deployed at Ankwil 2 Guard Location responded to reports of gunshots at the residence of Mr Mubarak Shuaibu.
The troops’ prompt intervention forced the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the area.
During an exploitation of the scene, the troops found Shuaibu with a gunshot wound to his right leg.
The troops also recovered one locally fabricated gun allegedly abandoned by the fleeing attackers.
The injured victim was evacuated to a clinic in Kurra Falls for medical treatment.
The recovered weapon is currently in the custody of the troops for further action, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Troops mediate settlement over cattle attack in Plateau
Troops mediate settlement over cattle attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have facilitated an amicable settlement between parties involved in an attack on cattle and subsequent arrest of suspects in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the development followed the alleged malicious attack on cattle by some locals and the arrest of suspects on Aug. 28.
Following the intervention by the troops at about 5:50 p.m. on Sept. 3, the parties reached an amicable resolution of the dispute.
As part of the settlement, the suspects were released after the payment of N200,000 to the owners of the cattle, identified as Mr Abdul Umar and Mustapha Abdul Kareem.
The intervention is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to promote peaceful resolution of disputes and prevent local disagreements from escalating into wider communal tensions.
Armed militia attack leaves one injured, another dead in Plateau
Armed militia attack leaves one injured, another dead in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
One person has been killed and another injured after suspected armed militias attacked two locals returning from mining activities between Gaude and Mangu Halle in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 8:10 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, deployed at Gyambwas, responded to a distress report on the attack and moved to the area.
On arrival, the troops found one of the victims, identified as Mr Lanyet Bala, with a gunshot wound to his leg, while the attackers had fled the scene.
The troops subsequently launched a search-and-rescue operation for the second victim, identified as Mr Kwonan.
During the operation, the troops discovered Kwonan’s remains within the general area.
The injured victim was evacuated to Allah Nakowa Hospital, Mangu, for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, troops are currently dominating the area and conducting offensive operations and a manhunt for the fleeing attackers.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims, neutralise suspect in Lagos
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims, neutralise suspect in Lagos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 65 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued two kidnapped victims in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the victims, identified as Mr Kelvin Okafor and Alex Anato, were abducted while working on their farm around Igbonla in Epe LGA.
Following information on the incident, the security team responded to the area and encountered the kidnappers while they were holding the victims.
On sighting the approaching troops and other security personnel, the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled into the surrounding forest.
The team pursued the fleeing suspects, during which one of the kidnappers was neutralised, while two others escaped into the bush.
The rescued victims were found unhurt and subsequently handed over to the Police for further necessary action.
The remains of the neutralised suspect were also handed over to the Police for further investigation and other necessary procedures.
The successful operation underscores the importance of prompt information sharing and coordinated efforts among security agencies and local communities in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities.
1 Division GOC organises musical therapy for wounded soldiers in Kaduna
1 Division GOC organises musical therapy for wounded soldiers in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Sadique Muhammed Wase, has organised a musical entertainment programme for sick and wounded soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna (44 NARHK).
The event, held on Thursday, Sept. 3, was organised in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy and the Nigerian Army’s Soldier First Culture.
Zagazola Makama reports that the initiative was aimed at boosting the morale of recovering personnel and providing psychosocial support to soldiers undergoing treatment for injuries and other combat-related conditions.
The engagement was also designed to create a relaxed and positive environment to support the emotional and psychological recovery of personnel who had endured the rigours of frontline operations.
The recuperating soldiers turned out in large numbers to participate in the programme, which featured live musical performances by the 1 Division Band led by Lt.-Col. S.C. Enwemuche.
The performance created an atmosphere of relaxation, camaraderie and joy, providing the wounded personnel with a welcome break from their routine treatment and recovery.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the GOC for the gesture, describing it as an indication that the welfare and wellbeing of soldiers remained a priority under the leadership.
They also appealed for the programme to be sustained and organised regularly to help maintain the morale of personnel undergoing treatment.
The event ended with refreshments, live band performances and group photographs with the soldiers.
BBC Africa Eye Investigation Questions ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative In Nigeria, Finds Complex Web Of Violence
BBC Africa Eye Investigation Questions ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative In Nigeria, Finds Complex Web Of Violence
A new BBC Africa Eye investigation has examined growing claims that Christians are being subjected to a deliberate genocide in Nigeria, finding that while Christian communities have suffered thousands of deaths in deadly attacks, the country's violence is far more complex than the increasingly dominant narrative of a coordinated campaign to exterminate Christians.
The documentary, titled “Nigeria: Faith, Fear and Fake News,” investigates the origins and spread of the Christian genocide narrative, including the role of social media, advocacy organisations, political campaigners and disputed casualty statistics.
It also examines how misinformation surrounding attacks has contributed to fear, communal tension and reprisal violence in parts of Nigeria's Middle Belt.
Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, has for more than two decades battled jihadist insurgency, banditry and communal violence. The conflicts have killed thousands of people across religious and ethnic lines, with Christians in several Middle Belt communities suffering devastating attacks.
But the BBC investigation questions whether the deaths can accurately be characterised as a centrally organised religious campaign targeting Christians specifically.
The 27-minute documentary cited an estimate that around 12,000 Nigerians of different faiths and ethnicities were killed in armed violence in 2025, arguing that the attacks have multiple causes rooted in decades of weak governance and state failure.
It also examined statistics produced by International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), an organisation whose figures have frequently been cited by Christian advocacy groups and politicians as evidence of systematic anti-Christian violence.
According to figures examined by the BBC, Intersociety claimed that more than 4,000 Christians were killed by militant Islamists and more than 2,000 abducted between January and October of the year under review.
The organisation has also claimed that more than 50,000 Christians have been killed by jihadists in Nigeria since 2009.
However, conflict analysts interviewed in the documentary raised concerns about the methodology used to determine the religious identities of victims.
One criticism examined by the BBC was that when violence occurs in predominantly Christian communities, casualties may be classified as Christian even where the identities and motivations of the attackers or victims have not been independently established.
The documentary said such figures have nevertheless been repeatedly cited by advocacy organisations, commentators and policymakers abroad.
The BBC investigation focused extensively on the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, Plateau State, where about 30 civilians were reportedly killed, most of them Christians.
The attack shocked the community and was quickly presented online as evidence of an organised campaign against Christians.
An American Christian social media influencer, Alex Barbir, who was in Nigeria carrying out humanitarian work, reportedly arrived at the scene shortly after the attack and told his nearly half-million followers that Christians were being deliberately targeted.
In a social media post, he declared that Nigerians could “no longer deny genocide”.
The BBC found, however, that Muslims were also among those killed in the violence surrounding the attack.
The documentary interviewed Aminu Ibrahim, whose brother Haruna was killed and whose body was reportedly set on fire.
Aminu questioned the narrative that the violence was exclusively anti-Christian.
“I used to remember Alex Barbir,” he said, referring to the influencer's social media posts. “I saw his video clip telling the world that Muslims are killing Christians. And that is not how the things are.”
According to the documentary, online claims surrounding the attack helped fuel retaliatory violence in the days that followed, resulting in further deaths and injuries.
The incident also generated false reports about the University of Jos, with claims circulating online that the university campus had become a battleground.
The university's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, told the BBC that he personally visited the campus after seeing the reports and found it peaceful.
He said the false reports nevertheless caused significant disruption, including panic among parents and attempts by some politicians to send buses to evacuate students.
The documentary traced the Christian genocide narrative beyond Nigeria, examining how claims circulating online have influenced political debate in the United States.
The report said the claims eventually reached the White House, where Nigeria was designated a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious persecution.
It also examined U.S. military action against terrorist targets in northern Nigeria on Christmas Day 2025.
The BBC noted that the U.S. strikes occurred hundreds of miles from the communities in the Middle Belt described by activists as the epicentre of the alleged Christian genocide.
The investigation questioned whether the growing international focus on Nigeria's conflict as an exclusively religious war risks obscuring the multiple factors driving the violence.
Plateau Communities Caught In Cycle Of Violence
In Jos, the BBC spoke to residents who described a city deeply divided by years of ethnic and religious violence.
Local journalist Muhammad Tanko, who grew up Muslim in Jos, said social media had introduced additional anxiety into already traumatised communities.
“For the first time, I'm hearing that there was Christian genocide in this part of the country,” he said, describing the fear created by online narratives.
Tanko said the emphasis should instead be on finding ways to unite communities.
“What I know is we are all human beings. We are suffering. So let's do things that will make us together and forget about the past,” he said.
The documentary also visited Dogonawa, where a 2010 attack left hundreds of people dead.
Christian journalist and activist Masara Kim described the violence as religious cleansing targeted at Christian communities.
The BBC, however, also examined Kim's acknowledgement that social media narratives could contribute to retaliatory violence.
According to the documentary, the same online platforms being used to draw international attention to attacks on Christian communities were also being used by Muslim activists to highlight violence against Muslims.
Kim acknowledged that social media could therefore have contradictory consequences.
He said it was helping “voiceless communities” to be heard but was also contributing to reprisal attacks and religious tensions.
Fulani Communities Reject Terrorism Allegations
Another major focus of the investigation was the widespread portrayal of Fulani people as responsible for attacks on Christian communities.
The BBC travelled to a Fulani community outside Jos under armed protection and interviewed Abubakar Gambo, a local leader of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.
Gambo rejected allegations that Fulani communities collectively engage in terrorism and violence.
“How do you feel when you see social media posts claiming that Fulani militias are terrorists and that they kill people and all these things that lead to people talking about Christian genocide?” the BBC asked.
“Very, very bad to hear that your people are doing this and that and it is a lie. It is a lie,” Gambo responded.
He argued that ordinary Fulani pastoralists were also victims of violence, including attacks on cattle and herders.
The documentary acknowledged, however, that international human-rights organisations have documented deadly attacks by armed herders against predominantly Christian farming communities.
It also noted allegations made by U.S. lawmakers concerning links between Fulani advocacy groups and armed militias, allegations that the organisations involved have denied.
The documentary found that Nigeria's security crisis cannot easily be reduced to a simple Christian-versus-Muslim conflict.
John Kyoro Christopher, chairman of the local government where the Palm Sunday attack occurred, acknowledged that Christians had been killed in large numbers but rejected the idea that the violence should be understood exclusively through religion.
“I can't deny the fact that there is genocide against the Christians,” he said. “But if you go to predominantly Muslim states, and you also find people being killed, is that not also a genocide against the Muslims?”
He ultimately described the crisis as “genocide against Nigerians”, regardless of their faith.
The local government chairman also blamed inadequate security for the continuing attacks, saying there were too many ungoverned spaces and insufficient security personnel to protect communities.
Misinformation Adds To Nigeria's Security Crisis
The BBC investigation concluded that the violence facing Nigeria is real, deadly and devastating, but warned that the information surrounding it has increasingly become a battleground of its own.
The documentary found that social media has allowed victims and neglected communities to publicise attacks that might otherwise receive little international attention.
At the same time, unverified claims, misleading statistics and emotionally charged narratives can turn individual attacks into evidence for broader claims before investigators have established who was responsible or why the victims were targeted.
The consequences, according to the investigation, can be deadly.
The documentary also pointed to financial and political incentives behind some online content, with journalists and analysts warning that some individuals exploit Nigeria's suffering to attract followers, generate revenue or advance ideological agendas.
The BBC investigation did not dispute the scale of suffering among Nigerian Christians or the existence of attacks in which Christians were clearly targeted.
Rather, it questioned whether the available evidence supports the broader claim of a coordinated nationwide campaign to exterminate Christians.
It found that Nigeria's violence is driven by a combination of jihadist insurgency, communal conflict, competition over land and resources, banditry, weak governance and longstanding ethnic and religious tensions.
For millions of Nigerians living amid the violence, however, the distinction between competing narratives offers little comfort.
As the documentary concludes, the central reality remains that Nigerians, including Christians and Muslims, continue to die, while misinformation and fear threaten to deepen the divisions that have helped sustain the country's security crisis.
Borno APC candidate, Gubio attacked by ISWAP as security forces repel deadly ambush
Borno APC candidate, Gubio attacked by ISWAP as security forces repel deadly ambush
By: Zagazola Makama
The convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State, Mustapha Gubio, came under attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along the Gubio–Kareto–Damasak road on Thursday evening.
Gubio and members of his entourage were reportedly returning to Maiduguri after a thank-you visit to Damasak, a border town in northern Borno State, when the convoy encountered an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the highway.
A security source said a CRACK operational armoured vehicle leading the convoy ran over the explosive, resulting in a powerful blast that completely destroyed the vehicle.
The source said there were no casualties among the occupants of the convoy.
Following the explosion, the suspected ISWAP fighters reportedly attempted to exploit the incident by launching an ambush on the convoy.
Security personnel comprising troops of the Nigerian military, the police and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) quickly took defensive positions and engaged the attackers.
The security forces successfully repelled the terrorists, preventing them from advancing towards the main convoy or inflicting further damage.
The APC candidate and other members of the entourage were subsequently secured following the engagement.
The incident has heightened concerns over the security situation along the Damasak axis, which has remained vulnerable to attacks by insurgents.
The destroyed armoured vehicle was reportedly left severely damaged at the scene of the explosion, while security forces maintained control of the route.
Senator Buba, Banditry and the Social Media Mercenaries
Senator Buba, Banditry and the Social Media Mercenaries
By Yushau A. Shuaib
I approach national security and intelligence operations with deliberate caution. Revealing successes too early can compromise ongoing missions; failures narrated without context can sound like conspiracy theories. Allegations against individuals working at the sensitive intersection of intelligence, non-kinetic security strategy, and politics can inflict irreversible reputational damage—even when entirely fabricated.
That caution explains my initial reluctance to write on the recent viral video purporting to show “high profile bandit kingpins” on a visit to the residence of Senator Shehu Umar Buba of Bauchi South. But the scale of the circulation, and the pattern behind it, now demand public clarification.
I have known Senator Buba for about two years, during investigations into non kinetic approaches to counter insurgency in Northern Nigeria. In that period, senior security and intelligence officials — including the Office of the National Security Adviser under Malam Nuhu Ribadu — provided information that did not support any of the banditry allegations repeatedly circulated against him. This does not certify perfection; it simply reflects what the evidence showed.
The campaign against him is not new. The allegations took formal shape in September 2024, when Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, once an ally of Senator Buba, petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The petition claimed that the senator, through an aide named Yahaya Ibrahim, sponsored a bandit kingpin to the 2024 Hajj and distributed motorcycles to bandits. Senator Buba denied the claims, insisted he had no aide by that name, and explained that his Hajj sponsorships — like his scholarships, medical outreach and other empowerment initiatives — are based on recommendations from community and religious leaders, and that he does not personally screen or identify the beneficiaries. No investigation has contradicted his explanation.
After the petition failed to gain traction, the same narratives resurfaced through social media influencers with far lower evidentiary thresholds. Since mid 2025, photographs and videos alleging Buba’s support for bandits have surfaced periodically. In professional verification chats with mainstream media organisations and senior editors who had received similar allegations and multimedia — including a respected Abuja bureau chief who is also a media scholar with strong investigative credentials, the publisher of Zagazola, and a US‑based northern Nigerian journalist‑activist — all examined the materials and declined to publish them because they found no substantiation. Their restraint was professional judgment, not fear.
Nevertheless, Senator Buba petitioned security agencies to investigate the disinformation network. Several suspects — including a lawyer and three influencers — were arrested, while a fifth suspect, Hassan, fled the country.
On October 30, 2025, the suspects were arraigned before Justice Rita Ofili Ajumogobia on charges of criminal conspiracy, cyberstalking, defamation, advance fee fraud, and extortion. The prosecution alleges they broadcast false videos accusing Senator Buba — the then Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence — of sponsoring banditry and causing a breakdown of law and order. The extortion charge suggests the campaign may have been more commercial than political at that time.
In July 2026, a fresh petition emerged—this time against Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, former Bauchi governor and APC gubernatorial candidate —for defaming Senator Buba. Filed by Jay Adl Attorneys, it alleged cyberstalking, criminal defamation, incitement, and disturbance of public peace, following viral statements in which Abubakar questioned the senator’s wealth and insinuated “blood money.” The political context is clear: Senator Buba defected from the APC to the PRP and is now the PRP’s gubernatorial candidate. The disinformation campaign, the rivalry, and the legal proceedings are intertwined.
Meanwhile, the latest episode came in August 2026 when a content creator known as “D English Alhaji” circulated a video claiming to show bandit kingpins at a senator’s residence. PRNigeria’s fact check established that the video was a splice of two unrelated clips: Kaduna based Hajj returnees visiting Senator Buba in 2023, speaking Fulfulde/Fulani, and a separate group of individuals displaying passports and speaking English. Neither clip involved bandits. The content creator later interviewed Hassan — the fugitive suspect — who supplied the footage. The interview went viral with some funny allegations.
By the way, how can anyone seriously believe a narrative by the same Hassan in the interview claiming that bandits were brought to Abuja — of all places — to be trained by security agencies? How does such an implausible story even survive a moment of scrutiny?
This pattern reveals the architecture of modern disinformation: an old fabrication, rejected by responsible media, is retrieved, re edited, and repackaged for amplification by social media operators who understand that novelty can make old lies feel new. Algorithms reward outrage, giving reckless content creators a competitive advantage over those who exercise restraint. This is not accidental; it is structural.
I am cautious about character testimony, but after two years of engagement with Senator Buba in contexts where performance matters more than presentation, some observations are relevant. He is a man of few words, not given to the theatrics of Nigerian politics. His work in non kinetic security—persuasion, community engagement, de-radicalisation—has, by credible accounts, helped reduce abductions along the Abuja Kaduna expressway and in Birnin Gwari, among others. Such work cannot be publicised without compromising community leaders or inviting sabotage from actors who profit from instability.
His philanthropic record is independently documented. A Trust TV documentary captured the breadth of his medical outreach across Bauchi and Plateau, showing Muslims and Christians among the beneficiaries. Monthly medical support programmes of that scale leave traces in communities and hospitals; they are not easy to fabricate.
None of this places Senator Buba beyond scrutiny. Public officials must be examined. But the evidence consistently shows that the allegations against him — sponsoring banditry, hosting bandit kingpins — are manufactured, and the machinery producing them is driven by electoral competition rather than civic concern.
When recycled footage, political rivalry, and social media algorithms converge, even a debunked falsehood can acquire a second life. In such an environment, a public figure’s communication strategy becomes as important as the truth itself.
Yushau A. Shuaib, the author of ‘An Encounter with the Spymaster’ and ‘MNI versus MNIPR in NIPSS ’,
Troops arrest female impostor posing as Air Force officer in Ebonyi
Troops arrest female impostor posing as Air Force officer in Ebonyi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 24 Special Engineer Regiment have arrested a female suspected impostor who allegedly paraded herself as an officer of the Nigerian Air Force in Ebonyi State.
The suspect was apprehended at about 4 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2026, at Onuebonyi in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the woman allegedly presented herself as a Flight Lieutenant of the Nigerian Air Force.
Troops recovered one woodland camouflage trouser and a mobile phone from the suspect.
The suspect and the recovered items have been handed over to 82 Provost Group for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops secure community after fulani Bandits killed two locals on sentry duty in Plateau
Troops secure community after fulani Bandits killed two locals on sentry duty in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have secured Rim Community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State following the reported killing of two locals on sentry duty by fulani bandits.
The incident occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 3, 2026, when troops responded to a report of an attack on the two residents in the community.
According to security sources, the troops came under hostility from some members of the community upon arrival, with residents accusing the security personnel of being responsible for the incident.
The troops were subsequently secured while efforts were initiated by the traditional ruler to engage the youths and dissuade them from making such allegations or escalating the situation.
Security forces are maintaining vigilance in the area as efforts continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings and prevent further escalation.
Troops intervene after soldier assaulted by NURTW members in Bauchi
Troops intervene after soldier assaulted by NURTW members in Bauchi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 82, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have intervened following the reported assault of a soldier by members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at Zwall Guard Location in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The incident occurred at about 6:02 p.m. on Sept. 2, 2026, when troops responded to a report of an assault on their colleague.
According to security sources, Trooper Hezekiah Usoko, was attempting to check a commercial driver who had allegedly obstructed the free flow of traffic while picking up passengers when he was assaulted by NURTW members.
The soldier sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Upon arrival at the location, the responding troops arrested the commercial driver involved in the incident and impounded his Zectra vehicle with registration number KTS 462-KTN for further necessary action.
The development is being investigated to establish the circumstances surrounding the assault and determine appropriate action against those involved.
Troops rescue 45-year-old woman from kidnappers in Plateau
Troops rescue 45-year-old woman from kidnappers in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have rescued a 45-year-old woman shortly after she was kidnapped at Ngorot Village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 2, 2026, when troops responded to a distress report concerning the abduction of Mrs. Ruth Dauda in the community.
According to security sources, the troops swiftly mobilised to the village and established contact with the criminals.
The kidnappers, unable to withstand the troops’ superior firepower, reportedly withdrew towards a high-ground area.
The troops subsequently rescued the victim unharmed, with no casualties recorded.
Mrs. Dauda was reunited with her family following the successful rescue operation.
Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing criminals, while troops have maintained vigilance in the area to prevent further attacks and abductions.
The operation is part of sustained efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to protect civilians and disrupt criminal activities across Plateau State.
Troops arrest soldier, recover 69 rounds of ammunition in Plateau
Troops arrest soldier, recover 69 rounds of ammunition in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have arrested a serving soldier and recovered ammunition and other military items during a stop-and-search operation at Babale Checkpoint in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The soldier, identified as 13NA/70/8069 Corporal Legedu Denebari, is serving with 109 Special Forces Battalion, Magumeri, Borno State, under Operation HADIN KAI.
He was arrested at about 8:15 p.m. on Sept. 2, 2026, during routine security checks at the checkpoint.
Items recovered from the soldier included one magazine, 69 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm Special ammunition, two Strike Force ballistic plates, two jack knives, one mobile phone, one power bank, one helmet, a Nigerian Army identity card and two pairs of camouflage uniforms.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the soldier was on pass from his unit to Rivers State with effect from Sept. 2, 2026.
The soldier and the recovered items have been taken into custody for further investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the movement and possession of the ammunition and other military equipment.
The development underscores the importance of ongoing stop-and-search operations by security forces to prevent the unauthorised movement of arms, ammunition and military equipment across the Joint Operations Area.
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims, recover AK-47 rifle in Ogun
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims, recover AK-47 rifle in Ogun
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Field Engineering Regiment have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered an AK-47 rifle following an attack by armed criminals in Ogun State.
The incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2026, when troops responded to intelligence regarding an attack by seven armed men on Araromi Community, near Ijebu-Ijesha in Odogbolu Local Government Area.
According to security sources, the troops swiftly mobilised to the area and pursued the criminals.
The troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon two kidnapped victims and flee into the surrounding area.
The troops subsequently recovered one AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine and one empty case of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
One of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot wound and was evacuated to Babcock University Teaching Hospital for medical attention, while both victims were placed under appropriate care.
Security forces have continued efforts to track the fleeing criminals and strengthen security around vulnerable communities in the area.
Troops ambush, neutralise terrorist and recover AK-47 rifle in Yobe
Troops ambush, neutralise terrorist and recover AK-47 rifle in Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 120 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised a terrorist and recovered weapons during an ambush operation in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The operation took place at about 11 a.m. on Sept. 1, 2026, at Lamusuri in Gujba LGA.
According to security sources, the troops and CJTF members successfully ambushed the terrorist during the operation, neutralising one of the attackers.
The troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, two additional magazines, 90 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and one body pouch.
The recovered weapons and ammunition have been taken into military custody for further action.
The operation forms part of sustained efforts by troops of Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt terrorist activities and prevent armed groups from establishing freedom of movement across Yobe State.
EXCLUSIVE: Dozens of terrorists killed as Boko Haram, ISWAP fighters clash in Sambisa Forest
EXCLUSIVE: Dozens of terrorists killed as Boko Haram, ISWAP fighters clash in Sambisa Forest
By Zagazola Makama
More than 23 terrorists have reportedly been killed in renewed deadly clashes between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State.
The latest confrontation reportedly occurred around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area, where Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members who were advancing into the area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the latest fighting is part of a renewed wave of hostilities between the two rival terrorist groups that began about two days ago.
A Video obtained by Zagazola indicated that the clashes reportedly involved sustained exchanges of fire as both factions sought to consolidate their positions and prevent the other from expanding its influence within the forest.
Preliminary intelligence indicates that more than 23 terrorists have been killed on both sides since the latest round of fighting began, although the exact casualty figures for each faction could not immediately be independently verified.
The development is believed to reflect the continuing rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters operating in the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
The latest fighting around Chingolo reportedly began after ISWAP elements moved into the area, prompting Boko Haram fighters to launch an attack against the advancing group.
The confrontation further weakened the terrorist groups and disrupted their activities in an area that has historically served as a major operating environment for insurgents in Borno.
Security sources said the security forces is closely monitoring developments and exploiting available intelligence on the movements and activities of the rival factions.
The renewed infighting could create additional pressure on both groups as security forces continue sustained counter-terrorism operations across the North-East.
The military has continued to target terrorist concentrations, logistics networks and hideouts as part of efforts to degrade the insurgents and deny them freedom of action.
However, security officials have urged communities in areas surrounding the Sambisa Forest to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the authorities.
Zagazola Makama understands that the situation remains fluid, with further clashes possible as both factions seek to reposition and reinforce their fighters in the affected area.
Troops intercept 17 cattle allegedly grazing on farms in Plateau
Troops intercept 17 cattle allegedly grazing on farms in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Operation SAFE HAVEN, have intercepted 17 cattle allegedly grazing on farmlands belonging to Ibrahim Ipamda and five other farmers in Akusha Village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 3:45 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2026, following a report of farm destruction in the community.
According to security sources, the troops deployed at Chanso swiftly responded to the report and proceeded to the affected location.
On arrival, the troops intercepted the 17 cattle grazing on the farms without any herder in sight.
The cattle were subsequently moved to the troops’ location at Chanso for safekeeping.
Security personnel have contacted local cattle breeders’ leaders to assist in identifying the owners of the cattle for appropriate action.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to prevent clashes between farmers and herders and safeguard agricultural activities across communities in Plateau State.
Troops intercept 17 cattle allegedly grazing on farms in Plateau
Troops intercept 17 cattle allegedly grazing on farms in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Operation SAFE HAVEN, have intercepted 17 cattle allegedly grazing on farmlands belonging to Ibrahim Ipamda and five other farmers in Akusha Village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 3:45 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2026, following a report of farm destruction in the community.
According to security sources, the troops deployed at Chanso swiftly responded to the report and proceeded to the affected location.
On arrival, the troops intercepted the 17 cattle grazing on the farms without any herder in sight.
The cattle were subsequently moved to the troops’ location at Chanso for safekeeping.
Security personnel have contacted local cattle breeders’ leaders to assist in identifying the owners of the cattle for appropriate action.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to prevent clashes between farmers and herders and safeguard agricultural activities across communities in Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected kidnappers’ informant in Kaduna
Troops arrest suspected kidnappers’ informant in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71, Operation SAFE HAVEN, have arrested a suspected informant working with kidnappers in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Matthew Waziri, was arrested at Sabon Gida Village at about 9:40 a.m. on Sept. 3, 2026.
According to security sources, the arrest followed intelligence provided by the Department of State Services (DSS), Gwantu.
The troops subsequently took the suspect into custody, where he is currently undergoing interrogation to establish his alleged links and activities.
Security agencies are expected to further exploit the information obtained from the suspect as part of efforts to disrupt kidnapping networks operating in the area.
GOC 3 Division visits traditional, Fulani leaders, pledges stronger peacebuilding in Plateau
GOC 3 Division visits traditional, Fulani leaders, pledges stronger peacebuilding in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander Operation ENDURING PEACE, Maj.-Gen. W.M. Dangana, has reiterated the military’s commitment to strengthening peaceful coexistence among communities in Plateau State.
Dangana made the commitment on Sept. 3, 2026, when he visited the Gwom Rwei Gyel Palace and later held a meeting with Fulani leaders in Jos South Local Government Area of the state.
At the palace, the GOC, accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Operation ENDURING PEACE, and the Commander, Sector 6, was received by the representative of the Gwom Rwei, Da Gwom Sot, Da Joshua, members of the palace cabinet and other community leaders.
Discussions during the visit centred on peaceful coexistence and measures to address emerging security challenges in the area.
Dangana reiterated his commitment to peacebuilding and informed the traditional leaders about a committee he had constituted to address farm-related disputes and other forms of criminality across the Joint Operations Area.
In recognition of his efforts towards peace and security, the Traditional Council of Gyel bestowed on the GOC the traditional title “Rwagat Gyel,” meaning “Shield of Gyel.”
Later in the day, at about 2:30 p.m., the GOC and his entourage met with Fulani leaders in Jos South LGA.
During the meeting, the Fulani representatives expressed concerns over issues affecting their communities, particularly alleged farm-related disputes as well as attacks on herders and cattle.
The GOC assured the leaders that their concerns would be appropriately addressed, while emphasising the need for continued dialogue and cooperation between communities and security agencies.
The engagements form part of ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE and other stakeholders to strengthen confidence-building, prevent communal conflicts and promote lasting peace across Plateau State.
Troops rescue injured farmer after attack by Fulani herder in Plateau
Troops rescue injured farmer after attack by Fulani herder in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have rescued an injured farmer following an attack by Fulani herder at Reiwanku Village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 2:15 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2026, when the troops responded to a distress report concerning an attack on Mr. Agaga while he was on his way to his farm.
According to security sources, the troops arrived at the location and found the victim with injuries sustained during the incident.
The troops evacuated him to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible.
Security forces have continued to maintain vigilance in the area to protect farming communities and prevent further attacks.
Local Criminal elements release 112 rustled cattle in Plateau
Local Criminal elements release 112 rustled cattle in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Local Criminal elements operating along the Plateau-Bauchi border have voluntarily released 112 rustled cattle following ongoing peace efforts by the military in Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The development occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2026, as part of the ongoing peace process and non-kinetic initiatives by Sector 2, Operation ENDURING PEACE, to curb criminal activities in the area.
According to security sources, the criminals voluntarily released the livestock through the Fulani leader of Kukawa, Alhaji Nuhu, to the Commander, Sector 2, Operation ENDURING PEACE.
The cattle were reportedly rustled by the criminal elements from the Kukawa general area of Kanam LGA.
Following the handover, the recovered livestock were moved to the troops’ location for onward delivery to their rightful owners.
The military described the development as an indication of the positive impact of ongoing non-kinetic efforts aimed at encouraging criminal elements operating in the Joint Operations Area to lay down their arms and embrace the peace initiatives of the GOC, Operation ENDURING PEACE.
The peace process is part of broader efforts to strengthen dialogue, restore trust among communities and reduce criminal activities along the Plateau-Bauchi border.
Troops arrest two herders over alleged farm destruction in Plateau
Troops arrest two herders over alleged farm destruction in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have arrested two herders following a report of alleged farm destruction at Daga Village in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 3, 2026, when troops deployed at Angware responded to a report of destruction of farm crops in the community.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops arrested two suspected herders identified as 19-year-old Aliyu Adamu and 20-year-old Danjuma Adamu.
According to security sources, the two suspects were taken into custody as part of efforts to facilitate an amicable resolution of the dispute and prevent possible escalation between farmers and herders.
The development forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to address farmer-herder disputes through dialogue and other non-kinetic measures while maintaining security across vulnerable communities in Plateau State.
Troops neutralise terrorists, intercept ammunition courier in Zamfara, Kaduna
Troops neutralise terrorists, intercept ammunition courier in Zamfara, Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised several terrorists and intercepted a suspected ammunition courier during separate operations in Zamfara and Kaduna States.
The operations were conducted on Sept. 2, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and deny them access to arms and ammunition across the Joint Operations Area.
In Zamfara, troops of Sector 2 acted on credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists from the Fakai General Area towards Kwanar Jolof and Tashar Dole in Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas.
The troops laid an ambush at Kwanar Jolof and engaged the terrorists, neutralising several of them, while others fled in disarray.
During exploitation of the area, the troops recovered an RPG launcher, one RPG bomb, an AK-47 rifle, six AK-47 magazines, 106 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle, among other items.
Similarly, in Kaduna State, troops of Sector 1 intercepted a vehicle at a snap checkpoint along the Saulawa-Zaria Road.
During the search, one of the passengers reportedly resisted the inspection of his bag and attempted to escape after being compelled to open it.
The troops pursued and neutralised the suspect.
A subsequent search of the bag uncovered 793 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a quantity of gari.
The vehicle and its driver have been taken into military custody for further investigation.
The latest operations underscore the sustained offensive by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt the movement of arms and ammunition and restrict the freedom of action of criminal elements across the North-West.
The troops have remained resolute in their operations aimed at restoring peace and security to affected communities across the Joint Operations Area.
Troops foil bandit attack, rescue three kidnapped victims in Katsina
Troops foil bandit attack, rescue three kidnapped victims in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have foiled a bandit attack and rescued three kidnapped victims along the Dandume–Sheme Road in Katsina State.
The operation followed a distress call from local residents reporting the presence of armed terrorists along the route.
According to military sources, the joint team swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers with superior firepower.
The bandits were overwhelmed and fled into the surrounding bushes with gunshot wounds.
During a subsequent search and clearance operation, the troops rescued three kidnapped victims identified as 58-year-old Mutairu Adamu, 25-year-old Yusufa Habibu and 22-year-old Aminu Musa.
The security forces also recovered two vehicles abandoned by the fleeing criminals. The vehicles were identified by registration numbers FTA 702 XB and EPE 706 XB.
The rescued victims are currently receiving necessary care and undergoing assessment before being reunited with their families.
Security forces have maintained a heightened operational posture in the area to safeguard commuters and residents and prevent further criminal activities along the Dandume–Sheme axis.
The operation highlights the continued collaboration between the military and police in disrupting bandit activities and protecting vulnerable communities across Katsina State.
Troops rescue two abducted victims, recover terrorists’ motorcycles in Katsina
Troops rescue two abducted victims, recover terrorists’ motorcycles in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued two abducted victims and recovered two motorcycles belonging to terrorists during a counter-terrorism operation in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The troops, deployed for counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations in the state, encountered an armed terrorist group while conducting routine security operations in the area.
The troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee in disarray into the surrounding terrain.
During a subsequent search and clearance operation along the terrorists’ escape route, the troops rescued two male victims who had earlier been abducted along the Dandume–Damari axis.
The troops also recovered two motorcycles reportedly used by the terrorists to conduct their criminal activities.
The rescued victims are currently receiving necessary care and assessment before being reunited with their families.
Troops have maintained a heightened state of vigilance in the general area to safeguard local communities and prevent further attacks and criminal activities along critical transit corridors.
The operation forms part of the ongoing efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt terrorist and bandit networks and restore lasting peace across the North-West.
Troops rescue 23 abducted civilians, foil kidnapping attempt in Zamfara
Troops rescue 23 abducted civilians, foil kidnapping attempt in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 23 abducted civilians and foiled a separate kidnapping attempt during operations in Zamfara State.
The operations were conducted as part of ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry efforts to disrupt criminal groups operating across the state.
In Anka Local Government Area, troops on combat patrol around the outskirts of Wuya Town encountered a group of terrorists and successfully secured the release of 23 kidnapped civilians.
The victims comprised three adult males and 20 females. Preliminary debriefing revealed that they were abducted from Gummi Local Government Area and had been held in captivity for about three weeks.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and other necessary support before being reunited with their families.
In a separate operation in Bungudu Local Government Area, troops responded to intelligence indicating that armed bandits had infiltrated Dankurmi Town with the intention of abducting residents.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers in a heavy firefight.
The superior firepower of the troops forced the bandits to retreat without succeeding in abducting any civilian.
According to security sources, traces of blood were subsequently discovered along the terrorists’ withdrawal route, indicating that some of the attackers may have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.
Troops have maintained a strong presence in the area and are continuing operations to track the fleeing terrorists.
The latest successes further demonstrate the sustained efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to rescue abducted citizens, disrupt bandit networks and restore security across Zamfara State.
Nigeria has no nuclear weapons programme, committed to nuclear-free world — Envoy
Nigeria has no nuclear weapons programme, committed to nuclear-free world — Envoy
By: Zagazola Makama
Nigeria has reiterated that it does not possess nuclear weapons or operate any weapons of mass destruction programme, reaffirming its commitment to global nuclear disarmament.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, stated this while addressing the 108th Plenary Meeting of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Ibrahim said Nigeria remained committed to President Bola Tinubu’s position in support of a world free of nuclear weapons.
He explained that the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission oversees nuclear-related activities in the country, stressing that Nigeria’s nuclear engagements were geared towards peaceful purposes.
The ambassador said Nigeria was also working with other countries and international partners towards achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world.
He called for a review of the United Nations Charter to strengthen international action against states that conduct nuclear weapons tests.
According to him, Africa has maintained its commitment to remaining a nuclear-weapon-free zone, making the prevention of nuclear proliferation particularly important to the continent.
Ibrahim’s remarks came as the international community commemorates 30 years of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), a landmark international instrument aimed at preventing nuclear weapon test explosions and other nuclear explosions.
He said Nigeria would continue to support international efforts aimed at strengthening nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
The envoy reiterated Nigeria’s position that global security would be better served through collective commitment to preventing the spread and testing of nuclear weapons.
Operation Whirl Stroke troops neutralise suspected bandit, recover weapons in Benue
Operation Whirl Stroke troops neutralise suspected bandit, recover weapons in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have neutralised one suspected bandit and recovered arms, ammunition and other items during a fighting patrol along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation took place on Wednesday, Sept. 2, when troops of Sector 1 encountered two suspected bandits riding on a motorcycle along the axis.
According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, troops engaged the suspects after positively identifying them, leading to an exchange of fire.
During the encounter, one of the suspected bandits was neutralised, while the second fled the scene as troops gained the upper hand.
The troops subsequently conducted a thorough search and clearance operation around the area to ensure the fleeing suspect did not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.
Recovered items included one pistol, one pistol magazine, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one 7.62mm NATO round, two 9mm rounds and one PKT round.
The troops also recovered a Tecno mobile phone and assorted charms from the scene.
The task force said the operation formed part of its sustained fighting patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting criminal activities and denying armed groups freedom of movement within the Joint Operations Area.
Operation Whirl Stroke urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information on the activities and movements of suspected criminals to security agencies.
The force reiterated its commitment to sustaining patrols and other operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and protecting law-abiding citizens across its area of responsibility.
Troops rescue two female kidnap victims in Kogi
Troops rescue two female kidnap victims in Kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued two female kidnap victims after suspected bandits invaded a farmland in Ajodomodo Village, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, when the suspected bandits reportedly invaded the farmland and abducted the two victims before fleeing the area.
Troops of the 21 Battalion Quick Reaction Force swiftly responded to the incident and pursued the fleeing criminals along their withdrawal route towards Agbodakodo Forest.
According to sources the pressure from the troops forced the abductors to abandon the victims in the forest.
The victims, identified as 15-year-old Miss Mohammed Rahinat and Mrs Hassanatu Mohammed, 30, were subsequently rescued unharmed.
The two women were evacuated to the 21 Battalion Medical Reception Station for medical attention and further assessment.
The military said troops have continued operations in the area to track the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks on farming communities.
The rescue illustrates the importance of rapid military response and timely information sharing in countering kidnapping and other criminal activities in rural communities.
Operation Whirl Stroke troops raid suspected terrorist hideout, arrest five in Taraba
Operation Whirl Stroke troops raid suspected terrorist hideout, arrest five in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have raided a suspected terrorist hideout in Peva, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, arresting five persons believed to be associates of a notorious bandit operating in the area.
The operation was conducted in the early hours of Thursday, Sept. 3, following credible intelligence received by the troops at about 12:30 a.m. regarding the location of the suspected criminal hideout.
Acting on the information, troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with personnel of Sector 3, both under Operation Whirl Stroke, swiftly mobilised and launched a raid on the identified location.
However, the suspected terrorists reportedly received information about the advancing troops and fled the hideout before the arrival of the security forces.
Undeterred, the troops conducted a thorough search of the area, leading to the arrest of five persons suspected to be associates of the fleeing criminal.
Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifle magazines, 46 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one woodland camouflage jacket, one jungle hat, four charm vests and assorted charms.
The military said the arrests and recovery of the items had provided useful leads that could support ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
The arrested suspects are expected to undergo further profiling and interrogation as troops intensify efforts to establish their roles and track the fleeing members of the group.
Operation Whirl Stroke assured residents across Taraba and other parts of its Joint Operations Area of continued intelligence-driven operations aimed at sustaining pressure on terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
The task force also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations and enhance the protection of communities.
Army troops rescue retired general’s wife, arrest two kidnappers in Abuja
Army troops rescue retired general’s wife, arrest two kidnappers in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued Mrs Adonkie, wife of retired Brig.-Gen. Basil Adonkie, following a coordinated operation against her abductors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mrs Adonkie was reportedly kidnapped from her residence at about 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2026, prompting an immediate joint search-and-rescue operation by troops from the Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQ GAR) and other Army formations.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops mobilised rapidly and pursued the kidnappers along three fronts in an effort to prevent the abductors from escaping with the victim.
Troops of AHQ GAR advanced through the ACO Estate-Goza Community axis, where they made contact with the kidnappers.
During the operation, the troops successfully rescued Mrs Adonkie around Angwan-Sabo Village, while another group of troops continued the pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers along the ACO Estate-Angwan Sayawa axis.
The operation continued into the early hours of Sept. 2, as a second group comprising troops of 176 Guards Battalion and 197 Special Forces Battalion was deployed to block and intercept the fleeing members of the kidnap syndicate.
At about 11:09 a.m. on Sept. 2, the troops made contact with the fleeing suspects along Gaube Village in Kuje Area Council.
The troops successfully intercepted and arrested two suspected kidnappers during the encounter.
They also recovered one AK-47 rifle and one AK-47 magazine loaded with 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The rescued victim was subsequently reunited with her family after the operation.
The two arrested suspects are currently in Army custody for profiling and further exploitation, with security personnel expected to use information obtained from them to track other members of the kidnap syndicate still at large.
The Army has also intensified operations in the affected areas to apprehend other suspected members of the criminal group and prevent further kidnapping activities.
The operation demonstrates the importance of rapid mobilisation, coordinated pursuit and intelligence-led action in responding to kidnapping incidents within the FCT.
The military said troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory as operations continue to apprehend the remaining suspects and strengthen security in the area.
Troops recover motorcycle, blood-stained clothing after failed terrorist attack in Kukawa
Troops recover motorcycle, blood-stained clothing after failed terrorist attack in Kukawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 101 Special Forces Battalion have recovered additional items during an exploitation operation following a failed attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on the battalion’s location in Kukawa, Borno State.
The recovery was contained in Operation Hadin Kai/MNJTF Special Situation Report No. 95, as of Sept. 2, 2026.
According to the report, the items were recovered about 4km northeast of Kukawa, around the Alagarno axis.
The recovered items included a motorcycle, three blankets, a jack knife, an extra-large prayer mat, tea cups and other tea items, a rope, a head warmer and a pair of trousers bearing blood stains.
The recovery followed the terrorists’ unsuccessful attack on the 101 Special Forces Battalion location, with troops subsequently conducting exploitation operations in the surrounding area.
The report said the general security situation remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
The development underscores the continued efforts by troops to exploit the aftermath of terrorist attacks and recover materials that could assist ongoing security operations in the area.
DSS Under Ajayi: Institutional Restraint That Should Earn Applause, By Sufuyan Ojeifo
DSS Under Ajayi: Institutional Restraint That Should Earn Applause, By Sufuyan Ojeifo
By: Zagazola Makama
The decision by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, to approach the Federal High Court over the possibility of suspending the prosecution of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, until after the 2027 presidential election is one that deserves careful consideration—and, indeed, applause.
At a time when actions involving opposition figures are easily viewed through partisan lenses, Ajayi has demonstrated something often missing in public administration: institutional restraint. *More importantly, he has placed a politically sensitive question before the court rather than attempting to resolve it through administrative discretion alone.*
The request to pause the proceedings should not be mistaken for weakness, political favouritism or an attempt to place anyone above the law. On the contrary, it reflects an understanding that the rule of law also requires fairness, proportionality and respect for the democratic process.
The DSS is not asking the court to terminate the case. *Nor is it asking the court to determine Sowore's innocence or guilt.* It is asking the court to consider whether continuing the prosecution during an election period could unnecessarily complicate the democratic process. That distinction is fundamental.
Sowore, like every other Nigerian, remains subject to the law. *A presidential candidacy does not confer immunity from criminal prosecution, just as an allegation does not amount to a conviction.* If the court approves a postponement, the allegations do not disappear. The prosecution can resume after the election, allowing the legal process to proceed without creating avoidable controversy around a presidential candidate at a particularly sensitive political moment.
*This distinction matters because the credibility of the proposal rests on the fact that it neither extinguishes the case nor predetermines its outcome. It merely asks the judiciary to consider whether timing, in the peculiar circumstances of an electoral contest, warrants a temporary adjustment to the proceedings.*
This is precisely where Ajayi's approach deserves commendation.
Security agencies wield enormous powers, and the manner in which those powers are exercised matters greatly. An institution that knows when to act firmly and when to exercise restraint demonstrates confidence in its own professionalism. *The exercise of power is ultimately judged not only by what an institution can do, but by whether it knows the limits of what it should do.*
The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA), in commending the DSS leadership, described the decision as consistent with democratic principles, due process, the rule of law and the integrity of elections. That assessment deserves attention.
Nigeria's democracy does not only depend on elections taking place; it also depends on citizens believing that institutions are not being used to influence electoral outcomes. *That confidence can be fragile, particularly when a candidate challenging the political establishment is simultaneously facing prosecution by a security agency. Even where the prosecution is entirely lawful, its timing can become a subject of political contestation.*
By placing the matter before the Federal High Court, Ajayi has allowed the judiciary to determine the appropriate course of action. That is a significant point. Rather than unilaterally making a politically sensitive decision, the DSS is seeking judicial guidance. *The court remains free to accept, reject or modify the request on the basis of the law and the facts before it. That is how institutional restraint should work in a constitutional democracy.* ~Such an approach reinforces institutional accountability.~
Ajayi's record, as highlighted by the FDA, also provides useful context. Since assuming office in August 2024, he has been credited with efforts to strengthen due process within the service, including the release of persons allegedly detained in error and compensation for affected individuals.
At the same time, the DSS under his leadership has continued to perform its core national-security responsibilities, including operations against terrorism and insurgency and the arrest and prosecution of high-profile suspects.
*These two dimensions should not be presented as mutually exclusive. A security service does not become less effective because it respects due process. If anything, a professional security institution should be capable of combining operational effectiveness with a disciplined regard for the law.*
This combination of firmness on security and restraint where democratic sensitivities are involved is precisely what Nigerians should expect from a modern security institution.
There is sometimes a mistaken assumption that a strong security agency must always be seen taking the toughest possible position. But strength is not measured solely by arrests, prosecutions or enforcement actions. Sometimes, the greater demonstration of institutional strength is knowing when restraint serves the national interest better. That appears to be the thinking behind the Ajayi initiative.
*There is, however, an important caveat. Institutional restraint should not become selective restraint. The credibility of this approach will ultimately depend on whether the same principle can be applied impartially, regardless of the identity, popularity or political affiliation of the person involved.*
The 2027 elections will be an important test of Nigeria's democratic institutions. Political parties will compete vigorously, candidates will make competing claims and public institutions will inevitably come under scrutiny.
In such an environment, every effort to reduce unnecessary institutional tension should be welcomed, provided it remains firmly anchored in law. *The judiciary, rather than the DSS or any political actor, must have the final say on whether the proposed postponement is legally and procedurally justified.*
The proposed pause in Sowore's prosecution can therefore be viewed as an attempt to protect the credibility of the electoral process without compromising the justice system.
It is also important to stress that the decision does not create a special legal status for Sowore. It establishes no permanent immunity and does not erase the case. It simply creates the possibility of allowing the election to take place without an ongoing prosecution becoming an additional source of political controversy. That is a reasonable ~position~ *question* for the DSS to place before the court. *Whether it is the right remedy is properly a matter for the court to decide.*
Indeed, the principle should be bigger than any individual or political party. If Nigeria is serious about building institutions that command public confidence, security agencies must be prepared to demonstrate impartiality, professionalism and respect for judicial authority regardless of the political identity of the person involved. Ajayi's approach offers an example of how this can be done.
*It is worth stressing this because the real value of the episode should not be reduced to whether one candidate benefits from a postponement. The more consequential question is whether Nigeria's institutions are learning to manage politically sensitive cases in ways that protect both the integrity of the law and public confidence in the democratic process.*
The DSS must remain tough against terrorism, violent extremism, threats to national security and other criminal activities. But that firmness must coexist with respect for constitutional rights and democratic institutions. That balance is not a contradiction. It is the hallmark of responsible security leadership.
For that reason, the FDA's commendation of Ajayi is understandable. His decision to seek judicial consideration rather than simply allowing a politically sensitive prosecution to become another flashpoint demonstrates an appreciation of the bigger picture.
*It also sends an important institutional message: that the DSS recognises that its authority is exercised within a constitutional order, not above it.*
In the end, democracy is strengthened not only by the enforcement of laws but also by the responsible exercise of institutional power.
The DSS under Ajayi appears to be demonstrating that restraint can be a sign of strength, not weakness. And ~for that~ *If that restraint is consistently applied, transparently justified and firmly anchored in law,* the DSS leadership deserves applause.
● Sufuyan Ojeifo, MNGE, MGOCOP, MNIPR, is a journalist and public affairs analyst.
Troops intervene as cattle destroy farmland in Plateau
Troops intervene as cattle destroy farmland in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have intervened following a reported case of farm destruction at Kwatas, Tarangol District, in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 6:35 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2026, when troops responded to a report of cattle allegedly grazing on farmland in the area.
According to a sources, troops arrived at the location and found a herd of cattle grazing on the farm.
The troops subsequently moved the cattle to their location for further necessary action.
The intervention is part of ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to prevent disputes between farming and herding communities from escalating into violence and to maintain peace in vulnerable communities across Plateau State.
Security personnel continue to monitor the situation while appropriate measures are being taken to address the reported incident.
Troops foil cattle rustling attempt by Berom Militia in Plateau, launch manhunt for suspects
Troops foil cattle rustling attempt by Berom Militia in Plateau, launch manhunt for suspects
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have foiled an attempt by suspected Berom Militia to steal five cattle along the Jong-Nyerwei road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 3:23 p.m. on Sept. 1, when troops of Sector 4, OPEP, responded to reports of sporadic shooting by suspected cattle rustlers along the route.
Sources said that the troops’ prompt intervention forced the suspected criminals to abandon their operation and flee into the surrounding areas.
Troops subsequently discovered that the suspects had attempted to rustle five cattle belonging to Mr Yakubu Umar.
Following the incident, the troops launched offensive operations within the surrounding hills in an effort to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to prevent cattle rustling, protect communities and livestock owners, and maintain peace across Plateau State.
The military has continued to intensify patrols and targeted operations in vulnerable areas to deny criminal elements the opportunity to operate freely and prevent such incidents from escalating into broader security challenges.
Troops arrest four suspected motorcycle thieves, recover weapons in Plateau
Troops arrest four suspected motorcycle thieves, recover weapons in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have arrested four suspected motorcycle thieves and recovered three motorcycles and weapons during an operation in Exland Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted at about 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 1, following a report on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers operating in the area.
Sources said that the troops of Sub-Sector 41 deployed in Exland responded to the report and arrested four suspects at the location.
The suspects were identified as Yusuf Tahiru, 25; Ayuba Aliyu, 23; Anas Usman, 20, also known as “Kurra Berom”; and Ibrahim Muhammad, 20.
Following the arrests, troops conducted a cordon-and-search operation within the suspected area of activity and recovered three motorcycles believed to be connected to the suspects.
The troops also recovered one locally fabricated firearm, one cutlass and one knife during the operation.
The suspects and recovered exhibits have been taken into custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to tackle criminal activities, including motorcycle theft and armed crime, and strengthen security across communities in Plateau State.
Farmers, herders fail to reach settlement over farm destruction in Plateau
Farmers, herders fail to reach settlement over farm destruction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Efforts by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) to broker a peaceful settlement between farmers and herders over an alleged farm destruction incident in Kwatas Village, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, have ended without an agreement.
The incident followed a report of farm destruction recorded on Aug. 31, 2026, in the community.
According to a military situation report, troops of Sector 5, OPEP, intervened at about 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 1 and initiated efforts to resolve the dispute amicably between the affected farmers and herders.
However, both parties were reportedly unable to reach a compromise on the terms for settling the matter.
Consequently, the case, alongside the confiscated cattle, was handed over to the Keystone Bokkos Division for further necessary action.
The intervention is part of ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to prevent disputes between farming and herding communities from escalating into violence and to promote peaceful resolution of local conflicts.
Security personnel continue to monitor the situation to maintain calm and prevent any possible reprisal or escalation in the affected communities.
Troops rescue 16-year-old kidnap victim in Kaduna
Troops rescue 16-year-old kidnap victim in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have rescued a 16-year-old boy believed to have been kidnapped in Kaduna State.
The victim, identified as Master Uche Chibuke, was rescued at about 11:00 a.m. on Sept. 1 at Kurmin Goro, Sanga area.
According to sources, the victim was abducted on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, while returning from a graduation ceremony at Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya.
He was reportedly travelling towards Onitsha when his abductors abandoned him after sighting troops in the area.
The troops subsequently secured the victim and took him to safety.
Efforts are ongoing to reunite the rescued teenager with his family, while security agencies continue to work to establish the circumstances surrounding his abduction and identify those responsible.
Two ISWAP terrorists surrender to troops in Monguno, Borno
Two ISWAP terrorists surrender to troops in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Two suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to troops of the Nigerian Army in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
The two men, identified as Jidda Modu, 20, and Kaka Kawu, 21, surrendered at about 8:20 p.m. on Sept. 1 to troops of Headquarters Sector 3 deployed at Charlie 4, Monguno town.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the surrendered terrorists handed over two AK-47 rifles, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two magazines.
Other items recovered from them included five mobile phones — Infinix, Tecno, Samsung, Redmi and a Tecno button phone — as well as one pair of earbuds, a power bank, a Zenith Bank ATM card, a memory card and a USB cable.
The troops also recovered two head warmers and one bag from the men.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the two were among a group of about 10 ISWAP members who reportedly left a terrorist camp at Arinna Chiki with the intention of surrendering to the authorities.
The surrendered individuals and the recovered items have been taken into the custody of Headquarters Sector 3 for further action.
Berom Militia shoot five cows in Plateau, troops move to prevent reprisal attack
Berom Militia shoot five cows in Plateau, troops move to prevent reprisal attack
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have intensified patrols around communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State following an attack on cattle by Berom Militia
The incident occurred at about 9:47 p.m. on Sept. 1 at Jong Village, Ropp District, where the troops responded to a report of an attack on cattle.
According to a 12-hourly situation report covering 6:00 p.m. on Sept. 1 to 6:00 a.m. on Sept. 2, troops arrived at the location and discovered that five cows had been shot by unidentified gunmen.
Three of the animals reportedly died at the scene.
Following the incident, troops deployed across the general areas of Jong, Nyerwai and Dorowa Babuje to prevent possible reprisals and maintain peace among communities in the area.
The deployment is aimed at containing tensions and averting any escalation that could result from the attack.
Meanwhile, routine patrols are ongoing across the Operation ENDURING PEACE Joint Operations Area to safeguard schools, communities and other critical national infrastructure.
Troops neutralise three terrorists after ambush on Miyanti-Banki route
Troops neutralise three terrorists after ambush on Miyanti-Banki route
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 151 Task Force Battalion have neutralised three terrorists following an ambush on the Maiduguri-Miyanti-Banki Junction route in Borno State.
The incident occurred at about 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 1, when the troops, while conducting route-scanning operations along the major road, came under attack by terrorist elements.
According to sources, the terrorists initiated the attack with a concealed improvised explosive device (IED), followed by heavy volume of fire.
The troops fought through the ambush and subsequently launched an immediate exploitation operation against the attackers.
During the encounter, three terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one concealed IED.
On the side of the troops, one soldier sustained injuries during the engagement and was evacuated to 21 Specialised Brigade Hospital, Maiduguri, where he is reportedly stable and receiving medical attention.
The attack also resulted in damage to the windscreen of one of the troops’ gun trucks.
The latest incident underscores the continued threat posed by terrorist elements along major routes in Borno State, particularly through the use of IEDs and ambush tactics against military patrols.
The military said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
Troops continue to maintain offensive and route-clearance operations to disrupt terrorist activities and ensure the safety of civilians and motorists across the theatre.
Governor Lawal woos investors, highlights Zamfara’s economic opportunities at CEO Forum
Governor Lawal woos investors, highlights Zamfara’s economic opportunities at CEO Forum
By: Zagazola Makama
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has called for stronger collaboration between government, businesses and investors to unlock private capital and drive inclusive economic growth in the state.
Lawal made the call while delivering a Special Policy Address at the 2026 CEO Forum organised by the Global Compact Network Nigeria in Lagos.
The forum, held under the theme “Financing a Dignified Future: Aligning Business Action, Policy and Capital,” brought together chief executives, senior government officials, industry leaders, diplomats, trade commissioners and international development partners.
Participants were drawn from key sectors of the economy, including oil and gas, energy, manufacturing, construction and infrastructure.
The governor spoke on the growing competition among states for increasingly selective private capital and the factors that could transform an economic opportunity into an investable proposition.
He explained how his administration was working to bridge the gap between available economic opportunities and investment, with emphasis on building investor confidence while ensuring that investments deliver meaningful outcomes for the people of Zamfara.
According to him, attracting investment requires more than identifying economic opportunities, but also creating the conditions, policies and partnerships capable of giving investors confidence to commit capital.
The forum provided a platform for business leaders, government officials and investors to examine ways of aligning business strategies, public policies and capital deployment to unlock productive investment.
Discussions also focused on identifying businesses, sectors and projects with strong potential but facing difficulties in accessing financing, as well as measures to make such opportunities more attractive to investors.
The organisers also introduced the concept of the “Dignity Dividend,” examining how investment-led growth could translate into better jobs, stronger businesses, increased productivity, local value creation and broader economic participation.
Another key component of the forum was the identification of actionable commitments and partnerships that participating institutions could advance over the next six to 12 months.
Notable speakers at the event included chief executives of First Bank Group, Access Bank, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Nigerian Exchange Group, Chellarams Plc, SecureID Group and Greenwich Merchant Bank Plc, among others.
The organisers said the session would culminate in a live showcase of the Business Value and Sustainability Platform (BVSP), described as a standing coalition of business, capital and policy actors designed to sustain the dialogue.
The platform is also expected to contribute to shaping Nigeria’s private-sector engagement during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week.
The governor’s participation in the forum comes as Zamfara seeks to strengthen its economic base, attract productive investment and create opportunities that can support sustainable livelihoods and wider participation in the state’s economy.
Troops neutralise Boko Haram terrorist, recover AK-47 rifle in Lamusuri
Troops neutralise Boko Haram terrorist, recover AK-47 rifle in Lamusuri
By; Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 120 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised a Boko Haram terrorist and recovered weapons during an ambush operation in Lamusuri, Borno State.
The operation was conducted at about 11:00 a.m. on Sept. 1, following credible intelligence on the movement of Boko Haram terrorists along a suspected route in the area.
According to a Special Situation Report issued by the Joint Task Force North-East under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V, the troops occupied an ambush position along the suspected terrorist route.
The troops subsequently sighted a group of Boko Haram elements moving through the area and engaged them, resulting in a firefight.
During the encounter, one Boko Haram terrorist was neutralised, while the other terrorists reportedly fled the area with gunshot wounds.
The troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 90 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one body pouch from the terrorists.
The successful operation followed sustained intelligence-led efforts by troops and their local security partners to disrupt terrorist movements and deny them freedom of action within the theatre.
The military assessment indicated that the general security situation remained calm but highly unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
The latest operation further demonstrates the continued offensive posture of Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V against Boko Haram elements and their logistics and movement networks in the North-East.
Operation Hadin Kai neutralises 152 terrorists, arrests 142 in August
Operation Hadin Kai neutralises 152 terrorists, arrests 142 in August
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded major operational successes across the North-East theatre, neutralising 152 terrorists and arresting 142 others, including suspected logistics suppliers, during operations conducted between Aug. 1 and 31, 2026.
The latest operational figures indicate sustained pressure by the joint security forces against terrorist groups, their logistics networks and mobility capabilities across the theatre.
According to the monthly operational summary, 219 terrorists also surrendered to the troops during the period, a development the military said reflects the continued degradation of terrorist networks and growing willingness among some fighters to abandon the insurgency.
The troops also conducted 10 successful air interdictions in support of ground operations, targeting terrorist movements and logistics activities in different locations within the theatre.
The air operations complemented sustained ground offensives aimed at disrupting terrorist formations, supply routes and freedom of movement.
During the period under review, troops also neutralised nine improvised explosive devices (IEDs), thereby denying terrorist elements the opportunity to use the devices against military personnel and civilians.
The troops recovered 58 weapons and explosive items, as well as 1,184 rounds of ammunition during various operations.
The recoveries are expected to further degrade the firepower and operational capacity of terrorist elements operating in the North-East.
The troops also recovered 16 mobility assets, including motorcycles, bicycles, tricycles and other vehicles reportedly linked to terrorist activities.
Other items recovered during the operations included 44 mobile phones, a video camcorder and N1,794,910 in cash, among other materials.
The military’s monthly operational assessment indicated that the recoveries of communication devices, mobility assets and cash were significant in disrupting the logistics and communication networks supporting terrorist operations.
The surrender of 219 terrorists also represents another important aspect of the campaign, as the development could provide security agencies with additional intelligence on terrorist structures, hideouts, supply networks and operational activities.
The August operations combined kinetic actions, including ground offensives and air interdictions, with non-kinetic measures aimed at encouraging surrender and separating terrorist elements from their support and logistics networks.
The sustained operational tempo, according to the figures, has placed considerable pressure on terrorist personnel, weapons stocks, mobility and logistics capabilities across the theatre.
The development comes as Operation HADIN KAI continues its counter-insurgency campaign to degrade Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements and restore security across affected communities in the North-East.
The August figures underscore the continued coordination between ground troops and air assets in disrupting terrorist activities while enhancing the ability of security forces to deny insurgents freedom of action across the theatre.
HURIWA commends DSS DG Ajayi for professionalism, intelligence-led reforms
HURIWA commends DSS DG Ajayi for professionalism, intelligence-led reforms
By: Zagazola Makama
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for what it described as an encouraging shift toward professional, accountable and human rights-compliant intelligence operations.
The National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated this in a statement issued in Abuja, saying the association welcomed reported reforms within the intelligence agency.
HURIWA particularly welcomed the reported review of old DSS watchlists, including restrictions dating back several decades.
The association said outdated intelligence records should not continue to unjustifiably affect the liberty, dignity and freedom of movement of citizens.
It cited the resolution of the longstanding watchlist issue involving the Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, as an example of the importance of periodically reviewing security classifications.
The group also commended the reported compensation of persons affected by wrongful detention, mistaken identity or operational errors.
According to HURIWA, acknowledging mistakes, providing redress and learning from operational failures could strengthen public confidence in security institutions.
The association also welcomed reported reviews that had led to the release of persons whose continued detention was no longer justified by available investigations.
“Intelligence gathering must never become a substitute for due process,” HURIWA said.
While recognising the critical role of the DSS in combating terrorism, kidnapping, violent extremism, espionage and other security threats, the organisation stressed that security enforcement must remain anchored on legality, necessity, proportionality and respect for fundamental rights.
HURIWA urged the DSS leadership to institutionalise reforms that would strengthen mechanisms for monitoring human rights compliance, investigating complaints and recommending corrective measures.
It recommended human rights impact assessments, periodic reviews of detention cases, redress and compensation mechanisms, as well as stronger engagement with civil society organisations.
The association further called for continuous human rights training for DSS operatives, accessible citizen complaint channels, responsible engagement with the media and preventive, rights-based intelligence gathering.
It said such measures could improve intelligence sharing and crime prevention while reducing unnecessary arrests and confrontations between security personnel and citizens.
“We therefore commend Mr. Ajayi for the reform direction and urge him to consolidate the gains by making accountability, proportionality, due process, professional conduct and access to remedy permanent features of DSS operations,” HURIWA said.
Niger: Alleged internal military frustration said to have triggered Base 101 mutiny
Niger: Alleged internal military frustration said to have triggered Base 101 mutiny
By: Zagazola Makama
A security source has claimed that the armed confrontation at Niger’s Base Aérienne 101 in Niamey was the result of internal frustration within the armed forces that escalated into a mutiny, rather than a coordinated coup attempt.
According to the account, the crisis reportedly began on Aug. 26, 2026, following a meeting involving the Chief of Staff of the Nigerien Army, Gen. Maman Sani Kiao, and two Special Forces officers identified as Nassirou and Moutari.
The officers were allegedly informed of a decision by the military hierarchy to deploy them to Boulkessi and Parc W, assignments they reportedly rejected over concerns about operational conditions and logistical constraints.
The account further alleges that the officers complained of what they considered unequal treatment within the Special Forces, particularly over the deployment of some personnel to difficult operational theatres while others were sent abroad for training or assigned to administrative positions.
The source claimed that the disagreement subsequently escalated, with soldiers allegedly firing shots into the air in protest before withdrawing towards Base Aérienne 101, where one of the officers had previously been stationed.
The situation reportedly intensified after another officer, identified as Maï-Hatchi, who was serving on an escort mission along the Dori axis, was arrested over unspecified suspicions. According to the account, members of his battalion stationed in Niamey subsequently joined the protest.
The account alleged that members of the Presidential Guard pursued the soldiers and opened fire, resulting in an armed confrontation.
It further claimed that the mutineers took defensive positions after believing that the security forces intended to eliminate them.
The source maintained that there was no organised military coup, describing the incident instead as an internal military dispute that developed into an armed mutiny.
However, these claims could not independently establish the precise sequence of events or verify allegations concerning the motives and orders issued during the confrontation.
The account also alleged that Nigerien authorities subsequently sought assistance from Russian personnel affiliated with Africa Corps, formerly associated with Wagner, including the use of armed drones against the mutineers.
It claimed that the operation resulted in deaths and injuries, while detained soldiers were later publicly displayed.
The allegations come amid growing scrutiny of the treatment of detained members of Niger’s security forces following the Base 101 confrontation.
The account further alleged that a subsequent wave of arrests had begun, including the reported detention of dozens of soldiers at Camp Bagagi, while a young officer identified as Lt. Lawly Mamane Sabiou was said to be missing.
The claims have not been independently verified, and no official account reviewed in the material provided has conclusively established the circumstances surrounding the reported arrests, casualties or alleged involvement of Russian personnel.
The episode nevertheless raises broader questions about military cohesion, deployment conditions, command structures and relations between different components of Niger’s security forces.
The central issue, according to the account, is therefore not only how the mutiny ended, but what triggered it, who authorised the response and why an internal military grievance escalated into a violent armed confrontation.
Tinubu commends security forces for rescuing 15 abducted NYSC members, six other Nigerians in Kogi
Tinubu commends security forces for rescuing 15 abducted NYSC members, six other Nigerians in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the security forces for the successful rescue of 21 Nigerians abducted by kidnappers in Kogi State.
The victims comprised 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and six other civilians who were abducted last week by criminal elements.
President Tinubu, in a statement, said the victims were rescued on Monday afternoon from a kidnappers’ den in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
He said the successful Search and Rescue (SAR) operation was conducted by a combined team of the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes.
According to him, the rescued persons comprised eight males and 13 females.
He said the victims were currently receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.
The President disclosed that security forces were still pursuing the fleeing kidnappers, stressing that those responsible for the abduction would face the full weight of the law.
“Those responsible will face the full weight of the law, and our security agencies will pursue everyone who aided this crime,” he said.
Tinubu said his administration remained committed to ensuring that Nigerians could travel across the country without fear.
He also commended the combined SAR team for their courage and dedication, while appreciating the families and loved ones of the abductees for their patience and understanding throughout the ordeal.
“As I share in the relief and joy of the parents and loved ones of the rescued individuals, I want to once again assure parents and loved ones of our dedicated corps members that my administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of their lives and property, as well as those of other Nigerians,” the President said.
He further commended the men and women of the nation’s security and intelligence agencies for their service.
The rescue comes amid renewed security operations against kidnapping and other criminal activities across parts of the country.
Troops arrest 11 suspected terrorists, collaborators in Monguno
Troops arrest 11 suspected terrorists, collaborators in Monguno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Sector 3, in collaboration with credible intelligence sources, have arrested 11 suspected terrorists and collaborators during a three-day operation in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operation, which commenced at about 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 29, was launched to identify and apprehend suspected terrorists, their collaborators, couriers and spies operating within the Sector 3 area of responsibility.
Zagazola Makama reports that the operation coincided with the weekly Saturday market activities in Monguno, when the town typically experiences increased movement of people.
On the first day of the operation, troops of Headquarters Sector 3 were deployed alongside credible sources to various entry and exit points into Monguno town.
The security personnel also conducted surveillance operations within the town as part of efforts to identify individuals suspected of having links with terrorist networks.
The coordinated intelligence-led operation resulted in the identification and arrest of 11 suspects.
Those arrested comprised eight suspected terrorist collaborators, two suspected couriers or spies and one suspected terrorist.
The suspects and items recovered from them have been taken into custody at Headquarters Sector 3 for further investigation and necessary action.
Military sources said the operation is still ongoing as troops continue to exploit available intelligence to identify additional suspects and disrupt terrorist support networks within the area.
The operation is part of broader efforts by the military to deny terrorists access to logistical, intelligence and human support networks in communities within the theatre.
Meanwhile, the general security situation across the North-East theatre remains calm but unpredictable.
The military said the morale and fighting efficiency of troops remain satisfactory as ongoing operations continue against terrorist groups and their collaborators.
Authorities are expected to provide further details on the outcome of the ongoing operation as investigations progress.
Security forces rescue 21 kidnapped victims in Kogi forest
Security forces rescue 21 kidnapped victims in Kogi forest
By Zagazola Makama
Security forces have rescued 21 kidnapped victims, including 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, following a joint search-and-rescue operation in a forest area between Egume and Ochaja in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The victims were abducted after bandits attacked and kidnapped road users along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road in Kogi State on Aug. 26.
Zagazola Makama reports that the rescue operation was conducted on Aug. 31 by a joint team comprising troops of the 12 Brigade, personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) from Dekina LGA.
According to a military security update obtained by Zagazola Makama, the joint team encountered the suspected kidnappers at about 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 31 in their makeshift camp within the forest.
The security team launched a surprise assault on the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon their captives.
The operation subsequently led to the rescue of a total of 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females.
Among those rescued were 15 corps members who had been held captive by the kidnappers.
One of the male victims, also a corps member, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the incident and was immediately evacuated to the 21 Battalion Medical Reception Station for medical attention.
The rescued victims were subsequently moved to the headquarters of the 21 Battalion, where they are currently receiving medical attention and being stabilized following their ordeal.
The joint security team also destroyed the makeshift camp used by the kidnappers, denying the criminal group a temporary base from which to operate in the area.
The successful operation highlights the importance of sustained cooperation among the military, intelligence agencies, local security outfits and community-based actors in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities along vulnerable road corridors.
Security forces are expected to continue operations in the area to track the fleeing kidnappers and prevent them from regrouping.
Further details on the operation and the identities of the rescued victims are expected to be released as authorities complete their assessments.
Troops arrest five suspects, intercept logistics allegedly meant for terrorists in Borno
Troops arrest five suspects, intercept logistics allegedly meant for terrorists in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Battalion (Motorised) have arrested five suspects and intercepted suspected logistics allegedly intended for terrorist couriers and vendors during a targeted operation in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:35 p.m. on Aug. 28 in Ladari and Gamboru Garage areas of Gamboru-Ngala.
During the operation, troops arrested Ali Dala, 35, in Ladari.
Four other suspects Babagana Amarja, 41; Garba Mohammed, 37; Abdullahi Mohammed, 53; and Mado Ali, 39 were arrested at Gamboru Garage.
The troops also confiscated several vehicles and logistics items suspected to have been intended for delivery to terrorist couriers and vendors operating within Gamboru and adjoining communities.
The vehicles included a white Volkswagen Golf 3 wagon with registration number A877 DKW, a black Golf 3 wagon with registration number ACA 787 AAC, a red Golf 3 wagon with registration number GAS 35, and a brown Vendon saloon car with registration number KBG 14 XA.
Other items recovered included eight jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and a sack containing assorted medicines concealed inside a sack of charcoal.
The suspects and recovered items are currently in the custody of 3 Battalion for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by troops to disrupt terrorist logistics and supply networks across the theatre.
The general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
Troops, NDLEA arrest five suspects with illicit substances in Adamawa
Troops, NDLEA arrest five suspects with illicit substances in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 247 Reconnaissance Battalion, in collaboration with personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested five suspects during a joint raid operation in Mova community, Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 11:00 a.m. on Aug. 29, following targeted operations at various locations within the community.
During the operation, the troops and NDLEA personnel arrested five suspects found in possession of illicit substances.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA office for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The troops returned to base at about 1:30 p.m. the same day.
Sources said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remained satisfactory.
Troops neutralise two notorious terrorist kingpins in Katsina
Troops neutralise two notorious terrorist kingpins in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, have neutralised two high-profile terrorist kingpins during an intelligence-led dawn operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted in the early hours of Monday, Aug. 31, following credible intelligence on the hideout of key members of a terrorist syndicate operating in the area.
The troops reportedly engaged the terrorists with superior firepower after making contact with the enclave, resulting in the neutralisation of two prominent figures within the group.
Those killed were identified as Hamisu, alias Mamiyo, a prominent gunrunner and second-in-command to notorious terrorist commander Kachalla Muhammadu Filani, and Umar Bocho, a high-ranking lieutenant within the same syndicate.
Sources said the group’s leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Filani, narrowly escaped the encounter with severe gunshot wounds.
The troops also captured and destroyed two motorcycles belonging to the terrorists during the operation.
Following the encounter, security agencies have intensified efforts to track down the wounded terrorist leader and other fleeing members of the group.
Members of the public, particularly residents and medical personnel in and around Matazu, have also been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report anyone seeking treatment for suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest security agency.
The operation remains ongoing as troops continue clearance and mop-up activities to eliminate remaining threats in the area.
Troops kill terrorist commander’s lieutenant in Katsina, recover weapons in clearance operation
Troops kill terrorist commander’s lieutenant in Katsina, recover weapons in clearance operation
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team, have killed a terrorist identified as Smally, said to be a lieutenant to a terrorist commander known as Kachalla Muhammed Filani, during a clearance operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops conducted the operation at about 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 29 across the general areas of Farin Tafki, Maharba Adua and Soro Daya.
At Farin Tafki, the troops encountered heavy resistance from armed terrorists, resulting in a fierce exchange of fire.
The troops, however, overwhelmed the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee the area.
During the encounter, Smally, described as a lieutenant to Kachalla Muhammed Filani, was killed.
The troops subsequently recovered three PKT machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 AK-47 magazines, 113 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm ammunition, 67 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm PKT ammunition and six motorcycles.
No casualty was recorded among the troops.
The troops returned to base at about 6:45 p.m. after completing the clearance operation.
Sources said the troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory as the security forces continued efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement in the area.
DSS Directs Counsel to Seek Adjournment in Sowore's Alleged Cybercrime Case Until After 2027 Presidential Election
DSS Directs Counsel to Seek Adjournment in Sowore's Alleged Cybercrime Case Until After 2027 Presidential Election
The Department of State Services (DSS) has instructed its private counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, to take steps to seek adjournment in the case of alleged cyber-bullying it instituted against African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, until after the next presidential election slated for January 16, 2027.
The DSS had approached the court to determine if it was proper for Sowore to allegedly cyber-bully President Bola Tinubu on August 25, 2025 posts on his "X" handle and Facebook page, referring to the president as a "criminal." The DSS also instructed that, cases of contestants for other elective positions should also be reviewed accordingly.
The secret police stated that the Sowore matter was to seek judicial interpretation on the propriety of arbitrarily calling President Bola Tinubu or any individual a criminal, same way it approached the court to rule on the legality of Professor Pat Utomi's "Shadow Government."
The DSS, in a 6th September, 2025, letter to the chairman of Meta Corp, stated that, aside from protecting the President from physical threats, it is also, by law, empowered to protect him from psychological attacks.
After Sowore's posts, the DSS gave him seven days to pull them down. After the expiration of the ultimatum, and he (Sowore) still refused to pull down the posts, the secret police, without inviting or arresting him, on September 16, 2025, approached the court for adjudication.
A source close to the DSS lawyer, disclosed that the Director General, Mr. Tosin Ajayi, met with the senior lawyer and top officers of the DSS' legal directorate on August 20, a day after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially lifted the ban on campaigns, to consider asking the court for an adjournment to enable Sowore fully exercise his right to contest the upcoming presidential election.
"The DSS boss reportedly told the Senior Advocate and his directorate of legal services that, with the commencement of presidential campaigns, it would only be fair to adjourn the court case in order to enable Sowore fully participate in the upcoming elections without let or hindrance," disclosed the source.
He added, "The DSS boss told the lawyers that, since the matter had been in court for nearly a year, suspending it for another few months wouldn't make much difference."
The source added that the position of the DSS on adjourning the matter with Sowore is expected to be formally communicated to the Federal High Court from Monday, September 14, 2026 and seeking the indulgence of the Court for the adjournment, when the court is expected to resume normal sittings after returning from annual judicial vacation. Other cases involving other candidates are being reviewed, he added
When contacted, A.T. Kehinde, SAN, confirmed the move, saying it tallied with the civilized approach of the DSS boss and his commitment to the rule of law.
"The DSS DG, Mr. Tosin Ajayi believes in being fair to all. That was why, and initio, he approached the court to determine the issue at hand. He believes in the provision of a level playing ground opportunity for everyone, and we will seek the indulgence of the court for the adjournment," he declared.
Troops neutralise suspected terrorist, recover two AK-47 rifles in Plateau
Troops neutralise suspected terrorist, recover two AK-47 rifles in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered two AK-47 rifles during a stop-and-search operation at Zak village in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 9:50 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, when troops deployed in the area intercepted a green-coloured Golf vehicle with registration number DKA-808XM as part of ongoing security checks.
Military source told Zagazola that the troops subjected the vehicle to a search and discovered a fabricated concealed compartment inside the dashboard.
The driver was reportedly directed to open the concealed compartment but refused and allegedly fled into a nearby bush.
Some of the troops immediately pursued the suspect while others remained behind to secure and continue searching the vehicle.
The fleeing driver was subsequently apprehended but allegedly attempted to disarm one of the soldiers.
The troops responded swiftly, resulting in the neutralisation of the suspect.
A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, with registration numbers 506034 and 4690, as well as one magazine. Other items recovered included two wooden rifle butts, nine magazine pouches, two camel bags, six jungle hats, one mobile phone and an ATM card.
The recovery of the weapons and military-style accessories from a vehicle fitted with a concealed compartment has raised further security concerns over attempts by criminal and terrorist elements to move arms through the region.
The operation forms part of sustained stop-and-search activities by troops of Operation Enduring Peace aimed at disrupting the movement of armed groups, illegal weapons and other threats across Plateau State.
Security forces have continued to intensify patrols and intelligence-led operations across vulnerable communities and major access routes in the state as part of efforts to prevent attacks and protect civilians.
The latest operation also demonstrates the importance of routine vehicle checks and vigilance by security personnel in identifying concealed weapons and preventing their movement into communities.
Zagazola understands that the recovered weapons and other items have been taken into military custody for further investigation.
Troops repel terrorist attack in Kukawa, neutralise 26, destroy 10 motorcycles
Troops repel terrorist attack in Kukawa, neutralise 26, destroy 10 motorcycles
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI in Kukawa, in collaboration with other components of Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled a terrorist attack around Kadiya village in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising 26 terrorists and destroying 10 motorcycles during the engagement.
The operation, which took place late on Friday, August 28, followed credible human intelligence on the movement of terrorists around Kadiya village, in the Kukawa axis.
According to military sources the terrorists attacked troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion at about 10:45 p.m.
The attack was successfully repelled by the troops, supported by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai.
Military sources said the terrorists were forced to withdraw in confusion following the coordinated ground and air response.
As the terrorists attempted to escape from the area, the Nigerian Air Force conducted two precision air strikes against the fleeing fighters.
The first strike targeted about 10 terrorists who had taken cover beneath trees following the initial engagement.
The strike was reported to have neutralised all 10 terrorists in the targeted position. A second air strike was subsequently conducted against terrorists fleeing towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis, with the operation coordinated with the Multinational Joint Task Force’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets.
The second strike neutralised an additional 15 terrorists and destroyed 10 motorcycles used by the fleeing fighters. The troops later conducted an exploitation operation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route at about 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29.
During the exploitation, the troops discovered the corpse of an additional terrorist, bringing the total number of terrorists neutralised in the operation to 26. The military also recovered two motorcycles abandoned by the terrorists.
Other recovered items included 253 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm PKT ammunition, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two anti-aircraft rounds. The troops also recovered a shuttle bag, an eye protector, a pair of spectacles and two wristwatches.
The engagement, however, came with a casualty on the side of the troops, with four soldiers sustaining injuries. One Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle was also damaged during the encounter. The injured soldiers were immediately evacuated for medical attention and are said to be in stable condition.
The troops were subsequently resupplied to sustain their operational posture and maintain pressure on terrorist elements operating around the Kukawa and Lake Chad axis.
The Kadiya-Kangarwa axis remains strategically important to the security architecture of Borno State, given its proximity to the Lake Chad basin and the known movement corridors used by terrorist elements.
Military authorities said troops remain deployed across the theatre and continue to conduct patrols, intelligence-led operations and exploitation missions to deny terrorists freedom of movement and prevent them from regrouping.
The latest development also highlights the unpredictable nature of the security environment in the North-East, where terrorist groups continue to attempt attacks against military positions despite sustained counter-insurgency operations.
The military further assured that operations would continue to target terrorist formations and logistical networks while sustaining pressure on their movements across the theatre.
Troops foil kidnapping attempt, rescue two victims in Plateau
Troops foil kidnapping attempt, rescue two victims in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued two victims in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops responded at about 0345 hours on Aug. 29 following a report of an attempted abduction of Mrs Juliana Luka, 34, and Mr Luka Agwom, 43, at Road 12, Haske Quarters, Jos.
Military sources told Zagazola News that the troops’ quick intervention forced the suspected kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee from the area.
The troops subsequently rescued the two victims and conducted preliminary debriefing to obtain useful information that could assist in tracking and apprehending the fleeing criminals.
Security personnel have commenced efforts to locate the suspects, while patrols and surveillance have been intensified around the area to prevent further attacks.
The successful intervention highlights the importance of rapid response and timely information sharing in countering kidnapping and other criminal activities in urban communities.
Operation ENDURING PEACE has continued to sustain security operations across Plateau State, with emphasis on protecting vulnerable communities and denying criminal elements freedom of action.
Gunmen block Bokkos–Barkin Ladi road, abduct two passengers in Plateau
Gunmen block Bokkos–Barkin Ladi road, abduct two passengers in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Suspected kidnappers have abducted two passengers after blocking the Bokkos–Barkin Ladi road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 2040 hours on Aug. 28, when troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE, responded to a distress report concerning the attack along the highway.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops established that the criminals had blocked the road and intercepted a vehicle driven by one Mr Kollog Dakwan, from which they abducted two passengers.
The troops immediately launched a rescue operation into the surrounding bush in an attempt to track the kidnappers and rescue the victims.
However, no contact was established with the criminals during the initial operation.
Security forces have continued efforts to locate the victims and apprehend the perpetrators, while surveillance and patrols are being intensified along the route and adjoining areas.
The incident highlights the continued vulnerability of major road corridors in parts of Plateau State to kidnapping and other forms of criminal activity.
Operation ENDURING PEACE is expected to sustain clearance and search operations in the area while working with local communities to obtain information that could assist in the rescue operation and arrest of the perpetrators.
Fulani Bandits ambush, kill woman in Riyom community, Plateau
Fulani Bandits ambush, kill woman in Riyom community, Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A woman has been killed by suspected fulani bandits in Batok 2 Village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 2100 hours on Aug. 28, when troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, responded to reports of sporadic shooting in the community.
The troops moved to the area and conducted a search of the general vicinity, where they discovered the corpse of a native identified as Mrs Helen John.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the assailants allegedly laid an ambush and concealed themselves in a maize farm close to the victim’s residence before attacking her while she was engaged in household chores.
The circumstances surrounding the attack are still being investigated.
The corpse was subsequently handed over to community leaders for further action.
Security forces have commenced efforts to track down and arrest the assailants, while patrols and surveillance have been intensified around the community and adjoining areas.
Troops foil Armed Fulani Attack, rescue wounded victim in Mangu, Plateau
Troops foil Armed Fulani Attack, rescue wounded victim in Mangu, Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have foiled separate armed fulani attacks and rescued a wounded local during operations in Manja Village and Manja Forest in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The first incident occurred at about 1610 hours on Aug. 28, when troops deployed at Manja under Operation HARD KNOCK responded to information about the movement of armed persons accompanying cattle into the community.
According to military sources, the suspected armed herders opened fire when troops arrived at the location.
The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to withdraw in disarray into the surrounding bushes with their cattle.
The troops subsequently dominated the general area through sustained fighting patrols to prevent the attackers from regrouping or launching further attacks.
In a related incident at about 1745 hours the same day, troops responded to another report of an isolated attack on locals at Manja Forest.
The troops’ quick intervention reportedly forced the gunmen to flee the area.
During the subsequent exploitation of the location, the troops rescued a native identified as Mr Markus Yonpus, who had sustained a gunshot wound.
The victim was evacuated to a cottage hospital in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area for medical attention.
Troops have continued fighting patrols across Manja and adjoining areas as part of efforts to secure the community, protect residents and prevent further attacks.
The latest operations form part of the ongoing security efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to deny armed groups freedom of action and maintain stability across vulnerable communities in Plateau State.
Troops recover corpse of Plateau community member in Riyom
Troops recover corpse of Plateau community member in Riyom
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have commenced a manhunt for suspected perpetrators following the discovery of the corpse of a man in an isolated area of Bachi Village, Fang District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred on Aug. 27, when troops deployed at Shonong responded to a report concerning the discovery of a corpse in the area.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops confirmed the identity of the deceased as Mr Emmanuel David, a native of Fang District.
Zagazola News gathered that community members subsequently evacuated the corpse from the scene.
Preliminary findings indicated that residents had earlier heard gunshots in the area but assumed the sound was from hunters operating within the community and consequently did not report the incident to security authorities.
The circumstances surrounding the death remained unclear as investigations continued.
Security forces have commenced a manhunt for the perpetrators, while efforts are underway to establish the circumstances that led to the killing and identify those responsible.
The incident highlights the importance of timely reporting of suspicious gunshots and other unusual activities to security agencies, particularly in isolated and vulnerable communities.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have continued surveillance and security operations in the area to prevent further attacks and apprehend those behind the incident.
Inside Gombe’s Security Blueprint: Building A Layered Public Safety System Through Governance Reform
Inside Gombe’s Security Blueprint: Building A Layered Public Safety System Through Governance Reform
By Dr Kabir Adamu
Gombe State sits at the heart of Nigeria’s most sustained theatre of insurgency, the North-East.
Bordered by Borno, Yobe and Adamawa — the three states that have borne the brunt of an ideological insurgency since 2009 — Gombe shares the region’s terrain, porous rural corridors and, for a period, the insurgent pressure that has displaced millions across the North-East.
In February 2015, at the height of the insurgency’s territorial ambitions, fighters belonging to Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) overran a checkpoint on the outskirts of Gombe city. They briefly exchanged fire with troops and set a police station ablaze before the military repelled the attack. It was a rare instance of the group attempting to project force into the state capital rather than confining its operations to rural areas.
That episode has not been repeated. In the years since, even as neighbouring states have continued to record mass-casualty attacks, abductions and prolonged military operations, Gombe has remained comparatively insulated. Farmers have continued to access their fields, markets have remained open and major highways have operated without the sustained disruption witnessed elsewhere in the sub-region.
That divergence did not happen by accident. It reflects a continuity of security efforts across successive administrations. Earlier governments in Gombe worked with federal military and police formations to reinforce the state’s exposed boundaries and restrict the logistics routes and safe havens exploited by insurgents elsewhere in the North-East. These efforts established a foundation of vigilance that subsequent administrations inherited rather than having to build from scratch.
It is on this foundation that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration has built, seeking to turn an inherited state of relative calm into a more deliberate, layered security system. The approach does not treat Gombe’s insulation from the wider North-East crisis as either accidental or permanent. Instead, it seeks to consolidate that position through governance, institutions, funding, logistics and coordinated responses.
The distinction between a state that has been spared the worst of an insurgency and one that has taken deliberate steps to reduce its exposure to such threats is important. Gombe’s experience, therefore, offers a useful case study in security governance, particularly where security is approached as a governance challenge rather than solely as a policing responsibility.
Over two terms, the administration has pursued a security architecture built less around individual interventions and more around layering — combining personnel, institutions, funding, logistics and oversight mechanisms so that no single point of failure determines whether a threat is detected, deterred or addressed.
In broad terms, the approach seeks to establish a state-level capacity to detect, deny, delay and respond to threats, supported by mechanisms for regular review and adjustment. The starting point of Gombe’s approach was not hardware but process. The administration convened a broad-based security consultation involving the heads of security agencies, chairpersons of the state’s 11 local government areas, traditional rulers, religious leaders, traders’ unions, transport operators, livestock stakeholders, retired military officers and civil society groups.
The logic was straightforward: intelligence and early warning do not originate solely from security agencies. Markets, farms, transport corridors, mosques, churches and traditional institutions can all generate useful information, provided such information is properly verified and channelled through lawful security structures.
This represents the detection layer of a modern security system. Gombe’s approach has been to give community and institutional actors a more structured role in providing information, rather than leaving threat detection entirely to security agencies operating in isolation.
The consultation also informed the establishment of a security sub-committee involving the 11 local government chairpersons. The committee was tasked with developing recommendations on the welfare and operational capacity of security personnel, with further input from retired security officers and other professionals.
In other words, governance and consultation came before expenditure. Structurally, the administration established a dedicated Ministry of Internal Security and Ethical Orientation during its first term, which was later reconstituted as the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs in its second term. The development is significant because it represents an attempt to move security coordination beyond ad hoc arrangements and place it within a standing government structure capable of providing continuity. For security sector reform to be sustainable, institutional arrangements need to survive individual interventions and administrations. A dedicated ministry provides a framework through which coordination, planning and oversight can be maintained.
Beneath the institutional structure is a programme of welfare and logistical support for frontline security formations.
Available information indicates that the state provides recurring monthly support to divisional police stations, area commanders, deputy commissioners of police, and other formations, including the Police Mobile Force, mobile squadrons, the Counter-Terrorism Unit, and special protection officers. Similar support is reportedly extended to military and other security agencies, while the state’s 11 local government areas provide additional support at the grassroots level. Such support is important because the effectiveness of security personnel depends not only on the workforce but also on mobility, communications, equipment and the ability to respond quickly when threats emerge.
Dr Kabir Adamu is the Managing Director of Beacon Security and Innovations Limited.
Troops arrest three suspected militia over attack on cattle in Plateau
Troops arrest three suspected militia over attack on cattle in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 82, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have arrested three suspected militia following an alleged attack on cattle grazing in Pankshin Town, Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops, operating under Operation HARD KNOCK, responded at about 0600 hours on Aug. 28 following a report that cattle belonging to a herder had been attacked by suspected natives while grazing in the area.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops found one cow killed, while five others had sustained injuries from suspected machete cuts.
The troops subsequently arrested three suspects identified as Dekom Enka, 45; Gyikatda Monday, 21; and Kanshinen Danladi, 19.
Other suspects reportedly fled the scene before the troops could apprehend them.
The arrested suspects were profiled and remain in custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions over farmer-herder relations in parts of Plateau State, where attacks on livestock and farmland destruction have the potential to trigger reprisal attacks and further community conflict.
Security forces have continued to strengthen patrols and engagements with communities across the state as part of efforts to prevent escalation, protect lives and property, and promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
Troops arrest Fulani herder over alleged farmland destruction in Plateau
Troops arrest Fulani herder over alleged farmland destruction in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have arrested a suspected herder following a report of farmland destruction at Jahill, Ganawuri, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops, deployed in the Ganawuri general area, responded at about 0600 hours on Aug. 27 to a report that farmlands in the community had been destroyed by suspected Fulani herders.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops found cattle grazing in the area and arrested one of the herders identified as Yunusa Adamu, 22.
The suspect is currently in military custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to prevent clashes between farming and pastoralist communities and protect agricultural activities across vulnerable areas of Plateau State.
Security authorities have continued to urge farmers and herders to resolve disputes through established channels and report incidents promptly to security agencies to prevent escalation.
Operation Enduring Peace engages Irigwe farmers, stakeholders over attacks, farmland destruction in Bassa
Operation Enduring Peace engages Irigwe farmers, stakeholders over attacks, farmland destruction in Bassa
By Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, has engaged Irigwe farmers and other stakeholders from Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State over recurring farmland destruction and isolated attacks in the area.
The meeting, held on Aug. 28 at the headquarters of Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE, was chaired by the Chief of Staff, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Brig.-Gen. M.S. Sule, who represented the GOC/Commander.
The deliberations focused on the recurring incidents of farmland destruction and isolated attacks reported in parts of Bassa LGA, as well as measures to prevent further occurrences.
The meeting also examined ways of strengthening collaboration between security agencies, farmers, herders, traditional authorities and other community stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence.
Participants were encouraged to enhance communication and early-warning mechanisms, particularly the prompt reporting of suspicious movements and activities that could threaten communities.
The engagement forms part of the military’s non-kinetic approach to addressing local security challenges while complementing ongoing operations to protect lives, property and agricultural activities.
The meeting ended peacefully without any incident.
Operation ENDURING PEACE has continued to sustain engagements with communities and other stakeholders across Plateau State as part of efforts to address emerging security threats and prevent conflicts between farming and pastoralist communities.
Troops foil cattle rustling by Berom Militia recover 19 cattle in Plateau
Troops foil cattle rustling by Berom Militia recover 19 cattle in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have foiled an attempt by suspected Berom Militia to steal 19 cattle along the Jong–Nyerwei road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops responded at about 1433 hours on Aug. 28 following reports of sporadic gunshots by suspected cattle rustlers operating along the route.
The quick intervention by the troops reportedly forced the criminals to abandon their operation and flee into the surrounding area.
Further checks revealed that the suspects had attempted to rustle 19 cattle belonging to Idris Abdullahi.
Following the incident, troops launched offensive operations around the Jong Hills in an effort to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to protect rural communities, safeguard livestock and prevent criminal elements from exploiting vulnerable areas in Plateau State.
Security forces have continued to intensify patrols and clearance operations around known criminal routes and flashpoints in the state to prevent cattle rustling, kidnapping and other forms of rural criminality.
Troops recover five cattle rustle by Berom Militia in Plateau
Troops recover five cattle rustle by Berom Militia in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have recovered five cattle rustled by Berom Militia from a resident of Tenti Ratatat Village in Forop District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops responded at about 0230 hours on Aug. 28 following a report that five cattle belonging to one Mallam Karimu had been stolen by suspected cattle rustlers.
According to sources, the troops immediately commenced search-and-rescue operations within the general area to track the perpetrators and recover the stolen livestock.
The operation led to the successful recovery of all five rustled cattle, which were subsequently handed over to the owner. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators, who reportedly fled before the arrival of the troops.
The recovery forms part of ongoing operations by Operation ENDURING PEACE to protect rural communities and livestock owners and prevent criminal elements from exploiting vulnerable farming and pastoralist settlements in Plateau State.
Troops have continued to intensify patrols and surveillance across the Bokkos axis to deny cattle rustlers and other criminal elements freedom of action.
Troops investigate suspected Malicious poisoning of cattle in Plateau
Troops investigate suspected Malicious poisoning of cattle in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have commenced investigation into the suspected poisoning of cattle belonging to a resident of Jol Community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops, deployed at Dakku, responded at about 1530 hours on Aug. 28 following a report of suspected poisoning of cattle belonging to Alhaji Isah.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops discovered one cow dead after reportedly grazing on a suspected poisonous substance.
The circumstances surrounding the death of the animal remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
Military personnel have commenced investigation to determine the nature of the substance involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The development comes amid heightened sensitivity over farmer-herder relations in parts of Plateau State, where incidents involving livestock, farmland destruction and cattle rustling have the potential to trigger community tensions.
Security forces have continued to engage local stakeholders and encourage residents to promptly report suspicious activities to prevent isolated incidents from escalating into broader conflict.
Viral Video Claiming Bandit Kingpins Visited Nigerian Senator Found to Be False — PRNigeria Investigation
Viral Video Claiming Bandit Kingpins Visited Nigerian Senator Found to Be False — PRNigeria Investigation
A viral video circulating across social media platforms has been found to be misleading, after investigations revealed it falsely portrayed a group of visitors to a Nigerian senator as “high profile bandit kingpins.”
The footage, shared widely on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram by content creator D English Alhaji, claimed to show notorious bandits “on break” inside the residence of an unnamed senator. The caption accompanying the video read: “These are high profile bandit kingpins in a senator house. Dey are on break here.”
The clip quickly generated intense reactions online, with many users demanding the identity of the senator. An online publication later referenced the footage, but its report relied solely on the social media claim without independently verifying the authenticity of the video or identifying the alleged senator.
A PRNigeria fact check has now established that the claim is false.
PRNigeria’s investigation found that the viral footage was created by merging two unrelated video clips.
The first segment shows several men dressed in traditional northern attire seated in a well furnished residence, conversing in Fulfulde. During the discussion, one speaker advises against travelling with large sums of money, while another urges Fulani people to abandon theft and criminality.
The second segment features two different individuals displaying Nigerian international passports while speaking in English and Hausa. One of them retrieves the passports from a vehicle and shows what appears to be a siren remote control. The passports belong to individuals from Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
A detailed review confirmed that the two segments were recorded in different locations and involved different individuals, making the claim that they depict the same event entirely unsupported.
Using reverse image searches and other open source intelligence (OSINT) tools, PRNigeria found no credible reports identifying any of the individuals in the video as bandits or terrorist kingpins. Screenshots from the footage were compared with publicly available images of known bandit leaders, but no matches were found.
Although a sack containing cash or clothing appears in one of the scenes, PRNigeria noted that its presence alone does not constitute evidence of criminal activity.
Further investigations identified the men in the first video as pilgrims who visited Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, in 2023 after returning from pilgrimage. The visitors were identified as Kaduna based businessmen Alhaji Isa Usman and Alhaji Abubakar Bula.
PRNigeria found no evidence linking either man to banditry, terrorism or any criminal activity.
Barrister Musa Oga, an aide to Senator Buba, confirmed that the footage showed pilgrims paying a courtesy visit to the senator in 2023. He described the viral video as part of a politically motivated campaign aimed at damaging the senator’s reputation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the individuals portrayed in the video are legitimate businessmen, not criminal elements. He warned that falsely linking a serving senator to banditry could incite public disorder and undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
PRNigeria contacted the content creator through WhatsApp, Instagram and telephone calls seeking clarification on the identities of the men and the source of the footage. Although he initially responded, he later declined to provide any explanation or supporting evidence for his claims.
The fact check also noted that Senator Buba had previously been the target of an alleged cyberbullying campaign, leading to the arrest of a lawyer and four social media influencers over allegations of cyberstalking, extortion, defamation and related offences. The Attorney General of the Federation subsequently took over the prosecution of the suspects, who are facing multiple charges before the Federal High Court.
Based on its investigation, PRNigeria concluded that the viral video was deliberately edited to merge two unrelated clips and falsely portray innocent individuals as bandit kingpins. The organisation found no evidence that the men shown were bandits or that any Nigerian senator hosted criminal elements.
PRNigeria described the claim as false and misleading, warning that the video forms part of a politically motivated misinformation campaign designed to damage reputations through manipulated digital content.
Viral Video Claiming Bandit Kingpins Visited Nigerian Senator Found to Be False — PRNigeria Investigation
A viral video circulating across social media platforms has been found to be misleading, after investigations revealed it falsely portrayed a group of visitors to a Nigerian senator as “high profile bandit kingpins.”
The footage, shared widely on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram by content creator D English Alhaji, claimed to show notorious bandits “on break” inside the residence of an unnamed senator. The caption accompanying the video read: “These are high profile bandit kingpins in a senator house. Dey are on break here.”
The clip quickly generated intense reactions online, with many users demanding the identity of the senator. An online publication later referenced the footage, but its report relied solely on the social media claim without independently verifying the authenticity of the video or identifying the alleged senator.
A PRNigeria fact check has now established that the claim is false.
PRNigeria’s investigation found that the viral footage was created by merging two unrelated video clips.
The first segment shows several men dressed in traditional northern attire seated in a well furnished residence, conversing in Fulfulde. During the discussion, one speaker advises against travelling with large sums of money, while another urges Fulani people to abandon theft and criminality.
The second segment features two different individuals displaying Nigerian international passports while speaking in English and Hausa. One of them retrieves the passports from a vehicle and shows what appears to be a siren remote control. The passports belong to individuals from Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
A detailed review confirmed that the two segments were recorded in different locations and involved different individuals, making the claim that they depict the same event entirely unsupported.
Using reverse image searches and other open source intelligence (OSINT) tools, PRNigeria found no credible reports identifying any of the individuals in the video as bandits or terrorist kingpins. Screenshots from the footage were compared with publicly available images of known bandit leaders, but no matches were found.
Although a sack containing cash or clothing appears in one of the scenes, PRNigeria noted that its presence alone does not constitute evidence of criminal activity.
Further investigations identified the men in the first video as pilgrims who visited Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, in 2023 after returning from pilgrimage. The visitors were identified as Kaduna based businessmen Alhaji Isa Usman and Alhaji Abubakar Bula.
PRNigeria found no evidence linking either man to banditry, terrorism or any criminal activity.
Barrister Musa Oga, an aide to Senator Buba, confirmed that the footage showed pilgrims paying a courtesy visit to the senator in 2023. He described the viral video as part of a politically motivated campaign aimed at damaging the senator’s reputation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the individuals portrayed in the video are legitimate businessmen, not criminal elements. He warned that falsely linking a serving senator to banditry could incite public disorder and undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
PRNigeria contacted the content creator through WhatsApp, Instagram and telephone calls seeking clarification on the identities of the men and the source of the footage. Although he initially responded, he later declined to provide any explanation or supporting evidence for his claims.
The fact check also noted that Senator Buba had previously been the target of an alleged cyberbullying campaign, leading to the arrest of a lawyer and four social media influencers over allegations of cyberstalking, extortion, defamation and related offences. The Attorney General of the Federation subsequently took over the prosecution of the suspects, who are facing multiple charges before the Federal High Court.
Based on its investigation, PRNigeria concluded that the viral video was deliberately edited to merge two unrelated clips and falsely portray innocent individuals as bandit kingpins. The organisation found no evidence that the men shown were bandits or that any Nigerian senator hosted criminal elements.
PRNigeria described the claim as false and misleading, warning that the video forms part of a politically motivated misinformation campaign designed to damage reputations through manipulated digital content.
UPDATE: Heavy gunfire, explosions rock Niamey as reports of military mutiny emerge
UPDATE: Heavy gunfire, explosions rock Niamey as reports of military mutiny emerge
By Zagazola Makama
Heavy gunfire and explosions rocked Niger’s capital, Niamey, from the early hours of Saturday, with intense clashes reportedly continuing around the Diori Hammani International Airport, the 101 Airbase and areas around the Presidential Palace.
The situation, according to security reports monitored by Zagazola, began at about 0230 hours local time and continued until around 0600 hours, although tension remained high in several parts of the capital thereafter.
Mortar fire and explosions were reportedly heard in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace, while electricity was cut in parts of the city. Security forces were also said to have blocked access routes leading to the Presidential Palace and the International Airport as they responded to the incident.
Reports indicated that reinforcements from Operation ALMAHAOU moved into Niamey from the direction of Ouallam, while other security formations were mobilised within the capital.
The most intense exchanges were reportedly concentrated around the 101 Airbase and the International Airport, both strategically important military and aviation facilities.
Conflicting accounts
The exact nature of the incident remained unclear as of Saturday, with conflicting accounts circulating on social media and among local sources. Some reports described the incident as a possible terrorist attack, while others suggested an internal military confrontation involving junior soldiers.
There were also unverified claims that the incident could represent an attempted counter-coup against the military authorities governing Niger under the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).
However, there was no independent confirmation that a coup or counter-coup had taken place.
Major international and regional news organisations had not, at the time of filing, independently corroborated claims of a military takeover or an organised attempt to overthrow the CNSP. Similarly, Nigerien authorities had yet to issue an official statement establishing the cause of the fighting, identifying those involved or providing casualty figures.
A prominent Hausa-language broadcaster in Niger, Mu Duba Mu Gani, however, reported that the incident was not a terrorist attack but an uprising involving young members of Niger’s Defence and Security Forces (FDS).
In a commentary circulated on social media, the broadcaster claimed that the young soldiers had rebelled against what they described as worsening insecurity, corruption, nepotism and poor treatment of Nigeriens under the CNSP administration.
According to the account, the soldiers were allegedly demanding changes in the way the country was being governed and had moved into parts of Niamey, resulting in heavy fighting.
The broadcaster further questioned whether the development could mark the beginning of the end of the CNSP’s rule, while acknowledging that it remained unclear whether the alleged mutineers had taken control of any strategic locations.
The claims, however, could not be independently verified by Zagazola News.
Strategic locations under security lockdown
The reported closure of routes around the Presidential Palace and Diori Hammani International Airport suggests that security forces were treating the incident as a major threat to strategic national installations.
The movement of reinforcements from Ouallam into Niamey also points to a significant mobilisation by the authorities to contain the situation. The reported fighting around the 101 Airbase is particularly significant because the area forms part of the capital’s broader military-security infrastructure and has previously featured in Niger’s counter-terrorism operations.
The airport area has also previously come under attack amid the worsening jihadist insurgency affecting Niger and the wider Sahel.
Niger facing mounting security pressure
The latest development comes as Niger continues to face significant security challenges from jihadist groups operating across the country’s western and southern regions.
The country has also experienced increasing political and diplomatic tensions since the military takeover of July 2023, which removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power.
The CNSP, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, has since consolidated its control over the country while withdrawing from several regional security and political arrangements and deepening cooperation with fellow Alliance of Sahel States members Mali and Burkina Faso.
The military authorities have repeatedly presented their administration as necessary to restore national sovereignty and defeat armed groups. However, persistent attacks and casualties among security personnel have continued to place pressure on the junta.
Situation remains fluid
Security assessments circulating following Saturday’s fighting have raised concerns about possible internal divisions within Niger’s security establishment. Nevertheless, claims of an imminent collapse of the CNSP or an approaching civil war remain speculative at this stage.
There is currently no verified evidence establishing that the reported clashes constitute a coordinated military coup, a counter-coup, or a broader armed uprising. Likewise, there has been no confirmed casualty figure or credible claim of responsibility for the explosions and gunfire.
The immediate priority for authorities is expected to be securing the Presidential Palace, airport, airbase and other strategic installations while determining the identity and objectives of those involved.
Any prolonged confrontation between rival elements of the security forces could have serious implications for Niger’s already fragile security environment and potentially affect neighbouring countries, particularly those sharing borders with Niger. For now, Niamey remains tense, with security forces deployed across key parts of the capital and access restrictions reported around strategic installations.
Zagazola News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as credible information emerges.
Niger: Mutiny tensions reportedly deepen within military in Niamey
Niger: Mutiny tensions reportedly deepen within military in Niamey
By Zagazola Makama
Tensions have reportedly escalated within Niger’s military in the capital, Niamey, amid growing anger over heavy losses suffered by troops during recent operations.
According to security information obtained by Zagazola News, what initially began as a protest movement among some military personnel has reportedly evolved into a mutiny, leaving elements of the armed forces in a state of uncertainty.
The development is said to have created heightened tension around strategic locations in Niamey, including the airport area.
Sources said the Presidential Guard, reportedly acting on the orders of Niger’s military leader, Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, is considering a response against military personnel in the airport area.
The reported standoff has raised concerns over the possibility of confrontation between members of the Nigerien armed forces.
The development comes amid continued security challenges facing Niger, particularly militant attacks and heavy casualties among government forces operating in parts of the country.
The situation in Niamey remains fluid, and details surrounding the reported mutiny, the number of personnel involved and the immediate cause of the confrontation could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
Zagazola News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as credible information emerges.
Operation Fansan Yamma troops arrest terrorist collaborators, destroy enclaves in Kaduna, Katsina
Operation Fansan Yamma troops arrest terrorist collaborators, destroy enclaves in Kaduna, Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators, recovered weapons and ammunition, and destroyed terrorist enclaves during separate operations in Kaduna and Katsina States.
The operations, conducted on Aug. 27 and 28, were part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and deny them freedom of movement across the Joint Operations Area.
In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 1 on Aug. 27 acted on intelligence that led to the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator.
According to a statement by the Joint Task Force Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the suspect was found in possession of two locally fabricated guns and 13 rounds of ammunition concealed in a bag.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that the suspect had been tasked to deliver the weapons and ammunition to another individual.
Troops subsequently conducted a follow-up operation based on information obtained from the suspect, leading to the arrest of two additional suspects allegedly linked to the movement of the weapons.
The three suspects, alongside the recovered weapons, ammunition and other items, are currently undergoing further investigation.
In a separate operation in Katsina State on Aug. 28, troops of Sector 2, supported by other security agencies, conducted a clearance operation around Maharba and Karaduwa in Matazu Local Government Area.
The troops cleared and destroyed identified terrorist enclaves and structures reportedly used to facilitate criminal activities in the area.
The operation also targeted an enclave linked to notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani, whose group has allegedly been terrorising communities in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.
Danja said the terrorist leader narrowly escaped as troops advanced towards the enclave.
Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of an RPG-7 tube, a motorcycle, mobile phones and other items.
The troops subsequently conducted fighting patrols across the general area to consolidate the gains and prevent the terrorists from re-establishing their presence.
The latest operations, according to the Joint Task Force, underscore the sustained efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt the movement of weapons and logistics, and deny criminal elements access to operational enclaves.
The Joint Task Force said it remained committed to coordinated and intelligence-led operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and restoring lasting peace and security across affected communities.
Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons, motorcycles in Sokoto
Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons, motorcycles in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised several terrorists and recovered arms, motorcycles and rustled livestock during an encounter in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The troops, acting on credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists attempting to move rustled livestock through the Maikujera general area, swiftly deployed to intercept the group.
During the operation, the advancing troops encountered an attempted ambush along the route. However, the troops responded with superior firepower, breaking through the ambush and neutralising several of the terrorists.
The remaining terrorists reportedly fled into the surrounding bush as the troops intensified their advance.
Items recovered during the exploitation included AK-47 rifles, motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists and the rustled livestock.
The general area of Rabah and Maikujera is currently reported to be calm and stable, while troops remain deployed to maintain security.
The troops are also conducting routine patrols across the area to deter further terrorist activities and safeguard residents and their property.
JNIM ambush kills 19 Malian, Russian troops in Tombouctou
JNIM ambush kills 19 Malian, Russian troops in Tombouctou
By: Zagazola Makama
At least 19 personnel of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) and Russia’s Africa Corps were reportedly killed in a coordinated ambush by fighters of the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) near Erintedjeft, east of Ber in Mali’s Tombouctou Region.
The attack occurred at about midday on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, according to reports attributed to JNIM’s Az-Zallaqa media channel.
Sources said the joint FAMa-Africa Corps patrol was first targeted with two explosive devices before the attackers opened fire on the column.
The reported casualties included eight Africa Corps personnel and 11 Malian soldiers, among them a commander identified as Salif Doumbia.
Twenty-three other personnel were reportedly wounded, including 14 Russians and nine Malian soldiers.
The attack also resulted in significant equipment losses, with six vehicles reportedly destroyed or set ablaze. They included two armoured vehicles, three pickup trucks and a truck.
Nine motorcycles were also reportedly destroyed. The wounded and bodies of the deceased were said to have been evacuated by helicopters operating several sorties.
Reports further indicated that a reinforcement column dispatched from Bourem to assist the embattled patrol reportedly turned back after encountering concerns over the possibility of another ambush along the route.
If confirmed, the development could underscore the growing operational challenges facing security forces operating in parts of northern Mali, where JNIM has maintained the capacity to conduct roadside attacks, ambushes and attacks against military movements.
The incident also highlights the vulnerability of joint Malian and Russian forces to improvised explosive devices and coordinated attacks in remote operational areas.
Analysts say such attacks can have effects beyond the immediate casualties, including restricting troop movements, disrupting logistics, damaging military assets and forcing security forces to divert additional resources towards securing routes and responding to attacks.
The reported losses come amid continued counter-insurgency operations by FAMa, supported by Russian military personnel, against jihadist groups operating across northern and central Mali.
The JNIM, an al-Qaeda-linked militant organisation, has remained one of the most active armed groups in the region and has repeatedly targeted military convoys and positions.
The reported incident at Erintedjeft could therefore represent another significant test for the Malian military and its Russian partners as they seek to maintain freedom of movement and expand security operations across contested areas.
There was no immediate independent confirmation of the reported casualty figures, while the Malian authorities had not, at the time of filing this report, issued an official statement on the incident.
Zagazola News will continue to monitor developments.
NDLEA commences nationwide training of counselors on standard rehab guidelines
NDLEA commences nationwide training of counselors on standard rehab guidelines
By: Zagazola Makama
. We’ll continue to entrench best global practices in our drug demand reduction efforts, says Marwa
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commenced a comprehensive training programme for its counselors nationwide, aimed at standardizing operational protocols and strengthening clinical competencies in line with global best practices for drug demand reduction.
The training, which commenced at the NDLEA Academy, Jos, Plateau State, is being coordinated by the Directorate of Counseling, Treatment and Rehabilitation (DCTR) and brings together over 100 counselors drawn from the Agency's formations across the country.
The exercise marks the first Agency-driven capacity-building programme of its kind for NDLEA counselors in several years, a development that has been widely commended by participants as a demonstration of the Agency's renewed commitment to the professional growth of its counseling workforce.
Speaking at the commencement of the phase 1 of the exercise, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) who was represented by the Director, Counseling, Treatment and Rehabilitation, ACGN Bashir Ibrahim, said the training is critical to revitalizing staff morale and equipping officers with modern therapeutic tools to tackle the evolving complexities of substance use disorders, describing it as a reaffirmation of the rehabilitation pillar of the Agency's mandate and a guarantee that clients across NDLEA facilities receive evidence-based, quality interventions.
According to him, “key objectives of the training include harmonizing practice through uniform protocols across all State Command rehabilitation facilities; enhancing clinical proficiency to address emerging psychoactive substances and co-occurring mental health disorders; aligning the Agency's rehabilitation practices with national and international standards; strengthening ethics, confidentiality and quality assurance; improving data management for evidence-based policymaking; promoting continuous professional development through peer review and clinical supervision; and optimizing rehabilitation outcomes by reducing inconsistencies in service delivery.”
He said the initiative underscores the Agency’s commitment to building a resilient, well-equipped counseling workforce capable of responding effectively to the nation's drug demand reduction needs, adding that the training is expected to significantly improve the quality of care across NDLEA rehabilitation facilities and reinforce the integrity of Nigeria's drug treatment and rehabilitation architecture.
Marwa assured that the Agency will continue to invest in the capacity of its personnel as part of its holistic approach to tackling drug supply and demand reduction in the country.
Troops kill 21 Boko Haram terrorists, destroy camp in Adamawa
Troops kill 21 Boko Haram terrorists, destroy camp in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in conjunction with a tactical team, have killed 21 Boko Haram terrorists during a joint raid operation on a terrorist camp around the Kopre Mountain general area of Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The operation, conducted between the early hours of Aug. 26 and Aug. 27, followed credible intelligence received by the troops regarding the presence of Boko Haram terrorists in the area.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that following the intelligence, the troops moved into the general area by stealth between 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 26 and 4:10 a.m. on Aug. 27.
and subsequently launched an assault on the terrorists at their camp around Kopre Mountain.
Military sources said the operation resulted in the death of 21 Boko Haram terrorists, while some others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
The troops also destroyed the terrorist camp, including their logistics and other items found at the location.
Several weapons and ammunition were recovered during the operation, including AK-47 rifles, AK-47 magazines and 7.62mm special ammunition.
The troops also destroyed several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) belonging to the terrorists.
The military further disclosed that one member of the hunter component supporting the operation was killed during the encounter.
There were no reported losses of military equipment.
The latest operation highlighted the ongoing efforts by troops of Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt terrorist activities and deny Boko Haram elements freedom of movement and access to logistics in parts of Adamawa State.
Troops recover, safely dispose of terrorist-planted IED in Zamfara
Troops recover, safely dispose of terrorist-planted IED in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have recovered and safely disposed of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by terrorists along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara.
The operation followed credible intelligence received by troops of Sector 2, who swiftly mobilised to the area and identified the explosive device.
The troops secured the location to prevent casualties among motorists and other road users before an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team safely disposed of the IED.
Following the operation, the troops intensified patrols around the area to deny terrorists freedom of movement and prevent further attacks along the route.
The development highlights the persistent threat posed by the use of IEDs by terrorist groups against civilians and security forces in the North West.
The Joint Task Force urged residents to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious objects, movements or activities to security agencies.
It said timely information from members of the public remained critical to preventing attacks, protecting lives and enhancing security across the Joint Operations Area.
The statement was signed by Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma.
Troops foil ISWAP infiltration attempt, kill four terrorists in Borno
Troops foil ISWAP infiltration attempt, kill four terrorists in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 81 Division Task Force Battalion deployed under Operation Hadin Kai have foiled an attempted infiltration by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno State.
According to sources, the incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on Thursday when troops of 81 Division TF Battalion deployed at Check Point 4, Alpha Company, sighted suspected ISWAP fighters crawling towards their defensive position from the Gulumba Gana axis.
The troops immediately opened fire, forcing the terrorists to withdraw from the area.
The troops subsequently conducted an exploitation operation at about 6:00 a.m. and recovered four AK-47 rifles and the bodies of four terrorists killed during the encounter.
The report said traces of blood were also observed along the route used by the fleeing terrorists, suggesting that additional terrorists may have sustained injuries while withdrawing from the area.
There were no casualties on the side of the troops.
The soldiers returned to their base at about 6:53 a.m. after completing the operation.
The military said the general security situation remained calm but highly unpredictable, while the troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
Operation Zenda accused of triggering tension after killing 200 cattle in Benue clearance operation
Operation Zenda accused of triggering tension after killing 200 cattle in Benue clearance operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Fresh concerns have emerged over the activities of Operation Zenda, following a reported clearance operation in communities around Ayilamo in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, where scores of cattle belonging to Fulani herders were allegedly killed or wounded.
Sources reliably told Zagazola Makama, that the incident occurred at about 4 a.m. on Aug. 26 in Azege and Ayimbe communities, close to Ayilamo and bordering Akhor Community in Guma Local Government Area.
Report initially indicated that local militias from the affected communities, allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles, had attacked a herders’ camp and slaughtered about 200 cattle.
However, preliminary investigations later indicated that the livestock were killed
during clearance operation reportedly conducted by personnel of Operation Zenda in Azege and Ayimbe.
Several cattle were allegedly killed, while others were evacuated from the area. Some of the animals reportedly sustained severe machete wounds during the operation.
The development subsequently created tension in the area, with security concerns heightened over the possibility of retaliatory attacks between the affected communities and herders.
Sources further stated that some of the herders voluntarily distributed the carcasses of cattle that could not be evacuated to residents of Akhor Community free of charge, after efforts to transport the meat to the city for sale proved impracticable.
Following the incident, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) reportedly conducted fighting patrols to Akhor and Iordey communities to dominate the area, stabilize the situation and prevent possible reprisal attacks.
Residents in the affected communities were said to be living in fear following the development, amid concerns that similar incidents could trigger renewed violence and attacks.
Security sources also raised concerns over what they described as a recurring pattern in which cattle are reportedly killed or butchered during clearance operations by Operation Zenda personnel and the meat subsequently evacuated or distributed.
The sources warned that such actions could further inflame tensions and potentially create conditions for reprisal attacks and sustained circle of violence.
The sources said that the development is even more disturbing against the backdrop of the already fragile relationship between farming communities and herders in parts of Benue.
“Rather than allowing an operation designed to restore peace to become another source of grievance, havoc and destruction. Security personnel must exercise maximum professionalism and restraint, particularly in communities where even a single incident can quickly fuel anger and provoke reprisals.
It is therefore difficult to understand why an operation intended to secure communities should leave behind an atmosphere of fear and resentment. Security agencies must understand that every dead animal, destroyed property or perceived injustice can become a rallying point for revenge, especially in an environment already saturated with suspicion.
The development has therefore prompted calls for closer scrutiny and investigation of the activities and operational procedures of Operation Zenda by the concerned relevant authorities, particularly their role in the recent attack against herders in their hamlets, leaving hundreds of livestock killed.
The government were also urged to ensure that security operations are conducted in a manner that protects civilians, prevents escalation and strengthens confidence among communities and herders in the affected areas.
Operation Zenda and other security formations operating in the state must therefore be reminded that their legitimacy depends not only on confronting armed threats but also on maintaining the confidence of the communities they are deployed to protect.
Note that Operation Zenda is a Benue State security operation/task force established to tackle insecurity, particularly attacks, communal violence, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
It operates as part of the state’s broader security architecture and involves personnel drawn from security agencies. Its activities can include patrols, clearance operations, arrests and interventions in conflict-prone communities.
From Wounded Colonel to Army Chief: The Battle Story Behind the Waidi Shaibu Critical Care Centre
From Wounded Colonel to Army Chief: The Battle Story Behind the Waidi Shaibu Critical Care Centre
By Zagazola Makama
There are military buildings that are commissioned as infrastructure. There are others that become symbols. The newly commissioned Waidi Shaibu Critical Care Centre at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, belongs to the second category.
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Its name is not simply an honour attached to the office of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu. It carries a deeply personal story, a story of a soldier who, years before rising to the highest professional appointment in the Nigerian Army, was himself brought into the same hospital as a wounded officer after surviving one of the dangerous encounters of the counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.
It is, in many ways, a story about a soldier who once needed critical care and who, years later, returned to commission a facility designed to give other soldiers the care he once received.
That is what makes the centre different. It is a monument to combat medicine, sacrifice, survival and the bond between a soldier and the institution he serves. Before the stars, there was the battlefield
Long before the stars of a Lieutenant General adorned his shoulders, Waidi Shaibu was a field commander. He was known among soldiers as the “Bush Colonel” a description that came not from public relations but from the habits of a commander who was willing to go where his soldiers were.
Its name is not simply an honour attached to the office of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu. It carries a deeply personal story, a story of a soldier who, years before rising to the highest professional appointment in the Nigerian Army, was himself brought into the same hospital as a wounded officer after surviving one of the dangerous encounters of the counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.
It is, in many ways, a story about a soldier who once needed critical care and who, years later, returned to commission a facility designed to give other soldiers the care he once received.
That is what makes the centre different. It is a monument to combat medicine, sacrifice, survival and the bond between a soldier and the institution he serves. Before the stars, there was the battlefield
Long before the stars of a Lieutenant General adorned his shoulders, Waidi Shaibu was a field commander. He was known among soldiers as the “Bush Colonel” a description that came not from public relations but from the habits of a commander who was willing to go where his soldiers were.
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As a Colonel commanding 243 Battalion, under the then Brigade Commander, Brigadier General M.A. Yekini, Shaibu operated in one of the most unforgiving environments of the North-East: the Lake Chad basin. The period was marked by intense insurgent activity, fluid battle lines and the relentless contest for territory between Nigerian troops and Boko Haram fighters, whose operations would later evolve into the complex threat posed by ISWAP and other factions.
The soldiers of 243 Battalion were deployed across difficult terrain, holding positions around Bagadaza, Zannari, New Marte and other fringes of the Lake Chad basin. The battlefield was not a conventional one. There were no clearly defined front lines. The enemy moved through islands, waterways, marshes, bushes and settlements. A commander could be required to move from one position to another through terrain where roads simply did not exist.
And Shaibu went there.
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In one of the most dangerous episodes recalled by soldiers who served with him, troops were positioned around Monguno during a period of intense insurgent activity. MNJTF troops had already been dislodged from some positions and were temporarily concentrated around FGGC Monguno, awaiting further operational planning for the recapture of Baga.
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The insurgents were simultaneously attempting to regain ground and were being sighted around areas close to Monguno, including the Kekeno axis. The troops were deployed around the northern outskirts of Monguno, along the direction of Marte. Then came the sound every soldier knows. Rapid gunfire. Initially, the troops believed it was another fire mission or engagement somewhere around the area. But the situation was more serious. The terrorists had infiltrated into Monguno. Reinforcements were called. Among those responding was the commander of 243 Battalion. As usual, Shaibu swiftly moved towards the fire. It was the kind of decision that defined his reputation as the Bush Colonel. He did not command from a distance.
He led from the from front without minding for his personal safety.
In the ensuing engagement, the commander himself was wounded in the leg. But he never retreated. The Brigade Commander was also reportedly wounded in the during the fighting. Several terrorists were killed, while Nigerian troops held their positions despite the difficult circumstances and declining morale.
At that time, the security situation was so precarious that Monguno and Tunkushe were among the critical positions still holding out.
For the troops who bore the weight of the battle, the episode was not merely another entry in an operational log. It was survival.
The man who had spent years moving through battlefields was suddenly on the other side of the military medical system. He became a patient. He was admitted to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna for treatment of his battlefield injuries. That experience would later give a completely different meaning to the hospital.
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A soldier who has never been wounded can understand the importance of military medicine.
A soldier who has been wounded understands it differently. He knows what it means to be carried away from a battlefield. He knows what it means for a medical team to fight for a wounded soldier’s life after the shooting has stopped.
He knows that survival on the battlefield does not end when the enemy is defeated.Sometimes, the second battle begins inside the hospital.
But Monguno was only one chapter in the story of Shaibu’s relationship with the battlefield.
His reputation was built across the difficult terrain of the Lake Chad region. As a commander, he was known for personally visiting troops in locations where many commanders would have relied entirely on reports. On one occasion, soldiers recalled, he moved towards Bagadaza when vehicles could no longer cross the terrain. The troops had to advance through the waterways of Lake Chad.
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The mission took them towards Kirta Wulgo, a border community between Nigeria- Cameroon and Chad. It was not an operation that could be measured simply in kilometres. The soldiers spent days on the water. Food and drinking water ran out. The terrain became increasingly hostile. At some points, the troops encountered stretches of water deep enough to swallow a human being. At other points, they had to walk through clay and marshy ground. Exhaustion set in. Thirst became as dangerous as the enemy.
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The soldiers began drinking dirty water, using pieces of their singlets to strain it. Yet they continued. There was no easy withdrawal.
The mission had to be completed. When the soldier becomes the lifeline. At some point during the operation, an aircraft call sign, “Agressor,” was brought into the operation.
The air support delivered bombs against suspected enemy positions. The troops led by the Commander then advanced to clear the area. Many Boko Haram fighters were killed and informants were captured. But the victory came at a cost.The soldiers were exhausted and hungry. No elaborate logistics. No comfort. Just soldiers, and the determination to finish the mission.
The following morning, they withdrew towards Daban Masara, fighting and clearing their way through the waterways. The journey from Kirta Wulgo to Daban Masara reportedly took about two and a half hours through difficult water terrain. For the troops who witnessed it firsthand, such experiences are rarely seen by the public.
The Nigerian public sees the uniform. It sees the medals. It sees the ceremonial parade. But it does not always see the sacrifice behind the uniform.
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Shaibu’s soldiers remember him as an officer who repeatedly accepted operational risks.
At the time, he was among the commanders who routinely moved around the theatre with a small combat element, including two gun trucks and an armoured personnel carrier, visiting positions across difficult terrain. The troops of 243 Battalion were holding a chain of difficult positions around the Lake Chad fringes.
From Wulgo towards Bagadaza, movement often meant navigating bush tracks rather than conventional roads. The commander was expected to make decisions based on reports.
But Shaibu often wanted to see the battlefield himself. That habit came with risks. It also built confidence.
From a wounded Colonel who commanded 243 Battalion, to the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Bama, as a Brigadier General, to General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division and Commander, Sector 1, Operation Hadin Kai, as a Major General, and later Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai. Years on, the wounded Colonel rose through the ranks to become the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army.
The battlefield changed. The rank changed. The responsibilities multiplied. But one thing remained constant: the welfare of the soldier. That is why the commissioning of the Waidi Shaibu Critical Care Centre carries such symbolism. The officer whose leg was once treated after a battlefield injury now stands at the head of an institution commissioning a facility designed to save the lives of other wounded soldiers. The story has come full circle. He once arrived at 44 NARH as a patient. He has now returned as Chief of Army Staff to commission a critical-care facility.
The Critical Care Centre is therefore more than a new medical structure. It represents an institutional understanding that the soldier who goes to war must never be abandoned after he is wounded. The centre is designed to provide specialised care for trauma, intensive care and complex medical conditions.
Its significance is amplified by the newly commissioned helipad at the hospital, which is intended to facilitate rapid evacuation of critically injured personnel directly from operational theatres to definitive medical care.
For the men at arms operating in the North-East, North-West and North-Central theatres, the difference between life and death can sometimes be measured in minutes. A wounded soldier does not need only courage. He needs a system capable of reaching him quickly, stabilising him and giving him definitive treatment.
The helipad strengthens that chain. The Critical Care Centre strengthens the next link. Together, they represent a more complete combat medical support architecture.
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Shaibu’s own experience makes the philosophy behind the investment particularly powerful.
He knows what it means to be wounded. He knows what it means to depend on medical personnel after combat. He knows that the battlefield does not end at the point where a soldier is evacuated. And he knows that the confidence of soldiers depends partly on whether they believe that the institution will stand by them when they are at their most vulnerable.
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That is why his message at the commissioning was larger than infrastructure. He described healthcare as part of combat effectiveness and troop morale. The logic is simple: A soldier who knows he will be cared for fights with greater confidence. A name that tells a story There is a deeper reason why the name Waidi Shaibu Critical Care Centre resonates. It tells the story of an institution recognising one of its own.
Not merely a General. Not merely a Chief of Army Staff. But a soldier who once lay on a hospital bed after being wounded while leading troops in combat. The name therefore carries a message to every Nigerian soldier who may one day need the facility:
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The man whose name is on this building once needed the same care you may need. That is perhaps the most powerful meaning of the centre. It connects the commander to the ordinary soldier. It connects the battlefield to the hospital. It connects sacrifice to recovery.
And it connects the past to the future. The invisible army behind the Army
There is another group whose story is embedded in the centre: military doctors, nurses, anaesthetists, surgeons, laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, technicians, ambulance crews and every medical worker who keeps wounded soldiers alive.
They constitute an often-invisible component of combat power. When bullets are flying, the combat soldier is visible. When the wounded arrive, the medical soldier takes over the fight.
The weapons are different. The mission is the same. That is why modern armies increasingly treat combat medical support not as an auxiliary service but as an essential component of operational effectiveness. The Critical Care Centre is an expression of that philosophy.
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The story of Shaibu’s injury is therefore not simply a story of personal survival. It is part of the larger story of Nigerian soldiers who have endured years of fighting across the North-East.
The hospital represents the other side of that story the side that says that when soldiers are wounded, everything possible must be done to bring them home.
The most enduring legacy of a military commander is rarely found in the number of ceremonies he attends or the number of buildings commissioned.It is found in the lives touched by his decisions. Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Critical Care Centre offers an unusually personal legacy. It bears the name of a man who knows the cost of war, who was once carried from a battlefield after being wounded.
That is the story behind the name. And that may be the most fitting tribute of all.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and a Security Analyst in the Lake Chad had Region
Sporadic gunfire sparks panic near Kantoma boundary in Plateau
Sporadic gunfire sparks panic near Kantoma boundary in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Sporadic gunfire near the Kantoma boundary in Plateau State has caused panic among residents, prompting troops to heighten security in the area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, when troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, deployed at Kantoma responded to reports of sporadic firing in the area.
The gunshots reportedly caused panic among residents in the general area.
The troops moved to the location but were unable to establish contact with the gunmen, who had apparently fled before their arrival.
Neighbouring troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace, were alerted and provided with information about the incident.
The troops have since been placed on maximum alert to prevent any possible attack and respond promptly to further threats in the area.
Troops foil attack on Rim community, three killed in Gwarim, Plateau
Troops foil attack on Rim community, three killed in Gwarim, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Nigerian troops have foiled an attack on Rim community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, while three residents were reportedly killed in a separate incident at nearby Gwarim community.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Tuesday, Aug. 25, when troops deployed in the area responded to an attack on Rim community at about 6:08 p.m.
The troops engaged the attackers and successfully repelled the assault without any casualty among the personnel or members of the community.
However, at about 6:46 p.m., the troops responded to another report of gunfire at Gwarim community, also in Riyom LGA.
On arrival at the location, the troops discovered the bodies of three residents who had been killed while reportedly keeping watch in the bush outside the community.
The corpses of the victims were recovered and subsequently handed over to members of the community for further necessary action.
The troops have since intensified patrols and are dominating the area in an effort to locate and apprehend the perpetrators.
The latest incidents come amid heightened security concerns in parts of Plateau State, particularly communities around Riyom and neighbouring areas.
Troops foil mob action, rescue suspected motorcycle snatcher in Plateau
Troops foil mob action, rescue suspected motorcycle snatcher in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5, Sub-Sector 51, have foiled an attempt by a mob to lynch a suspected motorcycle snatcher at Daffo Market in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, following a report of motorcycle theft at the market.
The troops immediately responded to the distress call and, on arrival, found the suspect in the hands of an angry mob who were about to lynch him.
The troops brought the situation under control and rescued the suspect, who had sustained injuries during the incident.
He was subsequently evacuated to a hospital for medical attention.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to identify the owner of the recovered motorcycle to facilitate further necessary action.
The intervention underscores the security forces’ continued efforts to prevent jungle justice and ensure that suspects are subjected to due process
Gunmen suspected to be locals kill motorcycle rider along Matelem-Ndung road in Plateau
Gunmen suspected to be locals kill motorcycle rider along Matelem-Ndung road in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be locals have killed a man identified as Mr Danladi Idi Dakum while riding his motorcycle along the Matelem-Ndung road in Tangur District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, when troops of Sector 5 deployed at Matelem responded to a report of an attack along the road.
The victim was reportedly attacked by motorcycle snatchers while travelling on his motorcycle at the late hour. The troops arrived at the location and found the victim’s body.
The corpse was subsequently evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and further necessary action.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing by the security forces to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Troops recover cow after suspected destruction of farmlands in Plateau
Troops recover cow after suspected destruction of farmlands in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace, have recovered a cow after responding to a report of alleged farmland destruction in Razat Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:10 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, when troops deployed at Kurra Falls responded to the report.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops found cows grazing on the farmlands, while the herders reportedly fled after sighting the security personnel.
The herders abandoned one of the cows at the scene, which was recovered by the troops and moved to their location.
The recovered animal was taken to the troops’ location to facilitate an amicable resolution of the matter between the parties involved.
Efforts are ongoing to address the incident and prevent further escalation between farmers and herders in the area.
Troops discover illegal crude oil refining materials in Rivers forest
Troops discover illegal crude oil refining materials in Rivers forest
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have discovered equipment and 3,120 litres of stolen crude oil in the Okarki Forest in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The discovery was made on Aug. 25, 2026, between 10:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. during an anti-illegal bunkering operation conducted by the troops.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops discovered eight drum ovens, two coolants, three drum reservoirs, four iron buckets and four metal pipes estimated to be about 200 metres long.
The troops also recovered 78 sacks containing stolen crude oil, estimated at 3,120 litres.
The items were discovered concealed within the forest and are believed to have been used for illegal oil processing activities.
The recovered materials were handled in line with the mandate and operational procedures of Operation Delta Safe.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt illegal oil bunkering, crude oil theft and other activities undermining Nigeria’s oil-producing communities and economy.
Troops arrest 10 suspected illegal miners, seize 21,000 bags of black sand in Bayelsa
Troops arrest 10 suspected illegal miners, seize 21,000 bags of black sand in Bayelsa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 343 Artillery Regiment, Nigerian Army, have intercepted two tugboats and barges conveying a total of 21,000 bags of suspected illegally mined ilmenite sand, popularly known as black sand, in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The operations were conducted between Aug. 24 and 25, 2026, during ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining and other economic crimes within the area of responsibility.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that at about 11:45 p.m. on Aug. 24, troops intercepted a tugboat and barge loaded with 11,500 bags of suspected illegally mined black sand around the Nembe general area.
Six suspects were arrested in connection with the consignment.
In a related operation at about 9:35 a.m. on Aug. 25, the troops intercepted another tugboat and barge carrying 9,500 bags of suspected illegally mined black sand within their area of responsibility.
Four additional suspects were arrested during the operation.
The total of 10 suspects and the recovered consignments were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police, Nembe Division, for further investigation and necessary action.
The operations form part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb illegal mining activities and protect the country’s natural resources.
OPWS troops arrest four suspected drug peddlers, recover illicit substances in Nasarawa
OPWS troops arrest four suspected drug peddlers, recover illicit substances in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested four suspected drug peddlers and recovered suspected illicit substances and ₦225,000 in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The suspects were apprehended at about 3 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2026, at Upoversea Street, Mararaba Udege, during an operation by the troops.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops recovered 148 grammes of suspected cannabis, alongside quantities of tramadol, Rohypnol and methamphetamine from the suspects.
The troops also recovered ₦225,000 in cash and other sundry items during the operation.
The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nasarawa State Command, for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt the distribution of illicit drugs and other criminal activities in the state.
Operation Savannah Shield troops foil attempted kidnapping of farmers in Niger
Operation Savannah Shield troops foil attempted kidnapping of farmers in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Savannah Shield have foiled an attempt by suspected terrorists to kidnap farmers at their farmlands in Tudun Harara village, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 25, 2026, when troops of the NATRAC Administrative Battalion, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kotonkoro, responded to a distress report on the attempted abduction.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops engaged the terrorists upon arrival, forcing them to withdraw into the surrounding forest.
During the encounter, the fleeing terrorists abandoned a motorcycle, which was recovered by the troops.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to protect farming communities and deny criminal elements freedom of action across Niger State.
Troops repel terrorists’ attacks on Sifawa barracks, communities in Sokoto
Troops repel terrorists’ attacks on Sifawa barracks, communities in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 28 Special Forces Brigade have repelled an attempted attack by a large number of terrorists targeting a military barracks and two communities in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident occurred at about 9:20 a.m. on Aug. 26, 2026, when troops of the brigade deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Sifawa, in conjunction with personnel from FOB Shagari, 8 Division Strike Team and Mobile Strike Team, responded to intelligence on the movement of the terrorists around Dandin Mahe and Danchadi villages.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops made contact with the terrorists as they attempted to attack Sifawa Barracks and simultaneously launch assaults on Badau and Danchadi communities in the same local government area.
The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing them to withdraw from the area.
However, one soldier was killed in action during the encounter. His remains were evacuated to the morgue of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.
The sources added that two tyres of an Armoured Personnel Carrier were damaged during the engagement, while the fuel tank and side mirrors of a Buffalo General Transport vehicle were also destroyed.
The troops subsequently maintained their presence in the area and continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists.
IEDs: The hidden battlefield putting Nigeria’s civilians at risk
IEDs: The hidden battlefield putting Nigeria’s civilians at risk
As explosive devices increasingly threaten farmers, commuters and communities, security agencies, government and citizens must unite to defeat the growing danger
By Zagazola Makama
The improvised explosive device (IED) has emerged as one of the most persistent and indiscriminate threats confronting communities affected by insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria.
Once largely associated with attacks on military patrols and security formations, IEDs are increasingly being used to target the civilian population, turning roads, farmlands, markets and other public spaces into potential danger zones. Recent incidents across the country have once again highlighted the seriousness of the threat.
In one such incident in Zamfara State, troops responding to an explosion along the Gurusu–Gwashi road in Bukuyyum Local Government Area discovered that a motorcycle had triggered an IED, resulting in the deaths of two civilians. The incident reminds us that the threat is no longer confined to soldiers operating in conflict zones.
Farmers travelling to their fields, traders moving between communities, passengers using rural roads and residents going about their daily activities can all become unintended victims of explosive devices planted by terrorists and other criminal elements.
The danger posed by IEDs lies largely in their unpredictability. Unlike conventional attacks, an explosive device can remain hidden until an unsuspecting person or vehicle encounters it. This makes the threat particularly difficult for ordinary citizens who may have no knowledge that an area has been contaminated.
The consequences extend beyond loss of lives.
IED incidents can disrupt farming activities, restrict movement, damage vehicles and infrastructure, deepen fear and undermine economic activity in communities already struggling with insecurity.
The road connecting one village to another is not merely a route. It is a lifeline to farms, markets, schools, hospitals and neighbouring communities. When such routes become associated with explosive threats, the entire local economy suffers.
The materials are often sourced locally
Several field reports have repeatedly pointed to the ability of terrorist groups to exploit materials and resources available within local environments. This makes the fight against IEDs more than a military responsibility.
It requires cooperation from communities, transporters, traders, farmers, traditional leaders, local authorities and other stakeholders who may encounter suspicious activity before security agencies do. The objective should not be for civilians to confront, touch or investigate suspected explosive devices.
The responsibility of the public is to observe, move away from danger and report. Any suspicious object, unusual activity or information suggesting that criminals are preparing an attack should be reported promptly through appropriate security channels.
In the digital space, citizens who come across credible information, suspicious activities or indications of planned attacks should equally report them to the relevant authorities rather than sharing sensitive information indiscriminately across social media. Timely information can give security forces the opportunity to prevent an attack before lives are lost.
Awareness is as important as firepower
The military has an important role to play, but defeating the IED threat requires a broader approach. Security agencies should intensify public awareness campaigns in communities where the threat is prevalent.
People need to understand that an explosive threat can exist outside a conventional battlefield and that ordinary civilians can become victims. Such awareness should be continuous and delivered in languages and formats easily understood by local communities.
Farmers, motorists, commercial transport operators, community volunteers, traditional institutions and young people should be incorporated into public safety campaigns.
Do not approach, touch, move or attempt to examine a suspicious object. Move away from the area and alert security authorities.
UNMAS and the humanitarian mine-action approach
There is also a strong case for increased collaboration with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and other appropriate mine-action and explosive-hazard management organisations. UNMAS and relevant national institutions can support broader civilian-focused awareness, risk education and appropriate non-military explosive-hazard response capabilities.
Nigeria’s response should therefore go beyond military counter-IED operations to include humanitarian protection, community education and post-incident support. Government should strengthen programmes that provide communities with the knowledge and appropriate institutional support required to live safely in areas affected by explosive hazards.
The emphasis must remain on civilian protection and professional explosive-hazard management, rather than encouraging untrained people to investigate suspected devices themselves.
Government must strengthen military capability
The Federal Government also needs to recognise that the persistent IED threat requires sustained investment. Troops operating in difficult terrain need appropriate protective equipment, mobility, surveillance and counter-IED capabilities to reduce their vulnerability and enable them to protect communities more effectively. The military cannot be expected to confront an evolving threat with inadequate resources.
Sustained funding for training, equipment, intelligence gathering, mobility and technology will strengthen the ability of security forces to detect and respond to explosive threats.
This is not simply an investment in the military.
It is an investment in civilian lives. Fix the roads, close the vulnerabilities State and local governments also have an important role.
Poorly maintained roads, isolated routes and neglected infrastructure can create security vulnerabilities that criminal groups may exploit.
Across many rural communities, damaged roads force motorists and security patrols to use predictable routes, while poor connectivity can isolate communities from security and emergency services.
Government must therefore treat rural infrastructure as part of the broader security architecture. Road rehabilitation, improved connectivity, street lighting where appropriate, functional emergency communication systems and better access to remote communities can help reduce the vulnerabilities that criminals exploit. Development and security cannot be separated in communities facing persistent violence.
Intelligence begins with the community
Perhaps the most important weapon against the IED threat is information. Security forces cannot be everywhere at every moment.
A farmer may notice an unfamiliar presence near a route. A transporter may observe suspicious activity. A resident may receive information about criminal movements. A community leader may become aware of unusual activities. Individually, such observations may appear insignificant. Collectively, however, they can become valuable intelligence.
This is why communities must see themselves not merely as victims of insecurity, but as partners in the security process. That partnership does not mean confronting terrorists or taking the law into one’s hands. It means providing timely and responsible information to security agencies.
Breaking the terrorists’ advantage
Terrorists thrive on secrecy, fear and surprise.
IEDs provide all three. They allow attackers to threaten an area without necessarily being physically present when the device detonates. They create fear long after an attack and can restrict movement even when no further attack occurs. Community awareness can help take away that advantage.
When citizens know how to respond safely to suspicious situations, when security agencies receive timely information and when government addresses the infrastructure and social conditions that criminals exploit, the space available to terrorists becomes smaller.
A collective responsibility
Nigeria’s battle against terrorism and insurgency has entered an era where the distinction between the military battlefield and civilian space is increasingly blurred. The roadside, the farm and the village pathway can all become part of the conflict environment.
That reality demands a whole-of-society response. The military must continue to strengthen counter-IED capabilities and intensify engagement with communities.
Government must provide the resources required to confront the threat and improve vulnerable infrastructure. UNMAS and other relevant partners should expand explosive-hazard awareness and humanitarian mine-action support. Traditional and religious leaders should reinforce safety messages within their communities. And citizens must remain vigilant, responsible and willing to report suspicious activities.
Civilians are not spectators in the fight against IEDs. They are among those most at risk—and their eyes, ears and timely information can help save lives. The safest response to a suspected explosive device is never curiosity or confrontation.
See something suspicious? Keep your distance, warn others away where it is safe to do so, and report it immediately to the appropriate security authorities. In the fight against IEDs, one timely report can make the difference between an incident and a tragedy.
IED explosion kills two civilians along Gurusu–Gwashi road in Zamfara
IED explosion kills two civilians along Gurusu–Gwashi road in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
An improvised explosive device (IED) explosion has killed two persons along the Gurusu–Gwashi road in Bukuyyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The incident occurred at about 8:04 a.m. on Aug. 26, 2026, when troops of 1 Brigade deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gwashi responded to reports of an IED explosion along the road.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that preliminary findings indicated that a motorcycle (MC) had triggered the explosive device.
The blast resulted in the deaths of a male and a female, whose remains were recovered from the scene.
The bodies were evacuated to Bukuyyum General Hospital for further necessary action.
Following the incident, the troops continued to dominate the general area to prevent further attacks and deny terrorists freedom of action.
The incident highlights the continued threat posed by explosive devices along roads frequently used by civilians and security forces in parts of Zamfara State.
IED explosion kills two civilians along Gurusu–Gwashi road in Zamfara
IED explosion kills two civilians along Gurusu–Gwashi road in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
An improvised explosive device (IED) explosion has killed two persons along the Gurusu–Gwashi road in Bukuyyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The incident occurred at about 8:04 a.m. on Aug. 26, 2026, when troops of 1 Brigade deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gwashi responded to reports of an IED explosion along the road.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that preliminary findings indicated that a motorcycle (MC) had triggered the explosive device.
The blast resulted in the deaths of a male and a female, whose remains were recovered from the scene.
The bodies were evacuated to Bukuyyum General Hospital for further necessary action.
Following the incident, the troops continued to dominate the general area to prevent further attacks and deny terrorists freedom of action.
The incident highlights the continued threat posed by explosive devices along roads frequently used by civilians and security forces in parts of Zamfara State.
Army troops recover 97 rustled livestock, hand them over to owners in Kano
Army troops recover 97 rustled livestock, hand them over to owners in Kano
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Division, Nigerian Army, have recovered 97 rustled livestock from suspected terrorists in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State.
The operation was conducted at about 10:50 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2026, following a report of terrorist activities in Mai Nika Ward of the local government area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops engaged the terrorists upon arrival, forcing them to flee and abandon 67 rustled livestock.
The troops subsequently conducted further exploitation of the area and recovered an additional 27 livestock.
The recovered animals, totalling 97, were later handed over to their owners in the presence of the Local Government Chairman and representatives of other security agencies.
The operation underscores ongoing efforts by security forces to protect rural communities, recover stolen property and deny criminal elements freedom of action across the 1 Division area of responsibility.
Operation Fansan Yamma troops foil ransom exchange, rescue kidnapped woman in Kebbi
Operation Fansan Yamma troops foil ransom exchange, rescue kidnapped woman in Kebbi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued a kidnapped woman and disrupted a planned ransom exchange in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The troops, conducting counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations in the state, carried out the successful operation on Aug. 26, 2026, following credible intelligence on the planned ransom payment.
Zagazola Makama gathered from security sources that the victim had been abducted from her farm sometime last month, while the criminals were preparing to collect ransom in exchange for her release.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops swiftly mobilised to intercept the transaction.
Sources said the criminals attempted to engage the advancing troops after sighting them but were overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower.
The bandits subsequently fled in disarray, abandoning the hostage, who was immediately secured by the troops.
The victim was found unharmed and later transported to safety before being reunited with her family in Danko-Wasagu LGA.
Following the rescue, the troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the withdrawal route to ensure that the area was fully secured before returning to base.
In a related operation, the troops also conducted clearance and dominance patrols in Ngaski Local Government Area as part of efforts to maintain peace and deny criminal elements freedom of movement.
The patrols were completed without incident, further strengthening security presence and reassuring residents in the affected communities.
COAS Shaibu honoured for advancing defence research, innovation
COAS Shaibu honoured for advancing defence research, innovation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has received the Distinguished Personality Award for his contributions to defence research and innovation.
Shaibu was honoured on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, at the National Defence College (NDC) Course 34 Graduation Dinner and Awards Night in Abuja.
The award recognised his support for defence research and innovation, particularly efforts aimed at improving military operations and developing the capabilities of the Nigerian Army.
According to the organisers, the recognition also reflects the COAS’ commitment to leveraging research, operational experience and innovation to strengthen military decision-making and improve the Army’s response to emerging security challenges.
The ceremony was attended by Service Chiefs, senior military officers, members of the Federal Executive Council and other national security stakeholders.
It also marked the successful completion of NDC Course 34 and highlighted the importance of professional military education, defence research and inter-service cooperation in protecting Nigeria’s national interests.
The recognition further underscores Lt. Gen. Shaibu’s efforts to build a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient Nigerian Army.
It is also expected to encourage stronger collaboration between operational formations and defence research institutions in developing practical responses to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Troops conduct wet-season clearance patrols across communities in Yobe
Troops conduct wet-season clearance patrols across communities in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intensified wet-season clearance operations across several communities in Yobe State, engaging residents and conducting patrols to gather information on the activities of suspected terrorists.
The operations were conducted on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, by troops of the 233 Tank Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Babangida, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
According to sources, the first patrol comprised 23 soldiers and CJTF personnel mounted on three gun trucks.
The troops conducted clearance operations around Jallingo, Mongono and Dushi villages, where they interacted with local residents, community leaders, farmers and herders.
The engagements were aimed at obtaining information on suspected terrorist activities and movements within the communities.
The troops, however, made no contact with terrorists during the operation and returned to base at about 3:01 p.m.
In a separate operation, the battalion’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF), comprising 24 soldiers mounted on two gun trucks, conducted another patrol from about 9 a.m.
The patrol covered Kalalawa, Jolowa, Ngarbiya and Sindiri villages, as well as sections of the Damaturu–Sasawa road axis.
The troops dominated the general area through a combination of mounted and dismounted patrols, maintaining security presence along the communities and road corridors.
No contact with terrorists was recorded during the second operation, with the troops returning to base at about 3:30 p.m.
The sustained patrols are part of Operation Hadin Kai’s wet-season clearance operations aimed at denying terrorist elements freedom of movement, protecting communities and maintaining security along key routes in the North-East.
The military said troops also continued to leverage interactions with farmers, herders and community leaders to strengthen intelligence gathering and early warning mechanisms.
The general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
Troops conduct wet-season clearance patrols across communities in Yobe
Troops conduct wet-season clearance patrols across communities in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intensified wet-season clearance operations across several communities in Yobe State, engaging residents and conducting patrols to gather information on the activities of suspected terrorists.
The operations were conducted on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, by troops of the 233 Tank Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Babangida, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
According to sources, the first patrol comprised 23 soldiers and CJTF personnel mounted on three gun trucks.
The troops conducted clearance operations around Jallingo, Mongono and Dushi villages, where they interacted with local residents, community leaders, farmers and herders.
The engagements were aimed at obtaining information on suspected terrorist activities and movements within the communities.
The troops, however, made no contact with terrorists during the operation and returned to base at about 3:01 p.m.
In a separate operation, the battalion’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF), comprising 24 soldiers mounted on two gun trucks, conducted another patrol from about 9 a.m.
The patrol covered Kalalawa, Jolowa, Ngarbiya and Sindiri villages, as well as sections of the Damaturu–Sasawa road axis.
The troops dominated the general area through a combination of mounted and dismounted patrols, maintaining security presence along the communities and road corridors.
No contact with terrorists was recorded during the second operation, with the troops returning to base at about 3:30 p.m.
The sustained patrols are part of Operation Hadin Kai’s wet-season clearance operations aimed at denying terrorist elements freedom of movement, protecting communities and maintaining security along key routes in the North-East.
The military said troops also continued to leverage interactions with farmers, herders and community leaders to strengthen intelligence gathering and early warning mechanisms.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member, recover image of armed men in Borno
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member, recover image of armed men in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operative in Mairari town, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspect, identified as Bubba Hamadu, 25, was arrested at about 2:22 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, by troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari alongside CJTF members.
According to sources the suspect was subjected to preliminary interrogation following his arrest.
During the process, security personnel reportedly discovered a photograph on his mobile phone showing the suspect alongside unidentified individuals carrying AK-47 rifles.
The discovery raised suspicion about the suspect’s possible links with ISWAP elements operating within the area.
Items recovered from him included one Tecno mobile phone, an umbrella, an arrow, prayer beads, a mirror and an eye drop.
The military said Hamadu had been transferred into the custody of Headquarters Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai, for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-led operations by troops and local security partners aimed at identifying and disrupting terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
Security forces have continued to rely on community-based intelligence, patrols and targeted arrests to identify suspected terrorists and facilitators in areas affected by insurgency.
The military said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
Troops discover detonated IED along Dikwa–Marte road in Borno
Troops discover detonated IED along Dikwa–Marte road in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have discovered a detonated improvised explosive device (IED) along the Dikwa–Marte road in Borno State, following an explosion reported on the route.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, Aug. 25, 2026, when troops of the 50 Task Force Battalion conducting picketing and route-scanning patrols along the Dikwa–Marte Main Supply Route (MSR) discovered the remains of the explosive device.
Military sources said that the discovery was made at about 10:30 a.m., following the sound of an IED explosion at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24.
The troops reportedly found the detonated IED primed on the carcass of an abandoned vehicle close to the bridge along the route.
The discovery highlights the continuing threat posed by explosive devices to troops and other road users along major routes in Borno State, where terrorists have previously used IEDs to target military patrols and restrict movement.
The troops immediately secured the area and commenced necessary security measures to prevent further threats along the route.
The sources said the general security situation across the Operation Hadin Kai theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
Operation Hadin Kai troops continue to conduct route-clearance, surveillance and offensive operations aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of movement and protecting major supply routes across the North-East.
Operation Hadin Kai airstrikes neutralise four ISWAP terrorists, destroy 12 boats in Borno
Operation Hadin Kai airstrikes neutralise four ISWAP terrorists, destroy 12 boats in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Precision Airstrikes under Operation Hadin Kai on suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists around Kangarwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, have neutralized several terrorists and destroying 12 logistics boats.
The operation, according to a military sources on Wednesday, was conducted after an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission detected a large concentration of terrorist logistics boats along the riverbank around Kangarwa.
The sources said the operation was carried out at about 12:55 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, following the sighting of 44 terrorist logistics boats positioned along the riverbank at coordinates around 13.266255°N, 13.657312°E.
It said the initial strike was conducted by Nigerian Air Force aircraft, identified in the report as the “Phantoms,” targeting the terrorist logistics boats.
Following the initial engagement, another aircraft conducting an armed reconnaissance mission, remained overhead and observed terrorists attempting to salvage and load some of the damaged logistics boats.
According to the military, the fighting aircraft subsequently conducted a precision strike against terrorists gathered around a larger cluster of the boats.
“Battle damage assessment showed four terrorists neutralised and 12 terrorist logistics boats destroyed,” the report stated.
The operation was part of ongoing air-ground efforts by troops of Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt terrorist movements, logistics and freedom of action within the Lake Chad Basin.
The destruction of the boats is considered significant as waterways in the Lake Chad region are frequently used by terrorist groups to move personnel, weapons, food supplies and other logistics between their operating locations.
The military said the aircraft crew remained overhead after the strike to monitor further movements in the area and provide continued surveillance.
The latest operation comes amid sustained military pressure against terrorist elements operating in Borno and surrounding areas, with the Nigerian military employing coordinated intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and precision air operations to degrade terrorist capabilities.
The military said operations would continue to deny terrorist groups access to critical routes and logistics networks while supporting ongoing ground operations against their formations in the North-East.
Troops intervene as cattle graze on farmlands in Plateau
Troops intervene as cattle graze on farmlands in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Bokkos, have intervened following a report of alleged farm destruction in Butura Gida, Kunet and Mabel villages in Butura District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According sources, the troops responded to the incident at about 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, following a report of suspected farm destruction in the affected communities.
Upon arrival at the locations, the troops intercepted a herd of cattle grazing on farmlands in the area.
The livestock were subsequently moved to a safe location, while the affected farmers and herders were invited by the security personnel for an amicable resolution of the dispute.
The intervention was aimed at preventing the situation from escalating and maintaining peace between the farming and herding communities.
Two fulani herders arrested after attack on farmers in Plateau
Two fulani herders arrested after attack on farmers in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed at Sabon Layi under Operation Hard Knock, have arrested two suspected herders following an alleged attack on residents harvesting crops in Sabon Layi village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to sources, the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, when the troops responded to a distress call over an attack allegedly carried out by Fulani herders.
The sources said that upon arrival at the location, the troops found an elderly woman with injuries sustained during the incident.
The troops arrested two suspected herders, while other members of the group reportedly fled the area.
The injured woman was evacuated to the Missionary Hospital in Sabon Layi for medical attention.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Keystone Mangu Divisional Police Command for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Security forces are continuing efforts to maintain peace and prevent further escalation in the area.
Gunmen abduct man at residence in Plateau
Gunmen abduct man at residence in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3 Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have launched a search operation following the abduction of a man, Mr Ndubisi Onuigbo, at Angwan Kaji Village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to sources, the incident occurred at about 8:21 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, when the victim was reportedly ambushed by unidentified gunmen at the entrance to his residence.
The sources said troops responded to the distress call and proceeded to the location, where they confirmed that the victim had been kidnapped.
The troops, alongside personnel from other security agencies, immediately commenced a search and rescue operation in the general area in an effort to locate the victim and track down the perpetrators.
However, no contact was established with the kidnappers during the initial search.
Security forces have continued efforts to trace the abductors and rescue the victim, while surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations are ongoing in the area.
Berom militia allegedly kill 21 cows in targeted attack in Riyom, Plateau
Berom militia allegedly kill 21 cows in targeted attack in Riyom, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Twenty-one cows belonging to a herder have allegedly been killed by suspected Berom militia in targeted attack in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, in the Bangai area of Riyom.
The livestock were said to belong to Alhaji Jeji Abdullahi, a resident of Bangai Village.
Sources said the animals were allegedly killed by armed men identified as Berom militia from Torok Village.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of pastoralists and their livestock in parts of Riyom, amid recurring tensions between farming and herding communities.
The development is also likely to heighten concerns over the destruction of livelihoods and the potential for retaliatory attacks if not promptly addressed by security authorities.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and take appropriate legal action to prevent further escalation.
Community leaders have also been urged to encourage restraint and peaceful resolution of disputes while authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing of the livestock.
Troops Avert Protest Over Farm Destruction in Kaduna Community
Troops Avert Protest Over Farm Destruction in Kaduna Community
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have averted a possible breakdown of law and order following growing tension over the alleged destruction of farms and crops in Fido community, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Zagazola Media Network gathered that the incident occurred on August 24, 2026, when troops responded to a report of farm destruction in the community.
Upon arrival, the troops found residents aggrieved over the alleged continuous destruction of their farms and crops by suspected Fulani herders.
The aggrieved community members were reportedly mobilising to stage a protest and demand the immediate vacation of the Fulani herders from the community.
However, the prompt intervention of the troops helped to calm the situation and restore normalcy, preventing the dispute from escalating into a wider confrontation.
Following the intervention, the Village Head, Mr. Zakka Deyeri, and the Fulani Ardo, Umaru Kagoma, were invited to the headquarters of Sector 7 for a peace meeting.
During the meeting, both parties discussed the issues surrounding the dispute and reached an amicable resolution aimed at maintaining peace and preventing further escalation.
Security personnel have since intensified patrols around strategic locations and identified flashpoints within the area of responsibility to deter criminal elements and prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
Farmer-Herder Clash Claims One Life in Kaduna Community
Farmer-Herder Clash Claims One Life in Kaduna Community
By Zagazola Makama
A farmer-herder clash at Rafin Dadi, Kaninkon, in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has left one person dead following an attack allegedly involving Fulani herders armed with cutlasses and sticks.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on August 24, 2026, when troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to a distress report in the area.
Upon arrival, the troops discovered that a resident of Rafin Dadi, identified as Mr. Reuben Akawu, had sustained serious injuries after allegedly being attacked by Fulani herders armed with cutlasses and sticks.
Akawu was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Kafanchan, for medical attention but later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the incident, members of the deceased’s family and other Fulani residents reportedly pledged N197,000 to the family to support burial expenses.
Security personnel subsequently arrested one of the suspects, identified as 20-year-old Gambo Ibrahim.
Efforts are ongoing by the troops, in collaboration with Keystone Kafanchan, to track and apprehend other suspects who fled the area following the incident.
The arrested suspect is expected to be handed over to Keystone Kafanchan for further investigation and prosecution.
Security personnel have continued to monitor the area to prevent further escalation and maintain peace between the affected communities.
Authorities have also urged residents to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions that could further heighten tensions in the community.
Troops Recover Three Rustled Cattle in Plateau, Hunt Suspected Herder
Troops Recover Three Rustled Cattle in Plateau, Hunt Suspected Herder
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have recovered three cattle out of 60 rustled animals belonging to a resident of Amnat village in Mupun District of Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola that the incident occurred on August 23, 2026, when troops deployed under Operation HARD KNOCK responded to a report of cattle rustling involving 60 cattle belonging to one Homfrey Jigo.
Following the report, the troops immediately commenced search-and-recovery operations to trace the stolen livestock.
The troops subsequently tracked the footprints of the cattle to Lawet/Lamor Fulani camps in Pushit District, where three of the rustled cattle were found at the residence of one Nuru Yajako, a herder who was not present at the time of the operation.
The recovered cattle were subsequently taken into custody and handed over to the owner.
Security personnel have intensified efforts to apprehend Yajako and recover the remaining 57 cattle still missing.
The operation is part of ongoing security efforts to tackle cattle rustling and other forms of criminality in Plateau State while protecting the livelihoods of farmers and livestock owners.
Security sources said efforts would continue until the remaining cattle are recovered and those responsible for the incident are brought to justice.
Troops Foil Armed Robbery Attack, Rescue Two Locals in Plateau
Troops Foil Armed Robbery Attack, Rescue Two Locals in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attempted armed robbery attack along the Apel-Jipun road in Pushit District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on August 23, 2026, when troops responded to reports of gunshots allegedly fired by suspected armed robbers along the highway.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the area, forcing the gunmen to abandon their operation and flee into the surrounding area.
During the subsequent search of the location, the troops rescued two locals, identified as Samuel Dauda and Luka Daar, who were reportedly returning from Maraban on a motorcycle when they encountered the armed men.
Three empty cartridge cases of 7.62mm Special ammunition were recovered at the scene.
Following the incident, the troops intensified patrols along the highway and other strategic locations in the area to deter criminal elements and prevent further attacks on motorists and residents.
Security personnel have continued efforts to maintain security along the route and ensure the safety of commuters using the highway.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists, Recover AK-47, Ammunition in Zamfara
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists, Recover AK-47, Ammunition in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kaura Namoda, have arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered arms, ammunition and communication equipment during a night fighting patrol in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Tuesday, August 25, 2026, is part of sustained intelligence-led efforts by the Brigade to deny terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action within its Area of Responsibility (AoR).
Sources told Zagazola Makama that at about 1:50 a.m., troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 2, operating from FOB Kaura Namoda, encountered and apprehended two suspects during the patrol.
The suspects were identified as Jabiru Hassan, 25, and Umaru Bello, 23, both reportedly from Ilela Village in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.
Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated Dane gun, two rifle magazines and 55 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from the suspects.
Also recovered were 18 cartridges for the Dane gun, one motorcycle, two Baofeng radio sets and one mobile phone.
Other items found in their possession included two MP3 players, one camouflage vest, two jungle hats, one handbag and N44,500 in cash.
Preliminary examination of the suspects’ mobile phone reportedly revealed photographs and video materials considered potentially incriminating and of intelligence value.
The materials are currently undergoing further verification and exploitation by the appropriate authorities to determine their relevance and establish any possible links to terrorist activities within the area.
The successful operation highlights the impact of sustained fighting patrols, intelligence-led operations and the deployment of troops across vulnerable locations within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.
The recovery of weapons, ammunition, communication equipment and other military-related items is expected to further disrupt the operational activities and freedom of movement of criminal elements operating along the axis.
The Acting Commander, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Col. J. Umaru, commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and professionalism during the operation.
He charged personnel to sustain the tempo of offensive operations and remain resolute in denying terrorists and other criminal elements the opportunity to establish footholds within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.
Col. Umaru reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property while supporting efforts to restore lasting peace and security across Zamfara State.
He said the latest operational success demonstrated the Brigade’s determination to maintain operational superiority and decisively confront threats to peace and security within its Area of Responsibility.
The suspects remain in military custody for further investigation and intelligence exploitation.
Army Chief Commissions Officers’ Quarters at Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna
Army Chief Commissions Officers’ Quarters at Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday commissioned newly completed blocks of flats for officers at Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving the welfare and living conditions of its personnel and their families.
The newly completed accommodation project, initiated and constructed under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, is part of ongoing efforts to address accommodation challenges within military formations and enhance the wellbeing of personnel.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Lieutenant General Shaibu commended General Oluyede for his foresight and commitment to the provision of quality infrastructure for Nigerian Army personnel.
He said the project was consistent with the Army’s broader welfare policy, stressing that improved living conditions remained critical to boosting troops’ morale, commitment and operational effectiveness.
The COAS noted that decent accommodation was an essential component of personnel welfare, adding that officers and soldiers provided with conducive living environments would be better positioned to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with professionalism, dedication and renewed commitment.
According to him, the Nigerian Army leadership would continue to prioritise infrastructure development across its formations and units as part of measures to progressively reduce the accommodation deficit and improve the quality of life of personnel and their families.
He said, “The welfare of our personnel remains a key priority of the Nigerian Army. We will continue to invest in infrastructure, training and other welfare initiatives that will enhance the capacity and morale of our officers and soldiers.”
Following the commissioning, the COAS inspected ongoing construction of additional accommodation facilities for soldiers within Ribadu Cantonment.
Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed satisfaction with the progress and standard of work at the construction sites and directed the engineers and contractors handling the projects to maintain quality standards and ensure strict adherence to approved timelines.
He stressed that timely completion of the projects would further complement the Army’s efforts to improve living conditions for personnel and strengthen their ability to perform effectively in the field.
The Army Chief further assured officers and soldiers that Army Headquarters would sustain efforts to improve personnel welfare, infrastructure and training, describing the areas as critical enablers of operational effectiveness and institutional resilience.
He urged beneficiaries of the newly commissioned accommodation to take ownership of the facilities by ensuring proper maintenance and responsible use.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also charged the personnel to remain committed to the highest standards of discipline, professionalism and service to the nation.
The commissioning forms part of the Nigerian Army’s continuing efforts to strengthen personnel welfare while improving infrastructure across its formations in line with the leadership’s broader vision of enhancing operational readiness and institutional effectiveness.
COAS Commissions critical care centre,strengthen combat medical support in Kaduna
COAS Commissions critical care centre,strengthen combat medical support in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening military healthcare delivery as a critical component of sustaining combat effectiveness and preserving the lives of troops.
Shaibu stated this on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Kaduna while commissioning the newly completed Waidi Shaibu Critical Care Centre at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital (44 NARH).
The COAS also commissioned a modern helipad at the hospital designed to facilitate the rapid evacuation of wounded and critically ill personnel from operational theatres to definitive medical care.
He said timely access to quality healthcare remained essential to troop morale, recovery and the overall operational readiness of the Nigerian Army, particularly as personnel continue to operate in challenging environments across the country.
According to him, the newly commissioned Critical Care Centre is equipped to provide specialised treatment for trauma, intensive care and other complex medical conditions.
He said the facility would enhance the Army’s capacity to manage critically injured or ill personnel within its medical system and reduce the need for referrals outside military healthcare facilities.
“The strength of any fighting force is not measured by weapons alone, but also by the quality of care given to those who bear the burden of national security,” Shaibu said.
The Army Chief stressed that the welfare of troops remained a priority of his administration, noting that investments in modern medical infrastructure were necessary to meet contemporary operational and healthcare demands.
He said the Army would continue to upgrade medical facilities across its formations and units to ensure that personnel receive prompt, quality and specialised treatment whenever the need arises.
On the helipad, Shaibu said the facility would serve as a critical enabler for emergency medical evacuation, particularly for soldiers sustaining life-threatening injuries in operational theatres.
He explained that reducing the time between battlefield injury and definitive medical intervention could significantly improve survival and recovery outcomes.
The helipad was constructed under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff.
Shaibu commended Oluyede for his foresight and commitment to improving the welfare of troops, describing the helipad as a strategic investment that would strengthen the Army’s casualty evacuation system.
He said the facility would complement existing medical evacuation arrangements and provide a dedicated landing facility for helicopters conveying casualties directly to the 44 NARH.
The COAS subsequently charged medical personnel at the hospital to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and patient care.
He also directed relevant personnel to ensure the optimal utilisation, maintenance and operational readiness of the newly commissioned facilities.
The COAS said the Army’s investment in combat medical support was not only about treating wounded personnel but also about reinforcing the confidence of soldiers operating in high-risk environments that they would receive prompt and adequate care when injured.
The commissioning of the Critical Care Centre and helipad marks another step in the Nigerian Army’s efforts to strengthen its medical support architecture and improve the overall welfare and operational resilience of troops.
COAS Commissions Helipad To Boost Emergency Evacuation of Wounded Soldiers im Kaduna
COAS Commissions Helipad To Boost Emergency Evacuation of Wounded Soldiers im Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, commissioned a new helipad at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital (44 NARH), Kaduna, as part of efforts to strengthen emergency medical evacuation for wounded soldiers from operational theatres.
The facility is expected to significantly reduce the time required to evacuate critically wounded personnel from the frontline to definitive medical care, thereby improving their chances of survival and recovery.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Shaibu described the helipad as a strategic intervention designed to address one of the critical challenges associated with casualty evacuation during military operations.
According to him, the ability to rapidly move wounded troops from operational areas to specialised medical facilities is essential to sustaining the fighting strength and morale of personnel.
“The ability to move our wounded personnel from the frontlines to definitive medical care within the shortest possible time is non-negotiable. This helipad bridges that gap,” the COAS said.
He noted that timely medical intervention could make the difference between life and death in cases involving severe battlefield injuries.
The Army Chief said the facility would complement existing military medical evacuation arrangements and provide a dedicated landing point for helicopters transporting casualties directly to the 44 NARH.
He further emphasised that effective healthcare for wounded personnel remained a key component of operational effectiveness, adding that soldiers who risk their lives in the defence of the nation must have confidence that they would receive prompt and quality medical attention when injured.
The COAS disclosed that the helipad was initiated under the leadership of the current Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff.
Shaibu commended Oluyede for his foresight and commitment to improving the welfare of troops, describing the project as a lasting contribution to military healthcare delivery.
He said the facility demonstrated the importance of sustained investment in medical infrastructure to support troops deployed in various operational theatres across the country.
The COAS subsequently directed the medical and aviation authorities responsible for the facility to ensure its round-the-clock operational readiness.
He also charged them to maintain the helipad and associated infrastructure to the highest standards to guarantee its availability whenever emergency evacuation missions become necessary.
The commissioning comes as the Nigerian Army continues to conduct counter-insurgency and other internal security operations across the country, where troops are periodically exposed to combat-related injuries and other emergencies requiring rapid evacuation.
The 44 NARH, Kaduna, remains one of the Nigerian Army’s major referral medical facilities for the treatment and rehabilitation of military personnel.
The new helipad is therefore expected to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to receive casualties directly by air and further enhance the Army’s broader system of battlefield medical support.
Drug Barons Must Lose Their Wealth to Be Truly Defeated, Marwa Tells Cambridge Symposium
Drug Barons Must Lose Their Wealth to Be Truly Defeated, Marwa Tells Cambridge Symposium
By Zagazola Makama
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has declared that the war against drug trafficking cannot be won through arrests and convictions alone, stressing that drug barons must also be stripped of the financial resources sustaining their criminal enterprises.
Marwa made the declaration while delivering a presentation titled, “Criminal Property and the Criminal Process: How Can We Make It More Effective?” at the ongoing 43rd Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime, organised by the Centre for Geopolitics, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
The international symposium brought together judges, law enforcement chiefs, financial intelligence experts, academics and other specialists in the fight against economic and organised crime.
Marwa told the gathering that the effectiveness of the criminal justice system should not be measured solely by the number of convictions secured, but also by whether criminals are prevented from benefiting from the proceeds of their crimes.
According to him, a trafficker who loses his freedom but retains his wealth has not been completely defeated, as such resources could be deployed to finance new operations, support criminal associates and sustain the wider network.
“The ultimate objective must therefore be to deny criminals the proceeds of their crime, promptly, and lawfully while preserving the value of the property,” Marwa said.
He explained that the NDLEA had increasingly adopted financial investigations and asset recovery as a core component of its strategy against drug trafficking organisations.
The NDLEA boss likened arresting a trafficker without dismantling his financial base to “pruning a weed at the stem while leaving its roots undisturbed,” warning that illicit wealth could resurface through front companies, new identities or different jurisdictions.
Marwa outlined six practical strategies deployed by the agency to strengthen asset recovery, relying on provisions of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act 2004, the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022 and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
He cited the forfeiture of the Hook Hotel, a property allegedly linked to a fugitive drug suspect, as an example of the agency’s application of non-conviction-based forfeiture.
According to him, the property was recovered and subsequently sold for $4.2 million, with the proceeds paid into the Federal Government’s forfeited assets account domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Marwa said the development demonstrated that fleeing the country or remaining at large would not necessarily allow a suspect to retain the benefits of alleged criminal activities.
He also disclosed that NDLEA investigators and prosecutors are now working together from the early stages of cases, a reform he said had helped reduce the time between arrests and the securing of asset restraint orders.
According to him, within the last month alone, the agency froze bank accounts containing more than $7 million and secured interim forfeiture orders covering multibillion-naira assets allegedly linked to a fugitive methamphetamine syndicate.
The assets, he said, included filling stations, multi-storey buildings and exotic vehicles.
Speaking on the case involving Nigerian businessman Amadi Simon, who was arrested in Switzerland through a joint operation involving the NDLEA, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and authorities in Switzerland, Greece and France, Marwa said three hotels linked to the suspect were placed under professional asset managers.
He explained that the decision was aimed at preserving the value of the businesses as going concerns rather than allowing the properties to deteriorate while legal proceedings continue.
The NDLEA chairman further highlighted the use of unexplained wealth and lifestyles beyond legitimate means as investigative triggers in identifying suspected proceeds of crime.
He also pointed to the use of interlocutory sales for perishable and depreciating assets to prevent the loss of value before final determination by the courts.
Marwa said the financial disruption strategy had now been incorporated into Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan 2026–2030, making the dismantling of the financial architecture of drug trafficking a sustained national priority.
He distilled the agency’s approach into three guiding principles: speed over sequence, preservation of value and institutionalisation.
While acknowledging progress, Marwa identified delays in mutual legal assistance, limited forensic accounting capacity and the need to balance the rights of accused persons with the state’s responsibility to preserve assets pending trial as continuing challenges.
He called for faster international cooperation mechanisms and stronger cross-border recognition of non-conviction-based forfeiture orders.
Marwa reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with international jurisdictions and institutions in order to dismantle the financial structures that enable drug trafficking organisations to operate.
He thanked the Centre for Geopolitics, the organisers of the symposium and Judge Wendy Tien, who chaired the session, for providing a platform for the exchange of ideas on strengthening the global fight against economic and organised crime.
Troops Arrest Motorcycle Thief, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Plateau
Troops Arrest Motorcycle Thief, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested a suspected motorcycle thief and recovered a stolen motorcycle during a stop-and-search operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Media Network gathered that the suspect, identified as Hosiah Alfred, was arrested at the Sabon Gari checkpoint in Mangu at about 5:50 a.m. on August 24, 2026.
The troops, operating under Operation HARD KNOCK, intercepted Alfred while he was travelling in a commercial vehicle reportedly en route to Duklin in Bauchi State from Abuja.
According to security sources, the troops became suspicious of the motorcycle in his possession and subjected him to questioning.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to stealing the motorcycle from a dispatch rider identified as Yusuf Gideon, who works for one Mr. Nonso in Abuja.
The suspect and the recovered motorcycle are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation.
Security authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft, trace the rightful owner of the motorcycle and determine whether the suspect is linked to other criminal activities.
The development highlights the continued security checks being conducted along major routes in Plateau State to detect and prevent the movement of suspected criminals and stolen property.
NFIU Uncovers Terrorist Financing Through Women’s Accounts, Crowdfunding
NFIU Uncovers Terrorist Financing Through Women’s Accounts, Crowdfunding
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has uncovered emerging methods allegedly being used by terrorist financiers to move and conceal funds, including the use of bank accounts belonging to women, disconnected phone numbers, coded transaction descriptions and crowdfunding platforms.
The findings are contained in the NFIU’s 2025 Annual Report, which identifies the methods as part of evolving financial networks supporting terrorist operations in Nigeria.
According to the report, male terrorist commanders and logistics managers sometimes control accounts opened in the names of wives, sisters and other female associates. The accounts, the NFIU said, are used to distance the actual operators from illicit funds, while some of the women whose accounts are used may be unaware of the transactions taking place.
The financial intelligence agency also identified the use of pre-registered SIM cards, numbers registered to deceased persons and phone lines linked to other individuals to facilitate mobile banking and account alerts. It said the practice weakens the link between telephone numbers and Bank Verification Numbers, making financial transactions more difficult for investigators to trace.
The NFIU further said terrorist cells, including those linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, use coded and seemingly innocuous descriptions for transactions to conceal the purpose of payments. It said facilitators may use secret codes, alphanumeric combinations or different languages to evade automated banking filters designed to detect terrorism-related transactions.
The report also detailed a crowdfunding model in which foreign-based facilitators allegedly use social media campaigns presented as humanitarian or educational appeals to raise funds. Hundreds of donors may contribute relatively small amounts, which are later consolidated and transferred through international money-transfer operators and remittance applications to networks of Nigerian money mules.
The agency said students, small-business owners and relatives could be used as intermediaries, receiving funds that may subsequently be converted to cash, used to purchase dual-use items or transferred to terrorist logistics managers and field operatives.
The NFIU’s findings underscore the growing sophistication of terrorist financing networks and the security challenge posed by the exploitation of legitimate banking, telecommunications and digital fundraising systems to sustain insurgent operations.
NFIU Uncovers Terrorist Financing Through Women’s Accounts, Crowdfunding
NFIU Uncovers Terrorist Financing Through Women’s Accounts, Crowdfunding
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has uncovered emerging methods allegedly being used by terrorist financiers to move and conceal funds, including the use of bank accounts belonging to women, disconnected phone numbers, coded transaction descriptions and crowdfunding platforms.
The findings are contained in the NFIU’s 2025 Annual Report, which identifies the methods as part of evolving financial networks supporting terrorist operations in Nigeria.
According to the report, male terrorist commanders and logistics managers sometimes control accounts opened in the names of wives, sisters and other female associates. The accounts, the NFIU said, are used to distance the actual operators from illicit funds, while some of the women whose accounts are used may be unaware of the transactions taking place.
The financial intelligence agency also identified the use of pre-registered SIM cards, numbers registered to deceased persons and phone lines linked to other individuals to facilitate mobile banking and account alerts. It said the practice weakens the link between telephone numbers and Bank Verification Numbers, making financial transactions more difficult for investigators to trace.
The NFIU further said terrorist cells, including those linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, use coded and seemingly innocuous descriptions for transactions to conceal the purpose of payments. It said facilitators may use secret codes, alphanumeric combinations or different languages to evade automated banking filters designed to detect terrorism-related transactions.
The report also detailed a crowdfunding model in which foreign-based facilitators allegedly use social media campaigns presented as humanitarian or educational appeals to raise funds. Hundreds of donors may contribute relatively small amounts, which are later consolidated and transferred through international money-transfer operators and remittance applications to networks of Nigerian money mules.
The agency said students, small-business owners and relatives could be used as intermediaries, receiving funds that may subsequently be converted to cash, used to purchase dual-use items or transferred to terrorist logistics managers and field operatives.
The NFIU’s findings underscore the growing sophistication of terrorist financing networks and the security challenge posed by the exploitation of legitimate banking, telecommunications and digital fundraising systems to sustain insurgent operations.
Jungle Justice Is Murder, Not Justice — IGP Disu Orders Nationwide Crackdown on Mob Killings
Jungle Justice Is Murder, Not Justice — IGP Disu Orders Nationwide Crackdown on Mob Killings
By Zagazola Makama
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has declared a firm war against jungle justice and mob action across Nigeria, directing Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to treat every case of mob violence as homicide and investigate such incidents with the same seriousness accorded other killings.
Disu, in a strong-worded public address, on Sunday said no Nigerian, community, vigilante group or association had the legal authority to arrest, try, convict or execute another person on the basis of suspicion, accusation, rumour or social media evidence.
The IGP’s declaration comes amid renewed public concern over cases in which suspected criminals are subjected to beatings, burning, stabbing and other forms of extrajudicial punishment before security agencies can intervene.
He said the Police Force would no longer regard such incidents as mere community disputes or spontaneous public reactions, but as serious criminal offences requiring full investigation and prosecution.
“Jungle justice is murder. It is not justice. It is a crime, and the Nigeria Police Force will treat it as such,” Disu said.
The police chief stressed that Nigeria operates under the rule of law and not mob rule, warning that no citizen or group has the constitutional authority to determine the guilt of another person or impose punishment outside a competent court.
‘Nobody has the right to take another person’s life’
According to the IGP, Sections 33, 34 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantee fundamental rights including the right to life, dignity and fair hearing.
He said those rights remain applicable even when a person is suspected of committing a serious crime.
Disu argued that the growing practice of gathering around an alleged criminal, beating the person and sometimes killing him or her before the police arrive represents a direct assault on the country’s justice system.
He said an accusation does not amount to proof of guilt. A person shouting “thief”, a viral video, a photograph circulated online or an allegation made by a member of the public, he maintained, cannot replace a police investigation or judicial determination.
“The law presumes everybody innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, not in the street, not by a mob, not by a phone video because you saw him in video,” he said.
The IGP cited the March 2025 killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, as a painful reminder of the consequences of mob justice.
The victims, who were reportedly travelling from Rivers State towards Kano, were intercepted after local security personnel found locally made weapons in their vehicle. The situation escalated after they were suspected of being kidnappers, resulting in the mob attack that claimed 16 lives. Police subsequently arrested suspects in connection with the incident.
The incident generated nationwide outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against mob killings. Amnesty International also called for a transparent investigation into the Uromi killings, describing the incident as a brutal lynching.
The IGP said Nigeria had witnessed several disturbing cases in which individuals were killed over allegations that were either unverified or subsequently found to be mistaken.
He referenced cases involving students accused of stealing phones, travellers mistaken for criminals, and young people attacked over allegations of blasphemy or ritual activities.
Such cases, he said, demonstrate the deadly consequences of allowing rumours and accusations to substitute for evidence.
The warning is particularly significant in an era where videos and allegations can spread rapidly across social media platforms.
A short video clip can be shared thousands of times within minutes, while an accusation attached to it can quickly become accepted as fact before investigators establish what actually happened.
Disu made clear that the police investigation would not stop with the individual who physically killed the victim.
He directed police commands to identify and prosecute ringleaders, instigators and other participants whose actions contributed to the mob violence, where the evidence supports criminal liability.
The IGP said investigators would use video recordings, eyewitness accounts, community intelligence and forensic evidence to reconstruct incidents and identify those involved.
The implication is that the traditional excuse of “I did not touch him” may not necessarily shield a person whose conduct amounts to criminal participation. Those who plan, incite, encourage or facilitate mob action may face investigation for conspiracy or other offences, depending on the facts and applicable law.
In one of the strongest elements of his warning, the IGP also addressed people who record mob attacks on their phones.
He said filming incidents, circulating the videos, mobilising crowds or preventing security personnel from rescuing a suspect could attract criminal consequences where such conduct amounts to an offence.
The warning is significant because videos of mob killings have increasingly become part of the evidence available to investigators.
Rather than helping perpetrators escape, such recordings can potentially provide investigators with a trail of evidence showing who was present, who attacked the victim, who encouraged the crowd and who prevented intervention.
The IGP therefore warned Nigerians against assuming that remaining behind a camera automatically removes them from criminal responsibility.
Police officers who look away will also face consequences. Disu’s directive was not directed exclusively at civilians.
He also placed responsibility on police officers who fail to intervene when mob action is taking place.
The IGP warned that officers who stand by, look away or fail to take reasonable action to protect a suspect from a violent crowd could face disciplinary measures.
This aspect of the directive is particularly important because the responsibility to protect life remains central to policing. A suspect may eventually be convicted. A suspect may eventually be acquitted. But while the investigation and trial are ongoing, the state remains responsible for protecting that person’s life and dignity.
Disu therefore told officers that protecting life was not an optional responsibility attached to wearing the police uniform.
‘Take suspected criminals to the police’
The IGP appealed to Nigerians to redirect their anger and frustration through lawful channels.
He urged anyone who suspects another person of committing a crime to immediately alert the police or the nearest security agency rather than attempting to punish the suspect.
He also called on community leaders, religious leaders, market associations and other influential groups to use their platforms to discourage mob violence.
According to him, community vigilance should complement law enforcement, not replace it.
A responsible community member, he said, should help the police identify a suspected criminal, preserve evidence and provide information—not become judge, jury and executioner.
The IGP’s intervention comes at a time when public frustration over insecurity, criminality and delays in the justice system can easily translate into demands for immediate punishment.
In many communities, jungle justice is sometimes rationalised as a response to the belief that criminals will escape justice if handed over to the authorities. But the police chief rejected that logic.
He acknowledged the frustration created by crime and the slow pace of justice but maintained that the answer to institutional weakness is reform and stronger enforcement, not extrajudicial killing.
A society cannot simultaneously demand respect for the rule of law while allowing crowds to determine who deserves to live or die.
Disu’s declaration is strong, but its ultimate impact will depend on enforcement.
The police will have to demonstrate that cases of mob justice can be investigated with the same determination applied to other homicide cases.
Investigators will have to identify suspects from often chaotic scenes, preserve digital evidence, obtain witness statements, establish individual culpability and work with prosecutors to build cases capable of surviving judicial scrutiny.
There is also the question of police response.
Where officers arrive early enough to prevent a mob killing, their intervention can mean the difference between a criminal investigation and a homicide investigation. Where officers fail to act, the IGP’s promise of disciplinary action will therefore be closely watched.
Perhaps the most important message from the IGP is that criminal responsibility does not necessarily begin only when the fatal blow is delivered.
It can begin with the decision to mobilise the crowd. It can begin with incitement. It can involve preventing the police from taking custody of a suspect. It can involve encouraging the attackers.
And, depending on the evidence and the law applicable to the particular conduct, it can extend to other forms of participation in the offence. The police are therefore drawing a new line around mob violence:
If you suspect someone, report them.
If you have evidence, submit it. If the person is arrested, allow the law to take its course.
But if a crowd gathers and turns an accusation into a death sentence, the people involved should not expect the law to describe the killing as “community justice.” It will be investigated as a crime.
The central message of IGP Disu’s declaration is ultimately about the kind of country Nigeria wants to be. One system of justice cannot operate in the courtroom while another operates on the street. The court must remain the place where guilt is established.
The police must remain the institution responsible for investigating crime. Citizens must remain witnesses, complainants and partners in crime prevention not executioners.
And communities must understand that protecting themselves from criminals does not require them to become criminals themselves.
The Uromi killings demonstrated the catastrophic consequences of allowing suspicion to become collective punishment. The IGP’s latest directive is an attempt to ensure that such incidents are neither normalised nor dismissed as spontaneous expressions of public anger.
The message from the police chief is therefore unequivocal: Jungle justice is not justice.
Mob action is not a court. A viral video is not a conviction. An accusation is not a death sentence.
And where a mob takes a person’s life, the police will treat the incident not as justice served, but as a crime to be investigated and prosecuted.
Five Arrested for Alleged Assault on Police Constabulary in Ogun
Five Arrested for Alleged Assault on Police Constabulary in Ogun
By Zagazola Makama
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested five suspects over the alleged assault of a Police Constabulary officer and damage to his mobile phone during an incident in Ifo Local Government Area of the state.
The incident followed a complaint by one Qudus Akinwande of Abata Area, Ifo, who reported that he was allegedly assaulted at his residence on August 20, 2026, by an Army officer identified as Chukwuka Dauda.
According to the complaint, the alleged assault followed a dispute over a debt of ₦25,000, during which the Army officer allegedly seized Akinwande’s cooking gas cylinder.
On August 21, Police personnel, including W/Insp. Eno Aladi and Police Constabulary officer Lateef Jimoh, were detailed to invite Dauda for questioning.
The situation reportedly escalated into an argument after the suspect said he would not honour the invitation that day but promised to report the following day.
During the incident, two neighbours, identified as George Jeremiah and Ayinde Ololade, allegedly intervened and assaulted the Police Constabulary officer, inflicting injuries on him.
His iPhone 12 Pro Max was also reportedly damaged during the ensuing confrontation.
Following the incident, Police operatives from the Surveillance and Anti-Robbery teams arrested five suspects at about 10:45 a.m. on August 22.
The suspects were identified as George Jeremiah, Ayinde Ololade, Joy Chukwudi, Paul Matthew and George Stephen.
The suspects are currently assisting investigators as the Police intensify investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault and alleged malicious damage.
The Police Command said the suspects would be arraigned in court under relevant provisions of the law upon completion of investigation.
The incident underscores the need for members of the public to avoid interfering with lawful police duties and to channel grievances through established legal procedures rather than resorting to violence against security personnel.
Suspected Cultist Arrested as Death of Fleeing Suspect Sparks Tension in Ogun
Suspected Cultist Arrested as Death of Fleeing Suspect Sparks Tension in Ogun
By Zagazola Makama
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a suspected cultist following an alleged ambush and threat to life at Kajola area of Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred at about 1:20 p.m. on August 23, 2026, after one Anuolatoberu reported that some suspected cult members were threatening his life.
Following intelligence gathered by the Police, investigators established that the complainant had allegedly been ambushed by suspected cult members in the Kajola area.
Police operatives mobilised to the location and arrested one of the suspected cultists, identified as Oluwatimileyin Daniel, while other members of the group reportedly fled.
One of the fleeing suspects, identified as Damola, reportedly collapsed while attempting to evade arrest and was rushed to a hospital, where he later died.
The death reportedly triggered tension and chaos in the community, prompting security personnel to strengthen their presence in the area.
The situation has since been brought under control, while investigation continues to establish the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death and identify other members of the alleged cult group.
The incident highlights the potential for cult-related activities and the death of suspects during security operations to trigger retaliatory violence and public disorder.
The Police are expected to sustain visible patrols and intelligence-led operations in the area to prevent reprisals and apprehend other fleeing suspects.
Three Arrested Over Death, Alleged Unlawful Disposal of Pregnant Woman’s Remains in Lagos
Three Arrested Over Death, Alleged Unlawful Disposal of Pregnant Woman’s Remains in Lagos
By Zagazola Makama
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the death and alleged unlawful disposal of the remains of a pregnant woman at Fadeyi, Lagos.
The incident came to light on August 22, 2026, at about 6:30 p.m., after information was received at Alakara Police Division concerning activities at a premises on Coker Line, Fadeyi, suspected of being operated as an illegal maternity home.
Preliminary Police investigation indicated that a pregnant woman identified only as Amoke was allegedly buried in a shallow grave at the premises.
Further inquiry reportedly revealed that the suspects later exhumed the body and allegedly cut open the deceased’s abdomen with a knife before removing the unborn child.
Following the report, Police detectives visited the location and arrested two suspects, identified as Balikis Lateef and Abdulateef Yusuf Bello.
Further investigation subsequently led to the arrest of another suspect, Jamiu Ayinde.
The three suspects are currently in Police custody assisting with the investigation.
Police detectives are intensifying efforts to establish the exact location where the deceased was buried and recover the remains for forensic examination.
The investigation is also expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death, the identity and role of each suspect and whether other persons were involved in the alleged illegal maternity-home operation.
The case raises serious concerns over unregulated medical activities and the possible exploitation of vulnerable pregnant women.
The Police are expected to work with relevant health and forensic authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the death are fully established and that anyone found culpable is brought before the court.
Police Bust Illegal Firearms Factory, Arrest 50-Year-Old Suspect in Taraba
Police Bust Illegal Firearms Factory, Arrest 50-Year-Old Suspect in Taraba
By Zagazola Makama
The Taraba State Police Command has dismantled an illegal firearms manufacturing facility in Jalingo and arrested a 50-year-old man suspected of producing locally fabricated weapons.
The operation was conducted at about 6:30 p.m. on August 23, 2026, at Wuro-Mallam CBN, Jalingo, following credible intelligence received by the Police.
Operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID), State Headquarters, Jalingo, working in collaboration with personnel of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), stormed the location and arrested the suspect, identified as Mamuda Muhammadu Wanzim.
Police said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect specialised in manufacturing illegal firearms and other weapons.
The operation led to the recovery of four locally made Dane guns, two single-barrel firearms and assorted tools and materials allegedly used for manufacturing the weapons.
The suspect is reportedly cooperating with investigators and has provided information on some alleged buyers and individuals believed to be in possession of illegally manufactured firearms.
The Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects linked to the network for possible prosecution.
The discovery is considered significant given the role of illicit firearms in facilitating kidnapping, banditry, communal violence and other violent crimes across the region.
The Command is expected to expand the investigation beyond the manufacturer to identify financiers, suppliers of production materials, distributors and end users of the illegal weapons.
One Killed in Fatal Tipper-Motorcycle Crash in Cross River, Two Arrested
One Killed in Fatal Tipper-Motorcycle Crash in Cross River, Two Arrested
By Zagazola Makama
A motorcyclist has been killed in a fatal road accident involving a tipper truck along the Ogoja–Benue highway in Cross River State.
The accident occurred at about 8:15 p.m. on August 23, 2026, and involved a tipper truck driven by Simon Gberkyo, a resident of Benue State, and a motorcycle ridden by Joseph Ushie of Utugang Community in Obudu Local Government Area.
According to the Police, the motorcyclist died at the scene after being run over by the tipper.
Preliminary information indicated that the accident may have been caused by another truck, with registration number YLA-969-ZY, which was allegedly wrongly parked along the highway.
Motor Police personnel visited the scene and cleared the road of the obstruction.
However, an angry mob reportedly prevented the Police from evacuating the deceased’s remains to the mortuary for autopsy, insisting that the body be buried immediately in accordance with traditional rites.
Two suspects have been arrested and taken into custody as Police commence investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The incident highlights the dangers posed by improperly parked heavy-duty vehicles on major highways and the need for strict enforcement of road-safety regulations.
It also underscores the importance of community cooperation with lawful forensic procedures, particularly in fatal accidents where autopsy and evidence preservation are necessary to establish the cause of death and determine responsibility.
Seven Killed, Five Injured in Fatal Road Crash in Niger
Seven Killed, Five Injured in Fatal Road Crash in Niger
By Zagazola Makama
Seven people have been killed and five others injured in a fatal road crash involving two vehicles in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.
The accident occurred at about 11:20 a.m. along the highway in Lavun LGA when a Mazda vehicle, registration number BQ436-ABC, carrying eight passengers and travelling towards Mokwa, collided with a Toyota Sienna LE bus, registration number YAB-71EU, carrying five passengers and heading towards Abuja.
According to the Police, the Mazda was being driven by a man identified as Magaji from Kwara State, while the Sienna was driven by 55-year-old Saliu Okunoye of Die-Die, Abuja.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the Mazda driver was attempting to overtake another vehicle around a sharp bend when it rammed into the Sienna, which was travelling on its rightful lane.
Seven passengers in the Mazda died at the scene, while three others sustained injuries.
Two passengers in the Sienna also sustained injuries.
Following the incident, Police personnel visited the scene and evacuated the injured victims and bodies to General Hospital Kutigi for medical treatment and autopsy.
The Police have commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The incident highlights the deadly consequences of dangerous overtaking, particularly around bends and other high-risk sections of highways.
Authorities are expected to intensify traffic enforcement and public awareness campaigns against dangerous overtaking, speeding and other road-user violations on major highways in Niger State.
Two Suspected Motorcycle Thieves Killed by Mob in Niger
Two Suspected Motorcycle Thieves Killed by Mob in Niger
By Zagazola Makama
Two suspected motorcycle thieves have been killed by an angry mob after an alleged attempt to dispossess a commercial motorcyclist of his motorcycle in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on August 23, 2026, along the Kontagora–Masamagu route through Ibeto.
According to the Police, the two unidentified suspects boarded an Okada from Kontagora to Masamagu Village before allegedly attempting to divert the rider towards a bush path at a junction.
The rider reportedly resisted the move, leading to a struggle during which the suspects allegedly attempted to take possession of his motorcycle.
The rider raised an alarm, attracting residents who rushed to the scene.
One of the suspects was reportedly caught and beaten by the mob, while the second suspect fled into the bush but was pursued and also killed.
The two suspects were reportedly set ablaze before Police personnel from Masamagu Outstation arrived at the scene.
Police said preliminary information indicated that several motorcycles had previously been stolen along the same corridor.
The motorcycle rider reportedly left the scene with his motorcycle before the arrival of the Police.
The remains of the two suspects were evacuated to General Hospital Nasko, while Police have commenced efforts to identify and arrest those involved in the mob killings.
The incident highlights both the growing concern over motorcycle theft in the area and the dangerous spread of mob justice.
Security agencies are expected to intensify patrols along the affected corridor while community leaders should discourage residents from taking the law into their own hands and ensure suspected criminals are handed over to the Police for prosecution.
60-Year-Old Man Abducted After Armed Attack in Dukku, Gombe
60-Year-Old Man Abducted After Armed Attack in Dukku, Gombe
By Zagazola Makama
A 60-year-old man, identified as Alhaji Manu, has been abducted by unidentified armed persons who invaded his residence in Layi Village, Dukku Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m., when the attackers reportedly stormed the residence armed with dangerous weapons and assaulted the victim’s 28-year-old son, Musa Alhaji Manu.
The attackers subsequently abducted the elderly man and fled to an unknown destination.
The incident was reported to the Police at about 10:30 a.m., following which officers visited the scene and commenced investigation.
Musa, who sustained injuries during the attack, was evacuated to General Hospital Dukku for medical treatment.
Police tactical teams, hunters and local vigilantes have been mobilised to conduct search-and-rescue operations, trace the abductors and secure the safe release of the victim.
Security agencies are expected to intensify intelligence gathering around the surrounding communities and forest routes to identify the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
16-Year-Old Arrested After Alleged Killing of Teenager in Gombe
16-Year-Old Arrested After Alleged Killing of Teenager in Gombe
By Zagazola Makama
The Gombe State Police Command has arrested a 16-year-old boy, Abbas Musa, in connection with the death of another teenager following an alleged disagreement in Nafada Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. in Gudukku District, where Abbas Musa and 16-year-old Salisu Abdullahi reportedly had a misunderstanding.
During the disagreement, Abbas allegedly struck Salisu on the head with a stone, leaving him seriously injured.
Following the incident, Police detectives visited the scene and rushed the injured teenager to Gudukku Primary Health Care Centre for medical attention.
Salisu was, however, pronounced dead by a medical practitioner.
The Police subsequently arrested Abbas, who is currently assisting with the investigation.
The Command is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the altercation and determine the appropriate legal action, taking into account the ages of both teenagers.
The incident highlights the need for parents, community leaders and youth-focused organisations to strengthen early intervention mechanisms for resolving disputes among young people before they escalate into fatal violence.
23-Year-Old Man Stabbed to Death During Youth Clash in Funtua
23-Year-Old Man Stabbed to Death During Youth Clash in Funtua
By Zagazola Makama
A 23-year-old man, identified as Yasir Aminu, has died after he was allegedly stabbed during a fight among youths in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The incident occurred at about 4:20 p.m. on August 22, 2026, at Tsohuwar Kasuwa, Funtua, where a disagreement among some youths reportedly escalated into a free-for-all fight.
During the confrontation, Aminu, a resident of Unguwar Karofi, was allegedly stabbed in the back with a knife.
The Divisional Police Officer promptly mobilised to the scene after receiving the report and evacuated the victim to General Hospital Funtua for urgent medical attention.
Aminu, however, died while receiving treatment.
Police detectives have commenced investigation and are intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend the suspects who fled the scene.
The incident draw attention to the potential for youth disputes in crowded commercial areas to escalate rapidly into fatal violence.
Security agencies and community leaders are expected to strengthen early-warning mechanisms and conflict-resolution initiatives among youths, while perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.
Troops Repel Suspected ISWAP Attack on Hawul Community
Troops Repel Suspected ISWAP Attack on Hawul Community
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on Juhuhi Village in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State.
The incident occurred at about 6:45 p.m. on August 23, 2026, when the terrorist groups invaded the community and opened sporadic fire.
During the attack, a 33-year-old resident, identified as Abdullahi Abubakar, was hit by a stray bullet in the back.
A combined team of the troops, Police tactical units, the Civilian Joint Task Force and Hunters Group responded to the attack and engaged the assailants.
The troops successfully repelled the attackers, forcing them to withdraw from the area.
The injured victim was evacuated to a hospital for medical attention, while photographs and relevant details were documented as part of the security investigation.
Normalcy has since been restored in the community, while security forces have sustained operations in the area to prevent further attacks.
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner Along Bantaje–Wukari Road
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner Along Bantaje–Wukari Road
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have arrested a suspected gunrunner following an intelligence-led operation along the Bantaje–Wukari road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation was conducted at about 10:34 a.m. on August 22, 2026, by troops of Sector 3, Operation WHIRL STROKE, deployed at Forward Operating Base Wukari, in conjunction with a Defence Intelligence Agency Composite Team.
Security sources said the operation followed credible information that a suspected gunrunner was operating from the area.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops mobilised to the location and apprehended the suspect.
The suspect remains in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to establish his identity, activities and possible links to criminal elements operating within Taraba and neighbouring states.
The arrest is expected to provide security agencies with an opportunity to uncover possible arms supply routes and networks supporting kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in the area.
Troops and other security agencies are expected to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting the movement of illegal firearms and dismantling criminal support networks across the operational area.
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Illegal Miners, Intercept 10,400 Bags of Black Sand in Bayelsa
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Illegal Miners, Intercept 10,400 Bags of Black Sand in Bayelsa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Sanity, have arrested five suspected illegal miners and intercepted a tugboat and barge loaded with about 10,400 bags of suspected illegally mined ilmenite sand, popularly known as black sand, in Bayelsa State.
The operation was conducted at about 12:45 p.m. on August 22, 2026, following intelligence on the movement of suspected illegal miners around Bassambiri Community in Nembe Local Government Area.
Troops of 343 Artillery Regiment responded to the intelligence and intercepted the vessel and its cargo in the area.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation, while the tugboat, barge and suspected illegally mined mineral resources were recovered.
The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Police Division in Nembe for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The operation highlights the growing security and economic concerns associated with illegal mining activities in the Niger Delta, including environmental degradation, exploitation of natural resources and the potential financing of organised criminal networks.
Security agencies are expected to intensify intelligence-led operations against illegal mining syndicates while tracing the financiers, owners and intended recipients of illegally extracted mineral resources.
The latest interception also underscores the importance of sustained collaboration between the military, Police, regulatory agencies and host communities in protecting Nigeria’s natural resources and disrupting illicit economic activities.
Troops Raid Illegal Shanties, Clear Criminal Hideouts in Abuja
Troops Raid Illegal Shanties, Clear Criminal Hideouts in Abuja
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Army Headquarters Garrison, in conjunction with Operation SWEEP, have conducted a clearance operation across several areas of the Federal Capital Territory, dismantling illegal shanties and structures suspected of providing cover for criminal activities.
The operation was conducted at about 4:00 p.m. on August 23, 2026, across Karshi, Jeje, Kurape and Nyanya areas of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
Security personnel raided and dismantled several illegal shanties and structures during the operation as part of efforts to deny criminal elements safe havens within the capital.
The operation is part of ongoing security efforts to improve surveillance and maintain control over vulnerable areas that could be exploited by criminals.
The Mai-Anguwa of Nyanya commended the troops for the operation and pledged to sustain effective communication with Army Headquarters Garrison and other security agencies by providing credible information on suspicious activities.
Security personnel are expected to sustain the operation and continue intelligence-led patrols in the affected areas to prevent criminal elements from re-establishing their presence.
The development highlights the importance of sustained community-security collaboration in identifying emerging threats and preventing criminal networks from exploiting informal settlements and unregulated structures.
Troops Raid Illegal Shanties, Clear Criminal Hideouts in Abuja
Troops Raid Illegal Shanties, Clear Criminal Hideouts in Abuja
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Army Headquarters Garrison, in conjunction with Operation SWEEP, have conducted a clearance operation across several areas of the Federal Capital Territory, dismantling illegal shanties and structures suspected of providing cover for criminal activities.
The operation was conducted at about 4:00 p.m. on August 23, 2026, across Karshi, Jeje, Kurape and Nyanya areas of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
Security personnel raided and dismantled several illegal shanties and structures during the operation as part of efforts to deny criminal elements safe havens within the capital.
The operation is part of ongoing security efforts to improve surveillance and maintain control over vulnerable areas that could be exploited by criminals.
The Mai-Anguwa of Nyanya commended the troops for the operation and pledged to sustain effective communication with Army Headquarters Garrison and other security agencies by providing credible information on suspicious activities.
Security personnel are expected to sustain the operation and continue intelligence-led patrols in the affected areas to prevent criminal elements from re-establishing their presence.
The development highlights the importance of sustained community-security collaboration in identifying emerging threats and preventing criminal networks from exploiting informal settlements and unregulated structures.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist, Courier in Kogi
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist, Courier in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade have arrested two suspected terrorists, including an alleged terrorist courier linked to kidnapping activities along the Okene–Auchi road in Kogi State.
The suspects were apprehended at about 1:15 p.m. on August 23, 2026, around the Okene axis of Okene Local Government Area, following an intelligence report on the movement of suspected terrorist elements.
According to security sources, one of the suspects was allegedly involved in kidnapping operations along the Okene–Auchi road and adjoining areas.
Troops recovered two mobile phones with charging cords, a power bank, four litres of palm oil, portions of cow meat, clothing and ₦901,080 in cash from the suspects.
The suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources said the arrests provide an opportunity to investigate the logistics and support networks sustaining criminal activities along the Okene–Auchi corridor.
The military is expected to intensify intelligence-led operations in the area to identify other members of the suspected network and disrupt their movement and supply channels.
Troops Repel Terrorist Attack, Recover AK-47 and Communication Devices in Niger
Troops Repel Terrorist Attack, Recover AK-47 and Communication Devices in Niger
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on their position at Dekara in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attack occurred at about 8:24 a.m. on August 23, 2026, when suspected terrorists engaged troops deployed in the area.
The troops responded and successfully repelled the attackers, forcing them to withdraw towards the surrounding forest.
During subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Security personnel also recovered six motorcycles, 49 mobile phones, nine batteries and 10 memory cards reportedly abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
Drone surveillance subsequently captured two suspected injured terrorists being evacuated on motorcycles towards the Kainji Lake National Park.
Troops have continued to dominate the area and maintain pressure on the fleeing terrorists to deny them freedom of action and prevent them from regrouping.
The recovery of the weapons and communication devices is expected to provide valuable intelligence for ongoing operations, particularly in identifying terrorist networks, their communication channels and movement corridors around the Kainji Lake National Park.
The operation comes amid intensified security efforts to prevent terrorist elements from exploiting the forested areas along the Nigeria–Benin border as safe havens and mobility corridors.
Troops Recover Abandoned Boxer Motorcycle in Plateau
Troops Recover Abandoned Boxer Motorcycle in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have recovered an abandoned Boxer motorcycle after intercepting two suspected individuals along a road in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 9:20 p.m. on August 23, 2026, when troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, deployed at Kudedu, observed two suspicious men with a motorcycle near a bush along the Federe axis.
Upon approaching the location, the suspects reportedly abandoned the motorcycle and fled into the surrounding bush.
The troops conducted a search of the area but were unable to establish contact with the fleeing suspects.
The abandoned Boxer motorcycle was subsequently recovered and taken into custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The recovery forms part of ongoing night patrol and surveillance operations by troops to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and prevent attacks in vulnerable communities across the Plateau operational area.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have arrested three suspected illicit drug peddlers during a raid on a suspected drug hideout in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted at about 11:00 p.m. on August 23, 2026, when troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, raided a suspected drug peddling hideout known as “Downstairs/Upstairs” at Mista Ali.
During the operation, the troops arrested three suspects and recovered quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the Keystone Outpost, Mista Ali, for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt illicit drug activities and other criminal networks capable of undermining security in vulnerable communities across Plateau State.
Air Peace Honours Nigeria’s Army troops, Police Personnel
Air Peace Honours Nigeria’s Army troops, Police Personnel
By Zagazola Makama
A heartwarming gesture by staff of Air Peace towards Nigerian military and police personnel has sparked an outpouring of appreciation from passengers after a video showing uniformed security personnel being applauded while boarding a flight in Abuja went viral.
The video captures the moment members of the Nigerian military and Police were called forward to board an Air Peace flight ahead of other passengers, as airline staff stood and applauded them while they made their way to the aircraft.
What began as a gesture by the airline’s staff soon drew other passengers into the moment, with travellers joining the applause in a spontaneous show of gratitude and support for the security personnel.
The initiative, according to information accompanying the video, was introduced by the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, as part of the airline’s efforts to recognise the sacrifices of members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces and Police.
Under the initiative, military and police personnel are called to board ahead of other passengers, while Air Peace staff remain standing and applaud them as they proceed for boarding.
The gesture is designed to acknowledge the often-unseen sacrifices made by security personnel, many of whom serve in difficult and dangerous environments to protect lives, maintain national security and preserve public order.
Some passengers also had a moment offered an opportunity to publicly express appreciation to personnel who spend long periods away from their families and operate under demanding conditions.
The spontaneous participation of other passengers transformed the boarding process into a brief but powerful moment of national solidarity.
In a country where security personnel are frequently in the public spotlight during periods of insecurity, the gesture also carries a broader message that behind the uniforms are Nigerians who continue to serve under difficult circumstances and deserve recognition for their commitment to the nation.
For a brief moment, the nation they serve stood up to say: Thank you for your service.
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner in Plateau
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have arrested a suspected criminal with an alleged history of gunrunning activities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspect, identified as Joseph Tukura, also known as Sarti, was arrested at about 9:00 p.m. on August 23, 2026, by troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, deployed at Sopp.
Tukura was reportedly intercepted while riding a motorcycle along the Ungwan Boka–forest axis in Riyom LGA over alleged involvement in criminal activities along the highway.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had previously been arrested over suspected gunrunning activities but had allegedly resurfaced in the area.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to establish his possible links to other criminal elements operating along the highway and surrounding communities.
Security sources said further investigation would determine whether the suspect is connected to wider arms-trafficking or criminal networks in the area
Unidentified Corpse with Gunshot Wound Found Along Road in Plateau
Unidentified Corpse with Gunshot Wound Found Along Road in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have recovered the corpse of an unidentified person bearing a gunshot wound along a roadside in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The corpse was discovered at about 9:30 p.m. on August 23, 2026, along the Farin Lamba axis, close to the Primary Health Centre in Riyom.
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, responded to the report and found the body with an apparent gunshot wound to the stomach.
However, security personnel observed that there were no visible traces of blood or spent ammunition casings around the scene.
The circumstances led investigators to suspect that the body may have been transported from another location and dumped at the scene.
The corpse was evacuated to the Primary Health Centre mortuary in Riyom, while the youth leader of Tahoss Community was contacted to assist in identifying the deceased.
Troops have continued to dominate the general area as investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death and possible identity of the victim continues.
Farmer Injured in Machete Attack by Herder in Plateau
Farmer Injured in Machete Attack by Herder in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A farmer, Mr Charles Tuwan, has sustained machete injuries following an alleged attack by a herder during a dispute over grazing on farmland in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 6:53 p.m. on August 23, 2026, at Tekas Community, where troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE, operating under Operation HARD KNOCK, responded to a report of an assault.
Security sources said the dispute reportedly started after the farmer refused to allow the herder to graze cattle on his farmland.
On arrival at the scene, the troops found Tuwan with machete cuts sustained during the attack.
The alleged attacker, identified as Abdullahi Saleh, had reportedly fled the area with his cattle before the arrival of the troops.
The injured farmer was evacuated to Pankshin General Hospital for medical attention.
Troops are currently intensifying efforts to locate and arrest the suspect for investigation and possible prosecution.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between farming and herding communities in parts of Plateau State, underscoring the need for early intervention in disputes over farmland and grazing to prevent isolated incidents from escalating into wider communal violence.
Troops Repel Terrorist Attack on Dekara, Clearance Operation Underway in Kainji Lake National Park
Troops Repel Terrorist Attack on Dekara, Clearance Operation Underway in Kainji Lake National Park
By Zagazola Makama
Troops have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on their position at Dekara District in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, following an earlier attack on the community that reportedly left several people abducted and others killed.
Dekara, located on the fringes of the Kainji Lake National Park and close to the Nigeria–Benin Republic border, is considered a difficult-to-access area and has reportedly been exploited as a mobility corridor by terrorist elements operating within the park’s forest.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops were deployed to the community on Friday, August 21, as a blocking force ahead of a planned clearance operation within the forest.
However, while the troops were moving towards the area, suspected terrorists reportedly launched an attack on Dekara community, abducting several residents and killing others.
The troops eventually reached the community the same day and established a blocking position.
The terrorists subsequently attacked the deployed troops but were repelled without casualties on the security side.
During the engagement and subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and other items reportedly abandoned by the terrorists.
The exact number of residents abducted or killed in the attack could not immediately be established, as some residents reportedly fled across the border into the Benin Republic before the arrival of the troops.
Security authorities have commenced preparations for a major clearance and search-and-rescue operation within the Kainji Lake National Park to locate the terrorists, rescue possible victims and deny the criminals freedom of movement within the forest corridor.
The operation is expected to involve the newly inducted troops deployed from another axis, alongside existing forces operating in the area.
Security sources said further updates would be provided as troops make progress with the clearance and rescue operations.
The incident underscores the strategic importance of the Kainji Lake National Park and adjoining border communities as potential transit corridors for armed groups, and the need for sustained surveillance, border coordination and intelligence-led operations to prevent terrorists from establishing safe havens in the forest.
Troops, NDLEA Arrest 12 Suspected Drug Peddlers in Yobe
Troops, NDLEA Arrest 12 Suspected Drug Peddlers in Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested 12 suspected illicit drug peddlers during a joint raid in Damagun Market, Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The operation was conducted at about 2:00 p.m. on August 23, 2026, by troops of 233 Battalion Quick Reaction Force in conjunction with the NDLEA Potiskum Area Command.
Security sources said the operation was based on intelligence on suspected illicit drug activities in the market.
The joint team arrested 12 suspects and recovered assorted illicit drugs during the operation.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The troops returned to base at about 5:15 p.m. after the successful operation.
The operation underscores the growing collaboration between the military and drug enforcement authorities to disrupt illicit drug networks that can provide a support base for criminal and terrorist activities in the North-East.
The Joint Task Force said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
20-Year-Old JAS Fighter Surrenders to Troops in Borno
20-Year-Old JAS Fighter Surrenders to Troops in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
A 20-year-old fighter formerly affiliated with the JAS terrorist group has surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Borno State.
The fighter, identified as Kurso Muhammed, surrendered at about 2:25 p.m. on August 23, 2026, to troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade at New Abaram Resettlement Village.
According to sources, the surrender followed sustained intelligence-driven operations by the troops.
The former fighter is currently in military custody for screening and further processing.
The latest development adds to recent reports of terrorist elements abandoning their enclaves amid sustained military pressure and internal challenges within terrorist factions operating in the North-East.
The Joint Task Force said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops continued to maintain satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier in Borno
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a 20-year-old suspected terrorist logistics supplier and sympathiser in Borno State.
The suspect, identified as Mohammed Alhaji, was arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on August 23, 2026, by troops of Operation HADIN KAI during a check-point operation at Mandaragirau.
A military sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest followed credible human intelligence on suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and sympathisers operating in the area.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Alhaji allegedly used his cargo motorcycle, with registration number BBU-514VC, to convey logistics to terrorist elements and conduct casualty evacuation for terrorist fighters.
The suspect was reportedly linked to support activities following a recent attack on troops.
He has since been handed over to Army Provost Group for further investigation and necessary action, while the cargo motorcycle remains in the custody of the 162 Amphibious Battalion.
The development highlights the growing focus by troops on disrupting the logistics and support networks sustaining terrorist operations in the North-East.
The military said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier in Borno
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a 20-year-old suspected terrorist logistics supplier and sympathiser in Borno State.
The suspect, identified as Mohammed Alhaji, was arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on August 23, 2026, by troops of Operation HADIN KAI during a check-point operation at Mandaragirau.
A military sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest followed credible human intelligence on suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and sympathisers operating in the area.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Alhaji allegedly used his cargo motorcycle, with registration number BBU-514VC, to convey logistics to terrorist elements and conduct casualty evacuation for terrorist fighters.
The suspect was reportedly linked to support activities following a recent attack on troops.
He has since been handed over to Army Provost Group for further investigation and necessary action, while the cargo motorcycle remains in the custody of the 162 Amphibious Battalion.
The development highlights the growing focus by troops on disrupting the logistics and support networks sustaining terrorist operations in the North-East.
The military said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
Troops Intercept Gun Runners, Rescue Six Kidnap Victims in Zamfara
Troops Intercept Gun Runners, Rescue Six Kidnap Victims in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted three suspected gun runners and rescued six kidnapped victims in separate operations in Zamfara State.
The operations, conducted on August 23, 2026, were part of sustained intelligence-driven efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and protect vulnerable communities and motorists across the North-West.
In the first operation, troops of Sector 2 intercepted a vehicle along the Kaura Namoda–Shinkafi road with three suspected gun runners on board.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of an AK-103-2 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a bag of millet.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the weapon was allegedly being transported to Yar-Galadima in Maru Local Government Area.
The suspects and the recovered weapon and ammunition are currently in military custody for further investigation.
In a separate operation, troops responded to a distress call following a terrorist attack on motorists along the Anka–Gummi road.
The troops arrived while the attackers were reportedly attempting to force six victims into the surrounding forest.
According to a statement issued by the Joint Task Force Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the troops engaged the terrorists and mounted an aggressive pursuit, forcing the assailants to abandon the victims and flee.
All six victims were subsequently rescued and secured by the troops.
Three of the rescued victims, who sustained minor injuries during the ordeal, were evacuated to a medical facility where they are receiving treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
The Joint Task Force said the operations demonstrate its commitment to dismantling arms supply chains supporting terrorist networks and preventing attacks against communities and road users.
It added that troops would sustain intelligence-led operations, aggressive patrols and rapid-response measures across the Joint Operations Area.
The Joint Task Force also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information on suspicious persons, weapons and movements to security agencies.
It stressed that sustained public cooperation remains critical to dismantling terrorist networks and protecting lives and property across the North-West.
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Recover AK-47 Rifle After Gun Battle in Kogi
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Recover AK-47 Rifle After Gun Battle in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops operating under the Joint Security operation in the 2 Division Area of Responsibility have rescued a 28-year-old kidnap victim and recovered an AK-47 rifle following a gun battle with suspected kidnappers in Kogi State.
The operation, according to security sources, took place at about 0300 hours on August 24, 2026, when troops from Patrol Base Obajana intercepted the victim, identified as Hussaini Shehu.
Preliminary questioning revealed that Shehu had allegedly been abducted from the Abaji general area of the Federal Capital Territory about five days earlier.
The rescued victim subsequently led the troops to the location where he had been held captive.
Security sources said the troops made contact with the suspected kidnappers and engaged them in a firefight, forcing the criminals to abandon an AK-47 rifle and flee into the surrounding area.
The weapon was recovered by the troops, while the victim was evacuated to the military medical centre for medical attention.
Security forces have continued operations in the area to track the fleeing kidnappers and prevent them from regrouping.
The latest operation underscores the importance of intelligence-led patrols and rapid exploitation of information obtained from rescued victims in disrupting kidnapping networks operating across the FCT-Kogi corridor.
Kidnappers Kill Two Locals, Abduct Doctor and Hakimi’s Wife in Kaduna
Kidnappers Kill Two Locals, Abduct Doctor and Hakimi’s Wife in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have launched rescue and offensive operations following the abduction of a medical doctor and the wife of a Hakimi in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The incident occurred at about 7:40 a.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Abu village, Ninzo Ward, Sanga LGA.
According to a security source, troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71, deployed at Raga General Duty location, responded to a report of the abduction of Dr. Ezekiel Audu and the wife of the local Hakimi.
Preliminary information indicated that the kidnappers opened fire after two local residents confronted them while they were fleeing with the abducted victims.
The two locals were reportedly killed in the attack.
Following the incident, troops immediately initiated rescue and offensive operations based on intelligence pointing to a possible hideout of the fleeing kidnappers.
The troops subsequently moved into the identified area in an attempt to intercept the criminals and rescue the victims.
However, no contact had been established with the kidnappers as of the latest security update.
The military said efforts remain ongoing to locate and rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Security forces are maintaining heightened surveillance across the area as the search operation continues.
Operation Enduring Peace Conducts Show of Force, Secures Church Services in Jos
Operation Enduring Peace Conducts Show of Force, Secures Church Services in Jos
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies, have conducted a show-of-force operation across major flashpoints in Jos and the Bukuru General Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted on Sunday, August 23, 2026, as part of measures to provide security for church services and prevent criminal elements from exploiting the period to carry out attacks.
According to a security source, personnel of OPEP, working with troops of 551 Nigerian Air Force Station, Keystone, NSCDC and other sister agencies, conducted the operation across identified flashpoints within Jos metropolis and the Bukuru General Area.
The show of force was aimed at reassuring residents and worshippers while denying criminal elements freedom of action during church services.
The security teams maintained visible patrols and presence around strategic locations to deter potential threats and ensure the safe movement of worshippers.
The operation was conducted successfully and without any reported security incident.
Security authorities said the situation remained calm throughout the exercise.
Man Killed in Attack by suspected Fulani Bandits at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
Man Killed in Attack by suspected Fulani Bandits at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A man has been killed in an alleged attack by suspected Fulani Bandits at an illegal mining site around Angwan Izalla village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 5:20 a.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, following a report of an attack allegedly involving suspected Fulani herders in the area.
According to a security source, troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to the report and immediately moved to the scene.
Upon arrival, the troops discovered the corpse of a man identified as Abdulmumuni Ibrahim, who had sustained machete wounds to his head and hand.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of the assailants were not immediately established.
The deceased’s remains were subsequently evacuated by members of his family for burial.
Security personnel have commenced a manhunt for the suspected attackers, while efforts are ongoing to establish the motive for the killing and apprehend those responsible.
The incident is being investigated as security agencies continue to monitor the area.
Troops Intervene After Farm Destruction, Assault of Herder in Plateau
Troops Intervene After Farm Destruction, Assault of Herder in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have intervened in separate incidents involving alleged destruction of farmlands and the assault of a herder in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incidents occurred on Sunday, August 23, 2026, around the Kwi general area of the local government.
According to a security source, troops responded to a report of cattle destroying farmlands in the area and, upon arrival, discovered an injured herder who had allegedly been assaulted by some Berom youths.
The troops immediately brought the situation under control and evacuated the injured herder to a hospital for medical attention.
In a related development, troops also responded to reports of the destruction of multiple farmlands around Kwi, including the Bok and Gura areas.
On arrival, the troops reportedly found a herd of cattle grazing on the farmlands, while the herder fled after sighting the security personnel.
The livestock were subsequently moved to the troops’ location to allow for an amicable resolution of the dispute and prevent further escalation between farmers and herders.
The intervention is part of ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to prevent farmer-herder disputes from escalating into violence and maintain peace in vulnerable communities across Plateau State.
Security personnel are maintaining surveillance in the affected areas while efforts continue to ensure peaceful resolution of the incidents.
OPEP Troops Recover Cattle Rustled by Berom Militia, Return Livestock to Owners in Plateau
OPEP Troops Recover Cattle Rustled by Berom Militia, Return Livestock to Owners in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 9, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have recovered a herd of cattle reportedly rustled by Berom militia from Nteng village in Quan’pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The recovery followed a report of cattle rustling received by the troops at about 5:05 p.m. on August 22, 2025.
According to a security source, troops immediately commenced a pursuit of the suspected cattle rustlers and successfully traced the movement of the stolen livestock.
The troops also deployed a drone to monitor the movement of the rustled cattle from the air, enabling them to track the livestock until they were successfully recovered.
Following the recovery operation, the cattle were handed over to their rightful owners.
The operation highlights the continued efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to tackle cattle rustling and other forms of criminality threatening rural communities and livelihoods across Plateau State.
Security personnel are maintaining surveillance in the area to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents and livestock owners.
OPEP Commander Moves to End Revenge Killings, Misinformation in Mangu
OPEP Commander Moves to End Revenge Killings, Misinformation in Mangu
By Zagazola Makama
The Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Major General W.M. Dangana, has called on the Mwaghavul Youth Movement (MYM) in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State to abandon the cycle of revenge attacks and work with security agencies towards restoring lasting peace in the state.
Major General Dangana made the call on Sunday, August 23, 2026, during a stakeholders’ engagement with the executive members of the MYM at the Multipurpose Hall of the Tactical Headquarters, Joint Task Force OPEP, in Mangu.
The meeting formed part of the command’s non-kinetic efforts to address the underlying causes of insecurity and strengthen community cooperation within the Joint Operations Area.
The engagement was aimed particularly at addressing recurring retaliatory attacks between indigenous communities and Fulani residents, as well as the spread of misinformation capable of escalating tensions.
Addressing the youth leaders, the OPEP Commander urged them to set aside differences and collaborate with security agencies to restore peace and stability across Mangu and Plateau State.
He challenged the youths to become peace ambassadors within their communities and use their influence to discourage violence, retaliation and the dissemination of unverified information.
The commander also encouraged the youth movement to support the actualisation of rural security initiatives designed to strengthen early warning mechanisms, community engagement and cooperation with security agencies.
Major General Dangana further used the engagement to clarify what he described as several misconceptions surrounding ongoing security operations in Mangu.
He assured the MYM executive members that Operation HARD KNOCK would serve as an important tool in consolidating peace and security in Mangu Local Government Area.
The commander stressed that military operations alone could not guarantee sustainable peace, noting that the cooperation of communities, particularly young people, remained critical to preventing violence and rebuilding trust.
He urged the youth leaders to reject narratives capable of inflaming ethnic tensions and instead promote dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
The meeting was attended by the Special Adviser on Security to the Plateau State Government; the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area; the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Joint Task Force OPEP; members of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement and representatives of the National President of the MDA, among other stakeholders.
The stakeholders’ engagement emphasizes OPEP’s increasing emphasis on combining kinetic operations with community dialogue, confidence-building and early intervention mechanisms to address the persistent security challenges in Plateau State.
The Military high command said sustained collaboration between security agencies, traditional and community leaders and youth organisations remains essential to breaking the cycle of violence and creating conditions for lasting peace in Mangu and the wider Plateau State.
Troops Intercept Three Canoes Procured by Terrorist Kingpin, Disrupt Logistics Plan in Zamfara
Troops Intercept Three Canoes Procured by Terrorist Kingpin, Disrupt Logistics Plan in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted three disassembled canoes reportedly procured by a notorious terrorist kingpin, Shehu Bagewaye, to facilitate the movement of his fighters across riverine areas of Zamfara State.
The operation, conducted on Sunday, August 23, 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating that the terrorist leader had arranged for the procurement of the canoes from Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State for onward movement into Zamfara.
According to a statement by the Joint Task Force Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, intelligence indicated that the canoes were intended to help the terrorists overcome river obstacles restricting their movement and enhance their mobility for criminal activities against vulnerable communities.
Acting on the intelligence, troops of Sector 2 conducted a covert operation along identified areas of interest and intercepted the three disassembled canoes while they were being transported towards their intended destination.
The individuals conveying the items reportedly abandoned the canoes and fled after sighting the troops.
The recovered items have been taken into military custody, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved in the attempted movement.
The interception is the latest in a series of intelligence-led operations by Operation FANSAN YAMMA aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics and denying criminal elements the resources required to expand their mobility and operational reach.
The Joint Task Force said the operation underscores the importance of timely intelligence in identifying and disrupting terrorist logistics networks before they can be deployed against communities.
It reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist and criminal networks by targeting their logistics, movements and operational capabilities across the Joint Operations Area.
The task force also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to preventing terrorist activities and protecting lives and property.
OPERATION HADIN KAI AIR STRIKES DESTROY ISWAP GUN TRUCKS, KILL FIGHTERS IN ADUWA
OPERATION HADIN KAI AIR STRIKES DESTROY ISWAP GUN TRUCKS, KILL FIGHTERS IN ADUWA
By Zagazola Makama
Air platforms of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have reportedly destroyed two ISWAP gun trucks and inflicted significant casualties on the terrorist group during precision air strikes at Aduwa village in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
The strikes, conducted on August 21, 2026, were targeted at suspected ISWAP fighters operating in the area as part of intensified efforts to disrupt terrorist formations and their freedom of movement across the Lake Chad axis.
According to Intelligence sources the air strikes were highly effective, with all personnel observed at the targeted location assessed to be ISWAP fighters.
The intelligence indicated that two terrorist gun trucks were destroyed during the strikes, with one of the vehicles reportedly completely burnt in the attack.
Following the strikes, surviving terrorists were observed attempting to evacuate casualties from the area.
The intelligence further indicated that terrorists were seen towing another damaged vehicle while evacuating several wounded fighters around Gudumbali, apparently moving towards the Lake Chad area.
The movement is believed to be part of efforts by the surviving elements to recover their wounded fighters and withdraw from the affected area following the air strikes.
The precise number of terrorists killed and wounded in the operation was not immediately established, while the identities of senior ISWAP commanders who may have been eliminated are still being verified.
Further battle damage assessment and intelligence gathering are expected to provide additional details on the casualties inflicted on the terrorist group.
The latest operation forms part of the sustained air and ground campaign by Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt ISWAP’s command structures, fighting formations, logistics and freedom of movement in the North-East.
The destruction of the gun trucks is expected to further reduce the group’s ability to conduct mobile attacks and transport fighters and weapons across the Lake Chad region.
Security sources said the operation demonstrates the continued importance of intelligence-led air operations in degrading terrorist concentrations and forcing surviving fighters to abandon established positions.
As troops of Operation HADIN KAI maintain pressure across the theatre, security forces are expected to sustain surveillance and offensive operations to prevent the surviving elements from regrouping and re-establishing their positions in the affected axis.
Kano Police Impound 117 Vehicles, Motorcycles Over Traffic Violations
Kano Police Impound 117 Vehicles, Motorcycles Over Traffic Violations
By Zagazola Makama
The Kano State Police Command has impounded 117 vehicles and motorcycles for various traffic offences during an ongoing enforcement exercise aimed at improving road safety and compliance with traffic regulations.
The exercise, conducted between August 15 and 21, 2026, took place between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. as part of efforts to enforce road traffic regulations and safety protocols across the state.
According to a security report obtained by Zagazola Makama, a total of 51 vehicles and 66 motorcycles were impounded during the operation for different traffic-related offences.
The report stated that the affected drivers and riders were subsequently charged to court for prosecution in accordance with the law.
The Police Command said the enforcement exercise is still ongoing, with personnel maintaining efforts to ensure greater compliance with traffic regulations and road safety measures.
It added that the situation across the area remains generally calm, while further developments would be communicated as they arise.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb traffic violations, promote responsible road use and reduce incidents associated with non-compliance with established road safety protocols.
Police Inspector Killed, Another Injured in Herdsmen Ambush in Jigawa
Police Inspector Killed, Another Injured in Herdsmen Ambush in Jigawa
By Zagazola Makama
A police inspector has been killed while another sustained serious injuries after suspected Fulani herdsmen ambushed a joint security team responding to reports of farm destruction in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in a forest area of Gwaram, following a distress call reporting that suspected herders were destroying farmlands.
According to a security report obtained by Zagazola Makama, a combined team of personnel from Gwaram Police Division, Fagam Division, 35 Police Mobile Force (PMF), the Vigilance and Community Response Unit (VCRU) and Operation Salama responded to the distress call.
The security personnel had been conducting patrols in the area due to recurring activities involving suspected herders when they came under attack.
The attackers reportedly ambushed the team and rained arrows on the security personnel.
During the attack, Inspector Bukar Wakili, attached to Gwaram Division, was struck in the face by an arrow and sustained serious injuries.
As the security team attempted to withdraw from the ambush, Inspector Mohammed Shafiu, attached to VCRU Dutse, reportedly fell down.
His colleagues immediately picked him up and rushed both injured officers to a hospital for medical attention.
However, Inspector Shafiu was pronounced dead by medical personnel, while Inspector Bukar Ali was referred to the Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano for further treatment.
Following the incident, additional tactical teams from the Jigawa State Police Command were mobilised to the area to reinforce the personnel already on ground.
The reinforcement is expected to support efforts to apprehend those responsible for the attack and maintain law and order in the affected community.
The Police Command has commenced investigation into the incident, while security personnel remain deployed in the area to prevent further attacks and restore normalcy.
The latest incident underscores the security challenges associated with recurring farmer-herder disputes in parts of the state, particularly where disputes over farmland and grazing activities have the potential to escalate into violence.
Fire Guts Nine Shops at Trade Fair Complex in Lagos
Fire Guts Nine Shops at Trade Fair Complex in Lagos
By Zagazola Makama
A fire outbreak has destroyed goods in nine shops at Katsina Plaza, BBA, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos State.
The incident occurred at about 9:45 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, following a distress call received by the Lagos State Police Command.
According to a security report obtained by Zagazola Makama, teams of police officers and firefighters were swiftly mobilised to the scene after the alarm was raised.
The fire affected nine shops within the plaza and consumed goods stored in the affected premises.
The inferno was eventually brought under control through the combined efforts of the firefighters and police personnel deployed to the scene.
No casualty or loss of life was recorded in the incident.
The cause of the fire and the estimated value of the property and goods destroyed have not yet been established.
The Police Command has commenced an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the outbreak, while further developments are expected to be communicated.
Army Personnel Arrest Five Suspected Vandals, Recover Truckload of Iron Rods in Lagos
Army Personnel Arrest Five Suspected Vandals, Recover Truckload of Iron Rods in Lagos
By Zagazola Makama
Five suspected vandals have been arrested in Lagos for allegedly stealing iron poles and other materials meant for the construction of telecommunications masts.
The suspects were arrested at about 10:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, and subsequently handed over to the police for investigation.
According to a security report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the suspects were brought to the police station by Lieutenant I. A. Ekwealor, attached to Provost Group 3, 81 Division, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The suspects were identified as Mohammed Shaibu, 26; Musa Zakari, 29; Abdullahi Bala, 22; Salisu Musa, 18; and Yahuza Bala, 20.
They were reportedly caught stealing iron poles intended for the construction of telecommunications masts belonging to TYDA COM Limited in the Ashangun area of Lagos.
A truck loaded with suspected stolen iron rods was also recovered from the suspects.
The police said the recovered items had been registered as exhibits, while the suspects remain in custody pending further investigation.
Efforts are ongoing to track down other suspects who reportedly fled the scene.
The Police Command said investigation into the case is continuing.
Five Killed in Fatal Crash on Lagos-Badagry Expressway
Five Killed in Fatal Crash on Lagos-Badagry Expressway
By Zagazola Makama
Five people, including the driver, have been killed in a fatal road traffic accident along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in the Mowo area of Lagos State.
The accident occurred at about 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, when a Toyota Camry saloon car, with registration number FKJ-630-KS, allegedly lost control while being driven by Opeyemi Taiwo.
According to a security report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the vehicle, which had four other occupants on board, reportedly climbed a road culvert and collided head-on with an oncoming Renault truck with registration number T-28081-LA.
The driver of the truck reportedly fled the scene after the crash and is currently at large.
The driver of the Camry and the four other occupants died at the scene from injuries sustained in the collision.
Traffic personnel were subsequently deployed to the scene, where photographs were taken and the bodies of the victims evacuated to the Badagry General Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The two vehicles involved in the crash were also recovered to the police station for safekeeping and inspection by the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO).
The police have commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and efforts are ongoing to locate the fleeing truck driver.
Police Recover Locally Fabricated Pistol, Live Cartridge From Suspect in Ogun
Police Recover Locally Fabricated Pistol, Live Cartridge From Suspect in Ogun
By Zagazola Makama
The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a locally fabricated pistol, a live cartridge and a charm from a suspected community leader accused of planning an unauthorised overnight installation of a Baale in Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 21, 2026, after a community representative reported the matter to the police.
According to a security report obtained by Zagazola Makama, Chief Femi Obanla of Oke Sunna Street, Igbesa, reported at the police station at about 7:24 p.m. on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul Azeez Oluwatoyin Akinde.
He reportedly informed the police that a group of persons led by one Adisa Jacob, an indigene of Igbo-Odo village, Igbesa, was allegedly planning to install a Baale overnight without the approval of the Kabiyesi Oloja Ekun of Igbesa land, who is the appropriate approving authority.
The complainant expressed concern that the planned installation could trigger tension and lead to a breach of peace within the community.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) mobilised a patrol team to the area, while the alleged leader of the group was invited to the station.
Statements were obtained from both the complainant and the suspect, while the suspect was detained to prevent any escalation of the situation.
During a routine search conducted on the suspect at the charge room by the night Crime Reporting Officer, Inspector Orojo Sola, the police recovered one cut-to-size locally fabricated pistol, one live cartridge and a small charm concealed inside the suspect’s waist bag.
The recovered items have been registered as exhibits as investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the planned installation and possession of the firearm.
The police said the case remains under investigation, with efforts focused on preventing any breakdown of law and order in the community.
Police Arrest Woman With 88 ATM Cards in Ogun
Police Arrest Woman With 88 ATM Cards in Ogun
By Zagazola Makama
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old woman in connection with suspected criminal activity after she was allegedly found in possession of 88 Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards belonging to different banks.
The suspect, identified as Success Olafemi, 30, of Kara Makasia near the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Camp in Ogun State, was arrested on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
According to a security report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the arrest followed information received at about 10:00 a.m. from a woman identified as Tope Makinde of Iwe-Lepe village along Sagamu Road.
The informant reportedly told the police that earlier at about 9:00 a.m., the suspect had gone to Ewu-Lisa via Simawa, where she allegedly attempted to lure a seven-year-old girl identified as Jumat, whose surname is yet to be established.
The suspect allegedly used ₦200 notes and sachets of Milo tea to entice the child before she was apprehended.
A search conducted on the suspect reportedly led to the recovery of 88 ATM cards belonging to various financial institutions.
The recovered cards included 25 OPay ATM cards, 13 UBA cards, two Skye Bank cards, seven Keystone Bank cards, nine GTBank cards, 10 Zenith Bank cards, two PalmPay cards, four Ecobank cards and 11 First Bank cards.
Police also recovered ₦7,000 in cash, comprising ₦200 denominations, from the suspect’s handbag, as well as sachets of Milo and Nescafé tea.
The suspect was taken to the police station, where detectives commenced interrogation.
During questioning, she reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory account of how she came into possession of the large number of ATM cards.
The report further stated that the suspect appeared to be mentally unstable, prompting further investigation into her background and circumstances surrounding the recovered items.
The police said the case remains under investigation to determine the ownership of the ATM cards and whether the suspect is linked to other criminal activities.
Robbers Transfer ₦5m From Victim’s Opay Account, Steal ₦6m Cash and Jeep in Ogun
Robbers Transfer ₦5m From Victim’s Opay Account, Steal ₦6m Cash and Jeep in Ogun
By Zagazola Makama
Armed hoodlums have reportedly robbed a resident of Abeokuta, Ogun State, of ₦11 million in cash and electronic funds before fleeing with his vehicle and mobile phones.
The incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Soyoye, Abeokuta.
According to a security report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the victim, identified as Atobatele Akeem of White House Street, Soyoye, reported the incident to the police at about 7:10 a.m.
He said about five hoodlums armed with cutlasses invaded his premises and transferred the sum of ₦5 million from his Opay account into different accounts.
The suspects also allegedly collected ₦6 million in cash from the victim and made away with their mobile phones.
The hoodlums further reportedly removed the victim’s unregistered red Highlander Jeep from where it was parked and escaped with the vehicle.
Following the report, police detectives immediately commenced investigation and visited the scene to gather evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the robbery.
Efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators, recover the stolen funds and vehicle, and bring the suspects to justice.
The case remains under investigation.
Taraba Police Urge Youths to Reject Political Thuggery, Cybercrime Ahead of 2027 Polls
Taraba Police Urge Youths to Reject Political Thuggery, Cybercrime Ahead of 2027 Polls
By Zagazola Makama
The Taraba State Police Command has urged young people across the state to reject political thuggery, violence, misinformation and cyberbullying as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The command made the call on Saturday, August 22, 2026, during activities marking the International Youth Day with the theme, “Different Context, Common Aspirations.”
The event brought together various youth organisations from across the state at the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) Hall, Divisional Police Headquarters, Jalingo, following an enlightenment walk through major roads and streets in the metropolis.
Speaking during the engagement, the police urged youths to avoid being used as instruments of political violence and other activities capable of threatening peace and security in their communities.
A police source who spoke on the event said the participants were also sensitised on the dangers of misinformation, cyberbullying and digital manipulation, while being encouraged to promote safer communities and build trust with security agencies.
The source said the engagement was particularly important ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing the need for young Nigerians to participate in the democratic process peacefully and responsibly.
“Youths were urged to support a peaceful, credible and inclusive democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the police source said.
The Command Management Team was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Umar Shehu Didango.
Also present were the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), DCP Nandiak Tissing; Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, DCP Umar Fakai; Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and other senior police officers.
The police authorities emphasised that youth participation in governance and community development should be channelled towards constructive engagement rather than violence, intimidation or the spread of false information.
The participants were further encouraged to use digital platforms responsibly and avoid activities that could undermine public safety, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
The International Youth Day programme ended successfully and without any security incident, according to the police.
Three Killed, Three Injured in Clash Between Fulani Families in Taraba
Three Killed, Three Injured in Clash Between Fulani Families in Taraba
By Zagazola Makama
Three persons have been killed while three others sustained serious injuries following a violent clash between members of two Fulani families in the Kashimbilla bush area of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The incident occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, following a dispute between the families of Musa and Chonkal over alleged theft of food items in their bush settlement.
According to a police source, the incident was reported to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Takum Division, by the Taraba State Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Alhaji Ya’u Barewa.
The police source said the DPO immediately led a team of detectives to the scene, where three persons were found dead and subsequently confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
The deceased were identified as Usman Musa, 30; Sule Musa, 27; and Mahammadu Chonkal, 28, all Fulani from Kyanwe Bush, Bete Ward, Takum.
Three other persons identified as Sale Musa, 25; Kabiru Musa; and Suleiman Kabiru sustained severe injuries and were evacuated to a hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Preliminary police investigation revealed that the violence began after members of the Musa family accused the Chonkal family of stealing their foodstuff stored at their bush settlement.
The disagreement reportedly escalated into a violent confrontation, during which Mahammadu Chonkal allegedly picked up a firearm and shot Sule Musa.
Although Sule Musa initially sustained what police described as bullet bruises around his armpit, the confrontation continued.
A member of the Musa family subsequently attacked Chonkal with a machete, cutting his face. Before he collapsed and died, Chonkal allegedly fired another shot, hitting Sule Musa in the forehead and killing him.
The injured victims reportedly told the police that an individual identified as Alhaji Chonkal picked up the firearm and fled into the bush.
However, an AK-47 rifle was subsequently recovered from the bush close to the scene of the incident.
The recovered rifle had breech number 360235 marked on the dust cover and 21197 on the cocking handle, according to the police.
Police personnel secured the scene, took photographs and evacuated the injured victims for medical treatment.
The corpses of the deceased were later released to their relatives on demand for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
The police said investigation has commenced and the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation.
Efforts are expected to focus on establishing the full circumstances surrounding the clash, recovering any other weapons involved and identifying those responsible for the deaths and injuries.
Kogi Police Urge Youths to Reject Political, Digital Thuggery at International Youth Day
Kogi Police Urge Youths to Reject Political, Digital Thuggery at International Youth Day
By Zagazola Makama
The Kogi State Police Command has urged young people to reject political and digital thuggery and channel their energy towards nation-building, responsible citizenship and community security.
The command made the call on Saturday, August 22, 2026, during activities to commemorate International Youth Day in Lokoja, the state capital.
The celebration commenced with a sensitisation walkathon through major parts of Lokoja, involving police personnel, sister security agencies, student unions and other youth groups.
The exercise was led by the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Bello Naziru Kankarofi, alongside members of the command’s management team.
During the sensitisation programme, participants were warned about the dangers of political thuggery, digital manipulation and other forms of youth involvement in activities capable of undermining public peace and security.
The command subsequently held an interactive lecture and engagement session on “Youth Security and Nation Building.”
The session featured the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Naziru Kankarofi; the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Sadisu Umar Tafida; representative of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Abu Salih Shuaibu; and representative of the Special Adviser on Youth, Hon. Samuel Kaziri.
Other members of the panel included the Dean of Student Affairs, Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Isah Yunusa; youth representative of the Council of Ulama, Barr. Idris Abdullahi, Esq.; Executive Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu; youth representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Evangelist Sokwo Emmanuel Merida; and Executive Director of CPI, Mrs Eunice Abibola Abogun.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Salihu, moderated the interactive session.
The engagement provided an opportunity for security officials, government representatives, religious leaders, students and youth organisations to discuss the role of young people in maintaining peace and strengthening national development.
The command also encouraged young Nigerians to embrace positive leadership, education and constructive civic participation while avoiding criminal activities and manipulation by political actors.
The programme was attended by the Chairwoman of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Kogi State Chapter, members of students’ unions, Boys Scouts and other personnel of the command.
A police source said the event was conducted peacefully and ended at about 2:00 p.m. without any security incident.
The command said the area remained relatively calm after the programme.
Police Launch Manhunt After Motorist Found Dead Along Bauchi Road
Police Launch Manhunt After Motorist Found Dead Along Bauchi Road
By Zagazola Makama
The Bauchi State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected armed robbers after a man was found dead along a roadside in Dugunde Madara Village, Katagum Local Government Area.
The incident was reported at about 1:45 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, following a distress call received from a resident identified as Musa.
According to a police source, the caller reported that a lifeless body had been discovered lying by the roadside, with initial indications that the victim may have been attacked and beaten by unidentified persons who subsequently made away with his motor vehicle.
Following the report, a police patrol team led by a Station Police Officer (SPO) promptly mobilised to the scene.
The victim was evacuated to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Azare, for medical examination, where he was certified dead by a medical doctor.
Police personnel photographed the scene, while the victim’s remains were deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The command has intensified efforts to trace and apprehend the suspected perpetrators and recover the stolen vehicle.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing, with further developments expected to be communicated by the police.
Six IPOB/ESN Militants Killed, Weapons Recovered as Security Forces Raid Camp in Anambra
Six IPOB/ESN Militants Killed, Weapons Recovered as Security Forces Raid Camp in Anambra
By Zagazola Makama
Six suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) have been neutralised during a joint counter-terrorism clearance operation in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The operation was conducted at about 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at an identified camp of the outlawed militia group located in a dense forest in Amiyi, Ogbaru LGA.
According to a police source, the operation was carried out by a joint task force comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, other security agencies and Agunechemba vigilantes.
The source said the security team came under fire after arriving at the suspected camp, leading to a fierce gun battle between the operatives and the armed group.
During the encounter, six suspected militants were neutralised, forcing other members of the group to retreat and escape into neighbouring bushes.
A search of the area subsequently led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and assorted charms.
The security forces also destroyed the suspected camps and shrines used by the group in an effort to prevent the militants from regrouping and re-establishing their operational base in the area.
However, the operation recorded a fatality on the side of the security forces.
A soldier reportedly stepped on an IED while the team was withdrawing from the area. The explosive device detonated, killing the soldier instantly.
A vigilante operative identified as Chidera also sustained a gunshot wound to the chin during the operation.
He was evacuated to Multicare Hospital in Okpoko, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding to medical care.
The police said counter-terrorism and other crime-prevention operations are continuing in the area as security agencies intensify efforts to track down fleeing members of the group and prevent further attacks.
Further developments, according to the command, will be communicated as the operation progresses.
Woman Arrested With ₦12m During Stop-and-Search Operation in Anambra
Woman Arrested With ₦12m During Stop-and-Search Operation in Anambra
By Zagazola Makama
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 48-year-old woman after she was allegedly found in possession of ₦12 million in cash during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Nkpor–Idiani–Abatete Road.
The suspect, identified as Mrs Chinwe Okonkwo, an indigene of Imo State, was arrested at about 1:24 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
According to a police source, the arrest was made by personnel of the Safer Highway team while conducting routine stop-and-search operations along the road.
The source said the officers discovered ₦12 million in cash in the suspect’s possession and questioned her about the source of the money.
She was reportedly unable to provide a satisfactory account of the origin of the funds, prompting the police to take her into custody for further investigation.
The recovered ₦12 million has been registered as an exhibit, while the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka.
The police said investigators would establish the source of the funds and determine whether the money is connected to any criminal activity.
The case remains under investigation, with further developments expected to be communicated by the command.
Kano Police Arrest ALGON Chairman, Three Others in Gun-Running Probe, Recover Pistols, Ammunition
Kano Police Arrest ALGON Chairman, Three Others in Gun-Running Probe, Recover Pistols, Ammunition
By Zagazola Makama
The Kano State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects, including a man identified as Hon. Muhammad Dahiru, described in a police report as the ALGON Chairman in Kebbi State, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged gun-running and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the latest arrests followed an investigation into a case initially reported at Dorayi Babba Division on Aug. 13, 2026, involving alleged criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition.
The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation and referred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
Sources said operatives of the squad intensified investigations, leading to the arrest of Dahiru, who was allegedly found in possession of a silver-coloured pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition.
Another suspect, identified as Rabi’u Ahmed Kanti, 66, from Bichi Local Government Area, was also arrested in possession of a pistol allegedly loaded with 12 rounds of live ammunition.
Police sources said further investigation into the case led to the arrest of two suspected gun-runners identified as Abdulmalik, 55, of Bechi village in Ungogo LGA, and Armaya’u Lawal, alias “Agwada,” 37, of Ring Road, Gwale LGA.
The arrests form part of an expanding investigation aimed at uncovering the source, movement and intended recipients of the firearms and ammunition.
“The investigation is ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to identify, trace and apprehend other suspects connected with the case,” a police source said.
The police are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the recovered weapons and ammunition as detectives work to establish the extent of the suspected gun-running network.
Further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.
Headless Body Found in Bush as Police Launch Murder Investigation in Jigawa
Headless Body Found in Bush as Police Launch Murder Investigation in Jigawa
By Zagazola Makama
The Jigawa State Police Command has launched an investigation into the discovery of a headless body in a bush at Shanya Babba village, Maigatari Local Government Area of the state.
The incident was reported at about 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, after residents raised an alarm over the discovery of the body.
According to a police source, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Maigatari Division, immediately led a team of police personnel to the scene following the distress call.
The source said a search of the surrounding area was conducted, during which the severed head of the victim was recovered.
The victim had no means of identification on the body, while the remains had already started decomposing.
The body was subsequently evacuated from the scene and deposited at a hospital for further examination.
Police detectives are currently working to establish the identity of the victim and determine the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Efforts are also ongoing to trace and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the gruesome act.
The police said the case remains under investigation, with further developments expected as the investigation progresses.
Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals Near NPF Microfinance Bank in Lagos
Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals Near NPF Microfinance Bank in Lagos
By Zagazola Makama
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspected cable vandals who were allegedly attempting to gain access to a fenced transformer installation belonging to the NPF Microfinance Bank in Obalende, Lagos.
The suspects, identified as Opeyemi Akinbulumo, 28, and Wasiu Onofowora, 45, were arrested at about 2:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026.
According to a police source, the suspects were intercepted within the vicinity of the NPF Microfinance Bank while allegedly attempting to gain entry into the fenced transformer installation.
A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of rubber hand gloves, a razor blade, spanners, a wooden stool and a cutlass.
Preliminary investigation reportedly indicated that the two suspects may have been among individuals who attempted to vandalise the same transformer installation about two weeks earlier.
The suspects are currently in police custody, while the recovered items have been registered as exhibits.
The Lagos State Police Command said investigation is ongoing to establish the suspects’ involvement in the alleged vandalism and identify other persons who may be connected to the activity.
Police Arrest Nine Suspected Hoodlums in Intelligence-Led Raid in Lagos
Police Arrest Nine Suspected Hoodlums in Intelligence-Led Raid in Lagos
By Zagazola Makama
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested nine suspected hoodlums and miscreants during an intelligence-led raid on criminal hideouts in Iju and adjoining areas of the state.
The operation was conducted at about 11:45 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, as part of the command’s ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and prevent the activities of suspected criminals.
According to a police source, the operation was carried out following intelligence on suspected criminal activities within the affected areas.
At the end of the raid, nine suspected hoodlums and miscreants were arrested and taken into police custody for profiling and further investigation.
The suspects are currently undergoing profiling to establish their identities and determine their possible involvement in criminal activities.
The police said the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of the investigation and in accordance with the law.
Investigation into the case is ongoing.
Police Inspector Found Dead in Apartment in Ogun
Police Inspector Found Dead in Apartment in Ogun
By Zagazola Makama
A police inspector attached to the Agbara Division of the Ogun State Police Command has been found dead in his apartment at Ago ETO area, Agbara, Ogun State.
The deceased, identified as Inspector Usman Hassan, 45, with Force number AP 367263, was reportedly found lifeless on Thursday, August 21, 2026.
According to a police source, a phone call was received at about 2:00 p.m. from a resident of Idi Oke community, identified as Alhaji Amodu Mohammad, who alerted the police about the discovery.
Inspector Hassan was attached to Agbara Division but had been deployed on special duty at Transpol Abeokuta since June 8, 2026.
Following the report, the Station Officer, ASP Minapon Adebayo, proceeded to the deceased’s apartment, where he was found lying lifeless on the ground.
The circumstances surrounding his death have not yet been established.
The police subsequently evacuated the remains and deposited them at the Badagry mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Efforts are ongoing to contact the deceased’s relatives, while further investigation is expected to establish the cause and circumstances of his death.
Further developments will be communicated by the command.
Police Rescue Man From Mob Attack by Motorcycle Riders in Ogun
Police Rescue Man From Mob Attack by Motorcycle Riders in Ogun
By Zagazola Makama
The Ogun State Police Command has rescued a 32-year-old man from an alleged mob attack by commercial motorcycle riders at the Tai Solarin University College of Education, Ososa, Ijebu area of the state.
The incident occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, following information received from a Good Samaritan that some angry Hausa youths who were Okada riders were attempting to mob the man, identified as Tosin Awokoya.
According to a police source, Awokoya and an accomplice had allegedly attempted to snatch a motorcycle belonging to one of the riders, prompting the rider to raise an alarm.
The alarm reportedly attracted other motorcycle riders, who began pursuing and assaulting Awokoya.
Following the distress report, a police patrol team was immediately deployed to the scene and rescued the victim.
The suspected attackers reportedly fled on their motorcycles upon sighting the police.
Awokoya, who sustained injuries during the assault, was initially rushed to St. Thomas Hospital, Ososa, before being referred to the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, where he was admitted and is responding to treatment.
The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the victim’s alleged accomplice, who reportedly escaped when the motorcycle rider raised the alarm over the attempted theft.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the attempted motorcycle theft and the subsequent mob action.
Motorcyclist Killed After Hitting Suspected Boko Haram IED in Niger-Kogi Border Area
Motorcyclist Killed After Hitting Suspected Boko Haram IED in Niger-Kogi Border Area
By Zagazola Makama
A motorcyclist has been killed after his Bajaj motorcycle reportedly ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, while the victim, identified as Usman Machiya of Gyada village, was travelling towards Baturen-Daji in Babanna District.
According to a security source, Machiya was riding a Bajaj motorcycle from Gyada village via Baturen-Daji when he encountered the suspected IED planted along the route.
The explosive device detonated, killing him instantly.
The incident was subsequently reported to the appropriate security authorities, while military troops at the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Babanna, were alerted.
Other security agencies in the area were also placed on red alert following the explosion.
Security personnel are maintaining heightened surveillance in the area to prevent further casualties and determine whether additional explosive devices may have been planted along the route.
Monitoring of the situation is ongoing.
Missing Chief Park Ranger Found Dead in Oyo Forest After Alleged Suicide
Missing Chief Park Ranger Found Dead in Oyo Forest After Alleged Suicide
By Zagazola Makama
A 40-year-old Chief Park Ranger with the Old Oyo National Park has been found dead after allegedly taking his own life in a forest area of Tede, Oyo State.
The incident was reported to the Tede Police Division on Friday, August 21, 2026, after the ranger had reportedly been missing for four days.
According to a police source, a forest ranger attached to the Old Oyo National Park, identified as Babatunde Abdulrasheed, reported at the station at about 8:00 a.m. that the missing ranger, identified as Ajeiigbe Jacob, had been found in the bush at Iyanla area of Tede.
The source said Jacob was found hanging from a rope tied to a tree, in what was suspected to be suicide.
Following the report, a team of police operatives led by the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), Tede Division, immediately proceeded to the scene.
Police personnel photographed the scene and subsequently lowered the body from the tree.
The family of the deceased reportedly requested that the remains be released to them for burial.
The police have commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, while further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.
Gunmen Abduct 20-Year-Old Man, Tie Five Cattle Rearers in Oyo
Gunmen Abduct 20-Year-Old Man, Tie Five Cattle Rearers in Oyo
By Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted a 20-year-old man after invading a cattle ranch at Asanmimi village along the Akala Road-New Iseyin/Oyo/Ogbomoso Expressway in Oyo State.
The incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, while the ranchers were asleep.
According to a police source, the incident was reported to the Atiba Police Division on Friday, August 21, by Mamuda Abdullahi of Gongo Mi village, Igbeti, accompanied by Seidu Bolaji of Asanmimi village, Oyo.
The police source said Abdullahi had received information from a neighbour that his cattle rearer, identified as Alhaji Owolabi Amadu of Asanmimi village, had been attacked at the ranch.
The attackers, numbering about three and armed with dangerous weapons, reportedly covered their faces with masks before invading the ranch.
During the attack, the hoodlums allegedly tied up five cattle rearers and abducted Mamuda Ibrahim, 20, the son of one of the victims, before fleeing into the surrounding bushes.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Atiba Division, immediately mobilised a joint team comprising police operatives, Amotekun Corps personnel, vigilantes and local hunters to the area.
The team commenced an intensive search of the surrounding bushes in an effort to locate and rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the perpetrators.
The command has also reinforced the operation with personnel from its Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
A police source said the search operation was still ongoing, with security personnel combing the area for the victim and the suspected kidnappers.
The police have commenced investigation into the incident, while further developments will be communicated as the operation progresses.
Police Arrest Four After Robbery, Mob Attack in Ibadan
Police Arrest Four After Robbery, Mob Attack in Ibadan
By Zagazola Makama
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four persons following a robbery incident and subsequent mob action in Balogun Tori-Ola community along Ido Road, Ologuneru area of Ibadan.
The incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, and was reported to the Eleyele Police Division following a distress call at about 5:00 a.m.
According to a police source, three young men armed with iron rods allegedly invaded a compound in the community and attacked the occupants.
During the attack, two of the suspects, identified as Adebiyi Ajibola Abdul Fatai and Lawal Lateef Olatunbosun, allegedly dispossessed the victims of an iPhone 17 valued at about ₦1.2 million and a two-gram 18-carat gold earring valued at ₦400,000.
The suspects reportedly fled after the robbery, but an alarm raised by residents led to the arrest of one of them, identified as Taiwo Opadare, 32, of Idera area, Omi-Adio, Ibadan.
His arrest subsequently led to the apprehension of another alleged accomplice, Azeez Mutairu, 25.
However, the situation later escalated when Azeez was allegedly dragged out of his residence in the presence of his parents.
The two robbery victims, Adebiyi and Lawal, allegedly attacked him with a cutlass, inflicting serious injuries to his right hand and leg.
Following the report, a police patrol team was deployed to the scene, where photographs were taken and the injured suspect was evacuated to Crest Line Hospital, Benjamin Bus Stop, Eleyele, Ibadan, for medical treatment.
The police subsequently arrested Adebiyi and Lawal in connection with the alleged mob action and robbery.
The four suspects are now in police custody as detectives investigate the circumstances surrounding the robbery, arrests and subsequent assault.
The police said investigation is ongoing and further developments will be communicated.
20-Year-Old Man Stabbed to Death During Altercation in Gombe
20-Year-Old Man Stabbed to Death During Altercation in Gombe
By Zagazola Makama
A 20-year-old man has been stabbed to death during an altercation with two other youths in Dinchi Village, Jamari Ward, Dukku Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, and was reported to the Dukku Police Division at about 2:00 p.m.
According to a police source, the victim, identified as Inusa Musa, 20, was involved in an altercation with Adamu Ibrahim, 18, and another suspect identified as Ibrahim Mai Goro, all residents of Dinchi Village.
The suspects allegedly attacked Inusa with a knife, stabbing him in the neck and stomach and inflicting serious injuries.
Following the attack, the victim was rushed to the Health Clinic, Kamba, for medical attention.
However, he was confirmed dead by medical personnel upon arrival.
The police subsequently visited the scene as part of their preliminary investigation, while the victim’s remains were released to his relatives for burial.
One of the suspects, Adamu Ibrahim, has been arrested and is currently assisting the police with the investigation.
His alleged accomplice, Ibrahim Mai Goro, is still at large.
The Gombe State Police Command has intensified efforts to locate and arrest the fleeing suspect, while investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing continues.
One Injured, Another Missing After Hoodlums Attack Two Brothers in Gombe
One Injured, Another Missing After Hoodlums Attack Two Brothers in Gombe
By Zagazola Makama
The Gombe State Police Command has launched a search for a 25-year-old man who went missing after armed hoodlums attacked him and his elder brother in Funakaye Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred at about 4:45 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Abuku village, Ribado Ward, Funakaye LGA.
According to a police source, the incident was reported to the Bajoga Police Division by Saiyo Umaru, 50, of Dukkul village, Kwami Local Government Area, at about 11:00 a.m.
The complainant told the police that his two sons, identified as Tukur Saiyo Umaru, 30, and Manu Alhaji Umaru, 25, were attacked by a group of hoodlums armed with sticks and machetes.
During the attack, Tukur sustained an injury to his head, while his younger brother, Manu, reportedly disappeared during the incident.
Following the report, police personnel visited the scene as part of preliminary investigations.
The injured victim was subsequently taken to Ribado Clinic, where he received medical treatment and was later discharged.
The police said they have commenced investigation into the incident and intensified efforts to locate the missing victim and identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
ISWAP Faces Fresh Leadership Frictions as Baa Shuwa Tightens Control in Lake Chad
ISWAP Faces Fresh Leadership Frictions as Baa Shuwa Tightens Control in Lake Chad
By Zagazola Makama
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) is facing renewed internal tensions in the Lake Chad area following a series of leadership changes and disciplinary actions attributed to its Wali, Baa Shuwa, according to credible intelligence sources.
The latest developments reportedly reflect growing efforts by the group’s leadership to strengthen internal discipline, consolidate command and prevent defections amid continuing military pressure in the Lake Chad Basin.
Sources familiar with the development said Baa Shuwa ordered the execution of a senior ISWAP member identified as Yaa Saleh, a member of the group’s Shura Council and its Zakkah Amir for an area covering parts of the Gudumbali, Kareto and Gubio axis.
Yaa Saleh, reportedly an indigene of Banki, was accused of repeatedly disregarding directives from the ISWAP Wali, according to the intelligence.
The dispute allegedly escalated before his execution and was reportedly preceded by the killing of three other prominent ISWAP fighters in the area.
The development is believed to have deepened concerns within the group over loyalty, command discipline and the growing concentration of authority around Baa Shuwa.
In another significant development, the ISWAP leadership has reportedly undertaken a major reshuffle involving senior commanders, particularly within its Buduma-dominated structures.
Yaku Abu Adam, described in the intelligence as the group’s most senior Buduma commander, has reportedly been elevated from his previous command position to a senior Jaish leadership role, effectively placing him in a deputy operational position. His former deputy, Abubakar Bashihuba, has reportedly taken over his previous responsibilities among Buduma-dominated enclaves.
Yaku’s chief bodyguard, identified as Mal Haruna, was also reportedly appointed to a senior subordinate command position under Bashihuba.
Security sources believe the changes are linked to concerns within ISWAP over Yaku’s reported vulnerability to defection or surrender. The reshuffle is therefore being assessed as an attempt by Baa Shuwa to reinforce Yaku’s loyalty and retain the services of an influential commander whose standing among the Buduma community is considered important to ISWAP’s cohesion.
The intelligence also provides an insight into the group’s internal financing arrangements, suggesting that ISWAP maintains a structured system for funding its military hierarchy and fighters.
According to the report, senior military commanders receive substantial monthly operational allocations, while lower-ranking commanders and fighters receive smaller payments and food supplies.
The system reportedly links some fighter payments to participation in operations, indicating that ISWAP is operating under significant resource constraints while attempting to maintain its manpower and operational capacity.
The financial pressure could further increase the group’s reliance on illegal taxation, extortion, kidnapping and raids against communities and other sources of revenue.
Zagazola believe the execution of a Shura Council member is significant because of the position held by the victim and could indicate increasing distrust within ISWAP’s senior leadership.
The decision to promote influential ethnic commanders at a time of reported defection concerns may also point to an effort by Baa Shuwa to strengthen loyalty through patronage and command restructuring.
The developments come as Nigerian and regional forces continue to maintain pressure on terrorist groups operating around the Lake Chad Basin. The combination of leadership disputes, disciplinary actions, command reshuffles and financial pressure could create further instability within ISWAP.
However, security sources caution that internal divisions do not necessarily translate into an immediate reduction in terrorist activity.
Instead, weakened leadership cohesion could prompt factions to compete for influence, resources and territory, potentially resulting in increased violence against civilian populations.
Communities in parts of Borno and Yobe States could consequently face heightened risks of extortion, illegal taxation, kidnapping and other forms of coercion as the group seeks alternative sources of revenue.
The latest intelligence therefore points to a potentially fluid phase within ISWAP, with Baa Shuwa seeking to consolidate his authority while managing internal dissent, loyalty concerns and mounting operational pressures.
Three ISWAP Commanders, Over 22 Fighters Killed in Mandaragirau Clash — Intelligence
Three ISWAP Commanders, Over 22 Fighters Killed in Mandaragirau Clash — Intelligence
By Zagazola Makama
Three senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were among more than 25 fighters reportedly killed during a recent clash in the Mandaragirau axis, according to sources.
Security sources said the three commanders included two senior field commanders identified as Abu Khalid and Abul Baraa, both described as Qa’ids, as well as another commander identified as Munzir.
The intelligence indicated that the three were among four senior commanders who led the ISWAP attack in the Mandaragirau area.
More than 22 other ISWAP fighters were also reportedly killed during the encounter, representing a significant loss to the group in the area.
The intelligence further indicated that three other commanders at the Naqib level and between 15 and 20 fighters remain unaccounted for following the clash.
Security sources believe some of the missing fighters may have dispersed into surrounding communities in an attempt to evade pursuing forces.
Recent movements attributed to ISWAP around the Mandaragirau area are reportedly consistent with efforts by the group to locate and recover its missing personnel.
The loss of the three senior commanders is expected to temporarily affect ISWAP’s operational effectiveness in the Mandaragirau axis, particularly its ability to coordinate attacks and maintain command and control.
However, security sources cautioned that surviving elements of the group remain capable of regrouping or attempting retaliatory attacks.
The latest development therefore draws attention to the need for continued security operations to prevent surviving ISWAP fighters from reorganising and re-establishing their presence in the area.
The intelligence assessment noted that sustained security pressure would be important in consolidating the gains recorded during the operation and denying the group the opportunity to regain operational momentum.
Further developments are being monitored.
Chad Accuses Sudanese Forces of Crossing Border, Bombing Convoy Deep Inside Chadian Territory
Chad Accuses Sudanese Forces of Crossing Border, Bombing Convoy Deep Inside Chadian Territory
By Zagazola Makama
The Chadian General Staff has accused the warring parties in Sudan of violating Chad’s territorial integrity after aircraft and drones allegedly pursued and bombarded a convoy more than 100 kilometres inside Chadian territory.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, near Chad’s common border with Sudan, particularly around the Mourdi Department in the Ennedi-Est Province.
In a communiqué issued to the national and international public, the Chadian General Staff said aerial and ground assessments conducted throughout Friday, August 21, confirmed that the fighting in Sudan had once again spilled into Chadian territory.
According to the military authorities, aircraft and drones identified as belonging to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and/or forces supporting them were involved in the pursuit of a convoy.
The Chadian military said the operation initially took place on Sudanese territory but subsequently extended deep into Chad, with the convoy reportedly pursued and bombarded more than 100 kilometres inside Chadian territory.
The military authorities did not provide details on the identity of the convoy, the nature of its cargo, or the circumstances that led to the pursuit across the border.
However, the Chadian General Staff described the incident as a fresh violation of the country’s territorial integrity and warned all parties involved in the Sudan conflict against attempting to extend the war into Chad.
“Although no Chadian casualties have been recorded to date,” the military said, it strongly condemned what it described as the latest violation of Chad’s territorial integrity.
The General Staff issued a stern warning to the Sudanese belligerents, saying continued attempts to expand the Sudanese conflict into Chadian territory could have serious consequences.
It described such actions as a “suicidal risk” for those seeking to bring the Sudanese war onto Chadian soil.
The latest incident comes amid the continuing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which has increasingly generated security concerns for neighbouring countries.
Chad shares a long and porous border with Sudan, particularly along its eastern frontier, where the security situation has remained fragile due to the movement of armed groups, refugees, weapons and combatants fleeing the Sudanese conflict.
The Chadian military said its defence and security forces remain on the highest level of alert to prevent further violations and protect the country’s population.
It further assured citizens that the security forces are prepared to respond forcefully to any threat capable of undermining the peace and security of the Chadian people.
The statement did not indicate whether Chad had identified the specific aircraft or drones involved through direct visual confirmation, radar data or other intelligence means, but said assessments conducted through aerial and physical means established that the operation had crossed into Chadian territory.
The development raises concerns over the potential regionalisation of the Sudan conflict, particularly as fighting and military operations continue to take place close to Sudan’s borders with Chad and other neighbouring countries.
For Chad, the alleged incursion represents a particularly sensitive security issue given the country’s proximity to the conflict and the potential for cross-border military operations to trigger a broader confrontation.
The Chadian authorities have therefore placed their forces on heightened alert while warning the Sudanese belligerents that further violations of its territory could provoke an energetic response.
The Chadian General Staff stressed that its priority remains the protection of the country’s territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens amid the continuing instability along its eastern border.
Troops Recover 16 Rustled Cattle in Plateau as Security Forces Intensify Crackdown on Militia Elements involved in Livestock Theft
Troops Recover 16 Rustled Cattle in Plateau as Security Forces Intensify Crackdown on Militia Elements involved in Livestock Theft
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have recovered 16 cattle allegedly rustled from a herd belonging to Mr. Isiaka Adamu in Quan’Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, as security forces intensify efforts to dismantle networks of militia elements involved in livestock theft across the state.
The recovery followed a report of the rustling of 75 cattle at Kefar, Jipal, in Quan’Pan LGA, prompting troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE, operating under Operation HARD KNOCK, to commence search and recovery operations.
Military sources said the operation was launched at about 5:59 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, following information that the cattle had been rustled.
During the search, youths in Kefar village handed over 14 cattle to the troops after the animals were reportedly found wandering in a thick forest between Jipal and Chakfem.
The livestock were subsequently identified by their owner, Isiaka Adamu.
The recovery brought the total number of cattle retrieved by the troops to 16, following the earlier recovery of two cattle at Gwasheshe in Mangun District. Troops have reassured the affected herders that search and recovery operations remain ongoing to locate the remaining cattle.
Suspected concealment areas identified
Security sources have also identified several difficult-to-access locations across Plateau State that are allegedly being used by criminal elements to conceal, hold temporarily or move rustled livestock.
In Mangu Local Government Area, security information has pointed to areas around Panyam, Kerang, Ampang, Mangun, Kombun and Bwai as locations requiring increased surveillance because of their terrain and dispersed settlements.
In Barkin Ladi LGA, attention has been drawn to parts of Fan District, including villages and mountainous areas that are difficult to access, as well as parts of Foron District, where the terrain and scattered settlements could provide cover for criminal elements involved in cattle rustling.
In Bassa LGA, security information has pointed to parts of Irigwe Chiefdom and adjoining areas towards the southern Kaduna axis, while in Riyom LGA, mountainous locations have similarly been identified as areas allegedly exploited by suspected livestock-rustling networks to conceal or move stolen cattle.
Security authorities, however, stress that the identification of these locations does not imply that residents or entire communities in the areas are involved in criminal activities. Rather, the areas are being examined from an operational perspective because of their terrain, accessibility challenges and the possibility that criminals could exploit the environment to evade security forces.
Youth leader arrested
As part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal networks behind livestock theft, a youth leader Joshua Ali, was arrested by troops of sector 8 over his involvement in cattle rustling in Barikin Ladi. Several other suspects linked to the alleged criminal activities were reportedly on the run as troops intensified efforts to track them down and bring them to justice.
The arrest and ongoing manhunt are part of a wider intelligence-led operation aimed at identifying individuals involved in the planning, execution, concealment and movement of rustled livestock.
The renewed focus on cattle rustling comes amid growing concern that livestock theft and isolated killings are increasingly becoming a major driver of insecurity and communal tensions in parts of Plateau State.
Security sources and community stakeholders have repeatedly expressed concern that cattle rustling does not end with the loss of livestock. In many cases, the theft can trigger retaliation and counter-retaliation between communities, particularly where the perpetrators are not immediately identified and brought to justice.
An attack involving the killing of cattle can quickly be followed by allegations against an entire community, while isolated killings of herders, farmers or other residents can similarly provoke retaliatory attacks. This creates a dangerous cycle in which an initially isolated criminal incident develops into a broader communal security crisis.
Recent incidents around Gero, Gyel, Riyom, Bassa and other parts of Plateau have further highlighted the vulnerability of rural communities, where attacks on people or livestock deep mistrust and animosity among farming and herders communities.
The situation is particularly concerning because stolen cattle can be moved through difficult terrain and concealed in remote locations, making recovery more difficult and creating opportunities for criminal networks to exploit existing communal tensions.
Therefore, tackling cattle rustling must go beyond the recovery of stolen livestock. It requires identifying the financiers, organisers, transporters, concealment points and final destinations of the stolen animals.
The recovery of the 16 cattle in Quan’Pan demonstrates the importance of rapid military intervention, community information and sustained search operations in recovering stolen livestock before they are moved beyond the reach of security forces.
Security authorities have consequently called for increased intelligence sharing between communities and security agencies, particularly in areas where the terrain provides natural cover for criminal elements.
The objective, they stressed, is to prevent cattle rustling, isolated killings and subsequent reprisals from continuing to feed into the wider cycle of violence threatening peace and coexistence across affected communities.
14 Cows Killed, 29 Rustled inAttack on Herders by Berom Militia in Plateau
14 Cows Killed, 29 Rustled inAttack on Herders by Berom Militia in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
At least 14 cattle were reportedly killed and 29 others rustled in an attack on Fulani herders by Berom Militia in the Gero area of Gyel District in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 6:20 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, when troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, deployed in Gero responded to a report of an attack on cattle in the community.
According to military sources, the troops arrived at the location and discovered 10 cattle killed, while two others were found with gunshot wounds.
Additional information available to the troops indicated that the attackers had rustled an undisclosed number of cattle towards Gyel community.
However, sources within the affected community said the total number of cattle killed was about 14, while 29 others were allegedly taken away by the attackers.
Troops have commenced clearance operations in Gyel community in an effort to recover the rustled cattle, while a manhunt for the perpetrators is ongoing.
The incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks reported around the Gero and neighbouring areas. It comes after an attack on June 30, 2026, in which three people were reportedly killed in the Gero area, while another attack on June 16 at Nyongo reportedly claimed four lives whose whereabouts remain unresolved.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of pastoral communities and the potential for isolated attacks to trigger a wider cycle of violence.
Security sources warned that attacks targeting cattle, particularly when accompanied by killings, can easily generate retaliatory attacks by affected communities, thereby escalating what may initially be an isolated criminal incident into broader communal violence.
Security agencies are therefore expected to intensify patrols, intelligence gathering and community engagement in the affected areas to identify the perpetrators, recover the rustled livestock and prevent reprisals.
The development also highlight the need for community leaders and stakeholders to discourage retaliatory violence and support security agencies in bringing those responsible to justice.
Troops Arrest 24-Year-Old Hunter With Dane Gun After Gunshots Report in Plateau
Troops Arrest 24-Year-Old Hunter With Dane Gun After Gunshots Report in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have arrested a 24-year-old man and recovered a Dane gun following a report of gunshots in the DTV general area of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, when troops deployed at DTV responded to reports of gunshots in the area.
According to military sources, the troops arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect, identified as Emmanuel Daniel, 24, who was found in possession of one Dane gun.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect claimed to have fired the shots while hunting in the area.
The suspect and the recovered weapon are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrest followed the prompt response of troops to reports of gunfire as security forces continue efforts to maintain peace and security across communities in Plateau State.
Three Cows Die After Suspected Poisoning in Plateau
Three Cows Die After Suspected Poisoning in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Three cows belonging to one Alhaji Yusuf have died after allegedly grazing on a suspected poisonous substance at Jol area of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, when troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, deployed at Dokku, responded to a report of cattle poisoning in the area.
According to military sources, the troops arrived at the location and discovered three cows dead after reportedly grazing on a substance suspected to be poisonous.
The actual cause of death of the animals has, however, not been established.
An investigation has commenced to determine the substance involved and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Security personnel are also engaging relevant stakeholders as efforts continue to prevent the incident from escalating into further tension within the community.
Suspected Fulani Bandits Attack Claims Miner’s Life in Plateau
Suspected Fulani Bandits Attack Claims Miner’s Life in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A miner identified as Mr. Dachung Dacholom has been killed in an isolated shooting incident by suspected Fulani bandits at an illegal mining site in Rim community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, when troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, deployed at Rim responded to reports of sporadic gunshots around an illegal mining site.
Military sources said the troops, alongside personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), arrived at the location and discovered the corpse of Dacholom, who was reportedly shot by suspected Fulani militia members.
The assailants were said to have opened fire on miners at the site before fleeing into the surrounding high grounds.
The troops subsequently combed the general area in search of the attackers but made no contact with the assailants.
The victim’s remains were later handed over to his family members for burial.
Meanwhile, troops have intensified patrols and domination of the general area to prevent further attacks and de-escalate tensions in the community.
Security agencies are also continuing efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
GOC 3 Division Urges Irigwe Stakeholders to Embrace Dialogue, Peaceful Coexistence
GOC 3 Division Urges Irigwe Stakeholders to Embrace Dialogue, Peaceful Coexistence
By Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General W.M. Dangana, has urged the Irigwe community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence in resolving differences and restoring lasting peace.
Dangana made the call on Friday, August 22, 2026, during a stakeholders’ engagement held at Miango community in Bassa LGA.
The engagement was attended by the Chief of Staff and Commander, Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE, the entire Irigwe leadership and other stakeholders.
During the meeting, participants discussed critical security issues affecting the community and measures required to address the challenges and prevent further escalation of tensions.
The GOC emphasized the importance of dialogue as a means of resolving differences, urging the stakeholders to pursue peaceful solutions to issues affecting the community.
He also called on the Irigwe leadership and residents to promote peaceful coexistence, stressing the need for collective efforts towards restoring lasting peace in the community and Plateau State at large.
The engagement further illustrates the importance of cooperation between the security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities in addressing security challenges and strengthening peace-building efforts.
The meeting was hitch-free.
Several killed as Boko Haram, ISWAP Clash in Sambisa Forest
Several killed as Boko Haram, ISWAP Clash in Sambisa Forest
By Zagazola Makama
A major clash has been reported between rival Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorist factions in parts of the Sambisa Forest in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, with several fighters reportedly killed in the confrontation.
Credible Intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama indicated that the fighting occurred around the Zarmari, Bula Daloye and Chirchor enclaves within the vast forest.
The clashes reportedly involved more than 30 JAS members, including women and children who were present within the affected areas.
Sources familiar with the development said the confrontation resulted in significant casualties among the JAS faction, while some surviving members fled into nearby bushes following the fighting.
The latest confrontation highlights the continuing internal rivalry between JAS and ISWAP elements operating in the Sambisa Forest and adjoining areas.
Security forces operating around Bama and neighbouring communities have been placed on heightened vigilance following the development, with troops monitoring movements within the affected areas.
The latest clash is part of the continuing struggle between the two terrorist factions for influence, territory and access to resources in parts of Borno State.
Boko Haram Commander, Three Fighters and Woman Surrender to Troops in Borno
Boko Haram Commander, Three Fighters and Woman Surrender to Troops in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
A JAS commander, three fighters and a woman have surrendered to troops of the Nigerian Army’s 21 Special Armoured Brigade operating under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V in Borno State.
The surrender followed an intense clash between rival JAS and ISWAP elements, coupled with sustained intelligence-driven operations by troops of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade.
According to a military Special Situation Report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the five individuals surrendered at about 11:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, in the Kumburi general area of Bama Local Government Area.
The JAS commander was identified as Ishiaku Agah, while the three fighters were identified as Sulieman Yaga, Iburija Chari and Ba’ana Modu. A woman, Falmata Modu, also surrendered with the group.
The individuals were said to have come from the Bula Daloye general area before surrendering to troops.
Troops recovered 358 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition from the surrendering group.
The surrendered individuals and recovered items have been taken into military custody for further action, while troops continue to monitor the area for additional fighters willing to surrender.
The development comes amid intensified military operations and growing internal clashes between JAS and ISWAP factions in the North-East, which have continued to weaken terrorist networks and put pressure on their fighters and support structures.
The military said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
Troops Neutralise IPOB/ESN Fighter, Recover Weapons in Anambra Offensive
Troops Neutralise IPOB/ESN Fighter, Recover Weapons in Anambra Offensive
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 185 Battalion, in collaboration with the Military Police, Department of State Services and local vigilantes, have neutralised an IPOB/ESN operative during an offensive operation in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The operation was conducted at about 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, following intelligence on suspected IPOB/ESN strongholds at Obene Village and Abator Village, within the Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.
According to a military situation update obtained by Zagazola Makama, troops launched a dawn assault on the identified positions, forcing the terrorists to flee while engaging the advancing troops with gunfire.
The troops pursued the fleeing fighters and followed blood stains along their withdrawal route. One of the terrorists was subsequently neutralised, while the fleeing members of the group reportedly escaped with the corpse of another operative killed during the operation.
Troops recovered two pump-action guns, two motorcycles and materials suspected to be used for making improvised explosive devices, alongside other sundry items.
However, the operation suffered a fatal setback when a soldier, identified as Private Danladi Zakariya, stepped on an IED while troops were returning to their start line.
The explosive detonated in situ, causing severe injuries to the soldier. He was immediately evacuated to a hospital but unfortunately died from severe blood loss while being transported.
His remains have been deposited at the St. Charles Borromeo Hospital mortuary in Onitsha.
Despite the loss, the troops maintained control of the area and continued offensive operations against the suspected IPOB/ESN elements.
The military said the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remained high as operations continued to deny the terrorists freedom of action within the area.
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Terrorist Logistics Suppliers in Borno
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Terrorist Logistics Suppliers in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Battalion, operating under Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V, have arrested five suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Borno State.
The suspects were apprehended at about 7:52 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, after surveillance personnel attached to the battalion’s CCTV system spotted them within the frontage of the military location.
A military Special Situation Report obtained by Zagazola Makama identified the suspects as Umar Mohammed, 60; Abubakar Goni, 42; Abba Ali, 39; Umaru Yusuf, 30; and Ibrahim Bukar.
Following the sighting, troops were immediately mobilised and successfully apprehended the five suspects.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the route used by the suspects had been identified as a Boko Haram terrorist logistics axis where troops routinely conduct strangulation operations aimed at disrupting the movement of fighters, weapons, food and other supplies.
During interrogation, the suspects claimed to be charcoal workers and baobab fruit pickers.
The military said the suspects were being profiled and would subsequently be handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation.
The development forms part of sustained intelligence-led operations by troops to identify and disrupt terrorist logistics networks operating within the North-East.
The military further stated that the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
Troops Foil Terrorist Attack on Truck Along Gajiram-Mairari Road
Troops Foil Terrorist Attack on Truck Along Gajiram-Mairari Road
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI, under Operation DESERT SANITY V, have foiled an attempted attack by terrorists on commuters along the Gajiram-Mairari axis of Borno State.
The incident occurred at about 10:21 a.m. on Friday, August 21, when troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gajiram, conducting a picketing operation along the Gajiram-Mairari Main Supply Route, observed suspected terrorists riding motorcycles emerging from a nearby bush.
According to a military Special Situation Report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the terrorists opened fire on a trailer truck, damaging one of its tyres with small-arms fire.
The troops immediately responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their attack and flee into the surrounding area.
During the attack, the truck’s seat and side mirror were also damaged.
The troops subsequently assisted the driver and successfully extricated the vehicle from the scene, before returning to base at about 2:30 p.m.
The military said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
The incident underscores the continued threat posed by terrorists along major supply routes in the North-East, as security forces sustain patrols and protective operations to safeguard commuters and critical road networks.
Operation HADIN KAI Air Platforms Eliminate 38 Terrorists in Devastating Multiple Precision Strikes Across Borno
Operation HADIN KAI Air Platforms Eliminate 38 Terrorists in Devastating Multiple Precision Strikes Across Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Air platforms of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have eliminated about 38 suspected terrorists in a series of precision air strikes conducted against terrorist concentrations in Borno State.
The coordinated strikes, involving multipe Operation Hadin Kai’s precision strike Air Platforms, were conducted after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions identified movements of suspected terrorists in separate locations.
The operations were carried out between the night of August 21 and the early hours of August 22, 2026, as part of intensified efforts to dismantle terrorist formations and disrupt their freedom of movement in the North-East.
According to sources, an armed reconnaissance platform was operating over Aduwa, at about 10:23 p.m. on August 21, when it received intelligence on the presence of terrorist vehicles and fighters in the area.
The platform conducted surveillance of the location and subsequently tracked suspected terrorists to a settlement where a group of about eight fighters had gathered in one location, while several other groups were observed in different positions.
Following appropriate operational procedures and authorisation, the platform conducted a precision strike against the larger concentration.
Battle Damage Assessment indicated that the strike hit the intended target, with suspected terrorists inside makeshift structures and others outside the huts eliminated. The initial strike was assessed to have neutralised approximately 16 terrorists.
The operation did not end with the first strike. At about midnight, the precision platform continued surveillance of the area and tracked approximately 10 terrorists who had fled from the initial strike location and regrouped near a tree.
The aircraft subsequently conducted another strike on the fleeing group. Subsequent battle damage assessment indicated that the weapon struck the intended target.
No movement was observed around the strike location, leading the military to assess that the 10 terrorists were neutralised. The combined precision strike operations therefore accounted for approximately 26 terrorists.
In a separate operation, another precision strike platform conducted a strike against suspected terrorists after tracking a group of about 12 fighters to a hut around Buratai. The platform maintained surveillance over the target before receiving the necessary authorisation to engage.
At about 12:31 a.m. on August 22, the attack platform conducted the strike, achieving a direct hit on the identified target. The engagement was assessed to have neutralised all 12 suspected terrorists gathered at the location.
The strikes come as troops of Operation HADIN KAI continue to intensify pressure on terrorist networks operating across the North-East, targeting their leadership, logistics, fighting formations and freedom of movement.
Military sources said the general security situation remains calm but unpredictable, while the morale and fighting efficiency of troops remain satisfactory.
The latest operations are expected to further disrupt terrorist command-and-control structures and deny the insurgents the ability to mass fighters without detection.
As Operation HADIN KAI sustains its campaign, terrorist groups operating in the North-East are increasingly being forced to abandon large gatherings and adopt smaller, more concealed movements to evade detection.The latest strikes however shows that concealment alone may no longer guarantee safety hence the recent increase in terrorist surrenders by over 250% in the last one month alone.
Troops Arrest Suspected Criminal Accused of Robbing Three Herders in Plateau
Troops Arrest Suspected Criminal Accused of Robbing Three Herders in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have arrested a suspected criminal for allegedly robbing three herders who had provided him shelter overnight at Ungwan Boka Hills in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspect was arrested at about 7:00 a.m. on August 20, 2026, by troops deployed at a Sector Operational Patrol Post (SOPP) in the area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect had reportedly sought refuge with the three herders and was accommodated by them overnight at the Ungwan Boka Hills.
However, instead of leaving peacefully, the suspect allegedly robbed his hosts before troops apprehended him.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is expected to undergo further investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether he may be linked to other criminal activities in the area.
The arrest highlights the security challenges confronting communities around the Riyom axis, where isolated settlements and rugged terrain can provide opportunities for criminals to operate.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have continued to maintain patrols and surveillance across vulnerable areas of Plateau State as part of efforts to prevent criminal activities and protect residents and pastoral communities.
The security forces are also expected to intensify intelligence gathering and community engagement to identify suspected criminals operating within the area.
Troops Repel Terrorist Invasion in Sabon Birni, One Civilian Killed
Troops Repel Terrorist Invasion in Sabon Birni, One Civilian Killed
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have repelled an attempted terrorist invasion of Tsalanbango village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing one civilian and leaving two others wounded.
The incident occurred at about 12:13 a.m. on August 20, 2026, when troops deployed at Ungwalelle responded to reports of a terrorist invasion of the community.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists in a firefight.
The troops’ response reportedly forced the attackers to flee from the community and withdraw into the surrounding area.
However, one civilian was killed during the attack, while two others sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured victims were evacuated to Yarbulutu Hospital, where they were admitted for medical attention.
Following the engagement, troops maintained a presence in the area and continued patrols to prevent the attackers from regrouping or launching another assault on the community.
The incident underscores the persistent security challenges confronting communities in the Sabon Birni axis, particularly remote settlements vulnerable to terrorist incursions.
Security forces are expected to sustain intelligence-led patrols and surveillance across the area to protect residents and prevent further attacks.
Troops Recover 320 Rustled Cattle in Sokoto, Terrorists Flee Towards Niger Border
Troops Recover 320 Rustled Cattle in Sokoto, Terrorists Flee Towards Niger Border
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Combat Intelligence Battalion VII have recovered 320 rustled cattle following an operation against suspected terrorists in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The operation was conducted at about 9:00 a.m. on August 20, 2026, after troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Bachakka received credible human intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists with rustled cattle from Makera village.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops immediately mobilised to intercept the suspects and made contact with the group while they were moving the cattle.
The troops engaged the suspected terrorists, forcing them to abandon the livestock and flee towards the Niger Republic border.
The troops subsequently recovered a total of 320 cattle from the area.
The recovered livestock were handed over to the Sarkin Bachakka for further action and identification of their rightful owners.
The operation highlights the role of timely human intelligence and rapid military response in disrupting terrorist logistics and recovering livestock stolen from local communities.
Security forces are expected to sustain patrols and intelligence operations along the Gudu axis and border corridors to prevent terrorists from using the area for cattle rustling, movement of fighters and other criminal activities.
Anxiety Grips ISWAP Leadership as Military Eliminates Senior Commander WAL-GEGE Near Gargash Hideout in Dikwa
Anxiety Grips ISWAP Leadership as Military Eliminates Senior Commander WAL-GEGE Near Gargash Hideout in Dikwa
By Zagazola Makama
Anxiety has reportedly spread through the leadership of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following the elimination of a senior commander identified as WAL-GEGE by the Nigerian Air Force Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) around the Gargash axis of Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that WAL-GEGE was eliminated while riding a motorcycle along the main route near the terrorists’ Markaz, close to the Gargash hideout.
The strike, according to the sources, was conducted as part of ongoing intelligence-led air operations aimed at disrupting the movement and leadership structure of ISWAP elements operating around the Dikwa axis.
Sources said the elimination has generated concern within the terrorist group, particularly because the commander was reportedly moving through an area considered to be under the group’s control.
The incident has reportedly triggered an internal investigation among ISWAP elements, with members accusing unidentified insiders of leaking information about the commander’s movement to the military.
According to intelligence gathered by Zagazola Makama, the terrorists have become increasingly suspicious of information leaks within their ranks and are reportedly reviewing their communication and movement procedures following the strike.
The sources said the development has also prompted ISWAP elements to consider restricting the use of mobile phones among field commanders and fighters for fear that their movements could be detected through communications or other intelligence capabilities.
The reaction reflects the growing pressure on the terrorist group as Nigerian security forces intensify surveillance and precision operations against its commanders, logistics networks and hideouts across the Lake Chad Basin.
WAL-GEGE’s elimination is particularly significant because the loss of senior field commanders can disrupt the coordination of fighters, movement of logistics and execution of attacks.
Military operations in the Dikwa axis have increasingly focused on identifying terrorist concentrations and disrupting their freedom of movement before they can launch attacks against troops or vulnerable communities.
The development also highlights the importance of intelligence gathering in the counter-insurgency campaign.
While terrorist groups frequently attempt to conceal their movements through motorcycles, couriers and other forms of communication, security forces continue to employ multiple intelligence sources to identify and track key operatives.
The reported decision by ISWAP elements to reduce or abandon mobile-phone use could therefore complicate their internal communications and command-and-control arrangements.
However, security sources cautioned that the terrorists remain capable of adapting their tactics and could resort to alternative methods of communication and movement.
The elimination of WAL-GEGE comes amid sustained military pressure against ISWAP and other terrorist elements operating in Borno State, with troops and the Nigerian Air Force maintaining operations designed to degrade their leadership, logistics and operational capabilities.
The military has continued to combine intelligence-driven air operations with ground clearance and surveillance missions to prevent terrorists from establishing secure bases and freedom of movement.
Although the full operational impact of WAL-GEGE’s elimination is yet to be established, the reported reaction within ISWAP indicates that the group considers the loss of senior commanders a serious security setback.
The emerging internal suspicion over possible information leaks could further undermine trust within the terrorist network and force commanders to adopt more restrictive movement and communication procedures.
Attack on NDA Commandant: How Ruth Ogunleye’s Social Media Claims Are Colliding With the Facts
Attack on NDA Commandant: How Ruth Ogunleye’s Social Media Claims Are Colliding With the Facts
By Zagazola Makama
There is a point at which a grievance stops being a grievance and becomes a campaign of accusation, intimidation and reputational destruction. The controversy surrounding ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye has now reached that point.
The Nigerian Army and its senior leadership last week came under renewed attack on social media following a series of fabricated allegations by former Private Ruth Ogunleye, but a review of the available record shows that several of the claims being circulated remain FALSE, unsubstantiated, while some are directly contradicted by established facts.
The latest episode involving Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, illustrates the fundamental problem with Ogunleye’s current method.
In her viral video, Ogunleye spoke about someone she identified as “Abdul” allegedly being connected to the NDA Commandant and threatening to expose her intimate material, which she repeatedly referred to as her “noodles.” She then connected that threat to the NDA Commandant.
The allegation has since triggered a strong response from the NDA, which cautioned the public against relying on unverified social-media claims and disclosed that it had commenced appropriate legal processes over the matter.
The NDA subsequently stated publicly that the dispute involved a staff member, Mr Abubakar Isah, and that the issue was related to social-media infringement. The Academy said Ogunleye had brought the Commandant into the dispute through what it described as false allegations and attempted defamation.
According to the account supplied for this investigation, Ogunleye had already published the damaging video on her TikTok handle against the Commandant before contacting his office to establish who the person behind the alleged online threat was. It is only logical that if a person receives an online threat, the rational course is to preserve the evidence, identify the account holder, report the threat to the authority and allow an investigation to take place.
Instead, the allegation appears to have moved from: “Someone is threatening me” to: “This person may be connected to the Commandant” and then effectively to: “The Commandant is responsible.” That leap is precisely what requires scrutiny.
NDA investigations reportedly found that the person at the centre of the dispute was a civilian staff member of the NDA but was never known to Major General Olatoye. That distinction is crucial. Working around an institution does not automatically make someone an agent of its command structure. A civilian’s alleged conduct on social media cannot simply be attributed to the head of an institution without evidence establishing the connection.
The Most Damaging Part of the Claim
Ogunleye’s own words make the controversy even more complicated. In the video, she suggested that she and the Commandant had previously made an intimate video together and threatened that if her alleged intimate material appeared online, she would release his.
Yet, according to sources, when Ogunleye was subsequently contacted by someone, she denied actually having made such a sexual video with the Commandant. She claimed that she made those claims because she was scared and hoped that she could get his attention over the alleged threat by a staff member of the NDA.
If accurately documented, that contradiction is enormous. A claim made publicly as an apparent factual assertion cannot simply become a tactical statement whenever the consequences become uncomfortable. If she did not have such a video with the Commandant, then the public allegation was not merely an emotional complaint. It was a potentially devastating assertion about a serving senior military officer.
However, the NDA controversy cannot be properly understood without returning to the allegations that originally made Ogunleye nationally known.
In January 2024, while still a serving soldier, Ogunleye publicly accused Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem and other senior officers of sexual harassment, intimidation and other forms of mistreatment. Her allegations were extremely serious.
She alleged that Abdulkareem requested sex from her, that she refused, and that she subsequently suffered retaliation. She also made allegations involving attempted assault, injections, eviction, confinement and interference with her military career. Contemporary reports documented these claims.
The Army did not simply dismiss the allegations.
It investigated them. The Nigerian Army said the matter was referred to the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police and that the investigation examined the available facts, testimonies and evidence. The Army subsequently announced that Colonel Abdulkareem had not committed the sexual-harassment offence alleged against him.
On September 24, 2024, Army spokesperson Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said the investigation had examined the available facts, testimonies and evidence and found that Colonel Abdulkareem did not commit the offences alleged against him. Ogunleye made many videos insulting the late COAS.
She later apologised to then-Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja (late) while seeking a review of the case, saying she believed someone may have interfered with the result. That history matters because it demonstrates that the current false controversy did not begin with Major General Olatoye. But the important development in 2026 is that the allegations have moved to an entirely different level.
Her deliberate campaign of calumny later expanded beyond the original accused officer. Former Army spokesperson Major General Onyema Nwachukwu (rtd) became one of Ogunleye’s targets because he was the one who publicly announced the Army’s position at that time. The spokesperson did not conduct the investigation. He communicated the institution’s findings. Yet she made him another target of her controversial campaign in 2026. The same pattern is now visible in the treatment of Army public-relations personnel generally.
Ogunleye has reportedly made FALSE and deeply personal allegation against the current Army spokesperson, Col. Apollonia Anele in a targeted campaign of reputational destruction.
The escalation becomes even more striking when the target moves from individual officers to the highest level of current Army leadership.
The Dangers of Media Trial on TikTok
There is a broader lesson here. Social media has created an environment where an accusation can reach millions before anyone has had the opportunity to examine the evidence. A person can make a claim in a three-minute video.
Thousands can repost it. Commentators can repeat it. Bloggers can turn it into headlines.
The original allegation then returns to the public as though it has been independently confirmed.
It has not. It has merely been repeated. That is dangerous for everybody, including genuine victims of abuse. When unverified accusations become common, genuine victims can eventually find themselves competing for public attention with fabricated claims. That damages the credibility of legitimate whistleblowing.
A Repeated Formula
The emerging pattern is worth examining.
An allegation is made. A senior officer becomes the target. The allegation is amplified online.
The officer or institution responds. The response is interpreted as further evidence of persecution.
The dispute then expands to another senior officer. Eventually, the institution itself becomes the target. This creates a situation in which every response can be presented as evidence of guilt. If the Army speaks, it is accused of covering up. If it remains silent, the silence is presented as confirmation. If it investigates, the investigation is dismissed if the result is unfavourable. If it takes legal action, that becomes “intimidation.” Society will then become a battlefield of manufactured narratives.
The Military Must Remain Accountable—but Officers Also Have Rights
This does not mean that military officers should be immune from investigation. Far from it. If an officer sexually harasses a subordinate, he should face justice. If an officer abuses authority, he should be held accountable. If the Army conducts a flawed investigation, that investigation should be challenged. But accountability must operate in both directions. A person who is accused also has a right to due process. A senior officer does not lose his right to reputation simply because he wears a uniform. And a military institution does not become guilty merely because an allegation against it goes viral on social media.
The danger of the allegation against the Commandant is not simply that it is potentially defamatory. It demonstrates how easily a chain of assumptions can become a public accusation. This is where social-media trials become dangerous. An allegation can be emotionally compelling especially when it is told by the opposite gender. It can be delivered through tears. It can be repeated thousands of times. It can generate millions of views. None of those things converts an allegation into evidence. An allegation becomes established fact only after it survives appropriate scrutiny.
But rather than immediately engaging in a public argument with Ogunleye, the Commandant reportedly directed that the matter be taken to court. And that is precisely what a responsible and professional institution should do when confronted with an allegation like this. If Ogunleye possesses evidence against the Commandant, she should produce it before the competent authorities. But if the evidence is absent, just like she later admitted, the NDA Commandant must seek redress through a competent court of law.
Zagazola is a Counter-Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region.
Niger Police Confirm Abduction of Friday Worshippers in Borgu
Niger Police Confirm Abduction of Friday Worshippers in Borgu
By Zagazola Makama
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of an unspecified number of Muslim worshippers by suspected bandits in communities within Borgu Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, according to security sources and eyewitnesses, occurred on Friday shortly after the conclusion of the weekly Juma’at prayers at the Central Mosque in Dekara community.
The victims were reportedly abducted from Gidan Zana, Masaka, Sabon Gida and other neighbouring communities in the area.
Among those reportedly taken away by the armed assailants is the 90-year-old father of the District Head of Dekara, according to local sources.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said security agencies had mobilised personnel for a rescue operation.
Abiodun said no death had been recorded in connection with the incident, while efforts were ongoing to locate the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
He, however, disclosed that difficult terrain and poor road conditions were hampering the movement of security personnel responding to the incident.
According to him, a collapsed bridge linking the affected communities with the Borgu Local Government headquarters had further slowed down the deployment of security forces and the rescue operation.
The police spokesman said security agencies were working to overcome the logistical challenges and intensify the search for the abducted worshippers.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over the security situation in parts of Borgu, where remote communities are increasingly vulnerable to attacks and abductions by armed criminal groups.
Security sources said troops and other security personnel were expected to sustain search operations across the surrounding forests and possible escape routes used by the attackers.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could assist in rescuing the victims and tracking down the perpetrators.
Al-Shabaab Deploys Amniyaat Operatives to Target Humanitarian Workers in Somalia
Al-Shabaab Deploys Amniyaat Operatives to Target Humanitarian Workers in Somalia
By Zagazola Makama
Intelligence sources have warned that Al-Shabaab has deployed operatives of its Amniyaat intelligence and security apparatus to parts of Somalia and neighbouring countries as part of a campaign targeting humanitarian workers and aid personnel.
According to intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama, the terrorist group has directed its operatives to identify and target personnel working with humanitarian organisations as part of efforts to intimidate aid agencies and pressure them into complying with the group’s demands.
Sources said the development is aimed at creating fear and insecurity around humanitarian operations, particularly in areas where Al-Shabaab maintains influence or seeks to expand its control.
The group is reportedly seeking to compel humanitarian organisations to deliver assistance to communities in areas under its control, while attempting to dictate how such aid is distributed.
Intelligence indicates that Al-Shabaab wants to position itself as the de facto gatekeeper of humanitarian access, allowing the group to control the movement of aid, determine beneficiaries and potentially divert portions of humanitarian assistance for its own benefit.
Security sources said the campaign appears to be driven largely by financial considerations, with the terrorist organisation seeking to exploit humanitarian operations as another source of revenue.
By threatening aid workers and creating an atmosphere of uncertainty, the group is believed to be attempting to force humanitarian organisations to negotiate or comply with its demands in exchange for access to vulnerable populations.
The development has drawn attention over the safety of humanitarian personnel operating in Somalia and neighbouring countries, particularly in areas affected by conflict, displacement and food insecurity.
Analysts said the tactic also reflects Al-Shabaab’s broader strategy of combining coercion, taxation and control of civilian activity to sustain its insurgency and reinforce its influence over communities.
The targeting of humanitarian workers could further complicate the delivery of life-saving assistance to vulnerable populations, especially internally displaced persons and communities in areas already facing severe humanitarian challenges.
Security agencies and humanitarian organisations are therefore expected to strengthen protective measures, intelligence-sharing and risk assessment around aid operations to prevent the group from exploiting humanitarian access for financial and operational gains.
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner, Recover AK-47 Rifle, Magazines in Plateau
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner, Recover AK-47 Rifle, Magazines in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace in collaboration with Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) members and local hunters, have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and other military-related items during a raid on settlements in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted on August 21, 2026, following intelligence linking the area to the kidnapping of a medical doctor, identified as Dr Abraham Owoicho, who was abducted on August 19.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops moved into Kisayi and Dogon Daji settlements after receiving actionable intelligence on the activities of suspected criminal elements operating around the communities.
The troops, supported by the local security volunteers and hunters, raided the settlements and conducted a search of identified locations.
Sources said that upon sighting the advancing security personnel, several male occupants of the area fled into the surrounding bush, leaving behind women and children.
However, a woman identified as Halima Ibrahim, 30, was apprehended while allegedly attempting to escape with two AK-47 rifle magazines.
Following her arrest, the troops cordoned off and searched her residence at Kisayi B Village.
The search led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle which investigators are now tracing to determine its source and ownership.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly disclosed that the rifle belonged to her husband, identified as Ibrahim.
Further searches of the residence also resulted in the recovery of one locally fabricated revolver pistol, one military jungle hat and three mobile phones.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits have been taken into military custody for further investigation.
Security sources said the investigation would focus on establishing the source of the firearms, the circumstances surrounding their possession and possible links between the suspects and criminal networks operating in the area.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt the activities of kidnappers and illegal arms suppliers in Plateau State, particularly following recent incidents of abduction in parts of Bassa Local Government Area.
Authorities are expected to conduct further intelligence-driven operations in the affected communities as investigations continue.
Sokoto Boat Tragedy: Funeral Prayers Held for Victims as Death Toll Rises
Sokoto Boat Tragedy: Funeral Prayers Held for Victims as Death Toll Rises
By: Zagazola Makama
Funeral prayers have been conducted for victims of the boat accident that claimed dozens of lives at the Gorau crossing point in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The development followed the recovery of bodies from the river after a passenger boat carrying scores of people capsized while crossing the waterway.
Local reports initially put the number of recovered bodies at 48, prompting communities to gather for funeral rites in accordance with Islamic tradition. However, the latest reports indicate that the death toll has since risen to 53 following the recovery of additional bodies from the river.
The boat was reportedly carrying between 75 and 80 passengers, including the village head of Nabatsami Gorau, when it suddenly capsized and threw passengers into the water.
Earlier accounts said many of those aboard were women and children travelling to farms across the waterway. Sources said that the boat appeared to have been overloaded and sank shortly after setting out.
Rescue operations have involved personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), security agencies, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and local divers.
NEMA officials have confirmed the recovery of bodies but have been cautious about giving a final casualty figure while search and rescue operations continue.
Authorities are also working to establish the actual number of passengers who boarded the boat before the accident, with the passenger manifest considered important to determining the number of people still missing.
The tragedy has thrown communities around Gorau into mourning, as families continue to search for information about relatives who may have been on board.
The incident has also renewed concerns over safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, particularly the use of overloaded or poorly equipped boats, inadequate enforcement of passenger limits and the failure to ensure that passengers are provided with life jackets.
Residents and emergency responders have called for stronger enforcement of waterway safety regulations to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.
As grieving families continue to bury their loved ones, prayers have been offered for the deceased.
Galadima Commends Military, Security Agencies Over Rescue of 18 Kidnap Victims in Ibi
Galadima Commends Military, Security Agencies Over Rescue of 18 Kidnap Victims in Ibi
By Zagazola Makama
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency, TPL Mukhtar Usman Galadima, has commended the Nigerian military, other security agencies and the Federal Government for the successful rescue of 18 kidnapped victims in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Galadima, reacting to reports of the rescue, described the operation as a significant demonstration of the commitment of the security forces to protecting lives and restoring peace in communities affected by criminal activities. He particularly applauded the troops of Sector 3 deployed in Ibi for responding swiftly to reports of kidnapping activities at Kwatan Bajji in the early hours of August 18, leading to the recovery of the victims.
The PDP candidate said the successful operation should reassure residents of Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency that security forces remain committed to confronting criminal elements and protecting communities. He urged the rescued victims and their families to remain hopeful while calling on security agencies to sustain and intensify operations in vulnerable communities across the constituency and Taraba State.
Galadima, however, stressed the need for stronger inter-agency cooperation and improved intelligence-sharing among the military, police and other security and intelligence agencies. He said security operations would become more effective when relevant agencies work closely together to identify threats, track criminal networks and disrupt their activities before they are able to carry out attacks.
He also called for stronger legislation and institutional support to enhance the operational and intelligence-gathering capabilities of the Armed Forces and other security agencies. According to him, the objective should not only be to respond to kidnapping and other violent crimes after they occur, but to develop the capacity to anticipate and prevent such incidents long before they happen.
The Wukari/Ibi candidate said improved legislation, better intelligence infrastructure, modern surveillance capabilities and sustained support for security personnel would strengthen the ability of the nation's security architecture to respond to emerging threats. He noted that protecting rural communities requires a proactive security strategy capable of detecting criminal movements and networks before they pose a danger to residents.
Galadima equally appealed to residents of Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency to see themselves as partners in the fight against insecurity. He urged community leaders, traditional institutions, youths and residents to maintain close cooperation with security agencies and provide timely and credible information whenever they notice suspicious movements or activities.
He cautioned residents against withholding useful information out of fear or reluctance, stressing that early reporting can make the difference between preventing a crime and responding to its consequences. He also urged security agencies to protect the confidentiality of credible informants and strengthen community-based intelligence networks.
While commending the Federal Government for supporting ongoing security operations, Galadima said sustained investment in the welfare, equipment, intelligence and operational capacity of security personnel remains essential to achieving lasting peace.
He expressed optimism that with stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities, improved legislation and greater government support, kidnapping and other forms of criminality can be significantly reduced across Wukari, Ibi and other vulnerable parts of Taraba State.
The candidate congratulated the 18 rescued victims and their families, and urged security forces not to relent until all criminal elements operating in the area are identified and brought to justice.
Police Rescue 75 Kidnapped Victims in Kaduna
Police Rescue 75 Kidnapped Victims in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued 75 kidnapped victims after armed men abducted a group of men, women and children travelling in commercial buses near Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, reportedly all members of the Fulani community, were abducted at about 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 at Folwaya village, near Birnin Gwari, according to information received from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Birnin Gwari branch.
The abductors, armed with AK-47 rifles and other weapons, reportedly intercepted the commercial buses and forced the passengers into the surrounding forest.
The victims were subsequently taken into a mountainous area and concealed in a cave.
Following the report, a police crack team from the Birnin Gwari Area Command was immediately mobilised to the location.
Security sources said the operatives, who were heavily armed, advanced into the area and confronted the kidnappers.
On sighting the approaching police team, the abductors reportedly fled into the surrounding forest, abandoning the captives.
The 75 victims were subsequently rescued unharmed and taken to safety.
The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the NURTW Birnin Gwari branch for providing timely information that enabled the security forces to respond swiftly.
He also praised the Area Commander, Birnin Gwari, and his personnel for their prompt and professional response, which led to the successful rescue of the victims.
The Commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the police and other security agencies.
He also cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, warning that such actions could result in the loss of innocent lives.
The rescue comes amid sustained security operations in the Birnin Gwari axis, one of the areas affected by kidnapping and other criminal activities in Kaduna State.
Security agencies have continued to rely on community-based intelligence and rapid response operations to disrupt kidnapping networks and rescue victims held in remote forest and mountainous locations.
Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush, Neutralise One in Kwara
Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush, Neutralise One in Kwara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation SAFE HAVEN? have repelled an ambush by terrorists in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, neutralising one of the attackers and recovering a rifle and other items.
The troops, deployed at Babanla, were on fighting patrol at about 9:47 a.m. on Aug. 18 when they encountered the terrorists at Alabe Idera in Ifelodun LGA.
The troops immediately engaged the attackers with heavy firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
During the encounter, one soldier sustained injuries and was administered first aid.
One terrorist was neutralised during the engagement.
The troops subsequently recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine containing five rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one Itel mobile phone and one solar panel.
The recovered items were secured by the troops for further action.
The successful response is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt terrorist activities and protect communities across Kwara State and adjoining areas.
Security sources said troops would sustain fighting patrols and other security operations across their area of responsibility to deny criminal elements freedom of action and safeguard residents.
Troops Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims in Kwara
Troops Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims in Kwara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation SAFE HAVEN? have rescued seven kidnap victims during a night patrol in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The troops, deployed at Gada, rescued the victims at about 9:00 p.m. on Aug. 18 while conducting a night patrol around the Latandaji general area.
The operation followed the troops’ sustained patrols aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action and protecting communities within the area of responsibility.
The seven victims were successfully rescued and are currently in the custody of the troops for further action.
Security sources said the rescue was part of ongoing operations to disrupt kidnapping networks and protect residents in vulnerable communities across the state.
Troops are expected to sustain patrols and other security operations within the area to prevent further abductions and ensure the safety of residents and commuters.
Troops Rescue 18 Kidnap Victims in Taraba
Troops Rescue 18 Kidnap Victims in Taraba
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3 have rescued 18 kidnapped victims during a night operation in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The troops, deployed at Ibi, responded to reports of kidnapping activities at Kwatan Bajji at about 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 18.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops immediately mobilised to the area following the report.
The criminals, however, fled on sighting the advancing troops, preventing direct contact.
The troops subsequently rescued 18 kidnapped victims from the area.
One badge was also recovered during the operation.
The rescued victims were released to reunite with their families, while the recovered badge was retained by the troops for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt kidnapping networks and protect communities across Taraba State.
Troops are expected to sustain patrols and other operations in vulnerable areas to deny criminal elements freedom of action and safeguard residents.
GOC 3 Division Visits Irigwe Traditional Ruler, Seeks Stronger Peace Efforts in Plateau
GOC 3 Division Visits Irigwe Traditional Ruler, Seeks Stronger Peace Efforts in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Maj. Gen. W.M. Dangana, has paid a courtesy visit to the Brra Ngwe of Irigwe in Miango, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Dangana, accompanied by the Commander, Sector 3 OPEP, visited the traditional ruler at about 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 as part of ongoing engagements with critical stakeholders in the Division’s area of responsibility.
During the visit, the GOC held discussions with the traditional ruler on prevailing security challenges in the area and measures to strengthen peace, security and stability within the community and adjoining areas.
The engagement focused on the importance of continued collaboration between traditional institutions, communities and security agencies in addressing emerging security threats and preventing conflicts.
The visit was concluded without incident.
The engagement is part of the military’s ongoing efforts to deepen civil-military cooperation and strengthen traditional and community-based support for peace and stability across Plateau State.
Troops Arrest Seven Suspected Illegal Oil Bunkers in South South
Troops Arrest Seven Suspected Illegal Oil Bunkers in South South
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force South South, Operation DELTA SANITY, have arrested seven suspected illegal oil bunkerers and recovered a truck loaded with 22 empty drums in the Niger Delta.
The suspects were apprehended at about 11:00 a.m. on Aug. 19 by troops of 90 Amphibious Battalion, in conjunction with the Project Monitoring Office.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were intercepted with a truck conveying 22 empty drums, each with a capacity of 2,500 litres, believed to be intended for use in illegal oil bunkering activities.
The seven suspects, along with the recovered truck, are currently in military custody pending further action.
Sources said the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Special Prosecution team had been contacted to take over the suspects for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest is part of ongoing operations by troops under Operation DELTA SANITY to disrupt illegal oil bunkering, protect critical oil infrastructure and curb activities that undermine the nation’s oil and gas sector.
Security forces are expected to sustain operations against criminal elements involved in the illicit exploitation and transportation of petroleum products across the Niger Delta.
Two Civilians Injured as Gunmen Attack Provision Store in Bauchi
Two Civilians Injured as Gunmen Attack Provision Store in Bauchi
By Zagazola Makama
Two civilians sustained gunshot wounds when two armed youths opened fire at a provision store in Kasuwan Naira village, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Aug. 19, when troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 82, deployed at Lere, responded to reports of sporadic shootings in the community.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the gunmen, identified as two Fulani youths, arrived at the village market square carrying an AK-47 rifle and opened fire at a provision store before fleeing through nearby bushes.
Two civilians sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
The victims were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Tafawa Balewa, where they are receiving medical attention.
Troops have commenced efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while security measures have been intensified in the area to prevent further attacks.
The incident has heightened security concerns in the community, with security agencies working to identify the perpetrators and establish the motive behind the attack.
Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security authorities.
OPEP Facilitates Settlement as Herders Agree to Compensate Farmers in Plateau
OPEP Facilitates Settlement as Herders Agree to Compensate Farmers in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have facilitated an amicable settlement between farmers and herders following the destruction of farmlands in parts of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The development followed the destruction of 38 farms in Dambwash, Danbukor and Fokkos villages on Aug. 16.
Zagazola Makama reports that troops facilitated the settlement at about 11:10 a.m. on Aug. 19 as part of efforts to prevent the dispute from escalating into violence.
Following discussions between the affected parties, the herders agreed to compensate the farmers for the damaged farms.
The 42 cattle earlier intercepted in connection with the incident were subsequently released to their owners.
The settlement is part of ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to promote dialogue and peaceful resolution of farmer-herder disputes while maintaining security across vulnerable communities in Plateau State.
Security sources said troops would continue to engage communities and stakeholders to prevent local disputes over farmland and livestock from escalating into wider security challenges.
Two Persons Abducted in Bauchi as Security Forces Launch Rescue Operation
Two Persons Abducted in Bauchi as Security Forces Launch Rescue Operation
By Zagazola Makama
Two persons have been abducted by suspected kidnappers in Nasarawa Gwaram, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The incident occurred at about 12:20 a.m. on Aug. 20, when troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, deployed at a Forward Operating Base in Alkaleri, responded to information about the kidnapping.
The troops, working alongside other security agencies and local vigilantes, mobilised to the area and confirmed that two victims had been abducted.
Security forces have commenced efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Troops and other security personnel are currently conducting operations within the area to track the fleeing kidnappers and prevent further attacks.
Troops Rescue Four Persons Held by Terrorists for Three Years in Kukawa
Troops Rescue Four Persons Held by Terrorists for Three Years in Kukawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued four civilians, including two women and two male minors, who were allegedly abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and held for about three years in a terrorist camp in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims were rescued at about 6:00 a.m. on Aug. 21 during a search-and-rescue operation conducted by troops of 123 Special Forces Battalion (Mobile) following credible human intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorist escapees around Kauwa village.
The operation was led by the Commanding Officer of the battalion, Lt. Col. E.E. Ukhun.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescued civilians comprised two women, one male teenager and one male minor.
During preliminary debriefing, the victims reportedly told the troops that they were abducted by terrorists from Mafa Local Government Area about three years ago and taken to the Dogon Chuku terrorist camp, where they remained until their rescue.
The rescued persons were provided with food and subsequently profiled by the troops.
They are currently receiving medical attention at the 19 Brigade Medical Centre before being moved to the Theatre Headquarters for further interrogation and necessary assistance.
The rescue is part of sustained search-and-rescue and clearance operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI and the Multinational Joint Task Force to locate civilians held in terrorist enclaves and dismantle insurgent networks around the Lake Chad Basin.
The latest operation also highlights the continued efforts by troops to exploit intelligence on movements around terrorist-held areas and rescue persons who have remained in captivity for prolonged periods.
Security sources said the rescued civilians would undergo further screening and debriefing to establish additional details about their captivity and the terrorist activities in the area.
Troops Recover Abandoned AK-47, Rescue Cameroonian National Allegedly Abducted by Terrorists
Troops Recover Abandoned AK-47, Rescue Cameroonian National Allegedly Abducted by Terrorists
By Zagazola Makama
MAIDUGURI — Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered an abandoned AK-47 rifle and rescued a 63-year-old Cameroonian national allegedly abducted by terrorists in the Gwoza axis of Borno State.
The operation took place on Aug. 17 during separate activities by troops of 151 Task Force Battalion.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that at about 10:55 a.m., troops conducting a routine patrol around farmlands in Ngurusoye village discovered an AK-47 rifle buried in the ground.
The recovered rifle, bearing registration number NK-105320, was subsequently handed over to 21 Special Anti-Banditry Mobile Police Regiment (21 SAB) for safekeeping and further necessary action.
In a separate operation at about 2:15 p.m., troops rescued a Cameroonian citizen identified as Dubi Je Manma, 63, who was allegedly abducted by terrorists at Ashigashiya village, located between Gwoza and the Cameroon border.
The circumstances surrounding his abduction are being investigated.
The rescued man was handed over to 21 SAB for further investigation and necessary action.
The recovery of the weapon and rescue operation form part of sustained efforts by troops under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V to disrupt terrorist activities, protect vulnerable communities and secure border communities in the North East.
Security sources said the overall situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops continued to maintain satisfactory morale and operational readiness.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Yobe
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected collaborators allegedly providing medical assistance and logistics support to wounded terrorists in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The suspects were arrested at about 2:10 p.m. on Aug. 17 by troops following intelligence on the activities of locals suspected of supporting terrorist elements.
The suspects were identified as Usman Babazaki, 35, and Mohammed Grema, 35, both natives of Bultuwa village in Yunusari LGA.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly provided medical aid and logistics supplies to wounded terrorists.
Items recovered from the suspects included four cards of Amoxicillin tablets, two Smartcef injections, three bottles of normal saline, five packs of All-Stars cigarettes, two packs of Aspen cigarettes and a quantity of suspected Indian hemp.
Troops also recovered two mobile phones, a voter’s card, national identity card, First Bank ATM card, student identity card and N11,500 in cash.
The suspects and recovered items are currently in the custody of 27 Military Intelligence Regiment (27 MIR) for further investigation.
The arrests form part of ongoing intelligence-led operations by troops under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V to disrupt terrorist support networks and deny insurgents access to medical care, logistics and other forms of local assistance.
Security sources said the situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops continued to maintain satisfactory morale and operational readiness.
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Terrorist Logistics Suppliers in Borno
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Terrorist Logistics Suppliers in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
MAIDUGURI — Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested five female suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Ngurusoye village, Borno State.
The suspects were intercepted at about 6:48 p.m. on Aug. 17 by troops of 151 Task Force Battalion deployed in the area, following intelligence on their activities.
The suspects were identified as Falmata Jibrin, 53; Hajja Zaragon, 50; Falmata Ali, 50; Inagana Modu, 30; and Falmata Abubakar, 13.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops recovered various items from the suspects, including 65 packs of sweet candies, 117 packs of biscuits and 167 sachets of Dangote salt, among other assorted provisions.
The suspects and recovered items have been handed over to 21 Special Anti-Banditry Mobile Police Regiment (21 SAB MOPOL) for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrests form part of ongoing intelligence-led operations by troops under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and deny insurgents access to food, supplies and other materials needed to sustain their activities.
Security sources said the overall situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops continued to maintain satisfactory morale and operational readiness.
Troops Arrest Chadian National, Nigerian in Suspected Logistics Operation in Borno
Troops Arrest Chadian National, Nigerian in Suspected Logistics Operation in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a Chadian national and a Nigerian during a stop-and-search operation along the Maiduguri-Mafa road in Borno State.
The suspects were arrested at about 7:23 p.m. on Aug. 19 at Dusuman by troops of 195 Battalion conducting a stop-and-search operation based on credible intelligence.
The suspects were identified as Alhaji Abdoulaye Mahamat, 46, a Chadian national, and Jibrin Grema, 35.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were travelling in a Toyota Land Cruiser, registration number BO MGM 728 XA, conveying used vehicle engines and other spare parts.
Troops also recovered two Android mobile phones and an international passport belonging to Mahamat.
The Chadian national, driver and recovered items have been taken into military custody at 195 Battalion for further investigation.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by troops under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and prevent the movement of materials that could support criminal activities in the North East.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and operational readiness.
10 Terrorists’ Family Members, 24 Children Surrender in Mafa After Factional Clashes
10 Terrorists’ Family Members, 24 Children Surrender in Mafa After Factional Clashes
By Zagazola Makama
Ten family members of suspected terrorists, accompanied by 24 children, have surrendered to troops of the Nigerian Army in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State following violent clashes between rival terrorist factions.
The group surrendered at about 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 to troops of 112 Task Force Battalion deployed in Mafa under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the group comprised 10 women aged between 20 and 47 years, alongside 24 children between the ages of one and 13.
The women were said to have fled from the Dukumba terrorists’ enclave following violent clashes between rival factions operating in the area.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the clashes among the rival groups prompted the women and children to abandon the enclave and seek safety with the troops.
The surrendered persons were subsequently profiled and documented by the military authorities as part of ongoing efforts to identify, screen and establish the circumstances surrounding their presence in the terrorist enclave.
The development comes amid continued pressure by troops under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V against terrorist formations across the North East.
The surrender of the family members also highlights the impact of internal divisions and clashes among terrorist factions, which have continued to create instability within their enclaves and force vulnerable persons, particularly women and children, to flee.
Security sources said the overall situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and operational readiness.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists, Recover Weapons in Adamawa
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists, Recover Weapons in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with local hunters, have arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered weapons during an intelligence-led operation in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The operation was conducted at about 10:15 a.m. on Aug. 16, by troops of B Company, 232 Battalion, Garaha, working with hunters.
The suspects were identified as Hyema Luka, 20, and Hyellaki Manasse, 47.
According to security sources, the operation followed credible intelligence that led troops to the suspects and their associates in the area.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Luka had sustained a gunshot wound to his right foot during an attack in Yau village, near Garaha, Hong LGA, on Dec. 24, 2025.
Further investigation reportedly led to the arrest of Manasse, who was allegedly treating the injured suspect at Bilamari village in Hong Local Government Area.
During preliminary questioning, Luka claimed that he was forcibly abducted by terrorists while working on his farm at Lamba village in Hong LGA sometime in 2025.
He reportedly told investigators that he was subsequently compelled to fight alongside the terrorist group.
Security sources said Luka escaped from the terrorist camp during the night of Aug. 14, 2026, before his eventual arrest.
Items recovered from the suspects include one mobile phone, one SIM card, two bows and arrows, one locally made sword and four locally fabricated firearms.
The suspects are currently in the custody of 232 Battalion for further investigation.
The latest operation forms part of sustained intelligence-led efforts by troops under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V to identify and dismantle terrorist networks operating across the North East.
Security sources said the situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops continued to maintain high operational readiness across their areas of responsibility.
FANSAN YAMMA Commander Seeks Stronger Military-Media Partnership in Fight Against Terrorism
FANSAN YAMMA Commander Seeks Stronger Military-Media Partnership in Fight Against Terrorism
By Zagazola Makama
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj. Gen. W.B. Idris, has called for stronger and sustained collaboration between the military and the media to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations and accelerate the restoration of lasting peace across the North West.
Idris made the call on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, when he hosted media practitioners to a media parley at the Theatre Headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State.
The engagement, described as the first of its kind since the commencement of military operations in the state, brought together journalists from across Zamfara for an interactive session aimed at strengthening understanding and cooperation between the military and the media.
The Theatre Commander described the media as a critical partner in the fight against terrorism, noting that the sacrifices being made by troops through sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations needed to be complemented by responsible journalism.
According to him, the media occupies a strategic position in shaping public understanding of the security situation, strengthening national resilience and building public confidence in ongoing efforts to restore peace.
He said terrorists were increasingly seeking to exploit the information environment by spreading fear, attracting publicity and exaggerating their capabilities.
Idris therefore urged journalists to exercise greater responsibility when reporting terrorism and security-related incidents, particularly in the choice of headlines and presentation of information.
He cautioned against reports that could inadvertently glorify terrorists, romanticise their activities or give criminal elements the publicity and psychological advantage they seek.
The Commander also urged journalists to verify sensitive security information through appropriate channels and ensure that operational developments were reported accurately and within the proper context.
He said responsible reporting would help deny terrorists the opportunity to manipulate public perception while strengthening confidence in the efforts of security agencies.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Zamfara State Council, Ibrahim Musa Maizare, commended the Theatre Commander for initiating the engagement.
Maizare described the parley as a significant milestone in military-media relations in the state, saying it would enable journalists to better understand the security challenges confronting the region and the sacrifices being made by troops.
He pledged the continued support and cooperation of journalists in Zamfara to Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other security agencies in the collective effort to restore peace.
The parley also featured an interactive session during which journalists and the Theatre Commander exchanged views on security reporting, information management and ways of improving military-media relations.
Participants were subsequently taken on a visit to the Theatre’s Wall of Heroes, a memorial bearing the names of personnel of Operation FANSAN YAMMA who have paid the supreme sacrifice since the commencement of the operation.
The visit provided an opportunity for the media to appreciate the human cost of the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign and the sacrifices made by troops in the service of the nation.
The engagement came as security forces continue to intensify operations against terrorists and armed criminal groups across the North West, with sustained emphasis on both military action and non-kinetic measures aimed at restoring stability and rebuilding public confidence in affected communities.
Troops Foil Attack on Manja Community, Disperse Armed Herders in Plateau
Troops Foil Attack on Manja Community, Disperse Armed Herders in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), Sector 8, have foiled an attempted attack on Manja community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 4:44 p.m. on Aug. 20, when troops responded to reports of armed Fulani herders moving alongside their cattle in the area.
The armed men were reportedly accused of destroying farmlands and attempting to attack the Manja community.
The troops swiftly deployed to the location and established contact with the armed group.
On sighting the troops, the suspects fled alongside their cattle into the surrounding bushes, abandoning their reported attempt to attack the community.
The troops subsequently dominated the general area and commenced offensive operations to prevent the armed group from regrouping or launching further attacks.
Security sources said the operation was part of ongoing efforts by JTF OPEP to protect vulnerable communities and prevent attacks in areas affected by farmer-herder tensions.
Meanwhile, troops across the Operation ENDURING PEACE Joint Operations Area have continued routine patrols aimed at safeguarding schools, places of worship and other critical national infrastructure.
The military also said troops remained committed to sustaining security operations across the area to protect residents and maintain peace.
The latest operation underscores the continued security challenges in parts of Plateau State, where tensions over farmland, grazing activities and access to land have occasionally triggered violent confrontations.
Security forces are expected to sustain patrols and offensive operations across vulnerable communities to prevent criminal elements from exploiting the situation and to safeguard civilians.
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Victim After Ambush in Edo
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Victim After Ambush in Edo
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 195 Battalion, in conjunction with the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), have rescued a kidnapped victim during a counter-kidnapping operation in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the operation was conducted at about 4:30 a.m. on Aug. 21, 2026, when the troops laid an ambush at Powerline, Uzairue, along the Afawosa-Iyora road.
Sources said the troops, while occupying the ambush position, observed the movement of suspected kidnappers in the area and immediately engaged them.
The engagement forced the kidnappers to abandon their captive and flee into the surrounding forest, leaving the victim behind.
The rescued victim was identified as Mr. Mohammed Oboarekpe, 35, a resident of South Ibie.
Preliminary debriefing revealed that Oboarekpe was abducted from his residence in South Ibie on Aug. 20, 2026, before being held by the kidnappers.
Following the successful operation, the victim was reunited with his family.
The troops expended six rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition during the encounter.
The latest operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces in Edo State to disrupt kidnapping networks and prevent criminal elements from establishing footholds along major routes and vulnerable communities.
Security sources said troops and other security agencies would sustain coordinated operations across the area to deny criminal groups freedom of action and ensure the safety of residents and commuters.
After a Decade in Exile, Buni’s Visit Rekindles Hope Among Forgotten Nigerian Refugees in Chad
After a Decade in Exile, Buni’s Visit Rekindles Hope Among Forgotten Nigerian Refugees in Chad
By Zagazola Makama
Yobe State Governor and Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has visited Nigerian refugees at Kaya in Chad’s Lac Province, in a move that has renewed hopes among displaced Nigerians of returning home after more than a decade in exile.
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The visit, which was the first known visit by a Nigerian government official to the refugee community in Kaya in many years, was described by the refugees as a major source of encouragement and a reminder that they had not been forgotten.
For more than a decade, they have lived between memory and uncertainty. They fled their homes in Nigeria when violence of Boko Haram and ISWAP swept through communities around the Lake Chad Basin, carrying little more than what they could gather in the hurried flight from danger. Years passed. Children were born. The young grew into adults. Fishing nets replaced farming tools, makeshift shelters became homes and, gradually, the painful possibility grew that the people they left behind had forgotten them.
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Then, on Friday, something happened that many of them had almost stopped expecting. A senior Nigerian government official came looking for them.
Mamman Mohammed, the Director General of Press and Media Affairs to Yobe State Governor, Mala Buni, said that the arrival of Yobe State Governor and Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, at the Kaya refugee site in Chad’s Lac Province was more than a courtesy visit. For the Nigerian refugees gathered there, it was an emotional for the refugees that they remained citizens with a homeland that had not completely forgotten them. Some wept. Others gathered around the Governor, eager to tell stories that had remained unheard for years.
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For many, the most powerful words came from their community leader, Ba Bulama Usman.
“You are the only government official from Nigeria to visit us,” he told Governor Buni.
The statement carried the weight of more than ten years of displacement.
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The refugees at Kaya are largely Nigerians from Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, the three Nigerian states most deeply connected to the Lake Chad Basin. Some others are from Chad and Cameroon, reflecting the complex movement of communities across borders created by conflict, geography and shared ethnic and economic ties.
Their displacement was not simply a journey from one village to another. It was a rupture from everything familiar homes, farms, businesses, schools, neighbours and ancestral land. Yet, despite the hardship, they have survived. Many have built modest livelihoods through fishing and farming, reducing their dependence on humanitarian assistance and becoming economically useful to their host communities.
Governor Buni noticed this and commended them. He told the refugees that their engagement in fishing and farming was important because it made them more productive and less dependent on aid.
But behind their resilience is a yearning that has never disappeared. Home. Governor Buni’s visit also carried a broader diplomatic significance.
Earlier, during a courtesy call on the Governor of Lac Province, General Saleh Hagar Tidjani, Buni commended the Chadian authorities for accommodating Nigerian citizens and refugees and maintaining peaceful relations between the displaced communities and their hosts.
He stressed that Nigeria and Chad must continue working together to preserve security, stability and peaceful coexistence around the Lake Chad Basin. The Lake Chad region has never respected the artificial boundaries drawn on maps. Families, traders, fishermen and farmers have historically moved across the borders linking Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon. The same reality that creates opportunities for economic integration can also be exploited by criminal and terrorist networks.
He urged the refugees to remain law-abiding, avoid criminal activities and promptly report suspicious persons, movements and possible infiltration.
He reminded them that returning home must be accompanied by responsibility, security awareness and cooperation with authorities.
Buni also reaffirmed the commitment of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum to deeper cooperation among the countries and communities surrounding the lake.
He spoke of efforts to open waterways to improve transportation, facilitate security operations and promote the movement of goods and services.
“We appreciate the Chadian Government for accommodating us,” Bulama Usman said. “We appreciate the host communities for the peaceful coexistence. But there is no place like home.”
For years, the question of return has remained difficult. Many of the refugees say they are willing to return to Nigeria, particularly those who have heard that relative peace has returned to parts of their communities. But willingness alone cannot rebuild a life.
They need transportation. They need shelter. They need land. They need tools to farm or fish. They need assistance to restart businesses and livelihoods destroyed by years of displacement.
This is where Governor Buni’s message became significant. Rather than encouraging a disorderly return, he directed those willing to go back to liaise with the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) so that their names can be properly documented and their locations and needs established.
The information, he said, would provide the basis for the respective state governments to engage them and facilitate their repatriation.
That approach could turn a scattered population into an organised return process.
The refugees were therefore encouraged to give their names and relevant details to the LCBC, allowing the Commission to establish who wants to return, where they came from and which state government should take responsibility for their reintegration.
The refugees who had spent years wondering whether anyone in Nigeria knew where they were, the prospect of being formally identified again was itself a source of hope.
The emotional response from the refugees was unmistakable. Many said they had heard of improved security in parts of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe and were increasingly considering returning. But their biggest obstacle is not necessarily the desire to return.It is the means.
Bulama appealed to the governments of the affected states to assist returnees with the means of livelihood. The refugees do not want to return merely to become dependent on others.
They want to work. They want to farm.
They want to fish. They want to rebuild their homes and communities. They want their children to grow up knowing the places their parents were forced to flee.
The next step, they said, is for the LCBC and the respective state governments to translate that hope into a structured return programme that provides not only transportation home but the means to rebuild sustainable lives once they arrive.
Earlier, Buni paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Lac Province, Gen. Saleh Hagar Tidjani, where he commended the Chadian government for accommodating Nigerian refugees and promoting peaceful relations between the displaced communities and their hosts.
Buni said Nigeria and Chad would continue to work together to strengthen security, stability and peaceful coexistence along their common border.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum to implementing agreements reached at its meeting in Maiduguri to promote sustainable peace, security and economic development across the region.
According to him, efforts would also be intensified towards opening up waterways in the Lake Chad Basin to facilitate transportation, security operations and the movement of goods and services.
The Governor of Lac Province described Buni’s visit as an important demonstration of cooperation between Nigeria and Chad, saying such engagements would strengthen security, stability and economic development among communities in the Lake Chad Basin.
Buni was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani; Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, Maj. Gen. ST Audu; Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje; Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd); Honourary Adviser on Policy Delivery, Dr. Kole Shettima; Honourary Adviser on Lake Chad Governors’ Forum and International Investment, Dr. Said Alkali Kori; Special Adviser on Food Security, Dr. Muhammed Babagana; and other senior government officials.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops Rescue 10 Kidnap Victims in Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops Rescue 10 Kidnap Victims in Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 10 kidnapped civilians in separate operations across Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, further intensifying military pressure on terrorist and kidnapping networks operating in the region.
The latest rescue operations, conducted between August 18 and 19, followed a combination of intelligence-driven searches, aggressive patrols and rapid responses to terrorist activities across the Joint Operations Area.
In Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, troops conducting a patrol on August 19 encountered an ambush by suspected terrorists.
The troops immediately engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee in disarray and abandon the area.
During the encounter, soldiers rescued five civilians who had been held by the terrorists. The victims were subsequently reunited with their families.
Troops also recovered two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
In a separate operation on August 18, troops acting on intelligence concerning the abduction of three persons launched a search-and-rescue operation in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The operation resulted in the successful rescue of all three victims.
The rescued civilians were profiled before being handed over to the appropriate local authorities for further assistance and reunification with their families.
Similarly, troops responded to intelligence on terrorist activity in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State on August 18.
The rapid mobilisation of troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding terrain.
Two kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation.
The victims had sustained gunshot wounds during their captivity and were immediately evacuated to a medical facility for urgent treatment.
Military sources said troops have continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping or carrying out further attacks in surrounding communities.
The series of operations highlights the importance of rapid military response to distress calls and actionable intelligence, particularly in areas where terrorists and kidnappers exploit difficult terrain to hold victims and launch attacks on civilians.
The Theatre Command has commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and swift response during the operations, while reaffirming its determination to sustain pressure on terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area.
Residents have also been urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces to support ongoing operations and enhance the protection of lives and property.
The Theatre Command said the cooperation of communities remains critical to denying terrorists freedom of action and ensuring the safe return of kidnapped victims.
Boko Haram Fighter Surrenders with AK-47, 26 Rounds in Borno
Boko Haram Fighter Surrenders with AK-47, 26 Rounds in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
A 23-year-old suspected Boko Haram fighter, identified as Ali Saidiq, has surrendered to troops in Borno State with an AK-47 rifle and 26 rounds of ammunition, as sustained military pressure continues to weaken terrorist networks in the Lake Chad region.
Saidiq, a native of Garere in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, surrendered at about 4:45 p.m. on August 20 during a stop-and-search operation conducted by troops of 196 Amphibious Battalion and the Nigerian Army Brigade Lake Chad at Kwatan Alkama checkpoint.
According to sources the suspect voluntarily surrendered one AK-47 rifle, with registration number 02657, and one magazine loaded with 26 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition.
Preliminary investigation indicated that Saidiq decided to surrender following sustained military pressure against terrorist elements in the area and after losing interest in continuing with terrorist activities.
Security sources said his surrender represents another indication of the impact of intensified military operations on the operational capacity and morale of terrorist fighters operating in the Lake Chad axis.
The suspect is currently in military custody for profiling and further investigation to establish his role within the terrorist group, his operational history and possible links to other members of the network.
The development comes amid continued efforts by Nigerian troops to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement, disrupt their logistics and encourage fighters who are willing to abandon terrorism to surrender.
The military has continued to combine offensive operations with intelligence-led security measures, including stop-and-search activities, aimed at intercepting terrorists and recovering weapons before they can be used against troops or civilians.
The surrendered rifle and ammunition have been secured as part of the ongoing investigation.
Arms Cache Recovered in Mangu as Army Deepens Hunt for Militia Leaders, Cattle-Rustling Syndicates Causing Violence
Arms Cache Recovered in Mangu as Army Deepens Hunt for Militia Leaders, Cattle-Rustling Syndicates Causing Violence
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has recovered a cache of firearms and ammunition from the residence of a suspected cattle-rustling suspect in Mwar community, Chakfem Kingdom, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, as troops intensify operations to dismantle criminal militia networks exploiting the cycle of communal violence in the area.
The recovery, made in the late hours of Wednesday, August 19, followed intelligence indicating a possible attack on Mwar community by suspected armed elements.
The operation also provided security forces with a potentially significant lead into the activities of a group of Maghavul Militia allegedly linked to cattle rustling and the broader criminal economy feeding the increasingly dangerous cycle of attacks and reprisals across parts of Mangu.
Military sources said the intelligence initially received by troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE, indicated a threat of attack against the community by suspected Fulani bandits following the alleged rustling of an unconfirmed number of cattle.
Rather than treating the intelligence as an isolated communal dispute, troops moved to investigate both the immediate security threat and the underlying criminal activity.
A fighting patrol was subsequently deployed as part of Operation HARD KNOCK, with a mandate to locate the missing cattle, identify those allegedly responsible and prevent any retaliatory attack. On reaching the area, troops employed EIB STRATOC drones to conduct extensive aerial surveillance of settlements, surrounding bushes and possible cattle routes.
The search, however, did not yield the missing livestock.
Further intelligence reportedly identified Pantong Stanley and other notorious group of youths from the community as persons of interest in the alleged cattle-rustling operation.
Troops subsequently located Stanley’s residence and conducted a snap raid.
Stanley was not found at the location at the time of the operation, but soldiers recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.
The recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated revolver rifle, two Dane guns and 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The recovery has drawn attention to the extent to which weapons are being accumulated and concealed by criminal elements under the cover of community-based violence. The Army is now conducting further searches around the residences and locations associated with other suspects, with the dual objective of recovering the missing cattle and determining whether additional arms caches are hidden in the area.
The latest operation is significant because it comes against the backdrop of several attacks and retaliatory incidents that have pushed Mangu into another dangerous phase of communal violence. Security sources familiar with developments in the area said the situation cannot be properly understood by looking at individual attacks in isolation.
According to the sources, a combination of communal grievances, cattle rustling, destruction of homes and farms, armed mobilisation, criminality and revenge attacks has created an environment in which criminal elements can operate while presenting themselves as defenders of their respective communities.
This distinction is crucial. Not every person carrying a weapon in the name of protecting a community is necessarily acting on behalf of that community. In several instances, criminal actors are believed to have exploited genuine grievances between farmers and herders to settle personal scores, steal livestock, acquire weapons, attack rival communities and subsequently portray their actions as acts of communal defence.
The result is a dangerous blurring of the line between communal conflict and organised criminality. The latest Mwar operation provides an example of why security agencies are increasingly looking beyond the immediate perpetrators of attacks to investigate the criminal networks that may be sustaining the violence.
The latest escalation followed a series of violent incidents in Mangu. On August 16, an attack was reported in the Jwak Maitumbi area, where Fulani residents were reportedly attacked and several residential shelters destroyed. Military sources said troops deployed to the area found extensive destruction, including about 45 shelters and damage to crops and other property. The incident triggered displacement, with women, children and elderly residents reportedly fleeing the area. The attack also heightened fears of an immediate reprisal because of the history of retaliatory violence in Mangu and neighbouring communities.
The security situation in the area had already been fragile before the latest incident. Troops of Sector 8 intervened in an armed confrontation between suspected Fulani and Mwaghavul youths in Jwak Maitumbi after reports of sustained gunfire. Three people were reported killed in that confrontation, comprising two Fulani herders and one member of the local community, while another community member was injured. Troops subsequently conducted clearance operations and restored calm.
Less than 48 hours after the reported attack on Fulani residents in Jwak Maitumbi, Bin-Per community in Kombun District of Mangu came under a devastating attack. At least 23 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed in the August 18 assault, although some community accounts put the figure higher.
The attack was widely viewed in the context of the preceding violence. The attackers reportedly entered the community during the night and early hours, killing residents and destroying property before withdrawing.
But what happened immediately after the attack is equally important in understanding why the Nigerian Army subsequently took the extraordinary decision to move its tactical headquarters closer to the crisis zone.
Shortly after the attack on Bin-Per, intelligence available to security forces indicated that large numbers of Mwaghavul youths had mobilised and began moving into the area, where they exchanged gunfire with suspected Fulani elements. At this point the situation already threatened to transform the original attack into a much larger communal battle. According to security information obtained by Zagazola Makama, one suspected Mwaghavul militia member was killed during the exchange of fire before troops could fully intervene forcing both groups to fled in different directions.
The development was a critical warning as armed groups from opposing sides were already mobilizing in anticipation of further confrontation. That is precisely the environment in which a localised attack can rapidly become a wider conflict.
The GOC, 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Maj.-Gen. Maxwell Dangana, therefore moved the tactical headquarters from Jos to Mangu on August 19. The decision was designed to put the command structure physically closer to the centre of the crisis, shorten response times and allow the commander to personally coordinate the deployment of troops and other operational assets.
The Nigerian troops and other response agencies were already confronted with several simultaneous threats: attacks on communities, possible reprisal attacks, armed mobilisation, cattle rustling, destruction of farmlands by Fulani herders, proliferation of locally fabricated weapons and the fact that criminal groups were exploit the chaos to attack civilians under the guise of community protection.
The GOC’s presence in Mangu therefore gives the military command greater ability to coordinate intelligence, surveillance, rapid response, community engagement and offensive operations from closer proximity to the affected communities. The Army subsequently launched Operation HARD KNOCK, aimed at containing the violence, protecting vulnerable communities, disrupting armed groups and pursuing persons suspected of involvement in attacks and other criminal activities.
It also sent a clear message that the Army was treating the emerging threat as a serious operational situation rather than another isolated communal disturbance. The operation was therefore increasingly focusing on the criminal infrastructure behind the violence. Both within the Fulani ethnic groups, Berom, Maghavul and other communities.
Perhaps the most dangerous dimension of the crisis is the growing possibility that criminals are exploiting legitimate grievances between communities for their own purposes. Cattle rustling is particularly important in this regard.
Livestock theft can generate enormous financial incentives for criminal networks while simultaneously creating the conditions for revenge.
The security situation is more complicated than a simple communal conflict. It involves cattle rustling, farm destruction, revenge attacks, illegal weapons, youth mobilisation and criminal opportunism, all of which continue to fuel one another. These grievances are the major triggers of armed mobilisation and attacks, leading to deaths, displacement and loss of livelihoods. The resulting hardship and anger then create fresh grievances, making further retaliation more likely and keeping the cycle of violence alive.
A cattle owner whose animals are stolen and herders killed may believe the theft was committed by members of another community. The affected community may then mobilise to attack the community then armed confrontation can follow, producing casualties. Those deaths then become justification for another attack retaliation attacks. The process repeats itself. At each stage, the original criminal act becomes buried beneath communal narratives of victimhood and revenge.
Therefore the activities surrounding Pantong Stanley are therefore significant, because to these murderous attackers, it establishes collective guilt against communities believing that they know this criminals but are shielding them to attack them.
Therefore it is imperative that for that society to exonerate itself, they must support security agencies to separate criminal actors from the wider populations they claim to represent. The recovery of AK-pattern rifles and ammunition from a suspect’s residence reinforces the need for that distinction.
Another case that security authorities have been examining is the arrest of Joshua Ali, a Plateau Berom youth leader who was reportedly arrested by troops of Sector 8 over alleged involvement in cattle rustling in Barkin Ladi. In April 2026, this platform reported how security operatives in Nasarawa State intercepted 11 stolen livestock allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Bokkos in Plateau State and sold through illicit channels, leading to the arrest of a suspect who claimed to have purchased the stolen animals from a Plateau paramount ruler. What happened to the Paramount Ruler? Nothing.
The arrest of Joshua Ali is important to the wider picture because it illustrates how individuals who occupy positions of influence within communities can allegedly become involved in criminal activities that subsequently acquire a communal dimension. From a security perspective, cases such as this demonstrate why the authorities cannot afford to assume that every violent incident is purely an ethnic or communal confrontation.
Some individuals may exploit community structures, youth networks and local grievances to facilitate criminal enterprises. Once such individuals are identified, arrested and investigated, the wider community must desist from attempting to shield the criminals as that is precisely the approach required if Plateau is to escape its present cycle of violence.
Security sources also identified several areas allegedly used to conceal or temporarily keep rustled cattle across parts of Plateau State. In Mangu LGA, the locations include Panyam, Kerang, Ampang, Manguna, described as a particularly notorious area, Kombun and Boi.
In Barkin Ladi LGA, attention is focused on Fan District, where several villages and mountainous locations are reportedly difficult to access, as well as Forong District, also described as another notorious area with numerous villages and mountainous terrain that provide cover for criminal Cattle Rustlers.
In Bassa LGA, security information points to parts of Irigwe Chiefdom and adjoining areas towards southern Kaduna, while in Riyom LGA, suspected cattle-rustling networks are reportedly using mountainous areas and locations to conceal or move stolen livestock.
Security authorities believe the difficult terrain and dispersed settlements in some of these locations can make detection and recovery operations challenging, pointing to the need for sustained intelligence-led surveillance and coordinated operations to trace stolen livestock and dismantle the networks behind the trade.
The danger in Mangu is that individual criminality can quickly become collective suspicion. A cattle rustler may be identified as a member of a particular community. An attack by one group may then be interpreted as an attack by an entire ethnic population. A retaliatory attack follows. The victims of the retaliation are then used to justify another attack. This transforms criminals into symbols of communal struggle and civilians into legitimate targets in the eyes of extremists and revenge-seeking actors. That is how conflicts become entrenched.
It is also why the Army’s current approach of intelligence-led operations is particularly important. Rather than simply deploying troops after every attack, security forces have to identify the individuals supplying weapons, rustling livestock, mobilising armed youths, concealing weapons and providing safe havens for attackers from both sides.
This is why the latest military operations in Mangu are significant. The objective cannot simply be to stop the next attack. It must be to dismantle the mechanisms that make the next attack possible.
For Operation HARD KNOCK to succeed, security forces will have to maintain pressure on armed groups while simultaneously protecting communities on all sides.That means preventing attacks on Maghavul Communities and Fulani settlements. It means recovering stolen cattle.
It means recovering illegal firearms. It means identifying the people mobilising armed youths.
And it means arresting individuals suspected of criminal activity without converting their alleged crimes into collective accusations against entire communities.
The military must also continue working with the DSS, police, traditional rulers, youth leaders and other stakeholders to ensure that intelligence is generated from communities before violence occurs.The current crisis has shown that waiting until gunfire begins is often too late. Mangu is now at a critical point.
The central lesson from the latest developments is that neither the Jwak Maitumbi attack nor the Bin-Per killings can be viewed in isolation. The destruction suffered by Maghavul people as well as the Fulani residents are very visible and deserved equal investigations.
The subsequent recovery of weapons at Mwar suggests that the military is beginning to look beyond the visible clashes to the criminal networks that may be sustaining them. The challenge now is to maintain that pressure.
The way out is neither collective blame nor collective revenge.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
DSS Trails, Nabs Man Impersonating Personnel in Abuja
DSS Trails, Nabs Man Impersonating Personnel in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
*Arrested in tactical uniform, with fake pistol, allegedly extorting motorists
The Department of State Services (DSS) late on Wednesday in Abuja arrested a man identified as Moferewa Maiye, discovered to be impersonating a personnel of the Service.
Maiye, who claimed to hail from Agbajojun Village, Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, was trailed and arrested by DSS officers in his hideout around the NITEL Junction, along Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II, Abuja.
At the time of his arrest, Maiye was in DSS tactical uniform and armed with a fake pistol.
According to a security source, the Secret police acted on credible intelligence that Maiye was using the uniform and the fake weapon to intimidate commuters and motorists, extorting money from them.
During interrogation, added the source, the suspect reportedly claimed that his brother was a DSS personnel who died years ago.
He identified the brother as Monday Maiye, stressing that the DSS kit in his possession was his late brother's.
The suspect is currently being interrogated as security operatives, the source stated, adding that the Service was investigating how he came about the DSS uniform and kit.
"Investigators are also trying to establish how long the suspect has been involved in similar acts of impersonation and extortion.
"The arrest underscores growing concerns by the Service over the activities of individuals who impersonate security personnel to intimidate members of the public and commit criminality," the source declared.
Chairman Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum Gov. Mai Mala Buni Visits Nigerian Refugees in Kaya, Chad
Chairman Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum Gov. Mai Mala Buni Visits Nigerian Refugees in Kaya, Chad.
....You Are The First Nigerian Govt. Official To visit Us -Refugees
Njadmena (Chad)...Yobe state Governor and Chairman of the Lake Chad Governors' Forum, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, today visited Nigerian refugees at Kaya site in Lac Province of Chad Republic to assess their welfare.
Gov. Buni commended the peaceful co-existence between the refugees, the host communities and the government of Chad Republic.
He urged the refugees to be law abiding, shun crime and report cases of infiltration, suspicious persons and movements in the area.
The Gov. noted with satisfaction the refugees engagement in fishing and farming "this makes you more resourceful and less dependent, assuring that the Nigerian government would continue to partner the Chadian government on the welfare of the refugees.
"For those of you willing to return home, you should liaise with the Lake Chad Basin Commission to take the census while the state governments repatriate you back to your respective states" Gov. Buni assured.
Ba Bulama Usman, leader of the refugees community, commended Governor Buni for the visit, saying, you are the only government official from Nigeria to visit us.
"This visit has given us a sense of belonging and hope. We will remain law abiding and pursue our means of livelihood peacefully with the host communities and with respect to the laws of the land" Bulama assured.
He said, the refugees would collaborate with the Lake Chad Basin Commission to identify those willing to return home and notify their state governments for repatration.
"We also appreciate the support given to us and want to assure you that everyone will benefit from this generous benevolence" the leader added.
Governor Buni was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, the Force Commander of the Multi National Joint Task Force Maj. Gen. ST Audu, Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje.
Others include the Special Adviser on Security Brig. Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd), Honourary Adviser on Policy Delivery, Dr. Kole Shettima, Honourary Adviser on Lake Chad Governors' Forum and International Investment, Dr Said Alkali Kori, Special Adviser on Food Security, Dr Muhammed Babagana and other top government functionaries.
Gov. Buni had earlier in a courtesy call on the Governor of Lac Province, Gen. Saleh Hagar Tidjani, commended the government of Chad for accommodating Nigerian settlers and refugees, and the peaceful coexistence between Nigerians and the communities.
"Nigeria and Chad would strive to maintain and sustain the peaceful co-existence and security between the two countries.
"The commitment of the Lake Chad Governors' forum in Maiduguri last year would be executed to support and deepen sustainable peace, security and economic growth.
"We are committed to opening the water ways to enhance transportation for security operations and transportation of goods and services. We will pursue this with vigour to improve the lives of our people" Buni assured.
General Saleh Hagar Tidjani, Governor of Lac Province, described the visit as an honor and a collaboration for peaceful co-existence to strengthen security. Stability and economic growth among the member states.
TINUBU TASKS HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISER TO COORDINATE FIVE-YEAR NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT ASSESSMENT, DEFENCE PLAN
TINUBU TASKS HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISER TO COORDINATE FIVE-YEAR NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT ASSESSMENT, DEFENCE PLAN
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate preparation of a comprehensive National Threat Assessment and a rolling five-year Strategic Defence Operations Plan to strengthen coordination across Nigeria’s defence, intelligence and security capabilities.
The President's Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka A. Famadewa, will coordinate and provide secretariat support for the 11-man committee the President constituted to draft the strategic defence operations plan.
Other members of the committee are the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Muhammad Matawalle; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
The Director-General of the Department of State Service, Tosin Ajayi, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed, are also members of the committee.
President Tinubu gave the directive on Wednesday at the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja, stressing the need for a coherent framework to respond to evolving security threats nationwide.
The President said the new framework would provide a common understanding of the threats facing the nation, the operational objectives to be achieved and the capabilities required to address them.
According to him, recent security successes, including the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, demonstrated the importance of improved coordination among defence, security and intelligence agencies.
“The operation demonstrated what can be achieved when our agencies work together with a clear objective and the necessary intelligence,” the President said.
President Tinubu noted that operational requirements were currently often considered individually, without sufficient reference to an agreed national threat assessment or unified medium-term plan, making coordination more difficult and limiting the efficient deployment of resources.
He said the National Threat Assessment would identify the principal threats facing the country, determine their relative urgency and establish operational objectives for addressing them.
The Strategic Defence Operations Plan, he added, would translate the assessment into clear operational priorities, identifying the forces and capabilities required in each theatre, existing capability gaps, equipment and support needs, and an implementation timetable.
Under the presidential directive, the committee may also consult or co-opt representatives of other ministries, departments and agencies where their participation is required.
President Tinubu directed the committee to commence work immediately and submit the completed National Threat Assessment and Strategic Defence Operations Plan for his consideration and approval within 90 days.
Once approved, the plan will serve as the principal framework for coordinating military and defence operations over the medium term.
It will also provide the basis for preparing a corresponding multi-year defence expenditure and procurement plan, ensuring that resources are directed towards agreed operational priorities and critical national security requirements.
The President further directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser to take all necessary steps to give immediate effect to the directives.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
August 19, 2026
Fire Razes Building Material Shops in Satellite Town, Lagos
Fire Razes Building Material Shops in Satellite Town, Lagos
By Zagazola Makama
LAGOS — A fire outbreak has destroyed several building material shops along Fin-Niger, Satellite Town, Lagos State.
The incident occurred at about 6:10 a.m. on Aug. 18, when a distress call was received reporting a fire outbreak in the area.
Following the alert, a team of policemen and firefighters was swiftly mobilised to the scene.
The fire affected building material shops located at 58/196 Old Ojo Road, along Fin-Niger, Satellite Town.
The emergency responders successfully contained and extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading further.
No casualty or loss of life was recorded in the incident.
The cause of the fire and the estimated value of property destroyed have not yet been established.
The police said investigation into the incident is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the outbreak.
Police Arrest Two Suspected One-Chance Robbery Syndicate Members in Lagos
Police Arrest Two Suspected One-Chance Robbery Syndicate Members in Lagos
By Zagazola Makama
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a “one-chance” robbery syndicate over the alleged theft of a commercial tricycle in the Ojo area of the state.
The suspects, identified as Emeka Obi, 51, from Enugu State, and John Eze, 54, from Anambra State, were arrested at about 7 a.m. on Aug. 17 in the Iyana-Iba area of Ojo.
The suspects allegedly hired a tricycle belonging to a man identified as Ekene on Aug. 16, claiming they needed transportation to a hospital where their wife had delivered a newborn baby.
However, during the journey, the suspects allegedly stopped at a beer parlour around Kila Bus Stop, Ejigbo, where they took alcohol.
The report said the suspects subsequently asked the tricycle rider to purchase cigarettes.
While the rider was away, the suspects allegedly laced his drink with an unidentified substance.
The rider reportedly became unconscious and, upon regaining consciousness, discovered that his tricycle, with registration number KTU-334-QS, had been taken.
Following police investigation, the two suspects were arrested and the stolen tricycle was recovered and registered as an exhibit.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigation continues to establish their alleged roles and determine whether they are linked to other “one-chance” robbery incidents in Lagos.
Armed Robbers Raid Estates in Atan-Ota, Police Recover Abandoned Backpack
Armed Robbers Raid Estates in Atan-Ota, Police Recover Abandoned Backpack
By Zagazola Makama
Armed robbers have raided residents of two estates in the Atan-Ota area of Ogun State, carting away laptops and mobile phones before fleeing as police responded to distress calls.
The first incident occurred at about 2:23 a.m. on Aug. 18 at Agoro Estate Community Development Area, Onigbongbo Phase One, Atan-Ota.
The Chairman of the Agoro Estate Community Development Area alerted the police that armed robbery was ongoing in the estate.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately mobilised a patrol team to the area, despite the difficult terrain and bumpy earth roads.
On arrival at No. 1 Olaigbe Street, the scene of the robbery, the police learned that four hoodlums armed with a locally fabricated pistol, iron bars and cudgels had attacked residents.
The suspects allegedly robbed Joachim Nkwori of an HP laptop, while his flatmate, Brawon Omoajbeles Ham, was dispossessed of a Samsung A71 phone and another small Itel mobile phone.
The robbers reportedly scaled the fence before gaining access to the flat through an unlocked burglary-proof iron door at the staircase.
While police personnel were combing the area, another distress call was received at about 3:38 a.m. from the Atan-Ota Police Community Relations Committee chairman, reporting another robbery operation at Better Glass Estate 1 and 2 in Onigbongbo Phase Two.
The DPO and his men, accompanied by two community volunteers, immediately moved to the second location.
On arrival, the police recovered an abandoned black backpack containing a small Itel phone, an iPad, a Boscon electric pressing iron, an AirPod, clothing and medication.
Residents and vigilantes armed with locally available weapons told the police that about nine hoodlums had invaded the estate.
The suspects were reportedly armed with pump-action guns, iron bars and clubs. They allegedly fired shots into the air and lured residents out by shouting “ole, ole,” meaning “thief, thief,” before robbing those who emerged from their homes.
The suspects reportedly retreated hurriedly after becoming aware that the police were approaching the area.
The police subsequently conducted an extensive search of the surrounding area, while efforts were intensified to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The case remains under investigation as detectives work to identify the suspects and recover other stolen property.
Police Rescue Man From Mob Attack Over Alleged Motorcycle Theft in Sagamu
Police Rescue Man From Mob Attack Over Alleged Motorcycle Theft in Sagamu
By Zagazola Makama
Police in Ogun State have rescued a young man from a mob attack after he was allegedly accused of stealing a motorcycle equipped with tracking devices in Sagamu.
The incident occurred at about 8:28 p.m. on Aug. 18 along the Old GRA Road, Sagamu, following a report of a serious traffic gridlock caused by a large crowd blocking the road.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately led a team of detectives to the scene after receiving information that something had gone wrong.
On arrival, the police reportedly found a young man lying in a pool of blood after allegedly being attacked by a mob over accusations that he had snatched a motorcycle fitted with tracking devices from Ijebu-Ode.
The report said some youths had initially attempted to take the suspect to the Sagamu Police Station, but another group reportedly disagreed and chased after them towards Major Thompson and the Old GRA Road.
The victim was allegedly dragged from a motorcycle and beaten with heavy wooden objects, stones and a cutlass, sustaining serious injuries to his head, hands and back.
The mob reportedly attempted to set him ablaze before the arrival of the police.
The identity of the victim was yet to be established as of the time of filing the report.
Police officers immediately evacuated him to Live-Well Hospital, Sagamu, where the medical doctor on duty confirmed that he was still alive and commenced emergency treatment.
The police have commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack, including efforts to establish the victim’s identity and identify those involved in the mob action.
32-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Well in Masaka, Nasarawa
32-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Well in Masaka, Nasarawa
By Zagazola Makama
Police in Nasarawa State have commenced investigation into the death of a 32-year-old man, Genesis Philip, whose body was found inside a well at Up Market, Masaka, in the Karu Local Government Area of the state.
The incident was reported to the police on Aug. 19 by the deceased’s younger brother, Isaac Philip.
The deceased had on Aug. 17 at about 10 p.m. told his wife, Mrs Ochanya Philip, that he wanted to defecate at the back of their house.
After waiting for about 10 minutes without seeing him return, his wife alerted his younger brother, and both commenced a search for him.
The search continued until the morning of Aug. 18, when the deceased was found drowned inside a well.
Police said a note was recovered from the deceased, stating that he had ₦50,000 in his GTBank account and directing that the money should be given to his sister.
The motive behind the incident has not been established.
The body was evacuated to Mararaba Medical Centre, where a doctor on duty examined and confirmed him dead.
The police said investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding his death and determine whether the incident was a case of suicide or involved other factors.
Two Killed as Bandits Attack Dinawa Village in Sokoto
Two Killed as Bandits Attack Dinawa Village in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
Two persons were killed when armed bandits attacked Dinawa village, a remote settlement under Wurno District of Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The attack occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 18, when the bandits, reportedly in large numbers and armed with sophisticated weapons, invaded the community and opened sporadic gunfire.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), upon receiving the distress call, immediately mobilised tactical teams alongside personnel from a nearby military Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the scene.
The security forces engaged the attackers in a gun duel that lasted for some time, eventually forcing the bandits to retreat and escape into a nearby forest.
However, two residents were shot dead during the attack.
The bodies of the victims were subsequently evacuated to the General Hospital, Wurno, for medical examination and autopsy.
Following the attack, joint security teams commenced a search of the surrounding bushes in an effort to track and apprehend the fleeing bandits.
The police also alerted neighbouring divisions to watch out for the suspects who might attempt to escape through their areas of jurisdiction.
Security forces have intensified surveillance and patrols around the affected communities as efforts continue to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
Police Arrest Four Suspects, Recover N1.21m Counterfeit Notes in Ibadan
Police Arrest Four Suspects, Recover N1.21m Counterfeit Notes in Ibadan
By Zagazola Makama
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four suspects and recovered counterfeit currency notes with a face value of N1.211 million in Ibadan.
The arrests followed information received by the police from Comrade Idowu Olusegun, a vigilante commander in Oluyole Local Government Area, about the circulation of counterfeit N1,000 notes in the Olomi-Olunde area of Ibadan.
According to sources , two suspects, identified as Aishat Akano, 30, and Fawaz Azeez, 11, allegedly visited a mini-mart in the Aiyegun area of Ibadan at about 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 17 to purchase a soft drink using a counterfeit N1,000 note.
The shop owner reportedly detected the note as counterfeit and alerted security personnel, leading to the arrest of the two suspects.
The police said information obtained from the suspects during interrogation led detectives from Sanyo Division to a suspected hideout in the Molete area of Ibadan.
There, operatives arrested two additional suspects identified as Ahweyi Joseph, 39, and Afusat Tajudeen, 50.
A search of the premises allegedly led to the recovery of counterfeit currency notes with a total face value of N1,211,500.
The four suspects are currently assisting police investigators in efforts to uncover the source of the counterfeit currency and identify other members of the suspected syndicate.
The police said efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the network as investigation continues.
The Command warned members of the public to remain vigilant when handling cash transactions and report suspected counterfeit currency or suspicious activities to security agencies.
48-Year-Old Man Killed in Bush Path Attack in Oyo
48-Year-Old Man Killed in Bush Path Attack in Oyo
By Zagazola Makama
A 48-year-old man, Peter Baba Danasin, has been killed after two suspected attackers ambushed him and his wife along a bush path in the Igbojaye area of Oyo State.
The incident occurred at about 4 p.m. on Aug. 18, while Danasin and his wife, Benedita Baba, were travelling from their residence in Budo Seweje towards Igbojaye town.
According to police sources, two suspected attackers emerged from the bush and allegedly attacked the couple.
The wife reportedly managed to escape, while Danasin sustained deep machete cuts across various parts of his body.
He was said to have died at the scene from the injuries sustained during the attack.
Following the report, a team of police operatives led by the Deputy Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), Otu Division, rushed to the scene.
The deceased’s body was evacuated and deposited at Fadok Hospital Mortuary, Iseyin, for preservation and autopsy.
The police have commenced investigation and launched efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Police Repel Armed Robbery Attack, Neutralise Suspect in Yobe
Police Repel Armed Robbery Attack, Neutralise Suspect in Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Police operatives in Yobe State have repelled an armed robbery attack in Fika Local Government Area, neutralising one suspect and arresting another following a gun battle with the assailants.
The incident occurred at about 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 18 when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Fika, received a distress call from Lamido Umar Mohammed of Yayaru village.
The caller reportedly alerted the police that the residence of Umar Lamido had been invaded by unidentified armed men and that the victim had sustained an arrow wound to his stomach.
Following the report, police operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene.
However, upon sighting the police vehicle, the suspected criminals reportedly attacked the operatives with locally made firearms, bows, arrows and cutlasses.
The operatives responded to the attack, leading to a gun battle during which one of the suspects was neutralised.
Another suspect, identified as Halidu Lamida, from Dubuluwa in Fika LGA, was arrested in connection with the incident, while other members of the group fled the scene.
The body of the neutralised suspect and the injured victim were evacuated to Fika General Hospital for medical attention.
The suspect was subsequently confirmed dead by a medical doctor, while the victim remains on admission receiving treatment.
Police recovered bows and arrows, a cutlass and a bag containing charms from the scene.
The arrested suspect remains in police custody as investigation continues to establish the identities of the fleeing accomplices and determine their involvement in the attack.
Security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the remaining suspects and prevent further criminal activities in the area.
Bayelsa Assembly Suspends Sagbama LGA Chairperson, Vice Chairman
Bayelsa Assembly Suspends Sagbama LGA Chairperson, Vice Chairman
By Zagazola Makama
The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has approved the suspension of the Chairperson of Sagbama Local Government Area, Hon. Alice Allen Tangi, and her Vice Chairman, Hon. Sufade Jefferson Tobi, over alleged gross misconduct.
The suspension was approved during plenary on Aug. 18, following a motion considered by members of the State House of Assembly.
According to sources , the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, said the decision was taken in accordance with Section 22, subsections 6 and 7 of the Bayelsa State Administration Law 2000.
Following the development, security was reinforced across Sagbama Local Government Area, particularly around the council secretariat, critical government buildings and other strategic government facilities.
Security agencies have continued to closely monitor the situation to prevent any breakdown of law and order following the suspension.
The development is expected to generate further political and administrative activities as relevant authorities proceed with the necessary steps arising from the Assembly’s decision.
Further developments will be communicated as they emerge.
Mangu Attack: GOC Moves Tactical Headquarters to Mangu, Launches Operation Hard Knot
Mangu Attack: GOC Moves Tactical Headquarters to Mangu, Launches Operation Hard Knot
By Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Maj.-Gen. Maxwell Dangana, has relocated his tactical headquarters from Jos to Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following the deadly attack on Bin-Per community in Kombun District.
The move comes after the early morning attack on Tuesday, Aug. 18, in which at least 23 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed.
Maj.-Gen. Dangana arrived in Mangu on Wednesday, Aug. 19, accompanied by additional troops, equipment and other operational resources to personally coordinate military operations and assess the security situation.
The relocation of the tactical headquarters is part of measures aimed at strengthening the military’s presence in the affected communities, improving response time and enhancing coordination of security operations in the area.
The Army has also commenced Operation HARD KNOT, a special operation aimed at containing further attacks, protecting vulnerable communities and tracking down those responsible for the violence.
The GOC is expected to oversee the deployment of troops and operational assets while engaging local stakeholders as part of efforts to restore security and confidence among residents.
The development comes amid renewed security concerns in parts of Plateau State, where recurring attacks and reprisal violence have continued to threaten lives, livelihoods and community relations.
Security forces are expected to sustain patrols, intelligence gathering and offensive operations across identified flashpoints to prevent further escalation.
Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend perpetrators.
Troops Destroy Terrorist Camp, Recover Pistol, Ammunition in Anambra
Troops Destroy Terrorist Camp, Recover Pistol, Ammunition in Anambra
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have destroyed a suspected terrorist camp and recovered a pistol, ammunition and a handheld radio during a fighting patrol in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The operation was conducted at about 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 18, when troops of 185 Battalion carried out a fighting patrol to a suspected terrorist camp in the Eketutu general area of Ihiala LGA.
Zagazola Makama, learnt that the troops encountered no resistance during the operation.
The troops subsequently exploited the camp and recovered one pistol, one round of 9mm ammunition and one handheld radio.
The suspected camp was thereafter destroyed in situ to prevent its further use by criminal elements.
The operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation UDO KA troops to dismantle criminal and terrorist hideouts and deny armed groups freedom of movement and safe havens across the South-East.
Troops, NDLEA Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Nasarawa
Troops, NDLEA Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Nasarawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested three suspected drug peddlers during a snap check along the Keffi-Abuja road in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The operation was conducted at about 1 p.m. on Aug. 18 by troops of 177 Guards Battalion deployed at Masaka Patrol Base alongside NDLEA personnel.
According to sources, the joint team conducted a snap check on vehicles and commuters along the strategic highway and apprehended three suspects allegedly involved in illicit drug trafficking.
During the operation, the security personnel recovered suspected crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice,” from the suspects.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt the movement and distribution of illicit drugs along major transportation corridors in the country.
Troops Intercept Four Suspected Stolen Motorcycles in Katsina
Troops Intercept Four Suspected Stolen Motorcycles in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have intercepted four suspected brand-new motorcycles during a snap check along the Danmusa-Mara-Kaiga road in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The motorcycles were intercepted at about 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 18 by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Mara during a routine security check along the road.
According to sources Zagazola Makama, the riders were stopped and requested to produce the original documents of the motorcycles.
The riders reportedly left the location to retrieve the documents but had not returned as of the time of filing the report.
The four motorcycles have been taken into the custody of the troops for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources said the interception formed part of ongoing efforts to check the movement of suspected criminal elements and prevent the use of unverified motorcycles in bandit operations across vulnerable areas of Katsina State.
Troops Rescue 14 Kidnapped Victims in Katsina Forest
Troops Rescue 14 Kidnapped Victims in Katsina Forest
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims following a swift response to the movement of terrorists in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation was conducted on Aug. 18 after troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, received credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists with kidnapped victims around Madaci Forest in Sabuwa LGA.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the area and made contact with the terrorists, engaging them in a gun battle that forced the criminals to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bushes.
Following an exploitation of the area, the troops successfully rescued 14 victims comprising six males and eight females.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims had been abducted from different locations within the Dandume, Bakori and Funtua areas of Katsina State.
The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the appropriate local authorities for necessary action and reunification with their families.
The successful operation underscores the continued efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops to deny terrorists and bandits the freedom to operate across the North-West and protect vulnerable communities.
The Theatre Command said troops would sustain pressure on criminal elements and intensify operations to safeguard lives and property across the Joint Operations Area.
Residents were also urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces to support ongoing operations and facilitate the rescue of kidnapped victims.
Al-Shabaab Burns 10 Charcoal Trucks in Lower Shabelle
Al-Shabaab Burns 10 Charcoal Trucks in Lower Shabelle
By Zagazola Makama
Al-Shabaab militants have reportedly burned 10 charcoal-laden trucks after intercepting them along the road between Wanlaweyn and Afgooye in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region.
Sources said the militants stopped the trucks and ordered the drivers to disembark before setting the vehicles and their cargoes ablaze.
No casualties have been confirmed in connection with the incident.
The attack highlights Al-Shabaab’s continued targeting of commercial transporters accused of refusing to pay illegal taxes imposed by the militant group or violating its restrictions on the movement and trade of charcoal.
Lower Shabelle has previously witnessed similar attacks targeting charcoal trucks, with the militant group seeking to enforce its control over commercial activities and transportation routes despite government efforts to weaken its influence.
The latest incident also comes amid reports of increased Al-Shabaab attacks and other terrorist activities across several areas under the control of Somalia’s Federal Government, including Mogadishu, Lower Shabelle, Bay and Hiiraan.
Sources said that the renewed attacks could reflect an adjustment in the group’s tactics as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) begins withdrawing from some areas, while political and security pressures continue to strain the Federal Government.
The burning of the trucks is likely to further disrupt charcoal supplies, inflict financial losses on traders and transporters and increase the cost of moving commercial goods along vulnerable routes.
Troops Arrest Suspected Drug Peddler, Two Collaborators in Monguno
Troops Arrest Suspected Drug Peddler, Two Collaborators in Monguno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a suspected illicit drug peddler and two collaborators, including a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspects were arrested at about 9:25 p.m. on Aug. 18 following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance on the activities of illicit drug peddlers operating within the sector.
A security source told Zagazola Makama that the principal suspect, identified as Babagana Modu, also known as Osama, was arrested alongside two alleged collaborators, including a CJTF member identified as Awami Alhaji Garba.
The suspects were apprehended in the Gidan Wuta general area of Monguno town.
During the operation, troops recovered a substantial quantity of suspected cannabis sativa, which had been carefully packed and concealed in three sacks.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been placed in the custody of Sector 3 for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected collaborators linked to the drug trafficking network.
The latest arrest forms part of sustained intelligence-led operations by security forces to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities that could undermine ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
Troops Arrest Suspected Bandits’ Informant in Katsina
Troops Arrest Suspected Bandits’ Informant in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
KATSINA — Troops have arrested an 18-year-old suspected informant for armed bandits after he was found allegedly gathering information on the deployment and capabilities of security forces in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The arrest followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed bandits around the Katsina-Kano border, prompting troops to maintain blocking positions and surveillance across their area of responsibility.
According to a Special Situation Report obtained by Zagazola Makama, locals in Tsaure alerted troops at about 10:25 a.m. on Aug. 19 after observing a suspicious young man identified as Sa’adu Sama, from Girtaji village in Musawa LGA.
The suspect was reportedly seen loitering around the community and asking children questions about the deployment of troops, including their strength, vehicles, motorcycles and equipment.
The children quickly reported the suspicious activity to community elders, who subsequently alerted troops of the Forward Operating Base in Tsaure.
The troops immediately moved in and arrested the suspect.
Security sources said the suspect was subsequently moved to the Brigade Headquarters for further interrogation and investigation.
The arrest highlights the importance of community vigilance and timely information-sharing between residents and security forces in disrupting criminal networks and preventing bandit attacks.
The security situation around the Forward Operating Bases and Joint Task Force locations was described as calm, while troops continued monitoring activities in the area.
The morale and fighting spirit of the troops were also reported to remain high.
24 Bandits Killed As Army, DSS, Vigilantes Foil Mass Kidnap in Katsina Community, Rescue Victims
24 Bandits Killed As Army, DSS, Vigilantes Foil Mass Kidnap in Katsina Community, Rescue Victims
By: Zagazola Makama
At least 24 bandits were killed on Tuesday after soldiers of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Katsina Community Watch Corps foiled an attempt to mass-kidnap persons in Gidan Bawa village, Kandarawa Ward, Bakori Local Government Area of the state.
According to a security source, the operation followed sustained intelligence which uncovered plans by about 40 gunmen loyal to notorious bandit kingpin, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, to invade the village and abduct many residents, especially women and children.
The plot, sources said, was intended to replicate the mass abduction of residents of Woro community in Kwara State, ostensibly to embarrass the government.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, DSS operatives mobilised the Community Watch Corps, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) from Guga camp, and ambushed the bandits.
The source disclosed that the joint security operatives neutralised 24 bandits and rescued the abducted villagers.
Security operatives also recovered 19 stolen cattle from the community during the raid.
The source added that there were ongoing efforts to track down the fleeing bandits.
Four ISWAP Members Surrender Exposed Terrorist Enclave in Marte
Four ISWAP Members Surrender Exposed Terrorist Enclave in Marte
By Zagazola Makama
Four members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to Nigerian troops after becoming disillusioned by harsh conditions as a result of intensified military operations in terrorist camp in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
The surrendered individuals, according to an information obtained by Zagazola Makama, included two adults and two minors who said they had been abducted and forced into the terrorist group at different locations in Borno State.
Sources identified them as Isha Bukar, 19, from Gamboru Ngala; Abubakar Alkali, 25, from Monguno; Tijani Mele, 15, from Dikwa; and Abubakar Mohammed Mairiga, 24, from Damboa.
Bukar told investigators that he was abducted about a year ago by his elder brother, a member of ISWAP, and taken to the Arinna Chiki terrorist camp in Marte.
Alkali, from Monguno town, said he was abducted by ISWAP fighters while working on his farm at Buluwa village in Marte Local Government Area. Mele, 15, said he was abducted by his brother while fetching firewood around Gudunbali General Area in Guzamala.
Mairiga, a fisherman from Damboa, said he was abducted by ISWAP fighters while fishing at Dowoshi in Kukawa Local Government Area.
The four later escaped from the terrorist enclave and surrendered to troops.
According to military sources , sustained military airstrikes and psychological operations contributed to worsening conditions inside the terrorist camp.
The four reportedly became increasingly disillusioned after the military sustained operations which disrupted the group’s activities and made life inside the enclave increasingly difficult.
“Survival in such condition was newly impossible,”one of them said.
They subsequently navigated their way out of the camp before surrendering to troops and were later moved to Headquarters Sector 3 for further processing and interrogation.
The former ISWAP members said they were from Arinna Chiki camp of ISWAP located in Marte Local Government Area and described it as a major terrorist enclave.
The camp, according to the sources was headed by individuals identified as Abu Salim and Abu Riana, supported by other commanders described as lieutenants. The camp is reportedly divided into several sections or settlements, including Gari Ba’amfani, Mujiza, Guzuma, Sabon Tumbu, Yates Kura and Latimer.
According to the former fighters, weapons were issued to members when they were preparing to embark on operations and returned to the leadership afterwards.
The former fighters said the group was involved in attacks across several parts of Borno State, particularly Monguno, Marte, Ngoshe and Gamboru Ngala. They also disclosed that the group conducted attacks across the border in Cameroon.
They further revealed that ISWAP relied heavily on criminal activities and attacks on civilians to sustain its logistics.
The terrorists were said to obtain supplies mainly through attacks on commuters and farming activities, further exposing the impact of the group’s activities on civilian livelihoods and movement across the region.
The four surrendered individuals also admitted that they had remained active fighters until their decision to leave the group.
The latest development comes amid sustained military pressure against terrorist groups in the North-East through coordinated ground operations, airstrikes and psychological operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and encouraging fighters and their associates to abandon the insurgency.
Troops Recover Terrorist Body, Fabricated Ladder After Mandaragirau Attack
Troops Recover Terrorist Body, Fabricated Ladder After Mandaragirau Attack
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have recovered the body of a suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist and a fabricated ladder following an attempted infiltration attack on 162 Amphibious Battalion in Mandaraguirau, Borno State.
According to a Special Situation Report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the recovery was made on Aug. 17 during further exploitation of the area following the attempted terrorist attack.
The report said troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion conducted the exploitation at about 10 a.m. and discovered the body of one terrorist alongside a fabricated ladder believed to have been used in the attempted infiltration.
The development followed an earlier attempt by terrorists to infiltrate and attack the military formation on Aug. 15.
The military said troops remained on heightened alert and continued efforts to dominate the area and prevent further terrorist infiltration.
The general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Four Minors in Plateau
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Four Minors in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have foiled an attempted kidnapping and rescued four minors in Agingi, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 5:45 p.m. on Aug. 17, when troops responded to a report that four children had been targeted by suspected kidnappers while returning from the farm.
The troops’ swift intervention forced the criminals to flee, leading to the rescue of the victims.
The rescued minors were identified as Happy Pius, 15; David Monday, 13; Mercy Pius, 14; and Joy Monday, 13.
The victims were subsequently reunited with their families, while security forces commenced efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The successful intervention underscores the importance of rapid military response and community alerts in preventing criminal elements from abducting vulnerable residents in rural communities.
Seven ISWAP Fighters’ Family Members, 12 Children Flee Yaganari Enclave, Surrender to Troops
Seven ISWAP Fighters’ Family Members, 12 Children Flee Yaganari Enclave, Surrender to Troops
By Zagazola Makama
Seven family members of suspected terrorists, accompanied by 12 children, have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI at Mafa in Borno State, following reported hunger and violent clashes among rival terrorist factions.
According to sources, the seven women surrendered at about 5 p.m. on Aug. 17 to troops of 112 Task Force Battalion deployed in Mafa.
The women were identified as Falamatai Modu, 30; Kelu Yaga, 25; Fada Yaga, 30; Gwaya Kadi, 25; Hauwa Mallam, 25; Maryam Yusuf, 25; and Fanna Kadi, 40.
They were accompanied by 12 children, aged between three months and 10 years.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the women escaped from the Yaganari terrorist enclave due to hunger and concerns over their safety following violent clashes between rival terrorist factions.
The report said the escapees were profiled and documented by the troops and would be handed over to the 24 Task Force Brigade Military Intelligence Regiment for further action.
The development highlights the increasing pressure on terrorist enclaves in the North-East, where sustained military operations and internal factional clashes continue to disrupt the groups’ activities and survival networks.
The military authorities said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
Troops Detonate Two IEDs Along Maiduguri-Dikwa, Marte Routes
Troops Detonate Two IEDs Along Maiduguri-Dikwa, Marte Routes
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI under Operation DESERT SANITY V have safely detonated two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by terrorists along major routes in Borno State.
According to sources, the incidents occurred on Aug. 18 during separate picketing and route-scanning patrols conducted by troops of 24 Task Force Brigade and 50 Task Force Battalion.
The first incident occurred at about 11:35 a.m. when troops of 24 Task Force Brigade encountered an IED along the Dikwa-Ajiri-Maiduguri Main Supply Route (MSR), between Bakassi and Bale Junction.
The sources said the IED was covered by terrorist fire, prompting the troops to immediately suppress the attack and pursue the terrorists before safely detonating the explosive device.
In a separate incident, troops of 50 Task Force Battalion on picketing patrol along the New Marte-Dikwa route encountered another IED before the Hot Sama bridge.
The troops immediately detonated the device, with no casualties recorded.
Following the incidents, the troops continued with their picketing patrols to dominate and secure the Main Supply Routes against further terrorist attacks.
The Commander, 24 Task Force Brigade, also visited the incident area for an on-the-spot assessment at about 4:35 p.m. on the same day.
The military said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
The successful detection and neutralisation of the IEDs highlight the importance of sustained route-scanning and picketing patrols in protecting troops, commuters and critical supply routes against terrorist attacks in the North-East.
Operation HADIN KAI Neutralise ISWAP Fighters in Precision Airstrike in Timbuktu Triangle
Operation HADIN KAI Neutralise ISWAP Fighters in Precision Airstrike in Timbuktu Triangle
By Zagazola Makama
Nigerian military forces under Operation HADIN KAI have neutralised eight suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters during a precision airstrike in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State.
The operation, followed credible intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists at Thethangala, within the Timbuktu Triangle.
According to intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama, the operation was conducted at about 9:56 p.m. on Aug. 18, 2026, after a Guardian aircraft established the target overhead.
The sources said the aircraft sighted eight terrorists converged and lying in wait, apparently preparing to launch an attack on Nigerian troops deployed in the area.
It said the identified terrorists were subsequently engaged in a precision strike.
“Battle Damage Assessment shows all the terrorists neutralised, with no further movement observed after the strike,” the report stated. The location was considered as a significant operational zone for ISWAP activities.
The military high command said the general security situation remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
Operation HADIN KAI has intensified coordinated ground and air operations against terrorist formations and logistics networks across the North-East, particularly in areas where insurgents continue to attempt regrouping and attacks on military positions.
Suspected Fulani Bandits Kill 23 in Major Reprisal Attack on Bin-Per Community in Plateau
Suspected Fulani Bandits Kill 23 in Major Reprisal Attack on Bin-Per Community in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
At least 23 people, including women and children, have reportedly been killed in a major reprisal attack on Bin-Per community in Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, in an incident believed to have been linked to an earlier attack on Fulani residents in the area.
The fresh violence occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, August 18, 2026, when suspected Fulani militias reportedly infiltrated Bin-Per from the neighbouring Bokkos axis through an isolated route and launched an attack on the predominantly farming community.
The attack has further heightened tensions in an area already struggling with a cycle of violence, retaliation, displacement and destruction of livelihoods.
A military security source told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, responded to reports of the attack on the isolated village shortly after the incident was reported.
Upon arrival, the troops conducted a sweep of the general area, but the attackers had already withdrawn from the community.
Reinforcement from the security forces, including personnel operating alongside Operation Rainbow, subsequently arrived at the location to support the response.
The joint team later conducted an exploitation of the village and recovered 16 corpses of local residents, including women and children.
The military said search efforts were still ongoing to establish the full casualty figure and obtain further details on the incident.
However, the Councillor representing Kombun Ward, Hon. Lemun Le’an Iliya, and the Mwaghavul Youth Movement separately put the death toll at 23 to 24 persons, with the youth body stating that 24 people were killed.
Zagazola Makama understands that the difference in casualty figures may be due to the fact that security personnel initially recovered 16 bodies while community members were still accounting for missing, injured or displaced residents.
What Triggered the Reprisal?
The Bin-Per attack did not occur in isolation.
It came less than 48 hours after an attack on Fulani residents in Jwak Maitumbi, also in Mangu Local Government Area, which was earlier reported by Zagazola Makama.
The August 16 attack reportedly targeted an isolated Fulani settlement in Jwak Maitumbi, where suspected Mwaghavul militia allegedly killed several residents, destroyed about 45 Fulani residential shelters, looted valuables and damaged large quantities of crops belonging to the community.
According to security information obtained at the time, troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, deployed from Sabon Gari moved to the area after receiving reports of the attack.
On arrival, the troops reportedly found extensive destruction, including the remains of dozens of residential shelters occupied by Fulani residents.
Residents were said to have fled the area in fear, with women, children and elderly persons among those displaced.
The attackers were also accused of entering farms belonging to Fulani residents and using cutlasses to destroy crops, threatening not only the immediate survival of affected families but also their sources of income and food.
The incident prompted troops to summon the Galadima and youth leader of Jwak Maitumbi community and direct the local leadership to assist security agencies in identifying those responsible for the attack.
That earlier incident is now significant in understanding the circumstances surrounding the deadly assault on Bin-Per.
From Jwak Maitumbi to Bin-Per
Security and community accounts suggest that the two incidents are part of a dangerous retaliatory pattern that has repeatedly characterised violence in parts of Mangu and neighbouring areas. The August 16 attack left Fulani residents with substantial casualties, destroyed homes and damaged farmlands.
Two days later, Bin-Per a community inhabited by Mwaghavul people came under attack, with scores of residents reportedly killed.
The geographical proximity of the affected communities, the short interval between the incidents and the nature of the attacks have raised concerns that the Bin-Per assault could represent a retaliatory strike rather than an isolated attack.
This pattern is particularly dangerous because each cycle of violence creates a new pool of victims, grievances and displaced families who may subsequently become motivated by revenge.
An attack on one community is followed by another attack on a different community, and the second attack then becomes justification for another round of retaliation.
The result is a self-perpetuating cycle in which the original circumstances surrounding an incident become increasingly difficult to separate from subsequent acts of revenge.
The Mwaghavul Youth Movement condemned the Bin-Per attack, describing it as a deadly assault that claimed 24 lives and destroyed homes and crops.
The group accused the government and security agencies of failing to adequately protect vulnerable communities and called for a transparent investigation into the attack.
The Movement also called for the identification and prosecution of those responsible, while urging authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve the deployment of security personnel and establish effective rapid-response mechanisms.
Hon. Chief Dr. Ishaya David Lalu, Member representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency, also condemned the attack and called for urgent action to prevent further killings.
Lalu said the reported loss of lives, particularly women and children, was heartbreaking and unacceptable.
He urged security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that they face the law.
The lawmaker also appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant while calling for stronger security measures and improved engagement with vulnerable communities.
A Dangerous Cycle of Revenge
The latest development illustrates the extent to which the security situation in parts of Plateau has become increasingly vulnerable to retaliatory violence. The danger is no longer limited to the initial attack.
When homes are destroyed, crops are burnt, livestock are lost and family members are killed, affected communities often carry the consequences long after security personnel have restored temporary calm.
In Jwak Maitumbi, the destruction of about 45 Fulani shelters and farmland reportedly left residents displaced and economically vulnerable.
In Bin-Per, the subsequent attack has now reportedly claimed more than 20 lives and left another community mourning.
The perpetrators of the first attack may not necessarily be the same individuals who later carry out the retaliation. Yet, once communities begin to associate one another collectively with attacks committed by armed individuals, entire populations become targets.
That dynamic makes the identification and prosecution of individual perpetrators particularly important.
Without accountability, communities can easily conclude that the state has failed to protect them or punish those responsible, creating an incentive for self-help and revenge.
Troops Intensify Operations
Following the Bin-Per attack, troops of Operation Enduring Peace, in conjunction with Operation Rainbow and vigilante elements, have continued to dominate the community and surrounding areas.
Security personnel are conducting offensive and protective operations while efforts continue to establish the full circumstances of the attack and determine the final casualty figure. The immediate priority is also to prevent another attack or retaliatory assault in neighbouring communities.
Security forces are expected to maintain a strong presence around vulnerable settlements and routes linking Mangu and Bokkos axes, particularly isolated routes that could be exploited by armed groups to infiltrate communities.
The Bigger Picture
The events of the past few days demonstrate that Plateau’s security challenge cannot be addressed solely through post-attack deployments.
The August 16 attack on Fulani residents in Jwak Maitumbi and the August 18 attack on Bin-Per show how quickly violence can move from one community to another when grievances are left unresolved.
The immediate task for the security agencies is therefore not only to identify the perpetrators of the Bin-Per killings but also to investigate the earlier Jwak Maitumbi attack and establish whether there is a direct connection between the two incidents. Both attacks require accountability.
The victims of Jwak Maitumbi deserve justice just as the victims of Bin-Per deserve justice.
Treating one attack as more important than the other risks reinforcing the very grievance structure that fuels retaliation. The greatest danger is that the latest killings could become the trigger for another round of revenge.
A fresh attack on Fulani communities in response to Bin-Per would only produce another set of victims, another displacement crisis and another justification for retaliation.
The cycle must therefore be broken through immediate security intervention, impartial investigations, prosecution of perpetrators irrespective of their ethnic identity, protection of vulnerable communities and sustained engagement with traditional and community leaders.
The central lesson from the unfolding crisis is that the attack on Jwak Maitumbi must not be used to justify Bin-Per, and the deaths in Bin-Per must not become justification for another attack elsewhere.
Justice for victims on all sides remains the only credible path to preventing the next reprisal.
Troops Rescue Woman and Two Children Abducted in 2017 in Borno
Troops Rescue Woman and Two Children Abducted in 2017 in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion, operating under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V, have rescued a woman and her two children during a perimeter clearance patrol around Amuda Bridge in Borno State.
The victims were intercepted at about 6:30 a.m. on Friday, August 14, during the patrol conducted by troops of the battalion.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the woman, identified as 25-year-old Rukaya Mohammed, was rescued alongside her two children, six-year-old Hauwa Mustapha and four-year-old Fati Mustapha.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that Rukaya was abducted in 2017 from Vartalaka and subsequently forced into a child marriage in Chinene, where she lived with her husband in Wunje community.
She reportedly told troops that disagreements among the terrorists created an opportunity for their escape after a number of the fighters abandoned the camp.
The rescued woman and her children have since been handed over to officials for necessary action.
Troops Raid Kidnappers’ Camp in Adamawa, Recover Ammunition and Restraints
Troops Raid Kidnappers’ Camp in Adamawa, Recover Ammunition and Restraints
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in collaboration with local hunters, have raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Maigero Village, Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, forcing the criminals to flee.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation was conducted at about 11:20 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, following intelligence on the location of a suspected kidnappers’ camp in the area.
The troops, working alongside members of a local hunters’ group, moved against the hideout and made contact with the suspected kidnappers.
The ensuing pressure forced the kidnappers to retreat in confusion into the surrounding forest.
The troops pursued the fleeing criminals but later withdrew due to the thickly forested terrain.
During the subsequent exploitation of the area, the troops recovered three AK-47 magazines, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one Tecno mobile phone and a long chain with padlocks allegedly used to restrain kidnapped victims.
The recovered items were taken into military custody as troops returned to base at about 6:20 p.m. the same day.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by troops under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V to disrupt kidnapping networks and deny criminal elements freedom of action across the North-East.
The general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops continue to maintain a high level of operational readiness.
Troops Arrest Six Suspected Drug Dealers in Damboa
Troops Arrest Six Suspected Drug Dealers in Damboa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 25 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V, have arrested six suspected hard drug dealers during a sting operation in Damboa town, Borno State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the arrests were made at about 2:30 p.m. on Monday, August 17, following sustained intelligence gathering and tracking of the activities of suspected drug peddlers operating in the area.
The troops conducted a coordinated sting operation at various locations within Damboa town, leading to the arrest of six suspects identified as Yakubu Mustapha, Musa Abu, Abubakar Gubo, Li Modu, Shettima Kolo and Abdullah Mohammed.
Various quantities of suspected marijuana and other hard drugs and chemicals were recovered from the suspects during the operation.
The suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in the custody of the unit’s Military Police for preliminary investigation.
They are expected to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, to disrupt criminal networks and activities capable of undermining security and stability in the theatre.
The general security situation within the area of operation remains calm but highly unpredictable, with troops maintaining vigilance and sustaining intelligence-led operations.
Troops Rescue Gunshot Victim After Fulani Bandits Attack in Plateau
Troops Rescue Gunshot Victim After Fulani Bandits Attack in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have rescued a gunshot victim following an isolated attack by Fulani Bandits in Rafin Bauna Village, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, when troops deployed at DTV6 responded to reports of gunshots in the community.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the intervention of the troops forced the gunmen to flee the area.
The troops subsequently exploited the area and rescued a victim identified as Mr. Bulus, who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
The victim was evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Meanwhile, the troops have intensified aggressive fighting patrols within the general area as part of efforts to track the fleeing attackers and prevent further attacks.
Security forces are also maintaining vigilance in the area to safeguard residents and restore normalcy.
OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA: TROOPS FOIL MASS ABDUCTION ATTEMPT IN ZAMFARA, RESCUE NINE CIVILIANS INCLUDING INFANT
OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA: TROOPS FOIL MASS ABDUCTION ATTEMPT IN ZAMFARA, RESCUE NINE CIVILIANS INCLUDING INFANT
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) foiled an attempted mass abduction by terrorists in Unguwar Rogo Village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, rescuing nine civilians, including an infant.
The incident occurred on 16 August 2026, when troops received a distress call that terrorists, believed to be led by suspected kingpin Mallam Shuaibu, had infiltrated the community and attacked civilians travelling along a local route.
Preliminary intelligence indicates that the attack may have been carried out in reprisal for the recent arrest of suspected collaborators linked to the terrorist network. The suspects had earlier been intercepted by troops while attempting to procure motorcycles and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in support of the terrorists' activities.
In an apparent attempt to retaliate and abduct civilians, the terrorists concealed themselves within a millet farm along the route and opened fire on passing vehicles, causing some drivers to lose control and veer off the road.
Responding swiftly to the distress call, troops of Sector 2 moved to the area and decisively engaged the terrorists, denying them the opportunity to carry out the abduction. Faced with the troops' superior response, the terrorists abandoned their mission and fled into the surrounding forest.
Following the engagement, troops rescued nine civilians, including an infant. Two women who sustained gunshot wounds during the terrorists' attack were promptly evacuated for medical attention and are currently receiving treatment.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains resolute in its determination to deny terrorists and other criminal elements the freedom to attack innocent citizens. The Joint Task Force will continue to sustain pressure on terrorist networks while taking all necessary measures to protect lives and restore lasting peace and security across the North West region.
ALIYU DANJA
Lieutenant Colonel
Media Information Officer
Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA
17 August 2026
Troops Arrest Six After Clash Between Fulani Families in Plateau
Troops Arrest Six After Clash Between Fulani Families in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have arrested six suspects following a clash between two Fulani families at Semfos Kazok Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on Monday, August 17, when troops deployed in the Gashish axis responded to a report of the clash.
The troops swiftly intervened upon arrival at the scene and brought the situation under control, preventing further escalation of the conflict.
Six suspects were subsequently arrested and taken into custody for profiling as security personnel commenced efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the clash.
Efforts are also ongoing by the security forces and relevant stakeholders to mediate between the two families and resolve the dispute peacefully.
The intervention is part of ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to prevent communal disputes from escalating into wider violence across Plateau State.
Troops Intervene in Farm Destruction, Restricted Grazing in Riyom
Troops Intervene in Farm Destruction, Restricted Grazing in Riyom
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have intervened in separate incidents involving farm destruction and alleged grazing in restricted areas in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In the first incident, troops responded at about 7:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, to a report of destruction of farms belonging to Mrs. Lima Davour and four others at Bindi Village in Riyom LGA.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops discovered that the destruction had already occurred and was reportedly caused by grazing activities.
The affected farmers, however, managed to confiscate a calf allegedly abandoned by herders in the farmland.
The recovered calf was moved to a safe location, while Fulani community leaders were contacted for necessary action and engagement over the incident.
In a separate incident at about 2:30 p.m., troops deployed at Rim responded to a report of herders grazing cattle in restricted areas within Rim Community.
The troops arrived at the location but found that the herders had fled with their cattle after sighting the security personnel.
The troops pursued the fleeing herders and recovered a sheep that had been abandoned during the escape.
The recovered livestock was moved to a safe location for further necessary action.
The incidents draw attention to the continuing security challenges surrounding farming and grazing activities in parts of Plateau State, with security forces maintaining patrols and engaging community leaders to prevent such disputes from escalating into violence.
3 Division Commander Engages Mangu Communities, Calls for Peace Between Mhagavul and Fulani
3 Division Commander Engages Mangu Communities, Calls for Peace Between Mhagavul and Fulani
By Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Maj. Gen. W.M. Dangana, has called on Mhagavul and Fulani communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State to embrace peace and work together to end recurring conflicts in the area.
Dangana made the call on Monday during a stakeholders’ engagement with leaders of the two communities held at the 3 Division headquarters conference room.
The meeting, which was attended by the Chiefs of Staff of Headquarters 3 Division and Operation ENDURING PEACE, was convened to address grievances affecting the communities and explore measures towards finding lasting solutions to lingering disputes.
The GOC urged the stakeholders to put aside animosity, avoid violence and pursue dialogue as a means of resolving their differences.
He stressed that sustained peace and community cohesion were essential to enabling security agencies and local communities to effectively confront emerging security threats in the area.
According to him, cooperation between the communities would strengthen confidence, improve information sharing and create an environment conducive to peaceful coexistence and development.
Dangana further encouraged the community leaders to engage their people and discourage acts capable of escalating tensions, while supporting security agencies in maintaining peace and stability.
The engagement formed part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army and other stakeholders to strengthen peacebuilding initiatives and promote harmonious relations among communities in Mangu and other parts of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that Mangu has witnessed recurring communal tensions in recent years, making sustained dialogue and confidence-building between the affected communities critical to preventing further escalation.
Plateau Fulani leader berates leaders over killing of 10 members in two months
Plateau Fulani leader berates leaders over killing of 10 members in two months
By: Zagazola Makama
Garba Abdullahi, A Fulani leader in Plateau State has berated national leaders of the Fulani community for abandoning their people amid the killing of at least 10 Fulani in the state within two months.
The leader, who spoke while condoling families of the victims of targeted killings in Plateau, expressed disappointment that Fulani leaders had failed to adequately respond to the growing insecurity affecting their communities.
He said the killing of 10 people within two months should be a major cause for concern and demanded urgent attention from Fulani leaders and relevant authorities.
“Where are our leaders? You have abandoned us. You left us with our problems and our suffering,” he said, accusing the leaders of failing to convene a meeting or address the situation publicly despite the scale of the killings.
He questioned why the deaths of 10 people within two months had not received the attention they deserved, stressing that every life lost represented a family and community affected by the violence.
The Fulani leader appealed to national and state authorities to investigate the killings, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that those responsible were held accountable.
He also urged Fulani communities to remain patient and law-abiding, while calling on their leaders to take greater responsibility for the welfare and security of their people.
Tensions Rise as Nigerien, Chadian Forces Clash Near Diffa Border
Tensions Rise as Nigerien, Chadian Forces Clash Near Diffa Border
By Zagazola Makama
Tension has risen along the Niger-Chad border following a clash between Nigerien and Chadian troops in the Diffa region, after Nigerien forces reportedly encountered a patrol of the Chadian army while pursuing a group responsible for an attack on a military position.
According to security sources, the incident occurred on Saturday, August 15, 2026, near the border between Niger and Chad.
The Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN) were reportedly tracking elements suspected of attacking the Séguidine position on August 15 when the troops advanced towards the border area.
During the operation, the Nigerien troops encountered a patrol of the Chadian army operating in the same sector, resulting in an armed confrontation between the two forces.
The circumstances surrounding the clash remain unclear, including the extent of casualties or whether the incident resulted from a misunderstanding during the pursuit operation.
Following the confrontation, the Governor of Diffa Region reportedly convened an extraordinary regional security council to assess the situation and prevent further escalation.
Sources also indicated that the Chief of Army Staff (CEMAT), General Maman Sani Kiaou, was expected to travel to the region following the incident, although it was unclear whether he had already arrived at the time of reporting.
The incident comes amid heightened security operations in the border areas of Niger and Chad, where military forces operate against armed groups and other criminal networks exploiting the porous frontier.
The latest confrontation draw attention to the challenges faced by security forces operating in overlapping border zones, where pursuit operations can bring troops from neighbouring countries into close proximity.
Further details on the casualties, circumstances of the confrontation and measures being taken by both countries to prevent a recurrence are expected as authorities continue to assess the incident.
Troops Recover Locally Made Rifle After Terrorists Flee in Plateau
Troops Recover Locally Made Rifle After Terrorists Flee in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a locally made rifle after making contact with suspected terrorists during an offensive operation in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace, deployed in Kukawa, were conducting an operation at about 1:00 p.m. on August 16, 2026, when they encountered the terrorists on the outskirts of Kyaram Village.
According to a military security source, the terrorists fled in disarray after sighting the troops, prompting the soldiers to give chase.
During the pursuit, the troops recovered one locally made rifle which the fleeing terrorists abandoned.
No casualty was recorded during the encounter.
The recovered weapon has been secured in military custody for further action as troops continue offensive operations aimed at denying criminal and terrorist elements freedom of action across the area.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to strengthen security and prevent attacks on communities in Plateau State.
Operation Enduring Peace Responds to Multiple Farm Destruction by Suspected Fulani Herders in Plateau
Operation Enduring Peace Responds to Multiple Farm Destruction by Suspected Fulani Herders in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have responded to multiple reports of farm destruction and alleged crop damage by suspected Fulani Herders in communities across Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incidents, recorded on August 16, 2026, occurred in several districts of the local government area and involved reports of crops allegedly destroyed by unidentified persons as well as cattle found grazing on cultivated farmland.
In Dambwash Village, Manguna District, troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace, responded to a report of farm destruction at about 8:40 a.m.
Upon arrival, the troops discovered that unknown individuals had allegedly used machetes to cut down maize crops on the farm.
An investigation has commenced to identify and apprehend those responsible for the destruction.
In another incident at Danbukur Village, Butura District, troops deployed at PLASU responded to a similar report at about 10:11 a.m.
The troops inspected the affected farm and discovered crops that had been cut down with a machete by unidentified individuals. The extent of the damage was subsequently assessed, while efforts are ongoing to invite Fulani herders in the general area for further investigation.
Meanwhile, at Fokkos Village, Tarangol District, troops deployed at GGC responded to a report of farm destruction at about 7:10 a.m.
The troops intercepted 42 cattle grazing on a farm without any herder present. The farmers and owners of the cattle were subsequently invited by the security personnel for an amicable resolution of the dispute.
A similar incident was recorded at Trangol Village in Bokkos LGA, where troops responding to a distress report found 42 cattle grazing on farmland after the herder reportedly fled upon sighting the troops.
The livestock were moved to the troops’ location pending an amicable settlement between the affected parties.
The repeated incidents have prompted security personnel to intensify patrols and investigations across the affected communities in an effort to prevent further destruction of crops and escalation of farmer-herder tensions.
Operation Enduring Peace continues to engage relevant stakeholders in resolving disputes while maintaining security presence across vulnerable communities in Plateau State.
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Woman in Plateau
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Woman in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued one of two victims kidnapped in Nhantina Village, Mbar District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims, identified as Mr. Isah Ndal and Mrs. Cecilia Isah, were abducted in the community before troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace, commenced search operations in the general area.
A military security source told Zagazola Makama that the troops, at about 2:40 a.m. on August 16, 2026, located and rescued Mrs. Cecilia Isah during the ongoing search operation.
The rescued victim was subsequently debriefed by the security personnel and reunited with her family.
The troops have, however, intensified search operations in the area as efforts continue to locate and rescue the remaining victim, Mr. Isah Ndal.
Operation Enduring Peace has continued to sustain patrols and search operations across vulnerable communities in Plateau State as part of efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action and protect residents.
Suspected Berom Militias Attack Herdsmen, Kill Cow in Plateau
Suspected Berom Militias Attack Herdsmen, Kill Cow in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have launched a manhunt for suspected assailants following an attack on herders and cattle at Naben Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 2:19 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026, when suspected Berom militias reportedly attacked herders tending their cattle in the area.
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace, responded to the distress report and moved to the location.
Source told Zagazola Makama that the troops, upon arrival, discovered one cow killed in the attack, while the affected herder had managed to escape unharmed.
Following the incident, the troops dominated the general area and commenced offensive operations and a manhunt for the suspected attackers.
Security forces are continuing efforts to track down the assailants and prevent further attacks against herders and farming communities in the area.
Several Killed, 45 Fulani Shelters Destroyed, Crops Razed In Targeted attack by suspected Mwaghavul miltia in Plateau Community
Several Killed, 45 Fulani Shelters Destroyed, Crops Razed In Targeted attack by suspected Mwaghavul miltia in Plateau Community
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring peace have intensified security operations in Jwak Maitumbi community of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following the killing of several fulani residents and destruction of about 45 Fulani residential shelters and large quantities of crops by suspected Mwaghavul militia.
The incident was reported at about 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026, prompting troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, deployed at Sabon Gari to move to the affected community.
A military security source told Zagazola Makama that upon arrival, the troops discovered that about 45 Fulani accommodation structures had been destroyed, while valuables belonging to the residents were allegedly looted by the assailants.
In the early hours of the attack, several residents were gunned down by the attackers before slaughtering them. The attack immediately triggered mass displacement with women and children and elderly ran for safety.
The assailants also reportedly entered farms belonging to Fulani residents and used cutlasses to destroy a large quantity of crops.
Following the incident, troops summoned the Galadima and youth leader of Jwak Maitumbi community, directing the community leadership to assist security agencies in identifying and producing those responsible for the attack.
The development is particularly sensitive because the conflict in parts of Plateau has frequently been characterised by tit-for-tat attacks, in which an attack on one community is followed by retaliation against another community, often resulting in further deaths, destruction of property and displacement.
The destruction of the shelters and crops could therefore become a trigger for revenge if affected residents or their associates believe that the perpetrators have not been identified or brought to justice. Failure to establish accountability could deepen perceptions of impunity and increase the temptation for affected communities to seek their own form of justice.
Plateau has experienced several episodes of this nature, with targeted attacks and reprisals often spreading beyond the location where the initial incident occurred. The danger is that the latest incident could similarly be interpreted through the lens of previous attacks rather than as an isolated criminal act.
The intervention was aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing possible reprisal attacks capable of escalating tensions between communities in the area.
Troops have continued to dominate the general area while engaging community and traditional leaders as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions, prevent retaliatory violence and restore calm.
Security agencies have also intensified efforts to identify the perpetrators and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Several Killed, 45 Fulani Shelters Destroyed, Crops Razed In Targeted attack by suspected Mwaghavul miltia in Plateau Community
Several Killed, 45 Fulani Shelters Destroyed, Crops Razed In Targeted attack by suspected Mwaghavul miltia in Plateau Community
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring peace have intensified security operations in Jwak Maitumbi community of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following the killing of several fulani residents and destruction of about 45 Fulani residential shelters and large quantities of crops by suspected Mwaghavul militia.
The incident was reported at about 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026, prompting troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, deployed at Sabon Gari to move to the affected community.
A military security source told Zagazola Makama that upon arrival, the troops discovered that about 45 Fulani accommodation structures had been destroyed, while valuables belonging to the residents were allegedly looted by the assailants.
In the early hours of the attack, several residents were gunned down by the attackers before slaughtering them. The attack immediately triggered mass displacement with women and children and elderly ran for safety.
The assailants also reportedly entered farms belonging to Fulani residents and used cutlasses to destroy a large quantity of crops.
Following the incident, troops summoned the Galadima and youth leader of Jwak Maitumbi community, directing the community leadership to assist security agencies in identifying and producing those responsible for the attack.
The development is particularly sensitive because the conflict in parts of Plateau has frequently been characterised by tit-for-tat attacks, in which an attack on one community is followed by retaliation against another community, often resulting in further deaths, destruction of property and displacement.
The destruction of the shelters and crops could therefore become a trigger for revenge if affected residents or their associates believe that the perpetrators have not been identified or brought to justice. Failure to establish accountability could deepen perceptions of impunity and increase the temptation for affected communities to seek their own form of justice.
Plateau has experienced several episodes of this nature, with targeted attacks and reprisals often spreading beyond the location where the initial incident occurred. The danger is that the latest incident could similarly be interpreted through the lens of previous attacks rather than as an isolated criminal act.
The intervention was aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing possible reprisal attacks capable of escalating tensions between communities in the area.
Troops have continued to dominate the general area while engaging community and traditional leaders as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions, prevent retaliatory violence and restore calm.
Security agencies have also intensified efforts to identify the perpetrators and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Niger: 331 Arrested in Niamey Drug Crackdown, Including 27 Minors
Niger: 331 Arrested in Niamey Drug Crackdown, Including 27 Minors
By Zagazola Makama
A major anti-drug operation conducted in Niamey, Niger’s capital, has led to the arrest of 331 individuals, including 27 minors, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle drug trafficking and consumption networks in the city.
The operation, code-named Tankadé, also known as Hagaye in the Zarma language, meaning “to sift,” was conducted from Saturday night into Sunday under the leadership of the Central Office for the Suppression of Illicit Drug Trafficking (OCRTIS).
The operation was carried out in collaboration with other internal security forces under the Niamey Regional Security Council.
According to the authorities, the primary objective was to identify and disrupt established and emerging networks involved in the sale and consumption of illicit drugs, particularly dealers operating from known drug-selling and consumption locations.
The operation also sought to strengthen public security along major roads and across Niamey.
All five municipal districts of Niamey were targeted, alongside areas along the banks of the Niger River.
One of the major components of the operation was the screening of commercial and other road users for drug consumption.
A total of 182 drivers were subjected to drug tests, with 25, representing 13.73 per cent, testing positive for psychoactive substances.
The substances detected included cannabis, tramadol, ecstasy, methamphetamine, morphine and amphetamine.
Those tested included drivers of Hiace minibuses, trucks, taxis, buses and tricycles.
Overall, the operation resulted in the arrest of 331 people, comprising 291 men, 13 women and 27 minors.
Of those arrested, 49 individuals, including one woman and three minors, were transferred to OCRTIS for suspected drug-related offences.
Another 257 suspects, including 14 women and 22 minors, were handed over to other investigative units for offences falling under their jurisdiction.
Security forces also recovered a substantial quantity of suspected illicit drugs and other items.
The seizures included 10,500 benzhexol tablets, five 40-gram balls of suspected narcotics, 11 small packets of suspected cannabis, four cannabis joints and 532 tramadol tablets.
Seventeen motorcycles and several other items were also seized during the operation.
Authorities described the operation as successful, stressing that it formed part of a broader strategy to strengthen the fight against illicit drugs through targeted raids and systematic drug testing of road users.
The latest operation comes against the backdrop of growing drug-related arrests in Niger.
According to the OCRTIS first-half 2026 activity report, security authorities nationwide arrested 5,257 individuals in connection with drug-related activities during the period.
The Niamey region recorded the highest number, with 1,202 arrests, representing 22.86 per cent of the national figure.
The figures have prompted OCRTIS to reorganise its anti-drug strategy, with increased reliance on targeted operations and drug screening of road transport operators.
The development draw attention to the growing security concerns surrounding illicit drug trafficking and consumption in Niger, particularly in urban centres where drug networks can intersect with other forms of organised crime.
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Benue
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have rescued three kidnapped victims following a response to a reported abduction incident along the Ogobia–Otukpo axis of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State.
The operation was conducted at about 8 a.m. on August 14, 2026, by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Otukpo in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police.
According to military sources, the troops responded to a report of kidnapping activities in the area and subsequently discovered a bus abandoned by the attackers with no passengers inside.
The troops immediately mobilised and pursued the fleeing kidnappers.
During the operation, the suspects abandoned three kidnapped victims, who were subsequently rescued by the troops.
The driver of the vehicle was also found to have sustained a gunshot wound during the incident.
The rescued victims were handed over to the Nigeria Police for further action, while efforts to track the fleeing kidnappers continue.
Security forces have continued to intensify patrols and response operations across the state to protect commuters and vulnerable communities from criminal elements.
OPWS Troops Destroy Suspected Terrorist Hideout, Recover Dane Gun in Benue
OPWS Troops Destroy Suspected Terrorist Hideout, Recover Dane Gun in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have destroyed a suspected terrorist hideout and recovered a Dane gun during a fighting patrol in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation was conducted at about 2 a.m. on August 14, 2026, by troops deployed in the Ukum area.
According to military sources, the troops conducted the patrol towards suspected terrorist locations around Mianaka, Mbayenge and Kado in Ukum LGA.
During the operation, the troops recovered one Dane gun alongside other sundry items found at the location.
The troops subsequently destroyed the suspected terrorist enclave and other associated structures found within the area.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal hideouts and deny armed groups safe havens within communities in Benue State.
The military has continued to intensify patrols and clearance operations across the state as part of efforts to protect residents and restore security in affected areas.
After Nine Months in Captivity, American Missionary Walks Free as Libya Connection Raises New Questions
After Nine Months in Captivity, American Missionary Walks Free as Libya Connection Raises New Questions
By Zagazola Makama
The release of American missionary and pilot Kevin Rideout after more than nine months in captivity has brought an end to one of the Sahel’s most closely watched hostage cases, but the circumstances surrounding his freedom are now raising fresh questions about the networks involved in securing his release.
Rideout, who worked with the Christian missionary organisation Serving in Mission (SIM International), was abducted by three armed men in Niamey, Niger, on October 21, 2025.
SIM International confirmed on August 14, 2026, that Rideout had been released and was in good health and in the care of U.S. authorities. The organisation said he would soon be reunited with his wife, children and extended family.
U.S. President Donald Trump also confirmed that Rideout was back in American custody and welcomed his release. The circumstances of the release, however, remain largely undisclosed.
Rideout was kidnapped outside his home in Niamey while heading towards the airport. The abduction was particularly significant because it occurred inside Niger’s capital, rather than in the remote areas where jihadist groups have traditionally operated. At the time, no armed organisation publicly claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
The kidnappers were initially believed to have moved him towards Niger’s western Tillabéri region, an area where Islamic State- and al-Qaeda-linked groups operate. Subsequent reporting indicated that Rideout was believed to have been moved into Mali during his captivity. (Al Jazeera)
For months, his whereabouts remained uncertain.
The United States treated his recovery as a priority, with American officials reportedly pursuing efforts to locate him and establish channels that could facilitate his release. The most striking development to emerge after Rideout’s release is the reported involvement of authorities in eastern Libya.
According to a Reuters investigation, five sources said authorities aligned with Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar played a role in securing Rideout’s release and ultimately escorting him through Libya. However, the accounts differ sharply over how the operation was conducted.
Four sources told Reuters that a negotiated deal was reached, with one source saying a ransom was paid.
A senior source within Haftar’s forces gave a completely different account, claiming that an elite Libyan National Army unit carried out an operation inside Mali to secure the hostage before he was flown to Benghazi. Reuters said it was unable to independently confirm the military-operation account. (Reuters)
The conflicting accounts make it difficult to establish precisely how Rideout was freed.
What they do establish is that eastern Libya appears to have played a role in the final stage of his journey to freedom, according to multiple sources cited by Reuters.
The case has also drawn attention to the reported involvement of a Malian intermediary, Cherif Ould Tahar, a businessman described by Reuters sources as having connections to armed groups and smuggling networks.
Two sources reportedly said Tahar helped lead efforts to secure Rideout’s release. It remains unclear what was exchanged for Rideout’s freedom, whether a ransom was paid and, if so, by whom.
Those unanswered questions are particularly important given the growing concern over hostage-taking as a source of revenue for armed groups operating across the Sahel.
Why Benghazi matters
If Rideout was indeed transferred through Benghazi before being handed over to American authorities, the development could have implications beyond the hostage case itself.
Eastern Libya, under Haftar’s influence, has developed security and commercial networks extending deep into the Sahara. Its geographical position provides access to routes linking Libya with southern Libya, Niger, Chad and the wider Sahel. The reported role in Rideout’s release could therefore further strengthen Haftar’s image as a regional security intermediary.
Reuters reported that Haftar has sought to position himself as an important security broker in the wider Sahel while strengthening his relationship with Washington. (Reuters)
That makes the Rideout case more than a simple hostage-release story.
It potentially provides a window into the increasingly complex relationships among armed groups, businessmen, regional authorities and foreign governments operating across the Sahara.
Rideout’s abduction also draw attention to the changing security environment in the region. The fact that an American citizen could be seized in Niamey demonstrates that the threat posed by jihadist and criminal networks is no longer confined to remote borderlands.
The U.S. authorities have confirmed Rideout’s release but have not publicly provided a detailed account of how it was achieved. Reuters reported that the White House and State Department did not comment on the reported role of Haftar’s forces.
Al-Shabaab and the Emerging Debate Over a Taliban-Style Political Transition
Al-Shabaab and the Emerging Debate Over a Taliban-Style Political Transition
By Zagazola Makama
A growing debate within Al-Shabaab’s media ecosystem over the possibility of negotiations with the Federal Government of Somalia may signal an important internal discussion about the future direction of the militant group.
The debate has gained attention following the publication of two articles by a writer using the alias Eng. Kurtun Hassan, whose writings have appeared extensively in Al-Shabaab-affiliated media.
The articles raise questions about whether Al-Shabaab could eventually pursue a path comparable, in some respects, to the political transition undertaken by the Taliban in Afghanistan, including negotiations and eventual engagement with the international community.
The emerging discourse is significant because it goes beyond battlefield developments and touches on the central question of whether Al-Shabaab could evolve from an insurgent organisation into a political and governing authority.
Sources cited in the emerging reporting suggest that elements within Al-Shabaab’s leadership may be considering negotiations with the Federal Government of Somalia, potentially through foreign intermediaries trusted by both sides.
The reported discussions, however, have not been publicly acknowledged by the Somali government or Al-Shabaab leadership as a formal negotiation process.
According to the assessments, the militant group’s leadership may be waiting for what it considers favourable political and security conditions before making any public decision.
Such a development, if eventually confirmed, would represent a major departure from Al-Shabaab’s longstanding strategy of armed insurgency.
For nearly two decades, the group has sought to challenge the Somali state and establish its own interpretation of Islamic governance, while maintaining links to the broader jihadist movement.
Another important aspect of the emerging debate is the reported interest among some Al-Shabaab members in developments in Afghanistan and Syria.
Sources indicate that senior members and sympathisers are closely following questions surrounding governance, military affairs, state administration, security and economic management in those countries.
In some Al-Shabaab-controlled areas, including Jilib, Bu’aale and Kunyoo Barrow, discussions are reportedly becoming more open about whether the organisation could transform itself into a governing authority.
Some members and sympathisers are said to be comparing Al-Shabaab’s existing administrative structures with armed groups that emerged during the Syrian conflict.
The argument reportedly advanced by some of them is that Al-Shabaab already possesses taxation systems, administrative structures and mechanisms for controlling territory that could potentially be adapted into a broader system of governance.
Al-Shabaab remains one of the most powerful jihadist organisations in Africa. Its manpower is difficult to establish with certainty, but available assessments have placed its overall strength at around 20,000 members, including approximately 12,000 armed combatants.
The organisation has also developed significant revenue-generating mechanisms, including taxation, extortion and illicit economic activities.
Estimates of its annual revenue have exceeded $100 million, although such figures are difficult to independently verify.
At the same time, the group has faced growing financial pressure over the past three years as the Somali government, supported by regional and international partners, has intensified efforts to disrupt its financial networks.
The pressure could be contributing to internal discussions about the sustainability of prolonged armed conflict.
If the reported discussions are eventually confirmed by independent sources, they could represent one of the most significant strategic debates within Al-Shabaab since its emergence as Somalia’s dominant jihadist insurgency.
A transition from armed jihad towards negotiations and political participation would fundamentally alter the security landscape in Somalia and potentially across the wider Horn of Africa.
However, the comparison with the Taliban should be treated cautiously. The Taliban’s eventual return to power was shaped by a unique combination of military, political, diplomatic and regional circumstances. Al-Shabaab operates in a different political and security environment, and there is no guarantee that its internal debate will produce a similar outcome.
More importantly, discussions about negotiations do not necessarily mean that the group has abandoned its jihadist ideology.
Militant organisations have historically used political engagement, negotiations and ceasefires for a variety of strategic purposes, including gaining time, reducing military pressure or improving their bargaining position.
Perhaps the most consequential issue is whether Al-Shabaab is genuinely reconsidering the transnational jihadist ideology that has guided its activities for years. Reports suggesting that elements within the organisation are studying governance models in Afghanistan and Syria may indicate an attempt to rethink the group’s long-term political identity.
But this remains an area requiring substantial corroboration.
There is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that Al-Shabaab as an organisation has formally abandoned its jihadist ideology or decided to enter negotiations with Mogadishu.
The writings attributed to Eng. Kurtun Hassan are therefore important less because they constitute an official policy declaration, and more because they provide a window into a debate that may be taking place within the group’s wider media and ideological environment.
The key question now is whether the debate will remain an intellectual discussion among Al-Shabaab’s members and sympathisers or evolve into an actual political strategy endorsed by the group’s senior leadership.
Several indicators will be important to watch: changes in Al-Shabaab’s public messaging, statements from senior commanders, shifts in its relationship with foreign jihadist organisations, changes in its taxation and governance practices, and any indications of contact with Somali authorities or foreign intermediaries.
For now, the evidence points to an emerging debate rather than a confirmed political transition.
Nevertheless, the fact that questions about negotiations, governance and engagement with the international community are reportedly being discussed within Al-Shabaab’s own media environment deserves close attention.
If the debate eventually moves from discussion to policy, it could mark the beginning of a fundamentally different phase in Somalia’s long-running conflict — one in which the battlefield may increasingly give way to negotiations over power, governance and the future of the Somali state.
ISWAP Fighter Surrenders in Borno After Eight Months in Terrorist Camp
ISWAP Fighter Surrenders in Borno After Eight Months in Terrorist Camp
By Zagazola Makama
A 25-year-old suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighter has surrendered to troops in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State after spending about eight months with the terrorist group.
The surrendered fighter, identified as Alhaji Ali Gambo Kanuri, a native of Ngarinna village in Monguno LGA, reportedly joined the group about eight months ago after being introduced by a friend.
According to military sources, Gambo later became disillusioned with life within the terrorist group and decided to abandon the organisation.
His decision to surrender was reportedly influenced by the difficult conditions confronting members of the group amid sustained military operations against terrorist enclaves in the North-East.
Gambo eventually made his way out of the terrorist-controlled area and surrendered to troops in Monguno town, where he was taken into custody for further processing.
Military sources said the former fighter was subsequently transferred to the appropriate authorities for further action in line with established procedures for persons who voluntarily disengage from terrorist groups.
His surrender comes amid sustained military pressure against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements operating across Borno State, with security forces continuing clearance and counter-terrorism operations in various parts of the North-East.
Authorities have continued to encourage individuals associated with terrorist groups who are willing to disengage from violence to surrender peacefully and submit themselves to the established screening and rehabilitation processes.
Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Mandaragirau FOB, Detonate IED During Clearance Operation in Borno
Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Mandaragirau FOB, Detonate IED During Clearance Operation in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mandaragirau in Borno State.
Security sources said the attack occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on August 15, 2026, when the terrorists launched a coordinated assault on the base from two separate fronts.
According to the sources, the troops, who were on high alert, immediately engaged the advancing terrorists after sighting them. The Battalion Commander reportedly led standby troops to reinforce ambush teams already deployed along likely enemy approaches.
A heavy exchange of fire ensued, during which the troops decisively repelled the attack on one axis, inflicting significant disruption on the assailants.
In a separate manoeuvre, another group of terrorists attempted to bypass the ambush positions and breach the camp through the river line. However, they were also successfully repelled by the troops, forcing the attackers to withdraw in disarray.
Following the encounter, troops pursued the fleeing terrorists, but the operation was later halted due to poor visibility and difficult terrain. Security sources said further exploitation of the area would continue at first light.
No casualties were recorded on the side of the troops, while the number of terrorist casualties could not be immediately ascertained. The situation in the general area was described as calm but highly unpredictable.
Meanwhile, troops conducting follow-up clearance operations along the Mandaragirau–Kana axis on the morning of August 15 discovered and safely detonated a command-detonated improvised explosive device (IED) suspected to have been planted in anticipation of troop reinforcement movement.
Security sources said the IED was detected short of a bridge along the route and was safely neutralised by the clearance team before it could be triggered.
In a related development, troops also discovered the corpse of a civilian who had reportedly fallen victim to another IED planted by the terrorists in the area. The remains were found a few metres from the detonation site during the clearance operation.
Authorities said detailed assessment and photographic documentation of the incidents would be provided as troops conclude ongoing clearance operations in the axis.
DHQ Alerts Public to Attempted Breach of Official X Account
DHQ Alerts Public to Attempted Breach of Official X Account
By Zagazola Makama
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has raised the alarm over an attempted unauthorised compromise of its official X account, formerly known as Twitter.
The DHQ, in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the incident was being treated as a cybersecurity matter, with appropriate technical measures activated to secure the account and prevent further unauthorised access.
The Defence Headquarters said efforts were ongoing to fully restore control of the official account.
It consequently advised members of the public, the media and other stakeholders to disregard any suspicious, unauthorised or misleading content that might be posted from the account during the period.
The military authorities assured the public that they remained committed to maintaining the highest standards of information security and ensuring that accurate, timely and credible information on the activities and operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria continued to reach the public.
“Members of the public are advised to disregard any suspicious, unauthorised or misleading content that may be posted from the account during this period,” the statement said.
The DHQ also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely on its verified communication channels on other platforms while efforts to secure the X account continue.
These include Defence Headquarters Nigeria on Facebook, @defenceheadquarters on Instagram and the Defence Headquarters Nigeria WhatsApp Channel.
The development comes as the Armed Forces increasingly rely on digital platforms to disseminate official information on military operations, security developments and other activities.
The DHQ said it would provide further updates as necessary and appreciated the public’s understanding and vigilance.
Bandits Confirm Killing of Kachalla Muhammadu’s Lieutenant Biliya in Botched Operation in Katsina
Bandits Confirm Killing of Kachalla Muhammadu’s Lieutenant Biliya in Botched Operation in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Bandits operating in Katsina State have confirmed the killing of a senior lieutenant to notorious bandit leader Kachalla Muhammadu, identified as Biliya, during a botched operation by the troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in the Matazu axis of the state.
Sources who closely monitored the situation said on August 14, 2026, it was revealed that Biliya was killed after his gang came under an ambush by troops during an operation in the area.
According to intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama, the confirmation emerged at about 11:34 p.m. during a conversation between two suspected bandit associates, identified as Mamiyo and Juli Asso Maha.
During the conversation, Juli reportedly asked Mamiyo about the fate of Biliya, a lieutenant to Kachalla Muhammadu whose death had apparently generated concern among the criminal group.
Mamiyo, who was said to have just returned from Kachalla Muhammadu’s location, confirmed that Biliya and members of his gang had embarked on an operation towards the northern part of their location in the Matazu axis.
According to the account, the gang entered an undisclosed town during the operation and, at some point, left Biliya inside a shop.
The situation reportedly changed shortly afterwards when the group came under attack from security forces. The security forces were said to have ambushed the bandits, resulting in the death of Biliya.
Mamiyo disclosed that the group subsequently confirmed Biliya’s death after returning to the location of their leader.
The information reportedly caused anger and frustration among the bandits, with Juli expressing fury over the killing of the senior lieutenant.
The development is significant as Biliya was described within the group as one of the lieutenants operating under Kachalla Muhammadu, a prominent bandit commander active in parts of Katsina State.
The latest intelligence also provides an insight into the movement and operational pattern of the criminal group, including their continued attempts to conduct operations around communities in the Matazu axis.
Troops have continued to intensify operations against bandit groups operating across Katsina and neighbouring states, targeting their commanders, fighters, logistics networks and hideouts.
The reported killing of Biliya is expected to further disrupt the operational structure of Kachalla Muhammadu’s group, particularly if the deceased was directly involved in coordinating armed operations.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the reported killing.
Again, Col Manga Special Forces Commander Brings Relief to Needy Families in Street of Maiduguri
Again, Col Manga Special Forces Commander Brings Relief to Needy Families in Street of Maiduguri
By Zagazola Makama
Colonel Ishaya Manga, a Special Forces Commander, has again demonstrated his commitment to humanitarian service after he was spotted reaching out to vulnerable residents in Maiduguri with food and other relief items.
Manga was seen distributing the items to families in need across the city, bringing relief and smiles to residents facing economic hardship.
The gesture, which took place away from the battlefield, has continued to attract commendation from residents who described the officer as a commander with a strong sense of compassion and concern for the people.
Manga’s latest intervention is not his first humanitarian gesture in Maiduguri.
He provided books and biros to about 70,000 pupils, helping to equip children with some of the most basic tools needed for learning.
The gesture was particularly significant in a community where many families have faced years of disruption caused by insecurity and displacement.
For Borno displaced children, a simple exercise book, textbook or biro may appear ordinary, but for a child trying to remain in school despite difficult circumstances, such materials can make a profound difference.
It was a demonstration that Colonel Manga understands that the fight for the future of Borno is not only about defeating insecurity today, but also about investing in the children who will inherit the responsibility of rebuilding the society tomorrow.
As a Special Forces officer, Colonel Manga belongs to a professional military community trained for some of the most demanding security operations.
Yet, his recent appearance among ordinary residents in Maiduguri presented a striking contrast. The same officer associated with military service choosing to spend part of his time reaching out to vulnerable citizens with food and essential relief materials.
His intervention reflects an important principle of military service that the ultimate purpose of security is to protect lives, preserve human dignity and create an environment where communities can live with hope.
For the families who received the assistance, Colonel Manga was not simply a commander that day. He was a fellow human being who saw their difficulties and decided to act.
Gallantry is often measured by what soldiers do under fire the courage to confront danger, protect comrades and defend the nation. But there is another form of gallantry that happens quietly, away from the battlefield. It is the courage to remember the poor. It is the willingness to give without asking who deserves it. It is the decision to use one’s personal resources and influence to put food on the table of a struggling family or educational materials in the hands of a child.
That is the kind of quiet humanity Colonel Ishaya Manga appears to be demonstrating through his repeated acts of kindness in Maiduguri. His outreach has also resonated because it comes without the spectacle often associated with public generosity. Instead, it has been about meeting people where they are and responding to needs that are immediately visible.
Residents who witnessed his latest outreach said the gesture demonstrated that military service was not only about defending communities against threats but also about showing compassion to the people soldiers are trained to protect.
Many beneficiaries said Manga’s actions had shown that leadership could be expressed through simple acts of kindness that directly touched the lives of ordinary people.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Recover Weapons in Zamfara
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Recover Weapons in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have neutralised terrorists and recovered weapons during offensive operations in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The troops also intercepted a suspected terrorist courier conveying 180 explosive materials believed to have been destined for terrorist elements operating in the state.
Credible security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operations were conducted on Aug. 14, as troops of Sector 2 intensified clearance operations against terrorist groups in the area.
During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists around Garin Kaso and engaged them in a fierce firefight.
Two terrorists were confirmed neutralised during the initial encounter, while troops recovered two rifles, two magazines, nine rounds of ammunition and two motorcycles.
As the operation progressed, another group of terrorists attempted to ambush the troops from concealed positions.
The troops responded decisively, fought through the ambush and inflicted further casualties on the terrorists, forcing the surviving elements to flee the area.
Although the exact number of casualties from the subsequent encounter could not be immediately established, sources said reports from communities in the general area indicated that several terrorists with apparent gunshot wounds, alongside the bodies of some of their colleagues, were evacuated by the fleeing elements.
The development is believed to have further disrupted the activities of the terrorists and demonstrated the sustained pressure being brought to bear on their operational networks.
The recovery of weapons and motorcycles, coupled with the interception of explosive materials, is expected to further degrade the terrorists’ ability to conduct attacks and sustain their operations across Zamfara.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have continued to intensify offensive and intelligence-led operations across the North-West in a renewed effort to dismantle terrorist enclaves, deny criminal elements freedom of movement and restore security to affected communities.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Recover Weapons in Zamfara
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Recover Weapons in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have neutralised terrorists and recovered weapons during offensive operations in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The troops also intercepted a suspected terrorist courier conveying 180 explosive materials believed to have been destined for terrorist elements operating in the state.
Credible security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operations were conducted on Aug. 14, as troops of Sector 2 intensified clearance operations against terrorist groups in the area.
During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists around Garin Kaso and engaged them in a fierce firefight.
Two terrorists were confirmed neutralised during the initial encounter, while troops recovered two rifles, two magazines, nine rounds of ammunition and two motorcycles.
As the operation progressed, another group of terrorists attempted to ambush the troops from concealed positions.
The troops responded decisively, fought through the ambush and inflicted further casualties on the terrorists, forcing the surviving elements to flee the area.
Although the exact number of casualties from the subsequent encounter could not be immediately established, sources said reports from communities in the general area indicated that several terrorists with apparent gunshot wounds, alongside the bodies of some of their colleagues, were evacuated by the fleeing elements.
The development is believed to have further disrupted the activities of the terrorists and demonstrated the sustained pressure being brought to bear on their operational networks.
The recovery of weapons and motorcycles, coupled with the interception of explosive materials, is expected to further degrade the terrorists’ ability to conduct attacks and sustain their operations across Zamfara.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have continued to intensify offensive and intelligence-led operations across the North-West in a renewed effort to dismantle terrorist enclaves, deny criminal elements freedom of movement and restore security to affected communities.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops Intercept Courier With 180 Explosives in Zamfara
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops Intercept Courier With 180 Explosives in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intercepted a suspected arms and explosives courier and recovered 180 units of 20mm Super Power explosives during ongoing security operations in Zamfara State.
The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Sani Umar, was intercepted on Aug. 14 during routine snap checks conducted by troops of Sector 2.
Credible security sources told Zagazola Makama that a search of the suspect’s vehicle led to the recovery of the explosives, which were allegedly being transported from Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara to Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The explosives were reportedly intended for delivery to suspected terrorist elements operating in the area.
The suspect, his vehicle and the recovered explosives have been taken into custody for further investigation.
The interception came on the same day troops of Sector 2 recorded further successes during offensive clearance operations against terrorists in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara.
During the operation, troops engaged terrorists around Garin Kaso and neutralised two of them, while recovering two rifles, two magazines, nine rounds of ammunition and two motorcycles.
The troops later fought through an attempted ambush by another group of terrorists, inflicting further casualties and forcing the surviving elements to flee.
Sources said several wounded terrorists and the bodies of some of their colleagues were reportedly evacuated from the area by the fleeing elements.
The latest operations highlight the sustained offensive posture of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, with troops simultaneously targeting terrorist enclaves and disrupting the logistics networks that supply weapons, explosives and other resources used to perpetrate attacks.
The Theatre Command has reiterated its commitment to sustaining the operational momentum and denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action across the North-West.
Troops Repel Militia Attack in Plateau Community, Recover Body
Troops Repel Militia Attack in Plateau Community, Recover Body
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have repelled an attack by suspected militias on Ariri community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Credible security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 14, when troops responded to a distress report of a militia attack on the community.
The swift intervention of the troops forced the attackers to flee the area.
During a subsequent search of the community, the troops discovered the lifeless body of a man identified as Mr Maianguwa Ishe.
Another victim, identified as Mr Joseph Ezekiel, was found with gunshot wounds sustained during the attack.
The injured victim was immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Meanwhile, troops have launched a manhunt for the fleeing assailants and are conducting aggressive fighting patrols within the general area to prevent further attacks and track the attackers.
Troops Foil Armed Fulani Attack on Manja Community in Plateau
Troops Foil Armed Fulani Attack on Manja Community in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have foiled a suspected attack by Fulani Bandits on Manja community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Credible security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 2:10 p.m. on Aug. 14, following a report of the movement of armed men suspected to be Fulani men from the mountain ranges towards Manja community.
The armed men were reportedly dressed in black outfits and red berets and were moving alongside their cattle towards the community.
Upon receiving the report, troops deployed at Manja Forest advanced towards the location and established contact with the armed group.
The intervention of the troops forced the armed men to withdraw in disarray into the bushes alongside their cattle.
Following the development, troops, in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), have continued to dominate the area and monitor the situation to prevent any further security breach.
The operation underscores the importance of timely intelligence and rapid military intervention in preventing attacks on vulnerable communities in Plateau State.
Suspected Fulani Bandits Kill 19-Year-Old, Injure Two in Plateau Attack
Suspected Fulani Bandits Kill 19-Year-Old, Injure Two in Plateau Attack
By Zagazola Makama
Suspected Fulani Bandits have killed a 19-year-old woman and injured two others in an attack at Gana Ropp village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Credible security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:45 p.m. on Aug. 14, when troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a distress report of an attack in the community.
The troops arrived at the location and found that the assailants had shot dead Miss Asamau Saleh, 19.
Two other victims, identified as Aminu Saleh, 26, and Stephen Monday, 28, sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
The injured victims were evacuated by the troops and taken to the Barkin Ladi General Hospital for medical attention.
Security personnel have commenced a manhunt for the attackers, while efforts are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
The latest attack illustrates the continued security challenges in parts of Plateau State, resulting from farmers and herders crises, where security forces have sustained operations to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Kidnappers in Plateau Raid
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Kidnappers in Plateau Raid
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have arrested three suspected kidnappers during a raid on a criminal hideout at Mista-Ali in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Credible security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 14, following intelligence reports on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating in the area.
The troops raided the identified hideout and arrested three suspects, identified as Umar Aliyu, 25; Abdulrahman Adam, 25; and Bello Isa, 21.
Two other suspects reportedly escaped during the operation.
However, one of the fleeing suspects attacked and stabbed a soldier, identified as CPL Muhammad Adam, with a knife while attempting to escape.
The injured personnel was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Mista-Ali, where he was admitted for medical attention.
A search of the houses belonging to the arrested suspects was subsequently conducted, but no incriminating items were recovered.
The three suspects remain in military custody and are assisting ongoing investigations into their activities and possible links to kidnapping operations in the area.
The development highlights the continued efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and prevent kidnappers from establishing hideouts in communities across Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that security agencies have continued to intensify intelligence-led operations in vulnerable communities as part of efforts to protect residents and maintain peace in the state.
Arewa Economic Forum Hails Tinubu for Extending FRSC Corps Marshal’s Tenure
Arewa Economic Forum Hails Tinubu for Extending FRSC Corps Marshal’s Tenure
By: Zagazola Makama
The Arewa Economic Forum (AEF), a northern economic think tank comprising intellectuals, business leaders and policy advocates, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the extension of the tenure of the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, describing the decision as a well‑deserved acknowledgement of merit, competence and exemplary public service.
PRNigeria reports that the extension was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who described the renewed tenure as a fresh call to national duty.
“Therefore, you are expected to utilise your exceptional qualities to uphold the confidence reposed in you by Mr. President,” the letter stated.
In a statement signed by AEF Chairman, Malam Shehu Ibrahim Dandakata, the Forum said President Tinubu’s approval aligns with his broader commitment to rewarding performance in public office, noting that similar extensions had been granted to leaders of other paramilitary agencies who demonstrated outstanding results.
Dandakata said the FRSC under Corps Marshal Mohammed has undergone far‑reaching reforms driven by policy innovation, digital transformation and improved personnel welfare, repositioning the Corps as a technology‑driven, citizen‑focused institution.
He noted that within less than two years in office, Mohammed strengthened operational efficiency and enhanced the Corps’ reputation both within Nigeria and across Africa.
Among the achievements highlighted by the Forum is the attainment and retention of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certification, making the FRSC the first uniformed organisation in Africa to secure the international quality standard.
The AEF also credited Mohammed with consolidating Nigeria’s road safety gains, noting that annual road traffic fatalities have dropped from about 42,000 in 1988 to fewer than 6,000, despite rapid population growth, increased economic activity and a surge in vehicular traffic.
It further cited a 12 per cent reduction in road traffic crashes compared with the corresponding period of the previous year as evidence of the effectiveness of the Corps’ current strategies.
According to the Forum, Mohammed has championed several digital innovations, including a paperless electronic document management system, deployment of body cameras for patrol personnel, a dedicated mobile application for emergency response, and a contactless biometric capture system to simplify driver’s licence processing.
The Corps also upgraded its printing facilities, now producing an average of 15,000 driver’s licences daily, significantly reducing delays in service delivery.
The AEF praised the launch of the FRSC Mobile Application, describing it as a comprehensive digital platform that enables real‑time crash data management, operational monitoring, road condition reporting and customer feedback.
On personnel management, the Forum said Mohammed introduced an equitable deployment policy ensuring all states are represented in the appointment of Sector and Zonal Commanding Officers. Strategic redeployments of senior officers, it added, have improved operational effectiveness nationwide.
The Forum also acknowledged the expansion of FRSC rescue services, noting that enhanced emergency response on major highways has contributed to saving more lives through timely intervention.
Describing the reforms as “quiet but transformational,” Dandakata said Mohammed has shifted the Corps toward predictive enforcement, technology‑driven operations and proactive road safety management, transforming an institution once seen as bureaucratic into one setting new standards for road safety administration in Africa.
Corps Marshal Mohammed, a member of the National Institute (mni), is a distinguished career officer with more than three decades of service in the FRSC. He is also a chartered accountant and holds the traditional title of Sulukin Arewan Zazzau in the Zazzau Emirate of Kaduna State.
Zagazola Media Hails Army for Reinstating Zamfara Cadet Cleared of Indigene Certificate Allegation
Zagazola Media Hails Army for Reinstating Zamfara Cadet Cleared of Indigene Certificate Allegation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has reinstated Habila Ezra, a Direct Short Service Course cadet who was withdrawn from training over allegations that he submitted a forged Zamfara State certificate of indigeneship.
Credible sources informed Zagazola Makama that Habila has returned to the training institution and resumed military training following a review of his case by the Army authorities.
Investigations into the matter exonerated Habila Ezra of all the allegations and confirmed that the certificate of indigeneship he submitted was genuine.
The findings established that he is a Hausa indigene of Salankawa Ward in Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Family and community records identified him as a son of the late Ezra Mohammed Dawa, a member of the larger Dawa family in Bungudu. His mother, Indo Mohammed Bawa, was also identified as an indigene of Tsafe Local Government Area of the state.
He attended primary and secondary schools in Zamfara State.
He later proceeded to the Nigerian Army University, Biu, in Borno State, where he graduated with a degree in cybersecurity. He subsequently completed his National Youth Service Corps programme.
At the time he applied for and was selected to join the Direct Short Service Course, Habila was pursuing postgraduate studies in cybercrime at the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Zagazola Makama further gathered that suspicions about Habila’s identity arose following protests reportedly made by some unsuccessful candidates in March 2026. The matter later resurfaced in July, months after he had made significant progress in his training.
The candidates allegedly argued that the names “Ezra” and “Habila” were not associated with indigenous people of Zamfara State. Sources said the objections appeared to question, on religious grounds, the existence and indigene status of Christian communities in the state.
Subsequent investigations and verification by the relevant authorities, however, confirmed Habila’s identity, family background and ancestral ties to Zamfara State.
The investigations found no evidence that he forged the certificate or knowingly presented a false document during screening for the Army’s 2026 Direct Short Service Course.
Sources said an error during the initial verification of the certificate further compounded the controversy. Additional checks established that the document was genuinely issued by Bungudu Local Government Area.
Following the findings, the Army authorities reviewed the circumstances surrounding Habila’s withdrawal and directed him to return to training.
The Zagazola Makama Media Network commended the Nigerian Army for reviewing the case and reinstating the cadet, describing the decision as a demonstration of fairness, justice and institutional accountability.
The network also praised the Army authorities for acting on the findings of the investigation and ensuring that Habila’s military ambition was not derailed by allegations found to be unsubstantiated.
Habila has since resumed training, bringing an end to the controversy surrounding his admission into the military programme.
As a matter of principle and conviction, the Zagazola Makama Media Network reaffirmed its commitment to exposing injustices arising from religious and ethnic extremism, profiling, stereotyping and harmful generalisations. It also pledged to challenge practices that shield individuals whose actions undermine justice and societal progress.
Al-Shabaab weighs political pathway amid internal debate over Taliban model
Al-Shabaab weighs political pathway amid internal debate over Taliban model
By Zagazola Makama
A growing debate within Al-Shabaab’s media and ideological ecosystem over whether the Somali jihadist organisation could eventually follow a path similar to that of the Taliban in Afghanistan is raising questions about the group’s long-term strategic direction and the future of Somalia’s counter-insurgency campaign.
The emerging discussion is significant because it goes beyond the group’s traditional propaganda narrative. For the first time, elements associated with Al-Shabaab’s information network are openly examining the possibility of negotiations, political engagement and eventual interaction with the international community.
One of the figures associated with Al-Shabaab-affiliated media, identified by the alias Eng. Kurtun Hassan, has published two articles examining the possibility of a political transition and the lessons the group could draw from developments in Afghanistan.
The articles do not, on their own, constitute a formal declaration by Al-Shabaab. However, they have attracted attention because they raise substantive questions about whether an insurgent organisation that has spent nearly two decades fighting the Somali government could eventually seek a negotiated political settlement.
According to intelligence reporting cited by security sources, elements within the Al-Shabaab leadership may have already begun considering negotiations with the Federal Government of Somalia.
The reports indicate that discussions are allegedly being conducted around the possibility of using trusted foreign actors as intermediaries between Al-Shabaab and the Somali government.
The reported approach appears to be cautious, with the group allegedly waiting for what its leadership considers favourable political and security conditions before making any public announcement.
This is particularly important because Al-Shabaab has historically rejected the legitimacy of the Somali federal government and has sought to overthrow the existing political order through armed struggle. Any decision by senior commanders to explore negotiations would therefore represent a major departure from the organisation’s established strategy.
Security analysts, however, caution that exploratory contacts or internal discussions should not be confused with a final organisational decision.
Al-Shabaab is a complex organisation with military commanders, religious figures, financiers, clan-linked networks, political actors and an extensive propaganda apparatus. Differences within these components could influence whether any future negotiations gain the support of the wider leadership.
The Taliban experience appears to be an important reference point in the debate. After decades of conflict in Afghanistan, the Taliban eventually entered negotiations with the United States and other international actors before returning to power in Kabul in August 2021 following the collapse of the Afghan government.
For some within Al-Shabaab’s ideological and political circles, the Taliban experience may be viewed as evidence that an insurgent movement can move from armed opposition to political authority without necessarily disappearing as an organisation.
This could explain why developments in Afghanistan are reportedly receiving increased attention among senior Al-Shabaab members and sympathisers.
Sources indicate that members of the group are studying issues including governance, security structures, military organisation, public administration and economic production in Afghanistan. The interest is reportedly not limited to Afghanistan.
Developments in Syria are also being monitored, particularly questions surrounding armed groups, territorial control, governance structures and the transition from insurgency to political administration. The comparisons are significant because they suggest that sections of Al-Shabaab may be considering the question of what comes after insurgency.
Perhaps the most important aspect of the emerging discussion is the reported debate in areas under Al-Shabaab influence over whether the group could transform itself from an armed insurgent organisation into a governing authority.
In locations including Jilib, Bu’aale and Kunyoo Barrow, discussions are reportedly becoming increasingly open among members and sympathisers. The central question is reportedly whether Al-Shabaab possesses the organisational structures necessary to administer territory on a broader scale if it eventually abandons or reduces its armed campaign.
Supporters of the idea reportedly point to the organisation’s existing taxation systems, courts, security structures, religious administration and mechanisms for regulating economic activity in areas where it exercises influence. Some members are also said to compare Al-Shabaab’s organisational capabilities with armed factions that emerged during the Syrian conflict.
The argument reportedly being advanced by some sympathisers is that Al-Shabaab has developed a more coherent administrative structure than several other jihadist and insurgent organisations and could therefore potentially transform that structure into a political system.
Such claims, however, remain part of an internal ideological debate and should not be interpreted as evidence that a political transition has already been approved.
Al-Shabaab remains one of the most significant jihadist organisations operating in Africa.
Its strength is difficult to determine with precision because of the clandestine nature of the organisation and the movement of fighters between combat, logistical and support roles.
Some intelligence estimates put its overall membership at approximately 20,000, including about 12,000 armed combatants. The organisation also maintains a sophisticated financial system.
For years, Al-Shabaab has generated substantial revenue through taxation, extortion, illegal economic activities, checkpoints, commercial transactions and other sources.
Some assessments have placed its annual revenue at more than $100 million, although such estimates are difficult to independently verify. That financial strength has been one of the major factors sustaining the group’s insurgency.
However, the organisation has increasingly come under financial pressure as the Somali government, regional forces and international partners have intensified efforts to disrupt its revenue networks.
The targeting of financial facilitators, restrictions on money transfers and operations against taxation and extortion networks have reportedly complicated the group’s ability to maintain its previous level of financial freedom.
This could become an important factor in any future strategic decision by Al-Shabaab’s leadership.
The reported debate also comes against the background of continuing military pressure on Al-Shabaab. Somali security forces, supported by international and regional partners, have conducted sustained operations against the group, targeting its commanders, logistics networks, training facilities and territorial positions.
Although Al-Shabaab has demonstrated considerable resilience and retains the ability to launch attacks, conduct assassinations and impose influence over parts of rural Somalia, the conflict has also placed significant pressure on the organisation.
For the group’s leadership, the strategic calculation may therefore be changing. An insurgent movement can survive for many years without necessarily achieving its political objective. But maintaining an armed campaign indefinitely requires manpower, money, territorial access, popular support and the ability to replace commanders and fighters lost in combat.
The emergence of discussions about negotiations could therefore reflect a reassessment of whether military confrontation alone can deliver the group’s desired political outcome.
One of the most sensitive elements of the intelligence reporting is the suggestion that sections of Al-Shabaab may be reassessing its transnational jihadist ideology. For nearly two decades, Al-Shabaab has presented itself as part of the wider global jihadist movement. Its affiliation with Al-Qaeda has given the group an international ideological dimension beyond the Somali conflict.
Any decision to move towards a political settlement would therefore raise a fundamental question: Can Al-Shabaab participate in Somalia’s political system while maintaining the ideological framework that has justified its armed campaign?
This could become the most difficult issue in any negotiations. A political transition would potentially require compromises on governance, constitutional arrangements, security, territorial control and relations with the international community.
It could also generate internal resistance from commanders and hard-line ideological elements who regard negotiations with the Somali government as unacceptable.
The danger of overinterpreting the signals
Despite the significance of the emerging debate, security officials and analysts would need to exercise considerable caution.Al-Shabaab has an extensive propaganda apparatus capable of deliberately generating narratives designed to influence governments, local communities and international audiences.
Discussions about negotiations could therefore have multiple purposes. They could reflect a genuine internal strategic debate. They could be an attempt to test public reaction.
They could also represent efforts to create divisions within the Somali government or encourage the perception that the group is politically stronger than it actually is.
Another possibility is that pragmatic elements within the organisation are exploring political options while hard-line commanders remain committed to armed jihad. For that reason, the publication of articles by Al-Shabaab-affiliated writers should not automatically be treated as an official policy statement.
What would negotiations mean for Somalia?
If the intelligence reporting is eventually corroborated and Al-Shabaab formally agrees to negotiations, the consequences would be profound. For the Somali government, negotiations could offer an opportunity to reduce violence, expand state authority and encourage defections from the insurgency. But negotiations could also create serious political and security challenges.
The government would have to determine whether former fighters could be integrated into security institutions, whether political participation could be offered to former insurgents and how victims of Al-Shabaab violence would be addressed.
There would also be difficult questions surrounding justice, accountability and the future of commanders accused of serious crimes.
For neighbouring countries and international partners, any political transition would require careful monitoring to ensure that Al-Shabaab does not simply use negotiations to reorganise, rebuild its financial networks and emerge in a different form.
The emerging debate therefore represents an important intelligence and political development, but not yet a confirmed breakthrough.The most significant indicator would be whether the reported internal discussions eventually translate into an official decision by Al-Shabaab’s senior leadership.
That would require more than media articles or discussions among sympathisers.
It would likely become visible through changes in the group’s public messaging, contacts with intermediaries, reductions in attacks, movement of senior commanders, instructions to field units and eventually direct engagement with the Somali government. Until such indicators emerge, the Taliban comparison should be treated as a strategic discussion rather than an established roadmap.
Nevertheless, the fact that such a discussion is reportedly taking place within Al-Shabaab’s own media environment is noteworthy.
After nearly two decades of armed conflict, the organisation may be confronting the same strategic question that has faced several long-running insurgencies: whether victory can ultimately be achieved through continued warfare or whether survival and political influence require a transition into a different kind of movement.
For Somalia, that question could become one of the most consequential developments in the country’s long-running fight against Al-Shabaab.
At present, however, the evidence points to an emerging internal debate not a confirmed decision by Al-Shabaab to abandon armed jihad or enter negotiations. Further intelligence and independent corroboration will be required before such a strategic shift can be established with confidence.
Security Agencies Conduct Show of Force, Secure Juma’at Prayers in Jos
Security Agencies Conduct Show of Force, Secure Juma’at Prayers in Jos
By Zagazola Makama
Security agencies have conducted a show of force across major flashpoints in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis and provided security for Juma’at prayers at various locations across Plateau State.
The operation, conducted on Friday, August 14, 2026, involved personnel of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), 551 Nigerian Air Force Station, Keystone, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies.
A security source told Zagazola Makama that the personnel conducted patrols and a show of force at identified flashpoints within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis as part of proactive measures to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Juma’at prayer.
Security personnel were also deployed to various mosques and worship centres across the Operation Enduring Peace Joint Operations Area to deter criminal elements and prevent any attempt to disrupt religious activities.
The coordinated security presence was aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action while reassuring residents and worshippers of their safety.
The exercise was conducted without incident, with Juma’at prayers reported to have proceeded peacefully across the areas covered by the operation.
Security agencies have continued to maintain vigilance across the metropolis and other vulnerable locations as part of efforts to sustain peace and prevent security breaches.
18-Year-Old Herder Killed in Bassa, Suspected Irigwe Assailants Blamed
18-Year-Old Herder Killed in Bassa, Suspected Irigwe Assailants Blamed
By Zagazola Makama
An 18-year-old herder, identified as Sani Ibrahim, has been killed while grazing livestock around Merimeli Village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, with suspected Irigwe assailants blamed for the attack.
The incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, around the Kwachudu/Jebbu Miango axis.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed at Jebbu Miango, responded to a report of an attack and killing of a herder while he was grazing around Merimeli Village.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops found Ibrahim’s lifeless body bearing gunshot wounds and machete cuts, suggesting that the victim had been attacked with both firearms and a sharp weapon.
The assailants had fled the area before the arrival of the troops.
Other herders who were in the company of the deceased reportedly escaped unharmed during the attack.
While preliminary accounts from the area pointed to suspected Irigwe elements as being responsible, the military sources said the identities and motives of the attackers had not been conclusively established, with investigation ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The deceased’s remains were recovered from the scene and subsequently taken for burial by his family members.
Following the incident, troops intensified fighting patrols around the general area to prevent further attacks and deter possible reprisal violence.
The killing comes amid longstanding tensions between farming and herding communities in parts of Plateau State, where isolated attacks have continued to pose security challenges and threaten fragile peace in affected communities.
HOW PLATEAU PASTOR ALLEGEDLY MASTERMINDED PLOT TO KIDNAP BISHOPS’ WIVES IN JOS
HOW PLATEAU PASTOR ALLEGEDLY MASTERMINDED PLOT TO KIDNAP BISHOPS’ WIVES IN JOS
By Zagazola Makama
What began as an alleged plan to abduct the wives of two Anglican bishops in Jos was reportedly uncovered by one of the very men recruited to execute the crime.
The case has sparked serious debate about the vulnerability of trusted individuals, the growing threat of insider involvement, and how criminal networks can exploit people with access to communities, institutions and security structures.
The alleged plot reportedly revolved around
Rev. Hassan Yunisim Mijah, 42, of Tudun Wada, Jos North, a clergyman described as a Rev. Canon under the Anglican Diocese of Jos.
Mijah was arrested alongside Sgt. Ezra Sunday, a Nigerian Air Force personnel, and OS Usman Khalid, a Nigerian Navy personnel. Both security personnel were reportedly attached to Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in Jos.
The Plateau State Police Command said the arrests followed credible intelligence concerning an alleged criminal conspiracy and a plot to kidnap the wives of Bishop Ephraim Gongden, the current Anglican Bishop of Jos, and retired Bishop Benjamin Kwashi. The intended victims were identified as Mrs Esther G. Gongden and Mrs Gloria Kwashi.
The whistleblower
According to accounts surrounding the investigation, the alleged conspiracy began to unravel when a naval officer approached by the suspected mastermind reportedly refused to participate.
The officer, described as a devout Muslim, allegedly told Bishop Ephraim Gongden about the plot after being approached to take part in the planned abduction. The officer reportedly visited the bishop at his residence in the Rantya area of Jos South Local Government Area and disclosed that he had been contacted by the syndicate.
Rather than participate in the alleged crime, he reportedly cited his religious convictions and moral upbringing as reasons for rejecting the assignment. The information immediately changed the direction of the case.
Instead of confronting the alleged mastermind directly, police operatives attached to the Plateau State Police Command’s Vigilance and Criminal Response Unit (VCRU) reportedly instructed the naval officer to continue playing along with the suspects while detectives monitored the operation. It was a classic attempt to allow the alleged conspiracy to reveal itself from within.
The safehouse trap
While the police were monitoring developments, Rev. Mijah allegedly contacted the naval officer and demanded an update on the arrangements.
According to information surrounding the investigation, one of the critical requirements was a safe location where the intended victims could allegedly be held after their abduction.
Working under police direction, the naval officer reportedly supplied an address that had been placed under police control on the outskirts of Jos. The alleged mastermind apparently believed the safehouse arrangement was genuine.
On August 7, 2026, at about 2:10 p.m., Mijah reportedly travelled to the designated location alongside Sgt. Ezra Sunday and OS Usman Khalid. The trio allegedly arrived to collect the keys to the supposed safehouse. Instead of receiving access to a hideout, they reportedly walked into a police operation.
Operatives of the VCRU who had been positioned at the location moved in and arrested the suspects. The Plateau State Police Command subsequently confirmed the arrest of the three men. The command said the suspects were interrogated and “confessed to the crime.”
The arrests also prompted the police to formally notify Operation Enduring Peace about the involvement of the two military personnel attached to the operation.
The alleged ransom plan
Investigators subsequently uncovered further details about the alleged plot. According to the information provided by the police, Mijah allegedly instructed his co-conspirators to demand a ransom of ₦100 million from the diocese following the abduction.
The alleged instruction reportedly came with a minimum acceptable amount of ₦50 million, suggesting that the kidnapping was allegedly planned as a financially motivated operation rather than an impulsive crime.
If established through the ongoing investigation and subsequent legal proceedings, the alleged ransom structure would indicate that the suspects had moved beyond merely discussing an abduction and had allegedly begun planning the financial demands that would follow.
An earlier attempt to recruit a militia gang
Investigators also reportedly uncovered another disturbing dimension to the alleged plan. According to the information provided, Mijah had initially attempted to contract Fulani Fulani Bandits to carry out the abduction.
That arrangement allegedly collapsed after the militia leader insisted that his men would sexually assault the two women during captivity.
Mijah reportedly rejected the condition.
The alleged failure of that arrangement subsequently led him to seek another group capable of carrying out the operation, eventually turning to military personnel.
The allegation, if established, presents a particularly disturbing picture of how criminal conspiracies can move between different networks in search of people with the required access and capability.
The alleged involvement of two personnel attached to a military security operation adds another layer of concern to the case. Security personnel routinely possess knowledge of movement patterns, locations, routines and vulnerabilities that ordinary criminals may struggle to obtain.
This is why insider threats are considered particularly dangerous in asymmetric security environments. An outsider may need to break through several layers of security. An insider may already know where the door is.
The case therefore goes beyond the alleged targeting of two bishops’ wives. It pointed out to how criminal elements can exploit relationships, access and institutional familiarity to facilitate crimes.
A familiar face in security circles
There is also an element of irony surrounding the allegations against Mijah.
Zagazola Media further learnt that the clergyman was reportedly regarded as being close to security personnel and had, on several occasions, provided information concerning suspected attackers planning to attack communities. That history reportedly made his alleged involvement in a kidnapping conspiracy particularly difficult to reconcile.
A person who is trusted enough to provide intelligence about attackers can potentially acquire knowledge about how security forces operate, what information they consider important and how their response mechanisms function.
This is precisely why intelligence services place emphasis on corroborating information, assessing sources and continuously reviewing the credibility of human intelligence.
The person providing information about the enemy must not automatically be assumed to be incapable of becoming part of the threat.
The alleged dispute with the church
Investigation has also reportedly uncovered a background of administrative friction between Mijah and the leadership of the Anglican Diocese of Jos. According to the information provided, Mijah had previously been dismissed by retired Bishop Benjamin Kwashi. He was later reinstated by the current Bishop of Jos, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Gongden.
Following his reinstatement, Mijah reportedly demanded payment of outstanding allowances or back-pay from the diocese. The diocese allegedly declined to settle the claimed arrears.
Another aspect emerging from the background information is Mijah’s reported political ambition.
The clergyman, described as an indigene of Adamawa State, is reportedly contesting for the House of Representatives seat representing Numan/Lamurde/Demsa Federal Constituency under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
That political background has added another layer of public interest to the case, although his political activities, by themselves, do not establish any connection to the alleged kidnapping plot. The central issue remains the criminal allegation currently being investigated by the police.
Why the case matters
The alleged conspiracy illustrates one of the most difficult challenges confronting security agencies in an environment where criminal networks increasingly depend on access, information and personal relationships. Kidnapping operations do not always begin in the bush.
They can begin in conversations, through trusted contacts, inside communities, within institutions or among people who appear to have legitimate reasons for being close to potential victims. That is what makes insider threats particularly dangerous. In asymmetric warfare, the enemy does not always announce himself. He may not wear a uniform. He may not carry a weapon openly. He may even present himself as someone helping security agencies identify the threat.
That is why intelligence must be independently verified, regardless of whether it comes from a civilian, a community leader, a religious figure or even someone with access to security personnel.
Investigation continues
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that the suspects remain in custody while investigation continues. Operation Enduring Peace has also reportedly been formally informed of the arrest of the two military personnel.
Investigators are expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged conspiracy, determine whether additional persons were involved and examine the financial, logistical and communication links connecting the suspects.
For now, the case remains an allegation under investigation, and the suspects are entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.
But if the allegations are ultimately established, the case would represent a disturbing example of how criminal conspiracies can allegedly penetrate circles of trust and how one unexpected whistleblower can sometimes expose an entire network before the first victim is taken.
Seven Killed in Tragic Mine Collapse in Gassa Community
Seven Killed in Tragic Mine Collapse in Gassa Community
By Zagazola Makama
Seven people have reportedly died following a tragic mine collapse in Gassa Community on Wednesday evening, August 12, 2026.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over safety standards and regulatory compliance in mining operations, particularly in communities where mining activities are carried out.
The deaths have left families and residents of Gassa mourning the loss of their loved ones, with the incident described as a painful setback for the community.
Mining-related accidents continue to pose serious risks to workers and residents, particularly where safety procedures, monitoring and responsible mining practices are not adequately enforced.
The Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom, expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and the entire Gassa community over the tragedy.
He described the incident as a painful loss and extended heartfelt sympathies to all those affected, praying that God would grant the bereaved families the strength and fortitude to bear the loss and grant eternal rest to the deceased.
The Commissioner also stressed the need for stronger safety standards, regulatory compliance and effective monitoring of mining activities to prevent similar tragedies.
He called for greater adherence to responsible mining practices to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of people living in mining communities.
The incident has renewed concerns over mining-related accidents and the need for sustained regulatory oversight, safety enforcement and monitoring of mining sites across Plateau State.
Authorities and relevant stakeholders are expected to intensify efforts to ensure compliance with mining safety regulations and promote responsible mining practices capable of protecting both lives and livelihoods.
One Killed As Troops Foil Fulani Bandits Attack on Nyerwai, Rayidi Communities in Plateau
One Killed As Troops Foil Fulani Bandits Attack on Nyerwai, Rayidi Communities in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attack by Fulani Bandits on Nyerwai and Rayidi communities in Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:05 p.m. on August 12, 2026, when troops deployed at Dorowa Babuje responded to reports of sporadic shootings in the two communities.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops discovered the lifeless body of a 37-year-old man identified as Danya Nuhu.
The troops also rescued 28-year-old Abednego Davou, who had sustained gunshot wounds, alongside three cattle that were also injured by gunfire.
Preliminary findings indicated that the attack was carried out by suspected armed militias, who fled into the surrounding area upon sighting the advancing troops.
The injured victim was evacuated to the General Hospital, Barkin Ladi, for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing attackers.
The military has continued to intensify patrols across the Operation Enduring Peace Joint Operations Area, particularly around vulnerable communities, schools, places of worship and other critical national infrastructure, to prevent further attacks and maintain security.
Criminal Tiv Militia Kill Dangote Truck Driver, Woman in Benue
Criminal Tiv Militia Kill Dangote Truck Driver, Woman in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
A Dangote truck driver and a woman have been killed by suspected criminal militia operating along the Kyado–Jootar road in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were reportedly found dead inside a Dangote truck during a night fighting patrol by troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE.
A security source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about midnight on August 13, 2026, when troops conducting a night patrol along the Kyado–Jootar road discovered two lifeless bodies inside a Dangote truck with registration number OPL-1B-029 at Igbayima.
Preliminary findings indicated that the victims had been killed by a gang of suspected criminal Tiv militias believed to be involved in kidnapping for ransom in the area.
The identity of the woman and further details about the circumstances surrounding her presence in the truck were not immediately available.
The troops also recovered 11 empty casings of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the scene, indicating that firearms were used in the attack.
Following the discovery, the bodies of the deceased were evacuated to the mortuary in Kyado, while the incident was formally reported to the police for further investigation.
Troops are currently working to track down the perpetrators.
The attack point to the grim situation where commercial vehicles and other road users travelling along the Kyado–Jootar axis, where criminal Tiv elements have reportedly continued to target commuters and motorists.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE are expected to sustain night fighting patrols and other security operations along the route to track down the perpetrators, prevent further attacks and reassure residents and road users of their safety.
Troops Arrest Herder Over Alleged Illegal Grazing in Jos
Troops Arrest Herder Over Alleged Illegal Grazing in Jos
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested a 23-year-old herder over alleged illegal grazing at the Lamingo Golf Club in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a report of illegal grazing at the golf club at about 4:18 p.m. on August 12, 2026.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops arrested the herder, identified as Auwal Sani, 23, alongside his cattle.
The suspect was taken into custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The intervention is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies under Operation Enduring Peace to prevent illegal grazing, protect agricultural and recreational facilities and maintain peaceful relations between farming and herding communities in Plateau State.
Troops Restore Peace After Farmers-Herders Clash in Plateau
Troops Restore Peace After Farmers-Herders Clash in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have restored peace following a clash between farmers and herders at Dong Community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:35 p.m. on August 12, 2026, along a riverside area of the community.
Troops deployed at the Dong Check Point responded swiftly to the report and mobilised to the scene to prevent the situation from escalating.
Upon arrival, the troops brought the situation under control and facilitated efforts to restore calm in the affected area.
However, a farmer identified as Mr John Ajah sustained injuries during the altercation and was evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Following the prompt intervention of the troops and engagement with relevant community stakeholders, the dispute was resolved and normalcy restored within Dong Community.
Security personnel have continued to maintain vigilance in the area to prevent further escalation and ensure peaceful coexistence between farming and herding communities.
Man Killed by Unknown Assailants in Plateau
Man Killed by Unknown Assailants in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A 45-year-old man, identified as Mr Mabur Simon, has been killed by unidentified persons in Maori Village, Mbar District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:20 a.m. on August 12, 2026, when troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to a report of an attack and killing in the community.
The troops mobilised to the village and confirmed that the incident had occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the killing remain unclear, while security personnel have commenced investigations to identify those responsible and establish the motive behind the attack.
The investigation is ongoing, as troops continue to maintain vigilance in the area to prevent further incidents and reassure residents of their safety.
Commercial Motorcyclist Found Dead With Gunshot Wounds in Plateau
Commercial Motorcyclist Found Dead With Gunshot Wounds in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A commercial motorcyclist, identified as Mr Gabriel Ishaya, has been found dead with gunshot wounds along the Gero road in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported at about 7:00 a.m. on August 12, 2026, after troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed at Gyel responded to a report of a corpse and motorcycle discovered along the road.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops confirmed the discovery and found the deceased with gunshot wounds.
Eight empty cases of 7.62mm Special ammunition were also recovered at the scene.
The corpse was subsequently evacuated by Keystone B Division for further necessary action.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Ishaya was a commercial motorcyclist from Saminaka in Kaduna State and was resident in Tanchol, Gyel District.
The circumstances surrounding the killing remain unclear, while further investigation is being conducted by Keystone B Division to determine the motive and identify those responsible.
Security agencies have continued efforts to establish the circumstances of the incident and prevent further attacks along the route.
Three Killed As Troops Repel Communal Attack between Fulani and Mwaghavul youths, Restore Calm in Mangu, Plateau
Three Killed As Troops Repel Communal Attack between Fulani and Mwaghavul youths, Restore Calm in Mangu, Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have intervened in a violent clash between suspected Fulani and Mwaghavul youths at Jwak Maitumbi Community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:35 a.m. on August 12, 2026, following an earlier confrontation between youths from the two communities.
The troops responded to reports of sustained gunfire at the location and swiftly moved in to contain the situation.
According to the source, the troops deployed superior firepower, forcing both sides to withdraw from the area.
The troops subsequently conducted clearance operations, supported by drone surveillance, which confirmed that the area was clear of the combatants.
The clash resulted in the deaths of three persons, comprising one member of the local community and two Fulani herders. One other person from the local community also sustained injuries.
Following the intervention, normalcy was restored in the community, while troops continued to dominate the area to prevent further violence and deter any attempt by the parties to regroup.
Security forces have also maintained vigilance around the affected communities as efforts continue to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Troops Intensify Night Patrols, Restore Calm After Repelling Berom Militia in Mangu, Plateau
Troops Intensify Night Patrols, Restore Calm After Repelling Berom Militia in Mangu, Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intensified security operations in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, after foiling attack by Berom Militia in parts of the area.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that additional troops were deployed from Headquarters OPEP to reinforce personnel already operating in the affected areas.
The militia wielding dangerous weapons and Ak47 riffles attempted to attack fulani communities in Gwom Gada, Dorong, Rimi, Kadunu, Jimti Jarawa and Gwom Ajang forcing the residents to flee. Troops of Operation Enduring Peace swiftly intervened and repelled the attack after exchanging fire with the attackers.
The troops subsequently conducted robust night patrols supported by intermittent aerial surveillance throughout the night and into the early hours of August 12, 2026.
According to the source, the troops effectively dominated Gwom Gada, Dorong, Rimi, Kadunu, Jimti Jarawa and Gwom Ajang communities in collaboration with local vigilantes.
The sustained security presence has helped to stabilise the general area, which is currently reported to be calm.
Meanwhile, peace talks are ongoing between Berom and Fulani community leaders as part of efforts to de-escalate the already existing tensions and strengthen confidence between the communities.
Further confidence-building measures and clearance patrols are also being planned around the affected areas to encourage residents who fled their homes during the recent incidents to return.
Security forces have continued to maintain a strong presence in the communities to deter further attacks and support ongoing peace-building efforts.
Troops Repel Militia Attack, One killed, Rescue Gunshot Victim in Riyom
Troops Repel Militia Attack, One killed, Rescue Gunshot Victim in Riyom
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have repelled an attack by unidentified militias on residents of Agwan Wereng Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on August 11, 2026, when troops responded to a report of an attack on locals by armed militias in the community.
The troops swiftly intervened, forcing the attackers to withdraw from the area.
The troops subsequently combed the community and surrounding areas, where they discovered the lifeless body of a resident identified as Mr Bulus Mwagwong.
During the operation, the troops also rescued Mr Yakubu Dalyop, who had sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured victim was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Riyom, for medical attention, while the corpse of Mwagwong was deposited at the mortuary.
Following the incident, the troops commenced dominance patrols across the area to deter further attacks and ensure the continued safety of residents.
The security presence remains in place as efforts continue to prevent the attackers from regrouping and to maintain peace in the affected community.
Troops Foil Armed Robbery, Clear Highway in Plateau
Troops Foil Armed Robbery, Clear Highway in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attempted armed robbery along the Barkin Ladi–Bokkos road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on August 11, 2026, when troops deployed at the Kurra Junction Check Point responded to a report of suspected armed robbers blocking the highway.
The criminals had reportedly blocked the road in an attempt to rob motorists and other road users.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the location, forcing the suspected robbers to abandon their criminal operation and flee into the surrounding rocky hills.
The troops subsequently cleared the highway and restored the free flow of traffic along the route.
Security personnel have continued to dominate the general area through robust patrols to prevent the criminals from regrouping and to deny other criminal elements freedom of action.
Troops Intercept 40 Cattle Over Alleged Farm Destruction in Plateau
Troops Intercept 40 Cattle Over Alleged Farm Destruction in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have intercepted 40 cattle following a report of farmland destruction around the BCA area of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to the report at about 4:00 p.m. on August 11, 2026, and mobilised to the affected area.
Upon arrival, the troops found 40 cattle grazing on the farmland, while the herders fled after sighting the security personnel.
The livestock were subsequently moved to a safe location to prevent further damage and facilitate the resolution of the incident.
Efforts are currently underway to identify and locate the owners of the cattle for further necessary action.
The intervention is part of ongoing security efforts in Plateau State to prevent farmer-herder disputes from escalating and protect agricultural communities from illegal grazing and related conflicts.
Troops Recover IED Along Ngoshe–Pulka Road in Borno
Troops Recover IED Along Ngoshe–Pulka Road in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 81 Division Task Force Battalion, Operation HADIN KAI, have recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Ngoshe–Pulka road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the IED was discovered by troops during operations along the strategic route, which links communities within the Gwoza axis.
The recovery of the device prevented a potential attack against troops, commuters and other road users.
The troops subsequently secured the area and commenced necessary procedures to safely neutralise the explosive device.
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim Abandoned by Fleeing Abductors in Plateau
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim Abandoned by Fleeing Abductors in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued a 47-year-old woman, Mrs Pollina Alfred, who was kidnapped from her residence in Dong Village, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The rescue operation was conducted on August 11, 2026, following the abduction of the victim from her residence in the community.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that troops launched a search operation at about 7:00 a.m. and tracked the kidnappers to the Rafin Bauna general area in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.
The troops subsequently came under pressure as they intensified their search, forcing the kidnappers to abandon the victim and flee into the surrounding area.
Mrs Alfred was found and rescued by the troops without further harm.
Following the rescue, the victim was debriefed by the security personnel before being reunited with her family.
Troops Intercepted Nine Cattle After Farm Destruction by Fulani Herder
Troops Intercepted Nine Cattle After Farm Destruction by Fulani Herder
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have recovered nine cattle following a report of farm destruction at Razat Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to the report at about 3:00 p.m. on August 11, 2026, and mobilised to the affected community.
Upon arrival, the troops found nine cattle allegedly grazing on farmland, while the herder fled after sighting the security personnel.
The troops subsequently moved the cattle to their location for amicable resolution of the dispute between the affected farmers and the cattle owner.
The development comes amid efforts by security forces in Plateau State to prevent escalation of farmer-herder disputes and promote peaceful resolution of conflicts involving agricultural communities and livestock owners.
Troops Restore Normalcy After Drivers Block Highway, Vandalise Government Property in Plateau
Troops Restore Normalcy After Drivers Block Highway, Vandalise Government Property in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have restored normalcy along a highway in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State after angry drivers reportedly blocked the road following a clash with security and quarantine agencies.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:00 p.m. on August 11, 2026, when troops responded to a report of a highway blockage involving J5 drivers and personnel of Keystone and quarantine agencies deployed at the Riyom Local Government Secretariat.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops discovered that the aggrieved drivers were vandalising government property in protest over the earlier disagreement.
The troops intervened and successfully brought the situation under control, preventing further destruction of property.
The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) was subsequently contacted, leading to the resolution of the dispute.
The affected traffic corridor was cleared and normal vehicular movement restored in the area.
The intervention prevented the situation from escalating and ensured the protection of government infrastructure and public safety.
Farmer arrested after killing Fulani Harder during altercation in Kaduna
Farmer arrested after killing Fulani Harder during altercation in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested a 33-year-old man following an altercation between a farmer and a Fulani boy that resulted in the death of the latter in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:10 p.m. on August 11, 2026, in Ninzo South Ward, where troops deployed at Raga General Area responded to a distress report concerning the altercation.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops arrested the suspected assailant, identified as Danjuma Luka, 33.
The circumstances surrounding the altercation and the death of the Fulani boy are being investigated.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is expected to be handed over to Keystone for further necessary action.
Security personnel have maintained presence in the area to prevent possible reprisal attacks and preserve peace between the farming and herding communities.
Troops Foil Armed Berom Militias Moving To Attack Fulani Communities in Mangu, Plateau
Troops Foil Armed Berom Militias Moving To Attack Fulani Communities in Mangu, Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have engaged armed Berom militias following reports of their movement from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area to carry out attacks in some fulani communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sub-Sector 81, reinforced by additional personnel from Headquarters Sector 8, mobilised to the general area at about 7:00 a.m. on August 11, 2026, following an advance report on the movement of the armed group.
The militias were reportedly moving towards Gwomgada, Dorong and Kaduno communities in Langai District of Mangu LGA.
The troops subsequently made contact with the armed group at Makera and Kaduno communities, leading to a firefight.
The engagement forced the militias to withdraw towards the general area of Jos East Local Government Area.
The troops are currently pursuing the fleeing group to deny them freedom of action and prevent further attacks on communities.
In a reinforcement effort, a detachment of the Special Forces has also been dispatched from Headquarters, Operation Enduring Peace, to support the troops operating in the area.
Further details on the operation are expected as the military continues its efforts to contain the threat and secure affected communities.
Troops Repel Fulani Bandits Attack, Secure Farmlands in Mangu, Plateau
Troops Repel Fulani Bandits Attack, Secure Farmlands in Mangu, Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have repelled an attack by suspected armed Fulani bandits during a response to reports of farmland destruction at Manja Forest in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:45 p.m. on August 11, 2026, following reports that armed herders suspected to be Fulani militias were destroying farmlands in the area.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the location and made contact with the armed group.
A firefight ensued, during which the troops employed superior firepower and forced the militias to withdraw in disarray.
The source said the troops expended 10 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition and 19 rounds of 12.7mm x 108mm ammunition during the engagement.
Following the encounter, the troops maintained dominance of the area to prevent the attackers from regrouping or launching further attacks against farmers and other residents.
The troops also engaged community leaders and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), urging them to sustain neighbourhood watch activities and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to protect farming communities, prevent attacks and maintain security across vulnerable areas of Plateau State.
Troops Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle With Abductors in Kogi
Troops Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle With Abductors in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 21 Battalion, Nigerian Army, have rescued nine kidnapped commuters following an attack by suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta–Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on August 11, 2026, when the suspected kidnappers attacked commuters travelling along the busy route and abducted an unspecified number of passengers.
Troops deployed at Patrol Base Itobe swiftly mobilised to the scene after receiving information about the incident.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the troops arrived at the location and found a Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna vehicle abandoned, with their passengers missing.
The troops subsequently exploited the withdrawal route used by the kidnappers and tracked them towards Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.
The troops eventually made contact with the kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle.
Unable to withstand the troops’ firepower, the criminals were forced to abandon the kidnapped victims and flee into the surrounding area.
The troops successfully rescued nine victims, comprising two elderly men, two elderly women, four men and one infant.
The rescued victims were handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further necessary action and support.
Military sources said efforts are continuing to track the fleeing kidnappers and rescue other victims who may still be in captivity.
Cameroonian Authorities Arrests 23-Year-Old With Large Cache of 7.62mm Ammunition Near Nigeria’s Gamboru
Cameroonian Authorities Arrests 23-Year-Old With Large Cache of 7.62mm Ammunition Near Nigeria’s Gamboru
By Zagazola Makama
Cameroonian security authorities have arrested a 23-year-old man in possession of a large quantity of 7.62mm ammunition concealed in containers while riding a motorcycle in the Far North Region of Cameroon, near the Gamboru axis in Borno.
The suspect, identified as Moussa Ngoudja, a Cameroonian national born in Sueram, Fotokol, was arrested at about 6:30 a.m. on August 9 following a security operation by members of the Vigilance Committee of Dougoumslio Slio Village.
A security source told Zagazola Makama that Ngoudja was intercepted while riding a Boxer motorcycle and was found in possession of three containers containing several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The discovery has raised concerns over the movement of ammunition through communities around the Cameroon-Nigeria border, particularly given the proximity of the area to Gamboru and other locations affected by the activities of terrorist and criminal networks operating around the Lake Chad Basin.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly told his interrogators that he had collected the ammunition from Mada in Makary, Cameroon, and was transporting it to Mdego Village in Fotokol, also in Cameroon.
The suspect is currently being held at the Hilé Alifa Gendarmerie Brigade in Cameroon, where further investigation is being conducted to establish how he obtained the ammunition and whether other individuals or networks were involved in the movement.
Troops Foil Armed Herders’ Attack, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Benue
Troops Foil Armed Herders’ Attack, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, have foiled an attack by suspected armed herders at Azege Village, Tombo Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The troops responded to a distress call on August 10, 2026, reporting an attack on the Azege community and swiftly mobilised to the area.
A security source told Zagazola Makama that the troops made contact with the attackers upon arrival and engaged them in a gunfight.
The assailants were overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower and fled in disarray.
The troops subsequently pursued the fleeing attackers and discovered one of the suspected armed herders neutralised during the encounter.
Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and one Nokia mobile phone.
The recovered items have been secured, while the remains of the neutralised assailant were evacuated by the police.
Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend other members of the group who fled the area.
The Joint Task Force has commended the troops for their tactical resilience and praised the police for their cooperation during the operation.
Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
Ethiopia’s Withdrawal from Buurhakaba Base Raises Security Concerns in Somalia
Ethiopia’s Withdrawal from Buurhakaba Base Raises Security Concerns in Somalia
By Zagazola Makama
The withdrawal of Ethiopian troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) from their base in Buurhakaba, Bay Region, has raised concerns over the ability of Somali security forces to assume full responsibility for security in the strategically important area.
Ethiopian forces have maintained a presence in Buurhakaba since 2014, with the town playing a significant role in the security of Baidoa and along the major road linking Mogadishu and Baidoa.
Its strategic location makes Buurhakaba an important security node and a potential staging area for military operations affecting both major urban centres and surrounding communities.
Security analysts believe Al-Shabaab could attempt to exploit the withdrawal by increasing pressure around Buurhakaba and its environs.
The immediate challenge for Somali security forces is therefore to secure the town’s perimeter, key access routes and surrounding settlements before the militant group can exploit any potential security gaps.
Although Ethiopia’s eventual withdrawal from selected positions across Somalia has been anticipated, sources close to the Somali National Army indicated that the Buurhakaba withdrawal was a planned redeployment that had been under preparation for some time.
Preliminary reports indicate that Somali forces will operate alongside troops from other partner countries during the transition period while the Holding Forces being prepared by the Somali authorities attain operational readiness.
The partner forces are expected to provide critical security support, including air and ground capabilities, aimed at deterring and disrupting any attempt by Al-Shabaab to launch attacks against positions or bases vacated by AUSSOM troops.
The coming weeks are expected to be critical in determining whether the transition can be managed without creating exploitable security gaps.
The key test will not simply be whether Somali forces can occupy positions previously held by Ethiopian troops, but whether they can establish sustainable security perimeters, maintain freedom of movement along critical routes and prevent Al-Shabaab from turning the transition into an operational advantage.
Buurhakaba could consequently emerge as an important early indicator of Somalia’s capacity to manage the transition from AUSSOM-held positions to Somali-led security arrangements amid continuing political and military pressure.
Angwa Rukuba Massacre: States Can Try Persons For Terrorism, Court Rules
Angwa Rukuba Massacre: States Can Try Persons For Terrorism, Court Rules
*Rejects Motion Seeking Suspect's Transfer From DSS' Custody
By: Zagazola Makama
A High Court of Plateau State, on Tuesday, ruled that State High Courts have the jurisdiction to try persons accused of terrorism and terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (TPPA) 2022,
The ruling could significantly alter Nigeria's war on terrorism, especially the trial of terrorism suspects heretofore believed to be the exclusive responsibility of Federal High Courts.
Ruling on an motion on jurisdiction by four suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly partaking in the Easter 2026 Angwa Rukuba massacre in the state, Justice Gedeliah Fwomyon of the State High Court,
said the TPPA did not forbid High Courts from trying terrorism suspects.
The judge also held that there was nothing in the Constitution barring State Houses of Assembly from legislating on terrorism, saying the issue is not on the exclusive legislative list.
In the wake of the massacre, the DSS arrested the quartet of Isa Umar Ibrahim, Adamu Isa Alhassan, Auwalu Abubakar aka Auwalu Dogo, and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim aka Yaroro. Thereafter, the state government filed terrorism charges against the men.
However, in the course of trial, counsel to the defendants raised objections on the issue of jurisdiction, arguing that, under the TPPA, a State High Court lacked the jurisdiction to try the accused persons. They argued that, since the charges against the men are terrorism, the state high Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
Ruling on the objection on the issue of jurisdiction raised by counsel to the defendants, the trial judge,
The judge held that, even though the TPPA, 2022, is a federal legislation, the law, however, didn't prohibit a State High Court from prosecuting matters contained in the Act.
On whether the suspects could also be tried under the Plateau State Penal Code, the trial judge held that State penal code is not inconsistent with the TPPA, and that both the National and State Assemblies can validly legislate on terrorism which the judge stressed is not in the exclusive legislative list.
The court also
rejected a motion by the third defendant, Auwalu Abubakar,
for transfer from the custody of the DSS to seek medical attention at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
The judge held that, upon the suspects' arrest by the DSS, a medical examination was conducted, and that the result declared them all medically fit for detention.
In rejecting the motion seeking the third defendant's transfer to JUTH, he judge also held the court cannot grant a relief upon documents that are not placed before it. The defendant applicant, he stated, failed to furnish the court with the report upon which he sought the relief.
"Motion of the defendant is hereby refused and dismissed for failure to establish sufficient factual foundation upon which the relief is sought," said the judge, even as he adjourned the matter to 15 and 21 October 2026.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Borno
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators during an intelligence-led operation along the Mandaragirau–Sabon Gari road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were arrested at about 5:30 p.m. on August 8, 2026, at a military checkpoint along the route following credible intelligence.
The suspects were identified as 35-year-old Ali Ali from Kurufulu, 30-year-old Usman Salihu and 31-year-old Adamu Muhammad, both from Kadan Loko, all in Biu LGA.
Items recovered from the suspects included ₦450,000 cash, three mobile phones, an oil bottle, a torchlight, two mirrors, a phone battery, three lighters, a bangle, a NIN slip, four face caps and two local caps.
Other items recovered were six cow drugs and syringes, an umbrella, blanket, three loaves of bread, two ropes, bottled water and a can of malt.
During preliminary investigation, the suspects reportedly confessed to having been sent by terrorists operating around the Timbuktu Triangle axis to sell a rustled cow.
The suspects remain in the custody of 162 Amphibious Battalion and are being processed for onward transfer to Abogo Largema Military Cantonment for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops Intercept Six-Year-Old Girl Linked to Terrorist Family in Borno
Troops Intercept Six-Year-Old Girl Linked to Terrorist Family in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 192 Battalion, Operation HADIN KAI, have intercepted a six-year-old girl suspected to be a family member of terrorists along the Gwoza–Limankara road in Borno State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the child, identified as Fatima Bulama, was intercepted at about 10:15 a.m. on August 8, 2026, by troops conducting picketing and farm patrol duties along the route.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the girl’s parents had taken her close to the base of the Mandara Mountains from a terrorist enclave in Kwatara, Gwoza Local Government Area.
According to the source, the girl disclosed that her parents instructed her to remain on the road, move towards the troops and tell them that she was escaping from the terrorists, while they stayed behind.
The child was subsequently screened and documented by the troops and is currently in the custody of 192 Battalion for further necessary action.
The development comes amid intensified military operations around the Mandara Mountains and other terrorist enclaves in the Gwoza axis as security forces continue efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and facilitate the safe recovery of persons held within insurgent-controlled areas.
Troops Recover IED Materials, Medical Supplies from Terrorist Hideout in Borno
Troops Recover IED Materials, Medical Supplies from Terrorist Hideout in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 5 Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI, in conjunction with hybrid forces, have recovered improvised explosive device (IED) materials and assorted medical supplies during a clearance operation in the Kareto general area of Borno State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted on August 9, 2026, following credible intelligence that terrorists were hibernating in the area.
The troops, comprising 90 soldiers and led by the Acting Commander, Col. S.O. Bello, mobilised to the area in conjunction with hybrid forces.
According to the source, the terrorists fled in confusion upon sighting the advancing troops, abandoning one toolbox suspected to be used for IED emplacement and two IED canisters.
The troops subsequently conducted further exploitation of the area and recovered 10 sacks containing assorted medical materials and drugs.
The recovered items included antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-malaria drugs, intravenous fluids, multivitamin tablets and a blood pressure monitoring apparatus.
The troops also projected force towards Wolkiti Village but made no contact with the fleeing terrorists before returning to base at about 5:45 p.m.
The recovery is expected to disrupt the terrorists’ ability to sustain themselves medically and facilitate the emplacement of improvised explosive devices along routes used by security forces and civilians.
Operations remain ongoing in the area to locate and apprehend the fleeing terrorists.
Four Terrorist Family Members Escape Enclaves, Surrender to Troops in Borno
Four Terrorist Family Members Escape Enclaves, Surrender to Troops in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Four persons identified as family members of terrorists have escaped from insurgent enclaves in the Mandara Mountains and surrendered or been intercepted by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that a 15-year-old boy, identified as Idi Musa, was intercepted at about 6:25 a.m. on August 9, 2026, by troops of 192 Battalion conducting picketing and fighting patrol duties along the Gwoza–Limankara road.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that Musa had escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains.
He reportedly disclosed that he was abducted about two years ago while picking mangoes around Dala Village in the Hambagda general area.
According to the source, the teenager was forced to cook for other abductees being held within the enclave. He said the task was assigned to him by a terrorist commander identified as Idrisa Taklace.
One Itel mobile phone was recovered from him.
In a separate development at about 9:55 a.m. the same day, three other suspected members of terrorist families — 20-year-old Binta Idrisa, 18-year-old Amina Muhammadu and two-year-old Musa Alhaji — surrendered to troops of 192 Battalion.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the three had escaped from a terrorist enclave in Chikide, within the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza LGA.
The escapees reportedly said the lack of basic necessities in the terrorist camp compelled them to flee the enclave.
The troops recovered ₦9,500 from the three escapees.
The four persons were subsequently screened and documented and remain in military custody for further necessary action.
The development highlights the continuing pressure on terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains, with civilians and family members held within the camps increasingly seeking opportunities to escape as military operations intensify across the Gwoza axis.
Again, JAS Terrorist, 20, Surrenders to Troops in Borno
Again, JAS Terrorist, 20, Surrenders to Troops in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
A 20-year-old member of the Jamat Ahlus Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihad (JAS) has surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the terrorist, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion at New Abaram Resettlement Village on August 7, 2026.
According to the source, Abubakar fled a terrorist camp in Zarmari following intensified military operations and internal disagreements within the enclave.
The suspect surrendered with three mobile phones and ₦3,000 cash.
He was subsequently screened and documented by the troops and is currently in the custody of 21 Military Intelligence Regiment pending evacuation to 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation and necessary action.
The development comes amid sustained military pressure on terrorist enclaves across the Bama axis, as troops continue operations aimed at degrading insurgent networks and encouraging the surrender of members willing to abandon terrorism.
JAS Terrorist, 30, Surrenders to Troops in Bama
JAS Terrorist, 30, Surrenders to Troops in Bama
By Zagazola Makama
A 30-year-old member of the Jamat Ahlus Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihad (JAS) has surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Ali Modu, was intercepted by troops of 202 Battalion at about 12:15 p.m. on August 9, 2026, while on his way to surrender at New Abaram Resettlement Village.
The interception followed a fighting patrol conducted by the troops to Kalam Barde general area to deny terrorists freedom of action.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that Modu had fled a terrorist camp in Markas Hanifan Zarmari, around Bula Daloye, due to intensified military operations and internal disagreements within the terrorist enclave.
The suspect was found in possession of ₦47,900, which was recovered by the troops.
Modu is currently in the custody of 21 Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation and necessary action.
The surrender is the latest in a series of developments indicating growing pressure on terrorist enclaves in Borno, as sustained military operations continue to disrupt their activities and compel some members to abandon the insurgency.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Collaborator in Mubi
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Collaborator in Mubi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 247 Reconnaissance Battalion, C Company, Mubi, in conjunction with Keystone and local hunters, have arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator during a cordon-and-search operation in Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted in Girpata and Wurobululude areas of Mubi South on August 9, 2026.
During the operation, the troops arrested a 43-year-old suspect identified as Yahaya Adamu in the Girpata area.
The suspect was taken into custody by troops of 247 Battalion for further investigation to establish his alleged links and activities with terrorist elements.
The troops subsequently returned to base at about 3:10 a.m.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to identify and disrupt terrorist support networks operating within communities in the North-East
Troops Rescue Five Abductees from Terrorist Enclave in Mandara Mountains
Troops Rescue Five Abductees from Terrorist Enclave in Mandara Mountains
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued five abductees who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the victims were rescued at about 6:30 a.m. on August 10, 2026, during a perimeter clearance and fighting patrol around Amuda Bridge along the Ngoshe–Gava road.
The troops sighted the five escapees moving towards their position and immediately brought them to safety.
The rescued persons were identified as 23-year-old Aisha Haru, eight-year-old Hajiya Muhammed, 10-year-old Saratu Sule, nine-year-old Amina Sule and two-year-old Fatima Muhammad.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims had escaped from a terrorist enclave in Chinene, within the Mandara Mountains.
Aisha Haru disclosed that she was abducted in 2018 and subsequently forced into marriage with one of the terrorists.
The escapees reportedly said disagreements among the terrorists created an opportunity for them to flee, particularly after several fighters abandoned the camp.
The military source said the latest rescue brings to 126 the total number of abductees rescued through the Gwoza East Corridor since the March 3, 2026 attack.
The victims were screened and documented before being handed over to the Ngoshe community head, Bulama Mallam Kunda, at the community camp.
The rescue forms part of ongoing military operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains and facilitating the recovery of civilians held captive by insurgents.
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant at Damboa IDP Camp
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant at Damboa IDP Camp
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 25 Military Intelligence Regiment, in conjunction with hybrid forces, have arrested a 51-year-old man suspected of acting as an informant for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at the Damboa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Borno State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Umar Kaigama, was arrested at about 7:15 p.m. on August 10, 2026.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Kaigama allegedly specialised in moving civilians, particularly women, from the IDP camp into the bush to meet with suspected terrorists.
The suspect is currently in the custody of Headquarters 25 Brigade for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrest is part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts by troops of Operation HADIN KAI to identify and disrupt networks facilitating terrorist activities and movements across the Damboa axis.
Further investigation is expected to determine the extent of the suspect’s alleged activities and identify possible accomplices.
Troops Foil Terrorist Movement, Recover Motorcycle in Katsina
Troops Foil Terrorist Movement, Recover Motorcycle in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled an attempt by terrorists to cross through Ruwan Lafiya in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The troops, deployed for counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations in the state, encountered the terrorists at a crossing point during a routine patrol on Monday, August 10, 2026.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the troops immediately engaged the terrorists with heavy firepower, forcing them to flee in disarray.
During the encounter, the terrorists abandoned one Boxer motorcycle as they escaped from the advancing troops.
The troops subsequently recovered the motorcycle and continued to dominate the area to prevent the terrorists from regrouping or returning to the location.
Troops Neutralise two Terrorists, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Plateau
Troops Neutralise two Terrorists, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 9, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have neutralised two local terrorists and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during an operation in Nwur Village, Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola gathered that the operation was conducted on Monday, August 10, 2026, following the arrest and interrogation of a suspected bandit by troops of Sector 9 deployed in Shendam.
A military source said the suspect provided information on the location where his rifle was concealed, prompting troops to mobilise with him to Nwur Village to recover the weapon.
The troops, however, came under attack while approaching the location and immediately engaged the attackers.
During the ensuing firefight, one of the attackers, including the suspected bandit who was accompanying the troops, was neutralised.
The troops sustained no casualty in the encounter.
The source said troops subsequently exploited the engagement area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and two rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the terrorists.
The two terrorists were identified as local indigenes that have been terrorizing the area. In most cases attacks by these criminals were blamed on Fulani bandits.
The troops are currently conducting further exploitation of the area with a view to apprehending or neutralising other fleeing members of the syndicate.
DSS Releases, Compensates Artisan Cleared of Links With Terrorists
DSS Releases, Compensates Artisan Cleared of Links With Terrorists
By: Zagazola Makama
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the immediate release of a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, who was cleared of allegations linking him to terrorist activities.
According to a security source, the release followed a thorough investigation of his case by a DSS investigation panel, which established that Katsina -born Mustapha is not a member of any terrorist organisation and had no operational links with the Ansaru terrorist group.
Mustapha was arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of school pupils and teachers in Oriire LGA, Oyo State. He was subsequently subjected to thorough investigation to establish the extent, if any, of his involvement in the activities under investigation, offered the source.
"Following the review, investigators found no evidence linking the carpenter to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of the terrorist group.
"Consequently, the DSS DG ordered his immediate release and approved the payment of initial N3 million as compensation to assist him in meeting his immediate needs and restarting livelihood.
"Mustapha was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him following his discharge from custody," stated the source.
Continuing, the source said Mustapha expressed appreciation to the DG for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention.
"He prayed for Allah’s guidance and protection of the DSS leadership, stating that the gesture has given him an opportunity to rebuild his life," the source stated.
Oghene Forgive, who received Mustapha upon his release also thanked the DG for his generosity and dedication to establishing Mustapha’s innocence.
The source added that the compensation was part of measures being adopted by the current DSS leadership to support persons cleared after investigations and facilitate their reintegration into society.
The source recalled the N20 million compensation the DSS DG handed a Sokoto-based businessman who was accidentally shot and injured in 2016, during a pre-dawn raid in Jos due to mistaken identity.
He also recalled the case of an Abuja-based businesswoman Chineze Ozoadibe the DG ordered her released and paid N10 million as compensation in October 2025 after reviewing her case.
According to the source, "since his appointment as DSS DG, Mr. Tosin Ajayi has been balancing national security responsibilities with respect for the rights and dignity of citizens, resulting in the payment of over N300 million as compensation.
“There are many more instances where DSS investigations have established innocence and have been followed by efforts to facilitate reintegration. These are the kind of measures through which the Service is strengthening public confidence and building trust,” the source declared.
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Jos, Recover Hostages Unharmed
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Jos, Recover Hostages Unharmed
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have rescued two kidnap victims after armed criminals abducted them while they were returning home in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims, identified as Mr Samson Chiroma and Mr Nathaniel Nwase, were reportedly kidnapped at about 11:00 p.m. on Aug. 9 while returning to their residence at the ECWA Staff Quarters in Jos North.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that troops, in conjunction with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), immediately launched a pursuit operation following a distress report on the incident.
The troops subsequently established contact with the kidnappers, who, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security forces, abandoned the victims and fled into the surrounding mountains.
The troops successfully rescued Chiroma and Nwase unhurt and subsequently reunited them with their families.
However, the criminals escaped with a laptop and two mobile phones belonging to the victims.
The source said troops have sustained a manhunt for the fleeing kidnappers as efforts continue to track and apprehend the perpetrators.
The latest operation highlights the continued collaboration between security forces and local vigilante groups in responding to kidnapping incidents and protecting residents in vulnerable communities across Plateau State.
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Man After Escape From Abductors in Plateau Forest
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Man After Escape From Abductors in Plateau Forest
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have rescued a kidnapped victim during an offensive operation in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops rescued the victim, identified as 37-year-old Malam Adamu Umar, at about 6:45 a.m. on Aug. 10 on the outskirts of Kukawa village in Kanam LGA.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that Umar, an indigene of Furiyam in Kanam, was abducted from Duguri village in Bauchi State on Aug. 6.
The victim reportedly escaped from his abductors and had been wandering through Madam Forest before he was located by the troops during the offensive operation.
According to the source, the troops successfully rescued Umar and subsequently handed him over to the Kukawa village leader for reunification with his family.
The operation illustrated the continued efforts by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and rescue victims held in isolated forest areas across the region.
Fulani Herders Destroy Maize Farm in Plateau Community
Fulani Herders Destroy Maize Farm in Plateau Community
By Zagazola Makama
Fulani herders have destroyed a maize farm belonging to a farmer, Mr Davou Pam, in Wereh village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 3:15 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, when troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Barkin Ladi, responded to a report of malicious destruction of the farm.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that upon arrival at the location, troops discovered that unknown persons had used cutlasses to cut down the maize crops planted on the farm.
The source said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators for necessary action.
The incident has further raised concerns over the safety of farmers and agricultural activities in parts of Plateau State, particularly during the current farming season.
Maize, Rice and Onion Farms Destroyed by herders in Jos South
Maize, Rice and Onion Farms Destroyed by herders in Jos South
By Zagazola Makama
Crops belonging to four farmers have been destroyed by Fulano herders at Sabon Gida area of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred on Aug 10, at about 1:00 p.m. on Monday when troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), deployed in Bukuru, responded to a report of farm destruction in the area.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that troops, upon arrival at the location, discovered that maize, rice and onion crops belonging to Mrs Hurung Davou and three other farmers had been destroyed.
The source also disclosed that a cow was found in a ditch with injuries and was subsequently slaughtered by the Wakili Ardo Gyel.
Meanwhile, security forces have commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the destruction for necessary legal action.
The incident comes amid heightened concerns over the protection of farmlands and livestock in farming communities across Plateau State.
Troops Ambush Lakurawa Terrorists Heading to Attack Kebbi Community, Recover Motorcycles, Communication Equipment
Troops Ambush Lakurawa Terrorists Heading to Attack Kebbi Community, Recover Motorcycles, Communication Equipment
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled an attempt by the Lakurawa Terrorist Group (LTG) to attack a community in Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The troops, deployed for counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations in the state, acted on credible intelligence indicating the movement of the terrorists towards Ugwan Hassan village in Dandi LGA.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the troops swiftly mobilised and laid a tactical ambush at a known crossing point near the village.
According to the source, the troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with superior firepower, forcing the group to abandon its mission and retreat in disarray.
The source said troops subsequently exploited the encounter site and recovered two motorcycles and other items believed to have been used by the terrorists for logistics and communication.
The recovered items included mobile phones, T&T communication radios and a Nigerien national identity card belonging to one of the fleeing terrorists, identified as being from the Tillabéri Region of the Niger Republic.
The recovery of the identification document further underscores the cross-border dimension of the Lakurawa threat, particularly along communities bordering the Niger Republic.
The troops have continued to dominate the general area through aggressive patrols while pursuing the fleeing terrorists.
The operation is aimed at preventing the terrorists from regrouping and ensuring the safety of residents in Dandi and neighbouring communities.
Troops Rescue 16 Kidnap Victims, Including Four Children, in Kogi
Troops Rescue 16 Kidnap Victims, Including Four Children, in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Security forces have rescued 16 kidnapped victims, including four children, following an operation against suspected bandits in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The victims were kidnapped on Aug. 9 when suspected bandits attacked commuters along the Ojuwo-Ajengo-Memarebo and Ojiwo-Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area.
According Intelligence sources, information received at about 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 10 indicated that the victims had been sighted around Adumu community in Dekina.
Following the intelligence, troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police, local vigilantes and Hybrid Forces, launched a search-and-rescue operation in the area.
The security forces eventually made contact with the suspected kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the criminals to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding area.
The encounter, however, resulted in the death of one member of the Hybrid Forces, while a police personnel sustained injuries.
The rescued victims comprised six males, six females and four children.
The victims have been taken into the custody of the Nigeria Police, Ajaokuta Division, for further action, while security forces continue efforts to track down the fleeing kidnappers.
Troops Recover Four AK-47 Rifles, 133 Rounds From Kidnap Syndicate Hideout in Enugu
Troops Recover Four AK-47 Rifles, 133 Rounds From Kidnap Syndicate Hideout in Enugu
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 82 Division Garrison and 103 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition from a hideout belonging to a notorious kidnapping syndicate in Udi Forest, Enugu State.
The recovery followed follow-up operations conducted after the successful rescue of two kidnapped victims and the arrest of a logistics supplier and two other suspected kingpins of the criminal syndicate terrorising Enugu, Abia, Anambra and neighbouring states.
According to sources , the troops conducted the operation between 10:34 a.m. and 4:35 p.m. on Aug. 10 at Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where the suspects reportedly concealed their weapons and ammunition.
The operation was conducted with the assistance of two arrested suspects, who led the troops to the forest hideout used by the gang to store its arms and ammunition.
The troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition from the location.
The latest recovery is expected to further aid ongoing investigations into the activities and networks of the kidnapping syndicate operating across Enugu and neighbouring states.
Security forces have continued to intensify operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, recovering illegal weapons and denying kidnappers the logistics required to sustain their activities.
70-Year-Old Farmer Killed in Early Morning Attack by Fulani Bandits in Plateau
70-Year-Old Farmer Killed in Early Morning Attack by Fulani Bandits in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A 70-year-old farmer, Mr. Ngwe Weyi, has been killed in an early morning attack along the Zanhwran-Nkiedonwro Road in Teegbe village, Miango District of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident, according to a statement by the Publicity Secretary of Miango Youth Development Association (MYDA), Mr. Weyi Agara, occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026.
Agara said the victim was attacked while on his way to his farm, adding that he died from injuries sustained during the incident.
He said the deceased left behind his wife and two children, who are now faced with the consequences of the loss of their breadwinner.
The MYDA spokesman described the incident as a recurring pattern of violence against members of the Irigwe community, alleging that the attacks were part of a systematic attempt to displace the people from their ancestral communities.
He called on security agencies and relevant authorities to urgently strengthen security around farming communities and access routes in the area to prevent further attacks and protect farmers.
GOC 3 Division Engages Fulani Leaders on Peace, Land Delineation in Plateau
GOC 3 Division Engages Fulani Leaders on Peace, Land Delineation in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Maj.-Gen. W.M. Dangana, has engaged Fulani leaders from Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau on measures to strengthen peace and security in the area.
Dangana held the engagement on Aug. 9 at the OPEP Headquarters conference room, Jos, according to a security report.
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff, OPEP, Coordinator, Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre (JIFC), and other staff officers.
The discussions focused largely on the ongoing land delineation exercise aimed at restoring peace within the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
The stakeholders also deliberated on other issues of security significance affecting the area.
The engagement was conducted peacefully and without any incident.
The meeting illustrates the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration between security agencies and community leaders in addressing local disputes and strengthening peaceful coexistence in Plateau State.
Four Cattle Die After Targeted with Suspected Poisoning by Locals in Plateau
Four Cattle Die After Targeted with Suspected Poisoning by Locals in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Four cattle have died while three others were reportedly left sick after grazing on a suspected poisonous substance in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau.
Troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a report of cattle poisoning at about 8:35 p.m. on Aug. 9 along Rukuba Road, Jos, according to a security report.
On arrival at the location, the troops discovered four dead cattle and three others in sick condition.
The cattle were reportedly affected after grazing on a substance planted by locals and suspected to be poisonous
The troops secured the area, while investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the nature and source of the suspected poisonous substance.
Security agencies said they are working to fish out those responsible.
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Pursue Suspects in Plateau
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Pursue Suspects in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have rescued a suspected kidnap victim following an attack on a vehicle in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
The incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 10 along the Angwan Boka-Forest axis in Riyom, according to a security report.
Troops deployed at SOPP responded to information on the activities of suspected kidnappers who had blocked a blue J5 vehicle with registration number JJN 183 XP.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops established contact with the suspected kidnappers and launched a pursuit, mounting sustained pressure on the criminals.
During the operation, one of the occupants of the vehicle, identified as Mr Ali Abdullahi, was rescued.
Troops are currently conducting a search and rescue operation for the third occupant, who is reportedly the owner of goods being conveyed in the vehicle.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and safely recover the remaining victim.
NAF Air Component Strikes Bandits Advancing From Zamfara Into Kebbi, Scores Neutralised
NAF Air Component Strikes Bandits Advancing From Zamfara Into Kebbi, Scores Neutralised
By Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA has conducted a precision air strike on a large formation of armed bandits advancing from Zamfara State into Kebbi State, neutralising scores of the criminals.
The operation which took place on Aug 10, followed intelligence reports indicating that a large group of bandits had emerged from the Sangeko Gap in Zamfara and moved towards Makuku in Kebbi State.
The bandits, estimated at about 240 fighters, were reportedly operating in three groups and moving on motorcycles towards the community.
Following the development, security forces, including troops of the Nigerian Army and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, mobilised to contain the threat, leading to intense engagements with the armed group.
The Air Component subsequently responded with an air interdiction mission against the advancing bandits.
Sources familiar with the operation said the air strikes were carefully executed on identified concentrations of the criminals, resulting in the obliteration of scores of bandits and disrupting their planned movement into the area.
The aerial intervention also provided critical support to ground forces engaged in the operation and helped to prevent the bandits from gaining access to vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, residents of affected communities commenced precautionary evacuation as security forces intensified efforts to contain the situation and prevent further movement of the bandits.
Further battle-damage assessment is ongoing to determine the full extent of the casualties inflicted on the criminal elements.
The operation highlights the increasing synergy between the Air Component and ground forces under Operation FANSAN YAMMA in disrupting bandit formations and denying them the freedom to mass and conduct attacks across the North-West.
Troops Foil Planned Terrorist Attack in Katsina
Troops Foil Planned Terrorist Attack in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Katsina, Aug. 10, 2026: Troops of 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have foiled a planned attack by suspected terrorists in Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation followed a distress call at about 11:20 a.m. on Aug. 9, reporting the convergence of suspected terrorists around Kaddanya village in the area.
According to a security report, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Radda swiftly responded to the distress call and mobilised to the location.
The troops, working in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from Kankia and Charanchi and the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), successfully foiled the terrorists’ planned attack.
Following the operation, the troops exploited and dominated the general area through aggressive patrols to deny the suspected terrorists freedom of action.
Osun Police Probe Shooting During Governorship Campaign in Ilesa
Osun Police Probe Shooting During Governorship Campaign in Ilesa
By Zagazola Makama
The Osun State Police Command has commenced investigation into a shooting incident during a governorship campaign activity in Ilesa, which left three people injured.
The incident occurred at about 10 a.m. on Aug. 8 at Ibala Junction, Ilesa, according to a report received by the police from the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘C’ Division, Ilesa.
The command said a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Olufemi Onigbogi, later reported the incident at the police station.
According to the report, the political group was organising its governorship campaign activities within Ilesa metropolis when Hon. Adewale Akerele, a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, allegedly arrived at the location in a black Toyota vehicle with registration number OSHA 04.
He was reportedly accompanied by five personnel of the Amotekun Corps.
The report alleged that shots were fired sporadically at the scene, resulting in injuries to three people.
One of the victims, identified as Tobi Ilesanmi, sustained gunshot wounds to his thighs and was receiving treatment at the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa.
Two other persons, Wasiu Alanide and Aderemi Adedeji, reportedly sustained injuries to the hand and leg respectively.
Police personnel who visited the scene recovered four expended cartridges and an Amotekun Corps peak cap, which were taken as exhibits to aid the investigation.
The command said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible for the shooting.
The incident has raised concerns over the use of firearms during political activities, particularly as the state prepares for its governorship election.
The police are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, establish the identities of those who fired the weapons and determine whether the firearms were lawfully deployed.
The command urged political actors, supporters and security personnel attached to political campaigns to exercise restraint and comply with the law to prevent campaign activities from degenerating into violence.
Troops, Fulani Leaders Recover Cattle Ruttled by Magwavul locals in Plateau
Troops, Fulani Leaders Recover Cattle Ruttled by Magwavul locals in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, Sector 8, in collaboration with Fulani community leaders and members, have recovered cattle suspected to have been rustled in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The cattle were recovered on Sunday, Aug. 9, following a joint operation targeting suspected cattle rustlers of Magwavul extraction and their accomplices around Tambes through the Mile 8 axis of the local government area.
According to information obtained by Zagazola Makama, the operation followed intelligence on the movement and activities of suspected cattle rustlers operating in the area.
The troops, working closely with members and leaders of the Fulani community, moved into the affected area and recovered the livestock.
The collaboration between the security personnel and the community leaders was said to have contributed to the prompt recovery of the cattle and prevented the suspected rustlers from taking them farther away from the area.
Community members commended the security personnel for their swift response and intervention, describing the recovery as an important step towards protecting livestock owners and reducing cattle rustling in the area.
The operation also pointed to the importance of community participation and cooperation with security agencies in combating rural crimes, particularly cattle rustling, which can fuel tension between farming and pastoralist communities.
Troops Neutralise Armed Local Militia Member After Coming Under Heavy Gunfire in Mangu, Recover Two Rifles
Troops Neutralise Armed Local Militia Member After Coming Under Heavy Gunfire in Mangu, Recover Two Rifles
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have neutralised an armed local militia member after coming under heavy gunfire during a response to a reported alleged militia attack in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred on Sunday, Aug. 9, amid reports of suspicious movements around the bushes linking Kantoma, Bwom and Jakatai communities.
According to sources, troops deployed at Maraban Kantoma received a distress call from local youth leaders at about 3:51 p.m. over the movement of unidentified persons around the adjoining bushes.
The report was subsequently followed by information that armed local militia members had attacked Rangai community in Mangu Halle District, firing sporadically.
Troops from the NYSC camp immediately responded to the distress call and engaged the attackers.
At about the same time, a joint clearance and show-of-force team under Operation RAINBOW, led by the Coordinator, was travelling from Mangun towards Jos when locals at Jakatai reportedly stopped the team and alerted them to the developing security situation.
The team promptly diverted and moved into the Jakatai area to confront the militia elements. Consequently, the troops operating from the Kantoma axis came under heavy gunfire from the local armed elements using fabricated Ak47 riffles, prompting them to respond with superior firepower.
The joint clearance team engaged the militia members, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
During the exchange of gunfire, one armed local militia was reportedly neutralised by personnel of the joint clearance team inside Jakatai community while others reportedly fled in different directions. Two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, were recovered by the troops. One from the nutrialsized attacker and another from the fleeing criminals.
The attacker was subsequently deposited at the Barkin Ladi General Hospital mortuary while the security team continued its movement towards Jos with no further attack reported.
The immediate response of the troops at Rangai prevented the violence from spreading to neighbouring communities.
However, shortly after repelling the attack, what followed was civil disturbances in Jakatai as youths and women wielding dangerous weapons from the community reportedly barricaded the Mangu-Jos Highway, disrupting the free movement of traffic and causing a temporary breakdown of law and order.
In response, the Commander, Sector 8, directed the immediate reopening of the highway and dispersal of the crowd. The troops subsequently conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the Rangai general area.
The incident draw attention to the volatile security environment in parts of Plateau State, where troops who are meant to protect communities come under fire by militia within the same communities.
Security forces are expected to sustain patrols, clearance operations and engagement with community leaders to prevent further escalation and maintain peace across Mangu and adjoining areas.
Police Arrest Clergyman, Air Force, Navy Personnel Over Alleged Plot to Kidnap Bishops’ Wives in Plateau
Police Arrest Clergyman, Air Force, Navy Personnel Over Alleged Plot to Kidnap Bishops’ Wives in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested a clergyman and two security personnel over an alleged plot to kidnap the wives of two prominent bishops in Jos.
The suspects were arrested following credible intelligence received by the police regarding an alleged criminal conspiracy and foiled kidnapping attempt.
Sources at the Plateau state Command said the incident occurred at about 2:10 p.m. on Aug. 7, 2026.
The command identified one of the suspects as Rev. Hassan Yunisim Mijah, 42, of Tudun Wada, Jos North.
According to the police, Mijah allegedly conspired with Sgt. Ezra Sunday, a Nigerian Air Force personnel, and OS Usman Khalid, a Nigerian Navy personnel, both attached to Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Jos, to kidnap the wives of Bishop Ephraim Gongden and retired Bishop Benjamin Kwashi.
The two bishops are reportedly residents of the Rantya area of Jos South Local Government Area.
The command said that upon receiving the intelligence, police operatives led by the Commander of the Vigilance and Criminal Response Unit (VCRU) immediately commenced an operation that resulted in the arrest of the three suspects.
“On interrogation, suspects confessed to the crime,” the police said.
The command added that Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) had been formally informed of the arrest of the two personnel attached to the operation.
Police authorities said investigation was ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged conspiracy and to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim in Plateau, Intensify Search for Son
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim in Plateau, Intensify Search for Son
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have rescued a kidnap victim following a reported abduction at Mista Ali area of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about midnight on Aug. 9, when troops of Sector 1, OPEP, responded to a distress report concerning the abduction of Mr Boyi Sauka and his son, Mantum Sauka, in the area.
Sources said that the troops immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation following the report.
During the operation, the troops located and rescued Boyi Sauka, who had sustained injuries during the incident.
He was promptly evacuated to AG Hospital, Mista Ali, where he was admitted for medical attention.
However, his son, Mantum Sauka, remains in the custody of the kidnappers, prompting security forces to intensify search operations in the surrounding areas.
Troops are also working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the abduction.
Security Forces Conduct Show of Force to Secure Church Services in Jos
Security Forces Conduct Show of Force to Secure Church Services in Jos
By Zagazola Makama
Security forces in Plateau State have conducted a joint show-of-force operation across major flashpoints in Jos metropolis and the Bukuru general area to ensure the safety of worshippers attending Sunday church services.
The operation was conducted at about 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9, by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) in conjunction with personnel of the 551 Nigerian Air Force Station, Keystone, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies.
Sources said that the joint operation covered major flashpoints within Jos metropolis and the Bukuru general area.
The exercise was aimed at providing security for church services, reassuring residents and denying criminal elements the freedom of action to carry out attacks or other criminal activities.
Personnel were deployed to strategic locations as part of efforts to maintain a visible security presence around places of worship and other vulnerable areas during the services.
The coordinated operation also served as a deterrent to criminal elements who might seek to exploit the movement of worshippers or large gatherings to carry out attacks.
The security forces maintained patrols and surveillance throughout the exercise, with the operation conducted without any reported incident.
The operation was described as hitch-free, with worshippers able to attend and conclude their church services without disruption.
Security Forces Launch Manhunt for Fulani Bandits After Killing in Plateau Community
Security Forces Launch Manhunt for Fulani Bandits After Killing in Plateau Community
By Zagazola Makama
Security forces have launched a manhunt for suspected Fulani Bandits following the killing of a resident, Mr Daniel Simon Dachomo, at Nyarwai village in Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 7:50 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9, when troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Barkin Ladi, responded to a report of an attack and killing in the community.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops arrived at the scene and discovered the victim’s body bearing gunshot wounds.
The assailants, who were suspected in the report to be members of a Fulani militia, had fled the area before the arrival of the troops.
Security personnel recovered one empty cartridge case and one live round of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition at the scene.
Following the discovery, the troops dominated and combed the surrounding area in an effort to locate the fleeing attackers and prevent further attacks on residents. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing.
The incident has heightened security concerns in the area, with security forces expected to maintain increased patrols and surveillance around Nyarwai and adjoining communities.
Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies that could assist in tracking the perpetrators.
Troops Investigate Farm Destruction, Recover 46 Cattle from Herder in Plateau
Troops Investigate Farm Destruction, Recover 46 Cattle from Herder in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have launched investigations into the destruction of farmlands belonging to four farmers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The development occurred on Sunday, Aug. 9, following separate reports of farm destruction in Bindiand the Container general area of Riyom.
Sources said that the troops of Sector 6, OPEP, responded to a report of the destruction of farms belonging to Mr Kiyang Daliop and three other farmers at Bindi community.
On arrival at the location, the troops discovered that the destruction had occurred during the night.
The troops subsequently traced cattle footprints from the affected farmlands to the Bangai Fulani area, as part of efforts to establish those responsible for the incident.
Further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the farm destruction is ongoing.
The troops have also contacted Fulani leaders in the area and requested their cooperation in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators for necessary action.
In a separate incident at about 4 p.m. on the same day, troops responded to another report of farm destruction in the Container general area of Riyom.
Upon arrival, the troops found 46 cattle grazing on the affected farmland. The animals reportedly fled after sighting the security personnel.
The troops subsequently moved the livestock to their location for an amicable settlement between the affected parties and to prevent further escalation of tensions.
The interventions form part of ongoing efforts by security forces to prevent disputes between farmers and herders from escalating into broader communal conflicts.
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper Linked to Abduction in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper Linked to Abduction in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected kidnapper linked to the abduction of a resident in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The suspect, identified as Buba Ali, 30, was arrested at about 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9, at Binawa village in Kauru Local Government Area.
According to sources, the suspect was apprehended during a joint operation conducted by troops of Sector 7 OPEP and members of the CJTF.
The suspect was reportedly linked to the kidnapping of Alhaji Tasi, who was abducted in the village.
Following his arrest, Ali was taken into custody and is currently being interrogated by security personnel.
Sources said the ongoing investigation is focused on obtaining information that could lead to the identification and arrest of other members of the suspected kidnapping gang.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected ISWAP Collaborators, Recover N131,300 in Borno
Troops Arrest Two Suspected ISWAP Collaborators, Recover N131,300 in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two suspected collaborators of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a stop-and-search operation along the Mandaragirau-Sabon Gari Road in Borno State.
The suspects, identified as Adamu Abdullahi, 20, and Buba Ibrahim, 18, were apprehended at about 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9, by troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion deployed at a checkpoint along the route.
Sources reliably informed that the suspects were arrested at a checkpoint located along the Mandaragirau-Sabon Gari axis.
The troops reportedly recovered N131,300 in cash from the suspects during the operation.
The two men reportedly claimed to be herders, but were arrested on suspicion of collaborating with terrorist elements and involvement in cattle rustling activities.
Following their arrest, the suspects were taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by troops of Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V to identify and disrupt individuals suspected of providing support to terrorist groups operating across Borno State.
Operation HADIN KAI have continued to pay particular attention to movements along major routes and rural corridors, where terrorist collaborators and criminal networks may exploit civilian activities to facilitate logistics, intelligence gathering or movement.
Troops Repel Armed Herders’ Attack on Police Checkpoint in Benue, Recover Inspector’s Body
Troops Repel Armed Herders’ Attack on Police Checkpoint in Benue, Recover Inspector’s Body
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, have repelled an attack on a police checkpoint at Uzer in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred at about 9:45 a.m. on Aug. 8, when troops of Sector 1 OPWS deployed at Ayilamo, working alongside a mobile police team, responded to an attack on the police checkpoint by suspected armed herders.
According to a military situation report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the troops moved to the location and successfully contained the attack.
The armed attackers reportedly fled upon sighting the advancing troops, who subsequently conducted an exploitation of the general area in an effort to track the fleeing criminals and ascertain the extent of the incident.
During the operation, the troops recovered the corpse of a Police Inspector who was killed during the attack.
The remains of the officer were evacuated to the Ayilamo Hospital mortuary for necessary procedures and further action.
The latest incident underscores the continuing security challenges in parts of Benue State, where attacks involving armed criminal elements have continued to pose threats to security personnel and rural communities.
The prompt intervention by OPWS troops helped to prevent the attackers from sustaining the assault on the police checkpoint and potentially inflicting further casualties.
Security personnel have continued to maintain heightened vigilance in the area while efforts are underway to track the fleeing attackers and prevent further attacks on security formations and communities.
OPWS is expected to sustain patrols and intelligence-led operations across its area of responsibility to protect civilians, secure critical routes and counter armed criminal activities.
Troops Recover IED Materials, ISWAP Medical Supplies During Clearance Operation in Kareto
Troops Recover IED Materials, ISWAP Medical Supplies During Clearance Operation in Kareto
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have recovered improvised explosive device (IED) materials and a large quantity of medical supplies and drugs meant for ISWAP during a clearance operation in the Kareto general area of Borno State.
The operation was conducted on Sunday, Aug. 9, following credible intelligence that Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists were hibernating within the area.
According to sources , troops of 5 Brigade, working alongside hybrid forces, mobilised to the area at about 10 a.m. following the intelligence.
The troops reportedly encountered suspected terrorists in the area, prompting the terrorists to retreat in confusion upon sighting the advancing security forces.
During the withdrawal, the terrorists abandoned one toolbox believed to be used for IED emplacement and two IED canisters.
The troops subsequently conducted further exploitation of the area and recovered 10 sacks containing various categories of medical materials and drugs believed to have been intended for use by the terrorists.
The recovered medical supplies included antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-malaria drugs, different types of intravenous fluids, multivitamin tablets and a blood pressure apparatus.
The recovery is considered significant as access to medical supplies enables terrorist groups to treat wounded fighters and sustain their operational networks in remote locations.
Following the initial operation, the troops projected force to Wolkiti village, where they conducted further searches and patrols. No contact with the terrorists was recorded in the village.
Security sources said the troops maintained a high level of morale and satisfactory fighting efficiency throughout the operation.
Operation HADIN KAI troops and allied forces are expected to sustain clearance operations and intelligence-driven patrols across the theatre to prevent terrorist elements from regrouping in the affected areas.
Ado Aleiro Loses Son, Eight Family Members, 30 Motorcycles in Katsina Encounter
Ado Aleiro Loses Son, Eight Family Members, 30 Motorcycles in Katsina Encounter
By Zagazola Makama
Notorious bandit leader Ado Aleiro has reportedly suffered a major setback following the loss of his son, eight other family members and about 30 motorcycles during a recent encounter at Doma village in Katsina State.
Intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama indicated that the losses have significantly weakened the operational strength and mobility of Aleiro’s criminal syndicate.
According to the intelligence report dated Aug. 9, all the estimated 30 motorcycles deployed by the syndicate during the encounter reportedly failed to return, with their occupants said to have been neutralised.
The report further stated that Aleiro lost his son and eight other members of his family during the encounter.
The development is considered a significant blow to the bandit leader, particularly because motorcycles remain critical to the mobility, communication and operational activities of criminal gangs operating across the North-West.
Following the reported losses, intelligence indicated that Aleiro was, as of 3:51 p.m. on Sunday, moving alone on a motorcycle around Sakya Dutse, Higi and Asaula areas.
Sources said his movement was being monitored amid efforts to establish his next destination and assess the condition of his remaining network.
Further intelligence also indicated that the bandit leader was concerned about the vulnerability of a proposed location for his illegal mining activities at Gidan Buhari, under Chadiya Ward in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Aleiro was reportedly apprehensive that the location could come under attack by Yansakai operating from Tsafe town.
The concern is believed to be linked to the weakening of his syndicate following the reported losses in Katsina and the possible exposure of his remaining operational networks.
Security sources said the latest development could provide security agencies with an opportunity to intensify pressure on the weakened syndicate and prevent the regrouping of surviving members.
The reported destruction of the motorcycles is particularly significant as it could limit the gang’s ability to conduct rapid movements, launch attacks, transport supplies and evade pursuing security forces across difficult terrain.
The latest setback comes amid sustained military and security operations against bandit groups operating across Zamfara, Katsina and neighbouring states under Operation FANSAN YANMA.
Security agencies are expected to maintain surveillance of Aleiro’s movements while assessing the extent of the losses suffered by his network.
Authorities have also been advised to strengthen coordination among troops and other relevant security agencies in the affected areas, particularly around Tsafe and other locations where the syndicate may attempt to regroup.
Shekau’s Son Reportedly Emerges in Boko Haram Ranks, Raising Concerns Over Next Generation of Insurgency
Shekau’s Son Reportedly Emerges in Boko Haram Ranks, Raising Concerns Over Next Generation of Insurgency
By Zagazola Makama
Ibn Mohammed bin Shakau, the biological son of the late Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, is said to have emerged within the ranks of Boko Haram insurgent group, raising fresh concerns over the possible continuation of the ideology and networks associated with his father.
Ibn Mohammed is reportedly taking steps into the militant organisation, following the path of his father, who was one of the most notorious figures in Nigeria’s insurgency in the North-East.
Abubakar Shekau became the leader of Boko Haram after the death of the group’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf, and presided over some of the most violent periods of the insurgency.
Under his leadership, Boko Haram carried out attacks against communities, security personnel, government institutions and other civilian targets across the North-East and neighbouring countries.
Shekau was also known for his uncompromising leadership style and his use of propaganda videos to threaten governments and announce attacks.
His death in 2021 following a confrontation with fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) significantly altered the dynamics of the insurgency in the Lake Chad region.
Gov. Lawal, other Nigerian leaders to attend Canada-Africa Investment Summit
Gov. Lawal, other Nigerian leaders to attend Canada-Africa Investment Summit
By: Zagazola Makama
Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, some state governors and other senior government officials are scheduled to represent Nigeria at the maiden Canada-Africa Summit on digital rails and inclusive growth in Toronto, Canada.
The summit, scheduled for Aug. 10 to 15, is expected to bring together governments, investors, multinational corporations, development finance institutions, foundations and other stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and strategic partnerships between Africa and Canada.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Mr Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson for the Zamfara governor, said Lawal’s participation followed an invitation from the Presidency.
He said the governor’s participation would strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic engagement while providing an opportunity to showcase investment opportunities in Zamfara State.
According to him, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Economic Conference (NDIEC) is a leading global platform for governments and investors to establish strategic partnerships and explore opportunities capable of driving sustainable economic development.
Idris said the summit would also support the economic objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly through initiatives linked to the National Energy Transition Plan and Nigeria’s broader engagement with Canada on economic cooperation.
He said the Zamfara Government viewed the summit not merely as a diplomatic gathering but as a strategic economic mission aimed at attracting investment, technology transfer, development financing and technical partnerships to the state.
“Governor Lawal’s involvement in the Canada-Africa Investment Summit will help position Zamfara State as Nigeria’s emerging hub for agribusiness, strategic minerals development, human capital growth and digital innovation,” he said.
The spokesperson said the governor would use the opportunity to engage potential investors and development partners on Zamfara’s economic potential and investment opportunities.
He added that the state’s participation was part of the administration’s efforts to diversify the state’s economy and create opportunities for sustainable growth beyond its traditional economic activities.
According to him, the summit would provide an avenue for Zamfara to highlight its agricultural potential, mineral resources, human capital and emerging digital economy to international investors.
Other members of the Nigerian delegation include the President’s Chief of Staff, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila; Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra; Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno; Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna and Gov. Caleb Muftwang of Plateau.
Also expected in the delegation are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, among others.
The summit is expected to focus on investment, digital transformation, inclusive economic growth and stronger Africa-Canada partnerships.
For Zamfara, the government said the engagement would complement ongoing efforts to attract private-sector investment and development partnerships capable of transforming the state’s productive sectors and improving economic opportunities for its people.
AGAIN, OPHK AIR STRIKES NEUTRALISE SCORES OF ISWAP FIGHTERS, ELIMINATE KEY VIP ESCORT COMMANDER Qaid Abu Khalid Al Muhajir IN SAMBISA
AGAIN, OPHK AIR STRIKES NEUTRALISE SCORES OF ISWAP FIGHTERS, ELIMINATE KEY VIP ESCORT COMMANDER Qaid Abu Khalid Al Muhajir IN SAMBISA
By Zagazola Makama
Recent air strikes conducted by the Nigerian Military have reportedly dealt a major blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Sambisa Forest, with nine fighters, including a prominent commander responsible for escorting senior terrorists, neutralised.
The strikes, conducted on Saturday, Aug. 8, around the Yuwe and Sabil Huda enclaves in the Sambisa Forest, were described by intelligence sources as highly effective.
According to fresh intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama, one of those neutralised was Qaid Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, an ISWAP commander originally from Maiduguri metropolis.
Intelligence sources identified Abu Khalid as a specialist responsible for providing escorts and coordinating the movement of senior ISWAP commanders and other high-value members of the terrorist group.
He was reportedly highly familiar with navigation routes and tactical movements connecting major ISWAP enclaves, particularly routes used for the movement of senior commanders and special convoys.
His role reportedly made him an important facilitator of mobility within the terrorist group’s network, enabling senior members to move between enclaves while reducing the risk of interception by security forces.
The intelligence report indicated that nine ISWAP fighters were neutralised during the air strikes, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Sources said the casualties included terrorist elements linked to the group involved in the ambush of Nigerian troops along the Bita–Yamtage axis in Gwoza Local Government Area.
The latest intelligence suggests that the air strikes may have disrupted a wider network of fighters involved in terrorist operations across the Sambisa Forest and the Gwoza axis.
The neutralisation of Abu Khalid is considered significant because of his reported knowledge of the terrain, routes and movement patterns used by ISWAP commanders and special convoys.
His loss could therefore affect the group’s ability to move senior operatives between its various enclaves, particularly in areas where security forces have intensified surveillance and kinetic operations.
Security sources said the latest strikes would be followed by continued intelligence exploitation and surveillance to assess the extent of the damage and identify surviving members of the affected groups.
The development comes amid intensified military operations aimed at dismantling terrorist command structures, disrupting logistics and denying ISWAP and Boko Haram elements freedom of movement across Borno State.
The Nigerian Army and the Air Component is expected to sustain its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in support of ground troops operating across the Sambisa Forest, Gwoza and adjoining areas.
The military has also continued to place emphasis on precision targeting to disrupt terrorist leadership and specialised networks while supporting ongoing ground operations in the theatre.
ISWAP LEADERS GRIPPED BY FEAR, SUSPICION OVER ACCURACY OF OPHK WANTED LIST
ISWAP LEADERS GRIPPED BY FEAR, SUSPICION OVER ACCURACY OF OPHK WANTED LIST
By Zagazola Makama
Senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are reportedly gripped by fear and suspicion following the release of a wanted list containing the names and photographs of key terrorist figures by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
Intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama indicated that the development has triggered serious apprehension within ISWAP’s leadership structure operating in the Lake Chad area, with commanders reportedly questioning how security forces obtained accurate details about some ISWAP senior members.
According to the intelligence, Ba Shuwa, identified as a senior ISWAP leader, reportedly expressed shock at the accuracy of the names and photographs contained in the wanted calendar and other information leaflets recently circulated by Nigerian troops.
The reaction is believed to have heightened concerns among senior ISWAP commanders over possible intelligence penetration of the group’s leadership and operational structures.
Sources said the accuracy of the information has reportedly generated suspicion among the terrorists, with some commanders becoming increasingly concerned that their identities, movements and activities may have been exposed to security forces.
The development could further deepen existing mistrust within the group, particularly amid reports of internal disagreements and leadership tensions among senior ISWAP commanders in the Lake Chad region.
The wanted materials, which reportedly contain photographs and identifying information on suspected terrorist commanders, form part of the military’s broader intelligence aimed at crippling the terrorist networks and denying them freedom of movement.
Security sources said the circulation of the materials also serves to demonstrate to terrorist commanders and their associates that security forces have substantial knowledge of the group’s leadership structure.
The reaction attributed to Ba Shuwa is particularly significant because it suggests that the materials may be having an impact beyond their immediate public-information purpose, by generating uncertainty among terrorist commanders over the extent of intelligence available to the military.
The sources said the development is being closely monitored by security agencies as they continue to assess its implications for ISWAP’s command, control and internal cohesion.
The latest intelligence comes amid sustained military pressure on terrorist formations across the Lake Chad axis, including air and ground operations targeting their leadership, logistics networks and areas of concentration.
ISWAP Leadership crises deepens as Four Shura Council Members reportedly executed
ISWAP Leadership crises deepens as Four Shura Council Members reportedly executed
By Zagazola Makama
The leadership crisis within the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) is reportedly deepening, following fresh intelligence indicating the execution of four members of the group’s Shura Council.
According to intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama, the four senior members, who were reportedly arrested by ISWAP elements last week, were allegedly executed by Ba Shuwa, a senior ISWAP figure, at the group’s Kwatan Dila enclave on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
The latest development is believed to further expose growing internal disagreements and factional tensions within the terrorist organisation operating in the Lake Chad region.
The four Shura Council members were reportedly detained amid an ongoing leadership crisis within ISWAP, although the specific allegations against them could not be independently established.
Intelligence sources said their subsequent execution has heightened concerns over internal purges and the consolidation of authority by rival commanders within the group.
The development also comes against the backdrop of intensified military operations targeting terrorist leadership structures.
Security sources said the incident could have significant implications for ISWAP’s command structure, particularly if other senior commanders and members of the Shura Council perceive the executions as evidence of a broader internal purge.
The Shura Council traditionally plays an important role in the decision-making structure of terrorist organisations, including matters relating to leadership, operations, administration and resource management.
The reported executions therefore represent more than an isolated disciplinary action and could further weaken cohesion within ISWAP’s senior command structure.
The latest intelligence is being closely monitored by security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to understand and exploit the group’s internal fractures.
The development is also expected to provide security forces with additional opportunities to exploit divisions within the terrorist organisation and encourage further defections, surrenders and intelligence disclosures.
Security sources, however, cautioned that the situation remains fluid and could trigger further retaliatory actions among competing factions.
The reported execution of the four Shura Council members comes amid sustained military pressure on ISWAP positions and logistics networks across the Lake Chad axis, where Nigerian forces and regional partners continue to conduct intelligence, surveillance and kinetic operations against terrorist formations.
Military Airstrikes neutralizes nine terrorists, destroy logistics carts in Borno
Military Airstrikes neutralizes nine terrorists, destroy logistics carts in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has neutralised nine suspected terrorists and destroyed three carts believed to be carrying weapons and logistics during a precision air strike at Dumba in Borno State.
The operation was conducted on Saturday, Aug. 8, following credible intelligence on terrorist activities around the Dumba area.
According to a military situation report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the operation was executed during an armed reconnaissance and air interdiction mission.
The sources said the aircraft, established overhead Dumba at about 2:58 p.m. after intelligence indicated the presence of suspected terrorists in the area.
On reaching the target location, the aircraft reportedly detected a group of three suspected terrorists walking along a road and another group of six terrorists pushing three carts suspected to be laden with weapons and other logistics.
Rather than engaging immediately, the aircraft maintained surveillance and tracked the terrorists until both groups converged and came to a halt at a location inside the bush.
The nine terrorists were subsequently engaged in a precision strike, resulting in the neutralisation of all nine.
The air platform thereafter returned to the area where the terrorists had been observed and conducted a second strike on the three carts earlier sighted carrying suspected weapons and logistics.
Battle damage assessment indicated that all three carts were destroyed and engulfed in flames, further degrading the terrorists’ logistics capability in the area.
The latest operation illustrates the growing importance of intelligence-led air reconnaissance in identifying and tracking mobile terrorist elements before they can establish temporary hideouts or move weapons and supplies across the theatre.
The successful strike also comes amid sustained air and ground operations by OPHK aimed at disrupting terrorist movements, logistics networks and freedom of action across the North-East.
Military sources said the overall situation in the area remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
Military Airstrikes deal major blow to ISWAP in Lake Chad, top Police wing commander wounded, other killed
Military Airstrikes deal major blow to ISWAP in Lake Chad, top Police wing commander wounded, other killed
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Military’s Operation HADIN KAI, has continued to degrade the capabilities of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad axis, with recent air strikes reportedly inflicting significant casualties on the terrorist group.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that a series of precision air operations conducted around the Lake Chad area resulted in the severe wounding of a prominent ISWAP commander as well as the neutralisation of four terrorists, including one of the group’s long-serving fishing tax collectors.
According to field assessment, BA ARI HISBAH, identified as a prominent head of the ISWAP Police Wing operating in the Lake Chad area, sustained severe injuries to both legs following an air strike conducted by the Air Component near Arege on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
The strike was part of sustained aerial interdiction operations targeting terrorist elements and their logistics networks operating around the Lake Chad basin.
Sources said the strike disrupted the movement and activities of the terrorists in the area, forcing surviving elements to withdraw from the affected location.
Further intelligence indicated that another successful air operation conducted on Friday, Aug. 7, between Alayaru village and Limberi Market, north of Kukawa, resulted in the neutralisation of BA USMAN MAIDHARAIB, a 55-year-old ISWAP member described as one of the group’s oldest fishing tax collectors in the Lake Chad area.
MAIDHARAIB was reportedly moving with three other terrorists on two motorcycles when they came under attack by the aircraft.
The intelligence report confirmed that all four terrorists were neutralised during the air strike, while the two motorcycles were also destroyed.
The elimination of MAIDHARAIB is considered significant because of the role played by ISWAP’s fishing tax collection network in sustaining the group’s financial operations around the Lake Chad region.
For years, ISWAP has exploited fishing activities and other legitimate economic activities in the Lake Chad islands and surrounding communities as sources of revenue through illegal taxation, levies and extortion.
The destruction of the group’s revenue collectors and disruption of its movement routes are therefore expected to further weaken its ability to generate funds and sustain its operational activities.
Military sources said the operations were conducted after intelligence surveillance identified the movements of the terrorist elements within the targeted areas.
The sources added that Operation HADIN KAI would sustain its air interdiction missions in coordination with surface forces to deny terrorists freedom of movement and disrupt their logistics, command and control structures.
The Lake Chad region remains a major theatre of counter-terrorism operations, with security forces maintaining pressure on ISWAP formations and their support networks across the maritime and land approaches.
The latest developments come amid intensified efforts by OPHK to degrade terrorist enclaves, disrupt their revenue sources and prevent the regrouping of fleeing fighters following recent military operations in the theatre.
Three Cows Die, Three Others Fall Sick After Suspected Poisoning by Locals in Plateau
Three Cows Die, Three Others Fall Sick After Suspected Poisoning by Locals in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Three cows have died while three others became sick after allegedly grazing on a suspected poisonous substance at Chikam Village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on Aug. 8, when troops of Sector 5, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a report of cattle poisoning in the community.
A security source who briefed Zagazola Makama said the troops, upon arrival at the location, discovered three dead cattle and three others in sick condition.
The source said the affected animals were believed to have consumed a poisonous substance while grazing.
“Three cattle were found dead while another three were sick after reportedly grazing on a suspected poisonous substance,” the source said.
The troops have commenced investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish whether the cattle were deliberately poisoned.
The development comes amid recurring tensions between farming and herding communities in parts of Plateau State, where security agencies have continued to intervene in disputes involving farmland, grazing activities and livestock.
Troops Intercept 55 Cows, Arrest 13-Year-Old Herder Over Alleged Farm Destruction in Plateau
Troops Intercept 55 Cows, Arrest 13-Year-Old Herder Over Alleged Farm Destruction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have intercepted 55 cows allegedly found grazing on a farm belonging to a resident, Mr Yusuf John, at Miango in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to a security source who briefed Zagazola Makama, the troops responded to a distress report on alleged destruction of the farm at about 5:20 p.m. on Aug. 8.
The source said that upon arrival at the location, the troops found the 55 cows grazing on the farm, while the herder reportedly fled after sighting the security personnel.
The livestock were subsequently moved to a safe location for necessary action.
In a related incident, the troops also responded to a report of alleged destruction of a farm belonging to Mr John Isaiah at Jebbu Miango, also in Bassa LGA.
The troops, upon arrival at the location, arrested a 13-year-old herder identified as Ibrahim in connection with the incident.
The suspect was taken into custody for further action, while investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged destruction of the farm.
The incidents come amid continuing efforts by security agencies in Plateau State to prevent clashes between farmers and herders and address criminal activities associated with disputes over farmland and grazing.
How 23 Pakistanis Entered Nigeria Through Cameroon’s Illegal Land Borders Without Documentation in May 2026
How 23 Pakistanis Entered Nigeria Through Cameroon’s Illegal Land Borders Without Documentation in May 2026
By Zagazola Makama
The reported arrest of five Pakistani nationals in Benue State has raised serious security questions over how foreign nationals may be entering Nigeria through the country’s porous land borders without proper documentation.
The development is particularly concerning amid reports that 23 Pakistani nationals allegedly entered Nigeria through illegal land routes from Cameroon in May 2026, without being properly documented by the relevant Nigerian authorities.
The five Pakistanis recently arrested in Benue were apprehended in separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo, with police recovering 35 mobile phones from the suspects.
According to the Benue State Police Command, three of the suspects were arrested at Adoka Motor Park, Otukpo, while two others were apprehended at a hotel in Ugbokolo.
The suspects reportedly gave different explanations for their presence in the state. Three claimed they were in the area to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets, although police said none of those items was found in their possession.
The other two reportedly claimed to be dealers in Android phones. A search of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones, while a subsequent operational follow-up led to the recovery of another 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60, bringing the total to 35 mobile phones.
The five suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi for further investigation.
The immediate security question is whether the five arrested suspects are part of the larger group of 23 Pakistani nationals reportedly brought into Nigeria through the Cameroon axis.
If the allegation is established, authorities must determine the whereabouts of the remaining 18 persons, who facilitated their movement, where they entered Nigeria and how they travelled from the border communities to other parts of the country.
The development assumes greater significance because Nigeria is currently confronting multiple security threats across different regions, including terrorist activities in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central, communal violence and organised criminal networks.
In such an environment, the uncontrolled movement of foreign nationals through remote and unauthorised border routes represents a potential intelligence and counterterrorism vulnerability. This does not mean that the Pakistani nationals are terrorists or criminals. There is currently no evidence in the reported arrests to establish such a connection. But the circumstances surrounding their alleged entry require answers.
If 23 foreign nationals were able to cross from Cameroon into Nigeria without proper documentation, the security agencies need to establish who facilitated the movement, where they crossed, how they travelled within Nigeria, where they stayed and what activities they undertook after arrival.The terrorism-criminality connection
Nigeria’s security challenge has increasingly demonstrated that terrorism does not operate in isolation.Terrorist organisations, bandit groups, kidnappers, arms traffickers, drug networks and other criminal enterprises can exploit the same porous borders, informal routes and weakly monitored communities.
The danger therefore lies not simply in the nationality of an individual entering Nigeria, but in the possibility that unmonitored cross-border movements could provide cover for logistics networks, financial facilitators, traffickers, intelligence gatherers or other criminal actors.
This is particularly important along the Nigeria-Cameroon frontier, where difficult terrain and remote communities make effective border surveillance challenging. A person entering Nigeria illegally may disappear into the informal economy without appearing in immigration records, making subsequent security screening considerably more difficult.
More importantly, authorities need to establish whether the group was properly screened, documented and subjected to the required immigration procedures. The issue should not be treated merely as an immigration violation.
The reported arrival of a sizeable group of foreign nationals through an unofficial route should concern every security agency responsible for Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
It is not enough to arrest five individuals after they have already travelled deep into the country. The critical question is how they crossed the border undetected in the first place.
The Nigeria Immigration Service, Defence Intelligence Agency, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force should jointly establish the complete movement trail of the suspects. This should include their points of departure, border crossing locations, sponsors or facilitators in Cameroon and Nigeria, accommodation arrangements, financial transactions and contacts within Nigeria.
Authorities should also determine whether the phones recovered from the suspects were intended for legitimate commercial purposes or whether they formed part of a wider, coordinated activity. The Federal Government should therefore investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged entry and, if confirmed, identify and prosecute those responsible for facilitating the movement.
The authorities must also locate the remaining members of the group and establish whether similar undocumented foreign networks are operating elsewhere in the country.
Algeria Recovers German Hostage Kidnapped in Niger
Algeria Recovers German Hostage Kidnapped in Niger
By Zagazola Makama
Algerian security authorities have reportedly recovered a German national of Turkish origin who was abducted by an armed criminal group in Niger and held hostage for about two weeks.
The man, identified as Sinan Ulumaskan, was reportedly taken into the custody of Algerian Army security services on the evening of Friday, Aug. 7, according to a report on the incident.
Ulumaskan was allegedly kidnapped on July 29, 2026, in the Tahoua region of northern Niger while travelling to the area to purchase gold.
According to the report, the kidnappers used the victim’s telephone to contact his family and demand a €2 million ransom.
The kidnappers also reportedly considered selling the hostage to the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) if negotiations with his family failed.
The report said subsequent negotiations were facilitated by Mohamed Mehri, also known as Rougi, a figure described as having experience in hostage mediation in the Sahel.
Through the intervention, Ulumaskan was eventually handed over to Algerian authorities, according to the report.
The development highlights growing concerns over the expansion of kidnapping-for-ransom activities by armed criminal groups in Niger.
For years, the abduction of foreigners in the Sahel was largely associated with jihadist organisations. However, the latest case points to an increasingly complex security environment in which bandit groups, criminal networks and terrorist organisations may operate within overlapping areas of influence.
The report alleged that criminal groups could abduct individuals primarily for ransom and, where negotiations fail, seek to transfer their victims to terrorist organisations.
The report also identified gold-producing and trading areas as particularly vulnerable to kidnapping because they attract traders, intermediaries, transporters and individuals carrying cash and other valuables.
It said the growing presence of armed criminal groups in such areas poses a threat not only to foreign nationals but also to Nigerien citizens involved in gold trading and other commercial activities.
The case of Ulumaskan, it added, should serve as a warning to expatriates, business operators, traders and travellers in Niger that the kidnapping threat does not come exclusively from established terrorist organisations.
Zagazola Makama could not independently verify all the claims contained in the report, including the ransom negotiations, the alleged plan to sell the hostage to ISGS and the role of the named mediator.
A publicly available search also did not produce an authoritative statement from the Algerian or Nigerien authorities confirming the account at the time of publication. One independent business-register source does confirm a person named Sinan Ulumaskan as a director of a Hamburg company involved in precious-metals trading, although this does not by itself establish that he is the hostage referred to in the report.
42 Niger Republic Soldiers Killed in Fatal Bus Crash Near Madaoua
42 Niger Republic Soldiers Killed in Fatal Bus Crash Near Madaoua
By Zagazola Makama
At least 42 personnel of the Niger Armed Forces (FAN) have reportedly been killed in a fatal road accident involving two buses near Doukou Doukou, about 55 kilometres from Madaoua on the Maradi-Madaoua axis.
The accident occurred on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, according to a security source cited in a report received by Zagazola Makama.
The victims were reportedly SOA military personnel who had completed their training on Thursdayand were travelling when the two buses were involved in the crash.
The report further indicated that 18 other personnel remain in critical condition and are reportedly in comas following the accident.
The circumstances surrounding the crash were not immediately clear.ac
The incident has also raised questions over the transportation arrangements for military personnel, particularly claims that the soldiers were being conveyed in buses operated by a private company despite the army reportedly having its own troop transport vehicles.
However, allegations of corruption surrounding the use of the private transport service could not be independently verified.
The tragedy is expected to trigger renewed scrutiny of military logistics, troop transportation and safety standards, particularly for newly trained personnel.
Zagazola Makama could not independently verify the reported casualty figures or the allegations concerning the choice of transport at the time of filing this report.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Illegal Oil Refiners in Rivers
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Illegal Oil Refiners in Rivers
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested two suspected illegal oil bunkerers while allegedly transporting about 50 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
The suspects were apprehended at about 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 6 around the Agha general area of the state, according to a military source.
The troops reportedly intercepted the suspects while they were conveying the illegally refined petroleum product on a motorcycle.
The two suspects and the recovered product have been taken into military custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by the security forces to curb illegal oil bunkering and other activities contributing to economic losses in the Niger Delta.
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Terrorist Enclave in Taraba
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Terrorist Enclave in Taraba
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in conjunction with a Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) team, have recovered an AK-47 rifle during a raid on a suspected terrorist enclave in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation was conducted at about 8:45 a.m. on Aug. 6 at Dangeza, Karim Lamido LGA, following intelligence on suspected terrorist activities in the area.
According to a military source, the troops raided the suspected enclave but did not make contact with the terrorists during the operation.
The troops, however, recovered one AK-47 rifle, which has been taken into custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt terrorist activities and recover illegal arms in the area.
Troops Arrest Eight Suspected Illegal Miners in Taraba
Troops Arrest Eight Suspected Illegal Miners in Taraba
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have arrested eight suspected illegal miners in Yorro Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The suspects were apprehended at about 9:45 a.m. on Aug. 6 around the Banga Dutse general areaof Yorro LGA.
According to a military source, the troops recovered mining implements from the suspects, including two shovels, three hoes, three bowls and three knives.
The troops also recovered about 2kg of unrefined monoxide ore, alongside other sundry items.
The eight suspects and the recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
Security Forces Rescue Kidnapped Gateway Polytechnic Students in Ogun
Security Forces Rescue Kidnapped Gateway Polytechnic Students in Ogun
By Zagazola Makama
Security forces have rescued students of Gateway Polytechnic, Ibara Remo, who were kidnapped and held in captivity for several days in Ogun State.
The students, who had been in captivity since July 30, 2026, were rescued on Aug. 5 by a combined team of troops of the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division, personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes.
According to a military source, the operation was conducted under Operation MESA following efforts by the security agencies to locate and rescue the abducted students.
The source said the rescue operation involved a firefight with the kidnappers, during which one of the students sustained a gunshot wound.
The injured student was immediately evacuated to a hospital for medical attention.
The rescued students were subsequently taken to safety, while security forces continued efforts to track down the fleeing kidnappers.
BENUE POLICE ARRESTS FIVE PAKISTANIS, RECOVERS 35 MOBILE PHONES
BENUE POLICE ARRESTS FIVE PAKISTANIS, RECOVERS 35 MOBILE PHONES
The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistan nationals and recovered thirty-five (35) mobile phones in separate intelligence-led operations conducted in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas.
A Statement by Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, indicates, that operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, arrested three Pakistanis at Adoka Motor Park, Otukpo Local Government Area.
The suspects, were intercepted while attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village.
During preliminary questioning, the suspects stated that they were in Otukpo for the purpose of marketing cosmetics and mobile gadgets, none of which were found in their possession.
In a separate operation, two other Pakistanis were arrested at a local hotel in Ugbokolo following credible intelligence received by the Police.
The two suspects claimed to be dealers in Android phones.
A search of their belongings led to the recovery of eleven (11) Tecno Camon 50 Pro mobile phones.
Further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in the recovery of additional twenty-three (23) Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one (1) Infinix Hot 60 phone, bringing the total number of recovered mobile phones to thirty-five (35).
The five suspects, who could not speak English fluently, have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi, where discreet and comprehensive investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding their presence in the State.
It is strongly suspected that the possession of those mobile phones is a decoy for their clandestine activities in the rural areas of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Cletus commends the officers involved in the operations and members of the public whose timely information contributed to the arrests and urges residents to remain vigilant.
Troops Rescue Kidnapped 50-Year-Old Farmer, Neutralise Kidnapper in Edo
Troops Rescue Kidnapped 50-Year-Old Farmer, Neutralise Kidnapper in Edo
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security personnel, have rescued a 50-year-old farmer kidnapped from his farm in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The victim, identified as Mr Lucky Egbiki, was kidnapped from his farm at Okehussan, Ubiaja, on Aug. 6.
Following a tip-off on the abduction, troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Udomi, in conjunction with Keystone, planned and executed a covert rescue operation.
According to a military source, the troops exploited negotiations over ransom payment to lure the kidnappers into a rendezvous at Onogholo, in Esan South-East LGA.
The troops subsequently engaged the kidnappers, resulting in the neutralisation of one kidnapper, while others fled the scene with possible gunshot wounds.
During the operation, the troops successfully rescued Egbiki and recovered ₦1.5 million reportedly meant for ransom payment.
The troops expended four rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition during the encounter.
The rescued victim and recovered cash were subsequently handed over to his family.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt kidnapping networks and rescue victims across Edo State.
Nine Killed in Clash Between Vigilante Groups in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
At least nine persons have been killed following a clash between Kogi State vigilantes and a Fulani vigilante group in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident occurred at about 11 a.m. on Aug. 6, when troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, deployed at a patrol base in Aiyetoro Kiri, responded to a reported clash between the two groups.
According to a military source, preliminary investigation indicated that the confrontation was triggered by an argument which subsequently resulted in the death of a son of the leader of the Fulani vigilante group.
The death reportedly sparked a reprisal attack, during which nine residents of Abugi community were killed, while several others sustained injuries.
The injured victims were evacuated to Bida General Hospital for medical treatment.
Security personnel have been deployed to the area to prevent further escalation and restore calm, while investigation into the incident continues.
Troops Intercept Three Suspected Terrorists in Borno, One Killed While Attempting Escape
Troops Intercept Three Suspected Terrorists in Borno, One Killed While Attempting Escape
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) have intercepted three suspected terrorists in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspects were intercepted at about 2:14 p.m. on Aug. 5 by troops of 73 Battalion, in collaboration with the CJTF, around the Kayamla general area of Konduga LGA.
According to a military source, the suspects claimed to be repentant terrorists undergoing rehabilitation at the Bulumkutu Rehabilitation Centre and said they were visiting their farms.
However, one of the suspects was allegedly found in possession of two rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition.
The suspect reportedly attempted to escape during the operation but was neutralised by the troops.
The other two suspects were apprehended and remain in military custody for further investigation.
The troops also recovered one bicycle, bottles of herbicide and other sundry items from the suspects.
Sources said Investigation is ongoing
Law School Student Dies in Suspected Suicide at Lagos Hostel
Law School Student Dies in Suspected Suicide at Lagos Hostel
By Zagazola Makama
A 23-year-old student of the Nigerian Law School has died in a suspected suicide incident at the school’s hostel in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, when the deceased, identified as Alayande Faith Ajoke, was found dead within the hostel premises.
According to sources, the Chief Matron of the Law School, Mrs. Igbokwe Juliana, reported the incident at the Victoria Island Police Division at about 6:30 a.m.
The report stated that at about 4:30 a.m., a student who had just completed her internship, Ojo Abisoye Tinuola, informed the matron about a suspected suicide involving her roommate, Alayande.
The matron subsequently proceeded to the scene, where the deceased was found lying on the ground within the hostel premises.
Preliminary observations indicated that the deceased may have jumped from the rooftop of the four-storey hostel building.
Police sources said preliminary investigation further revealed that the deceased allegedly left behind two notes addressed to her stepfather and roommate.
Following the report, a team of police detectives visited the scene, documented the area and took photographs of the scene and the body.
The remains were subsequently evacuated to the Mainland General Hospital Mortuary, Yaba, for preservation and autopsy.
The police said investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is ongoing.
Troops Repel Terrorists, Recover Motorcycle and Military Gear in Zamfara
Troops Repel Terrorists, Recover Motorcycle and Military Gear in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANAN YANMA of the Nigerian Army, in conjunction with personnel of the Mobile Strike Team, have repelled suspected terrorists along the Jengeru–Moriki road in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The encounter occurred at about 12 p.m. on Aug. 7, following information about terrorist activity around Kwanar Jolof.
According to military sources, the troops swiftly mobilised to the area and made contact with the terrorists.
The troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
The troops subsequently exploited the general area and recovered one motorcycle, a pair of camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest, a jungle hat, a mosquito net and a sleeping mat.
The troops dominated the area following the encounter, restoring normalcy and allowing civilian vehicular movement to resume along the road.
Troops, Police Recover Suspected IED, Reopen Road in Zamfara
Troops, Police Recover Suspected IED, Reopen Road in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA and the Nigerian Police Force have safely recovered a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) planted along a road in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The operation was conducted at about 1:55 p.m. on Aug. 7 by troops of CSI Battalion VI/CT 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, deployed at Forward Operating Base Kaura Namoda, in conjunction with a Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and troops of the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force.
The team mobilised to Jabanda village, following a report of a suspected IED planted along the road.
According to military sources, the team located and successfully cleared the suspected explosive device.
Following the successful operation, the road was declared safe and reopened to motorists, restoring normal vehicular movement along the route.
The security forces subsequently continued their operations to ensure the safety of commuters and residents in the area.
Four Houses Set Ablaze in Jos Community Amid Dispute
Four Houses Set Ablaze in Jos Community Amid Dispute
By Zagazola Makama
Four houses have been set ablaze by unidentified criminals at Ginzi Maza village in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 7, when troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace responded to a report of an arson attack in the community.
According to a military source, the troops, in conjunction with personnel of the Keystone, arrived at the scene and discovered four houses already set ablaze by the perpetrators, who had fled before the arrival of the security forces.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the owners of the affected houses were involved in a dispute with some Fulani men, with the matter reportedly already before the Keystone Nasarawa Gwom Division.
The security forces subsequently engaged community members and advised them to remain calm, maintain peace and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the arson.
Troops Arrest Four Armed Militia, Recover Two Pistols in Jos
Troops Arrest Four Armed Militia, Recover Two Pistols in Jos
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested four suspected armed militia and recovered two locally fabricated pistols during an operation in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation followed a report at about 11:55 a.m. on Aug. 7 that criminals had snatched a mobile phone from the son of a woman identified as Ms. Angela Dominic at gunpoint in Anguwan Rukuba.
According to a military source, the troops swiftly responded to the incident and arrested two suspects at the scene.
The suspects subsequently assisted the troops in identifying and apprehending two other alleged members of the gang, bringing the total number of arrests to four.
The troops conducted searches at the residences of the suspects, during which two locally fabricated pistols were recovered.
The suspects and the recovered weapons are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as security agencies intensify efforts to establish their involvement in other criminal activities in the area.
PLATEAU AT A CROSSROADS: HEALING OLD WOUNDS, RECONCILING DIFFERENCES AND EMBRACING A NEW FUTURE
PLATEAU AT A CROSSROADS: HEALING OLD WOUNDS, RECONCILING DIFFERENCES AND EMBRACING A NEW FUTURE
By: Dr. Salim Musa Umar
The recent message of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, during his visit to Jos deserves more than a passing political commentary. His call on the people of Plateau State, particularly the younger generation, to reject “inherited historical grievances” and embrace tolerance and peaceful coexistence strikes at the heart of one of the most difficult challenges confronting the State.
For more than two decades, Plateau has been caught in a painful cycle of violence, mistrust, displacement, reprisals and deeply entrenched suspicion among communities. Generations have grown up hearing narratives of victimhood, injustice and betrayal. In some cases, young people have inherited grievances from conflicts they did not witness and hatred against people they have never personally known.
This is precisely why the Vice President's message is important.
A society cannot build a peaceful future while continually importing the conflicts of its past into the lives of its children.
There is no denying that Plateau has experienced terrible tragedies.
Communities have suffered. Lives have been lost. Homes and livelihoods have been destroyed. Families have endured wounds that cannot simply be wished away. The memories of those who were killed or displaced must never be trivialised.
But remembering the past must not mean becoming prisoners of it.
There comes a time when a people must summon the courage to say: enough is enough.
Plateau needs a genuine process of healing, not a superficial appeal for everybody to “forget the past”, but a deliberate process through which grievances are acknowledged, victims are heard, wrongs are confronted, forgiveness is encouraged and communities are given the opportunity to rebuild trust.
The State cannot continue indefinitely on the basis of suspicion between ethnic and religious communities.
The greatest danger today is that historical grievances are increasingly becoming an inheritance passed from one generation to another. A young Plateau citizen born long after some of the major conflicts may nevertheless be taught to see another ethnic group as an enemy.
This is how conflicts acquire a life of their own.
We must break that chain.
The youths of Plateau must be liberated from the burden of inherited hatred.
They deserve a Plateau where identity is a source of cultural pride, not a weapon of political mobilisation; where being Berom, Afizere, Anaguta, Mwaghavul, Goemai, Tarok, Ngas, Mupun, Irigwe, Fulani, Hausa, Igbo or any other identity does not automatically place a person on the opposite side of an imaginary battlefield.
Plateau's greatest strength has always been its diversity.
The State should not seek peace by eliminating its differences. Rather, it must learn to transform its diversity into an asset.
Unity does not require sameness. Peace does not require the abandonment of identity. Coexistence simply requires that every community recognises the humanity, dignity and legitimate rights of the other.
This is where the elders of Plateau must rise to the occasion.
A CALL TO THE ELDERS OF PLATEAU
There is an urgent need for a broad-based reconciliation initiative involving respected elders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, academics, women, youths and other stakeholders from across the ethnic and geographical divides of the State.
This cannot be another political committee established to issue statements and disappear.
Plateau needs a genuine Peace and Reconciliation Crusade, one that travels from community to community, listening to people, documenting grievances, encouraging dialogue and rebuilding relationships.
The traditional institution has a particularly important role to play. The Vice President himself recognised the importance of traditional rulers as custodians of society and advocates of peace.
The Gbong Gwom Jos, in his own remarks during the Vice President's visit, also called for “true reconciliation” and emphasised the need for Nigerians to respect one another and live in peace.
That appeal should now become a roadmap.
The elders must lead, not as representatives of competing ethnic interests, but as fathers of the entire Plateau.
They must sit together.
They must listen to one another.
They must acknowledge the pains of different communities.
They must condemn violence regardless of who commits it.
They must reject the dangerous practice of defending wrongdoing simply because the perpetrator belongs to one's ethnic or religious group.
And, perhaps most importantly, they must tell the younger generation that revenge is not a legacy worth inheriting.
FROM REMEMBRANCE TO RECONCILIATION
There is an important distinction between forgetting history and refusing to be imprisoned by history.
Plateau must remember its history, but it must also learn from it.
The objective should not be to erase painful memories. Rather, it should be to transform those memories into lessons that prevent repetition.
A credible reconciliation process could provide a platform for communities to tell their stories, acknowledge losses, identify legitimate grievances and explore pathways towards restitution and forgiveness.
Justice remains important. Accountability remains important. Security remains essential.
But justice and reconciliation should not be treated as mutually exclusive.
A society emerging from prolonged conflict needs both justice and healing.
The government must therefore complement reconciliation efforts with effective security, impartial law enforcement, protection of lives and property, equitable development and mechanisms for resolving disputes before they escalate into violence.
The people must also be encouraged to abandon the politics of collective blame.
An individual should not be condemned because of his ethnic identity. A community should not be collectively punished for the actions of criminals. And the sins of one generation should not automatically become the indictment of another.
A NEW SOCIAL CONTRACT FOR PLATEAU
Perhaps what Plateau needs most is a new social contract among its diverse peoples.
A simple understanding that, regardless of where our ancestors came from or how our communities interacted in the past, we now share one geographical and political home.
Our children attend the same schools. Our traders meet in the same markets. Our farmers depend on the same land. Our people use the same roads, hospitals and public institutions. Our economic future is interconnected.
Why therefore, should our differences become permanently destructive?
The Plateau of tomorrow cannot be built on the fears of yesterday.
We need a Plateau where a child can grow up without being taught to hate another child because of his name, ethnicity or religion.
We need political leaders who will refuse to exploit ethnic wounds for electoral advantage.
We need religious leaders who will preach reconciliation with the same passion with which they preach faith.
We need traditional rulers who will see themselves as fathers to all.
And we need elders who will have the courage to tell their own communities uncomfortable truths when necessary.
THE YOUNG MUST BE PART OF THE SOLUTION
The Vice President's appeal to the youths is particularly significant.
Young people are often the first victims of conflict and, unfortunately, can also become its instruments.
The next generation must therefore be placed at the centre of the peace process.
Instead of inheriting stories of hatred, they should inherit opportunities, education, employment, entrepreneurship, technology, sports, cultural exchange and platforms for inter-community engagement.
The youth of Plateau should become the generation that ends the cycle.
They should be encouraged to travel beyond their ethnic enclaves, build friendships across community lines and discover that the person they have been taught to fear may actually be their neighbour, business partner, colleague, classmate or friend.
THE MOMENT IS NOW
The Vice President's intervention should not be allowed to become another speech that disappears into the archives.
It should provoke a serious conversation among Plateau's political, traditional, religious and community leadership.
The State is at a crossroads.
One path leads back to the familiar terrain of suspicion, retaliation and inherited grievances.
The other leads towards reconciliation, coexistence, shared prosperity and a new generation determined to write a different chapter.
Plateau has suffered enough.
Its people have buried too many loved ones, lost too many homes and spent too many years living under the shadow of fear.
Now is the time to choose healing.
Now is the time to choose reconciliation.
Now is the time for the elders to come together across ethnic, religious and political divides and launch a historic Plateau Reconciliation Initiative.
Let the elders lead the way.
Let the religious leaders bless the process.
Let the traditional rulers provide the moral authority.
Let the government provide the institutional support.
Let the youths carry the message into the future.
And let every ethnic community make the same commitment:
Never again should the grievances of yesterday become the hatred of tomorrow.
Plateau's diversity is not its weakness.
It is its inheritance, its identity and potentially its greatest strength.
The time has come to turn that diversity into a foundation for peace.
The time has come to heal.
The time has come to reconcile.
The time has come to build a new Plateau.
Dr. Salim Umar, FCIDA, Plateau State Secretary, Jama'atu Nasril Islam, JNI and Chairman Farmers and Herders Initiative for Peace and Development fhipd.
Fulani Herders Allegedly Destroy Farmlands in Plateau Community
Fulani Herders Allegedly Destroy Farmlands in Plateau Community
By Zagazola Makama
Fulani herders have allegedly destroyed farm crops in Angwan Wereng village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in apparent reprisal for an attack on their cattle.
The incident occurred at about 2 p.m. on Aug. 7, following a report that prompted troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, to respond to the community.
According to a military source, the troops, upon arrival, discovered that a group of Fulani herders had mobilised to the village and allegedly destroyed farm crops with machetes.
The source said the action was reportedly carried out in retaliation for an earlier attack on the herders’ cattle.
The troops secured the area and commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the destruction.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Army Holds Stakeholders’ Meeting to Strengthen Peace and Prevent communal attacks in Riyom
Army Holds Stakeholders’ Meeting to Strengthen Peace and Prevent communal attacks in Riyom
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has convened a stakeholders’ security meeting in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State to address recurring communal attacks and conflicts and promote lasting peace in the area.
The meeting was held at about 1 p.m. on Aug. 7 at the Headquarters of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, Makera, Riyom LGA.
The meeting was attended by the GOC 3 Division and Commander, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Maj.-Gen. W.M. Dangana, Chief of Staff, Joint Task Force OPSH, Commander Sector 6, the Chairman of Riyom LGA, the Liaison Officer to the Plateau State Governor and several traditional and community leaders.
Others included the Atta Aten of Ganawuri, Gwom-Rwei of Riyom, Dagwon Rwei of Bachi, BYM President, Gwom Tahoss, Plateau State Youth Council, Gwom Sopp, among other stakeholders from the local government.
The stakeholders deliberated on measures to address isolated attacks, prevent escalation of communal conflicts and strengthen peaceful coexistence among communities in the area.
The engagement formed part of efforts by the security authorities and community stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions to security challenges and consolidate peace within the operational area.
Troops Recover Nine Rustled Cattle in Plateau
Troops Recover Nine Rustled Cattle in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace, in collaboration with Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), have recovered nine cattle reportedly rustled from Jwak Deshwar village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The recovery followed a cattle-rustling incident in the community, after which troops of Sector 8, OPSH, launched a search operation in the general area at about 9 a.m. on Aug. 7.
According to a military source, the troops recovered nine cows abandoned by the suspected rustlers in a bush.
The source said the cattle were abandoned by the rustlers following sustained pressure from the troops during the search operation.
The recovered cattle were handed over to the youth leader of Jwak, identified as Yobo, for safe keeping pending the discharge of the owner from hospital.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the suspected rustlers.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier in Adamawa
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorist logistics supplier during a joint operation with local hunters in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The suspect, identified as Mallam Badamasi Maikudi, 40, was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 6 in Garaha town, following suspicious movements within the community.
According to military sources, troops of 232 Battalion (Tactical), working with a hunters’ group, apprehended the suspect after observing his activities in the area.
Preliminary information indicated that Maikudi was allegedly a regular supplier of energy soft drinks and foodstuffs to a suspected terrorist location.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing investigation to establish the extent of his links with the terrorist network.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Logistics Vendor in Adamawa
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Logistics Vendor in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected associates of terrorists, including an alleged logistics vendor, during an intelligence-led operation in Mubi, Adamawa State.
The operation was conducted at about 9:50 p.m. on Aug. 6 by troops of 247 Reconnaissance Battalion, in conjunction with a local hunters’ group, following intelligence that a suspected terrorist associate was operating in Mubi under the guise of a businessman and Bureau de Change operator.
The main suspect, identified as Alhaji Adamu Abba, 39, was arrested alongside his associate, Abdulhamid Shamsudeen, 31, at Wurobululde in Mubi South Local Government Area.
Abba, a Kanuri from Banki, is reportedly resident in Tasha-Gella, Mubi South. During preliminary interrogation, he allegedly disclosed that he had worked with terrorists for about 10 years at a terrorist camp in Ndawori, Borno State, before leaving the camp for Cameroon and later relocating to Mubi.
Items recovered from Abba included one Infinix Android phone, one Tecno button phone, one Itel power bank, one Salti motorcycle and ₦65,000 cash.
Items recovered from Shamsudeen included one Tecno Spark 8P phone, one Itel power bank, ₦162,700 cash and 262,500 CFA francs.
The suspects remain in military custody and are undergoing further investigation.
Troops Ambush Terrorists Collecting Taxes From Herders in Adamawa
Troops Ambush Terrorists Collecting Taxes From Herders in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in conjunction with local hunters, have ambushed suspected terrorists reportedly collecting taxes from herders in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Sources that the terrorists were operating along the Gaba–Dzangola highway in Guyaku District, prompting troops of 226 Battalion to establish an ambush at a strategic location.
Military sources said the operation was conducted at about 11:15 p.m. on Aug. 6.
According to the source, the troops made contact with the terrorists at about 4:42 a.m. on Aug. 7, forcing them to retreat in confusion following the encounter.
Although the number of terrorist casualties could not be immediately confirmed, the troops recovered several weapons and ammunition from the fleeing group.
Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one locally fabricated pistol and three rounds of 9mm ammunition.
There were no reported casualties among the troops.The troops subsequently returned to base after the operation.
DSS Arrests 3 More Fleeing Suspects Linked to Kidnap of Nasarawa Varsity Professor
Breaking..
DSS Arrests 3 More Fleeing Suspects Linked to Kidnap of Nasarawa Varsity Professor
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), on Friday night arrested three more persons suspected to be members of the kidnapping ring that abducted the dean of agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Professor Samuel Avengbe Okunsebor.
The university don was rescued by DSS operatives two days after some gunmen kidnapped him in the wee hours of Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Mile Uku, a border community between Lafia and Nasarawa-Eggon LGAs. Two suspects, including a lady, were arrested by the DSS at the time.
A security source disclosed that DSS operatives arrested the three other members of the kidnapping gang on Friday night at a local brothel on the Mararraban Akunza, Lafia – Makurdi highway
According to the source, "the suspects were identified as 25-year-old Yakubu Abubakar (aka Black/Starboy), of the Doemak tribe in Plateau State; 37-year-old Usman Abubakar Mairiga, and 27-year-old Sale Babauro Abubakar. Mairiga and Abubakar are Hausa and Fulani respectively, the source added.
The source also disclosed that the
suspects are in the custody of the State Command for further, investigations. The move, he added, followed a valid detention warrant from a magistrate's court.
Troops Destroy Terrorist Hideout, Arrest Five Suspects in Benue
Troops Destroy Terrorist Hideout, Arrest Five Suspects in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have destroyed a suspected terrorist enclave and arrested five suspects during a fighting patrol in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 11:00 a.m. on Aug. 1, targeting suspected terrorist hideouts in Atombagen, Chito, Tse Kighr, Tse Anaka, and Sabongida Leke.
Although the troops made no contact with the fleeing suspects during the operation, they arrested five individuals at Sabongida Leke over suspected links to criminal activities in the area.
The troops also destroyed the terrorist enclave and several life-support structures believed to have been used by the criminal elements as operational bases.
Military sources said the operation was part of ongoing clearance missions aimed at denying armed groups freedom of movement and dismantling their logistics and support infrastructure across the Benue axis.
The arrested suspects are expected to undergo further investigation.
Gov Abiodun Commends Army, Police, DSS, Others for Intelligence-led Rescue of 5 Kidnapped Poly Students, 2 Others
Gov Abiodun Commends Army, Police, DSS, Others for Intelligence-led Rescue of 5 Kidnapped Poly Students, 2 Others
* 5 Suspects Arrested
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has lauded the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, as well as Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for rescuing five kidnapped students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, in Remo North Local Government Area of the state.
The students, who were abducted by suspected kidnappers earlier this week, were rescued in the early hours of Friday, in an intelligence-led operation around Alamala community, off Ayetoro Road Roundabout, of the state capital. Also rescued were two non-students.
The governor described the rescue as a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, even as he reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that kidnappers and other criminal elements have no hiding place in the state.
He described the operation, which included members of the State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), local vigilantes and hunters, as a demonstration of the success that can be achieved when security agencies work together.
“One of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and was immediately evacuated for medical attention. The student has since been stabilised.
“This operation is still ongoing, and I wish to assure the good people of Ogun State that our security agencies remain on the trail of every individual connected with this criminal enterprise,” said the governor.
“Our resolve is very clear. Ogun State will remain hostile to criminality and safe for every law-abiding citizen, resident and investor,” the Governor declared, stressing that
According to him, recent joint security initiatives, particularly Operation Kò S’Áyé, have demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration and sustained operational pressure against criminal elements.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to combating banditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the country, noting that the recent rescue of 308 abducted victims by Nigerian security forces underscores the growing effectiveness of coordinated security operations nationwide. (Reuters)
“At this juncture, I must acknowledge the purposeful leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has placed the restoration of peace and security at the centre of Nigeria’s development agenda through sustained investment in the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
“The strengthening of intelligence coordination, the acquisition of modern security assets and his deliberate reforms have continued to deepen inter-agency collaboration,” he said.
The governor further noted that the Federal Government has continued to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, adding that the recent approval of a substantial salary increase for officers and men of the Armed Forces would further boost personnel welfare and morale.
"One of the kidnapped victims sustained a gunshot injuries during the operation and was immediately evacuated for medical attention and has since been stabilised.” disclosed a security source.
Troops Impound 19 Cattle Over Farm Destruction in Plateau’s Mangu
Troops Impound 19 Cattle Over Farm Destruction in Plateau’s Mangu
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have impounded 19 cattle found grazing on cultivated farmlands following a reported case of farm destruction in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:25 a.m. on July 31 at Akasu Village.
The sources said troops of Sector 8 OPEP responded to a distress call over the destruction of farmlands and, upon arrival, discovered 19 cattle grazing on two separate farms without any herder present.
The livestock were immediately intercepted and moved to a secure location to prevent further damage to the affected farms and forestall possible confrontation between farmers and herders.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to identify the owner of the cattle so that the matter can be resolved through established conflict-resolution mechanisms.
As part of the process, leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the area have been contacted to assist in identifying the livestock owner and facilitate an amicable settlement between the affected parties.
The operation forms part of the ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to curb illegal grazing, protect farmlands during the farming season and prevent disputes from escalating into violent communal clashes across Plateau State.
Troops Destroy ISWAP Hideout, Recover Three AK-47 Rifles in Mallam Fatori Clearance Operation
Troops Destroy ISWAP Hideout, Recover Three AK-47 Rifles in Mallam Fatori Clearance Operation
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 68 Battalion under Sector 3 of Operation HADIN KAI have destroyed a Boko Haram/ISWAP hideout and recovered three AK-47 rifles during a clearance operation in the Mallam Fatori axis of Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:00 a.m. on Aug. 7 as part of follow-up actions after the failed terrorist attack on the battalion’s defensive location on July 29.
The sources said the troops tracked the withdrawal route used by the terrorists after the earlier attack, leading them to a concealed hideout at Kaniram East.
On reaching the location, the troops closed in on the camp using stealth before launching a coordinated assault with overwhelming firepower.
During the engagement, one terrorist was neutralised, while two others escaped with gunshot wounds into the surrounding bush.
A subsequent exploitation of the camp led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 39 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one Tecno mobile phone, one Niger SIM card, one MP3 player and a 100 CFA recharge card.
After clearing the area, the troops destroyed the terrorists’ camp and set it ablaze to deny the insurgents further use of the location before returning safely to base.
Military sources said the recovered communication devices and other materials are expected to provide valuable intelligence for ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating around the Lake Chad region.
The operation is part of sustained offensive efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to track fleeing insurgents, destroy their enclaves and prevent them from regrouping following recent military pressure across the North-East.
ISWAP Seizes Key JAS Enclave After Bloody Battle Sparked by ₦40 Million Cash Raid in Borno
ISWAP Seizes Key JAS Enclave After Bloody Battle Sparked by ₦40 Million Cash Raid in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Fresh reports has revealed that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has overrun a major Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) stronghold at Gazwa in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, following a fierce battle triggered by the theft of about ₦40 million from ISWAP logisticians.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the development emerged during the debriefing of recently surrendered JAS members, who provided details of the internal conflict between the two rival terrorist factions.
According to the sources, the dispute began when a JAS commander (Munzir) ambushed a group of ISWAP logisticians transporting cash and supplies in the Gazwa–Kwaltafarji axis.
During the ambush, one ISWAP logistic operative was reportedly killed, while the JAS fighters seized an AK-pattern rifle and made away with approximately ₦40 million. The surviving ISWAP members escaped and later reported the incident to their commanders.
The sources said the stolen money was subsequently handed over to a senior JAS commander in Gazwa identified as Baafu, who reportedly delivered the funds to another senior insurgent leader, Ali Ngulde, believed to be operating from the Mandara Mountains.
According to intelligence gathered from the defectors, the money was later distributed among JAS commanders and fighters in line with the group’s established revenue-sharing formula.
Military intelligence indicated that ISWAP viewed the attack not merely as theft but as a direct challenge to its authority and logistical network.
About 10 days after the ambush, ISWAP reportedly mobilised a large fighting force from Yuwe, Sambisa Forest and Zangeri, launching a coordinated dawn assault on JAS positions inside the Gazwa enclave.
The battle, which lasted several hours, was initially resisted by JAS fighters. However, additional ISWAP reinforcements arriving from Sambisa Forest eventually overwhelmed the defenders, forcing JAS fighters to abandon what had long served as one of their principal enclaves in the Bama axis.
Sources said ISWAP has since established control over the Gazwa camp, although intelligence suggests the group remains cautious and could withdraw if faced with a large-scale retaliatory offensive from the displaced JAS faction.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that commanders have been advised to exploit the ongoing rivalry through sustained offensive operations, particularly around the Gazwa–Kwaltafarji corridor and adjoining areas.
The sources noted that additional intelligence collection is ongoing to monitor the movements of both factions and prevent either group from regrouping or re-establishing operational bases.
The latest clash adds to a growing series of violent confrontations between ISWAP and JAS as both factions continue to compete for territory, resources and influence across the North-East.
Only days earlier, intelligence monitored by Zagazola Makama revealed that ISWAP fighters ambushed another JAS faction around Bula Murge in the Gargash area of Bama Local Government Area, killing several senior JAS commanders, including Abu Ubaida, Modu Kori, Alhaji Modu, Mure, Zarkawi, Sheriff and Modu Maye.
The attack also resulted in the burning of JAS camps at Bula Murge and Nguro Bafuye, forcing surviving fighters to begin relocating their families toward Bula Daloye.
It was believed that the renewed internal conflict reflects mounting pressure on both terrorist organisations as sustained military offensives and precision airstrikes continue to degrade their operational capabilities, logistics and freedom of movement.
The infighting also presents a strategic opportunity for the military to intensify coordinated land and air operations, with the aim of further weakening both factions before either can recover or consolidate new positions in the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountain.
Troops Neutralise Terrorist, Recover Weapon and Motorcycle in Benue Offensive
Troops Neutralise Terrorist, Recover Weapon and Motorcycle in Benue Offensive
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered a locally fabricated pistol and a motorcycle during a clearance operation in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:00 a.m. on Aug. 5 by troops of Sector 1 deployed at Zaki-Biam, following sustained efforts to rid the area of armed criminal elements.
The sources said the troops conducted an offensive operation in the Gbede general area, where they made contact with suspected terrorists.
During the ensuing firefight, one of the terrorists was neutralised, while others escaped into the surrounding bush.
The troops immediately pursued the fleeing suspects and, during exploitation of the area, recovered one locally fabricated pistol, one motorcycle and other sundry items believed to have been used by the criminals.
Military sources said the recovered items are in the custody of the troops, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and sustain pressure on criminal elements operating within the Ukum axis.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation WHIRL STROKE to dismantle terrorist and armed criminal networks threatening communities across Benue State.
Troops Ambush Boko Haram Tax Collectors in Borno, Recover AK-47, Pistol
Troops Ambush Boko Haram Tax Collectors in Borno, Recover AK-47, Pistol
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 226 Battalion under Sector 4, Operation HADIN KAI, have disrupted a Boko Haram tax collection mission, forcing the terrorists to flee and recovering weapons and ammunition during a successful ambush operation in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that pockets of Boko Haram terrorists were moving within the battalion’s area of responsibility to collect illegal levies from herders.
Acting on the intelligence, troops of the 226 Battalion, in collaboration with local hunters, laid an ambush along the Gaba–Dzangola high ground in Guyaku District at about 11:15 p.m. on Aug. 6.
The sources said contact was established with the terrorists at about 4:42 a.m. on Aug. 7, triggering a firefight that forced the insurgents to abandon their mission and retreat into the surrounding terrain in disarray.
A subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated pistol and three rounds of 9mm ammunition.
No casualties were recorded among the troops during the operation.
Military sources said the ambush is part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to deny terrorists freedom of movement and disrupt their illegal taxation network, which has long served as a source of funding and sustenance for insurgent activities in parts of Borno State.
The troops successfully concluded the operation and returned safely to base after clearing the area.
Criminal Herders Destroy Farmlands in Two Plateau Communities, Troops Launch Manhunt
Criminal Herders Destroy Farmlands in Two Plateau Communities, Troops Launch Manhunt
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5 under Operation Enduring Peace have launched a manhunt for suspected criminal herders following the destruction of several farmlands in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 3:00 p.m. on Aug. 6 to a distress report of farmland destruction in Kwatas Village.
On arrival at the scene, the troops discovered that a large number of farms in Kwatas and the neighbouring Wumat villages had been extensively damaged overnight by suspected criminal herders.
The extent of the destruction is yet to be fully assessed, but security sources described the damage as significant, with several cultivated farmlands affected.
The troops immediately commenced efforts to track the perpetrators, while investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for the destruction.
Security sources said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to curb recurring farmer-herder conflicts and protect farming communities across Plateau State.
The sources added that troops remain deployed in the affected communities to prevent further attacks and reassure residents as the search for the fleeing suspects continues.
Troops Rescue Injured Farmer After Attack by Suspected Herders in Plateau
Troops Rescue Injured Farmer After Attack by Suspected Herders in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5 under Operation Enduring Peace have rescued a man who sustained head injuries after he was allegedly attacked by suspected Fulani herders in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:20 p.m. on Aug. 6 along the Hottom–Sha road in Daffo District, following a distress call reporting an attack on a resident identified as Mr. Malan Malo.
The sources said troops responded swiftly to the location and found the victim with injuries to his head, while the attackers fled on sighting the advancing security personnel.
The injured victim was immediately evacuated by the troops to a cottage hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment.
Security sources said efforts are underway to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, adding that troops have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.
Troops Intercept 52 Cattle After Farmland Destruction in Plateau Community
Troops Intercept 52 Cattle After Farmland Destruction in Plateau Community
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5 under Operation Enduring Peace have intercepted 52 cattle following reports of farmland destruction in Mai Jakarta Village, Mbar District of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 7 after receiving a distress report that farmlands in the community had been damaged.
The sources said the troops, working in conjunction with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), combed the area and intercepted 52 cattle grazing unattended, with no herders found in their vicinity.
The livestock were immediately moved to a secure location pending the identification of their owners and further necessary action by the relevant authorities.
Security sources said investigations are ongoing to determine whether the intercepted cattle were responsible for the destruction of the affected farmlands, while efforts are being intensified to identify and apprehend those connected with the incident.
The operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to address recurring farmer-herder disputes and protect farming communities across Plateau State.
Troops Rescue two Young Herder From Mob Attack in Plateau
Troops Rescue two Young Herder From Mob Attack in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6 under Operation Enduring Peace have rescued two herders from an attempted mob attack by youths in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 1:00 p.m. on Aug. 6 following reports of an attempt by suspected Berom youths to attack a herder at Rim Village.
The sources said the troops, with the support of some local residents, intervened promptly and prevented the youths from carrying out the attack.
Following the intervention, the troops evacuated the herder to a safe location to prevent further violence and ensure his safety.
Security sources said the timely response averted what could have escalated into a deadly incident and reaffirmed Operation Enduring Peace commitment to protecting lives and maintaining peace in conflict-prone communities across Plateau State.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attempted attack are ongoing.
Troops Intercept About 1,000 Stray Cattle After Alleged Destruction of Proposed Grazing Area in Plateau
Troops Intercept About 1,000 Stray Cattle After Alleged Destruction of Proposed Grazing Area in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8 under Operation Enduring Peace have intercepted an estimated 1,000 cattle after responding to reports of the destruction of a proposed grazing area and surrounding settlements in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops were mobilised at about 9:00 a.m. on Aug. 6 following complaints that suspected Fulani herders had damaged a proposed grazing location around the Alohom general area.
On arrival, the troops discovered an estimated 1,000 cattle roaming the area without any herders in attendance.
The sources said security personnel also found items at the location indicating that the herders had spent the night in the area before abandoning the livestock and fleeing.
The cattle were subsequently moved to a secure location pending further administrative and legal action.
Security sources added that the leadership of the Fulani community in the area has been summoned for a meeting as part of efforts to identify the owners of the livestock, address the incident and prevent further tensions.
The interception is part of ongoing measures by Operation Enduring Peace to curb farmer-herder conflicts and maintain peace in Plateau State, while investigations into the reported destruction and ownership of the cattle continue.
Troops Foil Attempted Kidnap in Jos, Rescue Victim, Arrest Four Suspects
Troops Foil Attempted Kidnap in Jos, Rescue Victim, Arrest Four Suspects
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have foiled an attempted kidnap in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, rescued a female victim who escaped from her abductors, and arrested four suspects during a follow-up raid.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 8:00 a.m. on Aug. 6 to reports of kidnapping activities around the ECWA Staff Quarters in Jos North.
On arrival, the troops discovered that the victim, identified as Miss Gift Nicholas, had managed to escape from her abductors before the security team reached the scene.
Acting on intelligence generated from the incident, the troops launched a follow-up raid at about 9:00 a.m. on a Fulani settlement located behind the ECWA Staff Quarters.
During the operation, the troops recovered one locally made Dane gun and arrested four suspects identified as Habibu Aliyu, 19; Muhammadu Abdullahi, 13; Hamisu Aliyu, 17; and Abbas Adam, 27.
The suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing investigation to determine their roles in the attempted abduction and any possible links to other criminal activities in the area.
Security sources said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across Plateau State, adding that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.
Gunmen Kill One, Abduct Four in Attack on Bassa Community as Troops Launch Rescue Operation
Gunmen Kill One, Abduct Four in Attack on Bassa Community as Troops Launch Rescue Operation
By Zagazola Makama
Armed men have attacked Buyo Village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing one unidentified person and abducting four residents in a fresh wave of violence.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 1 under Operation SAFE HAVEN responded to a distress call at about 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 6 following reports of an attack on the community.
On arrival, the troops discovered that the assailants had already fled after abducting four residents identified as Mr. Paul Ijah, Benjamin Idaho, Mrs. Blessing Danladi, and Asabe Danladi.
The troops also found the body of an unidentified victim who had sustained gunshot wounds at the scene.
During a search of the area, security personnel recovered three empty cases of 7.62mm ammunition along with other items believed to be connected to the attack.
The body of the deceased was evacuated by personnel of the Keystone Division of the Nigeria Police Force in Bassa to a mortuary for further procedures.
Security sources said troops have launched a search-and-rescue operation to track the fleeing gunmen and secure the release of the abducted victims, while efforts are ongoing to identify those responsible for the attack.
Berom Militia Killed three Fulani Harders, shots 25 Cattle in Fresh Attack in Plateau’s Riyom
Berom Militia Killed three Fulani Harders, shots 25 Cattle in Fresh Attack in Plateau’s Riyom
By Zagazola Makama
Three herders have been brutally killed and two others injured in a deadly attack by suspected Berom militia in Wereng Community of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 6 under Operation Enduring Peace responded at about 2:00 p.m. on Aug. 6 following reports of gunshots around Wereng Community.
On arrival, the troops combed the area and discovered the bodies of three herders, while two other victims were found with gunshot wounds and rescued.
The sources said the troops also found that 14 cattle had been killed during the attack, while another 11 cattle sustained gunshot injuries.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the affected herders were from Gwarim Community in Riyom Local Government Area and were allegedly attacked by suspected Berom militia operating from Angwan Wereng Community.
The bodies of the deceased were recovered by the troops, while the injured herders were evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical treatment.
Security sources said troops have intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
They added that security personnel have continued to dominate the area to prevent any reprisal attack and maintain law and order as investigations into the incident continue.
Troops Arrest Four Herders Over Alleged Destruction of Farmland in Plateau
Troops Arrest Four Herders Over Alleged Destruction of Farmland in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested four herders in connection with the alleged malicious destruction of a farmland in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 3:20 p.m. on Aug. 5 at Ricochongo Village, following a distress report that a farm belonging to one Mr. Azumi Ade had been deliberately vandalised.
According to the sources, troops responded swiftly to the scene and discovered that crops on the farm had been cut down with machetes.
The sources said the suspected principal offender, identified as Idris Hashimu, fled on sighting the troops and remains at large.
However, troops arrested four other herders identified as Isa Adamu, Abdullahi Adamu, Mohammadu Lawal, and Abubakar Nura, who were found in the area. Two cows believed to be connected with the incident were also taken into custody.
The suspects and the recovered livestock are in custody for further investigation and necessary legal action, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Troops Confiscate 38 Motorcycles During Enforcement Operation in Plateau
Troops Confiscate 38 Motorcycles During Enforcement Operation in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, under Operation Enduring Peace have confiscated 38 motorcycles during an enforcement operation against the ban on motorcycle movement in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 6:00 a.m. on Aug. 5 in Gashish Village as part of ongoing efforts to enforce security measures aimed at curbing criminal activities in the area.
During the raid, troops seized a total of 38 motorcycles found in violation of the existing restriction on motorcycle movement.
The confiscated motorcycles were subsequently moved to the Headquarters of Sector 4 for documentation and further necessary action.
The sources said the enforcement exercise forms part of sustained security efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to deny criminal elements the use of motorcycles for movement and attacks in vulnerable communities across Plateau State.
Man Stabbed to Death in Suspected Dispute Over Mining Proceeds in Plateau
Man Stabbed to Death in Suspected Dispute Over Mining Proceeds in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A man identified as Mr. Danladi Marem has been stabbed to death by suspected criminals in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State in what security sources believe may be linked to a dispute over the sharing of mining proceeds.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 4 under Operation Enduring Peace responded to a distress call at about 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 5 following reports of a stabbing incident along the Gana Daji community road.
On arrival at the scene, troops found the victim inside an abandoned vehicle, while the assailants had already fled.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the killing may have stemmed from a disagreement over the sharing of proceeds from mining activities.
The troops evacuated the victim’s body to the Barkin Ladi General Hospital mortuary.
Security forces have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects as investigations continue.
ISWAP Ambushes Rival Boko Haram Faction in Bama, Several JAS Commanders Feared Killed
ISWAP Ambushes Rival Boko Haram Faction in Bama, Several JAS Commanders Feared Killed
By Zagazola Makama
A fresh and deadly confrontation has erupted between rival Boko Haram factions in Borno State, with fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launching a coordinated ambush on a Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction around Bula Murge in Bama Local Government Area, leaving several senior insurgent commanders feared dead.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the clash occurred in the Gargash general area around Bula Murge, approximately 11 kilometres north of Miyanti and 26 kilometres northeast of Bama.
Sources said that ISWAP fighters carried out a surprise attack against the rival JAS faction, inflicting heavy casualties during the fierce engagement.
Among those reportedly killed were prominent JAS commanders identified as Abu Ubaida, Modu Kori, Alhaji Modu, Mure, Zarkawi, Sheriff, and Modu Maye, all believed to have played key operational roles within the faction operating in the area.
Sources said the attack forced surviving JAS fighters into disarray, with intercepted communications indicating that the group has begun plans to evacuate its women and families to Bula Daloye, following the destruction of their camps.
The intelligence further revealed that Bula Murge and Nguro Bafuye, two locations previously occupied by the JAS faction, were set ablaze during the assault, depriving the group of key shelters and logistics hubs.
Further intelligence assessed that the latest infighting has significantly weakened the JAS faction in the area and presents an opportunity for security forces to intensify ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
Security sources disclosed that troops operating around Miyanti, Bama, Kumshe and adjoining communities have been urged to exploit the situation by sustaining offensive operations to prevent either faction from regrouping or re-establishing operational bases.
According to the sources, commanders have been advised to maintain pressure on both factions to further degrade their fighting capability and deny them freedom of action across the southern fringes of the Sambisa Forest.
The latest confrontation is the latest in a series of violent clashes between ISWAP and JAS, whose long-running rivalry has continued to reshape the insurgency landscape in the North East.
The feud dates back to 2016, when ISWAP split from the Abubakar Shekau-led Boko Haram movement after ideological and leadership disagreements. Since then, both factions have repeatedly fought for control of territories, taxation routes, recruits and strategic hideouts across the Lake Chad Basin and the Sambisa Forest.
The rivalry reached a turning point in May 2021 when ISWAP launched a major offensive into the Sambisa Forest, cornering Shekau, who died during the confrontation after reportedly detonating an explosive device rather than surrender. Although ISWAP subsequently absorbed many of Shekau’s fighters, a number of die-hard JAS commanders rejected allegiance to ISWAP and continued to operate independently from isolated enclaves around Sambisa and the Mandara Mountains.
In recent months, intelligence reports monitored by Zagazola Makama have indicated renewed tensions between the two factions over control of food supplies, taxation of local communities, movement corridors and allegiance of surviving fighters. The competition has triggered several deadly internal battles, with both groups suffering losses while attempting to dominate shrinking areas of influence under sustained military pressure.
The renewed infighting reflects increasing stress within the insurgent ranks as sustained ground offensives and precision air strikes by Operation HADIN KAI continue to degrade terrorist logistics, restrict movement and disrupt command structures.
Military sources said the current clashes should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a reason for complacency, stressing that aggressive exploitation through coordinated land and air operations could further weaken both terrorist factions before they are able to recover or reorganise.
The sources added that troops remain on heightened alert across the Bama axis and surrounding communities as operations continue to deny the terrorists any safe haven.
Farmer Injured in Clash With Herder Over Grazing in Plateau, 33 Cattle Seized
Farmer Injured in Clash With Herder Over Grazing in Plateau, 33 Cattle Seized
By Zagazola Makama
A 34-year-old farmer, Mr. Sylvester Ezekiel, has sustained head injuries after he was allegedly assaulted by a herder during a dispute over grazing on farmland in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 5 under Operation Enduring Peace responded to a distress call at about 4:40 p.m. on Aug. 5 following reports of an attack at Juwang Village in Tangur District.
The sources said the altercation occurred after the farmer reportedly confronted the herder and refused to allow cattle to graze on his farmland.
On arrival at the scene, troops found the victim with injuries to his head, while the suspected Fulani herder had abandoned his livestock and fled on sighting the security personnel.
The troops confiscated 33 cattle left behind by the fleeing suspect and moved them to a secure location pending further action.
The injured farmer was evacuated to a clinic in Bokkos town for medical treatment, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing herder and continue investigations into the incident.
Troops Destroy ISWAP Hideouts, Sustain Offensive in Yobe
Troops Destroy ISWAP Hideouts, Sustain Offensive in Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2 under Operation HADIN KAI have intensified offensive operations against remnants of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), destroying several terrorist life-support structures during ongoing clearance operations in Yobe State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation is aimed at flushing out pockets of ISWAP fighters who fled the Lake Chad Islands (LCI) and the Timbuktu Triangle (TT) in search of refuge in inland communities around Gujba Local Government Area.
During the offensive, troops discovered and destroyed multiple terrorist camps and logistics bases used to sustain the fleeing insurgents.
The ongoing clearance operation is currently focused on the general areas of Mahdiyya, Lagarawa, Lamusheri, Ngarbai and Wulle, where troops are conducting systematic sweeps to eliminate any remaining terrorist presence and deny the insurgents freedom of movement.
Military sources said the sustained offensive forms part of the military’s broader strategy to prevent fleeing terrorists from regrouping after sustained pressure in the Lake Chad basin and the Timbuktu Triangle.
The sources added that the operation remains ongoing, with troops maintaining aggressive pursuit of the terrorists while consolidating gains made in the affected areas.
Troops Rescue 13-Year-Old Herder After Farm Destruction Dispute in Plateau
Troops Rescue 13-Year-Old Herder After Farm Destruction Dispute in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have rescued a 13-year-old herder who was detained by farmers following an alleged farm destruction incident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:20 p.m. on Aug. 1, when troops of Sector 3 OPEP responded to a distress call from Hura Community over the destruction of farmland.
On arrival, the troops discovered that local farmers had apprehended one of the herders, identified as Abdul Mahmudu, 13, while the other herders had fled the area with their cattle.
The troops immediately took the teenager into protective custody to prevent the situation from escalating and to ensure his safety pending further action.
Security sources said Fulani community leaders were contacted to facilitate the resolution of the dispute and identify the owners of the livestock involved.
The sources added that efforts are ongoing to resolve the matter through established conflict-resolution mechanisms in line with ongoing measures to prevent farmer-herder disputes from degenerating into violence across Plateau State.
The incident is one of several farm destruction cases recently handled by Operation Enduring Peace as troops continue to intensify patrols and mediate disputes in flashpoint communities across the state.
Herder Killed in Plateau’s Bassa, Troops Recover 50 Cattle
Herder Killed in Plateau’s Bassa, Troops Recover 50 Cattle
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have recovered the body of a Fulani herder who was killed by unidentified assailants while grazing cattle in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:40 p.m. on July 31 around the Kimis area of Bassa LGA.
The sources said troops of Sector 1 OPEP responded to a distress call reporting an attack on a herder identified as Mohammed Rabo.
On arrival at the scene, the troops found the victim dead, while the attackers had fled before security personnel reached the area.
The body was recovered and subsequently handed over to the deceased’s family for burial in accordance with local customs.
In a related development, the troops recovered 50 cattle belonging to the slain herder and handed them over to his father, Alhaji Rabo, in the presence of Ardo Adamu Dabo, a Fulani community leader, to prevent the livestock from being stolen or becoming a source of further tension.
Security sources said troops have launched a manhunt for the unidentified assailants, while patrols have been intensified across the area to track down those responsible and forestall any reprisal attacks.
The latest incident is part of a series of attacks recorded in Bassa Local Government Area, where Operation Enduring Peace has continued to sustain security operations aimed at protecting both farming and pastoral communities and preventing further escalation of violence.
Troops Recover Body of Missing Farmer in Plateau’s Bassa
Troops Recover Body of Missing Farmer in Plateau’s Bassa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have recovered the body of a 61-year-old farmer who was reported missing in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident came to light at about 9:00 a.m. on July 31, when troops of Sector 3 OPEP responded to a report that Mr. Bulus, 61, had gone missing from Ancha Village.
According to the sources, preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased had travelled to Miango Market on July 30 but failed to return home.
Further inquiries indicated that while returning from the market, he stopped along the road to inspect his farm before he disappeared.
Troops, working alongside local residents, immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation across the surrounding area.
During the search, the team discovered the victim’s body in a bush close to his farmland. The corpse bore multiple machete cuts, suggesting he was attacked before being abandoned at the scene.
The body was recovered by family members for burial.
Security sources said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible, while troops have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further attacks.
The incident is one of several violent attacks recorded in parts of Bassa Local Government Area, where Operation Enduring Peace has sustained security operations aimed at protecting farming communities and maintaining stability.
Two Cows Shot Dead in Plateau as Troops Warn Herders Against Illegal Grazing
Two Cows Shot Dead in Plateau as Troops Warn Herders Against Illegal Grazing
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have launched an investigation after unidentified assailants shot dead two cattle in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid renewed efforts to curb illegal grazing and prevent farmer-herder clashes.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:05 a.m. on July 31 at Yidel Village, Sabon Gari District.
The sources said troops of Sector 8 OPEP responded to a distress call and, on arrival at the scene alongside the Yidel Youth Leader, discovered that two cows had been killed by unidentified criminals.
During preliminary investigations, the affected herders—identified as Mohammed Abdulkareem, Idi Muhammad and Isa Hassan—admitted to the troops that they had trespassed from Sabon Barki in Bokkos Local Government Area into Yidel in Mangu LGA to engage in night grazing, an activity prohibited in the area because of its potential to trigger communal conflicts.
The herders told security personnel that they heard gunshots while grazing and, as they attempted to flee with their livestock, later discovered that two of their cattle had been shot dead.
Security sources said investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for the attack and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The troops also cautioned the herders against engaging in illegal night grazing, stressing that compliance with grazing regulations remains essential to preventing clashes between farming and pastoral communities.
The incident is part of ongoing security challenges in Mangu and adjoining communities, where Operation Enduring Peace has intensified patrols, conflict mediation and enforcement of anti-illegal grazing measures to sustain peace across the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner in Plateau
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a suspected gunrunner during an intelligence-led operation in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Moses Azin, 39, was arrested at about 8:10 p.m. on July 30 at Haske Quarters by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12.
The sources said the operation followed actionable intelligence indicating the suspect’s alleged involvement in illegal firearms trafficking within the area.
The suspect was apprehended without incident and taken into military custody for detailed investigation.
Security sources said investigators are working to determine the extent of the suspect’s alleged activities, including possible links to criminal or armed groups operating in Plateau State and neighbouring areas.
The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations by Operation Enduring Peace aimed at disrupting the supply of illegal weapons, dismantling criminal support networks and reducing armed violence across Plateau State.
The sources added that troops have continued to intensify surveillance and targeted operations against individuals suspected of facilitating the proliferation of illicit firearms in the state.
Troops Arrest Soldier, Four Others in Drug Raid in Plateau
Troops Arrest Soldier, Four Others in Drug Raid in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a soldier and four other suspected drug peddlers during a raid on a notorious drug hideout in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 5:00 p.m. on July 30 at the Congo-Russia area following intelligence on illicit drug activities in the location.
The sources said troops of Sector 1 OPEP raided the hideout and arrested five suspects identified as Lance Corporal Luka Yakubu of 82 Battalion, Abdulkarim Abubakar, Adam Musa, John Isah, and Charles Ibrahim.
During the operation, the troops recovered quantities of substances suspected to be marijuana and other illicit drugs, which have been taken into custody as exhibits pending forensic examination.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested soldier had allegedly been absent without official leave (AWOL) and was reportedly notorious for involvement in illicit drug trafficking.
All five suspects are currently in custody and are undergoing further investigation, while security agencies continue efforts to uncover possible links to wider criminal networks.
Security sources said the raid forms part of Operation Enduring Peace’s sustained crackdown on criminal hideouts and illicit drug trafficking, which authorities believe contribute to violent crimes and insecurity in Plateau State.
The sources added that intelligence-led operations against drug trafficking, illegal arms circulation and other criminal activities will continue across the Joint Operations Area to enhance public safety.
Suspected Mwaghavu Militia Kill Four Cattle in Fresh Attack in Plateau’s Mangu
Suspected Mwaghavu Militia Kill Four Cattle in Fresh Attack in Plateau’s Mangu
By Zagazola Makama
Suspected Mwaghavu Militia have killed four cattle belonging to a Fulani herder in an attack in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, prompting security forces to intensify efforts to prevent a reprisal.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:58 p.m. on Aug. 2, when troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81 of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) deployed at Gyambwas responded to a distress call over an attack on cattle.
The sources said the cattle, belonging to Sanusi Abdullahi, were attacked while drinking water at a river located between Gaude and Aloghom villages in Mangu LGA.
On reaching the scene, the troops discovered that four cows had been killed, while parts of the carcasses had been butchered and taken away by the attackers, who fled before the arrival of security personnel.
Security sources said preliminary findings indicated that the attackers were suspected to be Mwaghavu youths, although investigations are ongoing to establish their identities and motives.
Following the incident, troops immediately commenced engagements with critical stakeholders, including community leaders, to de-escalate tensions and prevent retaliatory violence.
Security forces have also intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible, while maintaining heightened patrols in the area to forestall further attacks.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Informant in Adamawa
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Informant in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected terrorist informant during an intelligence-led operation in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Alhaji Sule Bako, was apprehended at about 11:40 a.m. on Aug. 5 in Dzangola Kilba, following credible intelligence linking him to alleged information-sharing activities for terrorist elements operating in the area.
The sources disclosed that troops of the 232 Battalion (Tactical) carried out the operation under Operation Desert Sanity V, a component of the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.
According to the sources, the suspect was arrested without incident and is currently in military custody, where he is undergoing preliminary interrogation and further investigation to determine the extent of his alleged involvement with terrorist networks.
Security sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations by Operation Hadin Kai aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks, including informants, logistics suppliers and collaborators, across the North-East theatre.
The military has continued to intensify offensive and intelligence operations to disrupt insurgent activities and deny terrorist groups access to local support structures in the region.
Fulani Man Arrested for Allegedly Stabbing Brother to Death in Kaduna Community
Fulani Man Arrested for Allegedly Stabbing Brother to Death in Kaduna Community
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a 20-year-old Fulani Man for allegedly stabbing his elder brother to death during a domestic dispute in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:00 a.m. on Aug. 2 at Ungwon Hausawa Village, Gidan Waya District.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 7 OPEP responded to a distress call over the stabbing of a Fulani man by his younger brother.
On arrival, the troops found the victim critically injured and immediately evacuated him to the General Hospital, Kafanchan, where he was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The suspect, identified as Abubakar Usman, 20, was arrested at the scene by the troops and taken into custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Security sources said the motive behind the fatal stabbing is yet to be established, while investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances that led to the incident.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Enduring Peace have continued routine patrols across their Joint Operations Area, maintaining security around schools, places of worship and other critical national infrastructure as part of measures to sustain peace and prevent criminal activities.
Troops Avert Reprisal Attack After Berom Militia Kill Two Cows, Injure Eight Others in Plateau’s Riyom
Troops Avert Reprisal Attack After Berom Militia Kill Two Cows, Injure Eight Others in Plateau’s Riyom
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have averted a possible reprisal attack after Berom Militia shot dead two cattle and injured eight others along the Rim–Jol axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Aug. 2, prompting troops of Sector 6 OPEP deployed at Rim to swiftly respond to a distress call.
The sources said the troops, working in collaboration with personnel of Operation Keystone, arrived at the scene between Rim and Jol communities and found two cows dead from gunshot wounds, while eight other cattle had sustained gunshot injuries.
Security sources said the attack heightened tensions in the area as some Fulani youths reportedly mobilised with the intention of carrying out a reprisal attack.
However, the timely intervention of the troops, supported by Fulani community leaders, succeeded in calming the aggrieved youths and preventing an escalation of violence.
As part of efforts to restore peace, security personnel convened a meeting involving Fulani and Berom community leaders, urging both sides to pursue an amicable resolution of the incident and refrain from acts capable of triggering further hostilities.
Security sources said troops have maintained a strong presence in the area through intensified patrols and confidence-building engagements to prevent retaliatory attacks and sustain peace in the affected communities.
The incident is the latest in a series of attacks involving livestock and farming communities in Plateau State, where security forces have continued to combine military operations with community engagement to contain the recurring farmer-herder crisis.
EXCLUSIVE: ONSA-Coordinated Security Operation Rescues 308 Kidnap Victims in Kwara, Niger
EXCLUSIVE: ONSA-Coordinated Security Operation Rescues 308 Kidnap Victims in Kwara, Niger
By Zagazola Makama
In one of the largest coordinated hostage rescue operations recorded in recent months, a joint security task force led under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has rescued 308 kidnapped victims from captivity across Kwara and Niger states, underscoring an increasingly integrated approach by Nigeria’s security agencies in confronting organized kidnapping networks operating across the North-Central region.
Security sources familiar with the operation told Zagazola Makama that the rescue mission was executed on Wednesday through a coordinated deployment involving the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), operatives of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under ONSA, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies.
According to the sources, the operation culminated in the safe recovery of 308 abducted persons, making it one of the most significant mass rescue missions carried out by security forces in recent times.
The breakdown of the rescued victims indicates that 163 persons were freed after being abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while another 145 victims were rescued during coordinated operations in Niger State.
The sources said the simultaneous nature of the operations reflected extensive intelligence gathering, inter-agency planning and synchronized execution designed to deny the kidnappers opportunities to relocate hostages or evade security forces.
Although operational details were not immediately disclosed for security reasons, officials said the rescue followed sustained intelligence-driven efforts involving multiple agencies working under a unified command structure.
Security experts have long argued that kidnapping syndicates operating across North-Central Nigeria often exploit forest corridors and state boundaries to frustrate pursuit by individual security agencies. The latest operation, according to officials, demonstrates the growing emphasis on intelligence fusion and joint operational planning coordinated through ONSA to improve response to complex security threats.
The rescued victims have since been evacuated to the Military Medical Facility at Wawa Cantonment in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State, where they are receiving medical evaluation, treatment and other immediate humanitarian support.
Medical personnel are expected to conduct comprehensive health assessments on the victims, many of whom spent varying periods in captivity under difficult conditions. Security officials said arrangements were also being made for documentation, debriefing and eventual reunification with their families after the completion of medical and security procedures.
The operation represents another example of the increasing collaboration among Nigeria’s military, intelligence and law enforcement institutions against kidnapping networks that have continued to target rural communities and travelers across parts of the country.
Security sources described the rescue as the product of sustained coordination rather than a single tactical action, noting that intelligence collection, operational planning and synchronized deployment were critical to recovering the victims without reported loss of life among those rescued.
The success of the mission is expected to provide valuable intelligence for follow-up operations aimed at identifying and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for the mass abductions, while reinforcing ongoing efforts to improve inter-agency cooperation against terrorism, kidnapping and organized violent crime across the region.
Fulani Bandits Killed Woman, Injured Another in Attack While Fetching Firewood in Plateau’s Mangu
Fulani Bandits Killed Woman, Injured Another in Attack While Fetching Firewood in Plateau’s Mangu
By Zagazola Makama
One woman has been killed and another injured after suspected Fulani Bandits attacked two female villagers who had gone into the bush to fetch firewood in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:45 a.m. on Aug. 3 at Aloghom Village in Mangu LGA.
The sources said troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) swiftly responded to a distress call and moved to the scene, forcing the suspected attackers to flee before they could inflict further harm.
During a search of the area, the troops found the two victims, identified as Mrs. Priscilia Friday and Anna Obed Joseph, both with varying degrees of injuries.
The victims were immediately evacuated to Allah Nakowa Hospital for emergency treatment. However, medical personnel later confirmed Mrs. Priscilia Friday dead, while Anna Obed Joseph is receiving treatment.
Security sources said troops have intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while patrols have been reinforced around the affected community to prevent further attacks.
The latest incident adds to the growing wave of violence in parts of Mangu Local Government Area, where security forces have continued to respond to attacks on civilians, livestock and farmlands amid ongoing efforts to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
Troops Impound 28 Livestock Over Illegal Grazing, Farm Destruction in Plateau’s Mangu
Troops Impound 28 Livestock Over Illegal Grazing, Farm Destruction in Plateau’s Mangu
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intercepted 28 livestock, comprising 23 cattle and five additional cattle found destroying farmland, as well as 10 rams, during separate operations against illegal grazing in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that at about 6:05 p.m. on Aug. 2, troops of Sector 8 deployed at Telengpat Guard Location intercepted 23 cattle and 10 rams grazing in a restricted area at Telengpat Village.
The livestock were immediately moved to a safe location to prevent further damage, while the MACBAN youth leader in Pushit was contacted to assist in identifying the owners for necessary administrative action.
In a related development, at about 6:21 p.m., troops deployed at Lamor Guard Location responded to a distress call over the destruction of a farm belonging to Mr. Felix Garba at Lamor Village, also in Mangu LGA.
On arrival, the troops intercepted five cattle grazing on the affected farmland without any herder in attendance.
The livestock were similarly secured and moved to a safe location pending the identification of their owners.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to trace the owners of the animals and ensure appropriate action is taken in accordance with existing conflict-resolution procedures aimed at preventing further escalation of farmer-herder tensions in the area.
The operations form part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to curb illegal grazing, protect farmlands during the farming season and prevent disputes from degenerating into violent communal clashes across Plateau State.
Four Cattle Killed in Attack by Militia in Plateau’s Mangu, Troops Move to Prevent Reprisal
Four Cattle Killed in Attack by Militia in Plateau’s Mangu, Troops Move to Prevent Reprisal
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have moved to prevent a fresh outbreak of violence in Plateau State following the killing of four cattle belonging to a Fulani herder in Mangu Local Government Area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:58 p.m. on Aug. 2, when troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81 deployed at Gyambwas, responded to a distress call over an attack on cattle belonging to one Sanusi Abdullahi.
The attack reportedly occurred at a riverside between Gaude and Aloghom villages in Mangu LGA, where the cattle had been taken to drink water.
On arrival, the troops discovered that four cows had been killed, with parts of the carcasses already butchered and taken away by the attackers, who fled before security personnel reached the scene.
Security sources said the attackers were suspected to be Mwaghavu youths, although investigations are ongoing to establish those responsible.
In response, the troops immediately initiated engagements with critical community stakeholders to calm tensions and forestall any retaliatory attacks that could further escalate the fragile security situation in the area.
Efforts are also underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators as security patrols have been intensified across the affected communities.
Troops Foil Terrorist Infiltration Along Gujba–Buni Yadi Road in Yobe
Troops Foil Terrorist Infiltration Along Gujba–Buni Yadi Road in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have foiled an attempted terrorist infiltration along the Gujba–Buni Yadi Main Supply Route (MSR) in Yobe State, forcing about 30 insurgents to retreat under heavy gunfire.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 4 following credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists along the strategic highway.
The sources said troops of the 198 Special Forces Battalion, reinforced by personnel from the 27 Task Force Brigade, mobilised to the general area of Mahadiya Bridge after receiving intelligence that the insurgents were attempting to infiltrate the western section of the Gujba–Buni Yadi corridor.
The terrorists, estimated to be about 30 in number, were reportedly taking advantage of the difficult marshy terrain to evade ongoing military clearance operations around the Buni Yadi Forest and adjoining communities.
However, the troops engaged the insurgents with heavy fire, compelling them to abandon the infiltration attempt and retreat in disarray.
Following the encounter, the troops dismounted and conducted extensive exploitation operations across several locations, including Gujba, Gidan Kaji, Kasatchiya, Mahadiya, the College of Agriculture axis, and Sabon Garin Mai Mala, to ensure no terrorists remained concealed in the area.
Military sources said monitoring and surveillance operations are continuing to prevent the insurgents from regrouping or launching fresh attacks.
The attempted infiltration comes as troops intensify offensive operations under Operation Desert Sanity V, aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and denying insurgents freedom of movement across the North-East theatre.
Military authorities said the overall security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of vigilance and operational readiness.
Suspected Fulani Bandits Kill Three in Fresh Attack on Plateau Community
Suspected Fulani Bandits Kill Three in Fresh Attack on Plateau Community
By: Zagazola Makama
Three residents have been killed in a fresh attack by suspected Fulani militias on Tanjol community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, prompting troops of Operation Safe Haven under Operation Unity Haven to launch a manhunt for the attackers.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 2:28 a.m. on Aug. 5, when troops of Sector 6, Operation Safe Haven, responded to a distress call from the community.
However, by the time the troops arrived, the assailants had fled the scene.
The sources said the troops discovered the bodies of three victims identified as Victor Danjuma, 38; Dachun Danjuma, 50; and Nyam Danjuma, 27, all of whom had been killed during the attack.
The bodies were recovered and handed over to members of the community for burial in accordance with local customs.
Military sources said troops have since commenced offensive operations and are combing the surrounding areas in search of the fleeing suspects.
NAF Airstrike Obliterates Terrorist Enclave in Borno, 12 Insurgents Killed
NAF Airstrike Obliterates Terrorist Enclave in Borno, 12 Insurgents Killed
By Zagazola Makama
A precision airstrike by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI has destroyed a concealed terrorist enclave in Borno State, killing approximately 12 insurgents and wiping out their life-support infrastructure in another significant blow to terrorist operations in the North-East.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out on Aug. 4 following credible intelligence indicating renewed terrorist activity around Chiralia, a densely wooded area long exploited by insurgents as a hideout due to its difficult terrain and natural camouflage.
According to the sources, an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, was deployed at about 11:40 a.m. to conduct an armed reconnaissance mission over the target area.
During the mission, the surveillance crew identified several terrorists moving within the enclave, alongside a number of concealed life-support structures carefully hidden beneath thick vegetation. The facilities were assessed to be serving as operational shelters, logistics hubs and staging points for terrorist activities.
Upon confirming the targets, the platform maintained continuous surveillance while relaying real-time intelligence and precise target coordinates, the attack aircraft executed a series of precision strikes on the identified locations, achieving direct hits on the concealed structures.
Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) conducted immediately after the strike confirmed that the terrorist camp was completely destroyed, with the life-support structures reduced to rubble.
Approximately 12 terrorists were neutralised during the operation, while secondary explosions and sustained fires indicated the destruction of additional supplies and equipment stored within the enclave.
Military sources described the strike as a carefully coordinated intelligence-led operation that demonstrated the growing synergy between airborne surveillance assets and precision strike capabilities deployed by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.
The sources said the successful engagement would significantly degrade the operational capability of the terrorist cell by denying it a safe haven and disrupting its ability to regroup, plan attacks and sustain logistics within the area.
They added that the operation forms part of sustained offensive air campaigns aimed at locating and destroying terrorist sanctuaries across the North-East, particularly in remote forested locations where insurgents continue to seek refuge after suffering repeated setbacks from ground and air offensives.
The sources further disclosed that although the general security situation across the theatre remains calm, it is still unpredictable due to the fluid nature of terrorist movements.
They, however, assured that troops of Operation HADIN KAI remain highly motivated, combat-ready and committed to sustaining offensive operations until all terrorist enclaves are dismantled and lasting peace is restored across the region.
Troops Arrest Herder Over Alleged Farm Destruction in Plateau
Troops Arrest Herder Over Alleged Farm Destruction in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace , have arrested a herder following the alleged destruction of a farmland in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Sub-Sector 12 responded at about 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 4 to a report of farmland destruction belonging to Matthew Ezekiel at Kerker Community.
On arrival at the scene, the troops arrested Yusuf Zakariah, 17, a herder suspected to be connected with the incident.
The sources said efforts are underway to resolve the dispute peacefully, with both parties currently engaged in negotiations alongside the Ardo, Muhammad Zakariah, under the supervision of security personnel.
Operation Enduring Peace said it would continue to promote peaceful coexistence between farming and herding communities while ensuring that individuals found culpable for acts capable of disrupting public peace are brought to justice.
Troops Arrest 19 Suspects in Plateau Following Deadly Ambush on Security Personnel
Troops Arrest 19 Suspects in Plateau Following Deadly Ambush on Security Personnel
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have arrested 19 suspects during a raid on Tongoron Community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State following the recent deadly ambush on security personnel.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 4 as part of follow-up efforts to track those responsible for the attack on troops at a snap roadblock along the Ganawuri–Sabon Gida axis.
According to the sources, troops raided Tongoron Community, where 19 suspects were arrested for profiling and further investigation.
The suspects comprise 14 natives and five Fulani residents, the sources said.
Military authorities said the arrested persons are currently undergoing profiling to determine any possible links to the ambush and other criminal activities in the area.
The raid forms part of ongoing clearance and cordon-and-search operations by Operation Enduring Peace aimed at identifying the perpetrators of the attack, recovering stolen weapons, and preventing further security breaches in Riyom Local Government Area.
Tinubu Approves Up to 80% Salary Increase for Armed Forces Personnel
Tinubu Approves Up to 80% Salary Increase for Armed Forces Personnel
By Zagazola Makama
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent, in a major welfare package aimed at boosting the morale of troops engaged in counter-insurgency and other internal security operations.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, about 250,000 military personnel will benefit from the new salary adjustment, which takes effect from Sept. 1, 2026.
Under the approved structure, officers above the rank of colonel—including Brigadier Generals, Major Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals—will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
Personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest adjustment of 80 per cent.
The new package will raise the annual personnel cost of the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, reflecting the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to improving troop welfare.
President Tinubu said the decision was in recognition of the courage and sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces in confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges across the country.
“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” the President said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising troop welfare while modernising the Armed Forces through the provision of modern weapons, equipment and technological capabilities needed to effectively carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
According to the President, security remains the foundation for national development, stressing that his administration would continue to mobilise military and law enforcement assets to eliminate threats and safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.
“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” Tinubu said.
The salary review is expected to provide a significant boost to the welfare of military personnel serving in various theatres of operation across the country, including those engaged in counter-terrorism, anti-banditry and peace support missions.
Troops Arrest Suspected Boko Haram Fighter Linked to May Attack on Military School in Yobe
Troops Arrest Suspected Boko Haram Fighter Linked to May Attack on Military School in Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops have arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorist allegedly involved in the May 8 attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School (NETTS) in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, Musa Abdulhamid, 26, was arrested at about 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 4 while allegedly attempting to infiltrate the military facility.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect, who said he hails from Potiskum, Yobe State, allegedly confessed to being among the Boko Haram fighters that attacked the school on May 8, 2026.
According to the sources, the suspect identified three alleged Boko Haram commanders—Mohammed, Mustapha, and Ismail—as those who led the operation.
He further claimed that the assault had been planned for a long time, with the fighters hiding in bushes near a rocky area around Buni Gari before launching the attack.
The suspect also disclosed that although commanders usually concealed casualty figures from rank-and-file fighters, the group was believed to have lost more than 10 members during the operation, as many of those who took part never returned to their camps.
According to the sources, the suspect said the group’s commanders rarely disclosed details of planned attacks in advance. Instead, fighters were reportedly briefed only when operations were imminent, after their mobile phones had been collected, and were then directed to designated targets.
He also claimed that the insurgents constantly moved from one hideout to another to evade detection by security forces and admitted to operating a long firearm during the attack, although he said he did not know its specific type.
Military sources said the suspect remains in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and profiling.
The arrest is expected to provide security agencies with additional intelligence on the planning, command structure and operational methods of Boko Haram cells operating in the North-East.
Five ISWAP Bomb Experts Killed in Premature IED Explosion in Borno
Five ISWAP Bomb Experts Killed in Premature IED Explosion in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Five suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, including an alleged medical officer and four improvised explosive device (IED) specialists, have reportedly been killed in a premature explosion while assembling explosives in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at Maina Daya Village, located between Sabon Tumbu and Jubilaram, about 29 kilometres east of Monguno.
According to the sources, the explosion killed Usman Dan Fulani, described as an ISWAP medical officer, alongside two foreign Arab IED technicians and two ISWAP bomb-making experts.
The sources said the incident occurred while the terrorists were allegedly preparing improvised explosive devices for deployment, suggesting the group was planning further attacks along key military supply routes in the Sector 1 area of Operation HADIN KAI.
Security analysts believe the loss of experienced bomb-makers is a significant setback to ISWAP’s IED network and could temporarily weaken the group’s capability to carry out roadside bomb attacks in the Marte-Monguno axis.
Military sources disclosed that troops have been directed to exploit the development by intensifying patrols, cordon-and-search operations, and precision offensive actions around Monguno, Marte, and Gamboru Ngala to prevent the terrorist group from regrouping or rebuilding its IED capability.
The latest incident highlights the persistent threat posed by ISWAP’s use of improvised explosive devices, which remain one of the group’s primary tactics against military convoys and civilian traffic in the North-East.
Troops Rescue Injured Farmer, Seize 27 Cattle After Violent Herders’ Attacks in Plateau
Troops Rescue Injured Farmer, Seize 27 Cattle After Violent Herders’ Attacks in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace have rescued an injured farmer and confiscated 27 cattle following separate incidents involving suspected violent herders in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the first incident occurred at about 4:05 p.m. on Aug. 3 when troops deployed at Komtul responded to a distress call over an attack on a farmer, Kopdi Istifanus, at his farmland in Maraban Village, Pushit District.
The sources said the troops’ swift intervention forced the suspected herders to flee, while the injured farmer was rescued and evacuated to Miton Clinic, Pushit, for medical treatment.
In a related development at about 6:57 p.m. the same day, troops responded to another report of herders allegedly attacking farmers across the Bwor River in Mangu LGA.
On arrival, the troops reportedly sighted some herders chasing farmers away from their farmlands while armed with knives.
According to the sources, the situation became violent when the herders allegedly attempted to attack the troops with a knife during efforts to restore order.
The troops consequently fired two rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special ammunition to subdue the assailants, who abandoned the knife and fled the scene, leaving behind their livestock.
Security personnel recovered the knife and confiscated 27 cattle belonging to the fleeing herders for further necessary action.
Troops are maintaining dominance in the general area, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks on farming communities.
Troops Arrest Suspect Linked to Naridon Attack in Plateau
Troops Arrest Suspect Linked to Naridon Attack in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested a suspect in connection with the recent attack on Naridon Village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, Salihu Miakailu, 48, was arrested at about 8:00 p.m. on Aug. 3 during an intelligence-led operation at his residence in Dutsen Kura Village, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to the sources, the suspect is being investigated over his alleged involvement in the attack on Naridon Village on July 27.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing detailed investigation to determine the extent of his alleged involvement and identify any accomplices.
Security authorities said the arrest forms part of ongoing operations by Operation Enduring Peace to track down individuals linked to violent attacks in Plateau and neighbouring Kaduna State, with efforts continuing to bring all those responsible to justice.
Gunmen Ambush Security Personnel in Plateau, Kill Police Inspector and Air Force Corporal
Gunmen Ambush Security Personnel in Plateau, Kill Police Inspector and Air Force Corporal
By Zagazola Makama
Gun men have ambushed a joint security patrol in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a police inspector and an Air Force corporal before making away with their weapons.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 5:00 a.m. on Aug. 4 after four security personnel drawn from two guard locations mounted a snap roadblock along the Ganawuri–Sabon Gida road.
The sources said that while the team was returning to their respective duty posts, two of the personnel failed to return, prompting troops to immediately launch a clearance operation.
During the search, security forces discovered the bodies an Inspector of the Nigeria Police Force and Lance Corporal of the Nigerian Air Force. Their service weapons had been taken by the attackers.
The bodies of the slain personnel were evacuated from the scene, while their motorcycle was recovered.
According to the sources, preliminary findings indicated that the ambush occurred near an area previously occupied by Fulani herders, who had reportedly fled with their cattle before reinforcements arrived. The attack site was also close to Berom native settlement.
Security forces have since commenced cordon-and-search operations around nearby communities, while clearance operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen weapons.
Authorities said investigations into the incident are continuing, with additional details expected as operations progress.
Suspects Lead Troops to Shallow Grave of Community Chief in Imo Forest
Suspects Lead Troops to Shallow Grave of Community Chief in Imo Forest
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade under the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), have exhumed the remains of a community leader allegedly murdered by suspected criminal elements following a confession by arrested suspects.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the breakthrough followed the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier and the wounding of another during an attack on troops on July 31.
According to the sources, at about noon on Aug. 2, one of the suspects confessed to the murder of Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community and subsequently led troops to a shallow grave in Umudike Forest, where the victim’s remains were buried.
The sources said the grave was identified by two suspects, Melody and Albert Tony, also known as Chiboy, who allegedly confessed to participating in the killing of the community chief.
The exhumation was witnessed by members of the deceased’s family and representatives of the host communities.
Following the exercise, the family provided a coffin and an ambulance to convey the remains for burial in accordance with local traditional rites.
Military authorities said investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the murder and prosecute all those found culpable.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected ISWAP Logistics Suppliers in Monguno, Recover Terrorists’ Gate Pass
Troops Arrest Two Suspected ISWAP Logistics Suppliers in Monguno, Recover Terrorists’ Gate Pass
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK)/Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), have arrested two suspected logistics suppliers to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during an intelligence-led operation in Monguno, Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 3 at the C-19 checkpoint in Monguno following sustained surveillance and intensified operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks.
The suspects were identified as Bukar Kaka Modu, 30, and Abubakar Musa, 30.
According to the sources, the suspects allegedly confessed during preliminary interrogation that they were transporting food items and other supplies to ISWAP fighters in Kwatan Dowoshi Village in Kukawa Local Government Area.
Items recovered from them included 11 cartons of biscuits, 192 sachets of biscuits, one carton of Peak milk, 10 mudu of sugar, nine bars of Viva soap, six headlamps, two bags of garri, 16 rolls of sachet garri, three packs of lighters, two Tecno button phones, one assault knife, one jazz belt, four jazz beads, six packs of herbal medicine, and ₦6,600 cash, among other sundry items.
Security sources said troops also recovered an alleged ISWAP-issued gate pass, believed to have been used to facilitate access to terrorist-controlled locations.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken into custody at the Headquarters of Sector 3 for further investigation and necessary action.
The latest arrest is part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle ISWAP’s logistics and supply networks, which security authorities consider critical to sustaining the terrorist group’s operations in the Lake Chad region.
Alleged cybercrime: Again, DSS prays court to foreclose Sowore's defence for allegedly frustrating trial
Alleged cybercrime: Again, DSS prays court to foreclose Sowore's defence for allegedly frustrating trial
By: Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday prayed the Federal High Court in Abuja to foreclose the defence in the ongoing trial of online publisher and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) Omoyele Sowore, for allegedly frustrating his trial.
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore for alleged criminal defamation, cyberstalking and incitement, over posts he made on his social media platforms last year calling President Bola Tinubu a "criminal."
DSS counsel, Akinloku Kehinde, SAN, made the application before Justice Mohammed Umar after Sowore's lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, sought an adjournment in the matter.
When the case was called, Olumide-Fusika informed the court that the matter was scheduled for continuation of defence.
He stated that he had been reliably informed that a DSS witness was in court to represent the Director General of DSS, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, however, adding, "unfortunately, it will not be possible for us to proceed."
According to the lawyer, he filed an application since July 22 requesting the judge to attest to some documents which he planned to use in leading the subpoenaed witness, but discovered a few minutes to the beginning of hearing that the request had just been granted.
"We filed an application on 22nd July, 2026, and we were told that your lordship has not approved it. We only discovered that the court approved it since 27th July, few minutes before the court began sitting," he said, and went ahead to blame the court registry.
At this point, however, counsel to the DSS opposed the excuse preferred by the defence, arguing that it was part of a dilatory tactic to prolong the trial.
He submitted that, at the last adjourned date, it was agreed by all parties that a nominated officer from the DG of the DSS would appear in court to testify for the defence.
"That part of the agreement was kept in toto by the prosecution and the essence of the witness being in court is to be cross-examined on Exhibit DW-D tendered on July 22 before this court.
"It is trite that when an application is made to the court in a case by the defence, it is the responsibility of the applicant to follow up," Kehinde said.
The senior lawyer, therefore, urged the court to foreclose Sowore's case, arguing that he was merely wasting the court’s time.
He submitted that the court had repeatedly granted Sowore opportunities which had been deliberately and persistently frustrated, the court is entitled to invoke its discretionary case management powers.
He argued that this would not amount to a breach of the constitutional right to fair hearing.
Relying on Section 36(4) and (6) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Kehinde argued that the constitution only guarantees an opportunity to be heard, and not an unlimited right to delay proceedings.
He also cited a 2011 Supreme Court decision between Segun Ogunsanya against the State to support his argument.
Kehinde, SAN, submitted that the apex court held that deliberate attempts to stall a trial should not be entertained by the court.
He, therefore, urged the court to make a consequential order directing parties to file their final written addresses.
Responding, Olumide-Fusika disagreed with the submission.
He argued that the prosecution had failed to address the facts placed before the court.
He accused Kehinde of blaming every problem on the defence, including its own refusal to produce a subpoenaed witness.
Responding to the prosecution’s submission that the defence ought to have followed up on its application, he said they were not in a position to determine when the judge signed the application since the communication would be through the registry.
He cited Section 4 to 13 of the Evidence Act to back his argument.
Olumide-Fusika added that if he had planned to delay proceedings, he wouldn't have come to court since the court had already commenced its vacation.
"If he (Kehinde) doesn't want to cooperate with me, and he wants us to be fighting,.. " Olumide-Fusika stated, prompting the judge's interjection.
He drew the attention of Olumide-Fusika to the fact that he had just taken over the case, and reminded him that the defence had been delaying the matter since March when the prosecution closed its case.
"I have been on the Bench for 22 years. We have junior counsel here. This is not good. This should be the last time. If you are no longer interested in the case, you should say so," warned the judge, stressing, "You cannot behave in my court in that manner..
Justice Umar consequently adjourned the matter until September 20 for continuation of the defence.
How Nigeria’s Defence Manufacturing Revolution Could Redefine Security in West Africa
How Nigeria’s Defence Manufacturing Revolution Could Redefine Security in West Africa
By Zagazola Makama
For decades, Nigeria fought its wars with weapons built elsewhere. When insurgents struck in the North-East, when armed bandits overran villages in the North-West, or when pirates threatened commercial shipping in the Gulf of Guinea, the country’s response depended largely on decisions made in foreign capitals.
The Nigerian Armed Forces often found themselves waiting not only for equipment, but for export licences, diplomatic approvals and shifting geopolitical calculations that were beyond Abuja’s control.That dependency is now undergoing its most profound transformation since Nigeria established the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in 1964.
Inside expanding production lines in Kaduna, engineering workshops in Kakuri and research facilities connected to a new generation of defence innovators, the country is quietly attempting something unprecedented in its post-independence history: building a comprehensive military-industrial ecosystem capable of supplying much of its own defence requirements while positioning itself as a strategic security partner across West Africa.
The effort extends beyond manufacturing rifles or assembling military vehicles. It represents a broader national strategy to convert defence procurement into industrial development, technological innovation and strategic autonomy.
For much of its existence, DICON remained constrained by inadequate funding, obsolete production systems and limited technological capacity. Although it produced small arms ammunition and maintained some military equipment, Nigeria continued to import the overwhelming majority of sophisticated defence hardware. Counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), campaigns against armed bandits across the North-West and sustained internal security deployments created enormous demand for ammunition, armoured platforms, communications equipment and maintenance capability. Yet procurement cycles were frequently delayed by bureaucratic procedures abroad, diplomatic disagreements and international restrictions. Successive governments recognised the vulnerability but struggled to overcome it.
The turning point came with the enactment of the DICON Act 2023, legislation that fundamentally restructured Nigeria’s defence manufacturing architecture. Rather than preserving DICON as a state-owned production corporation operating largely in isolation, the law reimagines it as the nucleus of an integrated defence industrial base involving government agencies, private manufacturers, universities, research institutions and international technology partners.
One of the legislation’s most consequential provisions encourages security agencies to procure locally manufactured defence equipment whenever domestic capability exists. Equally significant is its provision for private sector participation and joint ventures with foreign manufacturers willing to establish production inside Nigeria. The result is the gradual emergence of a genuine Nigerian military-industrial complex.
The implications extend well beyond economics.
It was increasingly argued that modern conflicts are won not merely through battlefield tactics but through the resilience of industrial supply chains. The war in Ukraine has demonstrated how ammunition production capacity can determine operational endurance. Similar lessons have emerged across conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, where nations possessing domestic manufacturing capabilities have enjoyed greater strategic flexibility than those dependent on external suppliers.
Nigeria’s experience has reinforced those lessons. During critical phases of its counter-insurgency campaign, delays in acquiring military hardware created operational constraints. Export controls, changing foreign policies and prolonged procurement timelines often complicated efforts to rapidly reinforce frontline formations. Domestic production seeks to eliminate those vulnerabilities.
Instead of waiting months for imported ammunition or replacement components, military logistics planners envision a system capable of producing supplies according to operational demand. Spare parts for armoured vehicles, tactical equipment, surveillance systems and increasingly sophisticated unmanned aerial platforms could eventually be sourced within Nigeria.
The transformation is not confined to factories.
It increasingly depends upon classrooms, laboratories and research institutions capable of producing the engineers who will design the next generation of military technology. That objective gained institutional expression with the commissioning of the DICON Institute of Technology in Kaduna by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
Describing the institute as a milestone in Nigeria’s defence industrial journey, Matawalle said the country’s security future would depend as much on scientific expertise as on military hardware. “In today’s increasingly complex security environment,” he noted, “national defence depends not only on sophisticated equipment but also on the expertise, technical knowledge and innovative capacity of its workforce.” The institute represents the first statutory tertiary institution dedicated exclusively to developing skilled manpower for Nigeria’s defence manufacturing sector.
Its mission extends beyond conventional engineering education. Students are expected to specialise in defence-oriented technologies, advanced manufacturing systems, industrial design, electronics, materials science and innovation management disciplines considered essential for sustaining indigenous military production.
Alongside the institute’s inauguration, the minister also commissioned a new solar power system at DICON headquarters in Kakuri, symbolising a broader effort to modernise industrial infrastructure while improving production sustainability.
Major General Alaya, Director-General of DICON, said education represents the foundation upon which the entire defence industrial strategy rests.
He credits President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the DICON Act as the legal catalyst that transformed long-standing aspirations into actionable policy.
According to Alaya, the institute has been designed to produce globally competitive engineers, technologists and innovators capable of supporting a modern defence industry while contributing to Nigeria’s broader industrial development.
Modern laboratories, specialised academic programmes and strategic partnerships with regulatory institutions such as the National Board for Technical Education are expected to ensure graduates possess internationally competitive technical competencies. The ambition reflects a shift in strategic thinking.
Rather than measuring defence capability solely through the acquisition of sophisticated weapon systems, policymakers increasingly regard indigenous technological capacity as a long-term national security asset.
The defence manufacturing initiative also carries significant economic implications. Nigeria spends substantial foreign exchange annually importing military equipment and associated spare parts. Domestic production could gradually reduce that outflow while stimulating local industries ranging from metallurgy and precision engineering to electronics, software development and advanced manufacturing. Every locally manufactured armoured vehicle or surveillance drone potentially supports Nigerian suppliers, creates skilled employment and strengthens industrial value chains that extend well beyond the defence sector. Technology developed for military purposes often finds civilian applications in telecommunications, robotics, artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering and manufacturing automation. Countries with mature defence industries including the United States, South Korea, Israel and Türkiye have repeatedly demonstrated how military research can accelerate wider technological development. Nigeria hopes to follow a similar trajectory, albeit on a different scale.
The consequences extend beyond Nigeria’s borders. West Africa is undergoing one of the most significant strategic realignments in its post-colonial history. Military governments across parts of the Sahel have reassessed longstanding security relationships with traditional Western partners. Counter-terrorism cooperation continues to evolve, while regional governments seek greater autonomy over defence procurement. Within that environment, Nigeria’s expanding industrial capability may alter regional security dynamics. As the largest military and economy within ECOWAS, Nigeria could eventually emerge as an alternative supplier of selected defence equipment for neighbouring countries. Such capacity would strengthen multinational operations around the Lake Chad Basin while reinforcing collective efforts against transnational terrorism, organised crime and maritime insecurity. It would also reduce dependence upon distant suppliers whose strategic priorities may differ from those of West African states.
Yet industrial ambition alone cannot guarantee success. Defence manufacturing requires rigorous regulation, financial discipline and transparent governance. Producing internationally competitive defence equipment requires sustained investment in research, testing, certification and workforce development. The industry must also remain commercially viable while maintaining strategic relevance.
Nigeria’s defence transformation remains incomplete. The country will continue relying on international partners for sophisticated fighter aircraft, advanced missile systems, strategic airlift capability and high-end radar technology for the foreseeable future. Yet the trajectory is unmistakable.
The question is no longer whether Nigeria should manufacture more of its own defence equipment. The question is how rapidly it can build an ecosystem capable of sustaining innovation, supporting military operations and strengthening regional security. For more than sixty years, DICON largely symbolised unrealised industrial potential.
Today, with legislative reform, institutional expansion and renewed political commitment converging, it is beginning to represent something more consequential: the possibility that Africa’s most populous nation may finally equip its armed forces with technology increasingly conceived, engineered and manufactured at home.
If that vision succeeds, Nigeria’s defence industry will become more than a supplier of military hardware. It will become a strategic instrument of national sovereignty, one capable of reshaping not only Nigeria’s security architecture but the future balance of power across West Africa.
DSS Compensation Initiative Sets Standard for Security Agencies – Dantani
DSS Compensation Initiative Sets Standard for Security Agencies – Dantani
By: Zagazola Makama
A legal practitioner and human rights advocate, Hamza D. Dantani, Esq., has called on security agencies across the country to emulate the Department of State Services (DSS) by compensating innocent Nigerians who are wrongly arrested, unlawfully detained or harmed during security operations.
Dantani made the call while commending the Director-General of the DSS, Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for what he described as a bold and unprecedented decision to compensate victims of wrongful arrests and operational errors.
He said the initiative demonstrated that while security agencies have a constitutional responsibility to safeguard the country, they also have a moral and legal obligation to acknowledge mistakes and provide remedies to innocent citizens whose rights have been violated.
According to him, the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes should not come at the expense of justice and respect for fundamental human rights.
He said the DSS initiative had shown that institutions could admit and correct their mistakes without compromising operational effectiveness, adding that such accountability would strengthen public confidence and reinforce the principle that no authority is above the law.
Dantani cited some of the publicly known beneficiaries of the compensation initiative to include Nura Idris, a Kaduna-based farmer and herder who received ₦3 million after he was wrongly linked to Boko Haram; Umar Ibrahim, Alhaji Bello Rabiu and Jaja Sarki Bamo, who shared a compensation package after they were mistakenly arrested over allegations of banditry and kidnapping; and Chineze Ozoadibe, an Abuja-based businesswoman, who was awarded ₦10 million following her wrongful arrest over allegations of oil bunkering.
He also listed a Sokoto-based trader who was mistakenly shot during a 2016 security operation in Jos and later received ₦20 million, comprising court-awarded damages and an additional goodwill payment, alongside lifetime healthcare, as well as 11 artisans from Osun State who were cleared of terrorism-related allegations and compensated.
He noted that these were only a few publicly known cases, stressing that many other innocent Nigerians might have suffered similar experiences without receiving public attention.
Dantani said wrongful arrest and unlawful detention often result in the loss of liberty, employment, businesses, reputation and peace of mind, while families also suffer emotional and financial hardship.
Although monetary compensation cannot fully restore lost time or erase emotional trauma, he said it remains an important acknowledgement of injustice and the state's willingness to accept responsibility.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other law enforcement agencies to adopt similar measures whenever investigations establish that innocent citizens have been wrongly arrested, unlawfully detained or injured during official operations.
He also called on security agencies to strengthen their operational procedures by ensuring that arrests are based on credible intelligence and verified evidence, improving identity verification, investing in technology and forensic investigations, enhancing inter-agency intelligence sharing, and providing regular human rights training for personnel.
Dantani further advocated strict compliance with constitutional safeguards, independent internal review mechanisms to investigate complaints of wrongful arrest and unlawful detention, and accountability for officers found culpable of negligence or abuse of power.
He said arrest should never be treated as punishment, while detention should never replace proper investigation.
Commending the DSS Director-General for what he described as exemplary leadership, Dantani expressed hope that the initiative would usher in a new era in which all security agencies would embrace accountability, uphold constitutional rights and ensure that innocent citizens affected by operational errors receive justice and appropriate compensation.
He added that the true measure of a nation's justice system lies not only in its ability to punish offenders but also in its willingness to protect the innocent and correct its mistakes whenever they occur.
A New Standard for Justice: Why Other Nigerian Security Agencies Should Emulate the Director-General of the DSS
As a legal practitioner, human rights activist, and advocate for the rule of law, I have closely observed the recent actions of the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, in compensating innocent Nigerians who were wrongly arrested, unlawfully detained, or otherwise affected during security operations.
This is a bold, commendable, and unprecedented gesture that deserves national recognition. It demonstrates that while security agencies have a constitutional responsibility to protect the nation, they also have a moral and legal obligation to acknowledge mistakes and provide remedies to innocent citizens whose rights have been violated.
The fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality is a national priority. However, the pursuit of security must never come at the expense of justice. National security and respect for fundamental human rights are not opposing ideals; they are complementary principles that strengthen one another. A security institution that respects the rule of law earns greater public confidence, cooperation, and credibility.
The recent compensation initiative by the DSS is evidence that institutions can correct their errors without compromising their operational effectiveness. On the contrary, such accountability enhances public trust and demonstrates that no authority is above the law.
Among the beneficiaries of this commendable initiative are:
* Nura Idris, a Kaduna-based farmer and herder who was wrongfully linked to Boko Haram and was awarded ₦3 million.
* Umar Ibrahim, Alhaji Bello Rabiu, and Jaja Sarki Bamo, who were mistakenly arrested and detained over allegations of banditry and kidnapping and later shared a compensation package.
* Chineze Ozoadibe, an Abuja-based businesswoman who was wrongfully arrested over allegations of oil bunkering and was awarded ₦10 million.
* A Sokoto-based trader, who was mistakenly shot during a 2016 security operation in Jos, received ₦20 million, comprising court-awarded damages and an additional goodwill payment, together with lifetime free healthcare.
* Eleven artisans from Osun State, including Mohammed Adamu, Adamu Abubakar, Mohammed Bindi, and Baba Kura Mallam, who were eventually cleared of terrorism-related allegations and compensated.
These are only a few publicly known examples. There may be many more deserving victims whose stories have never reached the public domain.
Wrongful arrest and unlawful detention inflict profound harm. Victims often lose their liberty, employment, businesses, reputation, and peace of mind. Their families equally suffer emotional and financial hardship. In some cases, the stigma associated with being falsely accused continues long after their innocence has been established.
Although monetary compensation can never fully restore lost time, damaged reputations, or emotional trauma, it is an important acknowledgment that an injustice has occurred and that the State is willing to accept responsibility for its actions.
I therefore urge every security agency in Nigeria—including the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other law enforcement institutions—to adopt similar measures whenever investigations establish that innocent citizens have been wrongly arrested, unlawfully detained, or injured during official operations.
Beyond compensation, there is an urgent need to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place. Prevention is always better than remedy. Security agencies should therefore strengthen their operational procedures by adopting the following measures:
* Ensure that arrests are based on credible intelligence, verified evidence, and thorough investigations rather than mere suspicion, rumours, anonymous allegations, or unreliable informants.
* Conduct proper identity verification before arresting suspects, particularly in terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry investigations where mistaken identity is common.
* Subject intelligence reports to supervisory review before authorising high-risk arrests or detention.
* Improve intelligence gathering through technology, forensic analysis, and inter-agency collaboration instead of relying solely on confessional statements or unverified information.
* Provide continuous human rights and constitutional law training for security personnel, particularly on the legal standards governing arrest, detention, and the treatment of suspects.
* Ensure strict compliance with constitutional safeguards, including informing suspects of the reasons for their arrest, granting prompt access to legal representation, and producing them before a court within the time prescribed by law.
* Establish independent internal review mechanisms to promptly investigate complaints of wrongful arrest, unlawful detention, and abuse of power.
* Hold officers accountable where investigations reveal negligence, recklessness, bad faith, or abuse of authority that resulted in the violation of innocent citizens’ rights.
Professionalism demands caution before depriving any citizen of liberty. An arrest should never be treated as punishment, and detention should never become a substitute for proper investigation. Every officer should remember that once an innocent person’s liberty is taken away, no amount of compensation can fully restore the lost time, dignity, opportunities, and emotional well-being.
A justice system that readily admits and corrects its mistakes is stronger than one that refuses to acknowledge them. Transparency and accountability should never be viewed as signs of institutional weakness; rather, they are hallmarks of professionalism and democratic governance.
I commend the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for demonstrating exceptional leadership, fairness, and respect for the rule of law. His actions have set a commendable precedent for security institutions across Nigeria.
It is my sincere hope that this initiative marks the beginning of a new era in which every Nigerian security agency embraces accountability, respects constitutional rights, and ensures that innocent citizens who suffer from wrongful arrest, unlawful detention, or operational errors are not left without justice or appropriate compensation.
The true measure of a nation’s justice system is not merely its ability to punish the guilty, but also its willingness to protect the innocent and to correct its own mistakes whenever they occur.
Hamza N. Dantani Esq
Human rights Activist
COAS Welfare Flight Airlifts 352 Personnel as Movement Into, Out of OPHK Theatre Reaches 34,466
COAS Welfare Flight Airlifts 352 Personnel as Movement Into, Out of OPHK Theatre Reaches 34,466
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has successfully conducted the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Welfare Flight for August 2026, airlifting hundreds of personnel into and out of the North-East theatre of operations.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the first welfare flight for the month was carried out on Aug. 1 using a chartered ValueJet aircraft.
According to the sources, the flight conveyed 177 personnel into the Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) theatre, while 175 personnel were airlifted out, bringing the total number of passengers moved during the operation to 352.
The latest movement increased the cumulative number of personnel transported into and out of the OPHK theatre under the COAS Welfare Flight initiative to 34,466.
The welfare flight programme is designed to ease the movement of troops serving in the counter-insurgency theatre, improve personnel welfare and enhance operational efficiency by facilitating timely deployment and rotation of military personnel.
Military authorities said the movement was conducted successfully without any incident.
Nigerian Army Participates in Benin’s 66th Independence Anniversary Parade in Cotonou
Nigerian Army Participates in Benin’s 66th Independence Anniversary Parade in Cotonou
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 9 Brigade participated in the 66th Independence Anniversary celebration of the Republic of Benin held on Aug. 1 at the Esplanade de l’Amazone along Boulevard de la Marina in Cotonou.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the event brought together top government officials, military leaders, diplomats and invited guests from allied countries.
The ceremony was presided over by the President of the Republic of Benin, Romuald Wadagni, who delivered the presidential address and reviewed the ceremonial parade mounted by the Benin Armed Forces, allied participating contingents and personnel of the Nigerian Army’s 9 Brigade.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army was represented at the event by the Commander, 9 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. A.O. Owolabi.
Also in attendance were former Benin President, Dr. Thomas Boni Yayi, the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the Republic of Benin, the Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, senior military officers and other distinguished guests.
The participation of the Nigerian Army contingent underscored the enduring military cooperation and cordial bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, particularly in the areas of regional security and defence collaboration.
The anniversary celebration, which featured colourful military displays and ceremonial activities, ended peacefully without any security incident.
Vigilante Arrested with Illegal Ammunition in Nasarawa
Vigilante Arrested with Illegal Ammunition in Nasarawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a local vigilante for illegal possession of ammunition in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 5:00 p.m. on Aug. 1 at Gidan Ausa in Doma during a security operation by troops deployed in the area.
The suspect was found in possession of 12 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, which he could not lawfully account for.
Following the arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Police, Doma Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution, while the recovered ammunition remains in the custody of the troops as part of ongoing investigations.
Security sources said the operation forms part of sustained efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition and enhance security across Nasarawa State.
Bandits Kill Farmer, Abduct Another, Rustle Cattle in Sokoto
Bandits Kill Farmer, Abduct Another, Rustle Cattle in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
Suspected bandits have killed one civilian, abducted another farmer and rustled cattle in separate attacks across Isa and Rabah Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of the 26 Battalion stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Isa responded to a distress call at about 11:00 a.m. on Aug. 1 following reports of bandit activity at Kona Isa Village in Isa LGA.
The sources said two armed bandits riding on a motorcycle abducted a farmer while he was working on his farmland before fleeing the area.
Troops immediately launched a pursuit and combed the surrounding area but did not make contact with the fleeing attackers.
In a related incident, suspected bandits raided Gandi Village in Rabah Local Government Area, where they rustled an unspecified number of cattle before engaging troops in the area.
During the attack, one civilian was killed, while five others sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured victims were evacuated for medical treatment, while security forces have intensified efforts to track the attackers, rescue the abducted farmer and recover the stolen livest
Troops Monitor IMN Annual Procession Along Kano–Zaria Highway
Troops Monitor IMN Annual Procession Along Kano–Zaria Highway
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 4 Demonstration Battalion have commenced close monitoring of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) participating in their annual religious procession along the Kano–Zaria highway in Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that at about 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 2, personnel observed a large group of IMN members moving along the Kano–Kaduna Expressway within Makarfi Local Government Area, heading towards Zaria.
According to the sources, about 1,000 participants were seen trekking on the left side of the highway while carrying their personal luggage.
The annual procession is expected to continue until Aug. 9, with security agencies maintaining surveillance and deploying personnel along the route to ensure public safety, facilitate traffic management and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
As of the time of filing this report, the procession was progressing peacefully without any reported security incident.
Troops Foil Cattle Rustling, Recover 22 Cattle in Kaduna
Troops Foil Cattle Rustling, Recover 22 Cattle in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army have foiled a cattle rustling operation and recovered 22 stolen cattle during a swift response to an attack in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:08 a.m. on July 31 after troops received a distress call over cattle rustling at Sullubawa Village.
The sources said the troops tracked the fleeing rustlers and intercepted them at Rahama, where they engaged the suspects in a firefight.
Overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower, the rustlers fled the scene, abandoning the stolen livestock.
The 22 recovered cattle were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owners.
Military authorities said troops have continued to sustain aggressive patrols and rapid-response operations across vulnerable communities to curb cattle rustling and other forms of criminality in the area.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorist Informants at Askira Uba Market
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorist Informants at Askira Uba Market
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 115 Task Force Battalion have arrested two suspected terrorist informants during a security operation at Askira Uba Market in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 3:10 p.m. on Aug. 1 following intelligence-led surveillance by troops operating in the area.
The sources said the two suspects are believed to have been providing information to terrorist elements operating within the region.
Following their arrest, the suspects were handed over to the Headquarters, 28 Task Force Brigade, for further investigation and other necessary actions.
Military sources said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks by identifying and apprehending informants and collaborators aiding insurgent activities in the North-East.
Troops Discover, Destroy Two Improvised Explosive Devices Along Gwoza–Wala Road
Troops Discover, Destroy Two Improvised Explosive Devices Along Gwoza–Wala Road
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison have discovered and safely destroyed two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along the Gwoza–Wala Road in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the explosives were detected at about 8:50 a.m. on Aug. 2 during routine operations between Golf Bravo and Papa 2 locations along the road.
The sources said the troops immediately secured the area before an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was deployed to the scene.
The EOD specialists successfully recovered and carried out a controlled in-situ detonation of the two IEDs, eliminating the threat without any casualties or damage.
Military sources said the operation prevented a potential attack on security personnel and civilian road users, noting that clearance and route-sanitisation operations remain ongoing across the North-East to deny terrorists the ability to emplace explosive devices on major supply routes.
Two family members of suspected terrorists surrender to troops in Gwoza
Two family members of suspected terrorists surrender to troops in Gwoza
By Zagazola Makama
Two family members of suspected Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered to troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, after fleeing a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the escapees, identified as Hadiza Ahmadu, 30, and Ishaku Saleh, 8, surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion (Mechanised) at about 9:50 a.m. on Aug. 2.
The sources said the duo approached troops during a picketing and fighting patrol along the Gwoza–Limankara Road and voluntarily laid down their intention to leave the terrorist-controlled enclave.
Preliminary investigation revealed that they escaped from the Kwatara terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains, where they had been living under insurgent control.
According to the sources, the escapees told troops they could no longer remain in the enclave due to severe shortages of basic necessities, including food and other essential supplies.
They were subsequently screened, documented and taken into the custody of the 192 Battalion for further profiling and necessary administrative procedures.
Military sources said the surrender reflects the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist hideouts by Operation HADIN KAI troops, which has continued to weaken insurgent logistics and living conditions within enclaves across the North-East.
New Terror Leader Reportedly Appointed After Death of Kachalla Iliya Mai Rasha, Villages in Tsafe Allegedly Taxed for Arms Purchase
New Terror Leader Reportedly Appointed After Death of Kachalla Iliya Mai Rasha, Villages in Tsafe Allegedly Taxed for Arms Purchase
By Zagazola Makama
Intelligence sources have reported that armed bandits operating under the notorious kingpin Ado Aleiro have allegedly appointed a new field commander following the recent killing of Kachalla Iliya Mai Rasha, as the group moves to reorganize its operations in Zamfara State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that although the identity of the new commander has yet to be disclosed, bandit emissaries have reportedly imposed a levy of N200,000 on each village in the western axis of Tsafe Local Government Area.
According to the sources, the money is intended to raise approximately N25 million to enable the newly appointed commander procure additional weapons and ammunition.
The sources further disclosed that at least 10 bandit commanders (Kachallas) were reportedly buried in Kizara village, west of Tsafe, following recent military operations, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Residents familiar with the movements of the armed groups also said bandits who return from raids have been telling their local contacts that they now travel much farther into remote areas in search of livestock, claiming that there are few animals left to rustle within Zamfara due to sustained security operations and repeated cattle theft.
The claims could not be independently verified. However, security sources said they are monitoring the reported appointment of a new commander and the alleged collection of levies from rural communities as part of ongoing intelligence efforts targeting the group’s logistics and financing networks.
Military operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have in recent weeks intensified pressure on bandit enclaves across Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states, resulting in the reported elimination of several notorious commanders and disruption of their operational bases.
The Sahel at War: Inside the Interlocking Networks of Terrorism, Banditry Amidst State Fragility in West Africa
The Sahel at War: Inside the Interlocking Networks of Terrorism, Banditry Amidst State Fragility in West Africa
By Zagazola Makama
West Africa and the Central Sahel are no longer confronting isolated insurgencies. They are confronting the emergence of an integrated conflict ecosystem stretching from the shores of Lake Chad through the Sahelian heartland to the northern fringes of the Gulf of Guinea. The violence that once appeared compartmentalized Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria, jihadists in northern Mali, criminal bandits in Zamfara, or communal clashes between farmers and pastoralists has evolved into a mutually reinforcing network of terrorism, organized crime, illicit finance, governance failure, and regional geopolitical competition.
Today’s conflict cannot be understood just by counting attacks or measuring how much land militants control. The real fight is happening in areas where the government is absent, where illegal businesses replace official systems, and where extremist groups are stepping in to provide security, justice, taxes, and economic opportunities more effectively than the state.
This evolution has transformed the security crisis from a collection of national emergencies into one of Africa’s most consequential strategic challenges.
The current conflict is driven by three distinct but increasingly interconnected actors: violent extremist organizations, criminal syndicates, and state or quasi-state military actors.
Each operates differently. Yet each increasingly influences the operational environment of the others.
The Jihadist Expansion
Among violent extremist organizations, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has emerged as arguably the most adaptive insurgent movement in the region. Unlike earlier extremist organizations whose campaigns depended primarily upon spectacular terrorist attacks, JNIM has steadily shifted toward governance-oriented insurgency. It exploits local grievances, negotiates with communities, arbitrates disputes, regulates commerce, and selectively employs violence to consolidate influence. Its operational success derives less from superior firepower than from political agility.
Where governments disappear, JNIM frequently arrives with its own version of administration.
This explains its steady expansion beyond Mali into Burkina Faso, Niger and increasingly toward the northern territories of Benin, Togo and, potentially, Ghana. Rather than conquering cities, JNIM captures strategic corridors transport routes, border crossings, grazing areas and commercial networks that gradually reshape political authority. Its principal competitor, the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), formerly known as ISGS, pursues a markedly different strategy.
ISSP emphasizes uncompromising violence.
Its campaigns frequently involve mass killings, collective punishment and deliberate intimidation designed to destroy resistance rather than cultivate legitimacy. Competition between JNIM and ISSP has itself become one of the defining characteristics of Sahelian instability, with both organizations fighting each other almost as frequently as they confront state forces.
Meanwhile, farther east, the Lake Chad Basin remains dominated by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and the residual Boko Haram faction known as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS). Unlike the fluid insurgencies of the western Sahel, ISWAP has developed an increasingly sophisticated quasi-state structure. Its taxation systems, logistical networks, intelligence apparatus and shadow governance enable it to maintain influence despite years of sustained military pressure by regional forces.
Criminality Without Ideology
Running parallel to the jihadist insurgencies is another formidable threat: organized armed banditry. Northwestern and North-central Nigeria have become the epicentre of highly militarized criminal networks whose objectives are economic rather than ideological.
These groups increasingly possess military-grade capabilities. Rocket-propelled grenades, anti-aircraft weapons mounted on technical vehicles, heavy machine guns and sophisticated communications equipment have transformed what once resembled rural criminal gangs into mobile armed organizations capable of overwhelming isolated security positions.
Kidnapping has evolved into an industrial enterprise. Unlike earlier phases of criminal abduction that focused primarily on expatriates or wealthy elites, today’s bandits conduct mass kidnappings involving schoolchildren, farming communities, religious institutions and entire villages. Ransom payments generate enormous revenue. That revenue fuels arms purchases, recruitment, logistics and territorial expansion.
Banditry has therefore become not merely a criminal phenomenon but a strategic destabilizing force with regional implications.
The greatest danger confronting West Africa lies not in any single organization but in the growing convergence between extremist violence and organized criminality. The relationship is best understood as a marketplace rather than an alliance. Bandits generate money. Extremists generate military expertise. Both benefit.
JNIM, for example, has increasingly exchanged tactical instruction, weapons handling and operational knowledge for logistical access, intelligence and freedom of movement provided by criminal groups. This arrangement does not require ideological alignment. It requires only mutual benefit. The distinction between terrorist financing and organized crime has therefore become progressively blurred. Weapons purchased with ransom proceeds frequently circulate across multiple armed actors. Traffickers move guns, ammunition, fuel, narcotics and gold using identical smuggling routes. The same criminal infrastructure serves jihadists, bandits and transnational organized crime simultaneously. The result is a conflict economy capable of sustaining violence indefinitely.
The Fulani Question: Identity, Marginalization and Manipulation
Perhaps no issue within the regional security debate has generated more misunderstanding than the relationship between Fulani pastoralists and armed violence. Reducing the crisis to ethnicity obscures its deeper structural foundations. The overwhelming majority of Fulani communities remain peaceful pastoralists. Yet prolonged environmental degradation, climate change, shrinking grazing corridors, cattle rustling, weak governance and chronic insecurity have created conditions under which segments of marginalized pastoral youth became progressively militarized. What began in many areas as localized self-defence groups gradually transformed into organized criminal formations.This evolution did not occur in isolation. It emerged within environments where state institutions failed to provide security, resolve disputes or regulate access to land and water. As farmer-herder conflicts intensified, collective punishment frequently replaced targeted law enforcement. Communities perceived to share ethnic identity with criminal actors increasingly became targets themselves.
It is within this environment that JNIM has demonstrated remarkable strategic sophistication. Rather than recruiting primarily through ideology, it recruits through protection.
When communities believe they are abandoned or worse, indiscriminately targeted extremist organizations present themselves as defenders.
Protection gradually becomes allegiance. Allegiance becomes recruitment. Recruitment becomes insurgency. The conflict therefore evolves from a dispute over grazing land into participation in transnational jihad. This cycle represents one of the most significant strategic challenges confronting governments throughout the Sahel. Military victories alone cannot dismantle recruitment systems built upon unresolved grievances.
Gold: The Conflict’s Hidden Currency
If kidnapping finances today’s bandits, artisanal gold increasingly finances tomorrow’s insurgencies. The discovery and rapid expansion of informal gold mining across Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and parts of Nigeria fundamentally altered the economics of regional conflict. Extremist organizations rarely conduct mining themselves. Instead, they regulate it.
By controlling access to remote mining sites, imposing taxes on miners, charging transit fees and monopolizing protection, armed groups have established remarkably resilient revenue streams. Gold possesses advantages that narcotics and conventional financial transfers do not. It is anonymous. It is portable. It is difficult to trace. It retains value internationally.
Smuggled through regional trading hubs and international markets, illicit gold enters legitimate global supply chains with relative ease. Revenue subsequently returns to conflict zones as cash, fuel, vehicles and weapons.
Mining camps simultaneously function as recruitment centres, logistics hubs and operational sanctuaries. As long as these informal economies remain outside effective government regulation, they will continue to finance insurgency irrespective of battlefield outcomes.
A Fragmented Security Architecture
The security landscape has become further complicated by changing regional alliances.
The emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger has fundamentally altered West Africa’s collective security framework. The withdrawal of these states from ECOWAS and their shift toward closer security cooperation with Russian military elements have introduced new political realities into regional counterterrorism efforts.
Although the AES governments emphasize sovereign security strategies and aggressive military operations, political fragmentation has simultaneously weakened regional intelligence coordination. This fragmentation creates opportunities for extremist organizations.
Terrorist groups do not recognize political disagreements between governments. They exploit them. The absence of seamless intelligence sharing across borders enables armed groups to attack in one jurisdiction before relocating into another beyond immediate pursuit. No counterterrorism campaign can succeed while terrorists enjoy greater operational mobility than the states pursuing them.
Why Military Success Alone Is Not Enough
Military operations remain indispensable.
No government can negotiate away organizations committed to systematic violence against civilians. Yet experience across the Sahel demonstrates that battlefield victories alone rarely produce durable stability.
Territory may be retaken. Governance often is not. Where governments fail to restore justice, education, healthcare, infrastructure, markets and policing, insurgents frequently return. The vacuum persists. Only the actors occupying it change. Counterterrorism therefore requires simultaneous security, governance and economic interventions. Without this integration, tactical victories risk becoming temporary interruptions rather than strategic success.
Building an Integrated Regional Response
A sustainable security strategy requires far more than increased troop deployments. First, regional intelligence cooperation must be restored regardless of political disagreements.
Functional information-sharing mechanisms between the AES, ECOWAS and Lake Chad Basin states remain essential if cross-border insurgent mobility is to be disrupted. Second, governments must formalize the artisanal mining economy. Licensing miners, establishing transparent state purchasing systems and regulating mineral exports would significantly reduce extremist access to illicit gold revenues.
Third, pastoralist integration must become a security priority rather than solely an agricultural issue. Protected grazing corridors, modern livestock infrastructure, impartial dispute-resolution mechanisms and equal legal protection for farmers and herders are not simply development initiatives they are counterterrorism measures. Finally, security institutions must prioritize precision over collective punishment. Every indiscriminate operation risks creating tomorrow’s recruits.
Every community protected strengthens the legitimacy of the state. Counterinsurgency succeeds not when insurgents fear the government, but when civilians trust it more than they trust armed groups.
Conclusion: Winning the Governance War
The future of West Africa’s security will not be determined solely on battlefields. It will be determined in villages where governments either return or fail to return. The central contest is no longer simply between states and terrorists.
It is between competing systems of governance.
Violent extremist organizations understand this reality. Their objective is not merely to kill soldiers but to replace governments. Military operations can destroy camps. They cannot, by themselves, replace institutions. The challenge confronting West Africa and the Central Sahel is therefore not only defeating insurgencies, dismantling criminal economies or securing borders. It is rebuilding the legitimacy of the state itself. Until governance fills the vacuum now occupied by violence, instability will continue to migrate across borders, adapt to new pressures and regenerate in new forms.
The battle for the Sahel is ultimately a battle over political authority, economic opportunity and public trust. Whoever succeeds in providing those three elements will shape the future security architecture of West Africa for decades to come.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Turkey Deepens Military Partnership with Somalia Amid Shifting Regional Security Dynamics
Turkey Deepens Military Partnership with Somalia Amid Shifting Regional Security Dynamics
By Zagazola Makama
Turkey is significantly expanding its military partnership with Somalia, reinforcing its position as one of Mogadishu’s most important security allies at a time of growing uncertainty over the future of international stabilization efforts and increasing pressure from Western partners to sustain the fight against Al-Shabaab.
The latest developments point to a broader strategic realignment in Somalia’s security architecture, with Ankara deepening its involvement in the country’s defense sector through expanded military training, operational support, and institutional reforms aimed at building a self-reliant Somali National Army (SNA).
The renewed cooperation signifies Somalia’s effort to develop integrated land, air, and naval capabilities capable of independently confronting insurgent threats and securing the country’s vast territory and coastline.
Security sources familiar with the development said the Somali government has accelerated plans to build a unified defense structure operating across multiple regions, reflecting a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on foreign peacekeeping forces.
The initiative includes strengthening command structures, improving force mobility, enhancing intelligence coordination, and developing specialized units capable of responding to evolving threats posed by Al-Shabaab.
The move comes as uncertainty continues to surround the future role of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) but continues to face operational and funding challenges. Officials believe Somalia must increasingly rely on its own security institutions if recent gains against extremist groups are to be sustained.
Demonstrating the growing defense relationship, Commander of the Somali National Army, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, recently arrived in Baidoa alongside the Commander of TurkSom, Gen. Sebahattin Kalkan.
The joint visit is being viewed as more than a routine inspection. Military analysts say it underscores Ankara’s continued commitment to Somalia’s security sector reforms and reflects close coordination between Turkish military advisers and Somali commanders on future operational planning.
Turkey has played a central role in training thousands of Somali soldiers through the TurkSom Military Training Centre in Mogadishu, one of Ankara’s largest overseas military facilities.
The partnership has evolved beyond basic military instruction to include leadership development, logistics, force modernization, and institutional capacity building.
The renewed Turkish engagement comes against the backdrop of sustained pressure from Somalia’s Western partners to intensify military operations against Al-Shabaab.
Only days earlier, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson, urged Somali authorities to maintain relentless pressure on the extremist group and prevent it from regaining territory.
His remarks reflected Washington’s continued commitment to supporting Somalia’s counterterrorism campaign through intelligence sharing, training, and precision operations against Al-Shabaab leadership.
The United States has continued to conduct targeted strikes and provide military assistance to Somali security forces, viewing Al-Shabaab as one of Africa’s most resilient jihadist organizations and a continuing regional security threat.
The evolving security environment has also pointed to the emergence of parallel defense partnerships across Somalia.
In recent weeks, AFRICOM concluded a bilateral security cooperation arrangement with Puntland authorities, demonstrating Washington’s engagement with regional administrations alongside the Federal Government.
These parallel relationships illustrate the increasingly complex network of international security actors operating in Somalia, where Turkey, the United States, the African Union, and other partners are simultaneously supporting different aspects of the country’s security architecture.
While Ankara focuses heavily on force generation, training, and institutional development, Washington continues to emphasize counterterrorism cooperation and operational support against Al-Shabaab.
Despite differences in approach, both Turkey and the United States share the broader objective of preventing Al-Shabaab from reversing military gains made by Somali forces over recent years.
The expansion of military cooperation with Turkey represents part of a wider strategy to build sustainable national defense capabilities capable of eventually assuming full responsibility for the country’s security.
As debates continue over the future of AUSSOM and international funding for stabilization missions, the emphasis on strengthening indigenous military institutions is expected to become increasingly central to Somalia’s long-term security planning.
The success of these reforms will largely determine whether Somali forces can maintain operational momentum against Al-Shabaab and secure areas recovered from insurgent control without prolonged dependence on foreign peacekeeping missions.
Troops rescue woman, child who lost their way in Adamawa
Troops rescue woman, child who lost their way in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued a woman and her daughter who became stranded after losing their way in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the woman, identified as Mrs. Aisha Hamidu, 22, and her daughter were found by troops of the 232 Battalion (Tactical) during a perimeter patrol along the Garaha–Dabna road at about 8:15 p.m. on July 31.
The sources said the patrol was conducted as part of follow-up activities after a military fire mission carried out on July 30 in the area.
Preliminary questioning revealed that Mrs. Hamidu had lost her way and had been wandering with her daughter before they were spotted by the troops.
According to the sources, local residents later identified the woman, after which she and her daughter were safely reunited with their family in Gombi.
Military authorities said the rescue highlights the continued commitment of Operation HADIN KAI troops to protecting civilians and providing humanitarian assistance alongside ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.
Troops arrest two suspected terrorist informants at Borno market
Troops arrest two suspected terrorist informants at Borno market
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested two suspected terrorist informants during a fighting patrol at Askira Market in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 3:10 p.m. on Aug. 1 by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion acting on credible intelligence.
The suspects were identified as Gujiya Mamiyo Umar, 40, from Gargauli, and Adam Abba, 39, from Bulakurge village, both in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.
According to the sources, the troops arrested the duo during routine fighting and market patrols aimed at disrupting terrorist support networks and identifying collaborators operating within civilian communities.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Headquarters of the 28 Task Force Brigade for further investigation and other necessary actions.
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist logistics and intelligence networks across the North-East.
They added that the general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops continue to maintain high morale and operational readiness in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.
DSS, Community Vigilantes Neutralize Bandit Kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki, 60 Others in Katsina
DSS, Community Vigilantes Neutralize Bandit Kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki, 60 Others in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
An intelligence-led operation by the Department of State Services (DSS), has resulted in the death of over 60 suspected bandits in Bakori Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Security sources disclosed that one notorious bandit kingpin, Idi Abasu Aiki, believed to be responsible for several cases of attacks by bandits in the Northwest states of Katsina and Zamfara States, was among those neutralized during the operation.
According to the sources, the operation was backed by members of the Katsina State Community vigilantes and specially-trained hunters, of which four of them were killed by the bandits.
Said one of the sources, "Over 200 armed bandits led by kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki stormed Guga village in Bakori LGA of Katsina State.
"Assisted by several bandits from the Ado Aleru band in Zamfara State, the bandits were out to attack communities they believed had been supporting Community Watch Corps protecting the surrounding villages," offered the source.
Early last month, the bandits suffered heavy casualties at Dawan Laila village, Bakori LGA, in the hands of the hunters.. The bandits, therefore, were out on a reprisal mission to dislodge the frontline community's defence group, and thereafter proceed to inflict mass casualties on surrounding villages, the source added.
He continued, "Unknown to the bandits, the DSS had water-tight intelligence plans. The over 200 armed bandits literally walked into a trap. Over 60 of them, including Idi Abasu Aiki and 14 of their top commanders, didn't come out of that trap alive."
Another security source disclosed that the DSS and their support security groups undertook massive clearance operation to recover weapons and other items of concern abandoned by the bandits.
Troops clear suspected terrorist hideouts in Yobe, deny insurgents freedom of movement
Troops clear suspected terrorist hideouts in Yobe, deny insurgents freedom of movement
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have conducted a clearance operation in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State following intelligence on the suspected convergence of terrorists in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:10 p.m. on Aug. 1 by troops of B Company, Kanama, 159 Task Force Battalion, supported by members of the National Forest Guards.
The sources said the troops, mounted on one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and three gun trucks, advanced to Garin Gada village and Bulagra village to clear the area and deny terrorists freedom of action.
Although no contact was made with suspected insurgents during the operation, troops thoroughly searched the locations as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and prevent the establishment of hideouts.
According to the sources, interactions with residents of both communities indicated that there were no Boko Haram camps within the immediate vicinity. However, the locals disclosed that terrorist elements occasionally passed through the villages for administrative and logistical purposes.
After completing the clearance mission, the troops returned safely to base at about 4:37 p.m.
Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained offensive efforts under Operation HADIN KAI to dominate vulnerable areas and prevent terrorists from regrouping across the North-East.
They added that the overall security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops continue to maintain high morale and operational readiness.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist collaborator during covert operation in Borno
Troops arrest suspected terrorist collaborator during covert operation in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a 21-year-old suspected terrorist collaborator during a covert intelligence-led operation in Magumeri town, Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Abur Mallam Shuaibu, was apprehended at about 3:00 p.m. on July 30 by troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The sources said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the suspect had infiltrated Magumeri town to attend a 40-day prayer ceremony held for his late father.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to being involved in cattle rustling, attacks on motorists along the Magumeri–Gubio road, and the imposition of illegal levies on communities within the area.
He also admitted that the activities of his group forced many residents to flee their homes for fear of being killed if they failed to pay the imposed levies, the sources said.
Military authorities said the suspect would be handed over to the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre (JIFC) for further investigation and necessary action.
Sources added that the general security situation across the North-East theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops have continued to maintain a high level of operational readiness in ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
Troops repel terrorist attack on FOB in Zamfara, rescue nine abductees
Troops repel terrorist attack on FOB in Zamfara, rescue nine abductees
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Kasuwan Daji in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and rescuing nine abducted civilians during a follow-up operation.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, the attempted infiltration occurred at about 1:40 a.m. on Aug. 2.
The statement said the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the military position, but vigilant troops detected the movement and responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the assailants to retreat in disarray.
It added that reinforcements were immediately deployed, after which troops launched a pursuit of the fleeing terrorists, who had abducted an unspecified number of residents from the surrounding community during the attack.
The military said the pursuit led to the successful rescue of nine abducted civilians, who were recovered safely.
The Army, however, confirmed that one Army officer and one Police officer were killed during the fierce exchange of fire.
It also disclosed that two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were airlifted for advanced medical treatment, adding that both personnel were in stable condition.
The statement noted that troops had secured and dominated the area and were conducting exploitation operations to determine the full extent of the terrorists’ casualties while ensuring the safety of nearby communities.
The Army described the failed assault as another major setback for the terrorists amid sustained military offensives across the North-West theatre, saying the outcome reflected the increasing difficulty armed groups face in mounting coordinated attacks against combat-ready troops.
The military also dismissed online reports claiming that six security personnel were killed in the incident, insisting that only one Army officer and one Police officer lost their lives during the operation.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and protecting vulnerable communities until lasting peace and security are restored across the North-West.
Source: Statement by Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, issued on Aug. 2, 2026.
Internal Rift Deepens in ISWAP as Leader Detains Four Shura Council Members Over Alleged Dissent
Internal Rift Deepens in ISWAP as Leader Detains Four Shura Council Members Over Alleged Dissent
By: Zagazola Makama
A fresh wave of internal distrust has reportedly engulfed the leadership of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad Basin, following the arrest and detention of four senior members of the group’s influential Shura Council by its overall leader in the area, Ba Shuwa.
Zagazola Makama gathered from credible intelligence sources that the arrests were ordered after the group’s internal intelligence unit, known as the Amniyya, concluded a prolonged surveillance operation on the four senior figures.
According to the sources, the detained leaders were accused of repeatedly listening to what ISWAP leadership described as “subversive” audio messages believed to have originated from Nigerian military psychological operations targeting insurgents in the Lake Chad region.
Those arrested were identified as Mallam Burin, a widely respected Qaid (field commander) with considerable influence among fighters operating around the Lake Chad islands; Babakura Wanjam, a prominent ISWAP cleric known for providing ideological guidance to members; as well as Abu Huraira and Mallam Ari Kara, both senior members of the group’s Shura Council.
Security sources said the arrests have triggered anxiety and uncertainty within ISWAP’s ranks, particularly because those detained are regarded as trusted members of the organisation’s senior decision-making body.
The development is being viewed as one of the clearest signs yet of growing suspicion and internal fractures within the terrorist group’s leadership structure.
“The detention of influential commanders and religious figures by their own leader reflects an atmosphere of deep mistrust within the organisation. It suggests that Ba Shuwa is increasingly concerned about possible ideological drift, dissent or covert influence among even his closest associates,” a security source familiar with the development said.
The extremist organisations often become vulnerable when internal loyalty is questioned, as prolonged suspicion can undermine operational planning, weaken command cohesion and erode fighters’ confidence in their leadership.
The latest incident comes amid sustained military pressure by Nigerian and regional forces against ISWAP strongholds in the Lake Chad Basin, where intelligence-driven operations and psychological campaigns have continued to target the group’s command structure and rank-and-file members.
It was believed such sustained pressure has increasingly forced the group into defensive internal security measures, including tighter surveillance of its own members and frequent investigations into suspected disloyalty.
Sources disclosed that the current development is being closely monitored by security agencies, which consider the apparent leadership crisis an opportunity to further weaken the terrorist organisation through intelligence exploitation and psychological operations.
According to the sources, efforts are ongoing to establish the exact location where the four detained leaders are being held, assess the reaction of other ISWAP commanders, and monitor Ba Shuwa’s next moves.
Sources say that if the reported divisions continue to widen, they could contribute to reduced morale among fighters, disrupt command and control, encourage defections and potentially accelerate fragmentation within the organisation.
IS attack kills 21 Nigerien soldiers in Dosso, raises July 31 death toll to 38
IS attack kills 21 Nigerien soldiers in Dosso, raises July 31 death toll to 38
By Zagazola Makama
At least 21 Nigerien soldiers were killed on Friday after suspected fighters of the Islamic State attacked a military position at Dankassari, located between Doutchi and Yaya in Dosso Region, security and local sources told Zagazola Makama.
The coordinated assault, which occurred on July 31, targeted a forward position of the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS), with the attackers reportedly overrunning the base after intense fighting.
Security sources said the consolidated casualty figure stood at 21 soldiers killed. The number of wounded or missing personnel was not immediately available.
The attack came on the same day that another deadly assault struck the town of N’Guigmi in Diffa Region, where 17 members of the FDS, including an officer, were killed in a separate attack attributed to the Islamic State.
The two incidents bring the total number of Nigerien security personnel killed in terrorist attacks on July 31 alone to 38, underscoring the growing operational tempo of extremist groups across the country.
The latest attacks highlight the persistent security challenges facing Niger despite ongoing military operations against jihadist groups operating in the Tillabéri, Dosso, Diffa and Tahoua regions.
According to data compiled by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), at least 5,828 people, including more than 2,000 members of the Defence and Security Forces, have been killed in terrorism-related violence in Niger since the military takeover of July 26, 2023.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerien authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the Dankassari attack or confirm the casualty figures.
Wike Orders Demolition of Illegal 'Ruga' Settlement Over Security Concerns
Wike Orders Demolition of Illegal 'Ruga' Settlement Over Security Concerns
By Zagazola Makama
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate evacuation and demolition of an illegal settlement known as "Ruga" in Kukwaba District, describing it as a major security threat within Abuja.
The directive was issued on Friday after the FCT Security Council meeting and an inspection of the settlement, located near Karmajiji, a few kilometres from the Abuja City Gate.
Wike said the shanty community had become a hideout for criminals who allegedly retreat there after carrying out attacks, warning that the continued existence of the settlement posed a serious threat to residents.
Describing the area as "a time bomb waiting to explode," the minister directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and the Director of Development Control to immediately clear the illegal structures.
He reiterated that the FCT Administration would not tolerate illegal settlements serving as safe havens for criminal elements, stressing its commitment to protecting lives and property across the nation's capital.
Before visiting the settlement, the minister inspected the ongoing construction of the access road to the FCT Fire Service Station along Arterial Road SI, linking Ring Road II in Kaura District to Oladipo Diya Way in Gaduwa District.
Troops arrest alleged killers of soldier, recover stolen rifles in interstate operation
Troops arrest alleged killers of soldier, recover stolen rifles in interstate operation
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested three suspected members of a criminal gang linked to the ambush that killed a soldier and injured another in May, recovering stolen military weapons and additional firearms during a coordinated operation spanning Rivers, Delta and Imo states.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrests followed months of intelligence-driven pursuit by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA (OPUK) after the ambush on troops on May 4, 2026, during which the attackers carted away military weapons.
According to the sources, sustained raid operations and the interrogation of previously arrested gang members yielded actionable intelligence that identified the principal suspects as Albert Tony, also known as “Chiboy,” Temple Eburua, alias “Marathon,” and Vitalis Eburua, alias “Onowu.”
The investigation further revealed that the suspects had initially fled to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, before relocating to Oleh in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, with the assistance of an associate identified as Mr. Abire.
The sources said troops apprehended Abire in Port Harcourt on July 30, and during interrogation, he disclosed the suspects’ whereabouts in Oleh.
Acting on the intelligence, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade moved to Delta State in the early hours of July 31, where they linked up with personnel of the 181 Battalion and carried out a raid at Opaebe, Oleh, leading to the arrest of the three suspects.
Following their arrest, the suspects reportedly led troops to their hideout in Ohaji/Egbema, where they had concealed military weapons stolen during the May ambush. Further exploitation also uncovered another camp at Umudike Plantation.
During the operations, troops recovered military weapons stolen from the slain soldiers, including one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, one FN rifle and two FN rifle magazines.
Additional arms and ammunition recovered from the suspects included three AK-47 rifles, nine AK-47 magazines, one pistol with its magazine, 194 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and one fragmentation jacket.
Troops also recovered other items believed to be connected to the gang’s criminal activities.
The suspects are currently in the custody of the 34 Artillery Brigade, where they are undergoing further interrogation to uncover the full extent of the network and identify other accomplices.
Military sources described the operation as a major breakthrough in efforts to track down those responsible for attacks on security personnel, noting that the recovery of the stolen service weapons would significantly aid ongoing investigations and strengthen security operations in the South-East.
Army rescues abducted senior officer, civilian after 10-day search operation in Enugu
Army rescues abducted senior officer, civilian after 10-day search operation in Enugu
By Zagazola Makama
A joint military task force has rescued an abducted senior Nigerian Army officer, Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, and a civilian, Mr. Ikechukwu Onwuanra, after an intensive 10-day search-and-rescue operation across forests and communities in Enugu State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the breakthrough came in the early hours of Aug. 1, following sustained operations by troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA (OPUK).
The search mission involved personnel of the 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion (Rear), the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NN SBS), and the 197 Special Forces Battalion, operating under the leadership of the Commander, 82 Division Garrison, with support from the Air Component.
According to the sources, between 6:00 p.m. on July 31 and 6:00 a.m. on Aug. 1, the joint troops continued search operations using actionable intelligence across Inyi, Awlaw and Akpugo-Eze forests and adjoining communities in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.
At about 2:00 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Inyi Division alerted the troops to the suspected location of the kidnapped victims.
The troops immediately mobilised and launched a fighting patrol into the area, where they discovered Lt. Col. Amobi and Mr. Onwuanra abandoned at the edge of a forest. The civilian was found with a gunshot wound.
The victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to Inyi before being moved to the 82 Division Medical Hospital for medical treatment and comprehensive evaluation.
During preliminary debriefing, the victims disclosed that they had been blindfolded shortly after their abduction and transported to an unknown location. They said they were later abandoned in a forest around the Enugu–Anambra border as the kidnappers came under sustained operational pressure.
Military sources attributed the successful rescue to the relentless pressure mounted by the joint force, supported by the Air Component, which maintained continuous dominance of the suspected hideouts and denied the abductors freedom of movement throughout the 10-day operation.
The sources said the sustained search-and-rescue mission ultimately forced the kidnappers to abandon the captives and flee.
Further investigations and follow-up operations are ongoing to identify, track and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
14 Nigerien security personnel killed in attack, ambush near N’Guigm
14 Nigerien security personnel killed in attack, ambush near N’Guigmi
By Zagazola Makama
At least 14 members of the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces were killed in a coordinated terrorist attack and subsequent ambush in N’Guigmi, Diffa Region, southeastern Niger, on Friday morning.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on July 31, when heavily armed assailants approached the town from the Sabon Carré neighbourhood, southwest of N’Guigmi, and launched an assault on a National Guard position located near the town’s cemetery.
According to the sources, the initial attack prompted a military response as reinforcements moved to pursue the fleeing attackers.
However, the responding troops reportedly ran into a well-prepared ambush about one kilometre south of the National Guard position, resulting in heavy casualties.
Preliminary reports indicate that 14 security personnel were killed, comprising 10 soldiers of the Niger Armed Forces (FAN), including one officer, and four members of the National Guard.
The sources added that four National Guard personnel sustained injuries, with one said to be in critical condition. A military vehicle was also destroyed during the engagement.
The identities of the attackers have not been officially confirmed, although the Diffa Region has witnessed repeated attacks by extremist groups operating around the Lake Chad Basin.
Military authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while security operations have reportedly been intensified in and around N’Guigmi to track down those responsible.
Troops arrest two suspected pipeline vandals in Rivers
Troops arrest two suspected pipeline vandals in Rivers
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected pipeline vandals during a security operation in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 1:30 a.m. on July 30 by troops of the 16 Brigade Garrison during a patrol at Eniwari.
The sources said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to protect critical national infrastructure and curb acts of oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
The identities of the suspects were not immediately disclosed, while preliminary investigations are expected to determine their level of involvement and whether they are linked to a wider vandalism network.
The suspects are currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
Military sources said troops have intensified surveillance and security operations around oil and gas installations to safeguard critical infrastructure and deny criminal elements the opportunity to sabotage the nation’s economic assets.
Troops dismantle illegal refining site, recover 6,500 litres of stolen crude in Rivers
Troops dismantle illegal refining site, recover 6,500 litres of stolen crude in Rivers
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled an illegal crude oil refining site and recovered an estimated 6,500 litres of stolen crude oil during an anti-illegal bunkering operation in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:30 a.m. on July 29 by troops of 343 Artillery Regiment at Uburu, in Apani Community.
According to the sources, the troops discovered and dismantled one illegal refining site containing an estimated 6,500 litres of illegally sourced crude oil.
Also recovered at the site were three plastic drums containing approximately 740 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
Other items recovered included 11 locally fabricated refining ovens, seven metal drums, and seven jerrycans used in the illicit refining process.
The recovered items were handled and disposed of in accordance with the operational guidelines of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS).
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, while protecting the nation’s critical oil infrastructure.
Soldier injured as troops repel terrorist attack on duty post in Benue
Soldier injured as troops repel terrorist attack on duty post in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on their duty position in Abaji, neutralising one of the attackers who attempted to seize a soldier’s weapon.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on July 29, when suspected terrorists launched an attack on troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke, deployed at Abaji.
According to the sources, during the assault, one of the attackers attempted to snatch the personal weapon of a soldier on sentry duty. The soldier and his colleagues responded swiftly, neutralising the assailant before he could escape with the weapon.
The sources said one soldier sustained injuries during the encounter and was immediately evacuated to the Primary Health Care Centre in Abaji for medical treatment.
Military authorities said the troops maintained control of the position following the attack, while security measures in the area have been reinforced to prevent further incidents.
The attempted weapon snatching underscores the desperate tactics increasingly employed by armed groups during attacks on security personnel, as troops continue operations to restore peace in the area.
Soldier injured as troops repel terrorist attack on duty post in Benue
Soldier injured as troops repel terrorist attack on duty post in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on their duty position in Abaji, neutralising one of the attackers who attempted to seize a soldier’s weapon.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on July 29, when suspected terrorists launched an attack on troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke, deployed at Abaji.
According to the sources, during the assault, one of the attackers attempted to snatch the personal weapon of a soldier on sentry duty. The soldier and his colleagues responded swiftly, neutralising the assailant before he could escape with the weapon.
The sources said one soldier sustained injuries during the encounter and was immediately evacuated to the Primary Health Care Centre in Abaji for medical treatment.
Military authorities said the troops maintained control of the position following the attack, while security measures in the area have been reinforced to prevent further incidents.
The attempted weapon snatching underscores the desperate tactics increasingly employed by armed groups during attacks on security personnel, as troops continue operations to restore peace in the area.
Troops arrest 14 suspected terrorists, recover ammunition in Benue clearance operation
Troops arrest 14 suspected terrorists, recover ammunition in Benue clearance operation
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested 14 suspected terrorists during a coordinated clearance operation on suspected criminal hideouts in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation commenced at about 12:01 a.m. on July 29, when troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke, carried out raids on suspected terrorist enclaves in Ikyaior, Gbagir, Atereyange, Atombagen, Adamawa and Gborgbor communities.
The sources said the operation was aimed at flushing out armed groups and dismantling their operational bases in the area.
During the operation, troops arrested 14 suspected terrorists believed to be linked to criminal activities in the affected communities.
The troops also recovered one 12.7mm x 106mm round of ammunition and one empty 7.62mm x 51mm cartridge case, which have been taken for further analysis.
The arrested suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing preliminary investigation to determine their level of involvement in terrorist activities and identify other members of the network.
Military sources said the clearance operation is part of sustained efforts under Operation Whirl Stroke to restore security in Benue State by dismantling terrorist enclaves, denying armed groups freedom of movement, and protecting vulnerable communities from attacks.
Troops arrest two suspected gunrunners, recover motorcycles and cash in Benue
Troops arrest two suspected gunrunners, recover motorcycles and cash in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested two suspected gunrunners during a security operation in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 12:30 p.m. on July 29 by troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke, deployed at Igumale.
According to the sources, the suspects were arrested at Rijo in Ado Local Government Area following intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting the activities of criminal elements involved in the illicit arms trade.
Items recovered from the suspects included two motorcycles believed to have been used for their operations and ₦244,240 in cash.
The suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing preliminary investigation to determine the source and intended destination of the weapons, as well as identify other members of the suspected gunrunning network.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation Whirl Stroke to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and dismantle criminal networks responsible for violent attacks and insecurity in Benue and neighbouring states.
Troops rescue two kidnap victims, children along Kogi–Kwara border
Troops rescue two kidnap victims, children along Kogi–Kwara border
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims and their children during a security operation along the Kogi–Kwara border.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue was carried out at about 6:30 p.m. on July 29 by troops of the 12 Brigade, deployed at Patrol Base Isanlu Esa, during operations in Bushasha area of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to the sources, the troops successfully rescued the two victims along with their children during the operation, bringing their ordeal to an end without casualties.
The rescued victims were subsequently reunited with their families after preliminary profiling and necessary security procedures.
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes along the Kogi–Kwara border, an area that has witnessed the activities of armed criminal groups in recent times.
The sources added that troops have continued to intensify patrols and intelligence-driven operations to deny kidnappers freedom of movement and enhance the safety of residents and commuters along the corridor.
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims in Zamfara
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued two kidnapped victims during a security operation in Bukuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue took place at about 7:50 a.m. on July 29, when troops of 1 Brigade deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gwashi conducted operations in Kasahola Village.
According to the sources, the troops successfully rescued the two victims from captivity during the operation.
The victims were immediately secured by the troops and are expected to undergo preliminary debriefing before being reunited with their families.
Military sources said the rescue forms part of sustained offensive operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA aimed at dismantling bandit hideouts, rescuing abducted persons and restoring security across Zamfara State.
The sources added that troops have continued to intensify intelligence-led patrols and clearance operations across the North-West to deny bandits freedom of movement and enhance the safety of communities.
Wife, son of surrendered ISWAP finance chief surrender to troops in Borno
Wife, son of surrendered ISWAP finance chief surrender to troops in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
The wife and son of a senior ISWAP commander who recently surrendered to the military have also turned themselves in to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that Aisha Musa, 27, surrendered alongside her 11-year-old son to troops of the 3 Battalion (Main) through Kusuma Village at about 3:42 p.m. on July 29.
According to the sources, preliminary investigations revealed that her husband, described as a high-profile ISWAP member who served as the group’s chief finance officer in the Jubillaram enclave, had instructed her to leave the enclave with their son if he successfully escaped.
The husband had earlier surrendered to troops on July 25, 2026, prompting the woman and her child to follow his directive and seek refuge with the military.
Military sources said both individuals were searched and screened in accordance with established procedures for persons leaving insurgent-controlled areas.
They have since been placed in the custody of the 24 Task Force Brigade for onward movement to the Headquarters of the 7 Division for further profiling and administrative processing.
The latest surrender is seen as part of the growing number of defections and family members leaving insurgent enclaves as sustained military pressure under Operation HADIN KAI continues to degrade Boko Haram and ISWAP strongholds across the North-East.
Military authorities said the general security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm but unpredictable, while troops continue offensive operations against terrorist elements with high morale and operational readiness.
Troops arrest 10 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers transporting cattle in Borno
Troops arrest 10 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers transporting cattle in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested 10 suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers and collaborators while transporting cattle suspected to be destined for terrorist elements in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were intercepted at about 11:40 a.m. on July 26 during a joint intelligence-led operation by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, supported by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilantes in Kurnari.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted while travelling to Miringa Market with five cows believed to be intended for supply to Boko Haram terrorists operating in the area.
The group was led by Mallam Wada Isah, 35, while the remaining nine suspects, whose identities were being documented, are all said to be indigenes of Azare in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State.
Items recovered during the operation included five cows, two tricycles, nine mobile phones, two waist bags, one knife, and ₦12,600 in cash, among other personal effects.
Military sources said the suspects and the recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the 27 Task Force Brigade for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrest is part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations under Operation Desert Sanity V aimed at dismantling the logistics and supply chains sustaining Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists across the North-East.
The sources added that while the general security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and sustaining offensive operations against terrorist elements and their support networks.
Teenage girl escapes Mandara Mountains terrorist enclave, surrenders to troops in Gwoza
Teenage girl escapes Mandara Mountains terrorist enclave, surrenders to troops in Gwoza
By Zagazola Makama
A 16-year-old girl suspected to be a family member of Boko Haram insurgents has surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI after escaping from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the teenager, identified as Amina Ali, surrendered to troops of C Company, 192 Battalion (Main), at Gwoza at about 9:50 a.m. on July 30.
According to the sources, preliminary interrogation revealed that Amina escaped from the Guduf Bubayagwa terrorist enclave located in the Mandara Mountains after enduring harsh living conditions.
She reportedly told the troops that she could no longer remain in the camp due to the lack of basic necessities, prompting her to flee and seek safety with the military.
The sources said the teenager underwent standard screening and documentation procedures in line with the military’s protocol for persons escaping from insurgent-controlled areas.
She is currently in military custody pending further profiling and appropriate humanitarian and administrative processes.
Military authorities said the surrender reflects the continued pressure being mounted on terrorist enclaves under Operation HADIN KAI, which has contributed to worsening living conditions within insurgent camps and encouraged more defections and escapes.
The sources added that the general security situation across the North-East theatre remains relatively calm but unpredictable, while troops continue sustained offensive operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements.
Troops rescue woman abducted by Boko Haram in 2021, total rescued through Gwoza corridor rises to 117
Troops rescue woman abducted by Boko Haram in 2021, total rescued through Gwoza corridor rises to 117
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued a 20-year-old woman who was abducted by Boko Haram insurgents during the 2021 farming season after she escaped from a terrorist camp in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim, identified as Ummi Umar, was found by troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion, Ngoshe, while on a routine standing patrol at about 3:35 p.m. on July 29.
The troops reportedly sighted her wandering around the Amuda Bridge area before taking her into protective custody.
During preliminary debriefing, Ummi disclosed that she had been abducted by Boko Haram fighters in 2021 and taken to the Suyaka terrorist camp in Gava 1, where she remained in captivity for several years.
She told the troops that she was able to escape after the insurgents abandoned the camp, creating an opportunity for her to flee.
The troops administered first aid to the victim before handing her over to the Ngoshe community leadership through Bulama Mallam Kunda, the community head, for further care and reunification.
Military sources said the latest rescue brings to 117 the total number of abductees rescued through the Gwoza East Corridor since the terrorist attack of March 3, 2026, underscoring the gains being recorded through sustained military operations and patrols in the area.
The sources added that although the security situation across the North-East theatre remains relatively calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and continuing offensive operations to dismantle the remaining Boko Haram and ISWAP enclaves.
Troops arrest six suspected ISWAP collaborators over alleged cattle-trading terror financing in Borno
Troops arrest six suspected ISWAP collaborators over alleged cattle-trading terror financing in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested six suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP collaborators accused of financing terrorist activities through cattle trading in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were arrested on July 27 by troops of the 5 Brigade during an intelligence-led operation in Damasak.
The suspects were identified as Danlitti Muhammadu, 50; Bala Alhassan, 54; Zanna Sarki, 50; Musa Isyaku, 40; Abdulkadir Garba, 25; and Mustapha Muhammed, 24.
According to the sources, preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects allegedly generated funds for Boko Haram/ISWAP by procuring cattle and selling them at Gubio, Damasak and Ajuwango markets on designated market days. The proceeds were allegedly used to support the activities of the terrorist group.
During the operation, troops recovered a Volkswagen Golf II vehicle with registration number UMA 06 XA, its key, two Infinix mobile phones, one Samsung phone, one Itel phone, a quantity of cow meat, and N317,950 in cash.
The suspects are currently in military custody, where they are undergoing preliminary investigation to establish the full extent of their alleged involvement and identify other members of the suspected terror financing network.
Military sources said the security situation in the area remains relatively calm but unpredictable, adding that troops have sustained offensive and intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics, financing networks and support structures across the North-East.
The arrest is part of ongoing efforts under Operation Desert Sanity V to dismantle Boko Haram and ISWAP’s financial and logistical networks while denying the insurgents the resources needed to sustain their operations.
Troops recover motorcycles, illicit drugs as ISWAP fighters flee clearance operation in Borno
Troops recover motorcycles, illicit drugs as ISWAP fighters flee clearance operation in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI have recovered two motorcycles and illicit drugs after suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists fled during a clearance operation in the Turoh general area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 9:45 a.m. on July 31 by troops of the 145 Battalion (Main), led by the Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. A.S. Chiroma, following credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists within the Turoh axis.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly mobilised to the location, where the terrorists, on sighting the advancing soldiers, abandoned their position and retreated in disarray without engaging the troops.
The troops subsequently overran the suspected terrorist hideout and conducted exploitation of the area, recovering two motorcycles believed to have been used by the fleeing insurgents, as well as a quantity of illicit drugs left behind during the hasty withdrawal.
The troops also projected force to Kinnari village as part of the operation to deny the terrorists freedom of movement and search for any remaining elements. However, no contact was made in the area.
The operation was concluded successfully, with the troops returning safely to base at about 2:45 p.m. without casualties.
Military sources described the general security situation in the area as relatively calm but still unpredictable, noting that troops remain vigilant and committed to sustaining offensive operations against the insurgents.
The latest operation is part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and disrupting the movement and logistics of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters across the North-East.
Troops recover motorcycles, illicit drugs as ISWAP fighters flee clearance operation in Borno
Troops recover motorcycles, illicit drugs as ISWAP fighters flee clearance operation in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI have recovered two motorcycles and illicit drugs after suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists fled during a clearance operation in the Turoh general area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 9:45 a.m. on July 31 by troops of the 145 Battalion (Main), led by the Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. A.S. Chiroma, following credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists within the Turoh axis.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly mobilised to the location, where the terrorists, on sighting the advancing soldiers, abandoned their position and retreated in disarray without engaging the troops.
The troops subsequently overran the suspected terrorist hideout and conducted exploitation of the area, recovering two motorcycles believed to have been used by the fleeing insurgents, as well as a quantity of illicit drugs left behind during the hasty withdrawal.
The troops also projected force to Kinnari village as part of the operation to deny the terrorists freedom of movement and search for any remaining elements. However, no contact was made in the area.
The operation was concluded successfully, with the troops returning safely to base at about 2:45 p.m. without casualties.
Military sources described the general security situation in the area as relatively calm but still unpredictable, noting that troops remain vigilant and committed to sustaining offensive operations against the insurgents.
The latest operation is part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and disrupting the movement and logistics of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters across the North-East.
Several Bandits Killed in Heavy Gun-battle as Troops Clash with Ado Allero-led Bandits in North-West
Several Bandits Killed in Heavy Gun-battle as Troops Clash with Ado Allero-led Bandits in North-West
By: Zagazola Makama
A heavy gun battle is currently ongoing between troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and bandits loyal to notorious kingpin Ado Allero in a fresh military offensive in the North-West of Tsafe Local Government of Zamfara state.
Zagazola Makama gathered from security sources that the fierce exchange of gunfire began after troops made contact with the armed bandits during an ongoing operation aimed at disrupting the activities of the criminal group.
Sources said the confrontation involves troops deploying superior firepower against the heavily armed bandits, who are moving in large numbers.
Military sources described the encounter as “intense,” adding that additional troops and air surveillance assets were being coordinated to support the ongoing operation where necessary.
Ado Allero is one of the most wanted bandit leaders operating across parts of Zamfara, Katsina and neighbouring states. His network has been linked to numerous attacks on rural communities, kidnappings and cattle rustling. Security forces have repeatedly targeted his camps under the ongoing Operation FANSAN YAMMA in efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit enclaves across the North-West.
Further details are expected as the military operation continues.
DSS, Forest Guards Neutralise Three Bandits, Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims in Kwara
DSS, Forest Guards Neutralise Three Bandits, Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims in Kwara
By Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS), in a coordinated intelligence-led operation with the Kwara State Forest Guards, local hunters and vigilante groups, has neutralised three suspected bandits and rescued nine kidnapped victims during a gun battle in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out in the Obbo Aiyegunle, Ejiu Ora and Osi axis of Ekiti LGA, a forested area bordering Kwara and Ekiti states, following credible intelligence on the activities of armed kidnappers operating within the corridor.
The sources disclosed that the armed gang, believed to comprise more than 10 members, had assembled several victims abducted from different locations, including farmers kidnapped from their farmlands in Kwara and victims earlier seized in neighbouring Ekiti State, before security operatives stormed the hideout.
On sighting the advancing security team, the bandits engaged the operatives in a fierce gun battle but were overwhelmed by superior firepower. Three of the suspects were neutralised, while the remaining members of the gang fled into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of injuries, abandoning their captives.
All nine victims were rescued alive during the operation. One of the rescued victims sustained severe head injuries after he was reportedly attacked with a machete by the kidnappers while resisting abduction and is receiving medical attention.
Confirming the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Area, Prince Dada Sunday, said the successful operation followed actionable intelligence gathered by security agencies.
He commended the DSS, Forest Guards, hunters and vigilante operatives for their swift response, noting that their intervention prevented the victims from being moved deeper into the forest.
One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo Aiyegunle, narrated how he and his son were abducted by armed men while on their farm.
“They came from nowhere and pointed a gun at my head. Four of them took me and my son. They also seized my friend’s motorcycle before forcing us into the bush,” he said.
Another rescued farmer, Ibrahim Danga, said the victims had been held in captivity before the security team launched the rescue operation.
A member of the Kwara State Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, who participated in the operation, said the mission was based on credible intelligence.
“We neutralised three of them and rescued nine victims. They were heavily armed and possessed different types of firearms. However, we need more operational equipment, including body armour, binoculars, night vision goggles, walkie-talkies and adequate ammunition to effectively confront these criminal elements,” he said.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing members of the gang, while surveillance has been intensified across the forest corridor to prevent the regrouping of criminal elements operating along the Kwara–Ekiti border.
Oriire Kidnap: FG Arraigns Ansaru Commanders, Mahmuda, Abu Baraa and The Three New Suspects Arrested By DSS On Fresh Charges of Terrorism, Murder of Teachers
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Oriire Kidnap: FG Arraigns Ansaru Commanders, Mahmuda, Abu Baraa and The Three New Suspects Arrested By DSS On Fresh Charges of Terrorism, Murder of Teachers
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal government, on Wednesday, arraigned two commanders of the Ansaru terrorist organization captured by the Department of State Services (DSS),
and their three foot soldiers, for terrorism, kidnapping and murder of two teachers of schools in Orire LGA of Oyo State.
The five suspects were arraigned before Justice Salim Ibrahin of the federal high Court, Abuja.
In August 2025, DSS operatives captured Mahmuda top commander, Abubakar Abba Mahmuda Abu Bara'a and his deputy, Abubakar Abbas aka Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri.
According to security sources, after the capture, Ansaru made two attempts- one in December 2025, and another in February 2026, to free their commanders. However, the attempts were reportedly foiled by DSS intelligence to the state security council, after which the secret police continued to update intelligence on the group's activities.
On May 15, 2026, several armed men belonging to Ansaru terror group stormed some schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo State, kidnapping 46 people made up of 39 students and seven teachers. Apparently, to mount pressure on government to release their two captured commanders in DSS' custody, the terrorists killed two of the teachers.
On July 10, 2026, however, security forces from the DSS and the military, police and other security agencies, stormed the forest where the terrorists were holding the abductees, freeing the hostages.
During the rescue operation, DSS operatives captured three more members of the Ansaru terror organization- Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani.
On July 23, the three men pleaded guilty to concealing information regarding the Oriire school kidnapping and for membership in the proscribed Darul Salam/Ansaru group. They were promptly handed life imprisonment.
Relatedly, a Federal High Court in Abuja, last week, sentenced Mahmud Usman (Abu Bara'a) and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri, to life imprisonment after they both pleaded guilty to some charges in the 32-count charge of belonging to a terrorist organization, among other charges.
After the sentencing, feelers from the DSS suggested that the secret police was dissatisfied with the judgement and was going to appeal.
However, in a fresh twist, the DSS, on Wednesday, changed strategy, opting to arraign the terrorist commanders and three of their foot soldiers on fresh charges of terrorism, kidnapping and murder of persons in Oriire LGA.
Justice Salim adjourned the matter to September 24 for the commencement of trial. He ordered that the five suspects remain in the custody of the DSS.
Scores killed as JAS, ISWAP Clash escalates in Lake Chad Islands
Scores killed as JAS, ISWAP Clash escalates in Lake Chad Islands
By: Zagazola Makama
Fresh intelligence has revealed a renewed outbreak of violent clashes between rival terrorist factions, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in parts of the Lake Chad Islands, pointing to the persistent internal conflict that continues to shape the insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East.
According to intelligence sources, the fighting occurred around Mangari and Tumbun Allura, where the two factions engaged in a fierce confrontation over control of strategic locations within the Lake Chad basin.
Preliminary reports indicate that JAS fighters gained the upper hand during the initial stages of the battle, reportedly killing dozens of ISWAP fighters and seizing two boats belonging to the rival group before withdrawing to their stronghold at Kurnawa.
Security sources said the clashes form part of the longstanding rivalry between the two extremist groups, both of which have repeatedly engaged each other in violent confrontations over territorial control, access to logistics routes, recruitment networks and influence across the Lake Chad Islands.
The reported seizure of the boats is considered significant, as watercraft remain a critical means of transportation for fighters, weapons, food supplies and other logistics across the difficult terrain of the Lake Chad waterways.
Zagazola sources warned that the confrontation could trigger wider security implications for communities and military formations operating around the Lake Chad axis.
Troops deployed in Mallam Fatori, Baga, Cross Kauwa, Kukawa and other locations surrounding the lake have been placed on heightened alert amid concerns that fleeing ISWAP fighters could disperse into surrounding areas.
Security assessments also suggest there is an increased likelihood of terrorists attempting nuisance attacks, improvised explosive device (IED) ambushes, or isolated assaults as surviving fighters seek to evade pressure or re-establish operational momentum.
There are also expectations that the infighting may encourage additional defections and surrenders by fighters disillusioned with the ongoing conflict between the rival factions.
Military authorities are understood to be considering intensified offensive operations to exploit what is viewed as a temporary weakening of ISWAP’s posture. Plans include increased offensive patrols, precision fire missions and enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) activities across the Lake Chad Islands to track the movement of fleeing fighters and prevent their regrouping.
While such internal clashes may temporarily weaken one or both groups, they also carry the risk of creating unpredictable security challenges, including retaliatory attacks, shifts in terrorist movement patterns and renewed threats to civilian populations and military positions across the region.
Caught Between Terrorists and the State: How Insider Mediators Face the Greatest Risks in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin
Caught Between Terrorists and the State: How Insider Mediators Face the Greatest Risks in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin
By: Hon Aliyu Gebi
In every conflict, there are soldiers who fight, governments that formulate policy, and humanitarian agencies that provide relief. Yet hidden between these visible actors exists another category of individuals whose contribution is rarely acknowledged but whose absence could make many humanitarian breakthroughs impossible. They are the insider mediators.
Across the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin, where insurgencies by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), Boko Haram, and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to challenge state authority, these mediators quietly occupy one of the most dangerous positions in modern conflict.
Unlike diplomats protected by embassies or international organisations operating under diplomatic privileges, insider mediators are ordinary members of the communities engulfed by violence. They include respected Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, village elders, women leaders, businessmen and community influencers whose greatest qualification is not political office but trust.
It is that trust that allows them to speak to men carrying assault rifles in the forests while retaining enough credibility for governments and security agencies to listen. Yet it is the same trust that places them permanently between fire and ice.
Officially, most governments in the Sahel reject negotiations with designated terrorist organisations. Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have all adopted counter-terrorism policies centred on military pressure, intelligence operations and criminal prosecution.
Publicly, there is little room for political dialogue with organisations responsible for mass killings, kidnappings and attacks on civilians. Yet conflict realities are rarely as absolute as official policy suggests. When humanitarian workers require safe passage into besieged communities. When hundreds of women and children are trapped in insurgent-controlled territory. When local ceasefires become necessary to allow farmers cultivate their land.
When abducted civilians require negotiation before release. Formal diplomacy often gives way to quiet engagement. That engagement is rarely conducted by ambassadors. Instead, governments frequently rely directly or indirectly on trusted intermediaries capable of reaching actors that official representatives cannot approach. These mediators become the invisible bridge connecting two parties who publicly deny any relationship.
Why outsiders often fail
It was argued that foreign diplomats and international organisations rarely possess the cultural legitimacy required to engage violent extremist groups operating in deeply localised environments. For groups such as JNIM or Boko Haram, international actors are frequently viewed through ideological lenses.
Western governments may be seen as enemies.
United Nations personnel may be viewed as extensions of foreign influence. International NGOs may become intelligence suspects or lucrative kidnapping targets. Local mediators enter the same environment with entirely different credentials. Many speak the same dialect. Some belong to the same ethnic group.
Others share religious traditions or ancestral relationships with insurgent commanders.
In central Mali, traditional Fulani values such as Pulaaku often provide a social framework through which dialogue becomes possible. In the Lake Chad Basin, respected Islamic scholars frequently possess a deeper understanding of the ideological and theological arguments influencing Boko Haram factions than external negotiators. More importantly, insider mediators understand local grievances. They know which disputes are ideological. Which is economic.
Which stem from historical land conflicts. Which fighters joined voluntarily. Which joined because of poverty, coercion or revenge. Such nuanced understanding is often beyond the reach of external actors.
Unlike foreign mediators who return to secure compounds after negotiations, insider mediators remain inside the conflict. Their homes remain exposed. Their families remain exposed.
Every of their secrete remain exposed. Every negotiation they undertake carries consequences that follow them back into their villages. One Negotiator who undertook series of engagement with some Nigerian non state actors to secure the release of captured victims, said they came under ambush more than five times in separate encounter. In one instance, a gun was pointed at his head.
If negotiations collapse. It is not an embassy that is attacked. It is often the negotiators, their own home. If insurgents suspect betrayal. Their wives and children or any of their relatives may become legitimate targets. If security agencies question their motives. They themselves risk detention or prolonged investigation. Few occupations carry such immediate personal consequences.
Perhaps the greatest burden insider mediators carry is that neither side fully trusts them. Security agencies frequently question why a civilian should maintain contact with terrorists.
Some mediators have reportedly faced accusations of collaboration simply because they delivered humanitarian messages or attempted to negotiate community access. From the insurgents’ perspective, however, the suspicion is equally intense. A mediator carrying government proposals may easily be branded an intelligence asset or a mile. If military operations occur shortly after meetings, insurgents may assume information was leaked. The consequences can be fatal.
This creates “double suspicion” a condition in which mediators are simultaneously viewed as potential traitors by both the state and the armed groups they seek to engage.
The legal grey zone
Another challenge identified by the report lies in counter-terrorism legislation. International sanctions and domestic anti-terrorism laws understandably prohibit providing material support to designated terrorist organisations.
However, conflict mediation often operates in ambiguous spaces. Suppose a mediator delivers medicine to secure the release of kidnapped civilians. Or transports communication equipment required to arrange humanitarian access. Or facilitates financial arrangements connected to hostage negotiations. Do such actions constitute humanitarian engagement? Or do they amount to material support under anti-terrorism laws? The report argues that many insider mediators now operate without clear legal protections despite performing functions that governments quietly acknowledge are sometimes necessary. The absence of legal clarity increases both operational and personal risk.
Lessons from JNIM
The report draws heavily from developments in Mali and Burkina Faso. In several communities, local mediators successfully negotiated temporary arrangements allowing farmers to cultivate their fields under agreed conditions.
Some agreements reduced attacks. Others facilitated humanitarian access. Yet these agreements often proved fragile. Military offensives sometimes resumed without warning.
Insurgent commanders interpreted such developments as betrayal. The mediator rather than the state often bore the consequences.
Even more challenging has been the inconsistency of government policy.
During one administration, dialogue may receive quiet encouragement. A subsequent administration may criminalise similar contacts.
Several mediators reportedly found themselves under investigation for activities previously tolerated.
Lessons from Boko Haram: Two Different Negotiation Landscapes
The report notes that mediation efforts in Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin are further complicated by the internal fragmentation of Boko Haram. Although often viewed as a single insurgent movement, Boko Haram today comprises two principal factions with markedly different organisational structures and negotiation dynamics: Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
JAS presents perhaps the most perilous environment for insider mediators. Unlike more structured insurgent organisations, JAS has historically operated through highly decentralised command structures, where individual field commanders exercise considerable autonomy. This lack of central authority often makes negotiations unpredictable, with agreements depending largely on the disposition of local commanders rather than institutional policy. For mediators attempting to secure the release of abducted civilians or establish safe exit routes for fighters seeking to surrender, every mission carries extraordinary personal risk.
Many are required to travel into remote forest enclaves controlled by commanders whose interpretation of Islamic law, tribal customs and military discipline varies widely. Traditional norms that ordinarily protect emissaries or peace envoys are frequently ignored, leaving mediators vulnerable to detention, execution or prolonged captivity if they are suspected of deception or espionage. The report argues that engaging JAS is therefore less a process of structured negotiation than an exercise in navigating constantly shifting personal relationships, ideological rigidity and battlefield uncertainty.
Engaging ISWAP: Structure Without Flexibility
Negotiating with ISWAP presents a different, though equally demanding, set of challenges.
Unlike JAS, ISWAP maintains a comparatively organised governance system overseen by a Shura Council, with clearer chains of command and administrative procedures. This institutional framework can provide mediators with more predictable points of engagement and a greater likelihood that agreements reached with senior figures will be respected across the organisation.
The group’s strict ideological doctrine therefore leaves very limited room for compromise, and mediators often face intense pressure to produce humanitarian outcomes without violating either the insurgents’ religious expectations or the legal and ethical obligations imposed by the state. This delicate balancing act requires exceptional credibility, deep religious understanding and an ability to maintain the confidence of both sides while making no promises that cannot be fulfilled.
The Quiet Architects of Mass Defections
Despite operating under these extraordinary pressures, insider mediators played a pivotal role during one of the most significant developments in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign. Following the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau in 2021, tens of thousands of fighters, women and children began surrendering to Nigerian authorities.
While military pressure created the conditions for this unprecedented wave of defections, the report argues that it was trusted local intermediaries who transformed opportunity into reality. Many insurgents seeking to abandon the conflict distrusted formal government institutions and feared immediate execution or imprisonment. Insider mediators became the first point of contact.
They reassured frightened fighters that surrender pathways existed, explained rehabilitation programmes, communicated with military authorities and community leaders, and helped facilitate safe movement from insurgent-controlled territories to designated reception centres. Without these trusted intermediaries, the report suggests, many potential defectors might never have taken the first step toward disengagement. In this sense, insider mediators became the human bridge between years of violent insurgency and emerging opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration.
Protecting the Bridge-Builders
The report concludes that if governments across West Africa hope to move beyond perpetual military confrontation toward sustainable peace, they must provide greater institutional support for insider mediators.
Foremost among its recommendations is the establishment of clear legal frameworks that recognise verified mediators operating for humanitarian purposes. Such protections, the author argue, would reduce the risk of arbitrary arrest or prosecution under counter-terrorism legislation while preserving accountability.
The study also calls on regional organisations and international peacebuilding partners to establish dedicated duty-of-care mechanisms, including emergency security assistance, psychosocial support and evacuation arrangements for mediators facing credible threats. Given the psychological burden associated with prolonged engagement in conflict environments, the report argues that mental health support should become an integral component of mediation programmes rather than an afterthought.
The report ultimately presents insider mediators as one of the least visible yet most indispensable pillars of conflict resolution in the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin. They receive little public recognition, enjoy few institutional protections and often operate without formal legal safeguards. Yet they continue to facilitate hostage releases, humanitarian access, civilian evacuations, local ceasefires and pathways for surrender in places where official diplomacy cannot reach. Their work demonstrates that while military operations remain essential in degrading terrorist capabilities, lasting peace is seldom achieved through force alone. It also depends on trusted local relationships, cultural legitimacy and the courage of individuals willing to engage where others cannot.
As governments refine their counter-insurgency strategies across the region, the report argues that protecting these “bridge-builders” is not merely a humanitarian obligation but a strategic necessity. Without them, opportunities for dialogue, disengagement and civilian protection may diminish, leaving military victories without the social foundations needed to secure enduring peace.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected ISWAP Collaborators in Borno
Troops Arrest Two Suspected ISWAP Collaborators in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) collaborators during a targeted intelligence-led operation in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:08 a.m. on July 28 by troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion in conjunction with Hybrid Forces, following credible intelligence obtained from the Hybrid Forces Headquarters in Maiduguri.
The sources said the operation led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Modu Collu, 20, and Bashir Goni Tijani, 47, both residents of Magumeri town.
According to the sources, preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects confessed to collaborating with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists operating in the area.
During the operation, troops recovered one Tecno mobile phone belonging to Modu Collu, which has been taken into custody for further exploitation.
Military sources said the suspects and the recovered exhibit are currently being processed and will be handed over to the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre (JIFC) for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrests form part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations under Operation DESERT SANITY V, aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks, disrupting logistics and denying insurgents local collaborators across the North-East.
Military authorities said the general security situation within the theatre remains relatively calm but unpredictable, while troops have continued to maintain a high level of morale and operational readiness.
COAS Approves Appointment of GOCs as Nigerian Army Establishes Four New Divisions — Army
COAS Approves Appointment of GOCs as Nigerian Army Establishes Four New Divisions — Army
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has announced a major expansion of its force structure with the establishment of four additional divisions and the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) to lead the new formations, a move aimed at strengthening command and control, improving operational effectiveness and enhancing the military’s response to evolving security threats across the country.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying the appointments were approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, following the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for the creation of the new divisions.
According to Anele, the newly established divisions will commence operations upon attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while deliberate measures are being implemented to progressively achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC) to ensure seamless operationalisation and sustained force projection nationwide.
She said the development forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to strengthen its force structure, expand its operational footprint and improve its capacity to respond effectively to Nigeria’s dynamic security environment.
Anele said the Army had also undertaken a comprehensive reorganisation of its divisional Areas of Responsibility (AORs).
Under the new arrangement, she said 1 Division Kaduna would be responsible for Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, while 2 Division Ibadan would oversee Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states.
She added that 3 Division Jos would cover Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states, while the newly established 5 Division Makurdi would assume responsibility for Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states.
According to her, 6 Division Port Harcourt will continue to oversee Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, while 7 Division Maiduguri will remain responsible for Borno and Yobe states.
She further stated that 8 Division Sokoto would retain responsibility for Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, while the newly established 9 Division Ilorin would cover Kwara and Niger states.
Anele said the newly created 10 Division Jalingo would oversee security operations in the border areas of Taraba and Adamawa states, while 81 Division Lagos would continue to cover Lagos and Ogun states.
She added that 82 Division Enugu would retain responsibility for Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states, while the newly established 83 Division Benin, which will be activated later in the year, would oversee Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.
To provide leadership for the new formations, Anele said the COAS approved the appointment of seasoned senior officers as General Officers Commanding.
She said Major General Yakubu Yahaya had been redeployed from Headquarters Joint Task Force (North Central), Operation SAVANNA SHIELD, to Headquarters 9 Division Ilorin as General Officer Commanding and Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD.
She added that Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife had been redeployed from Headquarters 2 Division/Sector 3, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to Headquarters 10 Division Jalingo as General Officer Commanding.
According to her, Major General Moses Gara had been redeployed from Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE to Headquarters 5 Division Makurdi, where he would serve as General Officer Commanding and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE.
She also disclosed that Major General Auwalu Mahmuda had been redeployed from the Army Headquarters Directorate of Inspection and Compliance to Headquarters 2 Division Ibadan as General Officer Commanding.
Anele further announced the activation of three new brigades to reinforce the expanded force structure.
She said Brig.-Gen. A.O. Odubiyi had been appointed Commander of the newly established 11 Brigade, Gboko, while Brig.-Gen. A.M. Haruna would command the newly activated 29 Brigade, Kainji.
She added that Brig.-Gen. R.M. Aminu had been appointed Commander of 10 Brigade, Lafia.
Quoting the Chief of Army Staff, Anele said Lt.-Gen. Shaibu congratulated the newly appointed commanders and charged them to provide visionary leadership, sustain operational momentum and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and mission effectiveness.
She said the Army Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens and supporting the restoration of enduring peace and security across the nation.
Anele also quoted the COAS as expressing profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his steadfast support and strategic investment in expanding the Nigerian Army’s operational capabilities.
“The establishment of the additional Divisions represents a historic milestone in the transformation of the Nigerian Army and reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national defence architecture,” Anele quoted the Army Chief as saying.
She added that the COAS expressed confidence that the expanded force structure would significantly enhance command and control, improve operational coordination, strengthen border security, facilitate faster deployment of troops and resources, and increase the Army’s capacity to respond decisively to emerging and evolving security threats across the country.
According to Anele, the expanded structure is also expected to bolster joint and multi-agency operations, reinforce national stability and contribute substantially to the restoration of lasting peace and security nationwide.
Police, Army Rescue 32 Kidnap Victims as Bandits Flee During Gun Battle in Sokoto
Police, Army Rescue 32 Kidnap Victims as Bandits Flee During Gun Battle in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
Police operatives in Sokoto State, supported by troops of the Nigerian Army, have rescued 32 kidnapped victims after a fierce gun battle with armed bandits in Maikujera village, Rabah Local Government Area of the state.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed a distress call received at about 8:30 a.m. on Monday by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rabah Division, reporting the movement of a large group of heavily armed bandits around the remote community bordering Zamfara State.
The intelligence indicated that the gunmen were moving with several kidnapped victims and rustled livestock while shooting indiscriminately to intimidate residents.
Upon receiving the report, the DPO immediately mobilised tactical assets, including personnel from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Reaction Unit (VCRU), while coordinating with troops at a nearby Army Forward Operating Base (FOB).
Security forces swiftly established blocking positions along suspected escape routes to prevent the bandits from fleeing with their captives.
The combined team subsequently engaged the criminals in a prolonged exchange of gunfire, forcing the bandits to abandon both the kidnapped victims and the rustled livestock before escaping into the surrounding forest under sustained pressure from the security forces.
Following the encounter, security operatives conducted an extensive search of the bush and nearby communities to locate victims who had dispersed into the surrounding area while seeking safety.
The operation led to the successful rescue of 32 kidnapped victims, all of whom were recovered alive and without physical injuries.
The rescued victims comprised six adult males and 26 females, the majority of whom were children.
The victims were evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving medical attention and psychosocial support ahead of their reunification with their respective families.
However, Zagazola gathered that four residents were killed by the bandits during the initial attack on the community before the arrival of security personnel.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured residents that security agencies were intensifying efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing bandits.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
The latest operation illustrates the growing synergy between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army in responding to bandit attacks across communities in northwestern Nigeria, particularly along the Sokoto–Zamfara border, where criminal groups have continued to exploit difficult terrain to carry out kidnappings, cattle rustling and attacks on rural settlements.
Troops arrest four suspected terrorists during cordon-and-search operation in Sokoto
Troops arrest four suspected terrorists during cordon-and-search operation in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have arrested four suspected terrorists during a cordon-and-search operation in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 10:10 a.m. on July 27 by troops deployed at Ungwan Mailelle, in collaboration with Community Guards.
The sources said the operation targeted Ungwan Mailelle village following intelligence reports on the presence of suspected terrorist elements in the area.
During the operation, the troops successfully apprehended four suspected terrorists without incident.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the 8 Military Intelligence Battalion (8 MIB) for further investigation and other necessary actions.
Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained intelligence-led efforts under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to identify, apprehend and dismantle terrorist cells operating across communities in Sokoto State and the wider North-West region.
Troops recover 41 rustled cattle, foil rustling operation in Plateau
Troops recover 41 rustled cattle, foil rustling operation in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation Enduring Peace have recovered 41 rustled cattle after foiling a cattle rustling operation in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:30 a.m. on July 27, when troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace , responded to a distress report of cattle rustling at Fwil village.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised to the area, trailed the fleeing rustlers and made contact with them.
On sighting the advancing troops, the criminals abandoned the stolen livestock and fled into nearby bushes to evade arrest.
The troops recovered 41 cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owner.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects as part of sustained operations to curb cattle rustling and other forms of rural banditry across Plateau State.
The successful recovery highlights the continued commitment of Operation Enduring Peace to protecting lives and livelihoods through rapid response to security threats in its area of responsibility.
Troops rescue injured farmer after attack by armed herders in Plateau
Troops rescue injured farmer after attack by armed herders in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued a farmer who sustained injuries following an attack by suspected armed herders in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 2:20 p.m. on July 27, when troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace responded to a distress call reporting an attack on a farmer at Dum Community.
The sources said the troops swiftly deployed to the scene, forcing the armed herders to flee with their cattle upon sighting the security personnel.
The injured farmer was rescued by the troops and evacuated for medical attention.
Military sources said security forces have commenced efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects as part of ongoing operations to curb violent attacks and restore peace in communities across Plateau State.
Troops seize two cattle during operation against illegal grazing in Plateau
Troops seize two cattle during operation against illegal grazing in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have seized two cattle during an operation against illegal grazing in prohibited areas of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 3:00 p.m. on July 27, following a report of illegal grazing at Rim Community.
The sources said troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace , responded promptly to the report and moved to the location, where they encountered herders grazing cattle in a restricted area.
On sighting the advancing troops, the herders fled with most of their livestock, abandoning two cattle, which were subsequently taken into custody by the security personnel.
Military sources said the recovered cattle are being held pending further action, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing herders.
The operation forms part of sustained measures by Operation Enduring Peace to enforce compliance with grazing regulations, prevent farmer-herder conflicts and maintain peace across Plateau State.
Troops foil reprisal attack on Fulani settlement, arrest two suspects in Plateau
Troops foil reprisal attack on Fulani settlement, arrest two suspects in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled an attempted reprisal attack on a Fulani settlement in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, arresting two suspects in connection with the incident.
Sources old Zagazola Makama that the troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace, deployed in Jengre, responded at about 11:23 a.m. on July 27 to a distress report of an attempted attack on a Fulani settlement in Pandauda Community.
The sources said preliminary findings revealed that the planned attack was a reprisal following the killing of a civilian, who was allegedly attacked by herders after refusing to allow them graze on his farmland.
Swift intervention by the troops prevented the situation from escalating into a wider communal conflict.
During the operation, two suspects were arrested in connection with the attempted attack and were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police, Jengre Division, for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Military sources said troops have maintained a security presence in the area to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.
The operation illustrates the commitment of Operation Enduring Peace to preventing reprisals, protecting vulnerable communities and maintaining peace in Plateau State amid recurring farmer-herder tensions.
Troops Rescue Federal Polytechnic Rector, Foil Multiple Kidnap Attempts in Zamfara
Troops Rescue Federal Polytechnic Rector, Foil Multiple Kidnap Attempts in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, and thwarted multiple kidnap attempts during coordinated operations in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the operations were launched following credible intelligence and a series of distress calls indicating coordinated attacks by armed terrorists on communities within the area.
According to the sources, troops intercepted a large group of terrorists riding motorcycles as they advanced toward Tsohon-Tasha Street in Kaura Namoda after attacking the residence of the rector.
The terrorists reportedly broke into the residence, killed the rector’s private security guard, Malam Isah Bello, 46, and injured another guard, Sharhabilu Haruna, 35, before attempting to abduct Dr. Yusuf, his wife and their two children.
The sources said troops responded swiftly, engaged the attackers with superior firepower and forced them to flee, abandoning the victims. The rector and his family were rescued unharmed.
In a related operation, troops on patrol responded to another distress call from Tungan Dorawa community in Barkeji village, where armed kidnappers were attempting to abduct residents.
Despite difficult terrain that initially slowed their movement, the troops pursued the fleeing suspects, engaged them and successfully foiled the kidnap attempt.
Simultaneously, the troops confronted another group of kidnappers operating within the same community and rescued a 56-year-old businessman, Alhaji Azaria, along with 21 other civilians who had been abducted from neighbouring houses.
All the rescued victims were reported to be safe and are receiving the necessary support.
During the operation at Tsohon-Tasha Street, troops also arrested a suspected informant, Falalu Yusuf, 45, who is believed to have collaborated with the terrorists by providing intelligence on the victims.
The suspect has been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kaura Namoda for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Military authorities commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and professionalism, reaffirming their commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and bandits across Zamfara State.
They also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance ongoing counter-banditry operations.
Troops survive IED blast during civilian escort operation in Borno
Troops survive IED blast during civilian escort operation in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai escaped unhurt after their Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle struck a concealed improvised explosive device (IED) during a patrol and civilian escort mission in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:50 a.m. on July 27 when troops of 19 Battalion (Motorised)/25 Task Force Brigade Garrison were conducting a major supply route (MSR) dominance patrol and escorting civilians around the Bulabulin general area.
The sources said the lead MRAP encountered a concealed IED planted by terrorists, resulting in damage to its front tyres.
However, no casualties were recorded as reinforcement troops immediately moved to the scene to secure the area and support the patrol.
The damaged tyres were subsequently replaced, allowing the patrol to resume its movement and continue the escort mission without further incident.
Military sources described the incident as another indication of the persistent threat posed by improvised explosive devices deployed by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists to target security forces and disrupt movement along key routes.
They added that despite the incident, the general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and operational readiness while sustaining efforts to secure roads and protect civilians.
Troops uncover, destroy pressure-plate IED during patrol in Borno
Troops uncover, destroy pressure-plate IED during patrol in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have uncovered and safely destroyed a pressure-plate improvised explosive device (IED) planted by terrorists during a patrol operation at Gonin Masari (Twin Mast) in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the device was discovered at about 8:30 a.m. on July 27 by troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade while conducting patrol and exploitation operations in the area.
The sources said the troops noticed irregular terrain features, prompting them to carry out a detailed scan of the general area, which led to the discovery of a connected pressure-plate IED suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was immediately deployed to the location and successfully carried out a controlled detonation of the device at about 11:30 a.m., eliminating the threat without casualties.
Military sources said the operation did not cause any major disruption to movement along the major supply route (MSR), as normal activities continued after the area was declared safe.
The successful detection and destruction of the explosive device highlight the vigilance of troops conducting route clearance and patrol operations to deny terrorists the ability to target military convoys and civilian road users.
Security sources added that the general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops continue to maintain high morale and operational readiness.
Troops foil IED threat on Dikwa–Gajibo road, safely detonate explosive
Troops foil IED threat on Dikwa–Gajibo road, safely detonate explosive
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have discovered and safely detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the Dikwa–Gajibo road in Borno State, preventing what could have been a deadly attack on security personnel and commuters.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the device was discovered at about 10:10 a.m. on July 27 by troops of the 81 Division Task Force Battalion while conducting a routine picketing patrol along the Dikwa–Gajibo axis.
The sources said the patrol team immediately secured the area and alerted the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, which responded promptly and carried out a controlled detonation of the IED at the scene.
No casualties or damage were recorded during the operation.
Military sources described the successful detection and neutralisation of the explosive as part of ongoing efforts to counter the use of improvised explosive devices by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists targeting troops and civilian traffic in the North-East.
The operation underscores the continued vigilance of security forces in maintaining the safety of key supply routes and denying insurgents the opportunity to disrupt military and civilian movement across the theatre of operations.
Security sources added that the general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and operational readiness.
Three suspected ISWAP fighters surrender to troops in Damasak after fleeing sustained bombardment
Three suspected ISWAP fighters surrender to troops in Damasak after fleeing sustained bombardment
By Zagazola Makama
Three suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have surrendered to troops of the Nigerian military in Damasak, Borno State, citing exhaustion and sustained military bombardment of their camps.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects surrendered at about 4:50 p.m. on July 28 to troops of Headquarters 5 Brigade in Damasak during ongoing counter-insurgency operations under Operation Hadin Kai.
The surrendered suspects were identified as Abba Musa Dogo, 24; Abubakar Bargaji, 28; and Ibrahim Abubakar, 16.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that they escaped from terrorist camps at Sabon Gari and Tunbun Mota, reportedly controlled by ISWAP commanders Abu Fatima and Abu Ayuba.
According to the sources, the suspects attributed their decision to surrender to fatigue and the sustained aerial and ground bombardment of their enclaves by Nigerian troops, which they said had made survival increasingly difficult.
The suspects also disclosed that they had been trained as gunboat operators and anti-aircraft gunners for operations in the Lake Chad region.
They further confessed that weapons were only issued to them before specific operations and were retrieved by their commanders immediately after the missions, suggesting a tightly controlled weapons management system within the terrorist group.
The sources said the three suspects expressed their readiness to renounce insurgency and embrace peace.
They are currently in military custody and are undergoing further profiling and investigation in line with established procedures.
The latest surrender adds to the growing number of terrorists abandoning the insurgency amid sustained military offensives targeting terrorist enclaves across the Lake Chad region under Operation Hadin Kai.
Wanted Boko Haram spy arrested in Monguno over Cross Kauwa attack, kidnappings
Wanted Boko Haram spy arrested in Monguno over Cross Kauwa attack, kidnappings
By Zagazola Makama
Security operatives have arrested a wanted Boko Haram spy in Monguno, Borno State, in connection with the recent terrorist attack on Cross Kauwa, intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama.
The suspect, identified as Abulfatahi, was apprehended on July 27 during an intelligence-led operation following efforts to track members of a terrorist intelligence network operating in the area.
Sources disclosed that two other members of the same network had earlier been arrested and transferred to the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre (JIFC) for further investigation.
During preliminary interrogation, Abulfatahi reportedly confessed to working for a Boko Haram commander identified as Akilu, who is said to control terrorist activities in Dabar Masara and Garin Mace.
According to the sources, the suspect admitted to collecting taxes on behalf of the terrorist leader and facilitating the selection of individuals for abduction around Monguno.
Investigators also recovered two telephone numbers allegedly linked to Akilu from the suspect’s mobile phone as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the terrorist network.
The sources said security agencies are conducting further investigations to identify additional collaborators, establish the full extent of the network’s activities, and support ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the Lake Chad region.
A comprehensive investigation report is expected to be submitted upon the conclusion of the ongoing inquiry.
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier with fuel, food items in Gubio
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier with fuel, food items in Gubio
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics supplier during an intelligence-led operation in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Modu Rayami, 32, was apprehended at about 2:30 p.m. on July 27 by troops of the 149 Battalion (Motorised), Gubio, in conjunction with Hybrid Forces and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The operation followed credible intelligence that linked the suspect to the supply of logistics to terrorists operating along the Binduldul–Kareto axis.
According to the sources, the suspect was arrested at Zowo village while in possession of supplies believed to be destined for insurgents. Recovered items included five jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), two jerrycans of palm oil, one bag each of salt, pepper and garri, six bags of flour, seven bags of sugar, one sack of soft drinks, and a mobile phone.
During preliminary interrogation, Rayami reportedly confessed to supplying fuel and food items to Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters operating in the Binduldul–Kareto corridor.
The suspect and the recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and prosecution.
Military sources said the operation was completed without incident, and the troops returned safely to base at about 3:20 p.m.
The arrest is part of sustained intelligence-driven operations by Operation Hadin Kai aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying insurgents access to fuel, food and other critical supplies across the North-East.
Sowore Backtracks on Bid To Invite DSS DG As Witness in Alleged Criminal Defamation Trial
Sowore Backtracks on Bid To Invite DSS DG As Witness in Alleged Criminal Defamation Trial
By: Zagazola Makama
Online publisher and presidential candidate of the of the African Alliance Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore has jettisoned his plan to invite the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, as his witness in his ongoing trial for alleged criminal defamation of President Bola Tinubu on social media.
Sowore, on Tuesday, told the Federal High Court in Abuja, that the evidence for which he had earlier subpoenaed the DSS boss could be obtained from any other official of the Service.
For the first time since the trial began, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, led the prosecution on behalf of the federal government.
The Chief law officer of the country had objected to the subpoena issued on the DSS boss on the ground that the document he was to give evidence upon was not authored by him but another person who had already testified in the matter.
He argued that the letter by the DSS advising Sowore to pull down the posts wherein he called President Tinubu a "criminal" had been tendered and admitted as exhibits twice by the same court, hence, no reason for it to be tendered the third time.
The AGF argued that the author of the letter, Mr. Uwen Davis had on July 22 testified for Sowore in the trial and that the document is already in the custody of the court.
Adeyinka Olumide Fusika, SAN, who appeared for Sowore, had objected to the appearance of the Attorney General in the matter on the ground that Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, was the federal government lawyer in the court's record.
The presiding judge, Muhammed Umar, adjourned the matter till Monday August 3 for continuation of defence by Sowore
Police arrest man for allegedly hacking father to death with axe in Benue
Police arrest man for allegedly hacking father to death with axe in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have arrested a man for allegedly hacking his father to death with an axe following a family dispute in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported at about 8:00 a.m. on July 25 by the Clan Head of Turan-Tse Twar, Injorov Tongov, Zaki Akor Kpan.
According to the report, the tragic incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on July 24 after the suspect, identified as Terfa Nyikwagh, engaged in a heated argument with his father, Mr. Nyikwagh Abor, over the death of his brother, Ternenge Uwuh.
The sources said the disagreement escalated, during which the suspect allegedly attacked his father with an axe, inflicting fatal injuries.
Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Katsina-Ala led a patrol team to the scene, where the suspect was arrested without resistance.
The body of the deceased was evacuated and deposited at the Gondozua Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
The suspect remains in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident before prosecution.
Boundary dispute: Five farmers abducted in Cross River community attack
Boundary dispute: Five farmers abducted in Cross River community attack
By Zagazola Makama
Five youths have been abducted following an attack linked to a lingering boundary dispute between two neighbouring communities in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported at about 1:50 p.m. on July 25 by the Executive Chairman of Boki Local Government Area.
According to the report, a group of youths from Nsadop Community had gone to their farmland for communal work when they were allegedly surrounded by armed youths from neighbouring Boje Community.
The attackers, who were armed with dangerous weapons, reportedly assaulted the group before abducting five of them to an unknown location.
Police sources said the exact motive for the abduction is yet to be established, but preliminary findings suggest that the incident may be connected to the protracted boundary dispute between the two communities.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Boki mobilised a team of officers to the area to assess the situation and commence rescue operations.
The police said investigations are ongoing, while efforts have been intensified to rescue the abducted victims unharmed and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Police arrest seven suspected Black Axe cultists, recover firearm, drugs in Imo
Police arrest seven suspected Black Axe cultists, recover firearm, drugs in Imo
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested seven suspected members of the New Black Movement of Africa, also known as the Black Axe (Aye) confraternity, and recovered a locally fabricated pistol, ammunition and suspected hard drugs during a stop-and-search operation in Owerri.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were intercepted at about 9:00 p.m. on July 24 by operatives attached to the Department of Operations (DOPS) while conducting stop-and-search along the Mbaise–Umuahia Road at Azaraegbelu in Owerri North Local Government Area.
The suspects were identified as Anyanwu Emmanuel, 22, from Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA; Amechi Emmanuel Kelechi, 23, from Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA; Amadi Japhthah, 25, from Ohaji/Egbema LGA; Emmanuel Chibuzor, 24, from Nwangele LGA; Kizito Nkemuakolam, 20, from Njaba LGA; Agulanna Jude, 36, from Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA; and Pascal Ebuka, 20, from Ohaji/Egbema LGA.
During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered a locally fabricated pistol loaded with one live cartridge, as well as a quantity of suspected hard drugs.
Police sources said that during interrogation on July 25, the suspects and the driver allegedly confessed to being members of the New Black Movement of Africa, popularly known as the Black Axe (Aye) cult group.
The suspects further claimed they were travelling to Obowo Local Government Area for the initiation of new members and allegedly admitted involvement in various criminal activities within the state using the recovered firearm in furtherance of cult-related operations.
The police said investigations are ongoing, while efforts have been intensified to arrest other members of the syndicate who remain at large.
Police investigate suspected cult-related murder in Osun as man found shot dead in car
Police investigate suspected cult-related murder in Osun as man found shot dead in car
By Zagazola Makama
The Osun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the suspected cult-related killing of a 40-year-old man whose lifeless body was found inside a vehicle in Osogbo.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported at about 12:15 a.m. on July 25 after the body of Abayomi David was discovered inside a Toyota Camry with Lagos registration number LND 468 HL along Alatori Road, Olude, Osogbo.
The sources said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Dugbe Division immediately led a team of detectives to the scene.
On arrival, the officers found that the vehicle’s engine was still running, while nine expended ammunition shells were recovered around the vicinity, suggesting that the victim was shot at close range.
Crime scene photographs were taken, and the body was evacuated to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital Mortuary, Osogbo, where it was deposited for an autopsy.
Police suspect the killing may be connected to cult-related violence, although investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the murder.
The command said efforts have been intensified to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing, while surveillance and monitoring continue.
Police investigate officer, arrest civilian over alleged sexual assault of 12-year-old in Bauchi
Police investigate officer, arrest civilian over alleged sexual assault of 12-year-old in Bauchi
By Zagazola Makama
The Bauchi State Police Command has commenced an investigation into allegations of rape and indecent assault involving a serving police officer and a civilian following a complaint by the father of a 12-year-old girl in Itas/Gadau Local Government Area.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the complaint was lodged on July 22 by Mohammed Saleh, 42, of Itas Gana Village.
According to the report, the complainant alleged that on July 2, at about 4:30 p.m., a serving Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to the Itas Divisional Headquarters allegedly lured his 12-year-old daughter with ₦1,000 while she was returning home from Aisam Academy Secondary School.
The officer was alleged to have taken the girl to a drainage dam opposite the Itas/Gadau Local Government Secretariat, where he allegedly raped her.
The complainant further alleged that on July 10, at about 7:00 a.m., another suspect, identified as Babangida Mai Shayi, 50, of Gambo Quarters, Itas Town, allegedly enticed the same girl with ₦200 to his business premises, where he allegedly committed an act of indecent assault.
Police sources said that upon receiving the complaint, detectives visited the relevant locations, while the victim was taken to the General Hospital, Itas, for medical examination.
The civilian suspect has been arrested, while the police officer has been formally queried as part of ongoing disciplinary and criminal investigations.
The command said investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the allegations and ensure that appropriate legal action is taken based on the outcome of the inquiry.
Police arrest suspect over fatal stabbing of 25-year-old in Bauchi
Police arrest suspect over fatal stabbing of 25-year-old in Bauchi
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 25-year-old man in Bauchi metropolis, while efforts are underway to apprehend an accomplice who remains at large.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported at about 4:30 p.m. on July 25 by Muhammad Dan’azumi Tanko of Unguwan Kur Area.
According to the report, the victim, Zahradeen Dan’azumi Tanko, 25, was allegedly attacked at about 3:28 p.m. by two suspects identified as Al’amin Hamisu Gidado, 21, and Yahaya Muazu, 20, both of Ali Garu Area.
The sources said the suspects allegedly conspired and stabbed the victim in the back with a sharp object, inflicting severe injuries.
Upon receiving the report, a police patrol team rushed to the scene and evacuated the victim to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), where he was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
The body was deposited at the hospital mortuary for an autopsy, while detectives documented the scene as part of the investigation.
Police arrested the principal suspect in connection with the killing, while efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the second suspect who fled after the incident.
The case is under investigation, and the suspect is expected to face prosecution upon the conclusion of inquiries.
Gunmen abduct INEC staff in Anambra, businessman escapes attack with gunshot wound
Gunmen abduct INEC staff in Anambra, businessman escapes attack with gunshot wound
By Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted a staff member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) along the Ebenebe axis of Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, while a businessman narrowly escaped a separate attack on the same road after sustaining a gunshot wound.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the incidents were reported at the B Division Police Headquarters in Awka on July 25.
According to the sources, one Emmanuel Nwobodo of Nibo reported that at about 5:45 p.m. on July 24, he was driving home from Oba Ofemili in Awka North LGA in his Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon car when four armed men dressed in dark outfits opened fire on his vehicle near Ebenebe Community Secondary School.
The sources said Nwobodo drove through the attackers despite the gunfire and stopped a few kilometres away near a Catholic Church, where he discovered that he had sustained a gunshot wound to his left knee. His vehicle also suffered damage to the radiator and rear seat belt guard.
During the attack, his staff, Tochukwu Afunenu, 40, who was in possession of the victim’s ATM card and two mobile phones, reportedly jumped out of the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush.
Police sources said Nwobodo later became suspicious after voice messages were allegedly sent from his staff’s phone claiming that he had been kidnapped and demanding a ransom of ₦40 million.
In a separate report, Okeke Victor C. of Ngozika Estate, Awka, informed police that his wife, Christy Nkiru Okeke, an employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was abducted at about 7:00 p.m. on the same day along the same road.
The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦40 million for her release.
Following the reports, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Rapid Response Squad and other tactical teams were deployed to the area.
Police said extensive combing of surrounding bushes and intelligence-led tracking operations are ongoing to rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the perpetrators.
Investigations are continuing to determine whether the two incidents are connected.
Gunmen abduct INEC staff in Anambra, businessman escapes attack with gunshot wound
Gunmen abduct INEC staff in Anambra, businessman escapes attack with gunshot wound
By Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted a staff member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) along the Ebenebe axis of Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, while a businessman narrowly escaped a separate attack on the same road after sustaining a gunshot wound.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the incidents were reported at the B Division Police Headquarters in Awka on July 25.
According to the sources, one Emmanuel Nwobodo of Nibo reported that at about 5:45 p.m. on July 24, he was driving home from Oba Ofemili in Awka North LGA in his Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon car when four armed men dressed in dark outfits opened fire on his vehicle near Ebenebe Community Secondary School.
The sources said Nwobodo drove through the attackers despite the gunfire and stopped a few kilometres away near a Catholic Church, where he discovered that he had sustained a gunshot wound to his left knee. His vehicle also suffered damage to the radiator and rear seat belt guard.
During the attack, his staff, Tochukwu Afunenu, 40, who was in possession of the victim’s ATM card and two mobile phones, reportedly jumped out of the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush.
Police sources said Nwobodo later became suspicious after voice messages were allegedly sent from his staff’s phone claiming that he had been kidnapped and demanding a ransom of ₦40 million.
In a separate report, Okeke Victor C. of Ngozika Estate, Awka, informed police that his wife, Christy Nkiru Okeke, an employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was abducted at about 7:00 p.m. on the same day along the same road.
The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦40 million for her release.
Following the reports, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Rapid Response Squad and other tactical teams were deployed to the area.
Police said extensive combing of surrounding bushes and intelligence-led tracking operations are ongoing to rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the perpetrators.
Investigations are continuing to determine whether the two incidents are connected.
Gunmen abduct 10-year-old boy in Yobe, demand ransom
Gunmen abduct 10-year-old boy in Yobe, demand ransom
By Zagazola Makama
Suspected kidnappers have abducted a 10-year-old boy from his home in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State and are demanding ransom for his release.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported at about 5:20 p.m. on July 25 by Bukar Umar of Andarashi Village via Babbangida.
According to the report, four unidentified hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons, including bows and arrows, cutlasses and sticks, stormed the complainant’s residence and forcibly abducted his 10-year-old son, Abdullahi Isa.
The assailants fled with the child to an unknown destination.
Police sources said the kidnappers later contacted the family by telephone and demanded a ransom for the boy’s release.
Following the report, the command deployed a team of police officers to the area, while the Officer-in-Charge of the State Investigation Department (SID) was directed to commence technical tracking of the telephone number used by the kidnappers.
The police said efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim unharmed and apprehend those responsible for the abduction. Investigations into the incident are continuing.
Police launch search for missing corps member in Bayelsa creek community
Police launch search for missing corps member in Bayelsa creek community
By Zagazola Makama
The Bayelsa State Police Command has commenced a search operation following the disappearance of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Nembe Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the case was reported at about 8:40 p.m. on July 25 by Aribisola Bisi Isaac, a corps member serving in Nembe, accompanied by Adeola Marvelous.
According to the report, the Local Government Inspector informed them that the missing corps member, identified as Okebaram Stanley Chimaroke, 27, who was posted to serve in Nembe Creek, was last seen at about 8:00 p.m. on July 24.
The sources said repeated attempts to reach him through his mobile phone numbers were unsuccessful, prompting concerns over his whereabouts.
Following the report, police operatives were mobilised to the creek community, located about 45 minutes by boat from the Nembe Divisional Headquarters, to commence search and investigation.
The police said efforts are ongoing to locate the missing corps member and establish the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. Investigations are continuing.
Police recover toy gun, victims identify two robbery suspects in Ekiti
Police recover toy gun, victims identify two robbery suspects in Ekiti
By Zagazola Makama
The Ekiti State Police Command has recovered a toy gun allegedly used by two suspected armed robbers to intimidate victims during robbery operations, while two victims have identified the suspects during an identification parade.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the breakthrough followed a painstaking investigation into the arrest of the two suspects, identified as Emmanuel Adeola, 32, and Adediran Adeola, 28, both from Akure, Ondo State.
According to the sources, the suspects confessed to carrying out the alleged robberies during interrogation.
A thorough search of the Honda Accord vehicle allegedly used during the operations led to the recovery of a toy gun concealed on the back seat of the car.
The suspects reportedly admitted that the imitation firearm was deliberately used to resemble a real gun in order to intimidate victims and dispossess them of their valuables.
Police further disclosed that an identification parade was conducted, during which two victims positively identified the suspects as those who robbed them of their personal belongings.
The suspects remain in police custody and are receiving medical treatment after they were assaulted by a mob before their arrest.
Investigators are also pursuing suspected Point-of-Sale (POS) operators believed to have received funds transferred from victims under duress, while efforts are ongoing to recover other stolen property linked to the robbery.
The command said discreet investigations are continuing and that the suspects will be taken on further investigative outings once they are medically fit.
Death toll feared 30 as terrorists killed residents in Kaduna community
Death toll feared 30 as terrorists killed residents in Kaduna community
By Zagazola Makama
The death toll from the overnight terrorist attack on Naridon Village in Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State has risen sharply, with local sources fearing that more than 30 residents were killed in one of the deadliest attacks recorded in the area in recent months.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attackers stormed the community at about midnight on July 27, opening fire indiscriminately on sleeping villagers before setting houses and shops ablaze.
The victims included men, women and children, while several others sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
Local community leaders compiled a list identifying at least 28 victims by name, while efforts were still ongoing to account for other missing persons, raising fears that the death toll could exceed 30.
Three injured survivors were identified as Comfort Monday, Success Monday and James Emmanuel. They are currently receiving medical treatment.
The attackers also set fire to the residence of Mr. Hosea Garba and destroyed several provision shops belonging to Emmanuel Garba, Luka Ahmadu, Monday Markus and Dogo Rana.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 7 of Operation Enduring Peace
, responded to a distress call at about 2:45 a.m. after receiving reports of the attack.
The sources said the troops engaged the attackers in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw from the village.
An earlier military assessment confirmed 15 civilian fatalities, including children and a local vigilante, with five others injured. However, subsequent checks by local authorities and residents indicated that the casualty figure was significantly higher as more bodies were recovered from houses and surrounding areas after the attackers fled.
Security forces have since intensified pursuit operations to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks, while additional security measures have been put in place to reassure residents of the affected community.
Authorities are expected to conduct further assessments as efforts continue to verify the final casualty figure and provide relief to affected families.
Troops launch rescue operation after two abducted in Plateau kidnapping attack
Troops launch rescue operation after two abducted in Plateau kidnapping attack
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 of Operation Enduring Peace in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and local vigilantes, have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of two civilians by suspected kidnappers in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:10 p.m. on July 26 at Gura Top community.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to a distress call in conjunction with police personnel and vigilante members. However, on arrival at the scene, it was discovered that the kidnappers had already fled with two victims after attacking the area.
Three other civilians sustained injuries during the incident and were evacuated to the Nigerian Air Force Hospital in Jos for medical treatment.
Security forces have since commenced efforts to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe rescue of the abducted victims, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Troops, police foil kidnap attempt in Bauchi, rescue victim
Troops, police foil kidnap attempt in Bauchi, rescue victim
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, have foiled a kidnap attempt in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, killing one suspected kidnapper and rescuing an abducted civilian.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 9:00 a.m. on July 26 at Buren Tafida Village following credible information on the activities of suspected kidnappers in the area.
The sources said the joint security team engaged the suspects in a gun battle, during which one of the kidnappers was neutralised.
One kidnapped civilian was successfully rescued during the operation without further harm.
Security forces have intensified efforts to track down other members of the criminal gang who fled the scene, while operations to rid the area of kidnapping syndicates are ongoing.
Troops, vigilantes rescue two kidnapped victims in Taraba
Troops, vigilantes rescue two kidnapped victims in Taraba
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 114 Battalion deployed under Operation MESA in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have rescued two kidnapped victims during a foiled kidnap operation.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 12:10 a.m. on July 26 at Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani villages in Lau LGA.
The sources said the troops and vigilantes responded swiftly to reports of kidnapping activities in the area, forcing the abductors to abandon their victims and flee.
The two rescued victims were found to have been held captive for about two weeks before their rescue.
The victims are currently in the custody of the troops for debriefing and other necessary procedures, while efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.
Security agencies have assured residents that operations against kidnapping and other criminal activities will continue across the state to enhance the safety of lives and property.
Troops, CJTF arrest suspected cattle rustler in Plateau
Troops, CJTF arrest suspected cattle rustler in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8 of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected cattle rustler in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 10:15 p.m. on July 26 during a security operation at Gesin Village in Mangu LGA.
According to the sources, the suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation to participating in the rustling of cattle belonging to the Village Head of Baban Rigi on July 19.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is expected to undergo further investigation before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
Security sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing operations aimed at curbing cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Plateau State, while efforts are continuing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate.
Troops rescue kidnapped woman after foiling terrorist attack in Katsina
Troops rescue kidnapped woman after foiling terrorist attack in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), have rescued a kidnapped woman after engaging suspected terrorists in Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 11:22 p.m. on July 26 after troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Radda received a distress call over the activities of armed terrorists at Karkata Village.
The sources said the joint security team swiftly mobilised to the scene but encountered the terrorists before reaching the affected community.
The troops immediately engaged the assailants with heavy volume of fire, forcing them to abandon a kidnapped woman and flee into the surrounding bush.
The victim was successfully rescued by the troops and reunited with her family.
Military sources said there were no casualties among the security personnel, while the number of casualties suffered by the fleeing terrorists could not be immediately ascertained.
Troops have since intensified pursuit operations to apprehend the fleeing terrorists and prevent further attacks in the area.
Troops, NDLEA raid criminal hideouts in Katsina, arrest suspects, recover firearm
Troops, NDLEA raid criminal hideouts in Katsina, arrest suspects, recover firearm
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Headquarters 17 Brigade Quick Reaction Force (QRF), in collaboration with personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Katsina State Command, have arrested suspected criminals and recovered a locally fabricated firearm during a joint raid in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 1:00 a.m. on July 26 in Wagin, Tundu Mobi and Chadawaki communities following credible intelligence on criminal activities in the area.
The sources said the joint team raided identified hideouts, leading to the arrest of suspects and the recovery of several exhibits.
During the operation, troops also recovered one locally fabricated firearm and five cartridges from one of the suspects.
The arrested suspects and the recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA Katsina State Command for further investigation and necessary action.
Military sources described the operation as hitch-free, adding that the raid forms part of ongoing joint efforts by security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and improve security across Katsina State.
Troops recover 126 rustled livestock after ambush on terrorists in Katsina
Troops recover 126 rustled livestock after ambush on terrorists in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 17 Brigade Quick Reaction Force (QRF), in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have recovered 126 rustled livestock after ambushing suspected terrorists in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 6:00 a.m. on July 26 following credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists driving rustled livestock through Yankwani Village.
The sources said the joint security team laid an ambush at a known crossing point used by the suspects in the village.
On sighting the troops, the terrorists came under fire and fled into the surrounding bushes, abandoning the stolen animals.
A subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of 126 livestock, comprising 83 cows and 43 sheep.
The recovered animals were later handed over to the Chairman of the Bakori Peace Keeping Committee, Alhaji Tijjani Mohammed, in the presence of local government officials for identification and eventual return to their rightful owners.
Military sources described the operation as successful and without casualties, adding that efforts are ongoing to sustain offensive operations against terrorist and cattle-rustling networks across Katsina State.
Over 40 bandits killed as security forces repel attack on Katsina community
Over 40 bandits killed as security forces repel attack on Katsina community
By Zagazola Makama
More than 40 suspected bandits were killed on Sunday after a combined team of local hunters and the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) repelled a large-scale attack on Guga Village in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on July 26 when over 200 heavily armed bandits stormed the community in what security officials described as a coordinated reprisal attack.
The attackers were reportedly led by notorious bandit kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki and reinforced by fighters linked to the Ado Aleru criminal network operating from neighbouring Zamfara State.
According to intelligence reports, the armed groups had planned to overwhelm local hunters and KSCWC operatives protecting the area before extending the assault to Bakori town and nearby communities.
However, security operatives, acting on prior intelligence, mounted a coordinated response that resulted in a fierce gun battle, forcing the attackers to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.
Security assessments indicated that more than 40 bandits were neutralised during the confrontation, while follow-up intelligence confirmed that about eight senior commanders of the criminal network were among those killed.
The sources further disclosed that Idi Abasu Aiki sustained what were described as life-threatening gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire, although his fate could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
The operation followed an earlier clash on July 7 at Dawan Laila Village, where the same criminal network reportedly suffered significant losses during an engagement with local security volunteers.
Meanwhile, clearance operations have commenced in the affected area to recover weapons and other equipment abandoned by the fleeing bandits, while surveillance has been intensified to forestall further attacks.
The Katsina State Government also confirmed that five members of the hunters’ team lost their lives during the operation after they were caught outside the frontline while attending to personal shopping activities.
The government described the slain hunters as courageous patriots who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their communities and extended condolences to their families.
Authorities said normalcy has since been restored to Guga and surrounding communities, reaffirming their commitment to sustained joint security operations to protect lives and property across the state.
Notorious bandit commander Iliya Mai Rasha killed in Guga battle as death toll among attackers rises
Notorious bandit commander Iliya Mai Rasha killed in Guga battle as death toll among attackers rises
By Zagazola Makama
One of the notorious bandit commanders neutralised during Sunday’s fierce gun battle between security forces and armed bandits in Guga Village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, has been identified as Iliya Mai Rasha, a notorious criminal linked to several deadly attacks in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that Mai Rasha was among the senior bandit commanders who joined the assault on Guga at the invitation of notorious kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki.
The sources said the attack, which occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on July 26, involved more than 200 heavily armed bandits drawn from criminal networks operating across Katsina and neighbouring Zamfara State.
However, a combined force of local hunters, the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), and troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade mounted a coordinated response, engaging the attackers in a prolonged gun battle that forced them to retreat with heavy losses.
Security sources said more than 40 bandits were neutralised during the encounter, including at least eight senior commanders, while Idi Abasu Aiki reportedly sustained life-threatening gunshot wounds.
The killing of Iliya Mai Rasha is considered a significant operational success, as he had long been linked to violent attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities in Tsafe and adjoining communities in Zamfara State.
The operation, according to the sources, has dealt a major blow to the criminal network operating across the Katsina–Zamfara axis, with follow-up clearance operations continuing to recover abandoned weapons and pursue fleeing bandits.
Five members of the hunters’ team were, however, killed during the operation after they were caught outside the frontline, highlighting the heavy sacrifice made by local security volunteers in defending their communities. Military authorities and the Katsina State Government have continued to commend the courage of the troops, hunters and community watch personnel who repelled the attack and restored calm to the affected area.
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue gunshot victim in Kaduna
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue gunshot victim in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7 of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued a victim in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 5:50 p.m. on July 26 to a distress call reporting a kidnapping incident in Ikulu, Gora general area.
The sources said the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their victim and flee.
The rescued victim, who sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, was evacuated for medical attention before being reunited with his family.
Security forces have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects, while operations continue to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the area.
Troops rescue kidnap victim in Plateau, launch manhunt for abductors
Troops rescue kidnap victim in Plateau, launch manhunt for abductors
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued a kidnapped victim along the Tsohon–Gero Road in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim was rescued at about 11:30 a.m. on July 26 during a security operation along the road linking Tsohon and Gero villages.
According to the sources, preliminary interrogation revealed that the victim had been abducted on July 25 along Rukuba Road before being taken to an unknown location by the kidnappers.
The victim is currently in the custody of security personnel for debriefing, with investigators gathering information that could aid the identification and arrest of members of the kidnapping syndicate.
Security sources said troops have intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators and sustain operations aimed at curbing kidnapping and other violent crimes across Plateau State.
Troops arrest fake soldier with forged military identity card in Abuja
Troops arrest fake soldier with forged military identity card in Abuja
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 176 Guards Battalion deployed at the Dantata Checkpoint in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have arrested a suspected impostor who allegedly posed as a Nigerian Army soldier.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 2:30 p.m. on July 26 after driving to the military checkpoint and requesting the intervention of troops following an argument with one of his passengers.
The sources said the unusual request prompted the troops to question the suspect, during which preliminary interrogation revealed that he was an Uber driver falsely claiming to be a serving soldier.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a fake Nigerian Army identity card allegedly used to support his false claim.
The suspect has been taken into custody for further investigation, while security authorities are working to determine the extent of his activities and whether he is linked to any wider impersonation or fraud network.
Troops ambush terrorists in Niger, recover six motorcycles; one soldier killed
Troops ambush terrorists in Niger, recover six motorcycles; one soldier killed
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have ambushed suspected terrorists in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State, killing an unspecified number of the assailants and recovering six motorcycles after a follow-up exploitation operation.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the ambush was carried out at about 5:30 p.m. on July 25 by troops of the 45 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Beri, in conjunction with the 18 Brigade Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and troops of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Administrative Battalion.
The sources said the troops laid an ambush at a known terrorist crossing point in Tudun Magaji Village, where they made contact with the armed terrorists, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
During the operation, one soldier was killed in action, while another sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment.
The sources added that troops returned to the area at about 6:00 a.m. on July 26 to exploit the scene, leading to the recovery of six motorcycles believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
Military sources said follow-up operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing terrorists and consolidate security gains in the area.
Troops arrest terror collaborator, three suspected terrorists in Kainji operation
Troops arrest terror collaborator, three suspected terrorists in Kainji operation
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation SAFE SANITY (OPSS) have arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator and three suspected terrorists during intelligence-led operations in Niger State, uncovering fresh links to wanted members of a terrorist network.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the breakthrough began at about 8:30 a.m. on July 23, when troops at the Headquarters of Operation SAFE SANITY apprehended a suspected terrorist collaborator in Kainji town.
According to the sources, the suspect provided actionable intelligence during preliminary interrogation, revealing the location of a suspected terrorist hideout at Baborasa Village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Acting on the intelligence, troops launched a follow-up operation at about 10:00 p.m. on July 24, leading to the arrest of three suspected terrorists at the identified location.
Further exploitation of the operation revealed that the contact list on one of the suspects’ mobile phones contained the telephone numbers of several wanted terrorists already on the formation’s watch list, suggesting possible operational links with high-value terrorist elements.
The suspects are currently in military custody for further interrogation, while investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider network and facilitate the arrest of other wanted members of the group.
Troops recover machine gun after terrorists attack Zamfara highway, soldier wounded
Troops recover machine gun after terrorists attack Zamfara highway, soldier wounded
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have recovered a machine gun and ammunition after engaging suspected terrorists along the Anka–Gummi highway in Bukuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 5:48 p.m. on July 25 to reports of terrorist activity along the Anka–Gummi Main Supply Route (MSR) at Kombo High Ground.
The sources said the troops engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw from the area.
During a search of the scene, the troops recovered one machine gun and 13 rounds of PKT ammunition abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
One soldier sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and was evacuated to the General Hospital in Anka for medical treatment.
The sources added that four tyres of Combat Support Service (CSS) military vehicles were damaged during the operation.
Security forces have since intensified clearance operations in the area to track down the fleeing terrorists and maintain security along the strategic highway.
Soldier Dies Defending Plateau Community as Troops Repel Attack by Suspected Fulani Bandits
Soldier Dies Defending Plateau Community as Troops Repel Attack by Suspected Fulani Bandits
By Zagazola Makama
A Nigerian soldier paid the ultimate price on Saturday while defending vulnerable communities in Plateau State, as troops engaged suspected Fulani armed bandits in a fierce battle to prevent an attack on Manja village in Plateau state.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the fallen soldier, Lance Corporal Yusuf Zakari, was killed in action after troops deployed as a blocking force came under heavy gunfire from armed assailants advancing through Manja Forest.
The sources said the troops had been positioned to stop the attackers from infiltrating Manja community, a locality that has witnessed repeated security threats resulting from herder-farmer crises in recent months.
At about 1:25 p.m. on July 26, the troops made contact with the advancing Fulani bandits, triggering a prolonged and intense exchange of fire.
Despite putting up a determined resistance, Lance Corporal Zakari was reportedly ambushed during the battle and was fatally wounded while defending his comrades and the civilian population. In a further tragic development, the attackers seized the deceased soldier’s personal weapon before withdrawing from the scene.
Reinforcements from Sector 9 have since been deployed to the area to reinforce the troops and launch follow-up operations aimed at tracking down the attackers and recovering the stolen weapon.
According to preliminary intelligence available to security agencies, the assailants are believed to comprise a combination of Fulani militias from Plateau State and armed bandits from neighbouring Nasarawa State. The assessment, however, remains subject to further verification as investigations and intelligence gathering continue.
Military authorities have activated intelligence networks and intensified search operations to trace the movement of the attackers, who are believed to have retreated into the surrounding forests after the encounter.
The death of Lance Corporal Yusuf Zakari illustrates the burden borne daily by Nigerian soldiers deployed to troubled communities. In Plateau and other conflict zones, troops have repeatedly found themselves caught between violent attacks by armed Fulani bandits and hostility from sections of the very communities they are deployed to protect, with incidents of soldiers being assaulted, stoned and, in some cases, killed while trying to restore peace.
Yet, despite these dangers, they continue to stand on the frontlines, often making the ultimate sacrifice to shield innocent civilians regardless of ethnic or religious identity.
The presence of soldiers often represents the only barrier between communities and heavily armed attackers seeking to unleash violence on innocent civilians.
The young soldier did not survive the battle, his actions, alongside those of his colleagues, helped frustrate the attackers’ attempt to overrun Manja community, preventing what could have resulted in far greater loss of civilian lives.
As pursuit operations continue, Operation Enduring Peace high command have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and sustain pressure on all armed groups threatening peace and stability across Plateau State.
Troops recover 50 rustled cattle in Plateau after foiling rustling operation
Troops recover 50 rustled cattle in Plateau after foiling rustling operation
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force and local hunters, have recovered 50 rustled cattle after foiling a cattle rustling operation in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:00 a.m. on July 25 following a distress report that cattle rustlers had stolen 50 cattle belonging to two Fulani herders grazing at Funle Village.
Acting swiftly on the information, troops of Sector 9, Operation PEACE, alongside police personnel and members of a local hunters’ group, mobilised to the area and made contact with the rustlers.
On sighting the security forces, the suspects abandoned the stolen cattle and fled into the surrounding bush to evade arrest.
The recovered livestock were secured by the troops and taken into custody pending identification and handover to their rightful owners.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, adding that the operation forms part of sustained efforts to curb cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Plateau State.
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue 11 passengers in Benue
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue 11 passengers in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued 11 passengers along the Igbayima–Pevikiya Road in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on July 24, when troops of Sector 1, Operation WHIRL STROKE, deployed at Kyado, responded swiftly to reports of a kidnapping along the route.
According to the sources, the kidnappers fled into the surrounding bush on sighting the advancing troops, abandoning their victims and the vehicle in which they were travelling.
The troops immediately secured the area and rescued all 11 victims, who were confirmed to be passengers in the abandoned vehicle.
After ensuring that the area was safe and conducting preliminary checks, the troops released the victims to continue their journey.
Military sources said the prompt response by the troops prevented what could have resulted in another successful abduction along the corridor, adding that patrols have been intensified in the area to deter further criminal activities and reassure residents and road users.
Troops arrest suspected military impostor near Onitsha Head Bridge
Troops arrest suspected military impostor near Onitsha Head Bridge
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 63 Brigade Garrison have arrested a suspected military impostor during a routine foot patrol around the Onitsha Head Bridge axis.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 9:53 a.m. on July 24 along Oko Market in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to the sources, the suspect, who hails from Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, was intercepted by troops on patrol after exhibiting suspicious behaviour.
Although military authorities did not disclose the specific items recovered from the suspect or the circumstances surrounding the alleged impersonation, he was identified as a suspected impostor and taken into custody.
The suspect has since been handed over to the Army Corps of Ordinance (ACORN) for further investigation and necessary administrative action.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to curb impersonation of military personnel and protect the integrity of its operations, while warning members of the public against posing as security personnel or unlawfully using military uniforms and accoutrements.
Troops uncover 3,200 litres of illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers
Troops uncover 3,200 litres of illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers
By Zagazola Makama
Troops conducting anti-illegal bunkering operations have uncovered 3,200 litres of illegally refined petroleum products during a raid in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 6:00 p.m. on July 24 by troops of Land Component Sector Force (LCSF) Mobile Strike Teams (MST) 1 and 2, acting on credible intelligence about ongoing illegal bunkering activities.
According to the sources, the troops raided a location along Refinery Road in Eleme, where they discovered approximately 3,200 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products.
The recovered products were handled in accordance with the mandate of Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS), which includes the destruction or appropriate disposal of illegally refined petroleum products and facilities used for crude oil theft.
Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by security forces to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
They reiterated the commitment of Operation DELTA SAFE to protecting Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations against economic saboteurs.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorist Informants, Cattle Rustlers in Yobe Market
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorist Informants, Cattle Rustlers in Yobe Market
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two suspected terrorist informants and cattle rustlers during a joint operation with local hunters at the Buni Yadi Friday Market in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:00 p.m. on July 24 by troops of 27 Task Force Brigade in conjunction with members of a hunters’ group acting on intelligence.
The suspects were identified as Muhammadu Sani, 32, from Mainahari in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, and Buba Umaru, 40, from Garin Jauro in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.
According to the sources, the operation turned violent when one of the suspects attacked a member of the hunters’ group with a cutlass while resisting arrest.
The hunter sustained severe head injuries during the attack and was immediately attended to, while the troops overpowered and apprehended the suspects.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Muhammadu Sani confessed to serving as a logistics supplier and informant for Boko Haram terrorists for nearly seven years.
He also admitted to leading terrorists to the residences of two local residents, where the insurgents successfully rustled cattle during separate attacks.
Military sources said the confession is expected to assist ongoing intelligence efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks operating within communities across the North-East.
The two suspects are currently in the custody of 27 Task Force Brigade and are undergoing further investigation to determine the extent of their involvement in terrorist logistics, intelligence gathering and cattle rustling activities.
Security officials said the arrest underscores the critical role played by local intelligence and collaboration between troops and community-based security groups in identifying individuals who provide logistical support and operational information to terrorist elements.
They added that troops of Operation HADIN KAI will continue to target terrorist collaborators, informants and logistics networks as part of ongoing efforts to deny insurgents the local support structures that sustain their operations across the North-East.
Six Terrorists’ Family Members Surrender to Troops in Gwoza
Six Terrorists’ Family Members Surrender to Troops in Gwoza
By Zagazola Makama
Six family members of Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State after escaping from the terrorists’ enclave in the Mandara Mountains.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the surrender occurred in two separate incidents on July 24, with all the individuals voluntarily presenting themselves to troops of C Company, 192 Battalion (Mechanised) deployed in Gwoza.
According to the sources, the first group, comprising Samaila Vuringwa, 55; Falmata Samaila, 13; and Walida Samaila, 10, surrendered at about 7:45 a.m.
Preliminary investigations revealed that they escaped from the Wa’a terrorist enclave located in the Mandara Mountains before making their way to the military location.
Items recovered from the family included primary and secondary school certificates as well as the sum of ₦460,000.
In a related development, another three family members identified as Amina Nahadiye, 64; Zainabu Zaza, 62; and Amina Mugula, 61, surrendered to the same troops at about 1:35 p.m. on the same day.
Military sources said preliminary screening also established that the second group escaped from the Wa’a enclave in the Mandara Mountains.
Items recovered from them included two torchlights and the sum of ₦252,000.
The six individuals have since undergone preliminary profiling, documentation and security screening and are currently in the custody of 192 Battalion for further investigation and processing in line with established operational procedures.
Security sources said the latest surrender underscores the sustained pressure being mounted by troops of Operation HADIN KAI against terrorist strongholds in the Mandara Mountains, compelling more insurgents and their family members to abandon the enclaves.
Military authorities added that operations across the North-East theatre remain generally calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining aggressive clearance operations and sustained dominance of key operational areas.
OPFY Troops Target Dogo Gide, Najaja, Two Other Terrorist Kingpins in Major Zamfara Offensive
OPFY Troops Target Dogo Gide, Najaja, Two Other Terrorist Kingpins in Major Zamfara Offensive
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have launched a major offensive targeting four notorious terrorist kingpins Dogo Gide, Najaja, Nasanda and Buba Orisdisrupting a planned mass movement of armed fighters and neutralising scores of terrorists during coordinated air and ground operations in Zamfara State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was triggered by credible intelligence received on July 25, indicating that hundreds of armed terrorists had assembled along the Bayarzaki Riverline in Anka Local Government Area under the command of the four terrorist leaders.
According to the sources, the terrorists were believed to be preparing for coordinated operations across parts of Zamfara and neighbouring areas when the intelligence was received.
In response, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA initiated precision interdiction strikes on identified terrorist locations at Barayan Zaki and key crossing points along the Bayarzaki Riverline. Simultaneously, troops of the 8 Division Strike Force established carefully planned ambush positions before launching exploitation operations at first light to intercept the terrorists as they attempted to withdraw.
Military sources said the combined air and ground assault disrupted the terrorists’ movement, forcing them to abandon their positions and retreat towards Barayan Zaki while attempting to cross the Gummi–Anka Main Supply Route (MSR).
Determined to deny the fleeing fighters any opportunity to regroup, troops immediately commenced aggressive fighting patrols along the identified withdrawal routes.
The pursuit culminated in a fierce gun battle at Kombo High Ground along the Anka–Gummi MSR in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, where troops made contact with the withdrawing terrorists.
Sources said soldiers brought overwhelming firepower to bear on the terrorists, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the surviving fighters to flee in disarray into surrounding forests.
Military authorities confirmed that scores of terrorists were neutralised during the engagement.
One soldier sustained injuries during the operation and was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Anka, where he is receiving treatment. No military equipment was lost.
In continuation of the offensive, troops returned to the contact area on July 26 to conduct detailed exploitation operations aimed at clearing the battlefield, recovering abandoned items and preventing the terrorists from re-establishing their presence.
During the follow-up operation, troops recovered 13 rounds of PKT machine gun ammunition and one machine gun round, while maintaining dominance of the general area through sustained patrols.
Military sources said Operation FANSAN YAMMA has continued to intensify offensive operations across the North-West by combining intelligence-led targeting with coordinated air and ground manoeuvres designed to dismantle terrorist networks and deny bandit leaders freedom of movement.
The latest operation is regarded as another significant blow against some of the most notorious terrorist commanders operating in the North-West, including Dogo Gide, long regarded as one of the region’s most wanted bandit leaders, and his associates.
Security officials said sustained pressure on these criminal networks is intended to degrade their operational capabilities, disrupt planned attacks on communities and security formations, and restore stability across Zamfara and adjoining states.
After Zagazola Investigation, Katsina Govt Orders Total Rehabilitation of Dilapidated Maidabino School
After Zagazola Investigation, Katsina Govt Orders Total Rehabilitation of Dilapidated Maidabino School
By Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Government has ordered the comprehensive rehabilitation of the dilapidated Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Maidabino, in Dan Musa Local Government Area, following a recent investigative report by Zagazola Makama that exposed the deplorable condition of the school and the hardships faced by its students and teachers.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, the state government acknowledged public concern generated by the report and reaffirmed Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s commitment to revitalising public education across the state.
The government’s response came days after Zagazola Makama published an investigative report titled “Inside Katsina’s Forgotten School: Over 1,000 Students Learn on Bare Ground as Billion-Naira Education Budgets Fail Maidabino,” which highlighted the appalling learning conditions at the school.
The investigation revealed that more than 1,000 students from Junior Secondary School One (JSS1) to Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) were receiving lessons in roofless classrooms, sitting on bare ground, stones and broken concrete blocks due to the absence of desks and chairs.
It also exposed the shortage of teachers, with only one volunteer instructor, Malam Ibrahim Salisu Maidabino, a farmer who is not employed by the government, shouldering the responsibility of teaching students across multiple classes and subjects without receiving any salary.
The report further detailed the absence of basic facilities, including functional classrooms, laboratories, a library, computers, electricity, potable water and sanitation, while noting that soldiers deployed to secure the community against bandit attacks occasionally assisted in maintaining order and encouraging students because of the severe manpower shortage.
Responding to the report, the Katsina State Government said the school had already been captured under its ongoing educational infrastructure intervention programme and assured residents that rehabilitation would commence in line with the approved implementation schedule.
According to the Commissioner, although the school had earlier been identified for rehabilitation, implementation was delayed by the security challenges that affected Maidabino and surrounding communities, forcing the government to prioritise the restoration of peace and the protection of lives and property.
He explained that with security now significantly improved through sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies, displaced residents were gradually returning home, school enrolment was increasing and government was moving to the next phase of rebuilding critical public infrastructure.
The Commissioner disclosed that the rehabilitation project would include the renovation of classrooms, replacement of damaged roofs, rehabilitation of floors, provision of desks and other classroom furniture, upgrading of sanitation facilities and other essential works aimed at providing a safe and conducive learning environment for both students and teachers.
He reiterated that Governor Radda’s administration remained committed to strengthening the education sector through sustained investment in infrastructure, teacher development and improved learning facilities across Katsina State.
“The Katsina State Government appreciates the concern expressed by the author of the social media post and other well-meaning citizens. We assure the public that the rehabilitation of the affected school will commence in line with the implementation schedule of the approved intervention programme.
“The Government remains resolute in ensuring that every community benefits from the dividends of improved security, quality education, and sustainable development.
Together, we will continue to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Katsina State.
The government also appealed to communities, parents and school management committees to support efforts aimed at protecting and maintaining public facilities to ensure their sustainability.
The swift response by the Katsina State Government has been widely welcomed by residents and education stakeholders, who described it as a demonstration of responsive leadership and evidence that constructive journalism can contribute meaningfully to governance and public service delivery.
The government’s intervention offers renewed hope that students may soon study in an environment that reflects the dignity and quality of education they deserve.
While commending Governor Radda for responding promptly to the concerns raised, residents expressed hope that the promised rehabilitation would be executed without delay and extended to other underserved schools facing similar challenges across the state.
Zagazola Media Network
Troops rescue 48 kidnap victims as terrorists flee after gun battle in Zamfara
Troops rescue 48 kidnap victims as terrorists flee after gun battle in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 48 kidnapped victims following a swift response to a terrorist attack on Magami village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was launched in the early hours of July 26 after troops of Sector 2 received a distress call reporting that a large group of terrorists riding on about 40 motorcycles had invaded the community.
The terrorists were said to have rounded up dozens of residents with the intention of taking them into the forest, while another group remained on the outskirts of the village guarding the motorcycles.
Acting promptly on the intelligence, troops mobilised to the scene and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.
The superior firepower of the troops forced the attackers to abandon the abducted victims and flee into the surrounding bush, leading to the successful rescue of all 48 kidnapped civilians.
Sources said one civilian was killed during the attack, while two others sustained gunshot injuries. The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Kaura Namoda, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Following the rescue, troops carried out aggressive patrols to dominate the area and prevent any further attacks by the fleeing terrorists.
Military authorities commended the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the troops during the operation, describing the rescue as another demonstration of Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s commitment to protecting communities across the North-West.
The Theatre Command also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to sustain ongoing operations against terrorist groups in the region.
NDLEA intercepts ₦10bn cocaine, loud, opioids; arrests alleged drug kingpins, recovers military-grade ammunition
NDLEA intercepts ₦10bn cocaine, loud, opioids; arrests alleged drug kingpins, recovers military-grade ammunition
By Zagazola Makama
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted illicit drugs valued at over ₦10 billion and recovered 401 rounds of military-grade ammunition in a series of intelligence-led operations across Lagos, Kaduna, Katsina and Edo states.
The operations also led to the arrest of several suspected drug traffickers, including an alleged kingpin accused of attempting to export cocaine to the United Kingdom.
According to the NDLEA, operatives arrested Onuigbo Ndubisi Chinedu, 55, a clothing trader at Balogun Market, Lagos Island, over an attempt to export 3.30 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside the walls of cartons used to package food items destined for the UK.
The cocaine shipment was intercepted at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on July 22.
Investigations initially led to the arrest of three cargo agents—Nkwor Onyekachukwu Justina, Adeleke Abiola Taoheed, and Ukanwa Grace Pilgrim—as well as Kenneth Okakpu, who delivered the consignment for shipment.
Further investigation identified Onuigbo as the alleged leader of the trafficking syndicate. He was subsequently arrested on July 23 while allegedly attempting to send another cocaine consignment to the UK.
In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives arrested Emmanuella Chukwu-Edo, 31, at her residence in Surulere, Lagos, following the seizure of 2.80kg of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, which arrived from the United States aboard a United Airlines flight.
The agency also intercepted a shipment containing 2.24 million pills of Tapentadol 250mg, estimated to be worth over ₦2.2 billion, during a joint cargo examination at the Lagos airport. The consignment had arrived from India aboard an Air Maroc flight following intelligence received by the agency.
In another export interception, NDLEA officers uncovered a consignment of tramadol concealed inside containers of black soap intended for shipment to the United Kingdom.
At the Apapa Seaport in Lagos, operatives uncovered 2,388.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, packaged in 4,777 sachets and concealed inside three imported vehicles in a container. The illicit consignment has an estimated street value of over ₦7.1 billion.
In Katsina State, NDLEA operatives arrested Mustapha Sani, 30, during a patrol at Baure in Safana Local Government Area, where he was found with 323 rounds of military-grade ammunition, comprising 200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 123 additional rounds concealed on him.
Similarly, along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, officers arrested Abubakar Amadu, 30, at Jere after recovering 73 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition concealed inside kegs filled with palm oil.
The agency said both suspects had been handed over to the appropriate security authorities for further investigation into the source and intended destination of the ammunition.
In Edo State, raid operations at Ilushi Community in Esan South-East Local Government Area led to the seizure of 1,286kg of cannabis and 86kg of cannabis seeds from a warehouse.
Operatives also arrested Ojore Onweze, 45, with 60kg of skunk, while George Agwumede, 30, was apprehended with 13kg of the same substance.
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA said it sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign through sensitisation programmes in schools, workplaces, worship centres and communities across the country, including institutions in Niger, Kano and Lagos states.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI), as well as commands in MMIA, Apapa, Edo, Kaduna and Katsina, for the successful operations.
He urged personnel across the country to remain committed to the agency’s balanced approach to drug supply reduction and demand reduction through sustained enforcement and public sensitisation.
Troops arrest wanted soldier accused of supplying military accoutrements to terrorists
Troops arrest wanted soldier accused of supplying military accoutrements to terrorists
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a soldier declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over his alleged involvement in supplying military accoutrements to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility (NAOTF), Lagos, was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25 by troops of 7 Provost Group led by the Acting Commander.
According to the sources, preliminary investigations revealed that before he was declared wanted by the Army, the soldier absconded from his unit and travelled to Maiduguri on July 7, where he allegedly went into hiding.
Investigators further established that he was allegedly sheltered at Gomari Costain in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State by 25NA/89/12687 Private Baba Kamal Sale of the Corps of Intelligence, Dikwa.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops of the 7 Provost Group placed the suspect under 24-hour surveillance before intercepting and arresting him at Jidari Bus Stop while he was allegedly attempting to flee to Cameroon.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where he is undergoing further investigation into the alleged supply of military accoutrements to terrorist elements and the possible involvement of other collaborators.
Military sources described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle insider networks aiding terrorist groups, adding that investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any accomplices.
Senior ISWAP finance chief Musa Usman surrenders to troops with two sons in Borno
Senior ISWAP finance chief Musa Usman surrenders to troops with two sons in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
A senior finance operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), identified as Musa Usman, 40, has surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Borno State, marking another significant blow to the terrorist group’s financial and logistics network.
The surrender comes amid a fresh wave of defections from terrorist camps, with about 46 terrorists and their family members voluntarily laying down their arms in recent days as sustained land and air offensives continue to dismantle insurgent enclaves across the North-East.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that intelligence obtained through human sources alerted troops of 24 Task Force Brigade to the planned surrender of the high-profile ISWAP member along the Ladari–Jegarawaji–Tunokalia corridor on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route.
Acting on the intelligence, troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised), in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and Hybrid Forces, mobilised and intercepted the terrorist at about 6:45 a.m. on July 25.
The surrendered insurgent was identified as Musa Usman, aged 40, who arrived with his two sons, Abubakar Musa, 10, and Awwali Musa, 15.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that Musa Usman served as the Chief Finance Officer of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, where he was responsible for overseeing the group’s financial operations, logistics and resource management.
Items recovered from him include one AK-47 rifle, four AK-47 magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one motorcycle, and ₦40,000 in cash.
Military sources said Musa Usman and his children are currently undergoing detailed profiling and further interrogation to extract actionable intelligence that could assist ongoing operations against remaining ISWAP elements and their support networks across the theatre.
Security analysts described the surrender as a major intelligence and operational success, noting that the defection of a senior financial manager is likely to further weaken ISWAP’s ability to sustain its operations and coordinate logistics.
The latest surrender also reinforces indications of growing disillusionment within terrorist ranks as sustained military offensives continue to degrade the group’s command structure and operational capability.
Operation HADIN KAI has reiterated its commitment to restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East and urged remaining terrorists to embrace the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives by surrendering before it is too late.
The military also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible and timely intelligence to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the region.
Troops, CJTF arrest suspected ISWAP/JAS operative in Damasak, recover vehicle
Troops, CJTF arrest suspected ISWAP/JAS operative in Damasak, recover vehicle
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorist operative during an operation in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 9:50 a.m. on July 24 at the Damasak Onion Market by troops of 5 Brigade acting on intelligence.
During a search, troops recovered one vehicle and the sum of ₦35,300 from the suspect.
The suspect and the recovered items have been taken into custody for further investigation to establish his role and possible links to ISWAP/JAS terrorist networks operating in the Lake Chad region.
Military sources said the arrest is part of sustained intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics, identifying collaborators and dismantling insurgent support networks across the North-East.
Troops, CJTF arrest suspected ISWAP/JAS operative in Damasak, recover vehicle
Troops, CJTF arrest suspected ISWAP/JAS operative in Damasak, recover vehicle
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorist operative during an operation in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 9:50 a.m. on July 24 at the Damasak Onion Market by troops of 5 Brigade acting on intelligence.
During a search, troops recovered one vehicle and the sum of ₦35,300 from the suspect.
The suspect and the recovered items have been taken into custody for further investigation to establish his role and possible links to ISWAP/JAS terrorist networks operating in the Lake Chad region.
Military sources said the arrest is part of sustained intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics, identifying collaborators and dismantling insurgent support networks across the North-East.
Troops, NDLEA arrest two suspected drug suppliers to terrorists in Katsina raid
Troops, NDLEA arrest two suspected drug suppliers to terrorists in Katsina raid
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi, in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested two suspected drug traffickers allegedly supplying illicit substances to terrorists and other criminal elements in Katsina State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 5:10 p.m. on July 24 during a joint raid on Sabowa Kasa Village in Kafur Local Government Area.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in the supply of hard drugs and other illicit substances to terrorists and criminal groups operating within Kafur and adjoining communities.
During the operation, the security team recovered 11.4 grams of tramadol capsules and an expired Manpower liquid substance, believed to be among the items traded by the suspects.
Following the operation, the suspects and the recovered exhibits were handed over to the NDLEA Area Command in Malumfashi for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the supply networks sustaining terrorist and criminal activities in the North-West, particularly by disrupting access to illicit drugs frequently abused by armed groups.
Troops rescue five family members as terrorists abduct Bungudu LGA chairman in Zamfara
Troops rescue five family members as terrorists abduct Bungudu LGA chairman in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have launched an intensive search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi, by armed terrorists during an attack on his residence in the early hours of Saturday.
According to the Theatre Command, the terrorists stormed the chairman’s residence, overpowered his police and vigilante security detail, and abducted him along with members of his family.
Troops responded immediately after hearing gunfire and swiftly moved to the scene, where they engaged the fleeing terrorists in a fierce gun battle.
The prompt intervention forced the attackers to abandon five members of the chairman’s family, who were rescued unharmed. Those rescued include two of his children, his wife, his mother and another relative.
However, the terrorists escaped into nearby bushes with the council chairman.
The attack claimed the lives of two police officers, one local vigilante and one civilian, while the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries during the incident.
Following the attack, the Theatre Command activated a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante groups.
Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations around suspected terrorist hideouts in a bid to rescue the abducted chairman safely.
The Theatre Command said it had deployed all available operational resources to the rescue mission and was maintaining close coordination with all participating security agencies.
It assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that every lawful operational measure was being taken to secure the chairman’s release and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The command also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities and provide credible intelligence through established security channels to support the ongoing operation.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and vowed to sustain operations until the abducted chairman is rescued and the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Troops foil suspected kidnapping, rescue victim along Jere–Bwari Expressway
Troops foil suspected kidnapping, rescue victim along Jere–Bwari Expressway
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a suspected kidnapping and armed robbery attempt along the Jere–Bwari Expressway in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), rescuing a victim unhurt.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 2:45 a.m. on July 25, when troops of 102 Guards Battalion deployed at Jere responded to credible intelligence on an ongoing armed robbery and possible kidnapping along the highway.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and, on sighting the approaching soldiers, the suspected armed robbers fled into nearby bushes, abandoning their victim.
The victim was successfully rescued by the troops without further harm, while efforts have been intensified to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Security sources said the prompt response by the troops prevented what could have resulted in a successful abduction and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring the safety of commuters along major highways in and around the Federal Capital Territory.
Troops raid suspected drug hideout in Jos, arrest nine suspects
Troops raid suspected drug hideout in Jos, arrest nine suspects
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have raided a suspected drug hideout in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, arresting nine suspected drug peddlers and recovering suspected illicit substances.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 6:30 p.m. on July 24 at the notorious Congo Russia area of Jos North following intelligence on illicit drug activities.
During the raid, troops apprehended nine suspected drug peddlers and recovered substances suspected to be cannabis sativa as well as other illicit drugs.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken into military custody pending further investigation and subsequent handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for prosecution.
Military sources said the raid forms part of sustained operations by Operation Enduring Peace to dismantle criminal networks, curb the proliferation of illicit drugs and improve security across Plateau State.
The sources added that efforts would continue to target drug trafficking hubs believed to fuel violent crimes and other forms of criminality within the Joint Operations Area.
Troops, security agencies arrest eight suspected cultists terrorising Enugu–Ebonyi border communities
Troops, security agencies arrest eight suspected cultists terrorising Enugu–Ebonyi border communities
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested eight suspected cultists allegedly involved in criminal activities along the Enugu–Ebonyi border.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 3:42 p.m. on July 24 during a joint operation conducted by troops of 82 Division Garrison/103 Battalion in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspects were allegedly terrorising communities in Eha-Amufu and surrounding areas along the boundary between Enugu and Ebonyi states, where cult-related violence and other criminal activities have posed persistent security challenges.
Following their arrest, the eight suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security sources said the operation forms part of sustained joint security efforts to dismantle cult groups and other criminal networks responsible for violence and insecurity in communities across the South-East.
Troops arrest five suspected IPOB/ESN members in Imo
Troops arrest five suspected IPOB/ESN members in Imo
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested five suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during an operation in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, which was carried out on July 23 but reported later, took place at about 9:30 a.m. when troops of 34 Artillery Brigade mounted surveillance at Etuekwa Left in Orsu LGA.
According to the sources, the troops intercepted and apprehended the five suspects at a secluded location believed to be a movement corridor frequently used by IPOB/ESN operatives.
The suspects were taken into custody for further interrogation to determine their identities, roles and possible involvement in the activities of the separatist group.
Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by security forces to dismantle IPOB/ESN networks, disrupt their movement routes and enhance security across the South-East.
Two arrested for allegedly assaulting DPO, obstructing police duty in Kwara
Two arrested for allegedly assaulting DPO, obstructing police duty in Kwara
By Zagazola Makama
Two suspects have been arrested for allegedly obstructing police officers, resisting arrest and assaulting a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) during a disturbance at a police station.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:14 p.m. on July 23, when one Sesan Tolu allegedly caused a commotion and harassed police personnel at the station’s charge room.
According to the sources, officers moved to arrest Tolu over his alleged conduct when another suspect, Sebastian Babatunde, who had earlier been brought to the station over a case of alleged malicious damage to the economic crops of one Ismail at Ijaperin Village, reportedly resisted the arrest and obstructed police officers from carrying out their duty.
The situation reportedly escalated despite attempts by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Adejuwon Morakinyo, and detectives to restore calm.
Police said Babatunde allegedly attacked the DPO without provocation, striking him in the face and damaging his prescription glasses valued at ₦90,000.
The two suspects were eventually subdued by officers and taken into custody.
They are being investigated for alleged conspiracy, resisting arrest, obstruction of police duty, serious assault on a senior police officer and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
Police sources said the suspects will be arraigned before a competent court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Police probe alleged human trafficking as woman accuses suspect of attempting to sell sister abroad
Police probe alleged human trafficking as woman accuses suspect of attempting to sell sister abroad
By Zagazola Makama
The police have commenced an investigation into an alleged human trafficking case after a woman reported that her younger sister was being held abroad and allegedly being prepared for sale to another country.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the case was reported at about 4:20 p.m. on July 23 by Bunmi Adeniji, who alleged that her daughter, Olamide Adeniji, 18, and her younger sister, Bimbo Adeniji, 30, left home in August 2025 for an unknown destination.
According to the complainant, her daughter later returned home on Aug. 30, 2025, and disclosed that a woman identified as Rukayat Oshoku, said to be from the Edu area, had attempted to lure both of them to Libya.
She alleged that Olamide managed to escape while they were being transported from Kano State towards Libya, but her aunt remained with the suspected trafficking network.
The complainant further stated that she had since been making efforts to secure the return of her sister to Nigeria.
According to her, she recently received a telephone call from an individual in Owode, who claimed that Rukayat was making arrangements to move her sister to another country, warning that urgent intervention was needed or the victim might never return home.
Following the report, detectives launched an investigation and invited the suspect’s mother to the police station in an effort to persuade Rukayat to facilitate the victim’s return to Nigeria.
Police sources said several telephone conversations were held with the suspect, but she allegedly refused to cooperate.
The case has been slated for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Abeokuta, for further investigation.
Police said investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the allegations and to determine the whereabouts of the alleged victim.
Police arrest suspect over attack on Fulani herder, cattle rustling attack in Benue
Police arrest suspect over attack on Fulani herder, cattle rustling attack in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Police in Benue State have arrested one suspect in connection with an attack on fulani herders that left two persons with gunshot injuries and resulted in the rustling of an unspecified number of cattle in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 3:41 a.m. on July 24 at Ipugbogbo, Ugboju in Otukpo LGA.
According to the sources, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) received a distress call reporting that armed men had attacked a group of herders, shot two of them and made away with their cattle.
The DPO of Ogoli Division immediately mobilised patrol teams to the scene, where the victims, identified as Egomo Pius Sunday, 36, and Oseni Sani, 70, were rescued with gunshot wounds.
The injured victims were evacuated to Methodist Hospital, Ogoli, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives arrested one suspect, Ibrahim Bamanyi, in connection with the attack.
Police sources said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and recover the rustled cattle.
The case is under investigation.
Police re-arrest escaped robbery suspect, recover Beretta pistol in Nasarawa
Police re-arrest escaped robbery suspect, recover Beretta pistol in Nasarawa
By Zagazola Makama
Police operatives in Nasarawa State have re-arrested an escaped robbery suspect and recovered a Beretta pistol following a manhunt.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the breakthrough was recorded at about 10:00 p.m. on July 24, when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Awe Division reported the successful re-arrest of the suspect.
The suspect had earlier escaped from police custody, prompting an intensive search by security operatives.
Police sources confirmed that the suspect is now back in custody, while a Beretta pistol linked to the case has also been recovered.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the suspect’s escape and to conclude the robbery case.
The police reiterated their commitment to ensuring that criminal suspects are brought to justice and that all aspects of the case are thoroughly investigated.
Gunmen kill one, abduct three in attack on Niger community
Gunmen kill one, abduct three in attack on Niger community
By Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have killed a 25-year-old man and abducted three residents during an attack on Tashar Hajiya Community in Niger State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on July 24, when unidentified armed men invaded the community and opened fire on residents.
During the attack, Mustafa Murtala, 25, was shot dead by the assailants.
The gunmen also abducted Alhaji Baza Baza, his wife and one of their daughters, whose identity had yet to be confirmed, before fleeing to an unknown destination.
Following a distress report, the Area Commander led a team of police operatives to the scene.
The body of the deceased was evacuated to the General Hospital, Kutigi, where it was deposited for autopsy.
Police sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and rescue the abducted victims safely.
Suspected Benin Republic vigilantes kill two Fulani men in Niger border community
Suspected Benin Republic vigilantes kill two Fulani men in Niger border community
By Zagazola Makama
Police have launched a manhunt for suspected vigilantes from the Republic of Benin following the killing of two Fulani men in Rafin-Kala Village, via Gallah, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on July 23, when the suspected vigilantes allegedly crossed into the border community and attacked the victims with machetes.
The victims were identified as Mohammed Sani, 26, and Adamu Sani, 30, who were reportedly hacked to death during the attack.
Following a distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) mobilised detectives and tactical teams to the scene.
The bodies of the deceased were evacuated to the General Hospital, Agwara, where they were deposited for autopsy.
Police sources said investigations have commenced, while efforts are ongoing to identify, track and arrest the perpetrators behind the cross-border attack.
The incident is under investigation.
Police foil robbery in Ado-Ekiti, shoot suspect, recover stolen valuables worth over ₦3.6m
Police foil robbery in Ado-Ekiti, shoot suspect, recover stolen valuables worth over ₦3.6m
By Zagazola Makama
Police operatives in Ekiti State have foiled a robbery operation in Ado-Ekiti after engaging a gang of armed robbers in a gun battle, leaving one suspect with gunshot injuries while others escaped.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 3:42 a.m. on July 24, following a distress call reporting that armed robbers were attacking houses at Elemi Housing Estate and Joy Highland Avenue along the Ado–Afao Road.
Acting on the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oke-Ila Division led a team of policemen to the scene.
According to the sources, the robbers opened fire on sighting the police, prompting officers to return fire. During the exchange, one of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds and collapsed, while other members of the gang fled, abandoning several stolen items and a locally made barrel gun.
Investigations revealed that the gang had overpowered and tied up a private security guard, Samuel, 31, attached to the residence of Hon. Femi Fatunla, before forcefully taking away his locally made barrel gun, which was later used during the robbery.
Preliminary investigations further identified Ojo David, a former security guard at the residence, as the alleged mastermind of the operation, while another suspect identified simply as Tosin was said to be the leader of the gang.
The injured suspect, identified as Tosin, was taken to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, for medical treatment under police watch.
Police said the robbers stole several valuables, including an iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12, Infinix phone, Redmi phone, two power banks, a laptop, an iPad, wristwatches and assorted jewellery, valued at about ₦3.38 million, from the residence of Hon. Fatunla.
The gang also robbed another victim, Ife Udoh, 26, of her mobile phone valued at ₦230,000.
Following the operation, police recovered the locally made barrel gun with serial number HQ 07 belonging to the Civilian Agbekoya Security outfit, as well as a mobile phone belonging to Deborah Langtan, 20, and the Redmi phone belonging to the security guard.
Police sources said the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) has commenced a full investigation, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the robbery gang.
Police arrest three suspected cattle rustlers, recover stolen cows in Ekiti
Police arrest three suspected cattle rustlers, recover stolen cows in Ekiti
By Zagazola Makama
Police operatives in Ekiti State have arrested three suspected cattle rustlers and recovered two stolen cows during a swift operation in Ikole Local Government Area of the state.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported at about 4:17 p.m. on July 24 after Mohammed Saidi Laaro, a resident of Temidire Street, Ayebode Ekiti, informed the police that suspected cattle rustlers had invaded his camp earlier that day.
According to the complainant, the five-man gang stormed the camp at about 3:00 a.m. and made away with two cows before fleeing.
Upon receiving the report, personnel from the Ikole Ekiti Division immediately mobilised to the scene and trailed the suspects to a forest located between Oke Ayedun and Ipao Ekiti.
During the operation, three suspects identified as Abubakar Umaru, 20, of Ilasa Ekiti; Usman Haruna, 21, of Ilasa Ekiti; and Shehu Abubakar, 25, of Oke Ayedun Ekiti, were arrested in connection with the theft.
The stolen cows were successfully recovered during the operation.
Police sources said another suspect, identified as Adamu Musa of Oke Ayedun Ekiti, escaped and remains at large.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, while investigations into the case continue.
Troops force terrorists to flee, recover logistics during clearance operation in Askira Uba
Troops force terrorists to flee, recover logistics during clearance operation in Askira Uba
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working in conjunction with local hunters, have forced suspected Boko Haram terrorists to abandon their logistics and flee during a clearance operation in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on July 24 as troops of 115 Task Force Battalion advanced on a clearance operation towards Rumirgo.
The troops encountered the terrorists at Surajo Village, where the insurgents fled on sighting the advancing forces, abandoning three bicycles and two coolers in their haste to escape.
The recovered items were secured by the troops, while the fleeing terrorists were pursued as the clearance operation continued.
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist hideouts, deny insurgents freedom of movement and sustain pressure on Boko Haram elements operating in the southern axis of Borno State.
Further details of the operation are expected as exploitation of the area continues.
Terrorists flee, abandon bicycles, supplies as troops advance in Askira Uba
Terrorists flee, abandon bicycles, supplies as troops advance in Askira Uba
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with local hunters, have forced suspected Boko Haram terrorists to flee during a clearance operation in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, leaving behind logistics items.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the encounter occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on July 24 as troops of 115 Task Force Battalion, supported by hunters, advanced on a clearance operation towards Rumirgo.
According to the sources, the troops made contact with the terrorists at Surajo Village, where the insurgents, on sighting the advancing forces, retreated in disarray without engaging the troops.
The fleeing terrorists abandoned three bicycles and two coolers, which were recovered by the troops during the operation.
No casualty was recorded among the troops, while clearance operations continued in the area to exploit the terrorists’ withdrawal and prevent their regrouping.
Military sources said further details of the operation would be communicated as exploitation efforts progress.
The operation forms part of sustained offensive operations by Operation HADIN KAI to clear terrorist enclaves and deny insurgents freedom of movement in the southern axis of Borno State.
Security sources added that the general security situation across the North-East theatre remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and operational readiness.
Terrorists flee, abandon bicycles, supplies as troops advance in Askira Uba
Terrorists flee, abandon bicycles, supplies as troops advance in Askira Uba
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with local hunters, have forced suspected Boko Haram terrorists to flee during a clearance operation in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, leaving behind logistics items.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the encounter occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on July 24 as troops of 115 Task Force Battalion, supported by hunters, advanced on a clearance operation towards Rumirgo.
According to the sources, the troops made contact with the terrorists at Surajo Village, where the insurgents, on sighting the advancing forces, retreated in disarray without engaging the troops.
The fleeing terrorists abandoned three bicycles and two coolers, which were recovered by the troops during the operation.
No casualty was recorded among the troops, while clearance operations continued in the area to exploit the terrorists’ withdrawal and prevent their regrouping.
Military sources said further details of the operation would be communicated as exploitation efforts progress.
The operation forms part of sustained offensive operations by Operation HADIN KAI to clear terrorist enclaves and deny insurgents freedom of movement in the southern axis of Borno State.
Security sources added that the general security situation across the North-East theatre remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and operational readiness.
Troops intensify patrols to secure farmers, clear key routes in Gwoza axis
Troops intensify patrols to secure farmers, clear key routes in Gwoza axis
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intensified farming security patrols and shoulder clearance operations across parts of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State to protect farmers and deny terrorists freedom of movement.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the coordinated operations were conducted on July 24 by formations under Sector 1 as part of ongoing efforts to enhance security during the current farming season.
At about 9:35 a.m., troops of 192 Battalion (Mechanised) carried out intensified farming security patrols along the Gwoza–Limankara and Yamteke road corridors to provide security cover for farmers working on their farmlands and reduce their vulnerability to terrorist attacks.
Similarly, at about 10:00 a.m., troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion, working in conjunction with volunteer security forces, conducted farming security patrols in the area. The operation was aimed at safeguarding farming communities while denying terrorists freedom of action.
In a related development, combined troops of 114 Battalion (Mechanised) and 199 Special Forces Battalion commenced a shoulder clearance operation along the Bitta–Gwoza main supply route at about 8:00 a.m.
The exercise involved clearing vegetation and other potential concealment points along the roadside to improve visibility, enhance the movement of troops and civilians, and reduce the risk of ambushes and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks. The operation was successfully concluded at about 12:00 noon the same day.
Military sources said the operations form part of sustained efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to secure agricultural activities, protect critical road networks and create a safe environment for residents to cultivate their farms without fear of terrorist attacks.
They added that although the overall security situation across the North-East theatre remains calm, troops remain on high alert and continue to sustain offensive and protective operations against terrorist elements.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist spy near 25 Brigade headquarters in Damboa
Troops arrest suspected terrorist spy near 25 Brigade headquarters in Damboa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected terrorist spy found hiding near the entrance of the 25 Brigade headquarters in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 10:15 p.m. on July 24 during a routine perimeter patrol by troops of 25 Brigade.
According to the sources, the suspect was spotted concealed behind the first security barrier leading from Damboa town into the Brigade headquarters, prompting troops to intercept and arrest him.
Items recovered from the suspect include a torchlight and a prayer rosary.
The suspect has since been taken into custody and is undergoing further interrogation at the 25 Brigade Medical Inspection Room (MIR) to determine his identity, mission and possible links to terrorist elements operating in the area.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing counter-intelligence and force protection measures aimed at preventing infiltration, surveillance and other hostile activities targeting military formations in the North-East.
They added that the overall security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance and sustained offensive operations against terrorist groups.
Senator Shehu Buba petitions IGP over alleged cyberstalking, defamation by Bauchi APC governorship candidate
Senator Shehu Buba petitions IGP over alleged cyberstalking, defamation by Bauchi APC governorship candidate
By Zagazola Makama
The Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Sen. Shehu Buba Umar, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), alleging cyberstalking, criminal defamation, incitement and conduct capable of disturbing public peace against the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN.
The petition, dated July 22, 2026, was filed through Jay-ADL Attorneys and accuses the former Bauchi State governor of making defamatory and inflammatory remarks against the senator during a political gathering.
According to the petition, the comments, which were captured in a video that has since gone viral on Facebook and other social media platforms, questioned the source of Senator Buba’s wealth, allegedly suggesting that it was “blood money,” while portraying Abubakar’s own wealth as legitimately earned through hard work.
The legal team described the remarks as “seriously defamatory, injurious and inflammatory,” alleging that they were deliberately made to damage the senator’s reputation, diminish his public standing and undermine his political aspirations ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State.
Senator Buba is expected to contest the governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
The lawyers further noted that Abubakar, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former political ally of the senator, only made the allegations after Senator Buba’s growing political influence became evident in the state.
According to the petition, the alleged statements amount to offences under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as well as criminal defamation and injurious falsehood under the applicable Penal Code provisions in Bauchi State and the Federal Capital Territory.
The petition also argued that the statements were capable of inciting political supporters and creating tension capable of disturbing public peace.
Consequently, the senator urged the Inspector-General of Police to invite Abubakar for questioning, conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, preserve and analyse the viral video as evidence, and, where appropriate, prosecute the former governor before a court of competent jurisdiction.
As supporting evidence, the petition reportedly included a compact disc containing the video recording and screenshots of the alleged publication.
The legal team warned that failure by the police to act within seven days would leave them with no option but to seek judicial intervention, invoking the legal maxim Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum—“Let justice be done though the heavens fall.”
The petition was signed by Jibrin S. Jibrin, a Notary Public, alongside other members of Jay-ADL Attorneys on behalf of Senator Buba.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued any official response to the petition, while Abubakar had also not publicly reacted to the allegations.
Troops neutralised key bandit leaders, restored confidence along Gusau- Funtua highway
Troops neutralised key bandit leaders, restored confidence along Gusau- Funtua highway
By Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Combat Team 7 under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Capt. A.U. Usman, has disclosed that troops have recorded significant operational successes over the past six months, including the elimination of several notorious bandit kingpins and the restoration of security along the strategic Funtua–Tsafe–Gusau highway.
Speaking on Saturday during a visit by Defense Correspondents at the unit’s operational base in Tsafe, Zamfara State, the commander said sustained offensive operations and strategic deployment of troops at identified bandit crossing points had drastically reduced attacks on commuters and boosted public confidence.
“During the period under review, Combat Team 7 has recorded some significant successes,” Usman said.
He revealed that on Jan. 14, troops neutralised notorious bandit commanders, including Kachalla Dan Agwal and Baban Baby, alongside several of their fighters during intelligence-led operations.
“Combat Team 7 was able to neutralise the likes of Kachalla Dan Agwal, Baban Baby and many others. These successes came through carefully planned operations and the deployment of our troops to strategic locations,” he said.
According to the commander, the unit established numerous pickets along the Funtua–Tsafe–Gusau road, particularly at known bandit crossing points frequently used to ambush travellers.
“If you are driving along the Katsina–Funtua–Tsafe–Gusau road today, you will notice several military pickets. Those soldiers are strategically deployed at identified bandit crossing routes,” he explained.
He noted that the deployment had significantly curtailed the activities of armed groups that previously terrorised motorists through kidnappings and violent attacks.
“These bandits were the ones repeatedly disturbing this road. Before now, commuters could not move freely the way they do today. They stopped vehicles, abducted passengers and created fear among the people,” he said.
“Today, because of the strategic deployment of troops and the equipment made available to us, civilians are moving freely without fear. The picketing has restored confidence among road users.”
Capt. Usman further disclosed that another major breakthrough was recorded on Feb. 15 when troops neutralised additional notorious bandits, including Yunusa Dogon Ahmad, during sustained clearance operations along the same corridor.
“On Feb. 15, we were able to neutralise Yunusa Dogon Ahmad and some other key bandits who had been terrorising this route,” he said.
Beyond securing highways, the commander said the military had also created a safer environment for farming activities across communities within its Area of Responsibility (AOR).
According to him, Combat Team 7 currently operates from about 13 operational locations, including Lilo, Mada, Wanzamai, Keta, FOB Railway, Gidan Giye, Keware and several blocking positions established to deny criminals freedom of movement.
“Our troops conduct daily foot patrols from these locations into surrounding farmlands and communities to ensure that farmers carry out their activities without interference from criminal elements,” he said.
“The same pattern is replicated across our entire Area of Responsibility. Whether in Mada, Wanzamai or other locations, our troops are constantly patrolling to provide security for farmers.”
The commander acknowledged that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) remained one of the challenges confronting troops during operations, especially on rural access routes.
“There are places where movement is still affected because of the threat of IEDs,” he said.
“However, with support from the theatre headquarters, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams have now been deployed, and we no longer move on roads without conducting proper scanning to detect possible IED threats.”
On civil-military relations, Capt. Usman described cooperation from residents as encouraging but said more support was needed to deny criminals access to information.
“The locals are cooperating to some extent, but there is still room for improvement,” he said.
“Without informants, terrorists cannot operate effectively. Unfortunately, there are still a few bad elements within some communities who pass information about our movements and activities to the criminals.”
Despite the challenge, he commended the majority of residents for their support and expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between security forces and communities would further weaken the activities of bandits across the region.
The commander reaffirmed the commitment of Combat Team 7 and Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustaining offensive operations and ensuring that communities, farmers and travellers continue to enjoy improved security across Zamfara and adjoining areas.
Bago Reforms Kagara Emirate, Elevates Fulani Leaders to District Heads, Ends Ardo Title
Bago Reforms Kagara Emirate, Elevates Fulani Leaders to District Heads, Ends Ardo Title
By Zagazola Makama
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has announced sweeping traditional and administrative reforms aimed at promoting inclusion and peaceful coexistence among communities in Kagara Emirate, directing that the traditional title of Sarkin Fulani (Ardo) be abolished and replaced with positions that place Fulani on the same footing as other ethnic groups within the traditional institution.
Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers, community leaders and residents in Kagara, Governor Bago said the reforms were designed to ensure that every community living in the area enjoys equal representation and access to traditional leadership structures.
The governor stressed that the government had no intention of targeting any ethnic or social group but was determined to restore order and justice.
“We did not come here to destroy anyone. We came here to set things straight. We are on good terms with everyone,” Bago said.
“Unless a person has the character of Pharaoh or if he is the devil himself he will be displeased today. How can a person just go and kill someone? People are being killed even though they are not in their own traditional homelands. Is this a war that is being fought?”
In one of the major announcements, the governor directed the Emir to discontinue the use of the title Sarkin Fulani and instead integrate Fulani leaders into the mainstream district administration.
“Your Highness, I am giving directives: I do not want to hear the title ‘Sarkin Fulani’ within your district council anymore,” he declared.
“Instead, make him a District Head (Hakimi). Appoint representatives (Dakaci) for the Fulani, just as representatives are appointed for every other tribe.”
Bago said the objective was not to diminish the Fulani but to elevate their status within the traditional institution by giving them the same opportunities enjoyed by other communities.
“If you have one, let him serve as a proper District Head or representative.”
He further directed the Emirate Council to ensure that all ethnic groups residing in the area have recognised representatives within the palace.
“Give the Gwari their representation; give the Igbo their representation; give the Nupe their representation. Everyone should have a representative in His Highness’s palace.”
According to him, such representation would improve communication between communities and the traditional institution while ensuring that grievances are addressed promptly.
“Give them local representation so their people can lodge complaints whenever something goes wrong.”
The governor also called on district heads to demonstrate genuine leadership.
“A district head should be a true leader. There are those who eat the title of ‘King’ and those who act as true leaders.”
Beyond ethnic representation, Bago proposed broader community inclusion by directing that recognised leaders be appointed for different segments of society.
“Let there be leaders appointed for Islamic scholars, leaders for pastors, and leaders for community elders.”
As part of measures to tackle rising communal disputes, Governor Bago announced an immediate ban on the sale of land across Kagara Local Government Area.
“Starting today, the state government has banned all land sales in Kagara Local Government Area.”
He said any proposed land transaction must first receive the approval of both the Emirate Council and the state government.
“Whether it is your farm or your family home, before you sell it, you must bring the issue to the Emirate Council and to the government, and sign the official documentation.”
The governor lamented that indiscriminate land sales had contributed to the displacement of long-established farming and pastoral communities.
“How can you drive away herders and farmers who have been farming in this town for over a hundred years? They are living here, intermarrying with your children, and living together peacefully. Yet, because someone brings you money, you later claim you sold the land and that they must vacate. Where are they supposed to go?”
He reassured residents that every law-abiding citizen has the constitutional right to live peacefully anywhere in Nigeria.
“Let everyone live in peace. Everyone here is a Nigerian, and the Constitution of Nigeria gives everyone the right to live peacefully wherever they choose, as long as they live in peace.”
The governor also emphasised that all ethnic communities including the Kamuku, Bungu, Gwari, Fulani, Hausa, Kadara, Nupe, Igbo and settlers from Kwara State remain integral parts of the area’s social fabric.
“From Kamuku to Bungu, Gwari, Fulani, Hausa and Kagara everyone should remain in their land.” The people of Kamuku, Kaimuku, Bungu, Bura, and even the settlers from Kwara everyone belongs here.”
Governor Bago equally issued a stern warning to members of vigilante groups, popularly known as Yan Sa Kai, accusing some of exceeding their mandate through extortion, unlawful taxation and other criminal activities.
“Let me tell the vigilantes clearly: you are vigilantes on your own accord. If we wish, and we do not want your vigilante activities, we will disband you.” Nobody asked you to go into towns, collect taxes from people, seize their new phones, kill people, or engage in extortion and armed robbery.”
He also directed that an individual identified as “Bawashe” and a district head in Tegina be brought before him over issues requiring government attention.
The governor said the reforms form part of broader efforts by the Niger State Government to strengthen traditional institutions, promote equal participation among all communities and address the underlying causes of communal tension and insecurity in the area.
Troops recover command-wire IED along Maiduguri–Damasak road, avert potential attack
Troops recover command-wire IED along Maiduguri–Damasak road, avert potential attack
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered a command-wire improvised explosive device (IED) buried along a road in Kanguri village, Borno State, preventing what could have been another deadly terrorist attack.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the device was discovered at about 3:00 p.m. on July 24 by troops of 149 Battalion while escorting a team from the Mine Risk Group (MRG), Maiduguri, on a mission to recover two trucks damaged in an earlier IED explosion by Boko Haram terrorists on July 4.
The command-wire IED was found concealed beneath the road at Kanguri village in Guzamala Local Government Area.
Following the discovery, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of 149 Battalion safely recovered the explosive device without incident.
No casualties or damage to military equipment were recorded, while the escort and recovery mission was still ongoing at the time of filing this report.
Military sources said the recovery underscores the persistent threat posed by terrorist-planted roadside explosives in parts of the North East, even as troops continue clearance and route security operations to safeguard military movements and civilian traffic.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist logistics supplier in Damasak
Troops arrest suspected terrorist logistics supplier in Damasak
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier during an operation in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Mustapha Usman, 50, was apprehended at about 9:50 a.m. on July 24 by troops of 5 Brigade working in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) at the Damasak Onion Market.
Items recovered from the suspect include a red Toyota Isuzu vehicle with registration number XA643-GDM and ₦35,300 in cash.
The suspect and the recovered items are currently in the custody of 5 Brigade for further investigation and necessary action aimed at uncovering possible links to terrorist logistics networks operating in the Lake Chad region.
Military sources said the general security situation across the North East theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops continue offensive and intelligence-driven operations to disrupt terrorist activities and their supply chains.
Troops Intercept Suspected ISWAP Member with Starlink Device, Networking Equipment in Borno
Troops Intercept Suspected ISWAP Member with Starlink Device, Networking Equipment in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed under Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted a suspected member of ISWAP in Munguno Local Government Area of Borno State, recovering a Starlink satellite internet device and other communication equipment.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 3:05 p.m. on Wednesday during a routine security operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno road in Munguno.
According to the sources, troops of the 212 Battalion, while conducting surveillance and stop-and-search operations at Delta One, intercepted the suspect based on suspicious movement and subsequently carried out a search.
Items recovered from him included a Starlink satellite internet terminal, a Wi-Fi router with six access points, a mobile phone and the sum of ₦1,000 in cash.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly claimed that he operates an internet service business within his community and that the communication equipment was intended for that purpose.
However, security sources said the circumstances surrounding his movement and possession of the communication devices raised operational concerns, prompting the troops to hand him over for further investigation.
The suspect, along with the recovered items, has since been transferred to the Military Intelligence Brigade (7 MIB) for detailed profiling and intelligence exploitation to determine any possible links with ISWAP/JAS terrorist networks operating in the North-East.
Military sources said the investigation would seek to establish the intended use of the recovered Starlink device, identify possible collaborators and determine whether the equipment had been deployed or was intended to support terrorist communications and logistics.
The interception comes amid intensified efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt terrorist logistics, communications and supply networks across the North-East, with security forces increasingly targeting individuals suspected of providing technical or logistical support to insurgent groups.
Security agencies have continued to warn that terrorist groups have increasingly sought access to advanced communication technologies to enhance coordination, evade surveillance and sustain operations in remote areas, making the interception of such equipment a key component of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Military Checkpoint, kill several terrorists in Yobe
Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Military Checkpoint, kill several terrorists in Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)/Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists on a military checkpoint along the Buni Yadi–Buni Gari road in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, killing an unspecified number of insurgents.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday when heavily armed terrorists launched an assault on the checkpoint manned by troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade.
The troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle and successfully repelled the assault, forcing the terrorists to abandon the attack and retreat from the area.
However, the encounter claimed the lives of two soldiers who fought gallantly during the exchange of fire.
Military sources further disclosed that one military gun truck was destroyed during the attack.
The troops also reported the loss of one QJC machine gun and one AK-47 rifle during the engagement, while efforts are underway to account for and recover the missing weapons.
Sources said exploitation of the area is ongoing to determine the extent of casualties inflicted on the fleeing terrorists and to recover any abandoned weapons or equipment.
Reinforcements have since been deployed to the area to strengthen security and prevent any renewed attack.
The latest assault illustrates the continued efforts by ISWAP/JAS elements to target military positions in the North-East despite sustained offensive operations by Operation HADIN KAI aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds and degrading the operational capabilities of insurgent groups.
Military authorities said troops remain on high alert and are continuing clearance and pursuit operations to track down the fleeing terrorists and deny them freedom of action across the theatre.
Nigerian Military Drone Strike Kills 15 ISWAP Terrorists in Marte, Targets Hidden Vehicles
Nigerian Military Drone Strike Kills 15 ISWAP Terrorists in Marte, Targets Hidden Vehicles
By Zagazola Makama
A precision airstrike by the Nigerian military has neutralised an estimated 15 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during an intelligence-led operation in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the strike was carried out at about 5:35 a.m. on July 21 after credible intelligence indicated the presence of terrorists around KLA Balia in Marte LGA.
According to the sources, an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, codenamed Guardian, was deployed over the area and identified three vehicles concealed at separate hideouts.
Further surveillance revealed several structures in the vicinity, where five terrorists were observed taking cover under a tree.
Following positive identification, the drone engaged the target with a precision strike, eliminating the five visible terrorists and triggering secondary effects that resulted in an estimated total of 15 insurgents being neutralised.
After conducting a battle damage assessment (BDA), the ISR platform observed the three vehicles still concealed beneath different trees and attempted a follow-up precision strike to destroy them.
However, intelligence sources said the second engagement did not achieve the desired effect due to a laser targeting system malfunction, which prevented accurate target designation.
Despite the technical setback, the operation was assessed as a significant success, having inflicted substantial casualties on the terrorist group and disrupted its activities in the area.
Military sources said surveillance and intelligence monitoring of the location are continuing, while additional operations may be conducted to target surviving terrorists and destroy the remaining vehicles.
The latest strike forms part of the ongoing air interdiction campaign by Operation HADIN KAI aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves, disrupting logistics and eliminating insurgent leadership across the Lake Chad region and the wider North-East theatre.
Military Helicopter Gunship Kills Eight ISWAP Terrorists During Night Operation in Borno
Military Helicopter Gunship Kills Eight ISWAP Terrorists During Night Operation in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Military Air component of Operation HADIN KAI has killed eight suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during a night combat mission along the Bama–Maiduguri axis in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 11:00 p.m. on July 22 by military deployed along the Main Supply Route (MSR) linking Bama, the University of Maiduguri and Maiduguri.
During the mission, the helicopter crew conducted surveillance over a known terrorist activity area after observing muzzle flashes emanating from a location previously identified through intelligence as an insurgent training ground.
To confirm the presence of the terrorists, the crew fired probing shots into the area, prompting armed insurgents to open fire on the aircraft.
The hostile response confirmed the presence of the terrorists, following which attack aircraft engaged the target with sustained and overwhelming firepower.
Military sources said the engagement resulted in the neutralisation of eight terrorists, while surviving insurgents dispersed into the surrounding area.
The operation forms part of intensified air operations under Operation HADIN KAI aimed at denying insurgents freedom of movement, disrupting training camps and securing key supply routes across the North-East.
Security sources said the successful night strike demonstrates the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven aerial operations in detecting and engaging terrorist elements operating under the cover of darkness.
They added that the military will continue to integrate air and ground operations to sustain pressure on ISWAP and other terrorist groups across the theatre, particularly around strategic routes and known insurgent enclaves.
Infrastructure Challenges Affect Operations but Will Not Stop Troops, Theatre Commander Assures
Infrastructure Challenges Affect Operations but Will Not Stop Troops, Theatre Commander Assures
By Zagazola Makama
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General W.B. Idris, has identified poor road infrastructure and the deteriorating condition of rural access routes as one of the major operational challenges confronting troops in the North-West, while assuring Nigerians that the military remains resolute in pursuing terrorists despite the difficult terrain.
Major General Idris made the remarks during an interactive session with defence correspondents at the Headquarters of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Gusau, Zamfara State, where he responded to questions on the impact of infrastructure deficits on ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-banditry operations across the theatre.
The Theatre Commander acknowledged that the vast operational environment covering Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and parts of neighbouring states presents enormous logistical and mobility challenges, particularly during the rainy season when many rural roads become impassable.
According to him, while sustained military offensives have significantly degraded terrorist capabilities and denied criminal groups unrestricted movement on major highways, operations in remote hinterland communities continue to be complicated by poor road networks linking villages and forested areas.
“The issue of infrastructure is a challenge, particularly in the hinterland where many of these terrorists now operate,” Major General Idris said.
“Our troops often have to move over long distances through difficult terrain to reach isolated communities. During the rainy season, many of these roads become extremely difficult to access.”
He explained that terrorists have deliberately taken advantage of the poor road network by relocating from major road corridors into remote forests and isolated settlements where military vehicles face greater mobility constraints.
According to him, the changing operational pattern is not accidental but a deliberate attempt by criminal groups to exploit geographical and infrastructural limitations.
“The pressure we have mounted on them has forced them away from the highways into remote locations. Unfortunately, some of these areas are connected only by very poor rural roads, making access more difficult for security forces,” he said.
The commander disclosed that troops frequently encounter washed-out bridges, flooded river crossings, eroded access roads and muddy tracks that slow the movement of heavy military vehicles during ongoing operations.
He explained that tactical vehicles deployed by the Nigerian Army are built to withstand demanding combat conditions, but prolonged rainfall and poor rural infrastructure inevitably affect operational mobility.
“Our operational vehicles are heavy-duty military platforms designed for combat operations. However, where roads have completely deteriorated or become flooded, movement naturally becomes slower and more difficult,” he noted.
Major General Idris said despite these constraints, troops have continued to adapt by employing alternative operational approaches, including dismounted patrols, intelligence-led operations, long-range reconnaissance missions and aerial surveillance where weather conditions permit.
He stressed that infrastructure challenges have not diminished the resolve of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustain pressure on terrorist and bandit groups.
“We are adapting continuously. We do not allow these challenges to stop our operations. Our troops remain committed to reaching every location where criminal elements are hiding,” he said.
The Theatre Commander recalled that personnel regularly conduct lengthy patrols through forests, hills and remote settlements under demanding weather conditions in order to deny terrorists safe havens.
He commended officers and soldiers of the Joint Task Force for their resilience and determination, noting that they often operate under physically demanding conditions that require endurance, discipline and professionalism.
“Our personnel continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. They understand the importance of the mission and remain determined to accomplish it regardless of the environmental challenges,” he said.
Major General Idris observed that improvements in intelligence gathering and surveillance have helped to offset some of the mobility limitations by enabling commanders to identify terrorist movements before deploying ground forces.
He added that closer collaboration with local communities has also enhanced operational effectiveness, as residents frequently provide timely information on suspicious activities occurring within remote villages and forest corridors.
The Theatre Commander, however, stressed that improved rural infrastructure would significantly enhance both military operations and broader socio-economic development in affected communities.
He urged state governments to continue investing in the construction and rehabilitation of roads linking rural settlements, noting that better transportation infrastructure would not only improve military access but also stimulate economic activities, facilitate farming and strengthen government presence in previously isolated areas.
“I would like to appeal to state governments to continue improving road infrastructure, particularly in the hinterland. Better roads will benefit everyone. They will improve security operations, facilitate faster response to emergencies and also support economic development in rural communities,” he said.
According to him, enhanced infrastructure would enable security agencies to respond more rapidly to distress calls, deploy reinforcements more efficiently and sustain longer operations in remote areas where terrorists currently attempt to establish temporary sanctuaries.
Major General Idris emphasised that security is a shared responsibility requiring sustained collaboration between the military, civil authorities and local communities.
While reaffirming the military’s commitment to defeating terrorism and banditry, he noted that infrastructure development remains an important component of long-term security stabilisation.
“The military will continue to perform its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, but infrastructure development is equally important in consolidating the gains achieved through military operations,” he said.
The Theatre Commander assured residents across the North-West that Operation FANSAN YAMMA would continue to adapt its operational strategies to prevailing realities, stressing that no amount of difficult terrain or poor road conditions would deter troops from pursuing terrorist groups.
“We shall continue to go after these criminals wherever they hide. Whether they move into forests, mountains or remote villages, our determination remains unchanged. We will continue to adapt, continue to pursue them and continue to protect our people until lasting peace is restored across the theatre,” Major General Idris said.
Military Targets Entire Terrorist Logistics Network Beyond Arrests, Says Theatre Commander
Military Targets Entire Terrorist Logistics Network Beyond Arrests, Says Theatre Commander
By Zagazola Makama
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General W.B. Idris, has said the military’s counter-terrorism strategy extends far beyond arresting suspected logistics suppliers, stressing that every arrest is treated as the starting point for wider intelligence operations aimed at dismantling entire terrorist support networks.
The commander made the disclosure on Thursday during an interactive session with defence correspondents at the Headquarters of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Gusau, Zamfara State, while responding to questions on the increasing arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators and suppliers across the North-West.
Major General Idris explained that terrorists cannot sustain their operations without an elaborate network of suppliers, transporters, financiers, informants and collaborators who provide them with food, fuel, medicine, communication equipment, motorcycles, weapons and other essential materials.
According to him, the military has therefore shifted its focus from merely apprehending individual suspects to systematically dismantling the entire logistics architecture that enables terrorist groups to survive and operate.
“We don’t just arrest a logistics supplier and stop there,” the Theatre Commander said.
“The moment someone is arrested, the real work begins. We carry out thorough interrogation, gather intelligence and establish who the suspect is working for, where the supplies are coming from, where they are going, who finances the operation and who else is involved.”
He said intelligence generated from the interrogation of suspects frequently leads to follow-up operations that expose larger criminal syndicates operating behind the scenes.
“Every suspect becomes a source of intelligence. That information enables us to identify additional collaborators, terrorist commanders, receivers of the logistics and even financiers who may be operating far away from the frontline,” he added.
Major General Idris disclosed that intelligence-led investigations have enabled Operation FANSAN YAMMA to conduct a series of successful follow-up operations resulting in additional arrests, recovery of weapons and disruption of terrorist supply chains across the North-West.
According to him, logistics remain the lifeline of every terrorist organisation, and denying criminals access to supplies is often as important as engaging them in direct combat.
“A terrorist who has no food, no fuel, no ammunition, no motorcycles and no means of communication cannot sustain operations for long. That is why dismantling their logistics chain is one of our most effective strategies,” he said.
The commander explained that the military works closely with other security agencies, intelligence organisations and local communities to identify suspicious movements and intercept materials intended for terrorist groups before they reach their destinations.
He noted that recent operations have resulted in the interception of food items, fuel, communication equipment, motorcycles, vehicle spare parts, medical supplies and other materials believed to have been destined for criminal groups operating in forests across the theatre.
He added that each interception contributes valuable intelligence that helps security agencies understand how terrorist logistics networks function.
“We study every case carefully. We analyse movement patterns, communication channels, financial transactions and relationships between suspects. That is how we gradually dismantle these networks,” he said.
Major General Idris stressed that many logistics networks are structured in layers, with different individuals performing separate roles to conceal the identities of terrorist leaders.
According to him, some suspects may only know the immediate person they deliver supplies to, while others serve as transporters or intermediaries without having direct contact with terrorist commanders.
He said military investigators therefore rely on patient intelligence analysis, surveillance and coordinated operations to connect every link in the chain.
“Sometimes one arrest leads to another, and another. Before long, you discover an entire network involving suppliers, transporters, informants and those receiving the materials inside terrorist enclaves. Our objective is to dismantle every layer of that structure,” he explained.
The commander noted that modern counter-terrorism operations are increasingly intelligence-driven rather than purely kinetic, requiring a combination of surveillance, human intelligence, technical intelligence and inter-agency collaboration.
He said Operation FANSAN YAMMA has strengthened its intelligence capabilities to ensure that information obtained from arrests is rapidly exploited to generate fresh operational leads.
“The battlefield is no longer defined only by firefights. Intelligence has become one of our most potent weapons. Every successful arrest provides information that can prevent future attacks and save lives,” he said.
Major General Idris also commended members of local communities who provide credible information to security agencies, describing public cooperation as indispensable in disrupting terrorist logistics.
He urged residents to continue reporting suspicious movements, unusual commercial activities and individuals attempting to transport large quantities of supplies into isolated forest areas.
According to him, terrorists increasingly rely on civilian logistics networks to avoid detection, making community vigilance an essential component of national security.
“The support of law-abiding citizens remains extremely important. Timely information from communities has enabled us to intercept numerous logistics consignments and prevent supplies from reaching terrorist camps,” he said.
The Theatre Commander reaffirmed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA would continue to combine aggressive military operations with intelligence-led investigations to dismantle terrorist support structures across the North-West.
He assured Nigerians that the command remains committed to denying terrorist groups access not only to territory but also to the resources, finances and logistics required to sustain their activities.
“Our objective is comprehensive. We are targeting not only those carrying weapons in the forests but also everyone who enables them to fight. Once their logistics chain is destroyed, their operational capability will continue to decline until they can no longer threaten the safety and security of our communities,” Major General Idris said.
Military Targets Entire Terrorist Logistics Network Beyond Arrests, Says Theatre Commander
Military Targets Entire Terrorist Logistics Network Beyond Arrests, Says Theatre Commander
By Zagazola Makama
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General W.B. Idris, has said the military’s counter-terrorism strategy extends far beyond arresting suspected logistics suppliers, stressing that every arrest is treated as the starting point for wider intelligence operations aimed at dismantling entire terrorist support networks.
The commander made the disclosure on Thursday during an interactive session with defence correspondents at the Headquarters of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Gusau, Zamfara State, while responding to questions on the increasing arrest of suspected terrorist collaborators and suppliers across the North-West.
Major General Idris explained that terrorists cannot sustain their operations without an elaborate network of suppliers, transporters, financiers, informants and collaborators who provide them with food, fuel, medicine, communication equipment, motorcycles, weapons and other essential materials.
According to him, the military has therefore shifted its focus from merely apprehending individual suspects to systematically dismantling the entire logistics architecture that enables terrorist groups to survive and operate.
“We don’t just arrest a logistics supplier and stop there,” the Theatre Commander said.
“The moment someone is arrested, the real work begins. We carry out thorough interrogation, gather intelligence and establish who the suspect is working for, where the supplies are coming from, where they are going, who finances the operation and who else is involved.”
He said intelligence generated from the interrogation of suspects frequently leads to follow-up operations that expose larger criminal syndicates operating behind the scenes.
“Every suspect becomes a source of intelligence. That information enables us to identify additional collaborators, terrorist commanders, receivers of the logistics and even financiers who may be operating far away from the frontline,” he added.
Major General Idris disclosed that intelligence-led investigations have enabled Operation FANSAN YAMMA to conduct a series of successful follow-up operations resulting in additional arrests, recovery of weapons and disruption of terrorist supply chains across the North-West.
According to him, logistics remain the lifeline of every terrorist organisation, and denying criminals access to supplies is often as important as engaging them in direct combat.
“A terrorist who has no food, no fuel, no ammunition, no motorcycles and no means of communication cannot sustain operations for long. That is why dismantling their logistics chain is one of our most effective strategies,” he said.
The commander explained that the military works closely with other security agencies, intelligence organisations and local communities to identify suspicious movements and intercept materials intended for terrorist groups before they reach their destinations.
He noted that recent operations have resulted in the interception of food items, fuel, communication equipment, motorcycles, vehicle spare parts, medical supplies and other materials believed to have been destined for criminal groups operating in forests across the theatre.
He added that each interception contributes valuable intelligence that helps security agencies understand how terrorist logistics networks function.
“We study every case carefully. We analyse movement patterns, communication channels, financial transactions and relationships between suspects. That is how we gradually dismantle these networks,” he said.
Major General Idris stressed that many logistics networks are structured in layers, with different individuals performing separate roles to conceal the identities of terrorist leaders.
According to him, some suspects may only know the immediate person they deliver supplies to, while others serve as transporters or intermediaries without having direct contact with terrorist commanders.
He said military investigators therefore rely on patient intelligence analysis, surveillance and coordinated operations to connect every link in the chain.
“Sometimes one arrest leads to another, and another. Before long, you discover an entire network involving suppliers, transporters, informants and those receiving the materials inside terrorist enclaves. Our objective is to dismantle every layer of that structure,” he explained.
The commander noted that modern counter-terrorism operations are increasingly intelligence-driven rather than purely kinetic, requiring a combination of surveillance, human intelligence, technical intelligence and inter-agency collaboration.
He said Operation FANSAN YAMMA has strengthened its intelligence capabilities to ensure that information obtained from arrests is rapidly exploited to generate fresh operational leads.
“The battlefield is no longer defined only by firefights. Intelligence has become one of our most potent weapons. Every successful arrest provides information that can prevent future attacks and save lives,” he said.
Major General Idris also commended members of local communities who provide credible information to security agencies, describing public cooperation as indispensable in disrupting terrorist logistics.
He urged residents to continue reporting suspicious movements, unusual commercial activities and individuals attempting to transport large quantities of supplies into isolated forest areas.
According to him, terrorists increasingly rely on civilian logistics networks to avoid detection, making community vigilance an essential component of national security.
“The support of law-abiding citizens remains extremely important. Timely information from communities has enabled us to intercept numerous logistics consignments and prevent supplies from reaching terrorist camps,” he said.
The Theatre Commander reaffirmed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA would continue to combine aggressive military operations with intelligence-led investigations to dismantle terrorist support structures across the North-West.
He assured Nigerians that the command remains committed to denying terrorist groups access not only to territory but also to the resources, finances and logistics required to sustain their activities.
“Our objective is comprehensive. We are targeting not only those carrying weapons in the forests but also everyone who enables them to fight. Once their logistics chain is destroyed, their operational capability will continue to decline until they can no longer threaten the safety and security of our communities,” Major General Idris said.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA to Deploy Dedicated Drones as Theatre Commander Unveils New Force Protection Measures
Operation FANSAN YAMMA to Deploy Dedicated Drones as Theatre Commander Unveils New Force Protection Measures
By Zagazola Makama
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General W.B. Idris, has disclosed that the theatre will soon receive its own dedicated fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of an ongoing military modernisation programme aimed at strengthening force protection, intelligence gathering and offensive operations against terrorists across the North-West.
Major General Idris made the disclosure on Thursday during an interactive session with defence correspondents in Gusau, Zamfara State, while responding to questions following a comprehensive operational briefing on the activities of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
The announcement came in response to a question from Defence Correspondent who sought clarification on measures being adopted by the military to improve force protection, particularly in view of the growing use of sophisticated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorist groups operating within the North-West and the wider Sahel region.
The Theatre Commander acknowledged that the threat posed by IEDs has continued to evolve, requiring corresponding improvements in surveillance, intelligence and technological capabilities.
According to him, the Nigerian Armed Forces have already commenced a major expansion of their unmanned aerial capability, with Defence Headquarters and the Service Headquarters investing heavily in drones designed to enhance reconnaissance, surveillance and operational response across all theatres of operation.
“It still comes down to the answer I gave earlier,” the commander said.
“The military hierarchy is doing a lot. We have commenced the acquisition of drones, and we are aware that the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and the Honourable Minister of Defence are doing everything possible to provide drones with wider operational coverage across the country.”
He explained that the acquisition programme forms part of a broader effort to integrate modern technology into military operations, enabling commanders to detect threats earlier, improve situational awareness and respond rapidly to terrorist activities in difficult terrain.
Major General Idris disclosed that several operational theatres have already begun receiving unmanned aerial systems, while Operation FANSAN YAMMA is expected to receive its own dedicated drone capability immediately after the completion of the construction of its operational hangar.
“As it stands today, Operation FANSAN YAMMA is awaiting the completion of the construction of our hangar before our own drones are deployed for more efficient conduct of operations,” he said.
The commander noted that the deployment of dedicated drones would significantly improve the command’s ability to monitor vast forest corridors, detect terrorist movements, identify IED threats and support troops engaged in offensive operations.
He explained that the North-West theatre presents unique operational challenges because of its expansive forests, mountainous terrain and remote settlements that are often inaccessible to conventional ground patrols, particularly during the rainy season.
According to him, unmanned aerial platforms will bridge those operational gaps by providing persistent surveillance over difficult terrain while supporting intelligence-driven operations against terrorist enclaves.
He further stated that drones would complement existing air assets by providing commanders with real-time intelligence before, during and after military operations.
The Theatre Commander noted that the growing sophistication of terrorist tactics—including the increasing deployment of improvised explosive devices, ambushes and hit-and-run attacks—requires equally sophisticated technological responses.
He said the Armed Forces have therefore prioritised investments in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities as part of broader efforts to reduce casualties and enhance operational effectiveness.
“Our objective is not only to attack terrorists but also to ensure the safety of our personnel during operations. Modern technology is becoming increasingly important in achieving that objective,” he said.
Major General Idris commended the leadership of the Armed Forces, particularly the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; and the Honourable Minister of Defence for their continued commitment to equipping frontline formations with modern capabilities.
He observed that the support being provided by Defence Headquarters has already translated into significant improvements in operational performance across various theatres.
According to him, enhanced surveillance capabilities, improved intelligence gathering and the increasing deployment of modern equipment have enabled troops to sustain pressure on terrorist groups while reducing their freedom of movement.
The commander explained that force protection remains one of the command’s highest priorities, stressing that every available technological solution is being explored to minimise operational risks to personnel.
He added that the military’s ongoing investment in drones is expected to transform operations by improving early warning, target acquisition, battle damage assessment and operational coordination between ground and air forces.
He also reiterated that the introduction of dedicated UAV capability would further strengthen the command’s ability to dominate remote forests where terrorists have increasingly sought refuge after being pushed away from major highways through sustained military offensives.
“The terrorists are constantly adapting, and we must remain ahead of them. Technology gives us that advantage. With improved drone capability, better intelligence and continued support from the military high command, we will further deny them freedom of movement and make the operational environment even more hostile for criminal elements,” he said.
Major General Idris reaffirmed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA would continue to combine modern technology with intelligence-led operations, long-range patrols and coordinated inter-agency collaboration to protect communities, secure critical infrastructure and dismantle terrorist networks across the North-West.
He assured Nigerians that the command remains committed to enhancing force protection, improving operational efficiency and sustaining the momentum of ongoing operations until lasting peace and security are restored throughout the theatre.
Rainy Season, Difficult Terrain Now Biggest Challenge as Terrorists Retreat into Remote Forests — Theatre Commander
Rainy Season, Difficult Terrain Now Biggest Challenge as Terrorists Retreat into Remote Forests — Theatre Commander
By Zagazola Makama
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General W.B. Idris, has said that sustained military offensives have forced terrorists and armed bandits away from major highways into remote forests and isolated rural communities, where difficult terrain and the rainy season have become the principal operational challenges confronting security forces.
Major General Idris made the disclosure on Thursday during an interactive session with defence correspondents at the Headquarters of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Gusau, Zamfara State, while responding to questions on the security situation across the North-West and the continued attacks on farming communities despite the military’s sustained operations.
The Theatre Commander explained that months of aggressive kinetic operations, intelligence-led raids and area domination patrols have significantly degraded terrorist capabilities along major road corridors, compelling criminal groups to alter their operational tactics.
According to him, the military now exercises effective control over most strategic highways and major transportation routes across the theatre, denying terrorists the freedom to operate openly as they once did.
“Our troops have dominated virtually all the major roads across the theatre. Trunk A and Trunk B roads are well secured through sustained military presence, patrols and offensive operations,” he said.
He noted that between January and April 2026, Operation FANSAN YAMMA consistently recorded significant operational successes on a weekly basis, including the recovery of weapons and the neutralisation of terrorists, forcing armed groups to abandon their traditional areas of operation.
“During that period, we recorded an average weekly recovery of about five weapons and the neutralisation of at least ten terrorists. The sustained pressure has forced them to modify their tactics and avoid direct confrontation with our troops,” he added.
Major General Idris said the terrorists have increasingly withdrawn into remote forests, rocky terrain and isolated settlements where they exploit the vast geographical landscape to evade military patrols.
Rather than attacking motorists on major highways, he explained, the criminals now target vulnerable farmers and rural communities located deep within the hinterland, creating the false impression that security forces are absent from those areas.
“They have realised that the major roads are no longer safe for them. They now move deep into the hinterland, where they attack isolated farmers and vulnerable communities. When such incidents occur, it sometimes creates the impression that security forces are not present, whereas the reality is that these attacks happen in extremely remote locations,” he said.
The commander observed that the current rainy season has further complicated military operations because the difficult terrain restricts the movement of heavy combat vehicles into remote areas where terrorists now seek refuge.
He explained that the Nigerian Army’s operational vehicles, including five-tonne, seven-tonne and ten-tonne tactical vehicles, are designed for demanding military tasks but face mobility challenges on waterlogged rural roads and soft terrain during periods of heavy rainfall.
“Our operational vehicles are heavy military platforms. During the rainy season, movement becomes extremely difficult because the terrain becomes soft and inaccessible. These are not vehicles that can easily traverse flooded or muddy routes leading into remote forests,” he explained.
According to the Theatre Commander, the operational limitations imposed by weather are not restricted to ground forces alone.
He said adverse weather conditions also affect aerial operations by limiting visibility and reducing the effectiveness of surveillance and air support missions, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
“We rely significantly on air support for operations in difficult terrain. However, weather conditions during the rainy season can also limit aerial operations. Nevertheless, we continue to adapt and maximise every available opportunity to sustain pressure on terrorist groups,” he noted.
Despite the seasonal challenges, Major General Idris assured Nigerians that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains fully committed to maintaining the momentum of ongoing operations and pursuing terrorists wherever they attempt to establish safe havens.
“We are not relenting in our efforts. We shall continue to pursue terrorists wherever they are hiding, irrespective of the terrain or weather conditions,” he said.
The commander stressed that the command has adjusted its operational strategy to respond to the changing tactics adopted by terrorist groups.
He disclosed that increased reliance is now being placed on intelligence-driven operations, aerial surveillance, long-range patrols and modern technology to detect terrorist movements in forests and difficult terrain that are less accessible to conventional ground forces.
Major General Idris also highlighted the importance of unmanned aerial systems and aircraft in monitoring remote locations, noting that the command is expanding the use of technology to deny terrorists the freedom to regroup or launch attacks on farming communities.
He urged the public to appreciate the realities of military operations during the rainy season, explaining that the vast operational environment and changing tactics employed by terrorists require continuous adaptation rather than static deployment.
According to him, isolated attacks in remote villages should not be interpreted as a loss of military control but rather as evidence that sustained pressure has displaced terrorists from major population centres and strategic road networks.
“The terrorists have been denied the ability to operate freely on our highways. What we are witnessing now is their desperate attempt to exploit isolated communities and vulnerable farmers in remote locations. We are responding by adapting our operational approach to ensure they are denied even those remaining spaces,” he said.
The Theatre Commander reaffirmed that the Joint Task Force would continue to intensify long-range patrols, improve intelligence gathering, expand aerial surveillance and sustain offensive operations throughout the rainy season to protect farming communities and prevent terrorists from exploiting difficult terrain.
He added that the command remains focused on restoring normalcy across the North-West by maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist enclaves until they are completely dismantled, while assuring residents that every available operational resource is being deployed to safeguard lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure across the theatre.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Well Catered For, Receive Timely Allowances and Operational Support — Theatre Commander
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Well Catered For, Receive Timely Allowances and Operational Support — Theatre Commander
By Zagazola Makama
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General W.B. Idris, has assured Nigerians that troops deployed across the North-West theatre are receiving adequate welfare support, timely operational allowances and sustained logistical backing, describing personnel welfare as a critical pillar of the command’s operational success.
Major General Idris gave the assurance on Thursday during an interactive session with defence correspondents at the Headquarters of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Gusau, Zamfara State, while responding to questions on the welfare of frontline troops engaged in ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-banditry operations.
The Theatre Commander said the military high command has placed significant emphasis on improving the welfare of personnel, recognising that motivated and well-supported troops are better positioned to sustain offensive operations and achieve operational objectives.
According to him, the welfare of officers and soldiers remains a top priority for the Defence Headquarters and the Service Headquarters, with deliberate efforts being made to ensure personnel deployed in operational areas receive the support they require.
“Our troops are adequately catered for. The military hierarchy is doing everything possible to ensure that personnel serving in this theatre are well taken care of,” he said.
Major General Idris explained that one of the key welfare measures is the prompt payment of operational allowances, noting that personnel receive their Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) and other approved entitlements without unnecessary delays.
“Their allowances are paid as and when due. They receive their Ration Cash Allowance and other operational entitlements, and these are not delayed,” he stated.
The commander said beyond financial incentives, the military has also strengthened the logistics system supporting frontline operations by ensuring the regular supply of food, potable water and essential operational necessities to troops deployed across the theatre.
According to him, personnel operating in remote locations are provided with adequate feeding arrangements to enable them to concentrate fully on their assigned missions.
“They are well fed. Food is not a problem. Water is also provided, and every effort is made to ensure that our personnel have what they need to carry out their duties effectively,” he said.
Major General Idris further disclosed that troops are supplied with Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs), particularly during prolonged combat missions and operations conducted in difficult terrain where conventional feeding arrangements may not be feasible.
He explained that the MRE packs have become an important component of operational logistics because they enable troops to sustain themselves during extended patrols, clearance operations and deep-forest missions without interrupting the tempo of military operations.
“The military has provided Meals Ready-to-Eat for troops deployed on operations. These rations are particularly useful during extended missions where personnel may not have immediate access to conventional cooking facilities,” he noted.
The Theatre Commander attributed the improvements in troop welfare to the sustained support of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Naval Staff; the Chief of the Air Staff; and the Honourable Minister of Defence.
He said the leadership of the Armed Forces has demonstrated unwavering commitment to ensuring that personnel serving on the frontlines are not only properly equipped but also adequately motivated through improved welfare packages.
According to him, the operational effectiveness of troops depends not only on weapons and equipment but also on their physical well-being, morale and confidence that the institution values their sacrifices.
“When troops know that their welfare is being taken seriously, it boosts morale and strengthens their determination to accomplish assigned missions. Welfare is therefore an integral part of operational success,” he said.
Major General Idris noted that despite operating across a vast and challenging theatre covering several states, Operation FANSAN YAMMA has continued to maintain an efficient logistics chain capable of supporting troops deployed in forward operating bases and other remote locations.
He explained that continuous logistical resupply remains essential to sustaining ongoing offensive operations against terrorist and bandit groups that have retreated into forests and difficult terrain.
The commander commended officers and soldiers serving under the Joint Task Force for their resilience, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty despite the demanding operational environment.
He described their sacrifices as a major factor behind the steady gains recorded by the operation, including the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of weapons and restoration of security across many parts of the North-West.
Major General Idris reaffirmed that the military leadership would continue to prioritise troop welfare as part of broader efforts to sustain operational momentum and improve combat effectiveness.
He assured Nigerians that personnel deployed under Operation FANSAN YAMMA remain motivated, adequately supported and fully committed to restoring lasting peace across the North-West.
“Our personnel remain highly motivated because they know that the institution stands behind them. We will continue to provide them with the welfare, logistics and operational support necessary to accomplish the mission of securing our communities and defeating terrorist and criminal elements,” the Theatre Commander said.
Theatre Commander Traces Terrorists’ Weapons to Post-Libya Arms Proliferation, Says Nigeria Strengthens Border Security
Theatre Commander Traces Terrorists’ Weapons to Post-Libya Arms Proliferation, Says Nigeria Strengthens Border Security
By Zagazola Makama
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General W.B. Idris, has attributed the proliferation of sophisticated weapons in the hands of terrorists and bandits across Nigeria to the collapse of Libya, saying the resulting flow of illicit arms across the Maghreb and Sahel continues to fuel insecurity in the region.
The commander made the remarks on Thursday during an interactive session with defence correspondents at the Headquarters of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Gusau, Zamfara State, while responding to questions following a comprehensive operational briefing on the command’s activities.
Addressing the question of how terrorists continue to acquire sophisticated weapons despite ongoing military operations, Major General Idris said the collapse of Libya created one of the largest illicit arms trafficking networks in Africa, with weapons finding their way into the hands of terrorist organisations, transnational criminal groups and other violent actors operating across the Sahel.
“It is a well-known fact that the proliferation of arms in the Maghreb region became much worse after the fall of Libya. Most of these weapons eventually found their way into the hands of terrorists and criminal elements that are determined to destabilise countries across the region, including Nigeria,” he said.
The Theatre Commander explained that the challenge extends beyond Nigeria’s borders, stressing that the country’s security architecture has increasingly adopted a regional approach to counter the transnational nature of terrorism.
According to him, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have strengthened operational collaboration with neighbouring countries through intelligence sharing, coordinated border patrols and joint security initiatives aimed at preventing the movement of terrorists, weapons and logistics into Nigerian territory.
He disclosed that troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA work closely with security forces from the Republic of Niger along the extensive Nigeria-Niger border stretching through Sokoto and adjoining operational sectors.
Similarly, he noted that troops under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD maintain active security collaboration with forces of the Republic of Benin to secure Nigeria’s western border and deny criminal elements freedom of movement across international boundaries.
“These collaborations are not limited to routine patrols. We constantly exchange intelligence with our counterparts in neighbouring countries so that movements of terrorists, arms and logistics can be detected and disrupted before they reach Nigerian territory,” he said.
Major General Idris explained that beyond intelligence sharing, the Nigerian military closely monitors terrorist activities and emerging security trends across the Sahel to anticipate potential threats before they spill into the country.
He cited recent terrorist attacks in neighbouring countries as developments that are carefully studied by Nigerian security agencies in order to strengthen domestic preparedness and prevent similar incidents.
The commander revealed that after monitoring recent large-scale terrorist attacks outside Nigeria through intelligence and open-source surveillance, the military immediately reviewed its own defensive posture and strengthened the protection of strategic national assets.
He pointed specifically to measures taken to improve security around critical infrastructure, including airports and other sensitive installations, following attacks on similar facilities elsewhere in the region.
According to him, troops remain actively engaged in ongoing operations against terrorist groups across the North-West while border surveillance has been intensified to prevent infiltration.
“As we are speaking today, our troops are in contact with terrorists. Operations are ongoing, while we continue to strengthen border security and intelligence gathering to prevent illegal movement of weapons and terrorists into Nigeria,” he said.
The Theatre Commander acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, securing Nigeria’s vast land borders remains a continuous undertaking that requires sustained collaboration among security agencies and neighbouring countries.
“We are not there yet, but we are making every effort to ensure that our borders are secure and free from infiltration as well as the illegal movement of weapons into Nigeria,” he added.
Major General Idris stressed that intelligence remains the cornerstone of the military’s counter-terrorism strategy, noting that every operational success depends on timely information, regional cooperation and proactive security measures designed to stop threats before they materialise.
He reiterated that Operation FANSAN YAMMA would continue working with sister security agencies, neighbouring countries and local communities to dismantle terrorist logistics networks, deny criminal groups access to illicit weapons and strengthen security across the North-West.
The commander assured Nigerians that despite the evolving nature of the threat, the Armed Forces remain committed to protecting the country’s territorial integrity and preventing external terrorist influences from taking root within Nigeria.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA Neutralises 805 Terrorists, Rescues 2,536 Kidnap Victims, Recovers 296 AK-47 Rifles in North-West Offensive
Operation FANSAN YAMMA Neutralises 805 Terrorists, Rescues 2,536 Kidnap Victims, Recovers 296 AK-47 Rifles in North-West Offensive
By Zagazola Makama
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Major General W.B. Idris, has disclosed that troops operating across the North-West have neutralised 805 terrorists, rescued 2,536 kidnapped victims, arrested 1,108 suspected terrorists and informants, and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in sustained operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks.
Major General Idris made the disclosure on Thursday while briefing defence correspondents during a strategic media engagement at the Headquarters of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Gusau, Zamfara State on Thursday.
According to the Theatre Commander, the operational achievements illustrated the effectiveness of sustained intelligence-driven operations, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and the growing synergy between the Armed Forces and local communities in confronting insecurity across the North-West.
He disclosed that troops recovered 296 AK-47 rifles, 12 PKT machine guns, four General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), four QJC heavy machine guns, three Dushka anti-aircraft guns, and 11 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers during various operations conducted across the theatre.
The command also recovered 18,335 rounds of assorted ammunition, 477 magazines, and 632 motorcycles used by terrorists for mobility and attacks.
In addition, troops recovered 4,219 rustled livestock, which were subsequently returned to their rightful owners, depriving criminal groups of a major source of funding while restoring livelihoods in affected communities.
Major General Idris said the sustained operational pressure mounted by troops has significantly degraded the operational capability of terrorist groups, forcing them to abandon several enclaves and disrupting their logistics, recruitment and supply networks.
He explained that while terrorists previously operated freely along major highways, continuous military domination of critical road corridors has compelled them to retreat into remote forests and difficult terrain, where they now rely on motorcycles and foot movement through narrow bush tracks.
“The operational environment remains dynamic, but sustained offensive actions have denied the terrorists freedom of movement along major highways and significantly reduced their ability to operate openly,” he said.
The Theatre Commander noted that the security challenges confronting the theatre remain concentrated in parts of Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states, where troops continue to conduct long-range patrols, clearance operations, intelligence-led raids and targeted offensive missions.
He warned that terrorist groups have continued to adapt their tactics, including the increasing deployment of sophisticated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the use of trained marksmen and the exploitation of rugged terrain to evade military operations.
According to him, recent encounters have shown that some IEDs employed by terrorist groups contain significantly larger explosive charges capable of destroying heavily armoured combat vehicles.
Despite these evolving threats, he said the command has sustained the momentum of both kinetic and non-kinetic operations through continuous adaptation of operational tactics and increased deployment of technology.
The Theatre Commander highlighted several notable operations conducted during the review period, including the destruction of terrorist camps, rescue of abducted civilians, recovery of illegal arms, interception of terrorist logistics couriers, dismantling of illegal firearms manufacturing syndicates and disruption of medical and supply networks supporting terrorist groups.
He said intelligence-led operations have become the cornerstone of the command’s successes, stressing that operational planning now integrates the capabilities of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Community Protection Guards and other security stakeholders.
Major General Idris also acknowledged the operational benefits derived from the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States, saying the collaboration has enhanced surveillance capabilities and supported precision strikes against high-value terrorist targets.
He explained that every intercepted courier transporting weapons, ammunition or explosives undergoes detailed intelligence exploitation to identify and apprehend the intended recipients, thereby dismantling entire logistics networks rather than merely arresting individual suspects.
“We do not stop at making arrests. We investigate every suspect, identify the destination of the weapons or logistics and ensure that the recipients are also apprehended. Our objective is to dismantle the entire criminal network,” he said.
On civil-military cooperation, the Theatre Commander said the command continues to complement combat operations with humanitarian and community-based initiatives aimed at strengthening public trust and improving intelligence sharing.
He disclosed that Headquarters Operation FANSAN YAMMA distributed 24,400 bags of fertiliser to farming communities in Maru, Anka and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State to support agricultural production during the 2026 farming season.
The command also carried out medical outreaches, renovated healthcare facilities, organised educational support programmes and maintained regular engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders and state governments to promote sustainable peace.
On the security of major highways and critical infrastructure, Major General Idris said sustained troop deployments, mobile patrols, snap checkpoints, ambushes, aerial surveillance and coordinated ground operations have significantly improved security along strategic corridors, including the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway, the Abuja–Kaduna railway, Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna–Katsina Road and major highways across Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states.
He noted that while isolated attacks still occur in remote hinterland communities, the command has substantially reduced attacks on major road networks through aggressive area domination operations.
The commander further assured that troop welfare remains a priority, revealing that personnel receive timely operational allowances, adequate feeding, potable water, Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs) during operations and continuous logistical support from Defence Headquarters and the Service Headquarters.
He also disclosed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA is expected to receive dedicated unmanned aerial systems upon completion of the construction of its drone hangar, a development he said would further strengthen surveillance, force protection and operational effectiveness.
The Theatre Commander, Commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of the Air Staff, the Chief of the Naval Staff, and the Honourable Minister of Defence for their unwavering support to troops in the theatre.
He said the military leadership has consistently provided Operation FANSAN YAMMA with critical combat enablers, including modern weapons, equipment, intelligence assets, logistics, mobility platforms and other operational resources that have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of troops in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
According to the Theatre Commander, the steady provision of these combat enablers has improved the operational capability of the Joint Task Force, enabling troops to conduct sustained offensive operations, dominate key areas, respond rapidly to threats and record notable successes against criminal elements across the North-West.
Major General Idris stated that the support from the military high command has also strengthened troop morale and enhanced force protection, assuring that the command would continue to make prudent use of the resources provided to sustain pressure on terrorist and bandit networks until lasting peace and security are restored in the region.
He equally lauded the Governor of Zamfara state, Dauda Lawal Dare, for his continued support to enhance Operations of FANSAN YANMA.
Looking ahead, the Theatre Commander said the command would sustain ongoing offensive operations, deepen intelligence-driven engagements, expand long-range patrols into remote forests, strengthen border security, enhance civil-military cooperation, intensify information operations against terrorist propaganda and continue working with sister security agencies and neighbouring countries to deny terrorists freedom of action.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA to restoring lasting peace, protecting lives and property, and consolidating security gains across the North-West through sustained military pressure and strategic collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.
1 Brigade strengthens civil-military ties, inter-agency collaboration to sustain gains against banditry in Zamfara
1 Brigade strengthens civil-military ties, inter-agency collaboration to sustain gains against banditry in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
The Headquarters 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, says it has continued to complement its ongoing kinetic operations against terrorists and bandits in Zamfara State with robust civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives and strengthened inter-agency collaboration, a strategy it says has improved public confidence, enhanced intelligence gathering and contributed significantly to security gains across its Area of Responsibility.
The Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Mustapha Jimoh, said the Brigade had adopted a whole-of-society approach that combines military operations with humanitarian interventions and close partnerships with security agencies and local communities.
Jimoh, while presenting an operational brief on the activities of the Brigade, said military operations alone could not guarantee lasting peace without the active participation and trust of the civilian population.
According to him, the Brigade has continued to execute extensive Civil-Military Cooperation programmes designed to strengthen relations between troops and host communities while encouraging greater public participation in efforts to combat banditry and other security threats.
“The Brigade continued to execute robust civil-military cooperation activities aimed at enhancing public confidence, strengthening civil-military relations and fostering cordial relationships with host communities,” he said.
He explained that the programmes include free medical outreaches, humanitarian assistance, educational support initiatives, community engagement forums and sustained interactions with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women groups, farmers and pastoralists.
Jimoh said these engagements have continued to build confidence between the military and local communities, resulting in improved intelligence flow and reduced support for criminal elements operating within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.
One of the Brigade’s major humanitarian interventions, according to the commander, was the distribution of shoes and school bags to vulnerable persons in selected Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across Gusau, Tsafe, Maradun and Bukuyum Local Government Areas.
He said beneficiaries from the various local government areas were conveyed to Gusau by their respective local government authorities, where the items were formally presented as part of the Army’s humanitarian outreach.
The Brigade Commander also disclosed that troops distributed customised exercise books to thousands of pupils and students across several public educational institutions in Gusau as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
The beneficiary schools included Universal Basic Education Orphan and Primary School, Government Girls Arabic Secondary School, the School for Special Education, the School of Continuing Education, Tudun Wada Modern Primary School and Universal Basic Education Dangaladima Primary School, among others.
Jimoh noted that the educational support initiative was intended to encourage learning while reassuring parents and school authorities of the military’s commitment to creating a secure environment for education.
In the health sector, he said the Brigade organised a free medical outreach in Kauran Namoda, where residents received medical consultations and treatment as part of efforts to deepen the relationship between the Army and the civilian population.
The Brigade also carried out a school engagement programme at Government Girls Arabic Secondary School in Gusau during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, providing students with opportunities to interact with military personnel and gain better understanding of the Army’s constitutional responsibilities.
According to Jimoh, the Brigade has equally facilitated the safe reopening of schools located within designated secure educational zones through sustained security operations and continuous engagement with relevant stakeholders.
He added that troops also executed several community development projects across the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s directive on strengthening civil-military relations.
“The sustained Civil-Military Cooperation activities have deepened public trust and confidence in the Nigerian Army, improved intelligence flow and reduced support for criminal and hostile elements,” the Brigade Commander said.
Jimoh emphasised that intelligence supplied by local communities had continued to play a critical role in planning successful operations against terrorists and bandits across Zamfara State.
He said the Brigade therefore remained committed to expanding community engagement as a key component of its overall counter-banditry strategy.
On inter-agency collaboration, the Brigade Commander said Headquarters 1 Brigade has maintained strong operational synergy with sister services and other security agencies operating within Zamfara and Kebbi States.
He identified the Brigade’s principal partners as the 207 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant security organisations.
According to him, the collaboration is driven by coordinated operational planning, intelligence sharing and the conduct of joint security operations aimed at maximising available resources in addressing security challenges.
“The Brigade maintained excellent operational collaboration with the 207 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies operating within the theatre,” Jimoh said.
He further acknowledged the support of the Zamfara and Kebbi State governments, describing their contributions in logistics, intelligence, policy coordination and community engagement as vital to the Brigade’s operational successes.
The Brigade Commander said the partnership with state governments had strengthened institutional coordination and enhanced the effectiveness of ongoing military operations.
Jimoh also underscored the role of the media in supporting national security efforts, describing responsible journalism as an essential component of the country’s security architecture.
He said factual and timely reporting by credible defence correspondents helps to inform the public, strengthen confidence in security institutions, counter misinformation and deny criminal groups opportunities to manipulate public narratives.
“The Brigade remains committed to sustaining constructive engagement with responsible media practitioners while ensuring strict adherence to operational security considerations,” he said.
Despite the progress recorded, Jimoh acknowledged that the Brigade continues to contend with challenges, including vast operational terrain, expansive forest reserves, evolving criminal tactics, limited operational resources and trans-border criminal networks.
He said overcoming those challenges would require sustained cooperation among security agencies, improved intelligence gathering, stronger logistics support and greater participation by local communities.
Looking ahead, the Brigade Commander said Headquarters 1 Brigade would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations while expanding civil-military cooperation programmes and strengthening partnerships with sister security agencies.
He said particular attention would remain on protecting educational institutions, farming communities and critical national infrastructure, facilitating the safe return of displaced persons and creating an environment conducive to socio-economic development across Zamfara and Kebbi States.
Jimoh reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to its constitutional responsibility of supporting civil authorities in maintaining internal security while working with communities and other stakeholders to achieve lasting peace in the North-West.
Troops neutralise 85 bandits, rescue 283 hostages as 1 Brigade intensifies operations in Zamfara
Troops neutralise 85 bandits, rescue 283 hostages as 1 Brigade intensifies operations in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
The Headquarters 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, has recorded significant operational successes in its ongoing counter-banditry campaign in Zamfara State, neutralising 85 bandits, rescuing 283 kidnapped victims, recovering a large cache of weapons and destroying several terrorist camps through sustained intelligence-driven operations.
The Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Mustapha Jimoh, disclosed the achievements during an operational briefing, saying the successes were recorded through coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic operations conducted across the brigade’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Jimoh said the operations had significantly degraded the operational capability of armed groups operating in Zamfara State, while improving security for residents, farmers and commuters.
He explained that banditry in the North-West, particularly in Zamfara, had evolved over the years from isolated criminal activities such as cattle rustling into organised violent networks engaged in kidnapping for ransom, attacks on communities, highway ambushes, destruction of public infrastructure and attacks against security personnel.
According to him, the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, weak governance in remote communities and the exploitation of expansive forest reserves enabled criminal groups to establish strongholds and expand their operational reach.
He noted that from about 2011, armed groups became increasingly organised, establishing camps within the expansive forests of Kuyambana, Kagara, Kamuku and Gungu, which served as operational bases and mobility corridors for criminal activities.
“As the security situation deteriorated, some of these criminal groups adopted tactics commonly associated with terrorist organisations, including coordinated attacks on communities, the use of improvised explosive devices, sophisticated weapons and deliberate intimidation of civilian populations,” Jimoh said.
The Brigade Commander noted that the Federal Government subsequently intensified military operations and designated several of the armed groups as terrorist organisations under Nigerian law, providing a stronger legal and operational framework for confronting the threats.
He said Zamfara remains one of the country’s major security flashpoints because of its strategic location, vast forested terrain and proximity to neighbouring states, which criminal elements continue to exploit for movement, logistics and concealment.
According to him, the activities of the criminal groups have disrupted farming and commercial activities, displaced thousands of residents, destroyed livelihoods and threatened critical national infrastructure.
Jimoh said Headquarters 1 Brigade, in collaboration with other components of the Armed Forces, security agencies and relevant stakeholders, had sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks, destroying their camps, rescuing kidnapped victims, recovering arms and ammunition and restoring civil authority across affected communities.
He said the Brigade’s sustained operational efforts, enhanced inter-agency cooperation and robust civil-military engagements had continued to yield positive results despite the evolving security challenges.
Providing a breakdown of recent operational achievements, the Brigade Commander disclosed that troops neutralised 85 terrorists and bandits, while also recovering 144 motorcycles used by criminal elements for mobility, logistics and attacks.
He said the seizure of the motorcycles had significantly disrupted the operational capability and movement of the criminal groups across the theatre.
Jimoh further revealed that troops recovered a substantial cache of weapons, including 46 AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), three Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers, and six locally fabricated rifles.
He added that troops also recovered large quantities of ammunition, further weakening the firepower available to the criminal groups.
According to him, additional recoveries included 48 AK-47 magazines, one handgun magazine and one locally fabricated rifle magazine, significantly reducing the terrorists’ operational effectiveness.
In one of the most significant humanitarian outcomes of the operations, Jimoh disclosed that troops rescued 283 kidnapped victims, comprising women, children, students and other civilians held captive by criminal gangs.
He added that several rustled livestock recovered during operations had been returned to their rightful owners, helping affected families rebuild their livelihoods while restoring public confidence in security forces.
The Brigade Commander also disclosed that troops destroyed several terrorist camps, logistics bases and command hideouts during clearance operations, thereby denying criminal elements safe havens from which to launch attacks.
He noted that the Brigade had maintained sustained area domination through offensive clearance operations, fighting patrols, ambushes, long-range patrols, cordon-and-search operations and rapid response missions across identified flashpoints.
Jimoh explained that Headquarters 1 Brigade is responsible for military operations across Zamfara and Kebbi states, adding that while Kebbi remains relatively peaceful, Zamfara continues to experience persistent threats from banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and related violent crimes, particularly in the central and western senatorial districts.
To dominate the operational environment, he said the Brigade had established Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), combat locations, checkpoints and fighting patrols across vulnerable areas to ensure rapid response and sustained military presence.
The Brigade Commander described the operating environment as particularly challenging due to the vast forest reserves, rugged terrain and widely dispersed rural settlements, which provide concealment and mobility corridors for criminal elements.
Despite these challenges, he said sustained intelligence-led operations had considerably degraded the capabilities of armed groups, leading to improved freedom of movement for residents and safer conditions for farming, commerce and other socio-economic activities.
Jimoh assured that the Brigade would continue to intensify intelligence-driven offensive operations while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and local communities to achieve lasting peace across Zamfara and Kebbi states.
“The evolving nature of the threat requires sustained military operations, credible intelligence, responsible media engagement and continuous support from local communities to achieve enduring peace and security,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property, restoring civil authority and creating a secure environment that would support sustainable socio-economic development across its area of responsibility.
1 Brigade dismantles terrorist camps, seizes heavy weapons in sustained Zamfara offensive
1 Brigade dismantles terrorist camps, seizes heavy weapons in sustained Zamfara offensive
By Zagazola Makama
The Headquarters 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, has intensified its offensive against terrorist and bandit networks in Zamfara State, dismantling several camps and command hideouts, recovering heavy weapons and large quantities of ammunition, while significantly degrading the operational capabilities of criminal groups operating across the state.
The Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Mustapha Jimoh, said the successes were achieved through sustained intelligence-driven kinetic and non-kinetic operations conducted in collaboration with other components of the Armed Forces, security agencies and critical stakeholders.
Jimoh said the operations were designed to deny criminal elements freedom of action by targeting their command structures, logistics bases and mobility corridors across the brigade’s Area of Responsibility.
According to him, troops destroyed several terrorist camps and operational hideouts during clearance operations, thereby denying armed groups safe havens from which they planned and launched attacks against communities.
“As part of these operations, troops recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition that significantly reduced the firepower available to the terrorists and bandits,” he said.
The Brigade Commander disclosed that troops recovered 46 AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), three Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers, and six locally fabricated rifles from the criminal elements.
He added that troops also recovered 48 AK-47 magazines, one handgun magazine, one locally fabricated rifle magazine, and large quantities of ammunition during various operations.
According to Jimoh, the recoveries dealt a major blow to the operational capability of the armed groups by disrupting their access to weapons and logistics.
He further revealed that troops recovered 144 motorcycles, which he described as one of the major logistical assets used by terrorists and bandits to move fighters, transport weapons and launch attacks across difficult terrain.
“The recovery of these motorcycles has considerably disrupted the mobility and logistics network of criminal elements operating within our area of responsibility,” he said.
Jimoh explained that Headquarters 1 Brigade conducts continuous intelligence-led offensive operations, including fighting patrols, long-range patrols, ambushes, clearance operations, cordon-and-search missions and rapid response operations across identified flashpoints.
He said the Brigade had established Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), combat locations and checkpoints to dominate the operational environment and respond swiftly to emerging threats.
The Brigade Commander noted that the security situation in Zamfara had evolved considerably over the years, with criminal groups transforming from loosely organised cattle-rustling gangs into heavily armed networks engaged in kidnapping, attacks on communities, destruction of infrastructure and violent assaults on security personnel.
He attributed the transformation to the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, weak governance in remote communities and the exploitation of the vast forests stretching across Zamfara and neighbouring states.
“From about 2011, these criminal groups became increasingly organised, establishing camps within the expansive forests of Kuyambana, Kagara, Kamuku and Gungu, which provided them with freedom of movement and logistical bases,” he said.
Jimoh added that some of the groups later adopted tactics commonly associated with terrorist organisations, including coordinated attacks on communities, sophisticated weapon systems and deliberate intimidation of civilian populations.
He said Zamfara remains one of the country’s most challenging operational theatres because of its extensive forest reserves, rugged terrain and proximity to neighbouring states, which criminal groups exploit for movement and logistics.
Despite these challenges, he said sustained military pressure had continued to reduce the operational capacity of the armed groups while improving freedom of movement for residents.
The Brigade Commander also disclosed that troops rescued 283 kidnapped victims, including women, children, students and other civilians, during various operations across the state.
He said recovered livestock stolen by the terrorists had been returned to their rightful owners, helping to restore livelihoods in affected communities.
Jimoh noted that Headquarters 1 Brigade works closely with the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies through coordinated planning, intelligence sharing and joint operations.
He also acknowledged the support of the Zamfara and Kebbi State governments in logistics, intelligence, policy coordination and community engagement, saying the collaboration had enhanced operational effectiveness.
The Brigade Commander said that although considerable progress had been recorded, the Brigade continued to contend with vast operational terrain, expansive forests, evolving criminal tactics, trans-border criminal networks and limited operational resources.
He assured that troops would sustain the momentum of ongoing operations through enhanced intelligence gathering, improved surveillance, strengthened inter-agency cooperation and continuous engagement with local communities.
“The Brigade remains committed to dismantling the remaining terrorist and bandit networks, protecting lives and property, restoring civil authority and creating a secure environment that will support farming, commerce and sustainable socio-economic development across Zamfara and Kebbi States,” Jimoh said.
Troops Recover Rifles, Ammunition in Raid on Criminal Hideout Along Rivers–Imo Border
Troops Recover Rifles, Ammunition in Raid on Criminal Hideout Along Rivers–Imo Border
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have recovered two rifles and a cache of ammunition during a raid on a criminal hideout in the Ohaji/Egbema area as part of ongoing operations to dismantle kidnapping gangs and armed groups operating along the Rivers–Imo border.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 3:00 a.m. on July 23 by troops of Sector 4, Operation UDO KA (34 Artillery Brigade) following actionable human intelligence.
The sources said the troops stormed a forest hideout located at Awara Community Waterside in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, along the Omoku–Ogbaku–Ndoni axis.
During the raid, troops recovered one Lee-Enfield Mk I rifle, one G3 rifle, 116 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
According to the sources, the weapons and ammunition were concealed in a camp used by criminal elements involved in kidnapping and attacks on security personnel operating in the area.
The hideout was thoroughly searched, but no additional weapons or incriminating items were found. The recovered arms and ammunition have been taken into the custody of the 34 Artillery Brigade for further investigation.
Military sources said the latest recovery is part of sustained “strangulation operations” launched after recent attacks on security forces in Ohaji/Egbema.
They disclosed that the operation marks the fourth major arms recovery in the area within the past two weeks, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven raids targeting criminal enclaves.
The sources added that troops will continue offensive operations and mopping-up exercises until all criminal elements are apprehended and lasting peace is restored to the affected communities.
Soldier Wounded as Troops Repel Terrorist Attack Along Akwanga–Jos Road in Nasarawa
Soldier Wounded as Troops Repel Terrorist Attack Along Akwanga–Jos Road in Nasarawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) responded to a terrorist attack on commuters and residents along the Akwanga–Jos Road in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, leaving a soldier wounded during the incident.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on July 21, prompting troops of Sector 2, Operation WHIRL STROKE, deployed at Doka to swiftly mobilise to the scene following reports that armed terrorists had attacked civilians along the highway.
During the response, a soldier of the 222 Battalion, who was on pass at the time of the incident, was shot in both legs by the attackers.
The wounded soldier was immediately evacuated to a medical facility, where he is receiving treatment.
Military sources said troops responded promptly to the attack to prevent further casualties and restore security along the route, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing attackers.
The incident highlights the continued security challenges along some highways in the North-Central region, with security forces sustaining offensive operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action and protect local communities.
Troops Intercept Stray Cattle Destroying Farmland in Plateau
Troops Intercept Stray Cattle Destroying Farmland in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intercepted stray cattle found grazing on a cultivated farmland in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:20 p.m. on July 22, when troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, on routine patrol along the Federe Road, discovered three cattle destroying crops on a farm.
The troops immediately intercepted the animals and moved them to a secure location to prevent further damage to the farmland.
Sources said the cattle are being held pending the identification and verification of their rightful owner, after which appropriate action will be taken in line with existing procedures.
Military authorities said the intervention forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to prevent farmer-herder disputes, protect livelihoods, and maintain peace in communities across Plateau State.
They urged livestock owners to ensure proper control of their animals to avoid incidents capable of triggering conflicts between farmers and herders.
Troops, Navy Arrest Three Suspected Lakurawa Terrorist Informants in Kebbi
Troops, Navy Arrest Three Suspected Lakurawa Terrorist Informants in Kebbi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NN SBS), have arrested three suspected Lakurawa terrorist informants and logistics suppliers in Kebbi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 10:45 a.m. on July 21 during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of Combat Service Intelligence Brigade (CSIB) VII deployed at Kangiwa Village in Arewa Local Government Area.
The sources said the three suspects were believed to be serving as informants and logistics suppliers for members of the Lakurawa terrorist group operating within the area.
Following their arrest, the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Police Division in Kangiwa for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Military sources said the operation is part of sustained intelligence-driven efforts to dismantle the support networks sustaining terrorist groups, including their informants and logistics suppliers, across the North-West.
The sources added that security forces will continue to target individuals providing intelligence, supplies and other forms of assistance to terrorist groups as part of ongoing operations to restore lasting peace in the region.
Troops Foil Highway Robbery Attempt in Plateau, Criminals Flee
Troops Foil Highway Robbery Attempt in Plateau, Criminals Flee
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled an attempted armed robbery along the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sanyi road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on July 22, when troops of Sector 6 responded to reports that suspected armed robbers had blocked the highway and were attacking motorists.
The sources said the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and made contact with the fleeing criminals.
On sighting the advancing troops, the suspects abandoned the operation and escaped into the surrounding bush, preventing them from carrying out further attacks on road users.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects, while security has been reinforced along the route to prevent a recurrence.
The swift response by the troops is part of Operation Enduring Peace continued efforts to protect lives and property, secure major highways, and deny criminal elements freedom of action across Plateau State.
Troops Arrest Farmer After Assault on Herder in Plateau
Troops Arrest Farmer After Assault on Herder in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a farmer following an assault on a herder during a dispute over alleged grazing on farmland in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:40 p.m. on July 23, when troops of Sector 5 deployed at Butura responded to a reported altercation between a farmer and a herder in Butura Village.
The sources said the dispute arose after the herder allegedly grazed cattle on the farmer’s cultivated land, leading to a confrontation in which the farmer reportedly attacked and injured the herder.
The troops swiftly intervened, arrested the farmer, and evacuated the injured herder to a medical facility for treatment.
Military sources said the suspect is in custody for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to ensure the incident does not escalate into a wider communal conflict.
They added that the prompt intervention by security forces helped restore calm in the community and reaffirmed Operation Enduring Peace commitment to preventing farmer-herder clashes and maintaining peace across Plateau State.
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 12 Brigade have rescued two kidnap victims during a rescue operation in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims were rescued at about 3:30 p.m. on July 22 by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Egbe.
The sources said the victims had been abducted on July 21 at Ruga Mascaru in Yagba West Local Government Area before troops launched efforts that led to their successful rescue.
The rescued victims have since been reunited with security authorities for necessary medical evaluation and debriefing, while efforts are ongoing to track down the kidnappers responsible for the abduction.
Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by security forces to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across Kogi State.
They added that troops remain committed to maintaining pressure on criminal elements and urged residents to continue providing credible information to support ongoing security operations.
Joint Security Team Arrests Three Suspected Kidnappers, Recovers Leads in Edo Forest Operations
Joint Security Team Arrests Three Suspected Kidnappers, Recovers Leads in Edo Forest Operations
By Zagazola Makama
A joint security team comprising troops of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police, local hunters and the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested three suspected kidnappers during coordinated operations across Owan East and Akoko Edo Local Government Areas of Edo State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 7:00 a.m. on July 22 by troops of 4 Brigade deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Sobe.
The sources said the operation targeted suspected kidnappers operating within the Otuo Forest in Owan East LGA and the Agor–Igarra–Sassaro Forest axis in Akoko Edo LGA.
During the operation, one suspected kidnapper was initially arrested. During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to selling one pump-action shotgun and 12 cartridges to another suspect, who was subsequently apprehended at his residence in Igarra.
Acting on further intelligence, the joint security team raided another suspected kidnapper’s hideout in the Sassaro Forest, where a third suspect was arrested.
The three suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Police Division in Otuo for further investigation and prosecution.
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts under Operation MESA to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and improve security across Edo State through sustained intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration.
Troops Neutralise Four Kidnappers, Rescue Victim in Kwara Ambush Operation
Troops Neutralise Four Kidnappers, Rescue Victim in Kwara Ambush Operation
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD have neutralised four suspected kidnappers and rescued an abducted victim during a successful ambush operation in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 4:00 a.m. on July 22 by troops of Sector 1 deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kaiama.
The sources said the troops laid an ambush at a known crossing point along the Jonloji Village riverine axis based on credible intelligence on the movement of suspected kidnappers.
During the operation, the troops engaged the armed criminals, killing four suspected kidnappers in the ensuing firefight.
The troops also rescued one kidnap victim and recovered one pump-action shotgun, four motorcycles and the sum of ₦64,000 believed to be linked to the criminal gang.
The rescued victim was immediately evacuated to the Kaiama General Hospital for medical attention.
Military sources said the operation is part of the ongoing Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, which is aimed at dismantling kidnapping and other criminal networks operating across Kwara and neighbouring states.
They added that troops remain committed to sustaining offensive operations against criminal elements while ensuring the protection of lives and property across the region.
Troops Arrest Terrorist Informant, Three Suspects and Logistics Couriers in Kogi
Troops Arrest Terrorist Informant, Three Suspects and Logistics Couriers in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops conducting counter-terrorism operations in Kogi State have arrested a suspected terrorist informant who confessed to working for a notorious terrorist kingpin identified as Kachallah Babangida.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation and, during preliminary interrogation, admitted to providing information and support to the terrorist leader.
In separate operations across Adavi and Lokoja Local Government Areas, troops also arrested three other suspected terrorists as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
The sources further disclosed that troops intercepted two suspected terrorist logistics couriers transporting food items, beverages and cigarettes intended for terrorist elements operating in the area.
The suspects and recovered items have been taken into custody for further investigation to identify other members of the network and disrupt the group’s support structure.
Military sources said the operations are part of sustained intelligence-driven efforts to dismantle terrorist cells, apprehend collaborators and cut off logistics channels sustaining criminal groups in Kogi State and the wider North-Central region.
Troops Neutralise Five Terrorists, Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims in Zamfara
Troops Neutralise Five Terrorists, Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have neutralised five terrorists and rescued 11 kidnapped victims following a fierce gun battle along the Gambada–Gummi–Sokoto road in Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops made contact with the terrorists at about 4:30 p.m. on July 22 while conducting offensive operations along the corridor.
The ensuing exchange of fire resulted in the elimination of five terrorists, while several others fled into the surrounding bush under sustained military pressure.
The fleeing terrorists abandoned 11 kidnapped victims and one motorcycle, all of which were recovered by the troops.
The rescued victims were secured by the troops and have since been evacuated to safety for medical attention and debriefing.
Military sources said the operation is part of the ongoing offensive by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle terrorist and kidnapping networks, rescue abducted persons, and restore security across the North-West.
The sources added that troops are continuing pursuit operations to track down the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
Troops Neutralise Five Terrorists, Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims in Zamfara
Troops Neutralise Five Terrorists, Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have neutralised five terrorists and rescued 11 kidnapped victims following a fierce gun battle along the Gambada–Gummi–Sokoto road in Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops made contact with the terrorists at about 4:30 p.m. on July 22 while conducting offensive operations along the corridor.
The ensuing exchange of fire resulted in the elimination of five terrorists, while several others fled into the surrounding bush under sustained military pressure.
The fleeing terrorists abandoned 11 kidnapped victims and one motorcycle, all of which were recovered by the troops.
The rescued victims were secured by the troops and have since been evacuated to safety for medical attention and debriefing.
Military sources said the operation is part of the ongoing offensive by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle terrorist and kidnapping networks, rescue abducted persons, and restore security across the North-West.
The sources added that troops are continuing pursuit operations to track down the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
Troops Recover Explosive Fragments, Arrest 12 Suspected Drug Peddlers in Monguno
Troops Recover Explosive Fragments, Arrest 12 Suspected Drug Peddlers in Monguno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have recovered fragments of an explosive device for forensic examination and arrested 12 suspected drug peddlers during a series of raids on criminal hideouts in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the explosive fragments were recovered from the scene of an earlier security incident and have been preserved for further forensic analysis to aid ongoing investigations.
In a separate operation, troops conducted intelligence-led raids on identified criminal hideouts in Monguno, leading to the arrest of 12 suspected drug peddlers.
During the operation, troops recovered assorted illicit drugs, including cannabis, tramadol and other prohibited substances, believed to have been destined for criminal elements operating within the area.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activities that sustain insurgent and criminal networks in the North-East. They added that troops will continue intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting both terrorist logistics and illicit drug distribution across the theatre.
Troops Safely Detonate Two Improvised Explosive Devices in Borno, Recover Another Along Monguno Axis
Troops Safely Detonate Two Improvised Explosive Devices in Borno, Recover Another Along Monguno Axis
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have safely detonated two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by terrorists along the Dambua–Bulabulin–Kumala road in Borno State, preventing what security sources described as a planned attack on troops and civilian commuters.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the explosives were discovered at about 2:30 p.m. on July 22 during routine patrols by troops operating along the strategic corridor.
The troops immediately secured the area and carried out a controlled detonation of the two primed IEDs, successfully neutralising the threat without casualties.
According to the sources, the devices were deliberately planted by terrorists to target security forces and unsuspecting motorists using the route.
In a related development, troops conducting mine and route-clearing operations also encountered a booby-trap IED along the Cross Kauwa–Kekeno–Monguno road.
Military explosive ordnance specialists responded to the scene and initiated appropriate counter-IED procedures to ensure the safety of troops and road users.
Military sources said the discoveries highlight the continued reliance of terrorist groups on improvised explosive devices to impede military operations and inflict casualties on both security personnel and civilians.
The sources urged motorists and residents in conflict-prone areas to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious objects or activities to security agencies as troops continue route clearance and counter-IED operations across the North-East.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected ISWAP Logistics Suppliers, Rescue Two Teenage Girls in Borno
Troops Arrest Three Suspected ISWAP Logistics Suppliers, Rescue Two Teenage Girls in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested three suspected logistics suppliers to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and rescued two teenage girls who escaped from a terrorist enclave in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on July 22 around New Abbaram Resettlement Village in Bama Local Government Area during an intelligence-led operation.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted while allegedly transporting supplies to ISWAP fighters hiding in the bush.
Items recovered from them included 3.5 litres of groundnut oil, kola nuts, salt and 76 sachets of coconut flavouring, all believed to be intended for the terrorists.
The suspects and the recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation to identify other members of the logistics network and disrupt the supply chain sustaining terrorist activities in the area.
In a separate development, troops also rescued two teenage girls who escaped from the Grazah terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains.
Military sources said the girls are currently in safe custody, where they will undergo medical evaluation, debriefing and other necessary support before being reunited with their families.
The sources added that the operations form part of sustained efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist support networks, deny insurgents access to logistics and rescue civilians held captive in terrorist enclaves across the North-East.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Boko Haram Members During Clearance Operation in Borno
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Boko Haram Members During Clearance Operation in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested two suspected Boko Haram members during a clearance operation conducted along the Mandaragirau–Kurtum axis in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 10:00 a.m. on July 22 by troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), local hunters and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN).
The joint security team, mounted on a gun truck and 10 motorcycles, conducted the operation along the Mandaragirau–Kurtum route, extending to the Nguma area as part of ongoing efforts to clear suspected terrorist hideouts and deny insurgents freedom of movement.
During the operation, troops apprehended two suspected Boko Haram members identified as Sidi Shagari, 42, and Abubakar Sadiq, popularly known as “Buba,” 25, both natives of Birni in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Items recovered from the suspects included two mobile phones, three cutlasses, one dagger, and the sum of N9,500.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken to the Abogo Largema Cantonment for further investigation and other necessary actions.
Military sources said the operation forms part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V, a theatre-wide offensive aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, dismantling insurgent networks, and enhancing security across the North-East.
The sources added that although the general security situation across the theatre remains calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of vigilance while morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Conduct Clearance Operations Across Mainok Axis, Civilians Resume Normal Activities
Troops Conduct Clearance Operations Across Mainok Axis, Civilians Resume Normal Activities
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI under Operation Desert Sanity V have conducted a successful clearance operation across several settlements in the Mainok axis of Borno State as part of sustained efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and reassure local communities.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation involved a patrol comprising personnel from the 101 Battalion, supported by 10 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who departed Mainok on July 22 to carry out clearance and ambush operations in suspected terrorist corridors.
The troops systematically exploited multiple settlements, including Gowo and Marguna, as well as several surrounding locations previously identified as areas of security interest.
According to the sources, no contact was made with terrorists during the operation. However, troops observed residents going about their normal daily activities, an indication of the improving security situation in the area.
Following the clearance mission, the patrol occupied a tactical ambush position along a suspected terrorist route to monitor movement and deter any attempt by insurgents to infiltrate the area.
Military sources described the patrol as hitch-free, adding that troops maintained a high level of vigilance throughout the operation.
The clearance mission forms part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V, which is aimed at sustaining pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, preventing their return to previously cleared locations, and creating a secure environment for civilian populations to carry out their livelihoods.
Sources added that the general security situation in the area remained calm but fluid, while the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops were reported to be satisfactory.
Troops, Hunters Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearms in Yobe
Troops, Hunters Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearms in Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Yobe State Hunters Group, have arrested five suspected kidnappers during a coordinated raid operation in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 2:00 p.m. on July 23 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers in Jegalari village.
The sources said troops of the 233 Battalion, deployed at Damaturu Military Cantonment, stormed the hideout in conjunction with the local hunters, leading to the arrest of five suspects identified as Hassan Lawan (28), Isah Bello (30), Haruna Suleiman (20), Ibrahim Bello (20), and Ahmadu Haruna (19).
During the operation, security personnel recovered three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, two rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, three Tecno mobile phones, and one Android phone.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are indigenes of Ririn Village in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State. They identified themselves as members of the Fulani ethnic group and claimed to be cattle rearers.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken into military custody for further investigation to determine their involvement in kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Military sources said the successful operation forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts by Operation HADIN KAI and other security stakeholders to dismantle kidnapping and criminal networks operating across the North-East and adjoining states.
The security situation in the area was reported to be calm after the operation, although security forces remain on alert to prevent any retaliatory or related criminal activities.
Air Component OPHK Neutralises Terrorists in Precision Night Strike on ISWAP Hideout in Southern Lake Chad
Air Component OPHK Neutralises Terrorists in Precision Night Strike on ISWAP Hideout in Southern Lake Chad
By Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has carried out a successful precision airstrike against an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) hideout in the Southern Lake Chad region, neutralising several terrorists during a late-night operation supported by intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the mission was launched after persistent ISR tracking identified significant terrorist activity around Arenna, in Marte Local Government Area
of Borno state.
The operation, executed by the ISR platform, commenced at about 10:35 p.m. on July 23, following an intelligence report indicating the presence of about 50 motorcycles belonging to terrorists moving within the general area.
According to operational feedback, the aircraft established overhead surveillance before conducting a precision strike on a building confirmed to be serving as a terrorist hideout.
Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) conducted immediately after the strike confirmed that all terrorists inside the targeted structure were neutralised, while three additional fighters outside the building were also killed.
The assessment further revealed that three other terrorists within the strike area were seen fleeing the scene, suggesting they sustained the shock of the attack and were attempting to escape.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the aircraft remained overhead after the initial strike to conduct further surveillance and, if necessary, engage fleeing terrorists with follow-up strikes.
“The operation was intelligence-driven and executed with precision. The initial assessment indicates that the objective was successfully achieved, while surveillance continued to ensure that any surviving terrorists attempting to regroup or escape could be engaged,” the officer said.
The successful strike is part of the ongoing air interdiction campaign by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI aimed at dismantling ISWAP and Boko Haram enclaves, disrupting their mobility, and denying them freedom of action across the Lake Chad theatre.
Inside Katsina’s Forgotten School: Over 1,000 Students Learn on Bare Ground as Billion-Naira Education Budgets Fail Maidabino
Inside Katsina’s Forgotten School: Over 1,000 Students Learn on Bare Ground as Billion-Naira Education Budgets Fail Maidabino
By Zagazola Makama
In a nation where governments at all levels routinely announce multi-billion-naira education budgets and celebrate the commissioning of new projects, there exists a secondary school in Katsina State that tells a completely different story, one that exposes the painful gulf between official promises and the everyday reality of ordinary Nigerians.
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At Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Maidabino in Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State, the promise of education has been reduced to a daily struggle for survival. The school is not merely a neglected school. It is a monument to state failure.
A visit by a team of Defence Correspondents to the school revealed conditions so appalling that one struggles to understand how an institution bearing the name “Government Day Secondary School” has been allowed to deteriorate to such an inhumane state.Nothing prepares a visitor for the sight.
Children, dressed in their uniforms and clutching exercise books, sit on stones, broken blocks and the bare earth because there are no desks or chairs. The few classrooms that remain standing have no roofs. When the afternoon sun becomes unbearable, there is nowhere to hide.
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When the rains begin, learning simply ends.
The students are told to go home. Not because school has closed. But because the government has failed to provide something as basic as a roof. It is difficult to reconcile this reality with the repeated declarations by successive governments about prioritising education.
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Year after year, billions of naira are budgeted for the education sector. What makes the situation in Maidabino even more troubling is that it exists despite the enormous sums allocated to education by the Katsina State Government.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration has consistently announced education as one of its top priorities. In the 2025 fiscal year, the Katsina State Government allocated ₦95.9 billion to the education sector representing about 14 per cent of the state’s ₦682.2 billion budget.
At the time, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Bello Kagara, described the allocation as part of the government’s commitment to “reinvigorate the education sector” under a budget themed “Building Your Future II.” The following year, the government increased the allocation even further.
In the 2026 budget, education received ₦97.5 billion, again accounting for roughly 14 per cent of the state budget. Out of this amount, ₦76.74 billion was specifically earmarked for basic education, a figure intended to improve access to quality education and rehabilitate schools across the state. On paper, these allocations appear impressive. In reality, however, schools like GDSS Maidabino expose the painful disconnect between budget announcements and conditions on the ground.
The figures raise uncomfortable but necessary questions. How can a government allocate nearly ₦200 billion to education in two consecutive years, yet allow the only government secondary school in an entire community to remain roofless?
Public officials speak passionately about improving literacy, empowering the next generation and securing the future of Nigeria through education. Yet in Maidabino, those lofty speeches have produced nothing but abandoned buildings, broken walls and shattered dreams.
The school is a heartbreaking illustration of what happens when public expenditure fails to translate into public service. Of the several classroom blocks originally constructed, only four remain standing. Even these four cannot properly be described as classrooms.
Their roofs are gone, windows are missing, the walls are cracked, there are no doors, no ceilings, no furniture and no learning materials.
The classrooms have become open structures exposed to rain, dust, wind and the scorching heat of northern Nigeria. Students occupy every available corner of the compound, balancing exercise books on their laps while trying to concentrate under conditions no child should ever endure.
Even more disturbing is the complete absence of teachers. During the visit, more than one thousand students from Junior Secondary School One (JSS1) to Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) were found under the supervision of just one teacher.
One teacher. For an entire secondary school.
Yet even that lone teacher is not employed by the Katsina State Government. His name is Malam Ibrahim Salisu Maidabino. He is not on the government payroll.He is not receiving any salary. He is not under any official teaching appointment. He is a farmer.
Moved by the suffering of children in his community, he volunteered his time to teach them because, in his words, he could not watch an entire generation grow up without education.
“I am only doing this because these children deserve a future,” he said quietly. If I stay on my farm every day, who will teach them?”
His voice carried neither anger nor bitterness.
Only exhaustion. Every morning, he attempts what should ordinarily require dozens of qualified teachers. He teaches students across six different classes and multiple subjects.
He moves from one group to another, trying to ensure everyone receives at least some form of instruction before the school day ends.
It is an impossible assignment. No teacher, no matter how committed, can effectively educate over one thousand students alone. Yet that is exactly what the education system has forced him to do. His sacrifice is heroic. But it is also an indictment of the authorities responsible for providing public education.
Perhaps the greatest irony lies in the role played by the Nigerian Army. Years ago, escalating insecurity forced military authorities to establish a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Maidabino.
The school itself became the Battalion Headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s FOB Dan Musa as troops moved into the community to protect residents from relentless bandit attacks.
The deployment followed growing fears that the school could become another target for mass abductions, similar to those witnessed across several states in northwestern Nigeria. The soldiers came to defend lives. But what they encountered was a school abandoned by the very institutions responsible for educating its children.
According to Malam Ibrahim, the soldiers soon found themselves doing far more than providing security. “In many cases, the soldiers assist us in teaching because there are no teachers,” he said. They encourage the students and sometimes help maintain order. It is difficult to imagine a clearer illustration of institutional failure.
Soldiers trained for combat have had to step into classrooms because the education system has collapsed. The military has protected the children from kidnappers. It cannot protect them from neglect. Parents now send their children to school largely because the presence of troops provides a sense of safety. Without the military, many would likely keep their children at home.
Yet security alone cannot produce education.
The students may be protected from armed criminals, but they remain victims of another, quieter tragedy official neglect. The school has no functional source of water. There are no proper sanitation facilities. Basic hygiene is virtually non-existent. There are no laboratories for science students. No library to encourage reading. No computer room. No electricity. No staff quarters. No staff room. No instructional materials worthy of mention.
When rain clouds appear, panic spreads across the school. There is no where to stop, Children gather their books and begin walking home because there is nowhere to continue learning.
“We normally ask the students to go home whenever it rains,” Malam Ibrahim explained.
“There is no shelter.” This means that during the rainy season, hundreds of learning hours are lost not because teachers are unavailable, but because there is simply no roof over the classrooms. The consequences extend far beyond poor academic performance.
Children studying under these conditions are competing for admission into the same higher institutions as students educated in modern classrooms equipped with computers, laboratories, libraries and qualified teachers.
The inequality is staggering. One group is prepared for the future. The other is merely trying to survive the school day. The tragedy becomes even more painful considering the enormous public resources allocated annually to education.
Citizens are entitled to ask difficult but necessary questions. How did a government-owned secondary school deteriorate to this level? Who is responsible for monitoring public schools? How many budgets have been passed while GDSS Maidabino remained without roofs, furniture or teachers?
How many officials have visited this school?
How many reports have been written and ignored? How many children have abandoned education because they simply lost hope?
Development cannot be measured only by projects commissioned in state capitals.
It must also be measured by the condition of schools in forgotten rural communities like Maidabino.
Governor Radda Must know that Education is not a privilege reserved for urban centres. It is a constitutional right. Every child in Nigeria deserves access to safe classrooms, qualified teachers, clean water and a learning environment that preserves dignity.
For the children of Maidabino, those rights remain promises on paper.
As the Journalist concluded their visit, the image that lingered was not that of ruined buildings. It was the determination on the faces of students who continue to attend school despite every obstacle placed before them.
They have not given up. Neither has Malam Ibrahim. Neither have the soldiers who continue to encourage them.
The question is whether those entrusted with managing public education have also refused to give up or whether they have simply forgotten Maidabino. These are not extraordinary demands. They are the minimum obligations of any government that claims education is a priority.
Until those obligations are fulfilled, Government Day Secondary School Maidabino will remain a painful reminder that while insecurity threatens lives, neglect quietly destroys futures and history will judge not only those who failed to build classrooms, but also those who allowed an entire generation of children to believe that sitting under the open sky was the price of getting an education.
Zagazola Media Network
Trump Commends Tinubu’s Leadership, Reaffirms U.S. Support in Nigeria’s Counterterrorism Fight
Trump Commends Tinubu’s Leadership, Reaffirms U.S. Support in Nigeria’s Counterterrorism Fight
By: Zagazola Makama
United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in confronting terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral security cooperation.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, and released by the Presidency on Wednesday, Trump praised Tinubu’s resolve to address the security challenges facing Nigeria, particularly attacks targeting Christian communities.
“I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities, and it is a true honour to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous,” Trump wrote.
The U.S. President described the relationship between Nigeria and the United States as crucial at a time when terrorism and armed conflicts have continued to spread across West Africa and other parts of the world.
According to him, both countries share a common objective of confronting terrorism in all its forms through the U.S.-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, which provides a framework for enhanced military collaboration.
Trump said the United States had deployed its Special Operations Forces to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria with advanced training, intelligence, and operational capabilities aimed at improving the country’s counterterrorism efforts.
“I am proud to have deployed the United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world—to equip the brave men and women in the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the skills, tools and intelligence they need to protect your homeland and ensure the safety and security of citizens,” he stated.
The letter comes amid growing security cooperation between Abuja and Washington.
In November 2025, Presidents Tinubu and Trump agreed to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries, to deepen collaboration in intelligence sharing, military training, and joint counterterrorism operations.
One of the major outcomes of the partnership was the coordinated operation carried out on May 16, 2026, against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly resulted in the elimination of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, along with several of his senior commanders.
The renewed cooperation was further reinforced last week when U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja for high-level engagements with Nigerian government officials, during which both countries pledged to expand collaboration in security and other strategic sectors.
The letter was made public by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on July 22, 2026.
Breaking: DSS Rescues Four Remaining Kidnapped Polytechnic Students
Breaking: DSS Rescues Four Remaining Kidnapped Polytechnic Students
By: Zagazola Makama
Days after the rescuing a professor of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Zamfara State, successfully rescued all four remaining kidnapped students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda.
DSS operatives, relying on intelligence, rescued the students, comprising four males and a female late Wednesday without any ransom paid. One of the kidnappers was arrested during the operation. The others didn't survive.
The students were kidnapped on June 3 at their off-campus hostel in the Low-cost area of Kaura Namoda town after armed bandits stormed the building and seized six of them.
Following an earlier release of two of the six students, security forces intensified an intelligence-led operation, and surgically secured the safe return of the remaining students to the relief of all.
OPHK Drone Strikes Kill Over 20 ISWAP Fighters, Destroy Logistics Hub in Southern Lake Chad
OPHK Drone Strikes Kill Over 20 ISWAP Fighters, Destroy Logistics Hub in Southern Lake Chad
By Zagazola Makama
Fresh battle damage assessment (BDA) from Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has confirmed that more than 20 ISWAP fighters were neutralised in a precision drone strike conducted by the Air Component of the operation at Kila Bariya in the Southern Lake Chad axis.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the precision strike, carried out on July 21, targeted a key terrorist logistics and assembly point following credible intelligence on the presence of fighters and strategic supplies in the area.
According to the latest assessment, several other terrorists sustained severe injuries, while over 30 newly acquired motorcycles, most of them brand new and intended for future terrorist operations, were destroyed in the strike.
The assessment further revealed that the operation destroyed a major ISWAP food storage facility stocked with large quantities of beans and other food items allegedly confiscated or forcibly collected from farming communities across the Southern Lake Chad region.
Military sources described the strike as one of the most significant precision engagements in recent weeks, noting that it dealt a major blow to the group’s mobility, logistics and sustainment capability.
“The destruction of the motorcycles will significantly reduce the terrorists’ ability to conduct rapid raids and reinforcement across the difficult Lake Chad terrain, while the loss of the food stockpile will further degrade their capacity to sustain prolonged operations,” a senior military source said.
It was believe the successful strike is expected to alter the operational dynamics in the Southern Lake Chad axis, particularly around Marte, Ngala and Dikwa Local Government Areas, where ISWAP has continued efforts to regroup and project influence.
The Nigerian military has sustained an aggressive air campaign under Operation HADIN KAI, combining precision intelligence, persistent surveillance and targeted strikes against terrorist enclaves to deny insurgents freedom of movement and disrupt their command, logistics and operational networks.
Troops Avert Tragedy as IED Explodes During Route Clearance Patrol in Kukawa
Troops Avert Tragedy as IED Explodes During Route Clearance Patrol in Kukawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully averted a potential tragedy after encountering a booby-trap improvised explosive device (IED) during a routine route clearance operation along the Cross Kauwa–Kekeno–Monguno Main Supply Route (MSR) in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, when troops of the 123 Special Forces Battalion were conducting a routine MSR scanning patrol at Dowoshi village.
According to the sources, the patrol team detected and triggered a concealed booby-trap IED emplaced by terrorists along the route.
Following the explosion, the Brigade’s Mine Search Team (MST) was immediately deployed to reinforce troops at the scene and cordon off the affected area to prevent further danger and facilitate exploitation of the site.
Fortunately, no contact was made with the terrorists, while no personnel or equipment casualties were recorded during the incident.
Military sources said fragments recovered from the exploded IED have been forwarded to the Headquarters Theatre Command in Maiduguri for forensic analysis to aid ongoing counter-IED operations and intelligence gathering.
The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by terrorists through the use of improvised explosive devices along critical supply routes in the Lake Chad region, even as troops continue sustained clearance operations to ensure freedom of movement for military convoys and civilians.
Sources added that troops remain vigilant, with morale and fighting efficiency described as high as operations continue across the theatre.
ISWAP Confirms Elimination of Chief Photographer Abu Salim al-Barnawi
ISWAP Confirms Elimination of Chief Photographer Abu Salim al-Barnawi
By Zagazola Makama
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has confirmed the death of its chief photographer and veteran raid commander, Abu Salim al-Barnawi, who was killed during a failed attack on a Nigerian military base last week.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorist group circulated an obituary announcing the death of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, confirming he was among the fighters neutralised by Nigerian troops during the encounter.
Sources said Abu Salim was one of ISWAP’s most prominent media operatives, serving as the group’s chief photographer and videographer responsible for documenting combat operations and producing propaganda materials used for recruitment and morale.
Before joining the group’s media wing, he reportedly commanded several cross-border raids into neighbouring Cameroon, where he led attacks against security forces before transitioning into media operations.
His death is regarded as a significant blow to ISWAP’s propaganda machinery, as he played a central role in recording and disseminating the group’s operational footage and media content.
The confirmation of his death by the terrorist group comes after Nigerian troops repelled the attempted assault on the military base, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and neutralising several key operatives.
Security sources said the elimination of Abu Salim illustrates the continued degradation of ISWAP’s operational and media capabilities as military offensives intensify across the North-East.
Gunmen Kill Teen Herder, Rustle Hundreds of Cattle in Fresh Benue Attack
Gunmen Kill Teen Herder, Rustle Hundreds of Cattle in Fresh Benue Attack
By Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have reportedly killed a 15-year-old herder and rustled hundreds of cattle during an attack on a grazing herd at Olahimu Village in the Ogoli Oboju area of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 7:00 a.m. on Monday, July 21, when armed assailants stormed the herd belonging to the family of the late Ardo Risku Muhammad, who was himself killed in the area a few weeks ago.
During the attack, the deceased’s younger brother, Muhammad Isiyaku, 15, was shot dead on the spot.
The attackers reportedly made away with about 500 cattle, although many of the animals were later recovered during search efforts around the Okudu axis. Some cattle were also killed during the attack, while others remain unaccounted for.
Four persons were initially declared missing following the incident. However, three of them—identified as Muhammed Ismaiel, 17, Muhammed Hamza, 13, and Abu Ali, a family labourer—later escaped from the attackers and reunited with their family.
One labourer, Saidu Musa, remains missing as search efforts continue.
The incident was reported to the Ogoli Ugboju Divisional Police Headquarters, and police personnel reportedly visited the scene as part of preliminary investigations.
The family appealed to the Benue State Government and security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to intensify efforts to rescue the missing labourer, recover the remaining stolen cattle, and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
They also called for increased security deployment to Olahimu, Ogoli Oboju, and other border communities in Otukpo LGA to prevent further attacks and protect residents from recurring violence.
Troops Destroy Improvised Explosive Devices, Clear Communities in Borno Wet Season Offensive
Troops Destroy Improvised Explosive Devices, Clear Communities in Borno Wet Season Offensive
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have destroyed two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and conducted extensive clearance operations across parts of Borno State as part of ongoing wet season offensives aimed at denying Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists freedom of movement.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the coordinated operations were carried out on July 21 under Operation DESERT SANITY V by troops of Sector 2 in collaboration with volunteer forces.
The sources said troops of the 19 Battalion (Mechanised) and 25 Brigade Garrison, comprising 134 soldiers supported by 100 volunteer fighters, mounted on four Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, six gun trucks, three troop-carrying vehicles, one VP1 vehicle and 17 motorcycles, conducted a clearance operation along the Damboa–Bulabulin–Kumala Main Supply Route and adjoining communities.
During the operation, troops swept the Kumala and Bulabulin general areas, where they discovered two primed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along the route by suspected terrorists.
The explosive devices were safely detonated in situ by the troops, preventing what security sources described as a potential attack on military personnel and civilian road users.
The troops also encountered a suspected terrorist logistics supplier, who fled upon sighting the advancing forces. A search of the area led to the recovery of one bicycle and two bags of charcoal, believed to have been intended for terrorist elements operating within the area.
In a related operation conducted simultaneously, combined troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion, 231 Battalion and 331 Artillery Regiment, alongside 117 volunteer fighters, carried out clearance patrols across Diwa, Liya, Bam, Ngilu, Sura, Pela and Pela Sanga communities.
The combined force, comprising 32 soldiers mounted on two MRAPs and 75 motorcycles, thoroughly searched the communities and surrounding areas.
No terrorist camps were discovered during the operation, and the troops made no contact with insurgents.
Military sources said the clearance operations form part of sustained efforts under Operation DESERT SANITY V to dominate the theatre, secure key supply routes, detect explosive hazards and prevent terrorists from re-establishing camps during the rainy season.
The sources added that the overall security situation across the North-East theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops continue to maintain high morale and operational readiness in ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle During Follow-Up Raid on Suspected Militia Hideout in Taraba
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle During Follow-Up Raid on Suspected Militia Hideout in Taraba
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), have recovered an AK-47 rifle during a follow-up operation linked to the recent arrest of two suspected militia members in Taraba State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the recovery followed the arrest of the two suspects on July 14, which led security operatives to intensify investigations into the group’s activities.
Acting on intelligence obtained during the investigation, troops of the 93 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, alongside DIA operatives, raided the residence of one of the suspects at Chediya in Wukari Local Government Area.
During the search, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and one magazine concealed at the premises.
The recovered weapon has been taken into custody, while investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the suspected militia network and recover additional arms.
Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Whirl Stroke to dismantle armed militia groups and improve security across Taraba and adjoining states.
Farmer Killed in Clash Over Grazing in Plateau, 15 Cattle Recovered
Farmer Killed in Clash Over Grazing in Plateau, 15 Cattle Recovered
By Zagazola Makama
A farmer has been killed in an alleged dispute over grazing in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State, sparking tension in the affected community.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on July 20 in Larpia Community, where suspected herders allegedly attacked and killed the victim after he resisted attempts to graze cattle on his tomato farm.
Following a distress report, troops of Sector 8 of Operation Enduring Peace, deployed at Pushit, responded to the scene alongside operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
Upon arrival, the security team discovered the farmer’s lifeless body. Preliminary findings indicated that the altercation stemmed from a dispute over grazing on the deceased’s farmland.
The killing reportedly triggered a reprisal response from youths in the community, who mobilised and pursued the suspected herders, forcing them to abandon 15 cattle before fleeing the area.
The victim’s remains were evacuated to the General Hospital in Pankshin, while the abandoned cattle have been taken into the custody of the Larpia Police Division.
Security agencies have commenced investigations into the incident as efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent further escalation of tensions in the area.
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis and Weapons in Plateau
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis and Weapons in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested four suspected drug peddlers during a raid on a suspected drug hideout in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 1:20 a.m. on July 21 by troops of Sector 1 of Operation Enduring Peace at Saya village, following credible intelligence on illicit drug activities in the area.
During the raid, the troops apprehended four suspects believed to be involved in drug trafficking and recovered eight cutlasses, six knives, substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, and other illicit drugs.
The suspects are currently in military custody for preliminary investigation, while the recovered exhibits have been secured.
Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to combat criminality, curb drug trafficking, and dismantle networks fueling violence and insecurity across Plateau State.
The sources added that the suspects will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution after the conclusion of preliminary military procedures.
Troops Recover Rustled Cattle After Gun Battle with Suspected Terrorists in Plateau
Troops Recover Rustled Cattle After Gun Battle with Suspected Terrorists in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have recovered rustled cattle after engaging suspected terrorists during a rescue operation in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Sector 2 responded at about 4:35 a.m. on July 19 to a distress call reporting the rustling of cattle at Garga Village.
On arrival at the scene, the troops made contact with the fleeing suspects and engaged them in a firefight.
The superior firepower of the troops forced the suspected terrorists to abandon the rustled cattle and flee into the surrounding bush.
The recovered livestock were secured, while troops launched a pursuit operation to track down the fleeing suspects.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to identify the rightful owners of the recovered cattle and reunite them with their livestock after the necessary verification process.
The operation, according to the sources, is part of sustained efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to combat cattle rustling, banditry and other forms of criminality across Plateau State and its adjoining areas.
Troops Recover Rustled Cattle After Gun Battle with Suspected Terrorists in Plateau
Troops Recover Rustled Cattle After Gun Battle with Suspected Terrorists in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have recovered rustled cattle after engaging suspected terrorists during a rescue operation in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Sector 2 responded at about 4:35 a.m. on July 19 to a distress call reporting the rustling of cattle at Garga Village.
On arrival at the scene, the troops made contact with the fleeing suspects and engaged them in a firefight.
The superior firepower of the troops forced the suspected terrorists to abandon the rustled cattle and flee into the surrounding bush.
The recovered livestock were secured, while troops launched a pursuit operation to track down the fleeing suspects.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to identify the rightful owners of the recovered cattle and reunite them with their livestock after the necessary verification process.
The operation, according to the sources, is part of sustained efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to combat cattle rustling, banditry and other forms of criminality across Plateau State and its adjoining areas.
Troops Arrest Suspected Ammunition Courier, Recover 29 Rounds of Live Ammunition in Taraba
Troops Arrest Suspected Ammunition Courier, Recover 29 Rounds of Live Ammunition in Taraba
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have arrested a suspected criminal and recovered 29 rounds of live ammunition during an operation in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 3:40 p.m. on July 20 by troops of the 6 Brigade deployed in Donga along Dema Road.
Items recovered from the suspect include 29 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, three mobile phones, a power bank, and ₦160,000 in cash.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly purchased the ammunition from an individual identified as Mr. Maga in Utile Community, also in Donga Local Government Area.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the alleged supplier and dismantle the network involved in the illegal arms and ammunition trade in the area.
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue, while the recovered ammunition and other exhibits have been secured.
Security authorities said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation MESA and 6 Brigade to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition and strengthen security across Taraba State.
Troops Intercept Motorcycles Bound for Terrorist Kingpin, Arrest Four Suspected Logistics Suppliers in Kebbi
Troops Intercept Motorcycles Bound for Terrorist Kingpin, Arrest Four Suspected Logistics Suppliers in Kebbi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intercepted a consignment of motorcycles allegedly destined for a notorious terrorist leader and arrested four suspected logistics suppliers in Kebbi State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 3:00 p.m. on July 19 by troops of the 8 General Task Force Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Walkam.
The sources said the troops intercepted a white commercial bus conveying 10 motorcycles along the Biu–Kangiwa Road in Arewa Dandi Local Government Area following credible intelligence.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the motorcycles were allegedly being transported for delivery to Mallam Gehowa, a suspected notorious terrorist kingpin operating in the Amogoro area.
During the operation, troops apprehended four suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, believed to be agents of the suspected kingpin, who had reportedly been mobilised to receive the motorcycles.
The suspects, along with the intercepted motorcycles and other recovered items, were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kebbi State for further investigation and prosecution.
Military sources said the interception is part of ongoing efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt terrorist logistics networks, deny criminal groups access to mobility assets, and dismantle support structures sustaining banditry and terrorism across the North-West.
Troops Rescue 10 Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle with Terrorists in Sokoto
Troops Rescue 10 Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle with Terrorists in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 10 kidnapped victims after engaging suspected terrorists in Gandi Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 5:00 p.m. on July 20 by troops of the 1 Brigade deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gandi in conjunction with members of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps (SSCGC).
The sources said the troops made contact with the terrorists at Badanma Village following actionable intelligence on their movement in the area.
During the ensuing firefight, the superior firepower of the security team forced the terrorists to flee, abandoning 10 kidnapped victims who were being held captive.
The victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety, while troops launched a pursuit operation to track down the fleeing terrorists.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects and dismantle their hideouts as part of sustained operations aimed at combating kidnapping and banditry across Sokoto State.
The sources added that the joint operation underscores the growing synergy between the Nigerian Army and the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps in enhancing security and protecting vulnerable communities under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
Troops Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Motorcycles After Repelling Terrorists in Sokoto
Troops Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Motorcycles After Repelling Terrorists in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued six kidnapped victims and recovered two motorcycles after repelling a terrorist attack on communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 11:25 a.m. on July 20 by troops of the 1 Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) Shagari and Sifawa.
The sources said the troops swiftly responded after receiving reports that suspected terrorists had attacked civilians in Wanke and Kaura villages.
On reaching the area, the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce firefight, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bush.
In their haste to escape the superior firepower of the troops, the terrorists abandoned six kidnapped victims, who were immediately rescued by the security forces.
The troops also recovered two motorcycles believed to have been used by the fleeing terrorists during the operation.
The rescued victims were evacuated to safety for medical evaluation and debriefing, while troops commenced pursuit operations to track down the fleeing suspects.
Military sources said the operation is part of sustained offensive efforts under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to deny terrorists freedom of action, rescue abducted civilians and restore security across communities in Sokoto State.
Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush in Kaduna, Recover AK-47 Rifle and Ammunition
Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush in Kaduna, Recover AK-47 Rifle and Ammunition
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have repelled a terrorist ambush and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a fighting patrol in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on July 20, when troops of the 2 Nigerian Mobile Force (2 NMF), operating within Sector 1 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, came under attack by suspected terrorists at Abrom Village.
The sources said the terrorists launched a surprise ambush on the patrol, but the troops responded with superior firepower, successfully fighting through the attack and forcing the assailants to retreat into the surrounding bush.
Following the encounter, the troops conducted exploitation of the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 50 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
No casualty was reported among the troops during the operation.
Military sources said follow-up operations are ongoing to track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping, adding that sustained fighting patrols and offensive operations remain critical to denying criminal elements freedom of action across Kaduna State under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
How 17 Brigade’s medical services are winning hearts in Katsina communities, as military provides free support to 2,500 patients
How 17 Brigade’s medical services are winning hearts in Katsina communities, as military provides free support to 2,500 patients
By Zagazola Makama
The 17 Brigade Nigerian Army Medical Centre in Katsina has emerged as a critical pillar of the Nigerian Army’s civil-military cooperation strategy, providing free healthcare services to thousands of soldiers, their families and residents of surrounding communities, while strengthening public confidence in the military through accessible and quality medical care.
The facility, which was recently toured by a delegation of Defence Correspondents as part of an assessment of the brigade’s non-kinetic operations, showcased the Army’s growing investment in community healthcare, specialist medical services and humanitarian interventions aimed at complementing kinetic operations against banditry and other security threats in Katsina State.
Leading journalists through the hospital, the Acting Commanding Officer of the 17 Brigade Medical Centre, Captain Kehinde Olakunle Ajose, said the medical facility has evolved far beyond its original mandate, transforming from a primary healthcare centre into a comprehensive medical institution awaiting accreditation by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to operate as a secondary healthcare facility.
According to him, the centre now delivers a broad spectrum of specialist medical services at no cost to patients, reflecting the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving the welfare of both its personnel and host communities.
“Basically, this is a primary healthcare centre. However, we recently completed an upgrade and have been assessed by the NHIA. We are now awaiting full accreditation to operate as a secondary healthcare facility,” Ajose said.
He explained that despite its current status, the hospital already functions like a secondary health institution, offering specialist consultations, surgical procedures, laboratory investigations, diagnostic imaging and emergency medical care.
He disclosed that the facility enjoys the support of consultants from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, who regularly conduct specialist clinics in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General Surgery, Radiology, Optometry and Paediatrics.
“We have consultants from the Federal Teaching Hospital who come here regularly to attend to patients. Virtually ten specialist departments have already been established and assessed,” he said.
Ajose noted that the hospital currently has between 60 and 65 personnel, comprising military medical staff, civilian employees and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), all working together to provide uninterrupted healthcare services.
One of the major attractions of the medical centre is its policy of providing completely free healthcare services.
According to Ajose, consultations, medications, laboratory investigations, surgeries and emergency treatments are offered without charge to military personnel, their dependants and residents of neighbouring communities.
“Everything we do here is free. From consultation to medications, laboratory services and surgeries, patients are not required to pay. The hospital serves both our personnel and members of our host communities,” he said.
He revealed that the facility receives between 2,500 and 2,800 patients every month, underscoring the confidence communities have developed in the hospital.
“Last month alone we attended to about 2,800 patients. Even in previous months, we have consistently recorded not less than 2,500 patients.”
The acting commanding officer said records of all patients treated are compiled monthly and forwarded to higher military authorities for monitoring and evaluation.
Ajose disclosed that one of the most significant achievements recorded by the hospital is its growing capacity to perform surgical procedures that previously required referrals.
Since becoming operational in September last year, the medical centre has successfully conducted nearly 40 surgical operations, including emergency surgeries involving civilians.
“For cases requiring special attention, we stabilise the patient, carry out surgery where necessary and transfer them to the general ward for post-operative care. Since September last year, we have carried out almost 40 successful surgeries.”
He recalled a recent emergency involving a civilian who was rushed into the hospital on a Sunday. “We immediately contacted one of our consultants, performed the surgery and the patient is doing very well.”
For highly specialised procedures beyond the hospital’s current capacity, Ajose said the facility maintains an effective referral relationship with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina.
“Whenever there are cases beyond the equipment available here, we refer them immediately. The consultants are always available, even at odd hours.”
The acting commanding officer also showcased the hospital’s diagnostic facilities, including fully functional ultrasound and X-ray equipment.
According to him, the availability of modern diagnostic equipment has drastically reduced the financial burden on patients who previously had to travel to private facilities for imaging investigations.
“All our machines are functional. The availability of ultrasound and X-ray services has greatly reduced the cost patients incur because we no longer refer them elsewhere.”
Where specialist interpretation becomes necessary, Ajose explained that radiologists attached to the Federal Teaching Hospital provide professional reporting of diagnostic results.
The Defence Correspondents also toured the hospital’s dental unit where military dental officers demonstrated the range of oral healthcare services available. The unit currently provides teeth restoration, scaling and polishing, preventive dental care, sterilisation procedures and routine oral examinations.
Medical personnel explained that emphasis is placed on preventive dentistry through early diagnosis and regular oral hygiene education.
“We focus more on prevention because preventing dental diseases is better than treating complications later.”
The hospital has equally established a modern Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department equipped with an audiometry suite and soundproof testing room.
The facility enables specialists to assess hearing sensitivity, diagnose hearing impairments and determine patients requiring hearing aids or surgical intervention.
Hospital officials disclosed that at least three successful ENT surgeries have already been carried out since the department commenced operations.Although ENT cases used to be uncommon, awareness has increased significantly and more patients now come for treatment.”
Another section visited by the correspondents was the physiotherapy department where rehabilitation exercises are conducted for recovering patients.
Officials explained that additional space had been created to improve physiotherapy services, enabling patients recovering from surgeries, fractures and musculoskeletal injuries to regain mobility more quickly.
The department plays a vital role in post-operative rehabilitation and long-term patient recovery.
In a departure from the traditional hospital environment, the medical centre has introduced a child-friendly design aimed at making young patients feel relaxed during treatment.
Hospital officials said portions of the facility are being redesigned to resemble playgrounds rather than conventional hospital wards.
“We want children to feel at home. Instead of seeing a frightening hospital environment, they should feel comfortable and relaxed.”
The initiative was applauded by members of the Defence Correspondents’ delegation as an innovative approach to improving patients’ psychological wellbeing.
The visitors also praised the hospital for maintaining exceptionally high standards of cleanliness.
Members of the delegation described the wards, consulting rooms and surrounding environment as neat, orderly and conducive for quality healthcare delivery. The cleanliness here is highly commendable. You hardly feel like you are inside a hospital,” one of the correspondents remarked.
Beyond medical services, the hospital has become one of the Nigerian Army’s most successful non-kinetic platforms for strengthening civil-military relations in Katsina State.
The free healthcare programme has continued to build trust between the Army and surrounding communities, complementing ongoing security operations across the state.
Such humanitarian interventions encourage greater community cooperation, improve information sharing and reinforce public confidence in the Armed Forces.
For the visiting Defence Correspondents, the tour provided a rare insight into an often overlooked dimension of military operations one where the Nigerian Army is not only fighting insecurity but also saving lives through accessible healthcare, specialist medical services and community-focused humanitarian interventions.
As the 17 Brigade Medical Centre awaits NHIA accreditation for secondary healthcare status, its expanding services continue to position it as one of the Nigerian Army’s flagship examples of how non-kinetic operations can foster both public health and national security.
Military Operations Revive Farming, Healthcare and Education Across Katsina
Military Operations Revive Farming, Healthcare and Education Across Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Beyond battlefield victories against terrorists and kidnappers, the Nigerian Army says its operations in Katsina State are increasingly restoring normal life to communities through healthcare interventions, school protection and support for farming activities.
Commander of the 17 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. M.I. Ibrahim, disclosed this while briefing Defense Correspondents during an operational tour of the brigade headquarters in Katsina on Tuesday.
According to him, military operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA combine kinetic and non-kinetic approaches designed to win public confidence while denying terrorists community support.
“The fight against insecurity is not only about eliminating terrorists. It is equally about restoring normalcy to communities, supporting livelihoods and rebuilding confidence among the people,” Ibrahim said.
He explained that the brigade has maintained farm protection patrols, enabling thousands of farmers to cultivate their lands safely during the current farming season.
“Our sustained patrols have given farmers the confidence to return to their farms. This will translate into improved food production and enhanced food security for Katsina State,” he added.
The commander noted that troops also conducted Main Supply Route (MSR) protection operations, ensuring the safety of motorists and preventing terrorists from blocking highways or abducting commuters.
According to him, security has equally been strengthened around schools, particularly during the recently concluded WAEC and NECO examinations.
He said troops provided round-the-clock protection for schools across vulnerable communities, resulting in increased school enrolment and uninterrupted academic activities.
In furtherance of the Army’s civil-military cooperation programme, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim disclosed that the brigade recently renovated and fully equipped the Natsinta Community Healthcare Centre in Jibia Local Government Area during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
The brigade also organised free medical outreaches for residents, distributed fertilisers to local farmers and provided specialised medical treatment, including an appendectomy for a civilian patient.
According to the commander, the Brigade Medical Centre at Natsinta continues to provide primary healthcare services to soldiers and surrounding communities and remains accredited under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
He disclosed that between January and June 2026, wounded soldiers received treatment at the medical centre, while 13 severely injured personnel were referred to the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, for specialised care.
Ibrahim stressed that humanitarian initiatives have strengthened trust between troops and local communities, resulting in improved intelligence sharing that has contributed to operational successes.
“The cooperation of communities has become one of our greatest strengths. Intelligence supplied by residents has helped us identify terrorist enclaves, rescue kidnapped victims and recover rustled livestock,” he said.
He reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to expanding civil-military projects, including medical outreach programmes, school protection initiatives and agricultural support to sustain peace across Katsina State.
17 Brigade Neutralises 79 Terrorists, Rescues 290 Kidnap Victims in Katsina Offensive — Commander
17 Brigade Neutralises 79 Terrorists, Rescues 290 Kidnap Victims in Katsina Offensive — Commander
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have significantly degraded terrorist networks across Katsina State, neutralising 79 bandits, rescuing 290 kidnapped victims and recovering over 2,200 rustled livestock during sustained operations in the first half of 2026.
The Commander of the Brigade, Brig.-Gen. M.I. Ibrahim, disclosed this while briefing Defense Correspondents on Tuesday during its operational tour of the brigade headquarters in Katsina.
According to him, the brigade has maintained relentless pressure on armed groups through intelligence-driven operations, coordinated air-ground assaults and close collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC).
“Our troops have continued to maintain an aggressive operational posture against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements. These efforts have produced measurable results and significantly reduced terrorist activities across our area of responsibility,” Ibrahim said.
The brigade commander revealed that between January and July 2026, troops neutralised 79 terrorists, arrested 18 terrorist collaborators, rescued 290 kidnapped victims, recovered 2,221 rustled livestock, seized 23 AK-47 rifles, 4 PKT machine guns, 528 rounds of PKT ammunition, 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 48 AK-47 magazines, and captured 74 motorcyclesused by criminal gangs.
According to operational statistics presented by the brigade, terrorist-related incidents dropped from 46 recorded attacks during the same period in 2025 to 38 incidents in 2026, representing a 17.39 per cent reduction.
Similarly, attempted attacks on isolated communities declined from 30 to 18, cattle rustling cases dropped from 45 to 30, while kidnapping incidents reduced from 49 to 32 within the review period.
Ibrahim attributed the improvements to sustained offensive operations that denied terrorists freedom of movement across frontline local government areas including Matazu, Musawa, Malumfashi, Danmusa, Kankara, Faskari, Funtua, Dandume and Sabuwa.
Among the major operations highlighted was an offensive launched on May 8, 2026, around Dikkawa in Matazu Local Government Area, where troops, supported by the KSCWC, overpowered terrorists hiding among rocky outcrops.
During the operation, troops killed two terrorists, recovered two AK-47 rifles, 15 magazines, ammunition, military equipment, 10 motorcycles, 26 livestock, and successfully rescued 32 kidnapped victims held inside terrorist camps.
Another intelligence-led raid carried out on June 22 at Ginchawa in Matazu resulted in the neutralisation of two more terrorists and the recovery of two PKT machine guns, an AK-47 magazine, 75 rounds of linked 7.62mm NATO ammunition, a Dane gun, motorcycles, communication equipment, livestock and camouflage uniforms.
The brigade commander also highlighted the success of Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, launched following the abduction of retired Major General R. Abubakar and his wife on May 30.
He said the coordinated operation involving 17 Brigade, 8 Division Special Forces, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other security agencies resulted in the recovery of the late general’s body, the rescue of his wife and several other kidnap victims, destruction of terrorist camps and logistics bases, as well as the recovery of weapons, communication gadgets and hundreds of rustled livestock.
On June 17, troops intercepted and recovered 318 rustled animals comprising 36 cattle, 280 sheep and two donkeys, while additional operations in Fafu Forest led to the rescue of another kidnapped victim held in chains and the destruction of more terrorist camps.
Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim said the brigade would sustain offensive operations until all criminal enclaves across Katsina State were dismantled.
“Our objective remains clear—to eliminate terrorist hideouts, rescue innocent citizens, restore public confidence and create a secure environment for socio-economic activities to flourish,” he said.
Troops Conduct Clearance Operations, Engage Communities to Prevent ISWAP Infiltration in Borno
Troops Conduct Clearance Operations, Engage Communities to Prevent ISWAP Infiltration in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have conducted a successful clearance operation across several communities in Borno State as part of sustained efforts to deny ISWAP terrorists freedom of action and prevent infiltration attacks on military locations.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 12:30 p.m. on July 21 by troops of the 212 Battalion in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The troops, mounted on three gun trucks, two CJTF gun trucks and three motorcycles, advanced into communities around Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) Gajigana and Tungushe following intelligence reports indicating possible ISWAP activities in the area.
During the operation, the troops cordoned and thoroughly searched buildings within the operational area but found no incriminating items. They also interacted with residents to gather intelligence on the activities and movements of suspected terrorists.
The clearance patrol covered Shotorom, Degemram and Kongolo villages, where the troops conducted extensive searches without making contact with any terrorist elements.
At the conclusion of the operation, the commanding officer addressed community and youth leaders, urging them not to allow terrorists to hide within their communities or use the areas as staging grounds for attacks against security forces.
Military sources described the operation as successful and hitch-free, noting that no casualties were recorded and the troops maintained high morale throughout the mission.
The sources added that similar clearance operations and fighting patrols would be sustained across the general area to deny ISWAP terrorists freedom of movement and consolidate security gains in the North-East.
Nigeria, Niger Military Cooperation Deepens Border Security in Katsina, Weakens Bandit Networks
Nigeria, Niger Military Cooperation Deepens Border Security in Katsina, Weakens Bandit Networks
By: Zagazola Makama
The growing security partnership between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger is emerging as a critical pillar in the fight against banditry and transnational crime along the countries’ shared border, with military authority in 17 Brigade Katsina, reporting improved operational outcomes through sustained collaboration.
The Commander of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army,, Brigadier General M.I. Ibrahim, said the strengthened cooperation between Nigerian troops and their counterparts in the Republic of Niger has significantly disrupted the activities of armed bandits and other criminal elements exploiting the porous international boundary.
Speaking while receiving a delegation of Defence Correspondents at the brigade headquarters in Katsina, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim described the bilateral military relationship as a practical demonstration of how regional cooperation can effectively address security threats that transcend national borders.
According to him, bandit groups have long exploited the vast forests and difficult terrain stretching across both countries to evade security operations, establish hideouts and launch attacks on communities.
However, he said the increasing level of intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols and operational collaboration between the two armed forces has considerably reduced the criminals’ freedom of movement.
He noted that the cooperation has not only improved surveillance along the border but has also strengthened the capacity of both countries to respond swiftly to emerging threats, making it increasingly difficult for criminal elements to use the international boundary as a safe haven.
“We have not recorded any incidents within the borders within the past six months,”he said.
The brigade commander explained that while military cooperation has yielded encouraging results, defeating banditry requires far more than kinetic operations. He stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through a comprehensive approach involving security agencies, intelligence organisations, government institutions, traditional leaders and local communities.
According to him, security operations must be complemented by improved governance, community engagement and socioeconomic interventions capable of addressing the conditions exploited by criminal groups.
Brig. Gen. Ibrahim said the ultimate objective of ongoing operations is to create a secure environment that will enable displaced residents to safely return to their communities, resume farming activities and rebuild their livelihoods without fear of attacks.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the 17 Brigade to sustaining offensive operations against criminal groups across Katsina State, including those responsible for the abduction of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, adding that troops remain determined to bring perpetrators to justice.
The commander also stressed the importance of maintaining close cooperation with security agencies, local vigilante groups and authorities in the Republic of Niger, describing regional collaboration as indispensable to overcoming the evolving security challenges confronting border communities.
Zagazola has consistently argued that insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West cannot be effectively addressed through isolated national efforts, as many armed groups operate across borders, taking advantage of shared forests, ethnic ties and difficult terrain.
This has made cross-border military cooperation increasingly important in denying criminal networks the space to regroup, recruit and launch attacks.
The renewed collaboration between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger is therefore being viewed as a strategic step towards enhancing regional stability, strengthening border security and restoring confidence among communities living along one of West Africa’s most vulnerable frontiers.
Military authorities maintain that with sustained bilateral cooperation, improved intelligence exchange and active community support, security forces are better positioned to dismantle cross-border criminal networks and consolidate the gains already recorded in the campaign against banditry and other transnational threats.
Brigade supports rural healthcare centre in Katsina, boosts immunisation and maternal services
Brigade supports rural healthcare centre in Katsina, boosts immunisation and maternal services
By Zagazola Makama
The 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, has continued to support healthcare delivery in rural communities of Katsina State through the provision of drugs, medical equipment and infrastructure to primary healthcare facilities.
Health workers at a supported clinic in Natsinta Village in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State disclosed to Defence Correspondents on Tuesday that the intervention by the brigade had significantly increased patient turnout and improved immunisation, maternal and child healthcare services.
The officer in charge of the clinic, Mrs. Hafsat Ailu, said the facility provides immunisation services for children, women of childbearing age and other vulnerable groups, including tetanus and diphtheria vaccination.
“Immunisation is being carried out here for children. Today, we are also administering tetanus and diphtheria vaccines for young children and women of childbearing age, including those within the 15 to 49 years age bracket,” she said.
She explained that the clinic attends to between 30 and 45 patients daily, with proper records maintained for all consultations, treatments and immunisation activities.
“We keep records here and later transfer them appropriately. We also use the consultation room for patient assessment and dispensing of drugs,” she added.
Ailu said the clinic’s improved performance was largely due to the support received from the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, which provided essential medical supplies and carried out renovation works at the facility.
According to her, the brigade supplied drugs, injections and hospital equipment, renovated sections of the clinic, constructed staff toilets, installed water storage facilities and provided other essential items.
“They supported us with drugs, injections, hospital equipment, built staff toilets, installed a water tank and provided other important things needed in the hospital. They also supplied bedsheets, curtains and renovated parts of the facility,” she said.
She added that the brigade also supported the facility with additional infrastructure, including a borehole and improvements to the intensive care unit.
The clinic officer noted that before the intervention, patient turnout was lower, but the availability of drugs and improved facilities encouraged more residents to seek medical care.
“After they provided the drugs and other support, the number of patients increased. Sometimes we receive more than 50 to 65 patients in a day,” she said.
However, she appealed for additional support from the local government authorities to complement the efforts of the military.
“We have not received support from the local government. Most of the support we are getting is from the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army,” she said.
The health workers said the collaboration between the military and the community had improved access to healthcare services, particularly for women and children in the area.
Katsina State is free from criminal activities and all forms of insecurity,” he said.
Also The Village Head of Natsinta, Alhaji Ibrahim Natsinta, commended the Commander of the 17 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. M. I. Ibrahim, for extending free healthcare services to the people, describing the intervention as a timely and life-saving initiative that has improved access to quality medical care in the community.
The traditional ruler said the community had repeatedly appealed for assistance from the local government without success, leaving residents to grapple with inadequate healthcare services. According to him, the intervention by the Nigerian Army filled a critical gap and has become “a lifesaver” for the people.
He noted that beyond strengthening security, the brigade had demonstrated genuine concern for the welfare of civilians through its civil-military cooperation programmes.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Habiba Sani, who received antenatal care at the facility, expressed appreciation to the 17 Brigade for the free medical services. She said the intervention spared her the hardship and cost of travelling to distant hospitals for routine care.
“The services are completely free, and we are very excited. It has saved us a lot of stress because we no longer have to go elsewhere for antenatal treatment,” she said.
COAS tasks Army Aviation to intensify operations for total defeat of terrorists, bandits
COAS tasks Army Aviation to intensify operations for total defeat of terrorists, bandits
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has directed personnel of the Nigerian Army Aviation to intensify air operations aimed at the total defeat of bandits and terrorists threatening Nigeria’s security.
The COAS gave the directive on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Coordinator’s Residence and newly constructed accommodation for officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army Aviation at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described air power as a critical component of modern warfare and counter-insurgency operations, stressing that the Army Aviation Corps remains indispensable in intelligence, surveillance, troop deployment, medical evacuation, and precision strike missions.
He charged the personnel to maximise the use of available air platforms to dominate the airspace and deny terrorists and bandits freedom of movement.
“Your platforms must be used to dominate the airspace and deny bandits and terrorists freedom of action. I challenge you to ensure the total annihilation of these enemies of the state so that Nigerians can live in peace,” the COAS said.
Shaibu noted that the provision of new accommodation for Army Aviation personnel was in line with the Nigerian Army’s “Soldier First” policy, aimed at improving troops’ welfare, boosting morale, and enhancing operational effectiveness.
He urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the investment through dedication, professionalism, and decisive operational outcomes across all theatres of operation.
The Army Chief also commended the Directorate of Procurement for the timely completion of the project and reaffirmed the commitment of Army Headquarters to equipping the Aviation Corps with modern platforms and infrastructure to effectively discharge its mandate.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Aviation Command, Brig.-Gen. Al-Amin Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the COAS for his leadership and commitment to personnel welfare.
He said the commissioning of the residences demonstrated the Army leadership’s resolve to strengthen the Aviation Command while advancing the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a highly professional, welfare-driven, and operationally effective force capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
Troops arrest six suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, intercept 10 motorcycles bound for terrorist kingpin in Kebbi
Troops arrest six suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, intercept 10 motorcycles bound for terrorist kingpin in Kebbi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested six suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and intercepted 10 brand-new motorcycles allegedly destined for a notorious terrorist leader during an intelligence-led operation in Kebbi State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted on July 20 along the Biu–Kangiwa axis in Arewa Local Government Area as part of ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations.
The sources said troops intercepted a white commercial bus conveying 10 brand-new Honda motorcycles packaged in cartons and arrested two suspects identified as Salisu Mohammad, 35, and Bashir Musa, 36.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the motorcycles were allegedly being transported for delivery to a notorious terrorist figure identified as Mallam Gehowa, believed to be operating around the Amogoro axis.
Acting on the intelligence obtained during the arrest, the troops immediately launched a follow-up operation, leading to the arrest of four additional suspects who were allegedly sent by the terrorist syndicate to receive the motorcycles.
The operation was carried out without resistance or casualties.
The six suspects, the 10 motorcycles, and the commercial bus used for the transportation of the consignment have since been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kebbi State for further investigation and prosecution.
Military authorities described the operation as a significant disruption of a logistics network supporting terrorist activities in the North-West, reaffirming that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to denying criminal groups access to mobility, supplies, and other operational resources.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist spy linked to earlier ISWAP suspect in Borno
Troops arrest suspected terrorist spy linked to earlier ISWAP suspect in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected terrorist spy linked to an earlier arrested ISWAP suspect during an intelligence-led operation in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest was made at about 1:30 p.m. on July 20 by troops of the 19 Brigade following actionable intelligence obtained from Muhammad Mustapha, a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP member arrested by troops of the 403 Amphibious Brigade in Baga on July 17.
According to the sources, the newly arrested suspect, identified as Sheriff Modu, was tracked and apprehended after investigations revealed his alleged links to Muhammad Mustapha.
The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation by operatives of the 19 Military Intelligence Regiment (19 MIR) at Cross Kauwa as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist intelligence and support networks operating in the Lake Chad region.
Military sources said investigations are continuing to identify other members of the network and their roles in supporting terrorist activities across the North-East.
Troops establish Forward Operating Base in Katsina community to strengthen anti-bandit operations
Troops establish Forward Operating Base in Katsina community to strengthen anti-bandit operations
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian military has established a new Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Sayaya, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, as part of ongoing efforts to intensify operations against banditry and facilitate the safe return of displaced residents.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the Forward Operating Base was established by Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA following persistent attacks by armed bandits that forced residents to flee the community.
According to the sources, the deployment is aimed at denying terrorists and bandits the use of Sayaya as a staging ground for attacks and a logistics corridor to their enclaves, many of which were destroyed during Operation CLEAN SWEEP III.
The establishment of the base is expected to enhance troop dominance in the area, improve security, and enable sustained offensive operations against criminal elements operating within Sayaya and surrounding communities.
Military authorities expressed optimism that the increased security presence would restore public confidence and create conditions for displaced families to return to their ancestral homes and resume farming and other socio-economic activities.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across Katsina State and the wider North-West region, stressing that troops would continue aggressive operations to eliminate banditry and other security threats.
The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations.
Airstrike destroys terrorist hideout, neutralises occupants in Borno
Airstrike destroys terrorist hideout, neutralises occupants in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI has carried out a precision airstrike on a suspected terrorist hideout in Borno State, destroying the structure and neutralising all occupants, intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama.
The strike was executed in the early hours of July 20 after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets identified suspicious terrorist activities around KLA Balia, located in the Lake Chad region.
According to the sources, the ISR platform, codenamed GUARDIAN, established overhead surveillance at about 5:35 a.m. before confirming the target.
Following positive identification, the aircraft conducted a precision strike on the suspected terrorist hideout.
Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) conducted immediately after the strike indicated that the building was completely destroyed and engulfed in flames, with all suspected terrorists inside believed to have been neutralised.
The aircraft remained on station briefly to monitor the target area before returning to base after completing the mission.
Military sources said the operation formed part of sustained air interdiction efforts aimed at degrading terrorist infrastructure and denying insurgents freedom of movement across the North-East.
Troops arrest five suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, seize concealed medical supplies in Borno
Troops arrest five suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, seize concealed medical supplies in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested five suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and intercepted large consignments of concealed medical supplies and other items during a routine checkpoint operation in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were arrested at about 1:30 p.m. on July 20 by troops of the 112 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with the Vigilante Force (VF) at Mafa Checkpoint 2.
The suspects were identified as Mustapha Bukar, 47; Modio Mohammed, 44; Sale Usman, 21; Abubakar Makita, 19; and Abubakar Mohammed, 19.
According to the sources, the suspects were intercepted while transporting 491 cartons of Albe Stark 2.5% dewormer and 100 cartons of multivitamin injections for animals without any waybill or supporting documentation.
A further search of the vehicles led to the discovery of additional medical supplies concealed in the trucks, including 32 cartons of Diclofenac Sodium Injection, 58 cartons of Benzylpenicillin Sodium BP, six cartons of Dexamethasone Injection, and 51 cartons of Metronidazole Intravenous Infusion.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the products were loaded from the Bolori Store Market in Maiduguri and were purportedly destined for a vendor in N’Djamena, Chad Republic.
However, intelligence obtained from the suspects indicated that the medical supplies concealed in one of the trucks were to be transloaded into another vehicle at a pre-arranged location near the Nigeria–Chad border.
The items were being transported in a blue Mandizer truck with registration number SUL 969 XA and a white HOWO truck bearing registration number 09B280BO, belonging to the Borno State Government.
During the operation, troops also recovered 30 units of 80-inch LG plasma televisions, 152 empty Bagco sacks, and seven mobile phones.
The suspects are currently in the custody of the 24 Task Force Brigade for further investigation, while the two trucks have been impounded pending further action.
Security sources said investigations are ongoing to determine the intended recipients of the consignments and establish any possible links between the suspects and terrorist logistics networks operating in the North-East.
Army commander advocates whole-of-society approach to end insecurity, vows sustained offensive against General Rabe’s abductors
Army commander advocates whole-of-society approach to end insecurity, vows sustained offensive against General Rabe’s abductors
By Zagazola Makama
The Commander of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Katsina, Brig.-Gen. M. I. Ibrahim, has stressed that defeating banditry and other security threats in Nigeria requires a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, saying the military alone cannot win the fight without the active support of other institutions and citizens.
The brigade commander stated this while receiving a delegation Defence Correspondents at the Headquarters of the 17 Brigade in Katsina.
Ibrahim said security remained a collective responsibility, with every segment of society expected to contribute towards restoring lasting peace across the country.
“The Nigerian Army can only play its own role. To effectively tackle insurgency, banditry and other forms of insecurity, we must adopt a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. Every security agency, intelligence organisation, government institution and indeed every citizen has a responsibility to play,” he said.
Drawing from his experience in previous operations, including Operation Safe Haven, the commander noted that military successes were only possible through coordinated efforts among the armed forces, intelligence agencies, law enforcement organisations, correctional services and local communities.
He explained that while the Army’s primary responsibility was to confront and neutralise armed criminals, intelligence gathering, law enforcement, prosecution, community engagement and governance were equally critical to defeating insecurity.
According to him, improved collaboration among stakeholders would not only weaken criminal networks but also create conditions for displaced communities to safely return to their ancestral homes, resume farming and commercial activities, and rebuild sustainable livelihoods.
The commander also reaffirmed the brigade’s determination to sustain pressure on bandits operating in Katsina State, particularly those involved in the abduction of retired Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Rabe.
He recalled that the abduction of the retired general was one of the brigade’s most challenging moments over the past six months, attracting intense public attention and operational pressure.
Despite the challenges, Ibrahim said troops responded professionally, leading to the rescue of the retired general’s wife and several other kidnapped victims, while inflicting heavy losses on the criminal groups.
“The terrorists have been put on the back foot, and they remain on the back foot. We will leave no stone unturned in tracking those responsible. We are not relenting until every one of them is brought to justice,” he said.
He commended the visiting counter-terrorism team for promoting balanced reporting on military operations, noting that objective narratives highlighting the sacrifices and achievements of security personnel were essential in strengthening public confidence and national resilience.
He noted that their efforts had helped highlight the sacrifices and successes of the Armed Forces of Nigeria beyond the negative headlines that often dominate public discourse.
He encouraged the team to remain steadfast despite criticism, describing their work as a valuable contribution to national security and public enlightenment.
On the broader fight against insecurity, Ibrahim stressed that military operations alone could not end terrorism and banditry, calling for a comprehensive whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
According to him, every institution and every citizen has a role to play in restoring peace, as security is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the battlefield.
Ibrahim reiterated that the 17 Brigade would continue to intensify operations across Katsina State while working closely with other security agencies, government institutions and local communities to ensure that criminal elements were eliminated and lasting peace restored.
He added that sustained cooperation would not only neutralise criminal elements but also create conditions for displaced communities to safely return to their ancestral homes, resume farming and other economic activities, and rebuild their livelihoods.
The brigade commander reaffirmed the commitment of the 17 Brigade to intensifying operations across Katsina State until criminal elements were eliminated and lasting peace restored.
“We are determined to do more. We will redouble our efforts to ensure Katsina State is free from criminal activities and all forms of insecurity,” he said.
DSS Set To Appeal Life Sentence On Ansaru Terror Commanders *Seeks Maximum Penalty On Behalf of Murdered Oriire Teachers
DSS Set To Appeal Life Sentence On Ansaru Terror Commanders
*Seeks Maximum Penalty On Behalf of Murdered Oriire Teachers
By: Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to appeal Monday's life sentence handed two top commanders of the Ansaru Terror organization by a Federal High Court, Abuja.
Justice Emeka Nwite had, shortly after Mahmud Usman, a.k.a Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar, the self-styled Emir of Ansaru; and Abubakar Abba, a.k.a Mahmud al-Nigeri/Malam Mamuda, pleaded guilty to all the 32-count charges against them, sentence both men to life imprisonment.
However, a top official of the Service, said they considered the life sentence as too light a punishment for the crimes allegedly committed by the Ansaru commanders.
The official said the Service found it curious that, both convicts were on the verge of pleading guilty to the charges, but changed their minds shortly after some persons believed to be members of the same Ansaru organization kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State.
"For the nearly 60 days the kidnappers held on to the pupils and teachers of Oriire, the Ansaru commanders in our custody changed. One of the top conditions the abductors gave was the unconditional release of these same Ansaru commanders in exchange for the Oriire kidnap victims," he said.
"From 'not guilty plea,' the two men at the penultimate court session, said they were undecided on what plea to take. Justice Nwite even had to hand them an ultimatum to make up their minds on or before Monday's sitting. After the Oriire rescue, they came to court to plead guilty to all the charges," he added.
According to the top official, allowing the two terror commanders walk away with life sentences would not serve the cause of justice for the two Oriire teachers beheaded by their abductors.
"The reason the terrorists beheaded the two Oriire teachers was to put pressure on government to release these two Ansaru commanders. It, therefore, wouldn't be fair to see two men beheaded and their families are made to live with the losses without adequately bringing the culpits to book," he declared
Lagos police arrest 147 suspected hoodlums in statewide ‘Operation Ko Si Aye’ sweep
Lagos police arrest 147 suspected hoodlums in statewide ‘Operation Ko Si Aye’ sweep
By: Zagazola Makama
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 147 suspected hoodlums during a statewide crackdown on criminal elements under the ongoing boundary sweep operation, codenamed “Operation Ko Si Aye.”
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, which entered Phase III on Saturday, July 19, was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and conducted across various parts of Lagos State.
The operation commenced at about 6:00 a.m. as part of sustained efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and strengthen public safety.
During the exercise, officers arrested a total of 147 suspects and recovered unspecified exhibits believed to be connected to criminal activities.
The suspects are currently in police custody undergoing profiling, while investigations are ongoing. The command said they would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Police arrest five suspects over attempted murder, public disturbance in Ogun
Police arrest five suspects over attempted murder, public disturbance in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
Police have arrested five suspects over the alleged attempted murder of a resident and disturbance of public peace in Ipara Community, Ogun State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on July 18 after the Baale of Ipara Community, Chief Bolaji Olabode, reported that a group of youths had been causing unrest and attacked one Joel Olabide with a cutlass.
Acting on the report, a team of police officers was immediately deployed to the scene, where they arrested five suspects identified as Odunayo Afolabi, 17; Biola Bamgbose, 37; Michael Kosoko, 32; Aina Amos Edun, 32; and Kehinde Omolade, 22. Other suspects reportedly fled before the arrival of the police.
The victim was rescued and rushed to a hospital for treatment, while normalcy has since been restored to the community.
Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while investigation into the incident is in progress.
Police recover 26 stolen cows after foiling rustling attempt in Ogun
Police recover 26 stolen cows after foiling rustling attempt in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have recovered 26 cows stolen by suspected cattle rustlers during an early morning operation in the Ode-Remo axis of the state.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported at about 3:15 a.m. on July 18 after the owner of the cattle, Adewale Ogungbe, alerted the police that unknown armed men had invaded his yard and stolen 26 cows.
The Divisional Police Officer and a patrol team were immediately mobilised to the scene, where they gathered that the suspects had earlier, at about 1:30 a.m., breached part of the perimeter fence, herded the cattle into the bush and fled.
Police, assisted by the cattle rearer, pursued the suspects, forcing them to abandon all the stolen cows in the bush around the Ode-Remo axis before escaping.
All 26 cows were recovered without loss and returned to the owner’s yard. The livestock were subsequently released to the owner after due documentation, while efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Six children killed, three others survive lightning strike in Adamawa
Six children killed, three others survive lightning strike in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Six children were killed while three others survived after a lightning strike hit a groundnut farm during a heavy rainstorm in Ganye Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Saturday at Dadiri Village, where a group of people were working on a groundnut farm belonging to one Musa Maude when they were struck by lightning following hours of heavy rainfall.
The incident was reported to the Ganye Police Station by the Chairman of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Ganye, Mallam Salau Iliya.
The Divisional Police Officer immediately led a team to the scene, where nine victims were found unconscious. Three later regained consciousness, while six others were rushed to the Cottage Hospital in Ganye, where they were confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
The deceased were identified as Aliyu Suleiman, 10; Jafar Suleiman, 8; Abdurrahman Musa, 7; Bilkisu Jibrilla, 10; Musa Ahmadu, 9; and Auwalu Nuhu, 11.
The bodies of the victims have been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy, while the State Criminal Investigation Department has commenced a discreet investigation into the incident.
The tragedy has thrown the Dadiri community into mourning as residents grapple with the devastating loss of the children.
Police arrest 57-year-old man with locally made Beretta pistol, ammunition in Taraba
Police arrest 57-year-old man with locally made Beretta pistol, ammunition in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Taraba State Police Command have arrested a 57-year-old man for allegedly being in possession of a locally made Beretta pistol and ammunition in a crackdown on illegal firearms.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, Alhaji Ibrahim, was apprehended in the late hours of July 18 by police officers attached to the Amar Outstation of the Old Muri Division while on a joint patrol with local hunters.
During the operation, officers recovered a locally made Beretta-style pistol and 12 rounds of ammunition from the suspect.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly told investigators that he acquired the firearm for self-defence.
Police authorities have transferred the suspect and the recovered exhibits to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for further investigation.
The command said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and strengthen security across the state.
Police foil kidnap, rescue teenage victim after gun battle with bandits in Katsina
Police foil kidnap, rescue teenage victim after gun battle with bandits in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command have rescued a 16-year-old kidnapped girl after foiling an attempted abduction and cattle rustling operation by suspected armed bandits along the boundary between Funtua and Dandume Local Government Areas.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed credible intelligence received at about 2:00 a.m. on July 19 indicating that a group of suspected bandits was attempting to move across the Funtua–Dandume axis with rustled livestock.
Acting on the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of the Central Police Station, Funtua, led an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) tactical patrol team to the area, where officers strategically blocked suspected escape routes and intercepted the armed suspects.
A prolonged gun battle ensued, forcing the bandits to flee into the bush with suspected gunshot wounds, while the rustled livestock scattered in different directions.
During the operation, the tactical team rescued Hafiza Rabiu, 16, of Babban Gida Village in Danja Local Government Area, who was found unharmed. Preliminary investigation revealed that she had earlier been abducted from her community.
The victim was taken to the General Hospital, Funtua, for medical evaluation.
Police said aggressive bush-combing and clearance operations are ongoing to recover the scattered livestock and track down the fleeing suspects. Investigation into the incident is also continuing.
Police arrest five suspected kidnappers, recover operational vehicle in Rivers
Police arrest five suspected kidnappers, recover operational vehicle in Rivers
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested five suspected kidnappers and recovered their operational vehicle following the abduction of a 35-year-old woman in Rukpokwu, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim, Mrs. Jane Ikechukwu, was abducted at about 9:00 p.m. on July 11 from her shop along SARS Road, Rukpokwu, by armed men operating in a white mini-bus.
Following a report by her husband, Mr. Ikechukwu Ikeora, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) launched an investigation and tracked the suspects using intelligence generated from the kidnappers’ activities.
The operation culminated in the arrest of five suspects during coordinated raids that began on July 17 after the payment of a negotiated ransom into an account allegedly linked to the kidnappers.
The suspects were identified as Owhor Chinedu, 42; Isaac Orkuw, 33; Joe Kamachi Stanley, 21; Maduabuchi Emeka, also known as “Doctor,” 43, all from Omoku, and Isioto Junior Waribok, 30, from Andoni Local Government Area.
Police also recovered a white mini-bus allegedly used by the gang during the kidnapping operation.
The victim was released by the abductors on the same day and was taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment.
Sources said the suspects have confessed to their alleged involvement in the crime during interrogation.
Police added that efforts are ongoing to arrest two other members of the gang still at large and recover the weapons allegedly used during the operation. Investigations are continuing.
Security expert urges stricter enforcement to curb farmer-herder clashes in FCT
Security expert urges stricter enforcement to curb farmer-herder clashes in FCT
By: Zagazola Makama
Security expert and military veteran, Dr. Luqman Gidado, has called for stricter enforcement of existing laws to address the recent surge in farmer-herder clashes across satellite communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking during a radio interview, Gidado said the protection of lives and property must remain the top priority, urging authorities to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the law, irrespective of whether they are farmers or herders.
He noted that the recurring clashes extend beyond incidents of crop destruction and cattle rustling, warning that they pose a serious threat to peaceful coexistence, community stability and public safety.
The security expert commended the FCT Commissioner of Police for intensifying security patrols across Abuja and its satellite communities, as well as engaging Fulani community leaders, including Ardos, and other stakeholders in efforts to reduce tensions and prevent violence.
Gidado urged the FCT Police Command to sustain the proactive measures through continuous community engagement, intelligence-led policing and impartial enforcement of the law, stressing that lasting peace could only be achieved through fairness, dialogue and accountability.
He also called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing violence and strengthening public safety across the FCT.
How Social Media Is Fueling Fear, Ethnic Tension and Security Risks in Nigeria
How Social Media Is Fueling Fear, Ethnic Tension and Security Risks in Nigeria
By: Zagazola Makama
Social media has evolved from a platform for communication into one of the most powerful tools for shaping public perception. While it has expanded access to information and civic engagement, security experts warn that it is increasingly being exploited by malicious actors to spread disinformation, incite violence and deepen existing divisions across Nigeria.
Against the backdrop of terrorism, banditry, communal conflicts and separatist agitations, viral videos and manipulated narratives can travel across the country within minutes, often reaching millions of users before authorities have an opportunity to verify or refute their claims. The consequences can be immediate, ranging from public panic and ethnic profiling to retaliatory attacks and the diversion of security resources.
Recent examples illustrate how social media is being weaponized to manipulate public sentiment. One widely circulated video portrays the seasonal movement of Fulani pastoralist communities across parts of Nigeria as evidence of forced displacement allegedly caused by threats from ethnic groups, government authorities and security agencies. Although the movement of pastoralists during the rainy season is a long-established and legitimate practice, the accompanying narrative presents it as targeted persecution.
Zagazola warn that framing routine seasonal migration as ethnic victimization has the potential to inflame tensions, reinforce stereotypes and provoke reprisals against innocent communities. Similar grievance-based narratives have previously been exploited by extremist organizations across the Sahel to fuel recruitment and justify violence.
Another viral video claims to show Boko Haram fighters operating in Nigeria’s Southeast, with armed individuals threatening attacks against Christians, particularly members of the Igbo ethnic group.
However, Zagazola who reviewed the footage exposed several inconsistencies, including linguistic anomalies, the absence of identifiable insurgent insignia and other characteristics that differ from Boko Haram’s known communication methods and operational style.
The assessment is that the video was likely produced by individuals seeking to spread fear and misinformation rather than by the terrorist group it claims to represent. Such fabricated content can create widespread panic, distort public understanding of security threats and potentially influence the deployment of security resources based on false intelligence.
Both videos demonstrate how genuine events can be manipulated and fabricated narratives manufactured to achieve political, ethnic or criminal objectives. By exploiting existing fears and social divisions, such campaigns can undermine national cohesion, erode confidence in public institutions and complicate efforts by security agencies to respond effectively to genuine threats.
The growing sophistication of online disinformation also presents a significant challenge for law enforcement and policymakers. False narratives often spread faster than official responses, allowing misleading information to shape public opinion before verified facts become available.
Addressing the challenge requires more than content removal. It demands continuous monitoring of emerging online narratives, rapid dissemination of verified information by government institutions, stronger collaboration between security agencies and technology platforms, and sustained public education on identifying and reporting misleading content.
Zagazola also emphasize the need for citizens to exercise caution before sharing unverified videos or messages, noting that every repost of false or inflammatory content contributes to the wider circulation of disinformation and may unintentionally aid those seeking to destabilize communities.
Nigeria continues to confront multiple security challenges, the information space has become another critical battlefield. Zagazola warn that while terrorists and criminal groups operate on the ground, coordinated disinformation campaigns operating online can be equally damaging by spreading fear, provoking violence and weakening public trust.
MACBAN condemns killing of three herders by Berom Militia in Plateau, demands impartial probe
MACBAN condemns killing of three herders by Berom Militia in Plateau, demands impartial probe
By: Zagazola Makama
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State Chapter, Alh. Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, has condemned the killing of three young herders and the injury of two others during an attack around Tanjol village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, The Chairman of MACBAN Babayo said the victims were grazing their cattle when they came under attack between 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on July 19.
The deceased were identified as Abdurrazak Abdullahi (22), Husaini Idris (23), and Yusuf Tukur (19), while Ayuba Adam and Sadi Adamu sustained injuries. He also said one cow was killed and another suffered gunshot wounds during the incident.
The MACBAN chairman extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Babayo expressed concern over what he described as conflicting accounts of the incident, urging the public to refrain from drawing conclusions before the completion of official investigations.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), Operation Enduring Peace and other relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent and independent investigation to establish the facts surrounding the attack and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The MACBAN chairman also cautioned against public statements that appear to assign blame before investigations are concluded, warning that such narratives could heighten tensions, inflame emotions and undermine ongoing peace and security efforts in Plateau State.
He stressed that the recurring cycle of violence in the state requires justice, dialogue and accountability from all parties, adding that lasting peace can only be achieved through respect for the rule of law and equal protection for all citizens, regardless of ethnic or religious background.
Babayo urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and refrain from reprisals while investigations into the incident continue.
Woman’s body found in sack at Plateau refuse dump, police launch investigation
Woman’s body found in sack at Plateau refuse dump, police launch investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
The body of a young woman was discovered inside a sack at a refuse dump in the Angwan Durun-Uwa community of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, in a development that has shocked residents.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim was later identified by relatives and acquaintances as Aliyah.
The discovery prompted residents to alert security agencies, following which personnel of the Plateau State Police Command visited the scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Some residents alleged that the killing was carried out by suspected Fulani militia. However, this claim has not been independently verified, and security authorities have not attributed responsibility for the crime.
The victim’s body has been evacuated, while investigators are working to determine the cause of death and identify those responsible.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage in the community, with residents calling for a thorough investigation and the swift arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
Three herders killed, two injured in alleged attack by Berom militia in Plateau community
Three herders killed, two injured in alleged attack by Berom militia in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Three young herders were killed and two others injured in an alleged attack by suspected Berom militia in Tanjol village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Sunday.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims were grazing their cattle between 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. when they came under attack by armed assailants.
The deceased were identified as Abdurrazak Abdullahi, 22; Husaini Idris, 23; and Yusuf Tukur, 19, while Ayuba Adam and Sadi Adamu sustained injuries and were evacuated for medical treatment.
Sources said one cow was killed while another sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.
The attack has heightened tension in the area, with calls for security agencies to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings and bring those responsible to justice.
Gunmen abduct resident in Plateau village despite troops’ swift response
Gunmen abduct resident in Plateau village despite troops’ swift response
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected kidnappers have abducted a resident from his home in Dong village, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, despite the swift response of security forces.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 3 under Operation Enduring Peace responded at about 12:30 a.m. on July 19 after receiving reports of sporadic gunfire in the community.
On arrival, the troops discovered that unidentified armed men had already abducted a resident from his residence before fleeing the area.
The sources said troops immediately launched efforts to trail the attackers and intensify patrols in the surrounding communities to facilitate the victim’s rescue and apprehend those responsible.
Military authorities said security operations have been heightened across the area as investigations continue into the incident.
Troops launch search after resident abducted in Plateau community
Troops launch search after resident abducted in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have launched a search operation following the abduction of a resident in Agingi village, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 11:23 p.m. on July 18 after receiving a distress report of a kidnapping in the community.
The sources said troops immediately exploited the surrounding area in an effort to rescue the victim and intercept the abductors, but no contact was made with the fleeing gunmen.
Military authorities said efforts are ongoing to locate the kidnappers and secure the safe rescue of the victim, while security patrols have been intensified across the Bassa axis to prevent further criminal activities.
Troops recover 12 suspected rustled cattle, return them to slain herder’s family in Plateau
Troops recover 12 suspected rustled cattle, return them to slain herder’s family in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have recovered 12 cattle suspected to have been rustled and returned them to the family of a slain herder in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the recovery was made at about 4:00 p.m. on July 18 during a clearance operation in Kwakwalaji village.
The sources said the cattle were identified as belonging to a herder who was recently killed in the area. Following the recovery, the animals were formally handed over to the deceased herder’s father.
Military authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb cattle rustling and other criminal activities while restoring confidence among communities affected by insecurity in Plateau State.
They added that troops will continue to sustain clearance operations and patrols across vulnerable areas to protect lives, property and livelihoods.
Troops recover 12 suspected rustled cattle, return them to slain herder’s family in Plateau
Troops recover 12 suspected rustled cattle, return them to slain herder’s family in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have recovered 12 cattle suspected to have been rustled and returned them to the family of a slain herder in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the recovery was made at about 4:00 p.m. on July 18 during a clearance operation in Kwakwalaji village.
The sources said the cattle were identified as belonging to a herder who was recently killed in the area. Following the recovery, the animals were formally handed over to the deceased herder’s father.
Military authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb cattle rustling and other criminal activities while restoring confidence among communities affected by insecurity in Plateau State.
They added that troops will continue to sustain clearance operations and patrols across vulnerable areas to protect lives, property and livelihoods.
Troops arrest suspected intruder in Katsina, hand him over to police
Troops arrest suspected intruder in Katsina, hand him over to police
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 171 Battalion have arrested a suspected intruder following a distress call from residents of Dan-Nakola community in Daura Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 5:00 p.m. on July 18 after residents reported the presence of a suspicious individual in the community.
The sources said the suspect was apprehended without incident and, during preliminary questioning, claimed to be a native of Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force in Daura for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Military authorities said the prompt response reflects the continued collaboration between security agencies and local communities in preventing criminal activities and maintaining security across the North-West.
Troops foil terrorists’ movement along Funtua–Gusau road in Zamfara
Troops foil terrorists’ movement along Funtua–Gusau road in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Brigade Combat Team have disrupted the movement of suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, deployed under the 7 Mobility force, responded to credible intelligence at about 7:21 p.m. on July 18 indicating the presence of armed terrorists around Gidan Giye.
The sources said the troops swiftly mobilised to the area and successfully denied the terrorists freedom of movement along the Funtua–Gusau road corridor, forcing the criminals to withdraw before they could carry out any attack.
No casualties were recorded during the operation.
Military authorities said the patrol formed part of ongoing offensive operations aimed at dominating key routes and preventing terrorist and bandit activities across the Tsafe axis and other parts of Zamfara State.
Troops repel terrorist attack on Zamfara military base, secure Sokoto–Gusau highway
Troops repel terrorist attack on Zamfara military base, secure Sokoto–Gusau highway
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have repelled an attempted attack by suspected terrorists on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Mayanchi in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists, riding on motorcycles, attempted to infiltrate and attack the military position at about 5:05 p.m. on July 18.
The sources said troops at the base swiftly engaged the attackers, while reinforcement troops from Forward Operating Base Fangaltama were deployed to support the defence of the position.
The coordinated response forced the terrorists to abandon the attack and retreat without breaching the military camp.
Military sources said the successful defence of the base also ensured the continued security of the strategic Sokoto–Gusau Main Supply Route (MSR), preventing any disruption to military and civilian movement along the corridor.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to deny terrorists freedom of action and maintain pressure on armed groups operating across Zamfara State.
Troops arrest fake military impostors accused of extorting miners in Nasarawa
Troops arrest fake military impostors accused of extorting miners in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested two suspected criminals, including a dismissed Ordinary Seaman, for allegedly impersonating security personnel and extorting local miners in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 8:00 p.m. on July 18 during a night patrol by troops deployed in Lafia.
The sources said the troops intercepted the suspects at Anguwan Kwano in the Kure area of Kokona LGA following intelligence on their activities.
Preliminary investigation indicated that one of the suspects is a former Ordinary Seaman, who, alongside a civilian accomplice, allegedly posed as serving security personnel to extort money from miners operating in the area.
Items recovered from the suspects included one locally made pistol, two rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, ₦42,000 in cash believed to be proceeds of the alleged extortion, and other sundry items.
The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation, while military authorities said the operation underscores ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities and protect communities from individuals impersonating security personnel.
Troops respond to attack on Benue community, evacuate injured resident
Troops respond to attack on Benue community, evacuate injured resident
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have responded to an attack by suspected armed assailants on residents of Azebiam community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, deployed at Kyado, were mobilised at about 3:23 p.m. on July 18 following a distress call reporting an attack on the community.
According to the sources, by the time the troops arrived, the attackers had fled after shooting a resident.
The injured victim was immediately evacuated by the troops to the Primary Health Centre in Kyado, where he is receiving medical treatment.
Military authorities said troops have continued to dominate the general area and intensify patrols to forestall further attacks and track down those responsible for the incident. They urged residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist during operation in Benue
Troops arrest suspected terrorist during operation in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested a suspected terrorist during a security operation in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 9:00 a.m. on July 18 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Otukpo.
The sources said the arrest was made at Amula community during ongoing operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements and dismantling their hideouts in the area.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing preliminary investigation to establish his identity, possible affiliations and level of involvement in criminal activities.
Military authorities said troops have continued to sustain offensive operations and intelligence-driven patrols across Benue State to deny armed groups freedom of movement and enhance security in vulnerable communities.
Beyond the Rescue: Lessons from the Oyo Operation
Beyond the Rescue: Lessons from the Oyo Operation
By Samuel Aruwan
Several months ago, I argued that one of the surest ways to degrade terrorist organisations is to deny them time and space. Terrorist groups thrive when they regroup after setbacks, rebuild their logistics, reconnect with their support networks and resume operations at a time of their choosing. Sustained pressure, driven by credible intelligence and backed by coordinated security operations, leaves little room for such recovery. The Oyooperation lends further weight to that argument.
Available accounts of the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and their teachers from Ansaru terrorists point to an operation that achieved more than the safe return of innocent victims. If those accounts are accurate, the operation offers valuable lessons for Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign at a time when the country continues to confront multiple security threats across different theatres. More importantly, it shows that success in counterterrorism is rarely accidental. It is usually the product of political direction, timely intelligence and sustained inter-agency cooperation.
The children and their teachers were abducted on 15 May 2026. Following the abduction, President Bola Ahmed Tinubureportedly directed the immediate mobilisation of all necessary security assets to secure their release. Acting on that directive, Defence Headquarters constituted a Joint Inter-Agency Task Force (JIATF) comprising personnel from the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Defence Intelligence Agency and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
That decision deserves attention because it reflects an important reality. Successful counterterrorism operations rarely depend on the efforts of a single institution. They are usually the product of political resolve, effective leadership and cooperation among organisations with different but complementary responsibilities. Intelligence agencies gather and analyse information, the Armed Forces apply military power, while law enforcement and other security agencies disrupt the criminal and logistical networks that sustain violent groups. Working within a unified operational framework, these capabilities complement one another and improve the prospects of success.
Available accounts indicate that this thinking shaped the Oyooperation. Rather than rushing into a high-risk assault, the Joint Inter-Agency Task Force reportedly adopted a patient and deliberate approach. Troops advanced into the Oyo National Forest from different directions over several weeks, gradually restricting the movement of the terrorists and denying them freedom of manoeuvre. Persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) reportedly supported the operation, enabling commanders to identify logistics sites, communication facilities and other operational assets while avoiding actions that could endanger the lives of the abducted children and their teachers.
The operation reinforces a lesson that has emerged repeatedly from successful counterterrorism campaigns. The objective is not merely to confront terrorists wherever they are found. It is to remove, step by step, the conditions that allow them to survive. Terrorist organisations depend on safe havens, communication networks, logistics, funding and local support. Once these enablers come under sustained pressure, the organisation itself begins to weaken.
That is why counterterrorism should never be viewed as a purely military undertaking. Military operations remain indispensable, but they are far more effective when supported by timely intelligence, law enforcement measures and close coordination among security institutions. Lasting gains are often achieved not when terrorists are overwhelmed in a single encounter, but when they gradually lose the ability to organise, communicate and sustain themselves.
The reported sequence of events in Oyo suggests that this broader strategy was consciously pursued. While security forces maintained pressure within the forest, other agencies reportedly worked to identify and disrupt the network that supported the terrorists beyond the battlefield. The lesson is clear. Terrorist organisations do not exist in isolation. Behind every terrorist cell lies a network of couriers, financiers, informants, recruiters and suppliers. Weakening that network is often as important as confronting the armed elements themselves.
The Oyo operation reinforces another important lesson. Terrorist organisations are rarely defeated simply because some of their fighters have been neutralised. Many have survived significant battlefield losses only to regroup because the structures that sustained them remained intact. Effective counterterrorism therefore requires an understanding of how such groups survive, regenerate and adapt.
Three pillars sustain every terrorist organisation: leadership, funding and logistics. Leadership provides direction and cohesion. Funding supports recruitment, arms procurement, movement and propaganda. Logistics keep day-to-day operations running by ensuring access to food, fuel, communications equipment, medical supplies and safe routes. As long as these pillars remain intact, even weakened groups retain the capacity to recover.
The lesson is straightforward. Counterterrorism efforts must apply sustained pressure against all three pillars simultaneously. Leadership structures should be disrupted before they can plan or direct attacks. Financial networks must be identified and dismantled to deny terrorist organisations the resources on which they depend. Logistics and supply chains should remain under constant pressure to restrict the movement of personnel, weapons and supplies. Once these pillars begin to crumble, terrorist organisations gradually lose the capacity to organise, recruit, coordinate and sustain violent operations.
Available accounts suggest that this approach shaped the broader Oyo operation. While military formations tightened their grip on the operational area, security and intelligence agencies reportedly moved against individuals suspected of supporting the terrorists. Associates, informants and other facilitators were identified and apprehended, further isolating the group from the networks on which it depended. The cumulative effect was a steady decline in the terrorists’ operational capability, resulting in internal dislocation, defections and, ultimately, the unconditional release of the abducted children and their teachers.
Leadership, funding and logistics, however, do not fully explain the resilience of terrorist organisations. Violent extremist ideology remains one of their greatest strengths. It provides justification for violence, strengthens group identity and sustains recruitment. Where distorted religious teachings converge with ignorance, poor education, weak community structures, poverty and governance deficits, extremist organisations often find opportunities to spread their narratives and replenish their ranks. This should not be misconstrued as an indictment of religion. Rather, it illustrates how extremist elements manipulate religious beliefs to legitimise violence and attract followers.
Military operations can destroy camps and eliminate commanders, but they cannot defeat an ideology through force alone. That task requires credible religious scholarship, strategic communication, quality education, responsible community leadership and sustained efforts to counter extremist narratives before they take root. Counterterrorism is therefore not only a contest of arms but also a contest for hearts and minds.
This also speaks to the central place of intelligence. Intelligence is not limited to locating terrorist camps or tracking suspects. It is equally about detecting emerging threats, identifying early signs of radicalisation and disrupting recruitment networks before they mature into organised terrorist cells. Preventing a terrorist organisation from taking root is invariably less costly than confronting one that has already become entrenched.
Governments must continue to invest in intelligence gathering, intelligence sharing and early warning systems. Communities, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations all have important roles to play in identifying suspicious developments before they evolve into major security threats. The earlier security agencies detect emerging risks, the greater the opportunity to neutralise them with minimal loss of life and resources.
The Oyo operation also reinforces the importance of sustaining operational momentum. One recurring weakness in counterterrorism campaigns is the tendency to relax pressure after recording an important success. Terrorist organisationshave repeatedly exploited such pauses to recruit replacements, rebuild logistics, restore communication channels and establish new sanctuaries.
Relentless pressure is designed to deny terrorists that opportunity. Counterterrorism is not measured by isolated victories but by the ability to sustain pressure until terrorist organisations lose both the capability and the confidence to regenerate. That requires persistence, discipline and patience. It also depends on the confidence of local communities, whose cooperation often provides the timely intelligence that makes successful operations possible. Where trust exists between communities and security agencies, intelligence flows more freely, operations become more precise and innocent lives are better protected.
The significance of the Oyo operation extends well beyond the successful rescue of the abducted children and their teachers. It offers practical lessons on what can be achieved when political direction, timely intelligence and coordinated security operations come together in pursuit of a common objective. More importantly, it shows that success in counterterrorism is seldom the result of isolated acts of bravery. More often, it is the product of careful planning, sustained pressure and institutions working together towards a common goal.
One of the enduring lessons from the operation is the value of genuine inter-agency cooperation. For years, Nigerians have called for closer collaboration among the country’s security and intelligence agencies. The Oyo operation shows what is possible when coordination, cooperation and collaboration move beyond rhetoric and become part of everyday operations. Each institution performed its statutory role, yet all worked towards a single strategic objective under a unified command. That model deserves careful study.
Nigeria’s security challenges are varied. The threats confronting communities in the North-East differ from those in the North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West. Yet some principles remain constant. Intelligence must continue to drive operations. Security agencies must share information more effectively. Joint planning should become routine rather than exceptional. Pressure on terrorist groups and their support networks must be sustained until they lose the capacity to regenerate. Operational gains must also be consolidated so that areas recovered at great cost do not again become safe havens for violent extremists.
This achievement should not pass as just another successful operation. It deserves to be documented, studied and institutionalised as a reference point for strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism and counterinsurgency doctrine. The lessons from Oyo—from intelligence fusion and unified command to sustained operational pressure and the systematic disruption of terrorist support networks—should shape doctrine, training, operational planning and future campaigns.
There is another misconception that deserves attention. It is sometimes argued that the Nigerian military only began to develop counterinsurgency capabilities after Boko Haram emerged. The historical record suggests otherwise. A more accurate assessment is that, while Nigeria recognised the importance of preparing for irregular warfare decades ago, such capabilities did not always receive the sustained priority and institutional attention they required.
I was reminded of this while reading Lindsay Barrett’s “Danjuma: The Making of a General” (1979), where Barrett recounts that, in August 1963, then Captain T.Y. Danjuma and Captain Sotomi were sent to Fort Bragg in the United States to attend a specialised course titled “Counter-Insurgency and Special Warfare.” The programme included training in infiltration tactics and other aspects of unconventional warfare. Boko Haram did not introduce the concept of counterinsurgency to the Nigerian military. Rather, the insurgency exposed the need to expand, modernise and institutionalise those capabilities across the Armed Forces and the wider security architecture.
Against that background, Nigeria should invest in developing more joint inter-agency task forces with similar capabilities, properly trained, equipped and maintained at a high state of operational readiness. Such formations should be capable of rapid deployment wherever emerging threats require swift, coordinated and intelligence-driven responses. Continuous investment in specialised training, doctrine development and joint exercises will help ensure that the country remains ahead of evolving threats instead of adapting only after they have become deeply entrenched.
Ultimately, military action alone cannot defeat terrorism. None of the essential elements of an effective counterterrorism strategy can succeed in isolation. Political will, capable security institutions, timely intelligence, community support, good governance and sustained efforts to counter violent extremist ideology must reinforce one another. Counterterrorism is not won by a single operation. It is won by building institutions that consistently produce successful operations.
The Oyo operation has provided an encouraging example of what is possible when these elements come together. The challenge now is not merely to celebrate the success but to document its lessons, refine its methods and institutionalise its approach. If that happens, the Oyo operation may ultimately be remembered not only for the lives it saved but also for the contribution it made to strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign and safeguarding national security.
Aruwan is a postgraduate student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Troops rescue herder from drowning in Plateau
Troops rescue herder from drowning in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have assisted in the rescue and evacuation of a herder who nearly drowned in Dogo Nauwa River in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 3:46 p.m. on July 17 after troops responded to a distress report of a herder drowning in the river.
The sources said that upon arrival at the scene, troops discovered that local residents had already pulled the victim, identified as Kabiru Mohammed, from the water.
The troops immediately evacuated the victim to Latya Clinic, where he received medical attention.
Military authorities said the prompt response illustrates the commitment of troops not only to maintaining security but also to providing humanitarian assistance and emergency support to residents within their areas of operation.
Troops dismantle illegal refining site in Rivers, destroy equipment
Troops dismantle illegal refining site in Rivers, destroy equipment
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force South-South under Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have dismantled an illegal refining site and destroyed equipment used for illicit petroleum refining in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted between 10:30 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. on July 17 during an anti-illegal bunkering patrol by troops of 103 Battalion (Mechanised).
The sources said the troops discovered the illegal refining site within Ogbogolo Community, where they recovered two locally fabricated refining ovens, two coolants, two reservoirs and two pipes measuring approximately 150 metres in length.
The recovered equipment was handled and destroyed in accordance with the mandate of Operation Delta Safe to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining and related economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
Military authorities said troops remain committed to sustaining operations against illegal bunkering activities and protecting Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure across the region.
Troops arrest five suspected militias, recover weapon in Benue operation
Troops arrest five suspected militias, recover weapon in Benue operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested five suspected militia members and recovered a firearm during a clearance operation in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 8:00 a.m. on July 17 by troops deployed at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) Otukpo and Oju.
The sources said the troops raided suspected militia enclaves located in the Otukpo-Nobi, Amichio and Amula Forest areas, leading to the arrest of five suspected militia members.
During the operation, the troops recovered one locally made Dane gun and five rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The suspected militia camps were subsequently destroyed to deny the criminals the ability to regroup and continue their activities.
The suspects are currently in military custody for preliminary investigation, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network operating in the area.
Troops kill two kidnappers, rescue three victims in Benue, recover cache of arms
Troops kill two kidnappers, rescue three victims in Benue, recover cache of arms
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in conjunction with the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, have neutralised two suspected kidnappers and rescued three abducted victims during a fighting patrol in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 3:00 a.m. on July 17 in the Tse-Togo and Utenge communities following intelligence on the activities of armed kidnappers in the area.
The sources said the troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, killing two of the suspected kidnappers and successfully rescuing three kidnapped victims unharmed.
Following the operation, troops exploited the kidnappers’ hideouts and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one pistol, 19 AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, 181 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 40 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, nine rounds of 5.56×45mm ammunition, two pairs of woodland camouflage uniforms, two pairs of desert camouflage uniforms, one Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal and one Tetron communication device.
The recovered items have been taken into custody, while the rescued victims have been reunited with their families after preliminary profiling.
Military authorities said clearance operations are continuing across the area to track down other fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate and dismantle their remaining hideouts.
Troops, hunters rescue kidnapped victim on Benue–Nasarawa border
Troops, hunters rescue kidnapped victim on Benue–Nasarawa border
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with local hunters, have rescued a kidnapped victim during a security operation along the Benue–Nasarawa border.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue operation was carried out at about 7:31 a.m. on July 17 by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Torkula.
The sources said the victim was rescued at Ornan, a border community between Benue and Nasarawa states, following sustained pressure mounted by the security team on suspected kidnappers operating in the area.
The rescued victim was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for assessment and treatment.
Military authorities said troops have continued to intensify clearance operations and dominate vulnerable communities across the Benue–Nasarawa border to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops arrest two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers on farm protection patrol in Borno
Troops arrest two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers on farm protection patrol in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two brothers suspected of supplying logistics to ISWAP terrorists during a farm protection patrol in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, identified as Audu Abdullahi, 25, and Shettima Abdullahi, 30, both natives of Kasabalari village in Damboa LGA, were intercepted at about 10:30 a.m. on July 19 in the Nzuda general area by troops of 19 Battalion (Mechanised) and 25 Task Force Brigade Garrison.
According to the sources, preliminary investigation revealed that the two suspects, who are biological brothers, were transporting supplies intended for suspected ISWAP fighters operating in the Wajiroko general area.
Items recovered from the suspects included two bicycles, one mobile phone with two SIM cards, an identity card, two bicycle tyres and tubes, six containers of Force Up pesticide, painkiller medication, a small solar panel, a rechargeable torchlight with battery, two locally made knives and other assorted items.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody for further investigation.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing farm protection operations and sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics networks supporting insurgent activities in the North-East.
They added that the security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm but unpredictable, while troops continue to maintain a high level of operational readiness and pressure on terrorist elements.
Troops repel ISWAP assault on Gajigana military base, inflict heavy casualties
Troops repel ISWAP assault on Gajigana military base, inflict heavy casualties
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajigana, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on July 19 when a large number of terrorists, riding several motorcycles and supported by two gun trucks, advanced on the military position, with additional fighters approaching on foot.
The sources said troops of the 212 Battalion detected the advancing terrorists early and immediately engaged them with overwhelming firepower, frustrating the assault and forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.
A reinforcement team led by the Commanding Officer of the 212 Battalion arrived shortly after the initial engagement to reinforce the position and stabilise the situation.
According to the sources, the terrorists suffered heavy casualties during the failed assault, with several bodies reportedly dragged away by their fleeing comrades.
Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and were stabilised before being evacuated to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital for further treatment.
The military also recorded minor equipment damage, as the body and four tyres of a gun truck were damaged by rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fragments during the firefight.
Military sources said exploitation of the battlefield would be conducted at first light to determine the full extent of the terrorists’ losses and recover any abandoned weapons or equipment.
Troops arrest six suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, seize Starlink kit, chemicals and farm supplies in Borno
Troops arrest six suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, seize Starlink kit, chemicals and farm supplies in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested six suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and intercepted a large consignment of materials allegedly destined for Boko Haram elements during a covert operation in the North-East.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that terrorist collaborators were making arrangements to receive chemicals, illicit drugs and other logistics for insurgents.
The sources said troops mounted a covert snap stop-and-search checkpoint at about 4:00 p.m. on July 19, leading to the arrest of six suspects travelling in five vehicles.
Items recovered during the operation included 202 cartons of herbicide, one jerrycan of acid, a Starlink wireless internet set, six bags of NPK fertiliser, 10 bags of rice, 50 hoes and 20 packs of knapsack sprayer pumps.
According to the sources, the intercepted materials were suspected to be part of a logistics supply chain intended to sustain terrorist operations in the North-East.
The suspects and all recovered items have been handed over to the military for detailed investigation to determine the intended recipients, establish the network behind the supply chain and identify other collaborators.
Military sources said the operation represents another significant disruption of terrorist logistics networks, noting that sustained intelligence-driven operations remain critical to denying insurgents access to supplies, communications equipment and other resources needed to support their activities.
They added that troops remain on high alert across the theatre, while offensive and intelligence operations continue against terrorist elements and their support networks.
Troops arrest suspected foreign terrorist fighter, alleged illegal immigrant in Borno
Troops arrest suspected foreign terrorist fighter, alleged illegal immigrant in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a man suspected to be a foreign terrorist fighter alongside a woman who claimed to be an illegal immigrant during a security operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 11:48 a.m. on July 19 by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion operating in the Lassa–Dilli general area.
According to the sources, the first suspect, identified as Musa Fashir, 32, is alleged to be a Sudanese national suspected of having links to terrorist elements operating in the North-East.
The second suspect, identified as Mary Florence, 36, reportedly claimed during preliminary questioning to be an illegal immigrant from Ghana.
Both suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing preliminary investigation to verify their identities, immigration status and any possible links to terrorist activities.
Military sources said further details would emerge as investigations progress, adding that the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt terrorist networks, identify foreign fighters and strengthen border security across the North-East.
Troops recover firearm during raid on suspected terrorist hideout in Plateau
Troops recover firearm during raid on suspected terrorist hideout in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation PEACE Enduring Peace (OPEP) have recovered a locally fabricated firearm during a fighting patrol targeting suspected terrorist hideouts in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:00 p.m. on July 18 by troops of Sectors 1 and 3 in the Agingi–Dogon Dutse mountainous area.
The sources said the troops raided a suspected terrorist hideout during the operation, leading to the recovery of one locally fabricated rifle and four rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
No suspects were arrested during the operation, as the occupants of the hideout were believed to have fled before the arrival of the troops.
Military authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to deny criminal and terrorist elements safe havens in the rugged terrain of Plateau State, adding that troops will continue sustained patrols and clearance operations across vulnerable communities in the state.
Troops intercept 15 jerrycans of smuggled petrol in Adamawa border operation
Troops intercept 15 jerrycans of smuggled petrol in Adamawa border operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 247 Reconnaissance Battalion have intercepted 15 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, during a fighting patrol in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted between 10:30 a.m. and 3:40 p.m. on July 17 along the Muchalla road, following intelligence on the smuggling of petroleum products through the border corridor.
The sources said the troops intercepted 15 jerrycans containing suspected smuggled PMS during the patrol. The products were seized in line with ongoing efforts to curb the illegal movement of fuel, which is often diverted to support criminal and terrorist activities.
Military authorities said the intercepted petroleum products have been taken into custody for further necessary action, while troops continue to intensify border patrols to disrupt the logistics networks of criminal elements operating within the North-East.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP scout in ambush operation, recover bicycles in Yobe
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP scout in ambush operation, recover bicycles in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and Forest Guards, have arrested a suspected ISWAP scout during a successful ambush operation in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 2:00 a.m. on July 18 behind Buni Yadi community following intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorist scouts and informants in the area.
The sources said the security team laid an ambush along the suspected route, leading to the arrest of one injured suspect believed to be working as a scout and informant for the terrorists.
Three bicycles, suspected to have been used by the operatives for movement and reconnaissance, were also recovered during the operation.
The sources, however, disclosed that one member of the Forest Guards sustained injuries during the operation and was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
The arrested suspect is in custody and is expected to provide useful intelligence to aid ongoing operations against ISWAP/cells operating in the North-East, while troops have intensified efforts to track down other fleeing members of the network.
Drone strike kills ISWAP fighter in Marte axis, troops recover ammunition
Drone strike kills ISWAP fighter in Marte axis, troops recover ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have neutralised a suspected ISWAP fighter during a coordinated surveillance and air interdiction operation in the Marte axis of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that personnel at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) Logomani and Gajibo detected the movement of suspected terrorists toward the Marte general area at about 6:46 p.m. on July 17.
The sources said the intelligence prompted the deployment of an aerial platform, which tracked the movement of the suspects and engaged one terrorist riding a motorcycle with a precision strike, killing him instantly.
Ground troops subsequently moved to exploit the target area and recovered four rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition believed to have belonged to the neutralised terrorist.
Troops repel ISWAP attack in Gwoza, recover motorcycle
Troops repel ISWAP attack in Gwoza, recover motorcycle
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled an encounter with suspected ISWAP terrorists along the Pulka–Kirawa road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, forcing the insurgents to flee and abandon a motorcycle.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 3:32 p.m. on July 17 when troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion, operating from Kirawa, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and Hybrid Forces, came into contact with the terrorists during a patrol.
The sources said the troops engaged the insurgents in a firefight, prompting the terrorists to retreat into the surrounding area under sustained military pressure.
Following the engagement, troops exploited the area and recovered one motorcycle abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
Military authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing offensive actions to dominate key routes and deny insurgents freedom of movement within the Gwoza axis and other parts of the North-East.
Woman, child flee Sambisa, surrender to troops in Gwoza
Woman, child flee Sambisa, surrender to troops in Gwoza
By: Zagazola Makama
A woman believed to be a family member of an ISWAP fighter, accompanied by her child, has surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI after escaping from a terrorist enclave in the Sambisa Forest.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the pair surrendered at about 12:00 p.m. on July 17 to troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to the sources, the woman and her child escaped from the Gobara terrorist enclave located within the Sambisa Forest before making their way to the military position to surrender.
The surrendered individuals are currently undergoing profiling and preliminary screening in line with established military procedures to determine their status and obtain any relevant intelligence that could support ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Military authorities said the development reflects the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist enclaves in the Sambisa Forest, which continues to compel insurgents and their family members to abandon the group and surrender to security forces.
Troops avert disaster as bomb disposal team neutralises IED on Maiduguri–Gamboru highway
Troops avert disaster as bomb disposal team neutralises IED on Maiduguri–Gamboru highway
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have thwarted a suspected terrorist attempt to attack road users after discovering and safely disposing of an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the Maiduguri–Gamboru Main Supply Route (MSR) in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the explosive device was discovered at about 5:31 p.m. on July 16 by troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised) and the 24 Task Force Brigade during routine operations at Maula.
The sources said the device, identified as a high-pressure plate IED, was believed to have been planted by suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists to target military convoys and civilian motorists using the strategic highway.
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was immediately deployed to the scene and successfully rendered the device safe without incident, restoring the route for safe movement.
Military authorities said troops have continued to intensify route clearance patrols and counter-IED operations along critical roads across the North-East to deny terrorists the ability to disrupt military logistics and endanger civilian lives.
ISWAP commander, foreign fighter killed in Cross Kauwa attack, another commander wounded
ISWAP commander, foreign fighter killed in Cross Kauwa attack, another commander wounded
By: Zagazola Makama
A senior ISWAP commander identified as Abu Hassan has reportedly been killed, while another commander sustained gunshot injuries during the recent terrorist attack on Cross Kauwa in Borno State, intelligence sources have told Zagazola Makama.
According to credible sources, Abu Hassan, described as one of the group’s Qaids operating from the Tumbunma axis, was among the commanders who led the assault on Cross Kauwa. He was reportedly killed during the confrontation.
The sources further disclosed that an unidentified foreign fighter, believed to be of Arab origin, also died during the attack.
Another ISWAP commander, identified as Aliyi Zabarmari, who reportedly led fighters from the Tumbunma enclave, sustained a gunshot wound that resulted in a fractured thigh during the fighting.
In addition, intelligence sources said another unidentified Arab fighter remains unaccounted for and is believed to be missing following the failed operation.
Security sources said the development is considered a significant setback for the terrorist group, as the casualties involved key field commanders who played prominent roles in coordinating attacks within the Lake Chad region.
Troops destroy ISWAP hideout, recover weapon in Borno clearance operation
Troops destroy ISWAP hideout, recover weapon in Borno clearance operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have destroyed a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist hideout and recovered arms during a clearance operation in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 9:30 a.m. on Saturday following credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists around the Layi general area.
The sources said troops of 145 Battalion (Mechanised), led by the Commanding Officer, mobilised to the location where the terrorists, on sighting the advancing soldiers, fled in disarray.
The troops subsequently overran and destroyed the terrorist hideout before exploiting the area, leading to the recovery of one pump-action rifle and three AK-47 magazines abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
The troops also projected force to Mallamti Ganyawa village as part of the operation but made no contact with the terrorists.
The operation was completed without casualties, and the troops returned safely to base at about 2:45 p.m.
Military sources described the general security situation in the area as relatively calm but unpredictable, adding that troops remain on high alert while sustaining offensive operations against terrorist elements across the theatre.
Troops foil ISWAP attempt to abduct students in Monguno, rescue 46 as terrorists flee
Troops foil ISWAP attempt to abduct students in Monguno, rescue 46 as terrorists flee
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), supported by personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), have foiled an attempted mass abduction by suspected ISWAP terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, in the early hours of Saturday, rescuing 46 students.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists stormed the school at about 1:30 a.m. on July 19 after allegedly gaining access with the assistance of suspected collaborators.
The school, which is currently being used by the Borno State Government as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno, came under attack as the terrorists attempted to abduct the students.
Security personnel on guard immediately engaged the attackers with heavy fire, while the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) rapidly reinforced the location. The coordinated response forced the terrorists to abandon the operation and flee without taking any of the students.
Sources said parts of the school infrastructure were damaged during the exchange of gunfire, but the security forces successfully contained the attack and prevented what could have been a major abduction.
Following the operation, all 46 students were rescued and evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they underwent medical assessment and received necessary care. The students have all been confirmed medically stable.
However, Zagazola Makama gathered that some students were tragically killed after being struck by stray rounds fired by the fleeing terrorists during the firefight.
Military authorities expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that security had been reinforced around educational institutions and other critical infrastructure across the North-East.
The military said exploitation of the incident was ongoing to identify and apprehend suspected collaborators who facilitated the attack, while troops and other security agencies had launched pursuit operations to track down the fleeing terrorists.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and ensuring schools and communities across the North-East remain protected from further attacks.
Niger Launches AES Biometric Passport as Sahel Bloc Deepens Regional Integration
Niger Launches AES Biometric Passport as Sahel Bloc Deepens Regional Integration
By Zagazola Makama
The Republic of Niger has officially launched the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) biometric passport, marking another significant step in the confederation's drive toward deeper regional integration following its withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
President Abdourahamane Tiani became the first recipient of the new travel document during an enrollment ceremony held at the Presidency in Niamey, where officials also unveiled the passport's official brochure.
The biometric passport was developed in accordance with harmonized technical specifications agreed upon by experts from Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali during a meeting in Bamako in October 2024. The standards were subsequently endorsed by ministers responsible for security in the three member states.
According to the Nigerien government, the new passport is designed to enhance document security, facilitate the free movement of citizens within the Alliance of Sahel States, and align travel and identification systems across the confederation. The initiative forms part of a broader modernization programme aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and reducing dependence on ECOWAS-era travel documents.
The launch follows similar initiatives in Burkina Faso and comes months after Niger introduced the AES biometric national identity card, with President Tiani and Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine among the first citizens to be enrolled. The three-member confederation has continued to advance plans for closer cooperation in defence, trade, customs, and the free movement of people and goods as it builds common institutions under the Alliance of Sahel States.
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Spy, Logistics Supplier During Night Patrol in Borno
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Spy, Logistics Supplier During Night Patrol in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) member who allegedly confessed to spying on military movements and supplying logistics to terrorists operating in northern Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Muhammad Mustapha, 25, from Monguno Local Government Area, was arrested at about 9:00 p.m. on July 16 during a night patrol and identification exercise conducted by combined troops of the 403 Amphibious Brigade/130 Battalion (Motorised) in conjunction with the Nigerian Borderless Logistics Corps (NBLC) and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The operation was carried out under Operation DESERT SANITY V.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of a Boko Haram/ISWAP cell based in the Kadia area, north of Mairari town.
He further admitted that he had been tasked by the terrorist group to monitor and gather intelligence on troops conducting shoulder clearance operations along the Baga–Cross Kauwa Main Supply Route (MSR).
According to security sources, the suspect also confessed to serving as a logistics supplier and task collector for the terrorist group, supporting insurgent activities in the Lake Chad region.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the 403 Amphibious Brigade for further investigation and exploitation of intelligence.
Military sources said the arrest represents another significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist intelligence and logistics networks supporting insurgent operations in the North-East.
The military added that although the general security situation across the Operation HADIN KAI theatre remains calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of vigilance and operational readiness.
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper Terrorising Jos–Makurdi Road in Plateau
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper Terrorising Jos–Makurdi Road in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested a suspected kidnapper believed to be part of an armed criminal syndicate responsible for attacks and abductions along the Jos–Makurdi highway in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 5:00 p.m. on July 16 during a targeted operation by troops deployed at the Sector’s Standing Operating Base (SOP) in Bangai Village, Riyom LGA.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a member of an armed criminal group that has been terrorising commuters and residents along the Jos–Makurdi road corridor, carrying out kidnappings and other violent crimes within the area.
Security sources said the suspect is currently in military custody and is assisting investigators with useful information aimed at dismantling the criminal network and apprehending other members of the syndicate.
Fulani Herder Shot in Suspected Ambush By Berom Militia in Plateau as Tension Rises in Riyom
Fulani Herder Shot in Suspected Ambush By Berom Militia in Plateau as Tension Rises in Riyom
By Zagazola Makama
A Fulani herder identified as Ja’afaru was reportedly shot in an ambush by suspected armed assailants in Tanjol Community, Jol Ward of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, in what residents fear could heighten tensions in the area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, as the victim and other herders were returning home after grazing their cattle.
According to community sources, the group was allegedly ambushed by suspected Berom militia, who opened fire on them before fleeing the scene.
The Fulani community in the area confirmed the incident, stating that Ja’afaru sustained gunshot injuries during the attack. The condition of the victim could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
The incident comes barely 24 hours after another violent attack in the neighbouring Yarwai Community, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where suspected assailants reportedly attacked a herder and shot eight cattle.
Security sources said efforts were underway to verify the latest incident and identify those responsible, while troops and other security agencies have intensified patrols in the affected communities to forestall reprisals and maintain public order.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, avoid retaliatory actions, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.
Suspected Berom Militia Shoot Eight Cattle in Attack on Herdsman in Plateau
Suspected Berom Militia Shoot Eight Cattle in Attack on Herdsman in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Suspected Berom Militia have attacked a herder and his livestock in Nyerwie Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, leaving eight cattle with gunshot wounds.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:25 p.m. on July 16, prompting troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace, to swiftly mobilise to the scene following a distress report.
However, the assailants fled before the arrival of the troops, evading arrest.
Security sources said preliminary findings indicated that the attackers opened fire on the herd, inflicting gunshot wounds on eight cows. No human casualty was reported during the incident.
Troops have since intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while security has been reinforced in the area to prevent further escalation.
The military urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist in the arrest of those responsible for the attack.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Gombe, Recover Weapons, Cash
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Gombe, Recover Weapons, Cash
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 233 Tank Battalion have arrested three suspected cattle rustlers during a security operation in Mel Uku, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 5:00 p.m. on July 16 following intelligence-led operations targeting criminal elements involved in cattle rustling in the area.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to having engaged in cattle rustling activities for more than two years.
Items recovered from the suspects include three mobile phones, three cutlasses, one bow with arrows, and the sum of ₦24,750 believed to be proceeds of their criminal activities.
The suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the cattle-rustling syndicate.
The arrest is part of ongoing operations by security forces to combat cattle rustling, banditry and other criminal activities across the North-East and adjoining states.
Troops Rescue Two Escapees from Terrorist Camp in Gwoza
Troops Rescue Two Escapees from Terrorist Camp in Gwoza
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion have rescued two abductees who escaped from a terrorist enclave in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims were found wandering around the Armuda Bridge area at about 6:50 a.m. on July 16 and were rescued by troops conducting routine security operations in the area.
During preliminary debriefing, the rescued victims disclosed that they had escaped from a terrorist camp located in the Agapalwa general area after taking advantage of the apparent disarray within the enclave.
According to the victims, the camp had become largely dysfunctional, with no effective leadership, as several terrorist fighters had either fled or sustained injuries during recent military operations.
The accounts provided by the escapees are believed to corroborate ongoing intelligence indicating that sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI have significantly weakened terrorist strongholds across parts of southern Borno.
The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and are expected to undergo medical evaluation and further debriefing to obtain actionable intelligence that could support ongoing counterterrorism operations in the area.
Military sources said troops remain committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist enclaves to facilitate the rescue of more captives and dismantle the remaining insurgent networks operating in the region.
COAS Welfare Flight Airlifts 344 Personnel, Total Beneficiaries Rise to 34,114
COAS Welfare Flight Airlifts 344 Personnel, Total Beneficiaries Rise to 34,114
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has successfully conducted the second Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Welfare Flight for July 2026, facilitating the movement of 344 military personnel into and out of the North-East Theatre of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the welfare flight was carried out on July 16 using a chartered ValueJet aircraft as part of the Army’s personnel welfare initiative aimed at easing troop rotations and improving the wellbeing of officers and soldiers deployed in the theatre.
According to the sources, a total of 170 personnel were airlifted into the OPHK Theatre, while 174 personnel were transported out of the theatre.
The movement was completed without any incident, with all passengers safely arriving at their respective destinations.
The latest operation brings the cumulative number of personnel moved into and out of the Operation HADIN KAI Theatre under the COAS Welfare Flight programme to 34,114.
The COAS Welfare Flight initiative remains one of the Nigerian Army’s key welfare programmes designed to support troop morale by providing safe and efficient transportation for personnel deployed in counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.
Freed Kidnap Victims Reveal Terrorist Losses, Camps in Rijana Forest After Interception by Troops
Freed Kidnap Victims Reveal Terrorist Losses, Camps in Rijana Forest After Interception by Troops
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have intercepted five recently released kidnap victims in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, whose accounts provided fresh intelligence on terrorist activities and the structure of armed groups operating in the Rijana Forest.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims were intercepted at about 2:00 p.m. on July 16 by troops of 1 Division Sub-Sector 5 deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kajuru.
During preliminary debriefing, the victims disclosed that they had been held captive by a 34-member terrorist group operating from the Rijana Forest.
According to the victims, the group suffered heavy losses following an ambush by troops at Gwantu Village on July 8, during which 12 terrorists, including their leader identified as Doro, were reportedly neutralised.
The victims further revealed that, despite the setback, several other terrorist groups remain active within the Rijana Forest axis.
They identified three additional armed groups, each comprising an estimated 25 to 40 fighters, allegedly led by commanders identified as Mato, Hassan, and others.
Security sources said the intelligence provided by the rescued victims is being analysed and will support ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and restoring security across the Kajuru–Rijana corridor.
The victims have since been taken to a secure location for further debriefing and necessary medical and psychosocial support, while troops continue clearance operations in the area to track down the remaining terrorist groups.
DSS Rescues Abducted Nasarawa University Dean, Arrests Two Suspects
DSS Rescues Abducted Nasarawa University Dean, Arrests Two Suspects
By Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS) has rescued the abducted Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Professor Samuel Okunsebor, less than 48 hours after he was kidnapped by armed men in Nasarawa State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that Prof. Okunsebor was abducted at about midnight on Wednesday at Mile Uku, a boundary community between Lafia and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas, after gunmen invaded the area and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
Security sources disclosed that following intelligence-driven operations and sustained surveillance, DSS operatives successfully located and rescued the professor at about 3:00 p.m. on Friday without harm.
Following the operation, the DSS formally handed over the rescued academic to his family members in the presence of senior officials of the university, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kitso Ngbargu.
The professor was subsequently taken to the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital for medical evaluation and routine medical checks after spending nearly two days in captivity.
Reacting to the development, the management of Nasarawa State University expressed profound appreciation to the DSS for what it described as a swift, professional and successful rescue operation.
A senior university official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the institution was deeply grateful to the security agency for working tirelessly to secure the dean’s freedom.
“The university is greatly indebted to the DSS for working round the clock to ensure the timely rescue of our amiable Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture,” the official said.
The official further disclosed that two suspects, identified as a man and a woman, have been arrested in connection with the abduction and are currently in DSS custody.
“We understand that the DSS have in their custody two of the persons behind the kidnap of our dear professor. Given how the DSS has been meticulously prosecuting suspects in courts, we have little doubt that both suspects will soon have their day in court,” the official added.
Security sources said investigations are ongoing to unravel the full kidnapping network and determine the roles played by the arrested suspects, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate who remain at large.
The successful rescue has been hailed by residents and members of the university community as a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in Nasarawa State, with many commending the DSS for its intelligence-led response and professionalism throughout the operation.
FG Files Terrorism Charges Against Three DSS Suspects Over Orire School Kidnap
FG Files Terrorism Charges Against Three DSS Suspects Over Orire School Kidnap
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Government has filed a 10-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against three men arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The defendants are Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid, Yunusa Musa, also known as Yunusa bin Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar.
The charges, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, border on terrorism, conspiracy, aiding kidnapping, concealment of terrorist activities, membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation, incitement to terrorism, provision of terrorist training, cyber-related offences and unlawful mining.
According to the charge sheet, the three defendants, all residents of Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, allegedly conspired between January and May 2026 with three other suspects identified as Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab to kidnap schoolchildren and teachers in Orire LGA of Oyo State.
The prosecution alleged that the conspiracy contravened Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The Federal Government further accused the defendants of aiding the principal suspects in carrying out the abduction, an offence punishable under Section 26(3) of the same Act.
The charge also alleged that the trio deliberately concealed information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite having prior knowledge of their terrorist activities and the planned kidnapping.
According to the prosecution, the suspects failed to report the information to relevant security agencies, thereby violating Section 16(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The defendants were also accused of concealing information that could have assisted security agencies in preventing the kidnapping or facilitating the arrest of those responsible.
In another count, the prosecution alleged that on or about June 2, 2026, the three defendants professed membership of Darul Salam, described in the charge sheet as an affiliate of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria.
The Federal Government maintained that such membership constitutes an offence under Section 25(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
Separate allegations were made against the first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar.
According to the charge sheet, Umar allegedly established and administered a WhatsApp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace,” through which he was said to have provided training, guidance and operational instructions to members of the terrorist group.
He was also accused of using the platform to incite members through extremist preachings to commit acts of terrorism, contrary to provisions of both the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The tenth count accused Umar of engaging in illegal gold mining at streams in Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area between 2024 and 2026 without lawful authority, contrary to Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The charge sheet indicated that the unlawful mining activities allegedly formed part of the financial activities linked to the investigation.
A security source familiar with the case said investigations into the suspects had been concluded and the defendants would be arraigned before the Federal High Court next week.
According to the source, security agencies are still investigating the roles of other persons connected with the alleged terrorist network.
“Others are still being probed as the agency is insistent on conducting a diligent and comprehensive investigation before taking further action,” the source said.
The filing of the charges follows the recent rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State after a coordinated security operation involving the DSS and other security agencies.
If convicted, the defendants could face severe penalties under Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, Cybercrime Act and other applicable laws.
Precision Airstrike Hits ISWAP Gathering in Yaganari as Air Component Sustains Pressure on Terrorists
Precision Airstrike Hits ISWAP Gathering in Yaganari as Air Component Sustains Pressure on Terrorists
By Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI has carried out a precision airstrike on a suspected ISWAP terrorist assembly in Yaganari, Borno State, following intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) that tracked the movement of insurgents to a larger gathering.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted in the early hours of July 17 as part of sustained intelligence-driven counterterrorism operations aimed at disrupting terrorist activities and denying insurgents freedom of movement across the North-East.
According to the sources, an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform established persistent aerial observation over the Yaganari area after receiving credible intelligence on suspected terrorist activities.
During the surveillance mission, aerial operators observed four suspected terrorists moving within the general area. Two of the suspects were subsequently seen walking toward an unidentified location.
The surveillance platform maintained continuous tracking of the suspects, leading to the discovery of a larger gathering of approximately 12 suspected ISWAP fighters assembled beneath a tree.
After confirming the target and ensuring operational parameters were met, a precision strike was executed against the location at about 12:32 a.m., hitting the gathering.
Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) conducted immediately after the strike indicated that an unconfirmed number of the terrorists were neutralised, while several others were seen fleeing from nearby hideouts in different directions.
Sources said aerial surveillance remained focused on the area after the strike to trail the fleeing insurgents and assess further opportunities for follow-on operations.
Military authorities described the operation as another successful intelligence-led strike designed to degrade terrorist leadership and operational capability while limiting opportunities for insurgents to regroup.
The latest strike is part of the ongoing air campaign under Operation HADIN KAI, which has continued to target terrorist enclaves, logistics hubs and movement corridors across Borno State in support of ground operations aimed at restoring lasting security in the North-East.
Anguwan Rukuba Group Distances Community from Protest, Calls for Peace in Jos
Anguwan Rukuba Group Distances Community from Protest, Calls for Peace in Jos
By Zagazola Makama
The Anguwan Rukuba Concern Group has distanced itself from a recent protest in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing it as unrepresentative of the community and urging residents to embrace peaceful dialogue in addressing grievances.
The position was reached during a peace meeting held on July 16 at the University of Jos Guest House, Dogon Dutse, under the leadership of former Jos North Local Government Council (Transitional Implementation Committee) Secretary, Hon. Solomon Danshutu Sanda.
Speaking at the meeting, Sanda said the group rejected any action capable of inciting violence or disrupting public peace, stressing that Anguwan Rukuba is a major transit route used daily by residents, students, traders and commuters from different communities.
He warned that protests in such a sensitive location could expose innocent residents, including women, children and students, to fear and insecurity.
Sanda urged individuals with political or governance-related grievances to seek redress through lawful channels and appropriate government institutions rather than staging demonstrations that could heighten tensions.
He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, unity and mutual respect among all residents, irrespective of ethnic or religious background.
According to him, members of the group would continue to promote harmony and support initiatives aimed at sustaining peace in the community.
Elders who attended the meeting endorsed the group’s position and dissociated themselves from the protest, insisting it did not reflect the views or interests of the people of Anguwan Rukuba.
They also cautioned against attempts to involve neighbouring Muslim communities in narratives surrounding the protest, warning that such actions could undermine the long-standing peaceful relationship among residents.
The elders appealed to community members to avoid inflammatory statements or actions capable of creating divisions or triggering renewed conflict.
Sanda further called on residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information capable of preventing threats to public order, while urging security agencies to remain proactive in addressing emerging security concerns.
Also speaking, Hon. Sati Zubairu urged both youths and elders to protect the reputation of Anguwan Rukuba by resisting attempts to use politics to foment unrest.
He said peace remained the foundation of development and called on all members of the community to work collectively towards preserving stability and social cohesion.
Community Advocate Raises Alarm Over Abandoned Villages, Calls for Urgent Resettlement in Plateau
Community Advocate Raises Alarm Over Abandoned Villages, Calls for Urgent Resettlement in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A community advocate has raised concerns over the continued displacement of residents from Hokk Village in the Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, urging the government to accelerate efforts to resettle affected communities and strengthen security in vulnerable areas.
Emmanuel Jelan, a social critic, made the appeal while sharing photographs showing the current state of Hokk Village, which he said has remained deserted following repeated attacks by armed assailants.
According to him, the village is one of several communities in Bokkos LGA whose residents have been forced to flee their homes and are now living as internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Jelan expressed concern that prolonged displacement could allow attackers to consolidate their presence in abandoned communities if urgent action is not taken.
He called on the Plateau State Government to move beyond public assurances on security by implementing practical measures, including the safe resettlement of displaced residents and the provision of adequate security for communities vulnerable to further attacks.
“The continued abandonment of these villages poses serious humanitarian and security concerns. Urgent intervention is needed to enable displaced families to return to their homes safely,” he said.
Troops Neutralise Two ISWAP Terrorists in Ambush Near UNIMAID, Maiduguri
Troops Neutralise Two ISWAP Terrorists in Ambush Near UNIMAID, Maiduguri
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 73 Battalion under Operation HADIN KAI, in conjunction with local vigilantes, have neutralised two suspected ISWAP terrorists during a successful ambush operation along the Tamsukawu Road behind the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 12:15 a.m. on July 16, when troops lying in ambush made contact with the terrorists moving along the route.
The sources said a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, during which two suspected ISWAP fighters were neutralised, while other members of the group fled into nearby bushes.
Following the encounter, the troops conducted an exploitation of the surrounding area to track the fleeing terrorists but made no further contact.
Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to deny terrorists freedom of movement around Maiduguri and its outskirts, particularly along routes frequently used by insurgents for infiltration.
Security in the theatre remains under control, although military authorities say troops remain on high alert due to the unpredictable nature of the operational environment.
NDLEA Declares Alleged Drug Kingpin, Three Associates Wanted, Freezes ₦9.8bn Linked to Meth Syndicate
NDLEA Declares Alleged Drug Kingpin, Three Associates Wanted, Freezes ₦9.8bn Linked to Meth Syndicate
By Zagazola Makama
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared an alleged drug kingpin, Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna, popularly known as “Odogwu,” and three of his associates wanted over their alleged involvement in operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory and laundering proceeds of illicit drug trafficking.
The other wanted suspects are Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley, and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, also known as Ekene Okwunaga.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the declaration followed an order by the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, presided over by Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo, after an application filed by the NDLEA in suit No. FHC/OW/CS/22/2026 on July 3, 2026.
The suspects are linked to a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory uncovered by NDLEA operatives on Feb. 25, 2026, at Isiozi, Umuaka, in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, where 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and other illicit materials were recovered.
Investigations by the agency allegedly identified the four suspects as key members of the syndicate, but they have since gone into hiding.
The NDLEA said forensic financial investigations led to the freezing of bank accounts linked to the suspects containing a combined balance of ₦9,840,873,566.66.
The agency also secured interim forfeiture orders over several assets believed to be proceeds of drug trafficking, including a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings, and four Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs).
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the operatives involved in the investigation, describing it as a significant blow to organised drug trafficking networks.
He said the operation underscored the agency’s determination not only to arrest traffickers but also to dismantle the financial structures sustaining the illicit trade.
Marwa assured Nigerians that the NDLEA would continue to deploy financial and forensic intelligence to trace fugitives, freeze illicit assets, and ensure those involved in drug trafficking face the full weight of the law.
He also appealed to members of the public with credible information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects to report to the nearest NDLEA office or through the agency’s confidential reporting channels.
NDLEA Declares Alleged Drug Kingpin, Three Associates Wanted, Freezes ₦9.8bn Linked to Meth Syndicate
NDLEA Declares Alleged Drug Kingpin, Three Associates Wanted, Freezes ₦9.8bn Linked to Meth Syndicate
By Zagazola Makama
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared an alleged drug kingpin, Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna, popularly known as “Odogwu,” and three of his associates wanted over their alleged involvement in operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory and laundering proceeds of illicit drug trafficking.
The other wanted suspects are Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley, and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, also known as Ekene Okwunaga.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the declaration followed an order by the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, presided over by Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo, after an application filed by the NDLEA in suit No. FHC/OW/CS/22/2026 on July 3, 2026.
The suspects are linked to a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory uncovered by NDLEA operatives on Feb. 25, 2026, at Isiozi, Umuaka, in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, where 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and other illicit materials were recovered.
Investigations by the agency allegedly identified the four suspects as key members of the syndicate, but they have since gone into hiding.
The NDLEA said forensic financial investigations led to the freezing of bank accounts linked to the suspects containing a combined balance of ₦9,840,873,566.66.
The agency also secured interim forfeiture orders over several assets believed to be proceeds of drug trafficking, including a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings, and four Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs).
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the operatives involved in the investigation, describing it as a significant blow to organised drug trafficking networks.
He said the operation underscored the agency’s determination not only to arrest traffickers but also to dismantle the financial structures sustaining the illicit trade.
Marwa assured Nigerians that the NDLEA would continue to deploy financial and forensic intelligence to trace fugitives, freeze illicit assets, and ensure those involved in drug trafficking face the full weight of the law.
He also appealed to members of the public with credible information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects to report to the nearest NDLEA office or through the agency’s confidential reporting channels.
Troops Dismantle Illegal Refining Site, Recover 555 Litres of Suspected Diesel in Rivers
Troops Dismantle Illegal Refining Site, Recover 555 Litres of Suspected Diesel in Rivers
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force South-South under Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have dismantled an illegal refining site and recovered about 555 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during an anti-illegal bunkering operation in Rivers State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted between 12:35 p.m. and 6:18 p.m. on July 15 by troops of the 103 Battalion in Akarki Forest and Kala Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
During the operation, troops discovered an illegal refining site containing a half drum of suspected illegally refined AGO estimated at about 555 litres, along with two drum ovens, one reservoir, a 120-metre hose, one coolant, three iron buckets, and three rubber buckets.
Troops, Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Five Victims in Imo
Troops, Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Five Victims in Imo
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police and local vigilantes, have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued five victims in Imo State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 6:55 p.m. on July 15 around Obokofia Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.
The sources said the joint security team responded swiftly to the incident, disrupting the kidnappers’ operation and successfully rescuing all five victims unhurt.
The suspected kidnappers fled the scene following the intervention of the security operatives, while efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims After Four Months in Captivity
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims After Four Months in Captivity
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2 of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued two kidnap victims in Dogon Ruwa Village, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, after spending about four months in captivity.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims were rescued at about 9:50 a.m. on July 15 during military operations in the area.
Preliminary findings revealed that the victims were abducted on March 15, 2026, at Kamna Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The rescued victims are currently in the custody of security personnel, where they are receiving necessary care and undergoing preliminary debriefing before being reunited with their families.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Niger State
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Niger State
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 102 Guards Battalion under Operation MESA have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued two victims during a swift response operation in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 3:05 a.m. on July 15 at Agwan Tomato, where troops responded to reports of kidnapping activities.
The troops successfully disrupted the operation of the suspected kidnappers and rescued the two victims unharmed.
The assailants fled the scene following the intervention of the troops, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The operation underscores the continued efforts of security forces to curb kidnapping and protect lives and property along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor and surrounding communities.
Soldier Killed as Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush in Sokoto
Soldier Killed as Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
A soldier has been killed after troops of the Combat Team of the 8 Division fought through a terrorist ambush during a patrol in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Raka came under attack at about 5:30 p.m. on July 14 while on patrol around Zurmuku Village.
The sources said the terrorists launched the ambush as the patrol approached the area, but the troops responded decisively and fought their way out of the attack.
During the encounter, one soldier sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment. However, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Military authorities are continuing operations in the area to track down the attackers and prevent further terrorist activities.
Brigade Commander’s Convoy Arrests Suspected Terrorist in Katsina
Brigade Commander’s Convoy Arrests Suspected Terrorist in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops attached to the convoy of the Commander, 17 Brigade, have arrested a suspected terrorist during a routine movement in Yantumaki, Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 3:14 p.m. on July 15 after troops became suspicious of his movements.
A search of the suspect’s mobile phone allegedly revealed a video showing him posing with an AK-47 rifle.
Upon further search, troops recovered one motorcycle, two mobile phones, a photocopy of a National Identity Card, one ATM card, one SIM card, and ₦5,020 in cash.
The suspect has been taken into military custody for further investigation to establish his alleged links to terrorist activities and possible prosecution.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Victim in Zamfara
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Victim in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Brigade deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Moriki have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued one victim in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:04 a.m. on July 15 at Barza Village, Sabon Garri Moriki, where troops responded swiftly to a kidnapping incident.
The troops successfully disrupted the operation of the suspected kidnappers and rescued the victim unharmed.
The kidnappers fled the scene following the intervention of the troops, while security forces have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.
The operation is part of ongoing military efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping across Zamfara State and the wider North-West.
Troops Arrest Suspected Boko Haram Fuel Supplier in Borno
Troops Arrest Suspected Boko Haram Fuel Supplier in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected logistics supplier to Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during an intelligence-led operation in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 3:00 p.m. on July 15 by troops of the 149 Battalion in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), following credible human intelligence.
The suspect, identified as Ali Umar, 23, was intercepted while allegedly carrying out logistics activities linked to terrorists operating around the Binduldul–Kareto axis.
Items recovered from the suspect included a Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number BO KGG 268AA and a Tecno mobile phone.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to supplying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters operating in the area.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the 149 Battalion for further investigation and other necessary actions.
The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist logistics networks and disrupt the supply chains sustaining insurgent activities across the North-East.
Troops Rescue Nine More Abductees in Gwoza, Total Rescued Through East Corridor Rises to 104
Troops Rescue Nine More Abductees in Gwoza, Total Rescued Through East Corridor Rises to 104
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 82 Division Task Force under Operation HADIN KAI have rescued nine more abductees, including children and women, during separate patrols around the Armuda Bridge in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the first rescue occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on July 14 when troops conducting a perimeter patrol spotted three frightened minors running towards their position near Armuda Bridge.
The children were identified as Aisha Saleh (11), Ummi Haruna (12), and Hauwa Ali (9). Troops secured the area before rescuing them and escorting them to safety.
Later the same day, at about 3:00 p.m., troops on a routine patrol rescued another minor, Jamila Danfo (15), who was seen running towards the military position. A search of the surrounding area confirmed there was no immediate threat before she was evacuated.
Preliminary investigations revealed that all four children were from the Agapalawa general area and had escaped from terrorist captivity.
In a related development, at about 6:30 a.m. on July 15, troops on another perimeter patrol sighted four women and a toddler wandering near the same bridge. They were rescued and identified as Hauwa Sabiya (40), Amina Sabiya (38), Hajiya Musa (18), Asabe Musa (15), and Hauwa Adamu (one year and six months).
The rescued women told troops that they had also fled from the Agapalawa area, stating that the terrorist camp they escaped from was in disarray due to the absence of leadership, with many fighters either deserting the camp or suffering injuries sustained during previous military operations.
All the rescued victims were administered first aid, stabilised, and later handed over to the Ngoshe community head, Bulama Mallam Kunda, at the community camp for reunification with their families.
Military sources said the latest operation has increased the total number of abductees rescued through the Gwoza East Corridor since the terrorist attack of March 3, 2026, to 104, highlighting sustained military pressure on terrorist enclaves in the area.
Troops Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims Who Escaped Terrorists’ Den in Katsina
Troops Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims Who Escaped Terrorists’ Den in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 17 Brigade have rescued nine kidnapped victims who escaped from a terrorists’ hideout after their captors reportedly fell asleep in Katsina State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims were intercepted at about 8:30 a.m. on July 15 by troops on a foot patrol at Anguwan Doka in Faskari Local Government Area.
The rescued victims comprised three women, four men and two young children.
During preliminary interrogation, the victims disclosed that they had been abducted by armed terrorists along the Tsafe–Kuchere road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
They told troops that they seized the opportunity to flee after the guards at the terrorists’ enclave fell asleep, trekking until they were encountered by the patrol team.
The victims identified themselves as indigenes of Kuchere village in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State.
The military has taken the victims into protective custody, while efforts are ongoing to contact the relevant authorities for their formal handover and reunification with their families.
Troops Recover 56 Rustled Livestock After Foiling Terrorists’ Attack in Katsina
Troops Recover 56 Rustled Livestock After Foiling Terrorists’ Attack in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 17 Brigade have recovered 56 rustled livestock after engaging suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed credible information about a planned attack by a notorious terrorist leader, identified as Idi Abasu Aiki, on communities around Bakori township.
Acting on the intelligence, troops of the 17 Brigade Special Forces, in conjunction with other troops deployed in the area, launched aggressive fighting patrols to vulnerable villages on July 14.
At about 11:58 p.m., the troops made contact with the terrorists at Angwan Yan-Kwani village after the criminals opened fire on sighting the patrol.
The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon the rustled livestock and flee into the surrounding bushes.
The troops pursued the fleeing terrorists along their escape route until contact was lost before conducting a thorough exploitation of the area.
During the operation, the troops recovered 56 rustled livestock, comprising four cows and 52 sheep.
There were no casualties among the troops, while the number of casualties inflicted on the fleeing terrorists could not be immediately confirmed.
Troops Arrest Suspected Bandit in Katsina, Recover Phones, Motorcycle
Troops Arrest Suspected Bandit in Katsina, Recover Phones, Motorcycle
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 17 Brigade have arrested a suspected bandit during a routine operational movement in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Lawal Sani, was apprehended at about 3:14 p.m. on July 15 while troops were returning from an operation in Bakori and observed a halt at Yantumaki.
Sources said a search of the suspect’s mobile phone allegedly revealed a video showing him carrying an AK-47 rifle.
Upon the discovery, the suspect reportedly attempted to flee but was quickly subdued and arrested by the troops.
Items recovered from the suspect included one motorcycle, an Infinix mobile phone, a Tecno mobile phone, a coloured photocopy of a National Identity Card, a Moniepoint ATM card, one MTN SIM card, and ₦5,020 in cash.
The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Breaking: DSS, Security Operatives Rescue Two Abducted Children in Kwara, Kill Two Kidnappers
Breaking: DSS, Security Operatives Rescue Two Abducted Children in Kwara, Kill Two Kidnappers
By Zagazola Makama
Two children who were abducted by kidnappers were rescued, following a coordinated operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.
The operation also resulted in the killing of two suspected kidnappers, while several others sustained fatal injuries and fled with gunshot wounds during the encounter.
Zagazola learnt that security forces are continuing clearance operations to track down the remaining members of the kidnapping gang and ensure they are brought to justice.
Further details are expected as the operation progresses.
Troops intercept suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers, recover food and veterinary supplies in Borno
Troops intercept suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers, recover food and veterinary supplies in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 19 Battalion (Motorised), in conjunction with the 25 Brigade Garrison, have intercepted suspected logistics suppliers to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:30 p.m. on July 15 during a routine patrol along the Kauji Road axis.
According to the sources, the troops intercepted two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers who fled into the bush immediately after sighting the patrol team, abandoning their bicycles and the supplies they were conveying.
Items recovered at the scene included two bicycles, five cartons of energy drinks, one carton of milk, one carton of soft drinks, two cartons of veterinary medicines, and one blue canopy.
Military sources said the recovered items have been taken into custody, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt the logistics network of ISWAP by intercepting supplies intended for terrorist enclaves and denying the groups the resources needed to sustain their activities in the North-East.
Troops discover, safely dispose of IED in Sambisa farming area
Troops discover, safely dispose of IED in Sambisa farming area
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison, Operation HADIN KAI, have discovered and safely disposed of an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by suspected terrorists in a farming area of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the device was discovered at about 9:50 a.m. on July 15 during a fighting patrol at the Dagari area of the Sambisa Forest in Bama Local Government Area.
According to the sources, the IED had been buried by suspected terrorists, apparently to target troops or unsuspecting civilians, including farmers returning to cultivate their farmlands.
The troops immediately secured the area and successfully disposed of the explosive device in situ in accordance with established explosive ordnance disposal procedures, eliminating the threat without incident.
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing clearance and counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) efforts under Operation HADIN KAI to make liberated communities and farming areas safe for civilian activities.
They added that troops have continued aggressive patrols and route clearance operations across the North-East to detect and neutralise explosive threats planted by terrorists.
Troops intercept suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers, recover food and veterinary supplies in Borno
Troops intercept suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers, recover food and veterinary supplies in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 19 Battalion (Motorised), in conjunction with the 25 Brigade Garrison, have intercepted suspected logistics suppliers to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:30 p.m. on July 15 during a routine patrol along the Kauji Road axis.
According to the sources, the troops intercepted two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers who fled into the bush immediately after sighting the patrol team, abandoning their bicycles and the supplies they were conveying.
Items recovered at the scene included two bicycles, five cartons of energy drinks, one carton of milk, one carton of soft drinks, two cartons of veterinary medicines, and one blue canopy.
Military sources said the recovered items have been taken into custody, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt the logistics network of ISWAP by intercepting supplies intended for terrorist enclaves and denying the groups the resources needed to sustain their activities in the North-East.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP informant linked to June attack on Gubio
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP informant linked to June attack on Gubio
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 149 Battalion (Motorised), in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected ISWAP informant in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 5:00 p.m. on July 14 during an intelligence-led operation in Gubio town.
According to the sources, the suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation to working as an informant for the terrorist group.
He also allegedly admitted to leading the terrorist infiltration attack on Gubio on June 16, 2026, during which a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was killed in action.
Military sources said the suspect is in custody and is undergoing further investigation to identify other members of the terrorist network and uncover additional details surrounding the June attack.
The arrest forms part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations by Operation HADIN KAI aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks by targeting informants, collaborators and logistics facilitators across the North-East.
Troops, CJTF arrest suspected ISWAP informant in Borno
Troops, CJTF arrest suspected ISWAP informant in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 195 Battalion, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected informant for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 11:30 p.m. on July 14 during an intelligence-led operation in Dusuman Ward.
According to the sources, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly maintained contact with members of the terrorist group and routinely met them at Labe Village in Mafa Local Government Area to share information.
Military sources said the suspect is in custody and is undergoing further interrogation to determine the extent of his alleged involvement in the terrorist network and to identify other collaborators.
The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations by Operation HADIN KAI aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks by targeting informants, collaborators and logistics facilitators operating within communities in the North-East.
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Benue, respond to distress call in Ukum
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Benue, respond to distress call in Ukum
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have foiled a kidnap attempt following a swift response to a distress call in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on July 14 when troops deployed at Kyado were alerted to a kidnapping incident at Azendachi and Atsaam wards in Ukum LGA.
According to the sources, the troops immediately mobilised to the affected communities in response to the distress call.
The military intervention disrupted the activities of the suspected kidnappers, forcing them to abandon their operation.
Military sources added that the troops also recovered three motorcycles believed to have been used during the incident.
Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects, while troops have intensified patrols and domination operations across the area to prevent further criminal activities and enhance security for residents.
The operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation WHIRL STROKE to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across Benue State.
Troops intervene in communal clash between Idoma and Hausa communities in Benue
Troops intervene in communal clash between Idoma and Hausa communities in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have intervened in a communal clash between members of the Idoma and Hausa communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, deployed at Otukpo, responded at about 6:10 a.m. on July 14 following reports of violence at Ogobia community.
According to the sources, on arrival, the troops discovered that the clash was triggered by tensions arising from an earlier attack along the Otukpo–Nobi axis on July 12, during which two residents were reportedly killed, several others sustained injuries and properties were set ablaze.
The troops immediately moved to restore calm and prevent further escalation of the violence.
Victims who sustained injuries during the disturbances were evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, where they are receiving medical attention.
Military sources said security has been reinforced in the affected community, while efforts are ongoing in collaboration with relevant authorities and community leaders to prevent reprisals and maintain peace.
The intervention forms part of Operation WHIRL STROKE’s continued efforts to contain communal violence and protect lives and property across Benue State.
Troops rescue three kidnap victims in Plateau, one abducted in Taraba four months ago
Troops rescue three kidnap victims in Plateau, one abducted in Taraba four months ago
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued three kidnapped victims during separate operations in Wase and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the first operation was conducted at about 9:50 a.m. on July 15 when troops of Sector 2, while on an offensive operation, rescued two kidnapped victims at Dogon Ruwa village in Wase LGA.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims had been abducted on March 15, 2026, at Kamna Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State before they were eventually rescued in Plateau State after about four months in captivity.
The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the Madaki of Dogon Ruwa Village for further necessary action and reunification with their families.
In a separate operation conducted earlier at about 4:00 a.m. on the same day, troops of Sector 3, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, responded to reports of the abduction of a resident from his home at Kissayip Village in Bassa Local Government Area.
The joint security team successfully rescued the victim and evacuated him to the Danjuma Ogar Medical Centre in Jebbu Bassa for medical attention.
Military sources said the operations form part of sustained efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across Plateau State and adjoining areas.
They added that troops have continued offensive and confidence-building operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action and enhancing security across the Joint Operations Area.
Operation Enduring Peace intervenes in farmland grazing dispute, parties reach amicable settlement in Plateau
Operation Enduring Peace intervenes in farmland grazing dispute, parties reach amicable settlement in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring , have intervened in a farmland grazing incident in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State, leading to an amicable resolution between the affected farmer and the livestock owner.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:50 p.m. on July 15 when troops on a night patrol intercepted 11 cows grazing on a farm belonging to Meshak Abdul along the Gora Village road.
According to the sources, the troops immediately moved the livestock to a safe location to prevent further damage and forestall any breakdown of law and order.
The owner of the cattle, identified as Muhogi Idris, was subsequently contacted by the troops, after which both parties engaged in dialogue.
Military sources said the dispute was resolved amicably through the intervention of the security personnel, with both the farmer and the cattle owner reaching a peaceful settlement.
The intervention forms part of Operation Enduring Peace ongoing efforts to promptly address farmer-herder disputes and prevent isolated incidents from escalating into communal violence in Plateau State.
Troops respond to gunfire in Plateau, rescue man shot during dispute among suspected illegal miners
Troops respond to gunfire in Plateau, rescue man shot during dispute among suspected illegal miners
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace, have responded to a reported gunfire incident at Ganadaji Community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, where a dispute among suspected illegal miners reportedly turned violent.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops were deployed at about 8:10 p.m. on July 15 following reports of gunshots in the community.
According to the sources, on arrival at the location, the troops discovered that the incident stemmed from a disagreement among suspected illegal miners over the sharing of mining proceeds.
The troops found one victim, identified as Dadun Daniel, who had sustained a gunshot wound, while the other suspects fled the scene upon sighting the security personnel.
The injured victim was evacuated to the General Hospital, Barkin Ladi, where he is receiving medical treatment.
Military sources said troops have commenced efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects as investigations into the incident continue.
The incident highlights the growing security concerns associated with illegal mining activities, which have increasingly been linked to violent disputes and other criminal activities in parts of Plateau State.
Troops foil motorcycle snatching attempt by local criminals in Plateau, rescue injured rider
Troops foil motorcycle snatching attempt by local criminals in Plateau, rescue injured rider
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching and rescued an injured rider in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:05 p.m. on July 15 while troops of Sub-Sector 81, Gyambwas, were on routine patrol along the Chanso–Gebrel road.
According to the sources, the troops responded after hearing the screams of a distressed individual and immediately moved to the scene.
On arrival, the troops sighted two suspects fleeing into the surrounding area, abandoning the victim and his motorcycle.
The victim, identified as Aron Irimiya, 28, sustained machete cuts during the attack.
He told the troops that the fleeing suspects had attempted to dispossess him of his motorcycle before they were forced to flee by the arrival of the security personnel.
The troops evacuated the injured victim to a Primary Health Centre, where he is receiving medical treatment.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, while security patrols have been intensified in the area to deter further criminal activities.
The operation forms part of Operation Enduring Peace continued efforts to combat violent crimes and improve security across Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected illegal mining kingpin, three others in FCT
Troops arrest suspected illegal mining kingpin, three others in FCT
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 176 Guards Battalion have arrested a suspected illegal mining sponsor and three other suspects during a raid on illegal mining sites in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 8:30 p.m. on July 13 at Dukpa Community, following actionable intelligence obtained after the arrest of a group of illegal miners in the area on July 7.
According to the sources, troops raided identified illegal mining locations and apprehended a suspected sponsor, described as the kingpin of the operation, along with three other suspects.
During preliminary interrogation, the principal suspect allegedly confessed to sponsoring the illegal mining activities and disclosed that he recruited labourers from Katsina State to carry out illegal mining operations in the FCT.
Items recovered during the operation included one motorcycle, two digging tools, seven filter carpets, seven pumping machine nozzles, 53 wraps of suspected cannabis, ₦360,400 in cash and other mining implements.
The suspects and recovered exhibits are in custody pending further investigation and handover to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing anti-illegal mining operations under Operation MESA aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks, protecting national resources and addressing security threats associated with illicit mining activities in the Federal Capital Territory.
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Zamfara, rescue eight victims
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Zamfara, rescue eight victims
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Combat Team 2, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kaura Namoda, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued eight victims following a firefight with armed terrorists in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on July 14 after troops received credible intelligence on a kidnapping incident at Ungwan Rogo community.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the area and made contact with the terrorists, leading to a gun battle.
According to the sources, the terrorists fled under intense military pressure, abandoning the eight kidnapped victims and two vehicles at the scene.
The troops rescued all eight victims unharmed and secured the recovered vehicles.
Military sources said troops have continued to dominate the general area through aggressive patrols to deny the terrorists freedom of action and prevent further attacks on nearby communities.
Troops arrest suspected foreign spy during exploitation operation in Borno
Troops arrest suspected foreign spy during exploitation operation in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 68 Battalion, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a suspected foreign spy during exploitation operations in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:22 p.m. on July 13 at Mallam Fatori following intensified operations launched after troops foiled a terrorist infiltration attempt on the 19 Brigade position at Cross Kauwa on July 11.
According to the sources, the suspect was identified as Abubakar Mohammed Zen, who claimed to be a citizen of the Republic of Niger and said he had travelled from Duguri in Abadam LGA.
Items recovered from the suspect included one mobile phone, Airtel recharge cards, one horse and ₦500 in cash.
Military sources said the suspect is in custody and is undergoing further interrogation to determine his identity, movements and any possible links to terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad region.
The arrest forms part of ongoing exploitation operations by Operation HADIN KAI aimed at identifying suspected terrorist collaborators, informants and other members of support networks following the failed infiltration attempt on military positions in the area.
Troops arrest suspected foreign spy during exploitation operation in Borno
Troops arrest suspected foreign spy during exploitation operation in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 68 Battalion, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a suspected foreign spy during exploitation operations in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:22 p.m. on July 13 at Mallam Fatori following intensified operations launched after troops foiled a terrorist infiltration attempt on the 19 Brigade position at Cross Kauwa on July 11.
According to the sources, the suspect was identified as Abubakar Mohammed Zen, who claimed to be a citizen of the Republic of Niger and said he had travelled from Duguri in Abadam LGA.
Items recovered from the suspect included one mobile phone, Airtel recharge cards, one horse and ₦500 in cash.
Military sources said the suspect is in custody and is undergoing further interrogation to determine his identity, movements and any possible links to terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad region.
The arrest forms part of ongoing exploitation operations by Operation HADIN KAI aimed at identifying suspected terrorist collaborators, informants and other members of support networks following the failed infiltration attempt on military positions in the area.
Troops intercept suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers, recover food, veterinary supplies in Borno
Troops intercept suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers, recover food, veterinary supplies in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics suppliers and recovered food items, veterinary medicines and other supplies in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday during a farm protection patrol by troops of the 19 Battalion (Motorised) in conjunction with the 25 Brigade Garrison.
According to the sources, the troops sighted two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers ahead of Kauji Road in Damboa LGA.
The suspects reportedly fled on sighting the troops, abandoning their bicycles and the items they were conveying.
The troops pursued the fleeing suspects but were unable to make contact as they escaped into the surrounding area.
Items recovered at the scene included two bicycles, five cartons of energy drinks, one carton of milk, one carton of soft drinks, two cartons of veterinary medicines and one blue canopy.
The recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Member Who Claimed to Have Participated in Three Attacks on Delwa
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Member Who Claimed to Have Participated in Three Attacks on Delwa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 73 Battalion (Motorised), Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a suspected member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) who confessed to participating in three separate attacks on Delwa in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Abubakar Ibrahim, 28, was arrested at about 6:47 p.m. on July 14 while approaching the gate of the Cashew Plantation area from the bush.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect initially claimed that he had gone into the bush to fetch firewood but abandoned it after his bicycle developed a flat tyre. He told the troops he was on his way to the Veterinary Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp.
However, further questioning reportedly led to a confession in which he admitted to being an ISWAP member from Warabe, Pulka, in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to military sources, the suspect told investigators that he had discarded his AK-47 rifle in a river before approaching troops to surrender.
He also allegedly confessed to being among the ISWAP fighters who participated in three separate attacks on Delwa.
Items recovered from the suspect included one bicycle, one cutlass, one bicycle repair solution, one bicycle pump, one spoon, and ₦6,500 in cash.
Military sources said the suspect and the recovered items remain in the custody of the 73 Battalion and will be handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade (7 MIB) for further investigation and profiling.
The arrest forms part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations under Operation HADIN KAI aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and encouraging the surrender of insurgents operating across the North-East.
Court Orders Final Forfeiture of 48 Properties Worth N212bn Linked to Ex-AGF Malami
Court Orders Final Forfeiture of 48 Properties Worth N212bn Linked to Ex-AGF Malami
By Zagazola Makama
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 out of 57 properties valued at about ₦212 billion and linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
The order was granted by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which sought the permanent forfeiture of the assets after an earlier interim forfeiture order.
The judge dismissed objections filed by Malami, members of his family and several companies laying claim to the properties, holding that the objections lacked merit.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik held that the central issue before the court was not the ownership of the properties but the legitimacy of the funds allegedly used in acquiring them.
“The issue before this court is not who owns the property, but how legitimate are the funds used to acquire the properties,” the judge ruled.
The forfeited assets are spread across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states and comprise luxury hotels, residential estates, duplexes, commercial plazas, warehouses, schools, factories, filling stations and other high-value investments.
Among the major assets affected by the ruling are the Meethaq Hotels in Maitama and Jabi, Abuja; Rayhaan University permanent, temporary and third campuses in Kebbi State; Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory; Azbir Hotel and Arena; Rayhaan Model Academy; Rayhaan Primary and Secondary School; Zeennoor Hotel in Kano; Rayhaan Hotel, Kano; as well as numerous residential and commercial properties in Abuja, Kano, Kebbi and Kaduna.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of several high-value residential properties in Abuja, including luxury duplexes in Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, Wuse II, Gwarimpa and Apo Legislative Quarters.
Other assets affected include warehouses, shopping units, commercial plazas, a printing press, pharmacy and supermarket, mosque, gardens, radio station, filling station, factory buildings and staff quarters.
Several properties associated with members of the former Attorney-General’s family, including residential buildings allegedly linked to his two sons in Birnin Kebbi, were also listed among the assets affected by the forfeiture order.
According to court documents, the properties had initially been placed under interim forfeiture by the EFCC pending the determination of the substantive application.
The anti-graft agency had argued that the assets were suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities and therefore liable to forfeiture under relevant provisions of the law.
With Wednesday’s ruling, 48 of the 57 properties are to be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The ruling represents one of the largest single asset forfeiture decisions in Nigeria’s history in terms of the number and estimated value of the properties involved.
There was no immediate reaction from Malami or his legal team following the court’s decision.
Kogi Launches Multi-Agency Operation to Rescue Abducted School Principal, NECO Official, Two Candidates
Kogi Launches Multi-Agency Operation to Rescue Abducted School Principal, NECO Official, Two Candidates
By Zagazola Makama
The Kogi State Government has launched a massive multi-agency security operation to rescue four persons abducted from Government Secondary School (GSS), Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
The operation, ordered by Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo, is being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, with the participation of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters and other security outfits.
The abducted victims were identified as Elder Daniel Iyanaa, the Principal of Government Secondary School, Olowa; Mr. Solomon Audu, a NECO official; Miss Dorcas Sunday, a NECO candidate; and another female NECO candidate identified simply as Miss Dorcas, whose surname has yet to be confirmed.
The state government said five persons were initially abducted during the incident, but one victim has since been rescued, while security agencies have intensified efforts to secure the safe release of the remaining four.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, security forces from the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, the 21 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Anyigba, alongside other security and intelligence agencies, have been deployed to the area.
The statement added that advanced technology is also being deployed to support the operation, with authorities reporting encouraging progress.
Preliminary findings by the government indicated that the examination centre, located in a remote and vulnerable area, was allegedly being used as a “miracle centre” for external candidates.
According to the government, the two female candidates involved were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa, and the examination arrangements did not conform to the security framework established by the state government for the protection of candidates participating in the ongoing NECO examinations across Kogi State.
The government, however, stressed that the circumstances surrounding the examination centre do not diminish its responsibility to protect every resident and visitor within the state.
“The victims are our people, and the government will spare no effort in ensuring their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the crime,” the statement said.
To safeguard the ongoing operation, the government said it would not disclose further operational details at this stage.
It also appealed to residents of Olowa and neighbouring communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information and complying with security directives.
The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring that security agencies would sustain the operation until all the abducted victims are safely reunited with their families.
Troops Overrun Terrorists’ Camp in Zamfara, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims
Troops Overrun Terrorists’ Camp in Zamfara, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have overrun a makeshift terrorist camp in Tungan Kudaduku, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, rescuing five kidnapped victims during a counter-terrorism operation.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was launched following credible intelligence indicating that a group of armed terrorists riding about 10 motorcycles had been sighted in Kawaye heading towards Tungan Kudaduku.
Acting on the intelligence, troops swiftly mobilised a fighting patrol to intercept the terrorists.
On making contact, the troops engaged the fleeing terrorists in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to abandon the area and retreat into the surrounding bush.
A thorough search of the area led to the discovery of the terrorists’ makeshift camp, where five kidnapped victims were found and rescued unharmed.
The rescued victims are currently receiving appropriate care, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families.
Military authorities said troops have maintained a strong presence in the area to deny the terrorists freedom of movement and prevent them from regrouping.
The operation forms part of the sustained offensive by Operation FANSAN YAMMA aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and restoring security across Zamfara and other states in the North-West.
Petition Seeks Probe of NEPC CEO Over Alleged Financial Misconduct, Abuse of Office, Nepotism
Petition Seeks Probe of NEPC CEO Over Alleged Financial Misconduct, Abuse of Office, Nepotism
…As New Allegations Add to Earlier Auditor-General Query Over N230.5 Million Foreign Travel Expenditure….
By Zagazola Makama
A petition has called on Nigeria’s anti-corruption, oversight and law enforcement agencies, ICPC, EFCC to launch an independent, impartial and comprehensive investigation into a series of allegations involving the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Nonye Ayeni.
The latest petition adds to earlier public concerns surrounding the NEPC boss following an audit query by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (OAGF), details of which were previously reported by SaharaReporters, alleging breaches of Federal Government directives regulating official foreign travel amounting to N230.5 Million.
Despite undergoing investigations at various Nigeria’s anti graft agencies, corruption and abuse of office had persisted in the NEPC.
The latest petition, which stressed that all allegations should be investigated strictly in accordance with due process and the rule of law, urged investigators to determine the facts solely on the basis of credible evidence while ensuring that any individual against whom the allegations are not substantiated is fully exonerated.
According to the petition, the allegations relate to financial misconduct, abuse of office, administrative irregularities, nepotism, violations of the Public Service Rules and other actions allegedly affecting the administration of the Council.
One of the central allegations concerns the suspected diversion of approximately ₦500 million, said to represent about 20 per cent of the Council’s quarterly subvention intended to support Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
The petition alleged that the funds were diverted through a coordinated arrangement involving certain Directors and State Coordinators, with portions of allocations to state offices allegedly transferred through a Bureau de Change operator for conversion into United States dollars before being remitted through an official in the Accounts Department.
It called on investigators to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of the Council’s finances, including bank records, payment vouchers, electronic transactions, communication records and other financial documents, to establish whether such transactions occurred.
The petition also raised allegations of falsification of official service records, claiming that several Directors who ought to have retired from the Federal Public Service remained in office after their personnel records, including dates of birth, were allegedly altered.
It requested investigators to compare current personnel records with original employment documents, nominal rolls and historical service records to determine whether any unlawful alterations were made.
Another issue highlighted in the petition concerns the alleged irregular engagement of retired officers on contract appointments.
According to the petition, retired members of staff were allegedly re-engaged without transparent procedures and contrary to established Federal Public Service guidelines, with claims that some appointments were intended to favour individuals perceived to be loyal to the current management.
The petition requested a detailed review of all contract appointments involving retired officers to determine whether they complied with existing laws, regulations and Federal Government policies.
The petition further alleged that the NEPC Chief Executive sought blanket approval from the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to appoint External Directors of her choice.
According to the allegations, the approval was intended to facilitate the appointment or return of certain retired loyalists into strategic positions within the Council.
The petition urged investigators to examine all correspondence relating to the request and determine whether the process complied with applicable legal and administrative procedures.
The petition also alleged widespread nepotism and abuse of administrative authority, claiming that professionally qualified officers had been removed from positions consistent with their expertise and replaced by individuals allegedly selected on the basis of personal loyalty or ethnic affiliation rather than merit.
Among the examples cited was the alleged transfer of a professionally certified ICAN accountant from the Internal Audit Department to an operational unit unrelated to his professional qualifications, while another officer was reportedly appointed in his place.
It also alleged that the Council’s certified Procurement Officer was redeployed from the Procurement Unit to a state office and replaced by an officer who allegedly lacked the required professional procurement certification.
According to the petition, if established, such actions could amount to violations of the Public Service Rules and undermine merit-based administration.
The petition equally alleged that several substantive Directors had been denied office accommodation and administrative privileges ordinarily associated with their positions.
It claimed the affected Directors were perceived as outspoken officers who consistently advised management to comply with due process in the administration of Council affairs. Investigators were urged to determine whether such actions amounted to victimisation, abuse of administrative authority or unfair labour practices.
The petition also questioned the management of official foreign travel and estacode payments.
It alleged that estacode and other travel allowances were approved and paid to certain officials regarded as loyal to management for overseas trips they allegedly never undertook.
The petition requested investigators to examine travel approvals, immigration records, airline tickets, boarding records, passport entry and exit stamps, estacode payments and other related expenditure documents to verify whether public funds were improperly disbursed.
It also raised concerns over what it described as unusually high expenditure during official foreign trips, including alleged excessive spending on shopping and related expenses.
According to the petition, investigators should review travel approvals, estacode payments, procurement records, receipts and expenditure documents to determine whether public funds were properly utilised and whether all spending complied with financial regulations.
The petition further alleged that management frequently failed to properly delegate authority to appropriate Directors whenever the Chief Executive embarked on official domestic or international engagements.
According to the petition, this practice allegedly disrupted efficient administration and should be examined to determine compliance with established administrative procedures.
On staff welfare and workplace culture, the petition alleged that employees had complained of intimidation, abusive language, victimisation and an unwillingness by management to accept professional advice. It stated that the alleged conduct had created a hostile working environment that negatively affected staff morale and institutional performance.
The petition recommended that investigators independently verify these claims through interviews with serving and former members of staff. It also alleged inadequate engagement between the Council’s leadership and exporters, saying many stakeholders reportedly found it difficult to secure official meetings with the Chief Executive despite the Council’s statutory responsibility to support Nigeria’s export sector.
According to the petition, investigators should assess whether stakeholder engagement practices were consistent with the Council’s mandate and principles of good public administration. Another allegation contained in the petition was that the Chief Executive allegedly claimed that proceeds from the alleged financial misconduct were used to influence or obtain protection from certain public officials.
The petition urged investigators to independently determine whether such statements were made and, where necessary, investigate any individuals who may be implicated while ensuring due process.
As part of the requested investigation, the petition called for a forensic audit of the Council’s finances; examination of bank records, payment trails and electronic transactions; verification of personnel files, retirement records and nominal rolls; review of contract appointments involving retired officers; examination of procurement processes and foreign travel expenditures; verification of estacode payments against actual travel records; review of correspondence relating to appointments and approvals; interviews with staff, whistleblowers, exporters and other stakeholders; and assessment of compliance with the Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations, the Public Procurement Act and other applicable laws.
The petition stated that its objective was to promote transparency, accountability, integrity and the prudent management of public resources entrusted to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council for the development of Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
It emphasised that all findings should be based solely on credible evidence, due process and the rule of law, adding that anyone found culpable should be held accountable in accordance with the law, while any person against whom the allegations were not substantiated should be fully exonerated.
Earlier Auditor-General Query
The fresh petition comes months after the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation reportedly issued an audit query against Mrs. Ayeni over her official foreign travel expenditure during the 2024 fiscal year.
According to a report by SaharaReporters, the audit alleged that Mrs. Ayeni embarked on numerous international trips in 2024 at a total cost of ₦230,540,843, contrary to Federal Government directives aimed at reducing public expenditure.
The report said auditors found that the NEPC chief undertook four international trips in the first quarter of 2024, two trips in the second quarter, two in the third quarter and seven international trips in the fourth quarter.
The Auditor-General’s report reportedly cited Circular No. PRS080/ADM/GEN/I dated Sept. 18, 2023, and another directive dated Feb. 21, 2024, both issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which restricted publicly funded international travel by government officials to a maximum of two trips per quarter.
The audit also reportedly referred to the March 12, 2024 circular signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, which suspended publicly funded foreign trips from April 1, 2024, except where expressly approved.
According to SaharaReporters, the audit alleged that Mrs. Ayeni continued embarking on numerous foreign trips despite the restrictions and questioned whether several of the journeys met the test of necessity or relevance to the statutory mandate of the NEPC.
Among the examples cited was an alleged payment of ₦16.8 million for airfare and estacode to attend the opening of a Zenith Bank branch in Paris, France, an event which the auditors reportedly questioned on the grounds that it was allegedly unrelated to the Council’s official mandate.
The audit also reportedly raised concerns over overlapping travel schedules involving trips to Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, Ghana and Qatar within closely connected dates, questioning whether all the events could have been attended as claimed and whether excess estacode, if any, was refunded.
According to SaharaReporters, the Office of the Auditor-General recommended that the entire ₦230.54 million spent on the disputed foreign trips be recovered and refunded to government coffers, describing the expenditure as inconsistent with government financial regulations and fiscal discipline measures introduced by the Tinubu administration.
Though the spokesperson for the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr. Aliu Seidu Sadiq, denied the previous allegations and disputed the claim that the Chief Executive undertook foreign trips amounting to the figure stated in the audit report, the matter was still under investigation.
Mrs. Ayeni and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council had not publicly responded to the latest allegations contained in the petition at the time of filing this report while efforts to obtain comments from Mrs. Nonye Ayeni and the NEPC before publication were unsuccessful.
Zagazola Media Network
Troops, Operation Enduring Peace Foil Attack on Tanjol Community in Plateau
Troops, Operation Enduring Peace Foil Attack on Tanjol Community in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace, in conjunction with personnel of Operation Rainbow, have foiled an attack by suspected armed men on Tanjol Community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on July 14, following reports of sporadic gunfire within the community.
The sources said troops of Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace responded swiftly to the distress call and coordinated with Operation Rainbow personnel to confront the attackers.
According to the sources, the timely intervention of the joint security team forced the unidentified gunmen to retreat in disarray before they could carry out further attacks on the community.
Following the successful operation, troops have continued to dominate Tanjol and surrounding areas to forestall any renewed attack and reassure residents.
Security sources added that efforts are ongoing to de-escalate tensions in the general area, while security patrols have been intensified to maintain law and order and prevent further breaches of peace.
Troops Launch Manhunt After Gunmen Kill Community Sentry in Plateau
Troops Launch Manhunt After Gunmen Kill Community Sentry in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have launched a manhunt for suspected gunmen following the killing of a community sentry in Gwom Village, Rim District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on July 14 when troops of Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace responded to reports of an attack on the village.
According to the sources, on arrival at the scene, the troops found the lifeless body of the victim, identified as Markus Musa, who was reportedly on sentry duty when he was attacked and killed by the assailants.
A search of the scene led to the recovery of two empty cases of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and two disintegrated metallic ammunition links, indicating that high-calibre weapons were used during the attack.
The sources said members of the community evacuated the deceased’s body for burial in accordance with local customs.
Troops have since commenced efforts to track down and apprehend the perpetrators, while security patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.
Troops Rescue Vigilante Member Injured in Attack, Launch Manhunt for Assailants in Plateau
Troops Rescue Vigilante Member Injured in Attack, Launch Manhunt for Assailants in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued a vigilante member who sustained gunshot wounds during an attack by suspected armed criminals in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:09 p.m. on July 14 around the Second Car Wash area of Agingi Village.
The sources said troops of Sector 1 of Operation Enduring Peace, deployed at Agingi, swiftly responded to a distress call and engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon the assault and flee the area.
During the intervention, the troops rescued the victim, identified as Mr. Musa, a member of a local vigilante group, who had sustained gunshot wounds in the attack.
He was immediately evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for urgent medical treatment.
Security sources said troops have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects, with efforts ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the attack and prevent further criminal activities in the area.
One Killed, Several Injured as Gunmen Attack Benue Community
One Killed, Several Injured as Gunmen Attack Benue Community
By Zagazola Makama
One person was killed and several others injured after suspected armed men attacked Ondo Ugboju Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State in the early hours of Monday.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ogoli Division received a distress call at about 6:00 a.m. reporting that armed assailants had invaded the community, killing one resident and leaving several others with varying degrees of injuries.
Following the report, the DPO mobilised a joint security team to the scene, where the situation was brought under control.
The body of the deceased was evacuated and deposited at the Federal University of Health Sciences Mortuary in Otukpo, while the injured victims were rushed to the same medical facility for treatment.
In the aftermath of the attack, the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, and other heads of security agencies, visited the affected community to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the situation.
Security sources said additional police and other security personnel have since been deployed to Ondo Ugboju and neighbouring communities to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.
The Benue State Police Command said investigations have commenced through the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Police Arrest Six Suspected Internet Fraudsters, Recover Pistol, Laptops in Nasarawa
Police Arrest Six Suspected Internet Fraudsters, Recover Pistol, Laptops in Nasarawa
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command have arrested six suspected internet fraudsters during a midnight raid on a hideout in Rugan Madaki, recovering a Makarov pistol, laptops, mobile phones and several ATM cards.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:45 a.m. on July 15 by a patrol team attached to Vintage Division following actionable intelligence on the activities of suspected cybercrime suspects in the area.
The sources said the officers stormed the hideout and successfully arrested six suspects believed to be involved in internet-related fraud.
A search conducted at the premises led to the recovery of one Makarov pistol, four GSM phones, nine laptops and multiple ATM cards suspected to have been used in their alleged fraudulent activities.
The suspects were taken into custody along with the recovered exhibits for further investigation.
Police sources said efforts are ongoing to determine the ownership of the recovered firearm, establish the extent of the suspects’ involvement in cybercrime and ascertain whether they are linked to any other criminal activities.
The Nasarawa State Police Command said the investigation is ongoing, while the suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Joint Security Team Conducts Bush Clearance Operation in Edo, Boosts Security Along Okpella–Auchi Corridor
Joint Security Team Conducts Bush Clearance Operation in Edo, Boosts Security Along Okpella–Auchi Corridor
By Zagazola Makama
A joint security team has conducted an extensive bush clearance operation across parts of Edo State as part of ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements safe havens and improve security for residents, farmers and road users.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation commenced at about 7:30 a.m. on July 14 and involved operatives of the Nigeria Police Force from Okpella Division, personnel of the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), as well as local vigilantes and hunters.
The sources said the exercise was sectorised to ensure effective coverage of identified flashpoints and forested areas suspected to be used as hideouts by criminal elements.
Areas covered during the operation included the forest behind the Old Factory in Okpella, the Okpella–Ososo axis, Iruru, Ogute-Oke, Ogute and adjoining areas along the Auchi–Okene Expressway.
According to the sources, the operation was aimed at flushing out suspected criminals, enhancing public confidence and creating a safer environment for farming activities and the free movement of commuters.
The clearance exercise was concluded peacefully at about 4:30 p.m., with no arrests recorded.
Security sources, however, said the operation forms part of a sustained security strategy and will continue across the area to maintain pressure on criminal elements and prevent them from establishing camps within the forests.
Police Arrest Six Suspected Internet Fraudsters, Recover Pistol, Laptops in Nasarawa
Police Arrest Six Suspected Internet Fraudsters, Recover Pistol, Laptops in Nasarawa
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command have arrested six suspected internet fraudsters during a midnight raid on a hideout in Rugan Madaki, recovering a Makarov pistol, laptops, mobile phones and several ATM cards.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:45 a.m. on July 15 by a patrol team attached to Vintage Division following actionable intelligence on the activities of suspected cybercrime suspects in the area.
The sources said the officers stormed the hideout and successfully arrested six suspects believed to be involved in internet-related fraud.
A search conducted at the premises led to the recovery of one Makarov pistol, four GSM phones, nine laptops and multiple ATM cards suspected to have been used in their alleged fraudulent activities.
The suspects were taken into custody along with the recovered exhibits for further investigation.
Police sources said efforts are ongoing to determine the ownership of the recovered firearm, establish the extent of the suspects’ involvement in cybercrime and ascertain whether they are linked to any other criminal activities.
The Nasarawa State Police Command said the investigation is ongoing, while the suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Again, Gunmen Invade Kogi School During NECO Examination, Abduct Principal, Students
Again, Gunmen Invade Kogi School During NECO Examination, Abduct Principal, Students
By Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have invaded Government Secondary School (GSS) Olowa in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting four students, the school principal and a National Examinations Council (NECO) ad hoc staff member while students were sitting for their NECO examinations.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 5:25 p.m. on July 14, throwing the school into panic as the armed assailants stormed the premises during the ongoing examination.
The sources said the attackers abducted four students alongside the principal of the school and a NECO ad hoc official before fleeing to an unknown destination.
Following the incident, a combined security forces launched a search-and-rescue operation and has begun trailing the kidnappers.
Security sources confirmed that one of the abducted students has so far been rescued, while efforts have been intensified to secure the release of the remaining victims.
The joint security team has commenced extensive bush-combing operations, intelligence gathering and surveillance across the area to locate the kidnappers’ hideout and ensure the safe rescue of those still in captivity.
The authorities said operations are continuing to apprehend the perpetrators and restore normalcy, while investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
Joint Security Team Rescues Three Abducted AAU Students, Neutralises Two Kidnappers in Edo
Joint Security Team Rescues Three Abducted AAU Students, Neutralises Two Kidnappers in Edo
By Zagazola Makama
A joint security team comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has rescued three abducted students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) during a coordinated operation in Edo State.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 6:00 a.m. on July 14 following sustained intelligence-led efforts to locate the victims and dismantle the kidnappers’ hideout.
The rescued students were identified as Favour Okoroje, 21; Precious Balogun, 19; and Praise Bagbalo, 18.
According to the sources, the joint team engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle during the rescue mission, resulting in the neutralisation of two suspected members of the gang.
The operatives also recovered three AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines and 39 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition from the scene.
Security sources said other members of the gang escaped into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of gunshot wounds, while a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The rescued students were safely evacuated from the area, stabilised and are currently receiving medical attention.
Police authorities described the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in Edo State.
The joint security team has continued combing the surrounding forests and adjoining communities to track down the remaining members of the gang and recover additional weapons or exhibits linked to the suspects.
Gunmen Shoot Man, Abduct Brother During Midnight Attack in Kogi
Gunmen Shoot Man, Abduct Brother During Midnight Attack in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have shot a man and abducted his younger brother during a midnight attack on Bakumba Community along the Agbaja Road in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on July 13 when the armed assailants invaded the residence of Samuel Aguma.
According to the sources, Samuel sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm after the attackers opened fire during the invasion.
The assailants subsequently abducted his younger brother, Shilanto Aguma, and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
The injured victim was later rushed to the police station by members of the local Hunters Group at about 3:30 a.m. on July 14.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Division “B”, Lokoja, mobilised a patrol team to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment, where photographs were taken as part of the investigation.
Samuel Aguma was thereafter evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Security sources said surveillance and bush-combing operations have been intensified in the area to rescue the abducted victim and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The Kogi State Police Command said investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Bandits Kill One, Injure Another, Rustle Camels in Sokoto Village Attack
Bandits Kill One, Injure Another, Rustle Camels in Sokoto Village Attack
By Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have killed one person, injured another and rustled two camels during a late-night attack on Gundunga Village in Kware Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on July 14 when a large number of heavily armed bandits stormed the remote community, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents.
Upon receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kware immediately mobilised tactical police teams alongside personnel from the Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base (FOB), the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Village Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to the scene.
According to the sources, the assailants fled after rustling two camels belonging to residents of the community.
During the attack, Mustapha Mai Kware, 53, was shot dead, while Mubarak Bashiru, 25, sustained machete injuries inflicted by the attackers.
The deceased was evacuated to a hospital mortuary for autopsy, while the injured victim was admitted for medical treatment.
Security sources said joint security operatives have launched extensive bush-combing operations to track down the fleeing bandits, recover the rustled camels and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Joint Security Team Foils Kidnap Attempt, Rescues District Head and Family in Kebbi
Joint Security Team Foils Kidnap Attempt, Rescues District Head and Family in Kebbi
By Zagazola Makama
A joint security team has foiled a kidnapping attempt at the residence of the District Head of Badariya in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, rescuing the traditional ruler and his family from suspected kidnappers.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred in the early hours of July 15 when gunmen suspected to be kidnappers attacked the residence of the Hakimin Badariya, Urotu Shehu, located in the Hubbare area of Birnin Kebbi.
The sources said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Birnin Kebbi received a distress call at about 1:13 a.m. from Alhaji Uwaisu Saad of Ubandoman Kebbi, informing him of the ongoing attack.
Acting swiftly, the DPO led a joint team comprising operatives from the division, personnel of the 36 Police Mobile Force (PMF), officers of the Operations Department, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilantes to the scene.
According to the sources, the suspected kidnappers fled into a nearby bush on sighting the advancing security operatives, abandoning their mission.
The security team successfully rescued the district head and members of his family without any of them being abducted.
However, three labourers working at the residence sustained injuries during the attack and were evacuated to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi, where they are receiving treatment.
Security sources said normalcy has since been restored in the area, while monitoring and security surveillance have been intensified to prevent any further attacks and track down the fleeing suspects.
Police Foil Human Trafficking Attempt, Rescue 18-Year-Old Girl Bound for Côte d’Ivoire in Anambra
Police Foil Human Trafficking Attempt, Rescue 18-Year-Old Girl Bound for Côte d’Ivoire in Anambra
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have foiled a suspected human trafficking operation and rescued an 18-year-old girl who was allegedly being transported to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, without the consent of her parents.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 10:30 a.m. on July 14 by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad’s Special Commander, the Village Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Awkuzu, following credible intelligence.
The sources said the operatives arrested two suspects identified as Chimaobi Nwaiwu, 40, and Onyinye Nwaiwu, 40, both of Abubor Village, Nnewichi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
According to the sources, the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to traffic Miss Nwachukwu Favor Onyiyechi, 18, from Ndianiche Village, Arondizogu, Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State, to Abidjan, where she was reportedly to work for an unidentified individual without the knowledge or consent of her parents.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to the offence and admitted that they had been involved in human trafficking for several years.
Police sources said the suspects further disclosed that they received 100,000 CFA francs for every person successfully trafficked.
The rescued victim has been placed under protective care, while investigators continue efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case.
The Anambra State Police Command said investigations are ongoing and that efforts have been intensified to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected trafficking syndicate.
Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robber, Recover Locally Made Firearm in Ebonyi
Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robber, Recover Locally Made Firearm in Ebonyi
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Ebonyi State Police Command have arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally made firearm during an intelligence-led operation in Ezza North Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Emeka Oke, was apprehended at about 3:00 p.m. on July 14 by operatives of the Village Crime Response Unit (VCRU) while on patrol in the Ezza North axis.
The sources said the operation followed actionable intelligence indicating that the suspect was in unlawful possession of a firearm.
Acting swiftly on the information, the operatives tracked and arrested the suspect without incident.
A search conducted on him led to the recovery of a locally made double-barrel pistol loaded with one live cartridge.
Police sources described the suspect as a suspected armed robber and said he is currently in custody assisting investigators.
The Ebonyi State Police Command said a comprehensive investigation is underway to identify and arrest other members of the suspect’s alleged criminal gang, while efforts are also being made to determine whether the recovered firearm had been used in previous criminal activities.
The suspect is expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, Joint Security Team Foil Bandit Attack, Recover Rustled Livestock in Katsina
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, Joint Security Team Foil Bandit Attack, Recover Rustled Livestock in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with other joint security operatives, have foiled a bandit attack and recovered livestock rustled from two communities in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State after engaging the attackers in a gun battle.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:17 p.m. on July 14 when heavily armed bandits, riding on about 11 motorcycles, parked at Ganga Bakwai Village in Faskari Local Government Area before crossing into neighbouring Bakori LGA.
According to the sources, the bandits invaded Unguwar Dutse and Gidan Alhaji Jafaru villages, where they rustled four cows and 50 sheep belonging to local residents.
On receiving the distress report, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, alongside operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, military personnel and members of the Community Watch Corps, swiftly mobilised to the area.
The joint security team strategically blocked the bandits’ escape routes and intercepted the fleeing attackers, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Security sources said the bandits, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, abandoned the four cows and 50 sheep and fled into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds.
All the recovered livestock were returned to their rightful owners.
The sources added that clearance operations are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing bandits, while security has been reinforced across the affected communities to prevent further attacks and sustain the gains recorded by the operation.
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Logistics Supplier, Intercept Food Items Bound for Terrorists in Borno
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Logistics Supplier, Intercept Food Items Bound for Terrorists in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics supplier during a successful ambush operation in Borno State, intercepting food supplies believed to be destined for terrorists operating in the Jakana–Mulam axis.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 10:00 p.m. on July 13 by troops of the 273 Task Force Tank Battalion in conjunction with members of the Forest Guard as part of ongoing strangulation operations aimed at disrupting terrorist supply chains.
The sources said the troops, who had laid an ambush along a suspected logistics route, intercepted the suspect identified as Kazalal Modu while transporting assorted food items and other materials believed to be intended for Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters.
Items recovered from the suspect included five cartons of spaghetti, 191 packs of digestive biscuits, two black nylon bags containing sugar, torchlights, a bicycle used for transportation, and the sum of ₦10,000 in cash.
According to the sources, the suspect was taken into custody and is currently undergoing preliminary investigation to determine the intended recipients of the supplies and identify other members of the terrorist logistics network operating within the area.
Military authorities said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to degrade the operational capability of Boko Haram and ISWAP by targeting not only their fighters but also the network of collaborators responsible for supplying food, fuel, medicines and other essential items.
The strangulation operations have increasingly become a critical component of the counter-insurgency campaign in the North East, denying terrorist groups access to logistics that sustain their operations and limiting their ability to regroup after battlefield losses.
Police Recover Abandoned Trailer as Suspected ₦32m Soybean Theft Probe Begins in Kano
Police Recover Abandoned Trailer as Suspected ₦32m Soybean Theft Probe Begins in Kano
By Zagazola Makama
The Kano State Police Command has launched an investigation into a suspected criminal conspiracy and theft involving 40 tonnes of soybeans valued at ₦32 million, following the recovery of an abandoned trailer in Gezawa Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the case was reported at about 4:00 p.m. by Abubakar Nasiru of Dan Sumaila Plaza, Dansarai Quarters.
According to the report, on July 3, 2026, one of the company’s regular transporters, Mansur Usman of Mariri Quarters, introduced another transporter identified as Bature Bakanike of By-Pass Unguwa Uku, who is currently at large. The duo conveyed the consignment of 40 tonnes of soybeans in a trailer bearing Bauchi registration number TRR269YX to Dan Sumaila Plaza.
Sources said the complainant became suspicious during negotiations and declined to purchase the consignment, prompting the transporters to leave the premises. However, the trailer driver claimed the vehicle had developed a mechanical fault and was unable to move.
Later that day, the suspects reportedly returned with another trailer, trans-loaded the soybean consignment into the second vehicle, abandoned the original trailer within the premises, and fled to an unknown destination with the goods.
Following the report, police officers were deployed to the scene, where the abandoned trailer was recovered as an exhibit.
The Kano State Police Command has commenced investigations to trace the fleeing suspects, recover the stolen consignment, and unravel the circumstances surrounding the suspected theft.
Police Arrest Two Suspects Over Vandalism of MTN Facility in Benin, Recover Weapons
Police Arrest Two Suspects Over Vandalism of MTN Facility in Benin, Recover Weapons
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested two suspected vandals linked to the destruction of telecommunications infrastructure after foiling an attempt to vandalise an MTN facility in Benin City.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:00 a.m. on July 12, following credible information that a gang of suspected armed robbers was vandalising MTN telecommunications equipment along Sapele Road near NEPA in Benin City.
Police operatives swiftly responded to the scene and arrested two suspects identified as Ibrahim Hassan, 19, and Useni (surname yet to be established).
During the operation, Ibrahim Hassan sustained injuries while attempting to escape by scaling a perimeter fence before he was apprehended. Police recovered one cutlass and one dagger from the suspects.
Investigations further revealed that the same group had allegedly attempted to vandalise the MTN facility on July 9, but fled after sighting police operatives.
In that earlier incident, the suspects abandoned 12 heavy-duty batteries belonging to MTN and a Toyota Yaris with registration number ABD 451 KK. The vehicle’s driver, Yahaya Saliu, 29, was arrested and remains in police custody.
Police sources added that the second suspect, Useni, was attacked by an angry mob before officers could fully secure the scene, leaving him with severe head injuries.
Both suspects are currently receiving treatment at a cottage hospital under police guard, while preliminary investigations continue to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal gang.
The Edo State Police Command said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
Police, Vigilantes Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle with Bandits in Niger
Police, Vigilantes Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle with Bandits in Niger
By Zagazola Makama
A joint team of police tactical operatives and local vigilantes has rescued 11 kidnapped victims following a gun battle with armed bandits in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was launched after intelligence received at about 9:00 p.m. on July 11 indicated that a group of armed bandits was moving through the area with abducted victims and rustled cattle.
The sources said the security team intercepted the bandits near Mangoro Village in Mariga LGA, where they engaged the criminals in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The bandits were forced to flee into the surrounding bush, abandoning the captives, who were rescued unhurt.
The rescued victims were identified as Alhaji Sale, Muhammadu, Abubakar Ibrahim, Naziru Hamza, Ali Ibrahim, Abubakar Mohd, Ibrahim Abubakar, Dan Asabe Garba, Yunusa Musa, Musa Peter, and Bilyaminu Ibrahim, all residents of Beri, Dogon-Fadama and Kagara communities.
The victims have since been reunited with their families.
Security sources said monitoring and combing operations are ongoing in the area to track down the fleeing bandits and recover the rustled cattle.
Police, Vigilantes Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle with Bandits in Niger
Police, Vigilantes Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle with Bandits in Niger
By Zagazola Makama
A joint team of police tactical operatives and local vigilantes has rescued 11 kidnapped victims following a gun battle with armed bandits in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was launched after intelligence received at about 9:00 p.m. on July 11 indicated that a group of armed bandits was moving through the area with abducted victims and rustled cattle.
The sources said the security team intercepted the bandits near Mangoro Village in Mariga LGA, where they engaged the criminals in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The bandits were forced to flee into the surrounding bush, abandoning the captives, who were rescued unhurt.
The rescued victims were identified as Alhaji Sale, Muhammadu, Abubakar Ibrahim, Naziru Hamza, Ali Ibrahim, Abubakar Mohd, Ibrahim Abubakar, Dan Asabe Garba, Yunusa Musa, Musa Peter, and Bilyaminu Ibrahim, all residents of Beri, Dogon-Fadama and Kagara communities.
The victims have since been reunited with their families.
Security sources said monitoring and combing operations are ongoing in the area to track down the fleeing bandits and recover the rustled cattle.
One Killed, Homes Burnt as Land Dispute Turns Deadly in Niger State
One Killed, Homes Burnt as Land Dispute Turns Deadly in Niger State
By Zagazola Makama
A lingering land dispute between two communities in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State has turned deadly after an attack left one person dead, farmlands destroyed and houses set ablaze.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported at about 4:00 p.m. on July 11 by Saba Muhammad of Ejingi Village.
According to the sources, the violence stemmed from a long-standing boundary dispute between Ejingi and Kakpiyi communities.
The attackers, allegedly from Kakpiyi community and armed with dangerous weapons, reportedly invaded Ejingi Village, destroyed farm crops, set three rooms on fire and fatally shot Muhammed Alfa, 27.
Police operatives promptly visited the scene, where the victim’s body was evacuated to the General Hospital, Agaie, for autopsy. However, the corpse was later released to the family on request for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Security personnel restored normalcy to the affected community, while one suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack.
Police said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the violence.
Six Burnt to Death as Gas Truck Explodes on Abuja–Lokoja Highway
Six Burnt to Death as Gas Truck Explodes on Abuja–Lokoja Highway
By Zagazola Makama
At least six persons were burnt to death after a gas-laden truck exploded while in motion at an Army checkpoint along the Abuja–Lokoja Federal Highway in Kogi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the tragic incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Chikara Division, prompting an immediate response by police operatives, personnel of the Motor Traffic Division (MTD), and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
According to the sources, the truck conveying gas cylinders exploded while approaching the Army checkpoint, triggering a massive inferno that engulfed nearby vehicles.
The gas truck was completely burnt, while its driver and motor boy died in the blaze, with their bodies burnt beyond recognition.
The intensity of the fire also spread to three other trucks, which were completely consumed by the inferno, killing the drivers and their motor boys.
The affected vehicles were identified by their registration numbers as:
- HJA 626YR (Jigawa State)
- APP 164XB (Lagos State)
- GWA 214XY (FCT Abuja)
Police said the remains of the six deceased victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Abaji, while the burnt vehicles were cleared from the highway to restore the free flow of traffic.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the explosion, while further investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Four Bandits Killed as Police, Vigilantes Repel Attack in Kebbi, One Yansakai Member Dies
Four Bandits Killed as Police, Vigilantes Repel Attack in Kebbi, One Yansakai Member Dies
By Zagazola Makama
Four suspected bandits have been neutralised during a joint security operation following an attack on a community in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, while a member of the Yansakai vigilante group was killed and a Police Constabulary officer sustained gunshot injuries.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 8:00 a.m. on July 12, when a large group of armed bandits, believed to have crossed from the Gumi Forest in neighbouring Zamfara State, invaded Gadar Wanda, an outskirt of Danko Town, and rustled an unspecified number of livestock.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised police tactical teams, local vigilantes and members of the Yansakai group to pursue the fleeing bandits.
The security team caught up with the attackers and engaged them in a fierce gun battle, during which four suspected bandits were neutralised, forcing the others to retreat.
However, Tukur Ukuhu, 40, a member of the Yansakai vigilante group, was killed during the exchange of fire, while Shehu Mohammed Maikaji, a Police Constabulary officer attached to the division, sustained gunshot injuries.
The injured officer was evacuated to Martha Bamaiyi General Hospital, Zuru, for treatment, while the body of the deceased vigilante member was also taken to the hospital. After documentation and post-mortem procedures, the remains were released to his family for burial.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to recover the rustled livestock and apprehend the fleeing bandits.
Police Rescue Kidnap Victim, Arrest Injured Suspect After Gun Battle in Osun
Police Rescue Kidnap Victim, Arrest Injured Suspect After Gun Battle in Osun
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Osun State Police Command have rescued a kidnapped victim unhurt and arrested one suspected kidnapper following a gun battle during a rescue operation along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out in the early hours of July 12 by the Village Crime Reduction Unit (VCRU) Team ‘H’, led by DSP Abina Gideon.
The sources said the operation was a follow-up to the abduction that occurred at Wasimi Village on July 9.
Acting on intelligence, the police team tracked the ransom delivery to the kidnappers’ designated drop-off point at Majeroku along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway.
As the operatives closed in on the location at about 1:45 a.m., the kidnappers opened fire, leading to a gun duel with the police.
During the exchange, the victim was rescued unharmed, while one of the suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries and was apprehended.
The injured suspect was taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the other members of the kidnapping gang who escaped during the operation.
Man Suffers Severe Head Injury in Farm Attack as Police Hunt Suspects in Gombe
Man Suffers Severe Head Injury in Farm Attack as Police Hunt Suspects in Gombe
By Zagazola Makama
The Gombe State Police Command has launched a manhunt for two suspects accused of attacking a 22-year-old farmer with sticks and cutlasses in Balanga Local Government Area of the state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported at about 1:00 p.m. on July 13 by Shitu Bello, 40, a resident of Refele Village.
According to the report, the victim, Inusa Bello, 22, was working on his farm at Nassarawa Village at about 12:00 p.m. when he was allegedly attacked by Jume Mai Yara and Sada Mai Yara, both from the same community.
The assailants reportedly beat the victim with sticks and attacked him with cutlasses, inflicting a deep cut on his head before fleeing the scene.
Police operatives visited the scene, while the injured farmer was rushed to the General Hospital, Talasse, where he was admitted for medical treatment.
The Gombe State Police Command said investigations have commenced, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Man Found Dead in Apparent Suicide in Gombe, Police Begin Investigation
Man Found Dead in Apparent Suicide in Gombe, Police Begin Investigation
By Zagazola Makama
The Gombe State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the death of a young man who was found hanging inside his room in Akko Local Government Area of the state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported at about 3:00 p.m. on July 13 by Bulus Kefas, a resident of Kaniyal Quarters.
According to the report, the deceased, identified as Gerson Bulus Kefas, was discovered at about 2:20 p.m. hanging from the ceiling of his room at the family residence.
Police operatives visited and documented the scene before evacuating the victim to the Specialist Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed him dead. His body has since been deposited at the hospital mortuary pending further investigation.
Sources said a handwritten note, believed to have been authored by the deceased, was recovered at the scene and has been taken into police custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
The police said efforts are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Gunmen Abduct Businessman in Bauchi Community as Police Launch Rescue Operation
Gunmen Abduct Businessman in Bauchi Community as Police Launch Rescue Operation
By Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted a 40-year-old man from his residence in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, prompting a joint search operation by security agencies and local vigilantes.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported at about 12:30 p.m. on July 13 by Jauro Ubale Muhammad, a resident of Yoye via Bara Village.
According to the sources, at about 3:40 a.m. on the same day, four unidentified armed men stormed the residence of Alhaji Gide Mai Yara, 40, in Bara Village and abducted him to an unknown destination.
Following the report, police patrol teams from Kirfi Division, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante members, were immediately mobilised to the area.
Security operatives have since intensified efforts to trace the kidnappers, rescue the victim unharmed and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
The Bauchi State Police Command said investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Gunmen Abduct Businessman in Bauchi Community as Police Launch Rescue Operation
Gunmen Abduct Businessman in Bauchi Community as Police Launch Rescue Operation
By Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted a 40-year-old man from his residence in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, prompting a joint search operation by security agencies and local vigilantes.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported at about 12:30 p.m. on July 13 by Jauro Ubale Muhammad, a resident of Yoye via Bara Village.
According to the sources, at about 3:40 a.m. on the same day, four unidentified armed men stormed the residence of Alhaji Gide Mai Yara, 40, in Bara Village and abducted him to an unknown destination.
Following the report, police patrol teams from Kirfi Division, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante members, were immediately mobilised to the area.
Security operatives have since intensified efforts to trace the kidnappers, rescue the victim unharmed and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
The Bauchi State Police Command said investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Police Arrest Two Suspected Robbers, Recover Stolen iPads in Yobe
Police Arrest Two Suspected Robbers, Recover Stolen iPads in Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Yobe State Police Command have arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered three stolen iPad handsets following an attack on two farmers in Fune Local Government Area of the state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the case was reported at about 9:00 a.m. on July 12 at the Damagun Divisional Police Headquarters by Alhaji Aliyu Bularafa of Lawan Kalam Village in Ngelzarma District, who was accompanied by Ya’u Suleiman.
According to the report, at about 2:45 a.m. on July 11, two armed men, wielding cutlasses, knives and sticks, broke into the victims’ room located on their farm while they were asleep.
The assailants reportedly attacked the two men, inflicting serious injuries before carting away three iPad handsets and wristwatches.
Following the report, detectives led by ASP Nuhu visited the scene and tracked the suspects through footprints left at the crime scene.
The investigation led to the arrest of Idriss Gako and Babangida Abdulrahman, both of Lantewa Village.
Police recovered the three stolen iPad handsets from the suspects during the operation.
The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue to determine whether they are linked to other robbery incidents in the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected ‘Suck and Die’ Dealer During Raid in Adamawa
Troops Arrest Suspected ‘Suck and Die’ Dealer During Raid in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected dealer of methylene chloride, popularly known as “Suck and Die,” during a raid operation in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 12:30 p.m. on July 13 by troops of the 232 Battalion (Tactical) across Hong metropolis to dominate the area and deny criminal elements freedom of action.
During the operation, troops arrested the suspect, identified as Sani Adamu, 30, at the Hong Market. A four-litre empty gallon used for methylene chloride was recovered from him.
The suspect was subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Hong Command, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Troops Arrest Suspected ‘Suck and Die’ Dealer During Raid in Adamawa
Troops Arrest Suspected ‘Suck and Die’ Dealer During Raid in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected dealer of methylene chloride, popularly known as “Suck and Die,” during a raid operation in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 12:30 p.m. on July 13 by troops of the 232 Battalion (Tactical) across Hong metropolis to dominate the area and deny criminal elements freedom of action.
During the operation, troops arrested the suspect, identified as Sani Adamu, 30, at the Hong Market. A four-litre empty gallon used for methylene chloride was recovered from him.
The suspect was subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Hong Command, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Troops Arrest Suspected ‘Suck and Die’ Dealer During Raid in Adamawa
Troops Arrest Suspected ‘Suck and Die’ Dealer During Raid in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected dealer of methylene chloride, popularly known as “Suck and Die,” during a raid operation in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 12:30 p.m. on July 13 by troops of the 232 Battalion (Tactical) across Hong metropolis to dominate the area and deny criminal elements freedom of action.
During the operation, troops arrested the suspect, identified as Sani Adamu, 30, at the Hong Market. A four-litre empty gallon used for methylene chloride was recovered from him.
The suspect was subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Hong Command, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Mother, Child Escape Boko Haram Enclave, Surrender to Troops in Borno
Mother, Child Escape Boko Haram Enclave, Surrender to Troops in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Two family members of suspected Boko Haram (Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad – JAS) terrorists have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI after escaping from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the woman, Nafisat Ali, 20, and her one-year-old daughter, Aisha Umar, surrendered at about 9:40 a.m. on July 13 to troops of the 192 Battalion (Motorised) deployed on picketing duty along the Gwoza–Limankara Road.
During preliminary interrogation, Nafisat disclosed that she fled the Kwolika terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area due to severe hardship and the lack of basic necessities in the camp.
The sources said the mother and child were immediately screened and documented in line with established procedures and are currently in military custody pending further profiling and necessary administrative action.
Military authorities said the surrender reflects the increasing pressure being mounted on terrorist enclaves through sustained offensive operations under Operation HADIN KAI, which continue to degrade the operational capabilities and support structures of insurgent groups in the North-East.
The sources added that the general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops continue to maintain a high level of operational readiness.
Troops Intercept Pregnant Woman Allegedly Conveying Logistics to ISWAP in Borno
Troops Intercept Pregnant Woman Allegedly Conveying Logistics to ISWAP in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted a pregnant woman allegedly conveying logistics suspected to be meant for Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Mrs. Falmata Adamu, 28, was apprehended at about 11:00 a.m. on July 13 by troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion while conducting checkpoint duties along the Mandaragirau–Biu Road.
According to the sources, the woman was intercepted after troops discovered items concealed in her civilian clothing during a search. The recovered items included 17 torch lights and 19 Tiger batteries, which are suspected to have been destined for a terrorist enclave.
The suspect was taken into custody, while preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the intended recipients of the items and possible links to terrorist logistics networks.
Military sources said the interception forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt the supply chains sustaining Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists operating in the North-East.
The sources added that the general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of operational readiness.
Bandits’ Logistics Supplier Arrested in Kano, 109 AK-47 Rounds Recovered
Bandits’ Logistics Supplier Arrested in Kano, 109 AK-47 Rounds Recovered
By Zagazola Makama
A suspected logistics supplier to armed bandits has been arrested by operatives of the Kano State Police Command following credible intelligence that led to his interception in Bichi Local Government Area of the state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended during a targeted operation after intelligence indicated he was transporting military-related items and ammunition believed to be destined for criminal elements operating within the Kano-Katsina axis.
Items recovered from the suspect include 109 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition for AK-47 rifles, military uniforms, military caps, a fake military identity card, and other logistics materials suspected to have been procured for bandits.
The sources said the arrest has disrupted a key supply chain supporting armed groups and prevented the items from reaching bandit camps, where they could have been used to facilitate attacks on communities.
The operation is considered a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle the logistics networks sustaining banditry and other violent crimes in the North-West.
Security officials commended the professionalism of the operatives involved in the operation as well as members of the public whose timely and credible intelligence made the arrest possible.
The development underscores the importance of intelligence-led policing and sustained community collaboration in the fight against insecurity, as authorities continue efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
Bandits’ Logistics Supplier Arrested in Kano, 109 AK-47 Rounds Recovered
Bandits’ Logistics Supplier Arrested in Kano, 109 AK-47 Rounds Recovered
By Zagazola Makama
A suspected logistics supplier to armed bandits has been arrested by operatives of the Kano State Police Command following credible intelligence that led to his interception in Bichi Local Government Area of the state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended during a targeted operation after intelligence indicated he was transporting military-related items and ammunition believed to be destined for criminal elements operating within the Kano-Katsina axis.
Items recovered from the suspect include 109 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition for AK-47 rifles, military uniforms, military caps, a fake military identity card, and other logistics materials suspected to have been procured for bandits.
The sources said the arrest has disrupted a key supply chain supporting armed groups and prevented the items from reaching bandit camps, where they could have been used to facilitate attacks on communities.
The operation is considered a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle the logistics networks sustaining banditry and other violent crimes in the North-West.
Security officials commended the professionalism of the operatives involved in the operation as well as members of the public whose timely and credible intelligence made the arrest possible.
The development underscores the importance of intelligence-led policing and sustained community collaboration in the fight against insecurity, as authorities continue efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
Troops, Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims, Neutralise Two Suspects in Edo
Troops, Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims, Neutralise Two Suspects in Edo
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 322 Artillery Regiment, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and local vigilantes, have rescued three kidnapped victims and neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a clearance operation in Esan Local Government Area of Edo State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed a reported kidnap incident at Ambrose Alli University on July 13.
The sources said the joint security team tracked the kidnappers to their hideout in Esan LGA, where they engaged the suspects in a gun battle.
During the operation, two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while three abducted victims were rescued unharmed.
The troops also recovered three AK-47 rifles, 39 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three mobile phones and two power banks from the scene.
The rescued victims have been reunited with their families, while security agencies are continuing efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal gang who escaped during the operation.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Human Organ Traffickers in Benue
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Human Organ Traffickers in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested two suspected human organ traffickers during an operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 6:36 p.m. on July 13 at Atongo community following intelligence-led operations by troops deployed in the area.
The sources said the two suspects are believed to be involved in human organ trafficking activities, although further details of the alleged offences are still under investigation.
According to the sources, the suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest is part of ongoing security operations by Operation Whirl Stroke to dismantle criminal networks and curb violent crimes across Benue and other parts of the North Central region.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Three Victims in Benue
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Three Victims in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued three abducted victims following a gun battle with suspected terrorists in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on July 13 when troops stationed at the SAI Outpost responded swiftly to reports of an ongoing kidnapping at Sai community.
The sources said the troops made contact with the fleeing suspects, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, the suspected terrorists abandoned the three kidnapped victims and fled into the surrounding area.
The rescued victims were subsequently released and reunited with their families after preliminary profiling.
The military has continued efforts to track down the fleeing suspects as Operation Whirl Stroke sustains offensive operations against criminal elements across Benue State.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Seven Victims in Plateau
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Seven Victims in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6 of Operation SAFE HAVEN, under Operation PEACE (OPEP), have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued seven victims following a swift response to suspected kidnapping activities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on July 13 when troops responded to reports of suspected kidnappers operating in Sopp Village.
The sources said the troops made contact with the suspected terrorists, triggering a gun battle that forced the criminals to abandon the seven kidnapped victims and flee into the surrounding bush.
The rescued victims were secured by the troops, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities across Plateau State and its environs.
Troops, Vigilantes Arrest Three Suspected Terrorists in Bauchi Forest
Troops, Vigilantes Arrest Three Suspected Terrorists in Bauchi Forest
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have arrested three suspected terrorists during a clearance operation in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 4:00 a.m. on July 14 by troops of CSIB XVII at Dutsen Kwadu Forest.
The sources said the joint team apprehended the three suspects during the operation following actionable intelligence on the movement of criminal elements within the forest.
The suspects are currently in custody and are undergoing preliminary investigation to determine their identities, affiliations and possible involvement in terrorist activities.
The arrest is part of ongoing security efforts to deny terrorists and other criminal elements safe havens in Bauchi State and the wider North-East region.
Troops Engage Terrorists, Recover Motorcycle During Fighting Patrol in Zamfara
Troops Engage Terrorists, Recover Motorcycle During Fighting Patrol in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have engaged suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, recovering a motorcycle after a gun battle.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 12:46 p.m. on July 13 by troops of the Headquarters, Operation FANSAN YAMMA Mobile Strike Team (MST).
The sources said the troops carried out a fighting patrol to Tubali and Galadi villages, clearing the Katuru Galadi–Tsibiri axis before advancing to Tubali, where they made contact with the suspected terrorists.
A firefight ensued, forcing the terrorists to flee into the surrounding bush. During the exploitation of the area, troops recovered one motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing suspects.
The sources added that the operation forms part of sustained offensive actions by Operation FANSAN YAMMA aimed at dismantling terrorist hideouts and disrupting their freedom of movement across Zamfara State.
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Kebbi
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Kebbi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tudun Bichi have neutralised two suspected terrorists during a fierce gun battle in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to reports of terrorist activities at Mokurata Village at about 11:20 a.m. on July 13.
The sources said the troops made contact with the terrorists, leading to a firefight in which two of the suspects were neutralised.
During the operation, troops recovered one motorcycle and a Baofeng handheld radio believed to have been used by the terrorists.
However, one soldier who was armed with a PKT machine gun and an AK-47 rifle was reported missing in action (MIA) during the engagement.
The sources disclosed that efforts have also been intensified to track down the fleeing terrorists.
The operation is part of sustained military offensives aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement across the North-West.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis, Tramadol in Sokoto
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis, Tramadol in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Goronyo have arrested two suspected drug peddlers and recovered illicit substances and other items during an operation in Sokoto State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 6:25 a.m. on July 13 in Achida area.
The sources said troops recovered cannabis, a pack of tramadol tablets, a jackknife, one motorcycle and two mobile phones from the suspects during the operation.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activities, particularly those linked to the financing and sustenance of armed groups in the North-West.
Foreign ISIS Arab Terrorists Arrested as Troops Intensify Offensive following fails attack in Borno
Foreign ISIS Arab Terrorists Arrested as Troops Intensify Offensive following fails attack in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Military operations across Nigeria’s North East have entered a new phase following the failed attempt by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters to infiltrate Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, with troops recording what security sources describe as a significant intelligence breakthrough through the arrest of a suspected foreign ISIS operative.
The development comes after troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on Cross Kauwa, forcing the insurgents to abandon equipment and retreat under sustained military pressure.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops immediately commenced aggressive exploitation operations after securing the area, extending search and pursuit missions along identified withdrawal routes used by the fleeing terrorists.
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During the exploitation exercise conducted on Monday, troops recovered additional operational materials believed to have been abandoned during the insurgents’ hasty withdrawal. Among the items recovered were high-frequency hand-held radios (HHR), communication equipment considered crucial to the command and control structure of the terrorist group.
According to the sources, intelligence gathered from the recovered materials enabled troops to expand the pursuit deep into the Lake Chad Islands (LCI) axis, extending operations towards Abadam Local Government Area.
The operation culminated in the arrest of a fleeing foreign suspect believed to be an Arab of Moroccan origin with suspected links to the Islamic State (ISIS).
Military sources disclosed that the suspect had earlier come under intelligence scrutiny following forensic exploitation conducted jointly with international partners on video footage extracted from a camcorder recovered after the Cross Kauwa encounter.
The camcorder, according to the sources, belonged to a terrorist cameraman who was killed during the failed assault on Cross Kauwa.
Security experts explained that extremist groups frequently deploy media operatives alongside assault teams to document attacks for propaganda, recruitment and operational assessment. The recovery of the recording device reportedly provided investigators with valuable visual intelligence, leading to the identification of the foreign suspect.
Following his arrest, the suspect was immediately evacuated from the operational area aboard a Nigerian Air Force helicopter to a secure military facility where he is currently undergoing intensive interrogation and intelligence exploitation.
Military authorities are expected to examine the suspect’s role within the terrorist organisation, his movement into Nigeria, possible connections with ISIS’s wider transnational network, and any involvement in training, operational planning or media production for ISWAP.
The arrest is a major intelligence breakthrough capable of providing fresh insights into the structure, financing and international linkages of terrorist organisations operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
The development also lends further weight to longstanding assessments by security agencies that foreign nationals continue to provide varying degrees of support to extremist groups operating in the region, particularly in specialised areas such as training, communications, media production, explosives handling and strategic coordination.
While ISWAP remains largely composed of local fighters recruited from communities within the Lake Chad Basin, intelligence gathered over the years has indicated the presence of foreign facilitators from Iraq, Somalia and Morrocco serving as technical specialists linked to the wider Islamic State network.
Military sources stressed that the interrogation of the suspect is still ongoing and that operational security considerations prevent the release of additional details at this stage.
Officials noted that information obtained during the intelligence exploitation process could support ongoing counter-terrorism operations, identify additional terrorist cells and expose cross-border movement routes used by insurgent elements.
The latest development comes as Operation HADIN KAI continues sustained offensive operations across Borno State aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement, dismantling logistics networks and preventing further attempts to regain operational footholds in the Lake Chad region.
Troops Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims Along Riyom Highway in Plateau
Troops Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims Along Riyom Highway in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued seven kidnapped travellers following a swift response to a kidnapping incident along a highway in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on July 13, when troops deployed under Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace responded to credible reports of suspected kidnappers operating near Sopp village in Riyom LGA.
On arrival at the scene, the troops discovered a blue Opel Vectra abandoned in the middle of the road with no occupants inside, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation in the surrounding bushes.
During the operation, the troops made contact with the kidnappers, who fled into the bush under sustained military pressure, abandoning their captives. The troops fired five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the rescue operation.
The rescued victims were identified as ASP Babagida Ishaku, Mr. Auwulu Haruna, Dung Jerry Dang, Anas Idris, Hussaini Mohammed, Idris Abdullahi, and Mrs. Kangyang Sunday.
According to the victims, they had boarded the vehicle in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, and were travelling to Jos when they were abducted by the criminals.
The victims were successfully rescued without further harm, while efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Enduring Peace have continued routine patrols across the Joint Operations Area to safeguard schools, churches, and other critical national infrastructure as part of sustained efforts to enhance security across Plateau State.
One Killed, Two Injured as Terrorists Attack Village in Niger’s Dosso Region
One Killed, Two Injured as Terrorists Attack Village in Niger’s Dosso Region
By Zagazola Makama
At least one person was killed, two others injured, and 24 cattle rustled after suspected terrorists attacked Yassoukounga village in the rural commune of Tounouga, Gaya Department of Dosso Region in the Republic of Niger.
Local sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred during the night of July 11 to July 12, when the assailants stormed the village, killing one resident and injuring two others before making away with 24 cows.
The sources said the incident has left residents in shock, with fears growing over the worsening security situation in communities along the Niger-Benin-Nigeria border corridor.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the area has witnessed recurring incursions by armed terrorist groups operating across the border regions.
Security authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Troops Recover Assault Rifle, Ammunition in Rivers Cult Hideout Raid
Troops Recover Assault Rifle, Ammunition in Rivers Cult Hideout Raid
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have recovered an assault rifle and ammunition during a targeted raid on a suspected cultists’ hideout in Obiakpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 2:00 a.m. on July 13 in Ogbogoro community by troops of 34 Artillery Brigade following actionable intelligence.
According to the sources, a suspected cult member who had earlier been arrested led the troops to the hideout, where they recovered one Beretta AR-70 assault rifle and 45 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.
The sources added that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend other members of the criminal gang who fled the area.
The recovery is part of ongoing operations by security forces under Operation UDO KA aimed at dismantling criminal and cult networks and improving security across Rivers State.
Troops Arrest Four Illegal Miners, Recover Mining Equipment in Nasarawa Raid
Troops Arrest Four Illegal Miners, Recover Mining Equipment in Nasarawa Raid
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have arrested four suspected illegal miners and recovered mining equipment during a raid on an illegal mining site in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 3:00 p.m. on July 13 by troops of the 177 Guards Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tattara, following credible intelligence.
The sources said the troops raided the illegal mining site located at Saniyan Gitata, where four suspects engaged in unlawful mining activities were apprehended.
Items recovered during the operation include one industrial generator, three motorcycles, six shovels, three digging tools, 17 rubber basins, seven jerrycans, two mobile phones, and one electric cable believed to have been used for the illegal mining operation.
The suspects and all recovered items are in military custody pending further investigation and necessary legal action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces under Operation MESA to curb illegal mining and other criminal activities that threaten security and economic interests in Nasarawa State.
Troops, DSS Arrest Four Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Kogi
Troops, DSS Arrest Four Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade deployed at the Kabba Patrol Base, in conjunction with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested four suspected terrorist collaborators in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 12:11 p.m. on July 12 during a joint operation at Light Hotel along the Odumo–Kabba Road.
The operation was carried out based on actionable intelligence linking the suspects to activities associated with terrorist elements, the sources said.
The four suspects have since been handed over to the DSS, which has taken custody of them for further investigation and necessary action.
Security agencies said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist support networks and strengthen security across Kogi State and adjoining areas.
Troops, DSS Arrest Four Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Kogi
Troops, DSS Arrest Four Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade deployed at the Kabba Patrol Base, in conjunction with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested four suspected terrorist collaborators in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 12:11 p.m. on July 12 during a joint operation at Light Hotel along the Odumo–Kabba Road.
The operation was carried out based on actionable intelligence linking the suspects to activities associated with terrorist elements, the sources said.
The four suspects have since been handed over to the DSS, which has taken custody of them for further investigation and necessary action.
Security agencies said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist support networks and strengthen security across Kogi State and adjoining areas.
Troops Arrest Two Key Terrorist Collaborators, Recover Motorcycle in Zamfara
Troops Arrest Two Key Terrorist Collaborators, Recover Motorcycle in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 1 Brigade Counter-Terrorism Force 2, in collaboration with a Tactical Support Team (TST) and Hybrid Forces, have arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators linked to a notorious bandit leader during an offensive operation in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:00 p.m. on July 12 in Sakajiki Village based on credible intelligence.
During the operation, troops apprehended two key collaborators of the notorious terrorist kingpin, Kachalla Dan Sadiya. One of the suspects was identified as the son of the wanted bandit leader, according to the sources.
The troops also recovered a motorcycle believed to have been used in support of the group’s criminal activities.
The suspects are currently in custody and are undergoing preliminary interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to dismantle the remaining members of the criminal network operating in the area.
Troops, Police Arrest 42 Suspected Kidnappers in Nasarawa Crackdown
Troops, Police Arrest 42 Suspected Kidnappers in Nasarawa Crackdown
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, have arrested 42 suspected kidnappers during a coordinated security operation in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 9:45 a.m. on July 11 following reports of kidnapping activities in Nunku, Dundu, Takpir and Akka villages.
The joint security team swiftly mobilised to the affected communities, where 42 suspects were apprehended during clearance and cordon-and-search operations.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force at the Andaha Division for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks and restore safety across Nasarawa State and neighbouring communities.
Troops Discover Illegal Refining Site, Recover Stolen Crude in Rivers Forest
Troops Discover Illegal Refining Site, Recover Stolen Crude in Rivers Forest
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 103 Battalion (Marine) under the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have uncovered an illegal refining site and recovered stolen crude oil during an anti-illegal bunkering operation in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted between 2:30 p.m. and 6:10 p.m. on July 11, led to the discovery of the illegal refining site in the Orashi Forest within Ogbogolo Community.
During the operation, troops recovered six sacks containing an estimated 300 litres of stolen crude oil.
The recovered products and the illegal refining site were handled in accordance with the operational mandate of Operation Delta Safe to combat crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
Security authorities said operations against oil theft syndicates and economic saboteurs would continue across the region to protect the nation’s critical oil infrastructure.
Troops Arrest Two Key Terrorist Collaborators, Recover Motorcycle in Zamfara
Troops Arrest Two Key Terrorist Collaborators, Recover Motorcycle in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 1 Brigade Counter-Terrorism Force 2, in collaboration with a Tactical Support Team (TST) and Hybrid Forces, have arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators linked to a notorious bandit leader during an offensive operation in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:00 p.m. on July 12 in Sakajiki Village based on credible intelligence.
During the operation, troops apprehended two key collaborators of the notorious terrorist kingpin, Kachalla Dan Sadiya. One of the suspects was identified as the son of the wanted bandit leader, according to the sources.
The troops also recovered a motorcycle believed to have been used in support of the group’s criminal activities.
The suspects are currently in custody and are undergoing preliminary interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to dismantle the remaining members of the criminal network operating in the area.
Troops, DSS Arrest Four Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Kogi
Troops, DSS Arrest Four Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade deployed at the Kabba Patrol Base, in conjunction with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested four suspected terrorist collaborators in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 12:11 p.m. on July 12 during a joint operation at Light Hotel along the Odumo–Kabba Road.
The operation was carried out based on actionable intelligence linking the suspects to activities associated with terrorist elements, the sources said.
The four suspects have since been handed over to the DSS, which has taken custody of them for further investigation and necessary action.
Security agencies said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist support networks and strengthen security across Kogi State and adjoining areas.
Troops Arrest Four Suspects During Manhunt for Attackers of Kumm Community in Plateau
Troops Arrest Four Suspects During Manhunt for Attackers of Kumm Community in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested four suspects during a cordon-and-search operation launched in connection with the recent attack on Kumm Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 11:30 a.m. on July 12 following a sustained manhunt for the perpetrators of the July 11 attack on the community.
During the operation, troops raided Luggere Fulani hamlets in neighbouring Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where four suspects were apprehended.
The suspects were identified as Abbas Musa, 27; Haruna Jibrin, 56; Hassan Ibrahim, 22; and Isah Aliyu, 50.
The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation to determine their alleged involvement in the attack on Kumm Village and any links to other criminal activities in the area.
Security sources said troops have continued offensive and intelligence-driven operations across the Riyom–Barkin Ladi axis to apprehend other fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
Troops Foil Militia Attack on Plateau Community, Deploy Ambush Along Escape Routes
Troops Foil Militia Attack on Plateau Community, Deploy Ambush Along Escape Routes
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace have foiled a suspected militia attack on Dantanko community in Miango, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, forcing the assailants to flee without causing casualties.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:45 p.m. on July 12 after troops received reports of sporadic gunfire by suspected militias around the community.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress call and engaged the attackers, compelling them to abandon their mission and flee into nearby bushes.
No casualties were recorded during the incident.
During the engagement, troops fired three rounds of 12.7 x 108mm armour-piercing ammunition to repel the attackers.
Following the operation, troops were deployed in ambush positions along suspected escape routes to intercept the fleeing suspects and prevent any regrouping.
Security authorities said clearance and confidence-building operations have been intensified in the area to reassure residents and forestall further attacks.
Troops Investigate as Plateau Locals Poisoned Cows in Plateau Community
Troops Investigate as Plateau Locals Poisoned Cows in Plateau Community
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace , have commenced an investigation into the suspected poisoning of cattle in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 8:30 a.m. on July 12 to a report that cows belonging to one Yusuf Yau had allegedly been poisoned by locals at Kpachudu Jebbu Miango.
On arrival at the scene, the troops confirmed that one cow had died. Preliminary findings indicated that the animal was suspected to have grazed on a poisonous substance.
The sources said an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the cow’s death and establish whether foul play was involved.
Security authorities urged residents to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions while the investigation is ongoing.
Troops, Vigilantes Arrest 27 Suspected Drug Peddlers in Jos Raid
Troops, Vigilantes Arrest 27 Suspected Drug Peddlers in Jos Raid
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace, in conjunction with local vigilantes, have arrested 27 suspected drug peddlers during coordinated raids on notorious drug hotspots in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:30 p.m. on July 12 at Yanshanu, Dutse Uku and the Farin Gada Tomatoes Market areas following intelligence on illicit drug activities.
During the raid, the joint security team apprehended 27 suspects and recovered quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and other illicit drugs.
The suspects were profiled and are being processed for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Security authorities said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to dismantle drug trafficking networks, curb the circulation of illicit substances and reduce crimes associated with drug abuse across Plateau State.
Troops, Vigilantes Arrest 27 Suspected Drug Peddlers in Jos Raid
Troops, Vigilantes Arrest 27 Suspected Drug Peddlers in Jos Raid
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace, in conjunction with local vigilantes, have arrested 27 suspected drug peddlers during coordinated raids on notorious drug hotspots in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:30 p.m. on July 12 at Yanshanu, Dutse Uku and the Farin Gada Tomatoes Market areas following intelligence on illicit drug activities.
During the raid, the joint security team apprehended 27 suspects and recovered quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and other illicit drugs.
The suspects were profiled and are being processed for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Security authorities said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to dismantle drug trafficking networks, curb the circulation of illicit substances and reduce crimes associated with drug abuse across Plateau State.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Fraudsters Over Fake Bank Alert Scam in Jos
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Fraudsters Over Fake Bank Alert Scam in Jos
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have arrested two suspected fraudsters for allegedly attempting to defraud a provision shop owner using a fake bank transfer alert in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, identified as Ismail Yakub Ibrahim and Mubarak, were arrested at about 9:00 p.m. on July 11 at Busa Buji, opposite Jossy Royal International Hotel, following a report of the alleged fraud attempt.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects attempted to obtain goods from the provision shop by presenting a fake electronic payment alert as evidence of payment.
The suspects are currently in custody and are undergoing further investigation to determine whether they are linked to similar fraudulent activities in the area.
Security authorities advised business owners to verify electronic payment transactions before releasing goods in order to guard against fake transfer alert scams.
Farmer Hospitalised After Alleged Assault by Herders in Plateau
Farmer Hospitalised After Alleged Assault by Herders in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, have responded to an alleged assault on a farmer by suspected herders in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on July 11 at Jwakp Maitumbi Village.
The victim, identified as Mr. Timothy Titus, was reportedly attacked by suspected herders and sustained machete cuts during the assault.
On arrival at the scene, troops found the victim with multiple machete injuries and immediately evacuated him to the General Hospital, Mangu, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, while investigations have commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle with Terrorists in Plateau
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle with Terrorists in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace have rescued three kidnapped victims after engaging suspected terrorists during an offensive operation in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was launched at about 6:30 p.m. on July 11 following credible intelligence on the movement of armed terrorists escorting kidnapped victims along the Aduwa Road.
The troops swiftly moved to intercept the suspects and established contact with the terrorists, who fled into the bush after abandoning the captives in the face of superior firepower.
The three victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently debriefed.
According to preliminary findings, the victims had been abducted from Kufayi Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State before being moved through the Wase axis.
The rescued victims were handed over to the appropriate authorities and reunited with their families.
Security sources said troops have intensified efforts to track down and neutralise the fleeing terrorists as part of ongoing operations to dismantle kidnapping networks operating across the Plateau–Taraba border corridor.
Troops Neutralise Suspected ISWAP Spy Attempting to Infiltrate Military Position in Borno
Troops Neutralise Suspected ISWAP Spy Attempting to Infiltrate Military Position in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 222 Battalion (Mechanised) have neutralised a suspected ISWAP spy who attempted to infiltrate a military defensive position in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:45 p.m. on July 11 when troops monitoring surveillance cameras detected a suspicious individual approaching their location from the Yuwe general area of the Sambisa Forest.
According to the sources, the suspect was believed to be an ISWAP operative conducting reconnaissance on the military position.
Troops deployed in an ambush position were immediately alerted and engaged the suspect as he attempted to infiltrate the defensive location, resulting in his neutralisation.
Military sources said the successful operation highlights the effectiveness of the deployment of surveillance technology and coordinated ground responses in detecting and eliminating terrorist threats before they can compromise troop positions.
Terrorism: Man Arrested by DSS Bags 20-Year Jail Term for Shielding Notorious Bandit
Terrorism: Man Arrested by DSS Bags 20-Year Jail Term for Shielding Notorious Bandit
By: Zagazola Makama
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Monday, sentenced one Muhammad Sani to twenty years imprisonment for conspiring to conceal information about an alleged notorious bandit, Danranmi, which led to his escape.
Sani, of Nabi Village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, was convicted on Count One and Count Two of a four-count charge bordering on terrorism-related offences.
The charges read "that you Muhamnad Sani, Male, of Nabi Village Shiroro LGA, Niger State and Danranmi (now at large) on or about the 9th of January 2023 at Lafia, Nasarawa State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves to conceal information that Danranmi is a notorious bandit who supplies arms and ammunition to kidnappers and bandits in and around Niger State. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 16(1)(b)of the same Act.
Count two: That you Muhammad SaniI, Male, of Nabi Village Shiroro LGA, Niger State on or about the 9th of January, 2023 at Lafia, Nasarawa State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court had information that one Danranmi is a notorious bandit who supplies arms and ammunition to kidnappers and bandits in and around Niger State which you knew would have been of material assistance in securing his apprehension for offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and failed to disclose such information to any law enforcement or security officer as soon as reasonably practicable. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 16(1)(b)of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Count three: that you Muhammad Sani, Male, of Nabi Village Shiroro LGA, Niger State and Danranmi (now at Large) on or about the 9th of January, 2023 at Lafia, Nasarawa within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves to receive the sum of Five Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira
(N580,000) from Danranmi for the purchase of One Hundred and Fifty rounds of ammunition (150) from one Chairman having reasonable grounds to believe that it will be used in full or in part to commit an offence under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 21 of the same Act
Count four: that you Muhammad Sani, Male, of Nabi Village Shiroro LGA, Niger State on or about the 9th of January, 2023 at Lafia, Nassarawa State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did receive the sum of Five Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira (N580,000) from one Danranmi, for the purchase of One Hundred and Fifty rounds of ammunition
(150) from one Chairman having reasonable grounds to believe that it will be used in full or in part to commit an offence under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022".
Justice Nwite sentenced Sani to twenty years' imprisonment without an option of fine on Count One and Count Two, with the sentence to take effect from his date of arrest, which is January 11, 2023. He is to serve the term at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.
"The conviction is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to prosecute those who enable banditry and terrorism financing by withholding useful intelligence around the country," a security source stated.
MACBAN Denies Link to Otukpo Killings, Urges Public to Await Police Investigation
MACBAN Denies Link to Otukpo Killings, Urges Public to Await Police Investigation
By Zagazola Makama
The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the recent killings in Otukpo-Nobi, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, while urging the public to refrain from attributing the attack to Fulani herders pending the outcome of security investigations.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its State Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, the association described the July 12 attack as unfortunate and called for calm, warning against what it described as premature conclusions capable of escalating tensions.
MACBAN said it was important to note that Fulani residents in Otukpo and surrounding communities had been forcefully evicted from the area last year, including their community leader, Chairman Yenusa, who reportedly left the state after efforts to restore peace failed.
The association further argued that Otukpo-Nobi and neighbouring communities, including Okete, Amla-Icho and Otada, had existing communal disputes predating the latest violence.
According to the group, one of the previous communal clashes in the area resulted in the killing of four persons, an incident it said was widely reported in May 2024.
MACBAN also questioned reports alleging that two persons were killed in Akpachi village, Ugboju, stating that there was no verified evidence at the moment confirming the attack or the reported casualties.
The association cautioned against linking the latest incident to an alleged reprisal over the killing of a Fulani leader, Ardo Risku, in Okudu near Ohimini, stressing that such claims remained speculative and could undermine ongoing investigations by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
It also urged authorities to monitor individuals and content creators circulating unverified narratives on social media, warning that such discussions could inflame tensions and frustrate peace efforts.
MACBAN called on its members and residents of the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding while investigations continue, expressing confidence that security agencies would identify and prosecute those responsible for the attack.
The association also extended condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, while calling for lasting peace in Otukpo and Benue State.
How Plateau’s Illegal Gun Factories Could Be Fueling Terrorism Beyond the State
How Plateau’s Illegal Gun Factories Could Be Fueling Terrorism Beyond the State
By Zagazola Makama
The interception of suspected arms traffickers by troops in Kaduna State has once again brought into sharp focus a disturbing question: Are illegal gun factories operating in Plateau State feeding Nigeria’s wider terrorist and bandit networks?
One of the greatest obstacles to ending Nigeria’s insecurity is not merely the availability of illegal weapons or the activities of armed groups. It is our persistent refusal to confront uncomfortable facts whenever they challenge our preferred narratives.
The arrest of suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State on July 13, in which troops intercepted seven illegally fabricated firearms allegedly being transported from Jos, Plateau State, toward Niger State, should provoke serious national reflection.
According to military sources, preliminary interrogation of the suspects indicated that the weapons originated from suppliers based in Jos and were destined for another recipient in Niger State, an area plagued by armed banditry.If established through investigation, the implications would be profound.
For years, whenever reports emerge about illegal arms factories operating in parts of Plateau State, particularly in areas dominated by Berom communities, the reaction in some quarters is often swift dismissal. The common argument is that such weapons are allegedly produced only for community self-defence from Fulani Bandits. Yet there was no single record of any account where the community use those arms to protect their communities. Instead the arms are being you to carry out heinous crimes, including robbery, cattle theft and targeted attacks.
Last month, this platform reported that a suspected arms producing operator arrested by security forces allegedly admitted during interrogation that locally fabricated weapons were also sold to bandits because they offered higher prices. This is a proof that this illegal firearms do not remain confined to one community.
Once produced outside the law, they become commodities that can be sold to whoever pays the highest price. This development also reinforces an issue that has repeatedly surfaced in security operations over the past several years. Illegal firearms do not recognize ethnic boundaries. Once they enter criminal markets, they can be sold to the highest bidder, whether that buyer is a bandit, a kidnapper, a militia member, Boko Haram or another violent criminal.
The questions therefore deserve honest discussion. If illegal weapons factories are repeatedly discovered in the same geographical areas, and the same communities, should the public simply ignore those findings? If locally fabricated Ak47 riffles are allegedly finding their way into criminal networks and terrorists outside Plateau State, should the Nigerian armed forces not seek to dismantle every link in the supply chain? If suspects are arrested in connection with these factories, should investigations stop because discussing them even if politically inconvenient?
The fight against insecurity cannot succeed if Nigerians apply different standards depending on the ethnic identity of those involved.
When armed Fulani groups commit attacks, they should be identified, investigated and prosecuted immediately. When armed criminal groups operating within Berom communities or any other community are credibly linked to violent crimes or illegal arms production, those allegations deserve the same impartial investigation and prosecution. The same principle applies to criminal actors from every ethnic and religious background.
Over the past few years, security agencies have announced multiple operations targeting suspected illegal weapons fabrication sites in Plateau State. Among the publicly reported recoveries are: An alleged illegal weapons factory uncovered in Vom, Jos South LGA (November 2023). Another alleged illegal weapons factory uncovered in Vom, Jos South LGA (December 2025). A further alleged illegal weapons factory uncovered in Vom, Jos South LGA (May 2026). An alleged illegal weapons factory uncovered in the Naraguta Mining Area, Jos North LGA (September 2024). An alleged illegal weapons factory uncovered in Heipang, Barkin Ladi LGA (September 2024). An alleged illegal weapons factory uncovered in Fashoron Village, Bokkos LGA.
In several of these cases, security agencies publicly announced the arrest of suspects, including individuals identified as Nuhu Meshack, Joe Michael, Iliya Bulus, Michael Dung and Yusuf Pam, as owners of the illegal firearm fabrication or trafficking networks. All the suspects were native of the Berom. These developments demand honest answers. What happened to them, have they all been prosecuted in the competent court of laws?
Why have multiple illegal gun factories allegedly been uncovered in the same areas supposedly branding itself as a peaceful community over several years? If the firearms were truly intended only for local defence, why are the weapons now alleging being intercepted hundreds of kilometres away to criminal elements in another states battling with terrorism and banditry?
How many more illegal weapons have already entered the hands of terrorists, bandits and kidnappers before these interceptions?
Nigeria’s security challenge demands intellectual honesty. Illegal arms factories should be dismantled wherever they exist. Arms traffickers should be prosecuted regardless of whom they supply. Militia groups should face the law irrespective of ethnicity or religion.
Selective outrage and selective silence have never defeated terrorism, banditry or communal violence. The law must apply equally to everyone. Only then can justice be seen to be done, and only then can lasting peace have a chance.
No ethnic group should be collectively blamed for the alleged crimes of individuals. Equally, no community should be shielded from scrutiny simply because discussing criminal elements within it is politically sensitive. Nigeria cannot defeat terrorism while ignoring the illegal factories that manufacture the weapons terrorists use. Every illegal gun factory must be dismantled. Every arms trafficker must be prosecuted. Every criminal network, regardless of ethnicity, religion or region, must be exposed.
Zagazola Media Network
Court rejects Sowore's bid for long adjournment in trial for allegedly defaming President Tinubu
Court rejects Sowore's bid for long adjournment in trial for allegedly defaming President Tinubu
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, rejected an application by online publisher and Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, seeking a long adjournment of his trial in the alleged defamation of President Bola Tinubu.
The charges were filed against him by the Department of the State Service (DSS).
Sowore, through his lawyer, Reuben Adakole, applied that his defence in the charge be shifted till after the two months annual vacation of the Court.
The politician, who is on trial for allegedly calling President Tinubu a criminal on his social media handles, said the long adjournment he sought was because his choice lawyer, Olumide Fusika, SAN, was out of the country to attend to family matters.
His request was however vehemently opposed by counsel to the DSS Mr Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, who drew the attention of the Court to ten previous adjournments the trial suffered at the instance of Sowore.
The senior lawyer told Justice Umar that the latest request for long adjournment was a ploy to further frustrate the criminal trial.
Kehinde, SAN, also drew the attention of the Court to day-to- day accelerated trial granted by the Court in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice System ACJA 2015, stressing that granting two months adjournment would be against the earlier order of the Court.
In a brief ruling, Justice Umar turned down the long adjournment application based on the previous order of the Court.
The Judge subsequently ordered Sowore to be in Court on July 16 for continuation of his defense in the charge.
Earlier, Sowore's first witness and Abuja based lawyer, Mr Deji Adeyanju had in continuation of his evidence insisted that President Tinubu during an official engagement in Benue state, said citizens have the right to insult, abuse, criticise and call him names and that law enforcement agencies should allow citizens exercise their rights as part of democracy.
Adeyanju had also said that the President made it clear that the Judiciary should be the guardian of the public and should not be used as instrument of oppression against critics.
The video clips of where the President was said to have made the remarks were played in the open Court.
Under cross examination by DSS lawyer, Adeyanju admitted being a lawyer to Sowore but that he opted out later.
He also admitted making comments on social media on his general experience on arrest and prosecution in such a trial.
He, however, admitted that President Tinubu never spoke against the law taking its course when laws are broken by any individual.
The matter has been adjourned till July 16 for continuation of defence by Sowore.
Troops Intercept Suspected Arms Traffickers in Kaduna, Recover Seven Illegal Firearms intended to be supplied to bandits from Jos
Troops Intercept Suspected Arms Traffickers in Kaduna, Recover Seven Illegal Firearms intended to be supplied to bandits from Jos
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7 have arrested suspected arms traffickers and recovered seven illegal firearms during a targeted stop-and-search operation at Samaru checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 9:40 a.m. on Monday following credible intelligence regarding the movement of illegal weapons from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State.
According to the sources, troops had received information that suspected arms racketeers were transporting the weapons in an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Acting on the intelligence, security personnel identified, tracked and intercepted the vehicle at the Samaru checkpoint in Zangon Kataf.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns (SMGs) concealed inside the vehicle.
During the operation, one of the suspects reportedly attempted to escape but was shot by troops while trying to flee. He sustained injuries and was immediately evacuated to the Sector 7 Medical Centre in Kafanchan for treatment.
Preliminary interrogation of the arrested suspects indicated that the weapons were allegedly supplied by two individuals based in Jos, Plateau State, and were being transported to a receiver in Niger State.
Military sources said the suspects, along with the recovered firearms, remain in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities at Headquarters for further investigation aimed at dismantling the arms trafficking network and apprehending other members of the syndicate.
The interception is considered another significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt the illicit flow of weapons fueling criminal activities and insecurity across the North-Central region.
Security authorities said investigations are continuing to identify and arrest all individuals connected with the arms supply chain.
Fulani Bandits Attack Leaves at Least 18 Dead in Benue as Youths Protest, Traditional Ruler Orders Herders Out of Otukpo
Fulani Bandits Attack Leaves at Least 18 Dead in Benue as Youths Protest, Traditional Ruler Orders Herders Out of Otukpo
By Zagazola Makama
At least 18 persons have been killed in a fresh wave of violence in Benue State after suspected armed herdsmen launched coordinated attacks on farming communities in Otukpo Local Government Area, triggering widespread outrage, street protests, and renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the state’s southern axis.
The latest attacks, which occurred between Friday and the early hours of Sunday, targeted Akpachi Village in Ugboju community and Otukpo-Nobi community, leaving several others injured while forcing residents to flee their homes.
Security and local government sources told Zagazola Makama that the violence began on Friday when armed attackers invaded farmlands at Akpachi Village, where three farmers had gone to work.
According to the sources, the assailants killed two of the farmers, while the third victim managed to escape and alerted members of the community. Search teams later recovered the bodies on Saturday, and the victims were buried shortly afterwards.
However, before residents could recover from the tragedy, the attackers returned in the early hours of Sunday, launching another deadly assault on Otukpo-Nobi community at about 4:00 a.m.
The gunmen reportedly opened fire indiscriminately on sleeping residents, killing at least 16 people on the spot while leaving several others with gunshot injuries. The actual casualty figure is feared to be higher as local volunteers and security personnel continued search operations in surrounding bushes for missing persons.
The attacks have thrown communities across Otukpo into mourning, with many residents abandoning their homes amid fears of further attacks.
The killings came barely two weeks after the assassination of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, who were ambushed and killed at Okutu community while returning from a peace meeting held in Idekpa, Ohimini Local Government Area.
Authorities are investigating whether the latest attacks were carried out as reprisals linked to the earlier killing of the MACBAN chairman.
The fresh bloodshed sparked widespread anger across Otukpo as hundreds of youths staged a dramatic protest on Sunday.
The protesters carried the bodies of some of the victims to the palace of the Och’Idoma, where a church service was in progress, demanding immediate government intervention to halt the recurring attacks.
Witnesses said the angry demonstrators chanted protest songs, accusing government authorities and security agencies of failing to protect the people despite repeated attacks on farming communities.
The protest quickly spread across Otukpo town, with major roads barricaded by demonstrators, causing severe traffic disruption and leaving commuters stranded for several hours.
Residents described the atmosphere as tense, with businesses temporarily shutting down while security operatives monitored the situation to prevent further escalation.
One of the protesters, Ebi Adoyi, lamented that many families had been devastated by the attacks and warned that the casualty figure could rise as more bodies might still be discovered in nearby forests.
Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed both attacks, stating that preliminary findings suggested they might have been connected to reprisals following the killing of the MACBAN chairman.
He explained that after the first attack at Akpachi Village, security personnel and local vigilantes combed surrounding bushes believing the attackers had fled.
According to him, the renewed assault on Otukpo-Nobi in the early hours of Sunday caught residents by surprise.
“The bandits came and killed two farmers on Friday. One escaped and alerted the community. We recovered the bodies on Saturday and buried them.
“After searching the surrounding bushes, we believed they had left the area, but around 4 a.m. on Sunday, we received distress calls that they had invaded Otukpo-Nobi, killing several people and injuring many others,” Ogiri said.
Reacting to the attacks, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the killings, describing them as barbaric and a direct assault on human life and the peace of the state.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor expressed deep sadness over the incident, noting that the attacks occurred despite ongoing efforts by the state government, traditional rulers and security agencies to restore lasting peace across Benue.
He described the violence as a calculated attempt by criminal elements to undermine the progress made in improving security within the state.
“My government stands firmly with you, and we will not allow our communities to be turned into killing fields,” the governor said.
Alia directed security agencies to intensify surveillance operations, strengthen collaboration with neighbouring states, pursue those responsible for the attacks and ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.
He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
The governor commiserated with families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured victims receiving treatment.
In a dramatic response to the renewed violence, the Och’Otukpo Odu, Chief John Eimonye, ordered all herders to vacate every part of Otukpo Kingdom with immediate effect.
The directive was announced in a statement signed by the Secretary of the Otukpo District Traditional Council, Chief Udeh Adole, following Sunday’s attack on Nobi Village.
The traditional ruler said the continued presence of herders had become a serious threat to the safety and security of residents across the kingdom.
He, however, clarified that the order should not be interpreted as ethnic profiling or discrimination against any particular group but described it as an emergency measure aimed at safeguarding lives and restoring peace.
Chief Eimonye further called on security agencies and relevant government authorities to take urgent and decisive action to end the persistent attacks and guarantee the safety of communities across Otukpo Kingdom.
The latest killings add to the growing list of deadly attacks that have continued to plague Benue State, particularly farming communities, despite repeated military deployments and security operations.
Residents have continued to urge the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to dismantle armed groups operating within the state and restore lasting peace to affected communities.
Joint Security Team Arrests Suspected IPOB/ESN Explosives Expert in Abia
Joint Security Team Arrests Suspected IPOB/ESN Explosives Expert in Abia
By: Zagazola Makama
A joint security team comprising troops of the Nigerian Army and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a suspected explosives-making expert linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 3:50 a.m. on July 12 at Ummuene Community in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
According to the sources, troops from the Headquarters, 14 Brigade, acting in conjunction with DSS operatives from Abia and Enugu states, raided the suspect’s hideout based on intelligence.
The operation led to the arrest of the suspect, described as an alleged explosives-making specialist for the IPOB/ESN network.
Two mobile phones were recovered from the suspect during the operation.
The suspect and the recovered items have been handed over to the DSS Abia State Command for further investigation and other necessary actions.
The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-led security operations aimed at dismantling criminal and extremist networks operating in the South-East.
Troops Arrest Suspected Criminal, Recover Locally Made Pistol in Plateau
Troops Arrest Suspected Criminal, Recover Locally Made Pistol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected criminal and recovered a locally fabricated pistol in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 1:54 p.m. on July 11 following credible reports about the activities of a suspected criminal in the Katako area of the local government.
According to the sources, troops responded swiftly to the intelligence, apprehended the suspect at the scene and recovered a locally made pistol during the operation.
The suspect and the recovered weapon are currently in military custody pending further investigation and other necessary actions.
The arrest is part of ongoing security operations aimed at curbing criminal activities and enhancing public safety across Plateau State.
Troops, NDLEA Arrest 14 Suspected Drug Peddlers, Seize Hard Drugs in FCT Raid
Troops, NDLEA Arrest 14 Suspected Drug Peddlers, Seize Hard Drugs in FCT Raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 177 Guards Battalion, in a joint operation with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested 14 suspected drug peddlers and recovered various illicit substances during raids on suspected drug hideouts in the Federal Capital Territory.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 11:00 a.m. on July 11 by troops deployed at the Masaka Patrol Base in collaboration with NDLEA operatives.
According to the sources, the joint team raided suspected drug dens in the Gwandara and Dabar Uke areas of the FCT, leading to the arrest of 14 suspects.
Items recovered during the operation included about 13 kilograms of cannabis sativa, methamphetamine, tramadol, diazepam, Colorado, Rohypnol and Exol.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA Karu Area Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle drug trafficking networks and curb the circulation of illicit substances within the Federal Capital Territory.
Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Cross Kauwa, Recover Camcorder Linked to Foreign Terror Facilitators
Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Cross Kauwa, Recover Camcorder Linked to Foreign Terror Facilitators
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have repelled a coordinated infiltration attempt by suspected ISWAP terrorists on Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and recovering a camcorder containing intelligence materials linking the operation to foreign terrorist facilitators.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Friday, July 11, when scores of terrorists attempted to infiltrate the military position under the cover of darkness.
The sources said troops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3, detected the advancing insurgents early and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon the assault and retreat after suffering significant losses.
According to the sources, the terrorists had intended to loot cholera-related medical supplies from the community, a development believed to support recent intelligence indicating a cholera outbreak within ISWAP camps around the Lake Chad region.
The sources added that the attempted raid also aligns with previous intelligence reports suggesting that some infected fighters had allegedly been executed by the group in an effort to contain the outbreak.
During exploitation of the battlefield, troops recovered a Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items.
Military intelligence officers who conducted a preliminary forensic examination of the recovered camera reportedly found operational videos and propaganda materials. The latest recording before the failed attack allegedly showed that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators.
The foreign nationals were identified as a Palestinian Arab known as Abu Ishaq, believed to be the group’s chief trainer; a Moroccan identified as Abu Thaiba, reportedly serving as a medical doctor within the terrorist network; and another unidentified Arab operative whose identity is still being investigated.
Security sources said the findings further reinforce intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to receive external support, specialised expertise and transnational terrorist assistance.
Further analysis of post-battle satellite imagery reportedly showed terrorists evacuating the bodies of their dead fighters during the withdrawal. Human intelligence sources also confirmed that several insurgents were killed, while many others sustained gunshot wounds.
Two soldiers were wounded during the exchange of fire and were immediately evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment. Military authorities said both personnel are in stable condition.
The military described the failed infiltration as another major setback for ISWAP, noting that sustained offensive operations across the North-East have continued to degrade the group’s operational capability and restrict its freedom of movement.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East.
Joint Security Team Arrests Suspected Kidnapper in Edo
Joint Security Team Arrests Suspected Kidnapper in Edo
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and local vigilantes, have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a coordinated operation in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 5:00 a.m. on July 10 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers in the area.
According to the sources, troops of the 322 Artillery Regiment, deployed at Ekpoma, teamed up with police operatives and vigilante members to conduct an offensive operation in Ira Forest and the Uraude general area.
The operation resulted in the arrest of one suspected kidnapper.
The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police, Ekpoma Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest is part of ongoing joint security efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes across Edo State.
Troops Rescue Two Women Abandoned by Terrorists in Borno
Troops Rescue Two Women Abandoned by Terrorists in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion have rescued two women who were allegedly abandoned by terrorists in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the rescue took place at about 3:30 p.m. on July 10 when troops deployed at Ngoshe spotted two women stranded around Agapalawa Hill during a routine patrol.
According to the sources, the troops approached the women cautiously, secured the area and rescued an adult woman and a teenage girl.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were natives of Chinene and Ngoshe communities in Gwoza Local Government Area.
The sources disclosed that one of the victims had been abducted by terrorists in Kawuri, Konduga Local Government Area, during the 2025 farming season, while the teenage girl was kidnapped during the attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026.
The victims told security personnel that worsening shortages of food and other basic necessities in the terrorists’ camp forced the insurgents to abandon several captives before fleeing the area.
Following the rescue, the victims were handed over to the community head of Ngoshe for reintegration with their families and the community.
Troops Arrest Suspected Drug Trafficker, Seize 149 Packs of Cannabis Along Abuja–Lokoja Highway
Troops Arrest Suspected Drug Trafficker, Seize 149 Packs of Cannabis Along Abuja–Lokoja Highway
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected drug trafficker and recovered 149 compressed packets of suspected cannabis sativa along the Abuja–Lokoja highway.
Security sources said the suspect was arrested at about 8:00 p.m. on July 10 by troops of the 176 Guards Battalion deployed at Abaji while conducting routine checkpoint operations.
According to the sources, the troops intercepted a vehicle travelling along the Lokoja–Abuja road and, during a search, discovered 149 compressed packets of suspected cannabis sativa concealed in the vehicle.
The suspect was immediately taken into military custody, while the recovered exhibits were secured pending further investigation and other necessary actions.
The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts under Operation MESA to curb the movement of illicit drugs and other criminal activities within the Federal Capital Territory and adjoining states.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Four Victims in Kebbi
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Four Victims in Kebbi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued four abducted victims in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 7:00 a.m. on July 10 after troops of the 8 Division Garrison, deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Unashi, received intelligence on a kidnapping incident at Shengel community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly mobilised to the area and made contact with the suspected kidnappers.
The ensuing engagement forced the criminals to abandon four kidnapped victims and flee into the surrounding bush.
The troops rescued the victims unhurt and subsequently reunited them with their families.
The military said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as security operations continue across Kebbi State to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Troops Repel Terrorists in Zamfara, Soldier Injured During Gun Battle
Troops Repel Terrorists in Zamfara, Soldier Injured During Gun Battle
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have repelled separate terrorist activities in Maru and Anka Local Government Areas of Zamfara State, forcing the attackers to retreat during swift military responses.
Security sources said the first incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on July 10 when troops of the 1 Brigade, supported by Combat Team 4 and deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mayanchi, responded to reports of a terrorist attack at Garagin Sarkin Yaki community in Maru Local Government Area.
According to the sources, the troops arrived at the scene, but the attackers had fled upon sighting the advancing soldiers, and no contact was established.
In a related operation about nine minutes later, troops of the 1 Brigade deployed at FOB Anka responded to a distress call reporting the movement of armed terrorists along the Anka–Gummi road in Anka Local Government Area.
The troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a firefight, forcing the assailants to retreat into the surrounding area.
During the exchange of fire, one soldier sustained injuries and was evacuated to the Anka General Hospital for medical treatment.
The military said troops are maintaining offensive operations in the area to deny terrorists freedom of movement and protect communities across Zamfara State.
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists, Recover Motorcycles in Zamfara Patrol
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists, Recover Motorcycles in Zamfara Patrol
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised two suspected terrorists and recovered two motorcycles during a fighting patrol in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 2:00 p.m. on July 10 by troops of the 1 Brigade as part of ongoing offensive operations against criminal elements in the state.
According to the sources, the troops carried out a fighting patrol to Tungar Magaji and Gidan Dawa villages, where they encountered suspected terrorists.
The troops engaged the suspects in a gun battle, neutralising two of them during the encounter.
The sources added that two motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists were recovered from the scene.
The military said the operation forms part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist hideouts and deny criminal groups freedom of movement across Zamfara State.
Troops launch search as gunmen rustle 56 cattle belonging to local residents in Plateau
Troops launch search as gunmen rustle 56 cattle belonging to local residents in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have launched a search operation following the rustling of 56 cattle belonging to a livestock owner in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at Chugwi Village in the VOM District of Jos South LGA.
The sources said the rustled cattle belonged to one John Boyi.
Following a distress report, troops deployed at Gero immediately mobilised to the area and commenced search-and-rescue operations across the surrounding mountainous terrain in an effort to track down the rustlers and recover the stolen livestock.
However, no contact was established with the suspects during the operation.
Military sources said efforts were still ongoing to recover the rustled cattle and apprehend those responsible for the crime.
Security agencies have continued to intensify patrols and intelligence-driven operations across vulnerable communities to curb livestock theft and other violent crimes in the state.
Fulani bandits kill 8, injure one in fresh Plateau attack as cycle of violence deepens
Fulani bandits kill 8, injure one in fresh Plateau attack as cycle of violence deepens
By Zagazola Makama
Suspected Fulani bandits have killed eight persons and injured one other in a fresh attack on Kum community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in another escalation of the persistent violence ravaging communities across the state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on Sunday when armed assailants invaded Kum community, opening fire on residents.
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), who responded immediately after receiving a distress report, arrived at the scene to find eight villagers already killed, while one survivor had sustained gunshot wounds.
The casualty was evacuated to the General Hospital, Riyom, for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were also evacuated.
The troops thereafter launched offensive operations across the surrounding communities and nearby forests to track down and neutralise the attackers.
Military sources said the operation was still ongoing, with additional troops deployed to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.
The latest killings add to a growing list of deadly incidents that have continued to fuel tension between farming and herding communities across Plateau State in recent weeks.
Only days earlier, a farmer was killed by Fulani Bandits in Butura Gida village, Bokkos Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred at about 7:47 p.m. on July 8, prompted troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace, to rush to the village after receiving a distress call.
However, by the time security personnel arrived, the attackers had fled, leaving the victim dead.
Security agencies subsequently launched a manhunt to identify and arrest those responsible.
Less than 24 hours before that incident, the body of a 13-year-old herder, Mustapha Abdul Kadir, was discovered in Mangu Local Government Area alongside four dead cattle.
Security authorities suspected that the teenager had been attacked by armed militia while grazing livestock.
The killing heightened fears of reprisals in communities already experiencing heightened ethnic and communal tensions.
Earlier on the same day, two residents were reportedly killed in Torok community of Riyom Local Government Area after suspected Fulani bandits attacked the settlement.
Security agencies responded to the incident and increased patrols in the area to forestall further violence.
The latest attacks follow weeks of sustained bloodshed across Plateau State, particularly in Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Bassa Local Government Areas.
During the past several weeks, numerous communities both Berom and Fulani have experienced coordinated attacks resulting in scores of deaths, destruction of homes, displacement of residents and loss of livestock.
Security records indicate that villages in Bokkos and Mangu have repeatedly witnessed deadly assaults on farming settlements, with gunmen attacking at night, burning houses and forcing residents to flee.
Similarly, several herding communities have also reported killings of herders, rustling of cattle and destruction of grazing assets, leading to retaliatory attacks that have further deepened hostilities.
In Riyom Local Government Area, several communities, including Torok and now Kum, have suffered repeated attacks in recent days despite the deployment of security forces.
Authorities have continued to reinforce military presence in the affected areas, conduct fighting patrols, establish observation posts and intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling armed groups operating in the region.
Despite these measures, criminal elements have continued to exploit longstanding disputes over land ownership, grazing routes and communal mistrust to perpetrate violence.
Zagazola believe that while the crisis is often viewed through the lens of farmer-herder conflict, criminal gangs have increasingly infiltrated both sides, carrying out killings, cattle rustling, kidnappings and other violent crimes that further complicate the security situation.
The recurring pattern has become increasingly predictable, with attacks on herders communities often followed by reprisals against farmers or residents. killings of herders frequently trigger retaliatory assaults on villages, creating an endless cycle of revenge.
Residents and community leaders have repeatedly appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest and prosecute perpetrators irrespective of ethnic or communal affiliations.
Zagazola warned that unless those responsible for attacks on both farming and herding communities are brought to justice, while genuine reconciliation and conflict-resolution mechanisms are strengthened, Plateau State may continue to experience recurring waves of violence that threaten peace, food security and socio-economic stability.
Borno Students Rally Behind Security Agencies, Reject Terrorism, Call for National Unity Against Boko Haram, ISWAP, Banditry
Borno Students Rally Behind Security Agencies, Reject Terrorism, Call for National Unity Against Boko Haram, ISWAP, Banditry
By: Zagazola Makama
Students from various tertiary institutions in Borno State on Sunday declared their unwavering support for Nigeria’s security agencies in the ongoing campaign against Boko Haram, ISWAP, banditry and other violent criminal groups, urging all citizens to unite behind efforts to restore lasting peace across the country.
The students made the declaration during a solidarity rally held at the Post Office Round About in Maiduguri, where they joined civil society groups, youth organisations and community leaders to express appreciation for the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and other security personnel engaged in counter-terrorism operations.
The rally, attended by hundreds of students from the University of Maiduguri, Borno State University, Ramat Polytechnic, Mohammed Lawan College of Agriculture and other institutions, featured speeches, peace messages and calls for greater public cooperation with security agencies.
A Student Leader, Suleiman Muhammad Sarki urged Nigerians to reject terrorism in all its forms and embrace national unity as the country’s strongest weapon against violent extremism.
“Terrorism has killed our people, destroyed our communities and stolen peace from our homes. This fight is not for government alone; it is the responsibility of every Nigerian.
“We must also speak with one voice against the payment of ransom to kidnappers, bandits and terrorist groups. When we deny them financial support, we weaken their operations.
“Parents should teach their children peace, communities should report suspicious activities, leaders should speak with one voice, the media should spread truth instead of fear, while the youth must choose unity over hatred. Nigeria is bigger than any terrorist, and together we shall overcome,” he said.
The remarks were greeted with applause as participants waved Nigerian flags and displayed placards bearing inscriptions such as “United Against Terrorism,” “Support Our Troops,” “Enough is Enough,” “Peace is Our Right,” and “Nigeria Must Win.”
Students of the Mohammed Lawan College of Agriculture, Maiduguri, also called for sustained government investment in communities liberated from insurgents.
One agriculture student said restoring farming activities remained crucial.
“Food security and national security go together. When farmers return safely to their fields, communities recover faster and criminal groups lose influence.”
A student of Education stressed that schools should continue promoting peace education.
“Children must grow up understanding tolerance, respect and peaceful coexistence. Education remains one of the strongest tools against violent extremism.”
At the Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, students praised the resilience of communities affected by insurgency.
A Higher National Diploma student said the determination shown by residents demonstrated that terrorism would never defeat Nigeria.
“Despite everything, people have rebuilt businesses, returned to school and continued with their lives. That resilience gives hope.”
Another student urged social media users to verify information before sharing it online.
“False information creates unnecessary panic and sometimes benefits terrorists. Citizens should rely on credible sources and avoid spreading rumours during security operations.”
Several students also commended security personnel serving in difficult operational environments across the North-East.
They acknowledged the sacrifices made by troops deployed under Operation HADIN KAI and other security formations, noting that many personnel had paid the ultimate price in defence of the country.
A law student observed that national unity remained Nigeria’s greatest strength.
“Terrorists want to divide Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines. We must deny them that victory by standing together as one nation.”
Students also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to intensify public enlightenment campaigns against violent extremism.
They said parents should monitor their children, communities should remain vigilant and religious leaders should continue preaching tolerance, peaceful coexistence and respect for human life.
According to them, the fight against terrorism extends beyond military operations and requires sustained investment in education, youth empowerment, community policing, intelligence sharing and post-conflict reconstruction.
Many expressed optimism that with continued cooperation between citizens and security agencies, Nigeria would eventually overcome terrorism and restore lasting peace.
As the interviews concluded, one message remained consistent across campuses in Maiduguri: defeating Boko Haram, ISWAP and banditry requires a united Nigeria.
Aisha Ibrahim, a students from UNIMAID said the fight against terrorism should not be left solely to security agencies, stressing that citizens also have important roles to play through vigilance, intelligence sharing and promoting peaceful coexistence.
She noted that Borno State had endured years of insurgency, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives, displacement of communities and disruption of education and economic activities.
According to her , the significant progress recorded through sustained military operations has encouraged many displaced families to return home, while schools, markets and farming activities have gradually resumed in several communities.
Bashir Babagana, another student commended the resilience and professionalism demonstrated by troops and other security personnel operating in difficult environments, saying their sacrifices deserved national recognition and support.
He noted that many members of the security forces had paid the ultimate price while defending the country’s territorial integrity and protecting civilians from terrorist attacks.
Participants also appealed to Nigerians to avoid spreading misinformation capable of undermining security operations or creating unnecessary panic.
They stressed that verified information and responsible reporting remained essential in sustaining public confidence and denying terrorist groups the propaganda they often seek.
The students further called on religious leaders, traditional institutions, community associations and youth groups to intensify campaigns promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity.
They maintained that education, youth empowerment and community engagement should complement military operations in addressing the root causes of violent extremism.
The rally also featured prayers for the repose of civilians and security personnel who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism, as well as special prayers for the safety of troops currently serving in operational theatres across the country.
The students also pledged continued support for lawful efforts aimed at defeating Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandit groups and other criminal elements threatening Nigeria’s peace and stability.
They urged Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, to remain united and work collectively towards building a secure and prosperous nation.
The rally concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to national unity and expressing confidence that sustained collaboration between citizens and security agencies would ultimately bring terrorism to an end.
Notorious Bandit Commander Kachalla Sani Yellow Killed in Zamfara as Rival Claims, Security Operation Accounts Emerge
Notorious Bandit Commander Kachalla Sani Yellow Killed in Zamfara as Rival Claims, Security Operation Accounts Emerge
By: Zagazola Makama
Kachalla Sani Yellow, one of Zamfara State’s most notorious bandit commanders, has been killed in Anka Local Government Area, ending the reign of a feared warlord long linked to deadly attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling across parts of the North-West.
However, conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
Multiple local sources said Yellow was shot dead on Friday, July 10, at Dan Jibga Market in Anka Local Government Area by armed men believed to be loyal to rival bandit kingpin Dogo Gide.
According to the sources, the attack was carried out in broad daylight, with the assailants ambushing Yellow while he was reportedly conducting activities at the market.
Residents familiar with the activities of armed groups in the area described the killing as another indication of the deepening rivalry among bandit factions competing for territorial control and influence across Zamfara State.
However, another account attributed Yellow’s death to a recent security operation conducted in Anka Local Government Area.
According to security sources, the notorious commander was neutralised during a coordinated operation involving security personnel and members of the Maiduguri Special Vigilantes, who have recently been deployed to support ongoing counter-banditry operations in parts of Zamfara.
The sources said the operation formed part of sustained offensives aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves and eliminating high-profile bandit leaders operating in the state.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not officially confirmed which account accurately reflects the circumstances surrounding Yellow’s death.
However, regardless of the exact circumstances, the elimination of the notorious commander represents a significant development in the campaign against armed banditry in the North-West.
Yellow was widely regarded as one of the influential commanders operating within the forests spanning Anka, Bukkuyum, Maru and neighbouring local government areas.
He was allegedly involved in coordinating numerous attacks on rural communities, mass abductions for ransom, cattle rustling and violent raids that displaced thousands of residents.
His activities had made him one of the most wanted bandit leaders in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
Meanwhile, communities in Tsafe Local Government Area have reportedly come under fresh attacks believed to be linked to reprisals following Yellow’s death.
Local sources said armed men suspected to be loyal to another notorious bandit leader, Adamu Aliero, stormed several communities, killing at least two residents and abducting more than 60 others.
Residents said the attackers also looted food items and livestock before retreating into nearby forest hideouts.
The sources believe the attacks were carried out in retaliation for the recent killings of prominent bandit commanders during ongoing security operations across the state.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA and have reportedly intensified patrols and launched pursuit operations to rescue the abducted victims and prevent further retaliatory attacks.
Africa Must Lead Response to Growing Security Threats, Buratai Tells Forum
Africa Must Lead Response to Growing Security Threats, Buratai Tells Forum
By Zagazola Makama
Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has called for African-led solutions to the continent’s worsening security challenges, warning that the continent is facing an unprecedented convergence of threats requiring collective action.
Buratai made the call on Friday while delivering the keynote address titled, “Africa’s Priority Security Threats,” at the 32nd Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The retired army chief identified terrorism and violent extremism, transnational organised crime, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, governance-related instability, and the erosion of sovereignty through external dependence as the five major security threats confronting Africa.
According to him, the continent can no longer rely solely on external interventions but must strengthen regional cooperation, intelligence sharing and indigenous security capabilities.
Buratai described the Sahel as the global epicentre of terrorism, noting that the region now accounts for nearly half of all terror-related deaths worldwide.
He said that between January and November 2025, West Africa recorded about 450 terrorist attacks, resulting in more than 1,900 fatalities.
The former army chief noted that although Burkina Faso had recorded significant military gains under President Ibrahim Traoré, with government forces reclaiming about 72.7 per cent of occupied territories by June 2025 through Operation Lalmassga, extremist groups continued to stage deadly attacks.
He said intensified military operations in early 2026 reportedly eliminated at least 400 militants, but fresh attacks by jihadist groups, including those linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), underscored the persistent threat.
Buratai also expressed concern over the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), saying the development had weakened regional intelligence-sharing and collective security efforts.
He warned that violent extremism was spreading beyond the Sahel into coastal West African countries, citing a sharp increase in attacks in northern Benin over the past three years.
On transnational organised crime, Buratai said West Africa was facing increasingly interconnected threats involving terrorism financing, piracy, arms trafficking, drug smuggling and cybercrime.
He noted that criminal networks were becoming more sophisticated and exploiting weak border controls, digital technologies and fragile governance structures to expand their operations across the region.
The retired general also identified cybersecurity as an emerging national security challenge, stressing that African countries must invest in cyber defence capabilities, digital infrastructure protection and regional cooperation to counter growing cyber threats.
Buratai urged African governments, policymakers and security institutions to adopt coordinated, home-grown strategies capable of addressing the continent’s evolving security landscape while safeguarding sovereignty and promoting sustainable peace and development.
He emphasised that lasting security on the continent would require stronger institutions, enhanced intelligence cooperation, economic resilience and greater political commitment among African nations.
Four Family Members Flee ISWAP Enclave, Surrender to Troops in Gwoza
Four Family Members Flee ISWAP Enclave, Surrender to Troops in Gwoza
By Zagazola Makama
Four family members linked to terrorists have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI after escaping from an insurgent enclave in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the individuals surrendered at about 8:30 a.m. on July 10 to troops of C Company, 192 Battalion (Mechanised), deployed in Gwoza.
The sources said the group comprised two women, a teenager and an infant who fled from the Kunde terrorist enclave, one of the remaining hideouts used by Boko Haram/ISWAP elements in the Mandara Mountains.
The surrendered persons were identified as Hauwa Muhammadu, 40; Aisha Muhammadu, 22; Adamu Muhammadu, 15; and 10-month-old Muhammad Mustapha.
According to preliminary findings, the family told investigators that they escaped from the enclave due to sustained military pressure on the terrorists’ positions and worsening humanitarian conditions within the camp.
“The family disclosed that continuous offensive operations by troops, coupled with severe shortages of food and other basic necessities, made survival in the enclave increasingly difficult, forcing them to flee,” a military source said.
During the screening process, troops recovered a total of ₦32,100 from the family.
Military sources said the four individuals were properly screened and documented in line with established procedures and are currently in the custody of the 192 Battalion for further profiling and appropriate administrative action.
Security sources noted that sustained ground and air offensives by Operation HADIN KAI have continued to weaken terrorist strongholds across the Mandara Mountains and Sambisa axis, resulting in a steady stream of escapes and surrenders by family members and other persons previously held within insurgent-controlled enclaves.
They added that the continued surrender of women and children reflects the growing pressure on terrorist camps as military operations intensify across the North-East.
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Logistics Supplier with Assorted Drugs in Borno
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Logistics Supplier with Assorted Drugs in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected logistics supplier to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) while attempting to transport a large consignment of pharmaceutical drugs towards Damboa in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was intercepted at about 11:00 a.m. on July 10 during routine security screening by intelligence personnel of the 18 Battalion deployed at the Molai Main Entrance Gate on the outskirts of Maiduguri.
The sources identified the suspect as Mohammed Goni, 31, who was travelling in a vehicle heading towards Damboa when troops subjected the vehicle to a routine search.
According to the sources, the search led to the discovery of a large quantity of assorted pharmaceutical drugs in the suspect’s possession. He was unable to produce any valid clearance or documentation authorising the movement of the medical supplies to the conflict-prone area.
“The circumstances surrounding the movement of the drugs raised suspicion, prompting the troops to immediately detain the suspect for further interrogation,” one of the sources said.
Military sources disclosed that the suspect has since been handed over to the Military Intelligence Brigade for detailed investigation to determine the source of the drugs, their intended destination and any possible links to ISWAP’s logistics network operating within the North-East.
Security sources noted that terrorist groups have increasingly relied on clandestine supply chains to procure pharmaceuticals and other essential materials used to treat wounded fighters and sustain their operations in remote camps.
The arrest, they added, forms part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist logistics networks by intercepting critical supplies before they reach insurgent enclaves. Investigations are ongoing.
Airstrikes Destroy ISWAP Stronghold, Logistics Hub in Borno
Airstrikes Destroy ISWAP Stronghold, Logistics Hub in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI has sustained its relentless air campaign against terrorist elements in the North-East, destroying a key terrorist enclave and logistics hub during a precision air interdiction mission in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:40 p.m. on Friday, July 10.
The sources disclosed that the target was located at Yaganari, a notorious terrorist enclave within the Gezuwa general area, where insurgents had reportedly been regrouping and consolidating logistics for planned operations.
According to the sources, the strike followed credible intelligence indicating increased terrorist activities and the massing of fighters at the location.
“Persistent ISR missions were conducted to verify the intelligence before any engagement. The surveillance platform positively identified multiple terrorist structures, logistics hubs and visible movement of insurgents within the objective area,” one of the sources said.
Following confirmation of the hostile activity, the aircraft acquired the designated targets and executed a series of precision attacks in successive passes, delivering onboard munitions with high accuracy.
The coordinated strikes destroyed the identified terrorist structures, obliterated logistics facilities and neutralized several terrorists operating within the enclave.
Military sources described the mission as another significant setback to terrorist operations in the North-East, noting that the destruction of logistics infrastructure would further degrade the insurgents’ ability to sustain attacks and coordinate movements.
The latest operation emphasis on intelligence-driven precision strikes aimed at dismantling terrorist command centres, safe havens and supply networks while supporting ongoing ground operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI.
Security sources said battle damage assessment is ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage inflicted on the terrorist network, while air surveillance over the area has been intensified to exploit the success of the operation and prevent any attempt by surviving fighters to regroup.
Airstrikes Destroy ISWAP Stronghold, Logistics Hub in Borno
Airstrikes Destroy ISWAP Stronghold, Logistics Hub in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI has sustained its relentless air campaign against terrorist elements in the North-East, destroying a key terrorist enclave and logistics hub during a precision air interdiction mission in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:40 p.m. on Friday, July 10.
The sources disclosed that the target was located at Yaganari, a notorious terrorist enclave within the Gezuwa general area, where insurgents had reportedly been regrouping and consolidating logistics for planned operations.
According to the sources, the strike followed credible intelligence indicating increased terrorist activities and the massing of fighters at the location.
“Persistent ISR missions were conducted to verify the intelligence before any engagement. The surveillance platform positively identified multiple terrorist structures, logistics hubs and visible movement of insurgents within the objective area,” one of the sources said.
Following confirmation of the hostile activity, the aircraft acquired the designated targets and executed a series of precision attacks in successive passes, delivering onboard munitions with high accuracy.
The coordinated strikes destroyed the identified terrorist structures, obliterated logistics facilities and neutralized several terrorists operating within the enclave.
Military sources described the mission as another significant setback to terrorist operations in the North-East, noting that the destruction of logistics infrastructure would further degrade the insurgents’ ability to sustain attacks and coordinate movements.
The latest operation emphasis on intelligence-driven precision strikes aimed at dismantling terrorist command centres, safe havens and supply networks while supporting ongoing ground operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI.
Security sources said battle damage assessment is ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage inflicted on the terrorist network, while air surveillance over the area has been intensified to exploit the success of the operation and prevent any attempt by surviving fighters to regroup.
Airstrikes Destroy ISWAP Stronghold, Logistics Hub in Borno
Airstrikes Destroy ISWAP Stronghold, Logistics Hub in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI has sustained its relentless air campaign against terrorist elements in the North-East, destroying a key terrorist enclave and logistics hub during a precision air interdiction mission in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:40 p.m. on Friday, July 10.
The sources disclosed that the target was located at Yaganari, a notorious terrorist enclave within the Gezuwa general area, where insurgents had reportedly been regrouping and consolidating logistics for planned operations.
According to the sources, the strike followed credible intelligence indicating increased terrorist activities and the massing of fighters at the location.
“Persistent ISR missions were conducted to verify the intelligence before any engagement. The surveillance platform positively identified multiple terrorist structures, logistics hubs and visible movement of insurgents within the objective area,” one of the sources said.
Following confirmation of the hostile activity, the aircraft acquired the designated targets and executed a series of precision attacks in successive passes, delivering onboard munitions with high accuracy.
The coordinated strikes destroyed the identified terrorist structures, obliterated logistics facilities and neutralized several terrorists operating within the enclave.
Military sources described the mission as another significant setback to terrorist operations in the North-East, noting that the destruction of logistics infrastructure would further degrade the insurgents’ ability to sustain attacks and coordinate movements.
The latest operation emphasis on intelligence-driven precision strikes aimed at dismantling terrorist command centres, safe havens and supply networks while supporting ongoing ground operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI.
Security sources said battle damage assessment is ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage inflicted on the terrorist network, while air surveillance over the area has been intensified to exploit the success of the operation and prevent any attempt by surviving fighters to regroup.
Troops Rescue Four Kidnap Victims in Kogi, Kwara Border Operations
Troops Rescue Four Kidnap Victims in Kogi, Kwara Border Operations
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have rescued four kidnap victims in separate operations conducted in Kogi State and along the Kogi–Kwara border, as security forces sustained pressure on criminal elements operating in the area.
Security sources said troops of the 121 Battalion deployed at the Abocho Patrol Base rescued a female victim at about 10:00 p.m. on July 7 along the Abocho–Ajegwuwa–Ohuwda Road in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The victim told security personnel that she had been abducted by suspected kidnappers on July 5 from her residence in Ajiyolo Community, also in Dekina LGA.
In a related development, troops of the 12 Brigade deployed at Ogbagbo Block Position rescued a pregnant woman during a night patrol along the Jakura–Ogbagbo Road at about 3:45 a.m. on July 8.
The woman said she was kidnapped on June 28 near Obajana Community alongside three other victims.
She explained that she managed to escape after sustained offensive operations by troops forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee their hideout.
Also on July 8, at about 7:00 a.m., troops from the 12 Brigade stationed at Isanlu Patrol Base intercepted two escaped kidnap victims during a patrol around Latta Community along the Kogi–Kwara boundary.
The victims disclosed that they were abducted while working on their farms in the Latta area of Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State and taken to a kidnappers’ camp in the Chigogo Hills area of Kwara.
Security sources said all the rescued victims had received initial care and had been reunited with their families.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against kidnapping and other criminal activities in the North Central region.
Security Operatives Restore Calm After Communal Clash Disrupts Ibadan-Oyo Highway
Security Operatives Restore Calm After Communal Clash Disrupts Ibadan-Oyo Highway
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives have restored normalcy following a communal clash between indigenes and settlers at Tudun Wuli area of Ojoo in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Sources said the incident occurred on July 8 when a disagreement escalated into violence, prompting the deployment of troops alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Amotekun Corps.
During the disturbance, irate youths allegedly attacked the settlement occupied by northern residents and set several makeshift structures ablaze.
The violence also led to the temporary closure of the Ibadan-Oyo Federal Highway, causing disruption to vehicular movement.
Security personnel, however, swiftly dispersed the hoodlums and restored law and order in the area.
Officials of the Federal and Oyo State Fire Services responded promptly and extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby properties.
Security sources said the situation had been brought under control, while normal vehicular and commercial activities had resumed in the area.
The authorities are maintaining security presence in the community to prevent a recurrence of the violence, while efforts are ongoing to address the underlying issues that triggered the clash.
Breaking: Army, DSS, Police Rescue All Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers; Nine Bandits Killed
Breaking: Army, DSS, Police Rescue All Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers; Nine Bandits Killed
By Zagazola Makama
All the schoolchildren and teachers abducted during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued in a joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), intelligence sources have told Zagazola Makama.
Sources disclosed that the operation, carried out in the early hours of Friday, was intelligence-driven and followed weeks of sustained surveillance and coordinated efforts by security agencies to track the kidnappers’ hideouts.
According to the sources, troops and police operatives, acting on actionable intelligence provided by the DSS, stormed the bandits’ enclave, leading to a fierce gun battle during which at least nine of the abductors were neutralised.
The remaining members of the gang reportedly fled into nearby bushes with varying degrees of injuries, while all the kidnapped victims were rescued alive.
The rescued victims, comprising the schoolchildren and their teachers, are being evacuated to Ibadan, where they are expected to be formally received by Governor Seyi Makinde after undergoing preliminary medical examination and debriefing by security agencies.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed assailants stormed three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage and triggered an intensive multi-agency rescue operation.
One of the victims, Mr Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly murdered by the abductors during their captivity.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang, while troops have intensified exploitation operations around the area to prevent the suspects from regrouping.
Further details are expected as security authorities conclude post-operation assessments.
CCS Backs Zagazola Objective Security Reporting, Condemns Ethnic Double Standards in Tackling Crime
CCS Backs Zagazola Objective Security Reporting, Condemns Ethnic Double Standards in Tackling Crime
By: Zagazola Makama
The Centre for Contemporary Studies (CCS), Abuja, has called for objective and fact-based reporting of criminal activities, urging Nigerians to reject ethnic, religious and political biases in addressing insecurity.
The organisation said the fight against insecurity would only succeed if the same standard of accountability was applied to all offenders, irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Yusuf Musa, and Director of Security and Strategic Studies, retired Capt. Kabir Aminu, the centre expressed support for the position of security analyst and conflict reporter Zagazola Makama on the need for objective reporting of security issues.
According to the centre, criminal acts should never be excused or justified because of the identity of those responsible.
CCS said the controversy surrounding the identification of a suspect in the attempted attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, reflected a broader national challenge, where some individuals support transparency only when it implicates perceived opponents but reject it when it involves members of their own communities.
The organisation maintained that objective reporting should not be misconstrued as ethnic profiling, stressing that journalists and security analysts should not be intimidated into withholding credible information simply because it is politically or socially inconvenient.
It noted that selective outrage and selective accountability undermine public trust and prolong insecurity.
The centre said Nigerians had consistently demanded accurate identification of perpetrators of violent crimes and urged that such standards be applied uniformly to all criminal groups, regardless of ethnic affiliation.
It also commended security personnel for repelling the attempted attack on NIPSS and for their continued efforts in protecting strategic national institutions despite prevailing security challenges.
CCS emphasised that no ethnic or religious group held a monopoly on either victimhood or criminality, noting that while millions of Nigerians across different communities were law-abiding citizens, criminal elements also existed in every part of the country.
It urged citizens to judge criminal acts based on the nature of the offence rather than the identity of those involved.
The organisation called on the media, civil society organisations, community leaders and the general public to uphold a single standard of justice and accountability, warning that attempts to shield offenders through ethnic, religious or political narratives would undermine national security and efforts to achieve lasting peace.
The centre reaffirmed its commitment to truth, accountability and equal justice under the law, insisting that there should be no sacred cows in the fight against insecurity and that all criminal elements should be held accountable without fear or favour.
Troops foil suspected terrorist supply chain, arrest Chadian woman with drugs in Borno
Troops foil suspected terrorist supply chain, arrest Chadian woman with drugs in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have disrupted a suspected terrorist logistics network with the arrest of a Chadian woman allegedly transporting illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages to insurgents operating in the Lake Chad region.
The arrest was made by troops of Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force North East during an intelligence-driven operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno highway on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Capt. Mohammed Goni, the suspect was intercepted while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.
He identified the suspect as Mrs Rachael Samuel, 48, a citizen of the Republic of Chad from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province.
“The operation followed actionable intelligence on suspected movements of logistics intended for terrorist elements within the Lake Chad Islands,” the statement said.
Items recovered from the suspect included seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, popularly known as “Suck and Die,” one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.
The troops also recovered a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal belongings and cash from the suspect.
Military authorities said the suspect had been taken into custody, while the exhibits would be handed over to the relevant law enforcement agency for detailed investigation and prosecution.
The statement said the operation represented another breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle the supply networks sustaining terrorist groups in the North East.
It explained that intelligence reports had shown that terrorist fighters often relied on illicit drugs and intoxicants to enhance endurance, suppress fear and support their violent activities.
The Theatre Command praised the troops for their professionalism and vigilance, reiterating its commitment to intensifying operations against terrorists and those providing them with logistics and other forms of support.
It also appealed to residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the region.
Troops foil multiple ISWAP infiltration attempts in Maiduguri, Buratai axis
Troops foil multiple ISWAP infiltration attempts in Maiduguri, Buratai axis
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have foiled coordinated infiltration attempts by suspected ISWAP terrorists targeting parts of Maiduguri and Buratai axis of Borno State, forcing the insurgents to retreat after intense engagements.
The attempted attacks occurred between 12:20 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. on Friday, when the terrorists simultaneously advanced toward Muna Garage, Shuwari Village and the Ajilari Cross area in an apparent bid to gain access into the Maiduguri metropolis.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, supported by an effective early warning system, detected the movement of the insurgents and engaged them from multiple directions with heavy and accurate fire, disrupting the coordinated assault before the terrorists could penetrate the city.
The sources said the terrorists, overwhelmed by the troops’ swift tactical response, abandoned their mission and fled in disarray.
In related operations, troops also repelled separate infiltration attempts by the insurgents at Miringa and Dutsen Kura in the Buratai area of Borno State.
During the pursuit of the fleeing terrorists at Miringa, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle activated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). However, no casualty was recorded among the troops, and the operational situation remained stable.
Security sources said clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing across the affected areas to track down the fleeing terrorists, recover possible abandoned equipment and prevent any further threat to nearby communities.
The military reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI would continue sustained offensive operations aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of movement and safeguarding lives and property across the North-East.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
Troops foil multiple ISWAP infiltration attempts in Maiduguri, Buratai axis
Troops foil multiple ISWAP infiltration attempts in Maiduguri, Buratai axis
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have foiled coordinated infiltration attempts by suspected ISWAP terrorists targeting parts of Maiduguri and Buratai axis of Borno State, forcing the insurgents to retreat after intense engagements.
The attempted attacks occurred between 12:20 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. on Friday, when the terrorists simultaneously advanced toward Muna Garage, Shuwari Village and the Ajilari Cross area in an apparent bid to gain access into the Maiduguri metropolis.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, supported by an effective early warning system, detected the movement of the insurgents and engaged them from multiple directions with heavy and accurate fire, disrupting the coordinated assault before the terrorists could penetrate the city.
The sources said the terrorists, overwhelmed by the troops’ swift tactical response, abandoned their mission and fled in disarray.
In related operations, troops also repelled separate infiltration attempts by the insurgents at Miringa and Dutsen Kura in the Buratai area of Borno State.
During the pursuit of the fleeing terrorists at Miringa, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle activated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). However, no casualty was recorded among the troops, and the operational situation remained stable.
Security sources said clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing across the affected areas to track down the fleeing terrorists, recover possible abandoned equipment and prevent any further threat to nearby communities.
The military reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI would continue sustained offensive operations aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of movement and safeguarding lives and property across the North-East.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
Troops foil suspected terrorist supply chain, arrest Chadian woman with drugs in Borno
Troops foil suspected terrorist supply chain, arrest Chadian woman with drugs in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have disrupted a suspected terrorist logistics network with the arrest of a Chadian woman allegedly transporting illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages to insurgents operating in the Lake Chad region.
The arrest was made by troops of Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force North East during an intelligence-driven operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno highway on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Capt. Mohammed Goni, the suspect was intercepted while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.
He identified the suspect as Mrs Rachael Samuel, 48, a citizen of the Republic of Chad from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province.
“The operation followed actionable intelligence on suspected movements of logistics intended for terrorist elements within the Lake Chad Islands,” the statement said.
Items recovered from the suspect included seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, popularly known as “Suck and Die,” one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.
The troops also recovered a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal belongings and cash from the suspect.
Military authorities said the suspect had been taken into custody, while the exhibits would be handed over to the relevant law enforcement agency for detailed investigation and prosecution.
The statement said the operation represented another breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle the supply networks sustaining terrorist groups in the North East.
It explained that intelligence reports had shown that terrorist fighters often relied on illicit drugs and intoxicants to enhance endurance, suppress fear and support their violent activities.
The Theatre Command praised the troops for their professionalism and vigilance, reiterating its commitment to intensifying operations against terrorists and those providing them with logistics and other forms of support.
It also appealed to residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the region.
Troops rescue kidnapped victim in Benue, kidnappers flee on sighting security forces
Troops rescue kidnapped victim in Benue, kidnappers flee on sighting security forces
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, have rescued a kidnapped victim during a swift response to a kidnapping incident in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 4:00 a.m. on July 8 after troops deployed at Tor-Donga received credible intelligence on the abduction at Igyudu community.
The sources said the joint security team immediately mobilised to the scene, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their captive and flee into the surrounding bush on sighting the advancing troops.
The rescued victim was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment and evaluation.
Military sources said troops have launched a manhunt to track down the fleeing kidnappers and prevent further criminal activities in the area.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by Operation WHIRL STROKE to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across Benue and neighbouring states.
Troops arrest suspected railway vandal in Bauchi, intercept stolen sleepers
Troops arrest suspected railway vandal in Bauchi, intercept stolen sleepers
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected railway vandal and intercepted a vehicle conveying concealed railway sleepers believed to have been illegally removed from rail infrastructure in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest was made at about 2:00 p.m. on July 8 following actionable intelligence received by troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 82.
The sources said the troops intercepted the suspect at the Zwall checkpoint while inspecting a vehicle transporting vandalised railway sleepers concealed among other items.
During the operation, one suspect was apprehended, while the driver and conductor of the vehicle abandoned it and fled the scene before they could be arrested.
The recovered railway sleepers and the intercepted vehicle have been taken into custody, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and determine the source of the vandalised materials.
Security authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to protect critical national infrastructure and crack down on economic sabotage across the country. Investigations are continuing.
Troops arrest two illegal miners in FCT raid, recover mining equipment
Troops arrest two illegal miners in FCT raid, recover mining equipment
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected illegal miners during a raid on an unauthorized mining site in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:50 p.m. on July 7 by troops of the 176 Guards Battalion as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the nation’s mineral resources.
The sources said the troops stormed the illegal mining site and apprehended two suspects found carrying out unauthorized mining activities.
Items recovered from the site included one shovel, two digging tools, seven filter carpets and a pumping machine hose, all believed to have been used for the illicit mining operation.
The suspects are in custody, while the recovered equipment has been secured as exhibits pending further investigation and prosecution.
Military authorities said surveillance and monitoring of activities around the area have been intensified to prevent the resurgence of illegal mining and other related criminal activities.
Farmer killed by Fulani bandits in fresh Plateau attack as cycle of violence deepens
Farmer killed by Fulani bandits in fresh Plateau attack as cycle of violence deepens
By Zagazola Makama
A farmer has been killed in a fresh attack by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in Butura Gida village, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, in the latest incident pointing to the persistent cycle of violence between farming and herding communities.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 7:47 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, prompting troops of Sector 5 of Operation Enduring peace to mobilise to the community after receiving a distress call.
On arrival, the troops found the victim’s lifeless body. The attackers had fled the scene before security personnel arrived, and no contact was made.
A manhunt has since been launched to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing.
The latest incident came less than 24 hours after a 13-year-old herder, Mustapha Abdul Kadir, was found dead alongside four cattle in Mangu Local Government Area in what authorities suspected was an attack by armed militia.
Earlier the same day, two residents were also killed in Torok community in Riyom Local Government Area in an attack blamed on suspected Fulani bandits.
The succession of attacks illustrates the entrenched and increasingly vicious pattern of retaliatory violence that has continued to plague Plateau State.
Killings of farmers are often followed by attacks on herders, while attacks on herders frequently trigger reprisals against farming communities, creating a dangerous cycle that has claimed hundreds of lives and destroyed livelihoods over the years.
Despite sustained military deployments, peace meetings and community engagements, mistrust between the two groups remains deep, with criminal elements exploiting the fragile security situation to perpetrate violence.
Zagazola warn that unless perpetrators on all sides are brought to justice and local grievances addressed, the state risks remaining trapped in an endless cycle of revenge attacks.
Gov. Lawal backs state police, says governors need real security powers
Gov. Lawal backs state police, says governors need real security powers
By Zagazola Makama
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, saying the move would give governors genuine authority as chief security officers to effectively tackle insecurity in their states.
Lawal stated this on Thursday while speaking as a panellist at the Arise News Town Hall Summit on Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security, held at the ThisDay Dome in Abuja.
The governor said the current security architecture limits the ability of governors to effectively respond to security challenges because they lack operational control over the police despite being constitutionally regarded as chief security officers.
“We’re being called chief security officers of our respective states; however, the command and control structure is not under the governors,” he said.
According to him, state police would strengthen accountability by empowering state governments to take full responsibility for the protection of lives and property within their jurisdictions.
“I am happy with the recent development of state police because it allows us to keep to our responsibilities and for our people also to hold us accountable as far as the security situation is concerned in our respective states,” Lawal said.
He expressed confidence that the creation of state police would significantly address Nigeria’s security challenges.
“I strongly believe that, by the time we have state police, it will go a long way in solving a lot of the challenges, and we can then bear our names as proper chief security officers of our respective states,” he added.
Addressing concerns that governors could abuse state-controlled police for political purposes, Lawal dismissed such fears, noting that many states already operate local security outfits without using them to suppress political opposition.
He, however, urged the National Assembly to incorporate adequate legal safeguards into the proposed framework to prevent possible misuse.
“I support state police. I recognise people’s fears of possible abuse, but with the right processes in place, those fears will be allayed,” the governor said.
The summit brought together governors, lawmakers, security chiefs, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, policy experts and other stakeholders to deliberate on state policing and broader reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
Fulani bandits kill two in fresh attack on Plateau community
Fulani bandits kill two in fresh attack on Plateau community
By Zagazola Makama
Suspected Fulani bandits have killed two residents in a fresh attack on Torok community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, security sources told Zagazola Makama.
The attack occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, prompting troops of Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace to swiftly respond after receiving a distress report.
Sources said the assailants attacked unsuspecting locals before fleeing the area.
On arrival, troops discovered the bodies of two victims who had been killed during the assault. The remains were recovered and subsequently handed over to members of the community for burial.
Security sources said troops have launched a manhunt for the attackers, with efforts ongoing to track and apprehend those responsible for the killings.
The latest incident adds to the renewed wave of violence in Plateau State, particularly in Riyom and neighbouring local government areas, where recurring attacks and reprisals involving armed groups have continued to claim lives and heighten tensions despite sustained security operations. Troops have intensified patrols and confidence-building engagements to forestall further attacks and maintain peace in the area.
Missing herder, four livestock killed by suspected militia elements in Mangu, Plateau
Missing herder, four livestock killed by suspected militia elements in Mangu, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have recovered the body of a 13-year-old herder who was declared missing after he went out to graze cattle in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, with four livestock also found dead in what military authorities suspect was an attack by armed militia.
Sources said the victim, identified as Mustapha Abdul Kadir, left home on July 8 to graze cattle around the bushes near Gauge Village but failed to return, prompting concern among family members and the community.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, in conjunction with local security personnel and community members, launched a search-and-rescue operation in the area.
The operation led to the discovery of the teenager’s body on Thursday in a shallow well, alongside four dead cattle believed to have been killed during the attack.
The military said preliminary findings indicated that the victim was attacked by suspected militia while grazing the livestock before his body was dumped in the well.
The remains of the deceased were handed over to his family for burial in accordance with local customs.
The military said stakeholders in the community had been engaged to prevent any breakdown of law and order and to avert possible reprisal attacks.
It added that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the perpetrators, while troops had intensified patrols across the Operation Enduring Peace Joint Operations Area to protect communities, schools and other critical national infrastructure.
The incident is the latest in a series of security challenges affecting parts of Mangu LGA, where attacks linked to armed groups have continued to threaten lives and livelihoods.
Security sources said community leaders and other stakeholders had been engaged to calm tensions and prevent reprisals, while efforts were underway to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.
The killing comes amid persistent violence in parts of Plateau State, where recurring clashes involving farming and herding communities have claimed scores of lives and destroyed property over the years.
Attacks targeting either farmers or herders often trigger immediate retaliatory violence, reinforcing a cycle of reprisals that has remained one of the major drivers of insecurity in the state.
South African Security Forces Arrest 137 in Major Illegal Mining Crackdown in Gauteng
South African Security Forces Arrest 137 in Major Illegal Mining Crackdown in Gauteng
By Zagazola Makama
South African security agencies have arrested 137 suspects during a coordinated operation targeting illegal mining activities in Gauteng Province, authorities said.
The operation was carried out by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in conjunction with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Sibanye Protection Services, and Fidelity Specialised Services as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal mining syndicates operating across the province.
According to security officials, the suspects include undocumented foreign nationals from Nigeria, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho who were allegedly engaged in unlawful mining activities.
Two additional suspects were also arrested for unlawful possession of ammunition and for allegedly aiding and abetting illegal immigrants.
During the operation, security personnel recovered a cache of items believed to have been used in the illegal mining operations, including mining tools, food supplies, and alcoholic beverages.
Authorities also seized a 9mm pistol, two magazines, and 118 rounds of AK-47 ammunition.
The operation forms part of sustained security measures by South African law enforcement agencies to curb illegal mining, which has increasingly been linked to organised criminal networks, illegal firearms, immigration offences, and violent crimes in parts of Gauteng.
The arrested suspects are expected to face prosecution after the conclusion of investigations, while security agencies said efforts to dismantle illegal mining syndicates across the province would continue.
Miyetti Allah President Bello Bodejo Pleads Not Guilty to $2.63 Million Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing Charges
Miyetti Allah President Bello Bodejo Pleads Not Guilty to $2.63 Million Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing Charges
By Zagazola Makama
The National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, on Thursday pleaded not guilty to a 12-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and terrorism financing before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Bodejo was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Inyang Ekwo over allegations involving the laundering of 2.63 million dollars.
The anti-graft agency also accused the Miyetti Allah leader of financing terrorism.
At the commencement of proceedings, EFCC counsel informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendant to take his plea on the charges.
Counsel to the defendant, Ahmed Raji, SAN, did not oppose the application.
After the 12-count charge was read to him, Bodejo pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
Following the plea, the court adjourned the matter for further proceedings in accordance with the law.
Troops Kill Six ISWAP Fighters, Wound Seven in Failed Attack on Borno Military Base
Troops Kill Six ISWAP Fighters, Wound Seven in Failed Attack on Borno Military Base
By: Zagazola Makama
Six fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were reportedly killed and seven others seriously wounded during a failed attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Logomani in Borno State, credible intelligence sources have disclosed.
The sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists launched the attack on the military position in the early hours of July 7 but suffered significant casualties after troops mounted a fierce resistance.
According to the intelligence assessment, the attackers had assembled at Garal before advancing on the military base.
Following the failed assault, surviving insurgents were reportedly seen regrouping at Chukun Gudu, where they buried six of their fighters killed during the encounter.
Among those reportedly buried was a senior fighter identified as Munzir, also known as Ba Alayi, who was said to be an indigene of Wulgo.
The development comes as troops of Operation HADIN KAI continue sustained clearance operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and disrupting insurgents’ logistics and mobility across the Lake Chad region.
Troops Discover, Destroy Improvised Explosive Device on Kukawa–Monguno Road
Troops Discover, Destroy Improvised Explosive Device on Kukawa–Monguno Road
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have discovered and safely destroyed an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the Cross Kauwa–Kekeno–Monguno Main Supply Route (MSR) in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Zagazola sources reliably informed that the device was discovered at about 7:30 a.m. on Thursday by troops of the 123 Special Forces Battalion during a routine MSR scanning patrol at Dowoshi.
According to the sources, the troops immediately secured the area and alerted a reinforcement team comprising personnel of the 19 Brigade Military Search Team (MST) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts.
The EOD team subsequently mobilised to the location and safely detonated the booby-trap IED without any casualties or damage.
The sources said no contact was made with the terrorists responsible for planting the explosive device.
They added that the successful operation prevented a potential attack on troops and civilian road users while ensuring the continued safety of the strategic supply route linking Cross Kauwa, Kekeno and Monguno.
The sources further disclosed that troops deployed in the area remained vigilant, with morale and operational efficiency described as high as clearance and counter-IED operations continue across the North-East theatre.
Cholera Outbreak Kills Nine ISWAP Terrorists in Timbuktu Triangle
Cholera Outbreak Kills Nine ISWAP Terrorists in Timbuktu Triangle
By: Zagazola Makama
A cholera outbreak has reportedly claimed the lives of nine fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Timbuktu Triangle, a known terrorist stronghold in Borno State, intelligence sources have disclosed.
The sources told Zagazola Makama that the outbreak had spread through the group’s enclaves, highlighting deteriorating sanitary conditions and limited access to medical care within the insurgents’ camps.
According to the intelligence, two additional ISWAP fighters infected with the disease were allegedly executed by fellow terrorists after attempts to manage their condition at Kimba village proved unsuccessful.
The sources said the development pointed to the worsening health conditions within the terrorist hideouts, where sustained military pressure has disrupted logistics, including access to medicines and treatment facilities.
The sources added that commanders had also been urged to intensify efforts to intercept medical supplies and pharmaceuticals intended for terrorist camps in order to further degrade ISWAP’s treatment capability and operational resilience.
The reported outbreak comes amid sustained offensives by troops of Operation HADIN KAI, who continue to target terrorist enclaves and logistics networks across the Lake Chad region in a bid to degrade the insurgents’ fighting capacity.
Sokoto donates 62 armoured vehicles, 320 motorcycles to security agencies
Sokoto donates 62 armoured vehicles, 320 motorcycles to security agencies
By: Zagazola Makama
The Christopher Gwabin Musa has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s current security challenges will soon be overcome, urging Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
Musa made the remarks on Wednesday in Sokoto during the inauguration of 62 armoured vehicles and 320 motorcycles procured by the Sokoto State Government for deployment by various security agencies operating in the state.
The security assets, valued at about N27.7 billion, are expected to enhance the operational capabilities of security agencies in tackling banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The defence chief stressed the need for security personnel to remain resolute in confronting criminal elements, while urging Nigerians to regard security as a collective responsibility through timely intelligence sharing and community support.
He described Sokoto as his home state, recalling that he was born and raised there, and commended the efforts of the state government in sustaining peace despite recent security challenges in some parts of the state.
According to him, the administration of Ahmed Aliyu has consistently supported security agencies with critical logistics, noting that the latest intervention would further boost troop morale and operational effectiveness.
Musa appealed to other state governments and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the Sokoto Government by supporting security agencies with logistics and other resources needed to combat insecurity.
He also said that security remains a key priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability across the country.
Earlier, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu said the newly acquired armoured vehicles and motorcycles would be deployed to identified flashpoints to strengthen ongoing operations against bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The governor said the intervention was aimed at improving the operational efficiency of security agencies and ensuring the protection of lives and property across the state.
He disclosed that his administration had previously spent more than N36.27 billion on similar logistics support for the Armed Forces and other security agencies operating in Sokoto State.
Aliyu further revealed that the Sokoto State House of Assembly was considering legislation that would prescribe sanctions for informants aiding criminal groups, similar to those imposed on bandits.
He reaffirmed that security remains a top priority under his administration’s Nine-Point Smart Agenda and commended the Federal Government, the Armed Forces, other security agencies and stakeholders for their continued efforts in addressing insecurity.
The governor also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his sustained support towards improving the nation’s security architecture.
In his remarks, the Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the Wazirin Sokoto, Sambo Wali Junaidu, commended the governor for his sustained investment in security, describing the intervention as a significant contribution to the protection of lives and property in the state.
Sokoto donates 62 armoured vehicles, 320 motorcycles to security agencies
Sokoto donates 62 armoured vehicles, 320 motorcycles to security agencies
By: Zagazola Makama
The Christopher Gwabin Musa has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s current security challenges will soon be overcome, urging Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
Musa made the remarks on Wednesday in Sokoto during the inauguration of 62 armoured vehicles and 320 motorcycles procured by the Sokoto State Government for deployment by various security agencies operating in the state.
The security assets, valued at about N27.7 billion, are expected to enhance the operational capabilities of security agencies in tackling banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The defence chief stressed the need for security personnel to remain resolute in confronting criminal elements, while urging Nigerians to regard security as a collective responsibility through timely intelligence sharing and community support.
He described Sokoto as his home state, recalling that he was born and raised there, and commended the efforts of the state government in sustaining peace despite recent security challenges in some parts of the state.
According to him, the administration of Ahmed Aliyu has consistently supported security agencies with critical logistics, noting that the latest intervention would further boost troop morale and operational effectiveness.
Musa appealed to other state governments and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the Sokoto Government by supporting security agencies with logistics and other resources needed to combat insecurity.
He also said that security remains a key priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability across the country.
Earlier, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu said the newly acquired armoured vehicles and motorcycles would be deployed to identified flashpoints to strengthen ongoing operations against bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The governor said the intervention was aimed at improving the operational efficiency of security agencies and ensuring the protection of lives and property across the state.
He disclosed that his administration had previously spent more than N36.27 billion on similar logistics support for the Armed Forces and other security agencies operating in Sokoto State.
Aliyu further revealed that the Sokoto State House of Assembly was considering legislation that would prescribe sanctions for informants aiding criminal groups, similar to those imposed on bandits.
He reaffirmed that security remains a top priority under his administration’s Nine-Point Smart Agenda and commended the Federal Government, the Armed Forces, other security agencies and stakeholders for their continued efforts in addressing insecurity.
The governor also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his sustained support towards improving the nation’s security architecture.
In his remarks, the Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the Wazirin Sokoto, Sambo Wali Junaidu, commended the governor for his sustained investment in security, describing the intervention as a significant contribution to the protection of lives and property in the state.
Troops foil attack on commuters, kill eight terrorists in Katsina
Troops foil attack on commuters, kill eight terrorists in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 17 Brigade, Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with hybrid forces, have foiled a planned terrorist attack on commuters along the Kakumi–Guga Road in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, neutralising eight suspected terrorists.
Security sources disclosed that the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that armed terrorists loyal to a notorious kingpin, identified as Idi Abasu Aiki, were planning to attack motorists and other road users along the route.
According to the sources, the terrorists were sighted advancing towards the target area on five motorcycles, prompting troops and the hybrid forces to swiftly mobilise and establish a carefully coordinated ambush along their likely route.
The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, during which eight of the assailants were neutralised.
Following the operation, the troops conducted exploitation of the area and recovered two AK-47 rifles and five motorcycles used by the terrorists.
The sources said troops have continued to dominate the general area through aggressive patrols and surveillance operations to forestall any retaliatory attacks against nearby communities and commuters.
The successful operation is part of ongoing efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to deny terrorists freedom of movement and improve security across Katsina State and the wider North-West region.
Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Suspected Stolen Livestock in Kebbi
Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Suspected Stolen Livestock in Kebbi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 8 Division Nigerian Army, in collaboration with members of the Forest Guards, have intercepted a vehicle conveying suspected stolen livestock during a fighting patrol in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the interception occurred at about 6:28 a.m. on July 7 along the Kangiwa–Kamba Road, where the joint patrol team was conducting routine security operations.
According to the sources, the troops stopped a suspicious vehicle and recovered 14 goats, four rams, one mobile phone and ₦17,600 in cash.
The suspects were immediately apprehended and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and necessary legal action, while the recovered livestock and other exhibits were also transferred as part of the case.
Security sources said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by security agencies to combat livestock rustling and other criminal activities threatening rural communities in Kebbi State and the wider North-West region.
Cholera Cases Rise to 108, Death Toll Hits Nine in Borno Community
Cholera Cases Rise to 108, Death Toll Hits Nine in Borno Community
By Zagazola Makama
The cholera outbreak in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, has worsened, with the number of confirmed cases rising to 108 and nine deaths recorded as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the disease.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that as of about 6:30 p.m. on July 6, the outbreak had affected more than a hundred residents of the community.
The sources said the affected persons were receiving treatment at the Cross Kauwa Primary Health Care Centre, while the medical team of the 19 Brigade Nigerian Army had been deployed to the area to establish quarantine measures and provide immediate medical support to victims.
According to the sources, officials from the Kukawa Local Government Authority and the Borno State Ministry of Health also visited the community to assess the situation and deliver essential medical supplies to strengthen the response.
Medical personnel from the 19 Brigade are continuing to monitor the outbreak in collaboration with state health authorities to prevent further spread of the disease.
Health officials have urged residents to maintain proper hygiene, ensure access to safe drinking water and promptly report suspected cases to health facilities as efforts continue to contain the outbreak.
One Suspect Dies After Arrest as Troops Raid Illegal Mining Site in Niger, 14 Apprehended
One Suspect Dies After Arrest as Troops Raid Illegal Mining Site in Niger, 14 Apprehended
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 102 Guards Battalion have raided an illegal mining site in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, arresting 14 suspected illegal miners and recovering a large cache of mining equipment and other items.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 10:30 a.m. on July 7 at an illegal mining site in Chaza following intelligence on unlawful mining activities in the area.
The sources said 14 suspected illegal miners were apprehended during the raid, while several others fled into nearby bushes on sighting the troops.
According to the sources, while the arrested suspects were being transported to the battalion for preliminary investigation, one of the detainees suddenly slumped and died.
The cause of the death has not yet been established.
Military sources said efforts were ongoing to hand over the surviving suspects, the deceased and all recovered exhibits to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command, Suleja, for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Items recovered during the operation included seven motorcycles, 23 water pumping machines, three generating sets, seven power banks, two solar panels, four washing machines, one weighing machine, 43 mobile phones, 41 MP3 players, two Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, two handheld radios, 49 torchlights and ₦138,000 in cash.
Security sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts under Operation MESA to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities that threaten public safety and national economic interests.
The sources added that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death and the activities of the illegal mining syndicate are ongoing.
Troops Arrest Suspected Boko Haram Logistics Supplier with Motorcycle Tyres in Yobe
Troops Arrest Suspected Boko Haram Logistics Supplier with Motorcycle Tyres in Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, in collaboration with members of the Yobe State Hunters Group, have arrested a suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics supplier in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Zarami Ali, 27, a native of Ngirya Village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area, was arrested at about 1:30 p.m. on July 7 during an intelligence-led operation.
According to the sources, the suspect was found in possession of five motorcycle tyres, which preliminary investigation indicated were intended for delivery to Boko Haram fighters operating in Ngirya Village.
The recovered tyres and the suspect have been taken into the custody of the 233 Tank Battalion for further investigation and necessary action.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist logistics networks by intercepting supplies destined for insurgent enclaves across the North-East.
They added that sustained intelligence-driven operations targeting logistics suppliers and collaborators have continued to disrupt the movement of materials essential to the operations of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
Troops Arrest Eight Suspected Drug Peddlers in Adamawa Raid, Recover Hard Drugs
Troops Arrest Eight Suspected Drug Peddlers in Adamawa Raid, Recover Hard Drugs
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 232 Battalion (Tactical) under Operation HADIN KAI have arrested eight suspected drug peddlers during a raid operation in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 12:30 p.m. on July 6 as part of efforts to dominate the area of responsibility and deny criminal elements freedom of action.
The sources said the troops conducted targeted raids behind the Emir’s Palace and Hong Market in Hong metropolis, where the eight suspects were apprehended.
Items recovered during the operation included substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, tramadol tablets, Exol tablets, the illicit substance commonly known as “ice”, and several mobile phones.
According to the sources, the suspects are currently in the custody of the 232 Battalion (Tactical), where they are undergoing profiling before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Military sources described the operation as part of sustained efforts to curb drug trafficking and other criminal activities that could fuel insecurity within the North-East theatre.
They added that while the general security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of vigilance and operational readiness.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Boko Haram Logistics Suppliers, Seize Construction Materials, Solar Equipment in Borno
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Boko Haram Logistics Suppliers, Seize Construction Materials, Solar Equipment in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 149 Battalion (Motorised), under Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers during a strangulation operation in Borno State, recovering a vehicle loaded with materials believed to be destined for terrorist enclaves.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were intercepted at about 5:20 p.m. on July 5 during the operation.
The suspects were identified as Guni Bukar Fantimi, 25, from Arari Village in Mobbar Local Government Area, and Zanna Mohammed, 18, from Musari Village in Maiduguri.
According to the sources, the suspects were travelling in a Golf vehicle with registration number BORNO NGL-904BK when they were arrested.
Items recovered from the vehicle included a carton of air pumps, a carton of glass cups, 20 containers of four-litre paint, eight cartons of roofing nails, three hand saws, 10 tubes of zinc adhesive, four cartons of instant glue, six cartons of spray paint, 10 rolls of white tape, 20 cutlasses, 10 bundles of rope, 10 pairs of rain boots, 28 pairs of footwear, 10 bags of nails, four solar-powered fans, one solar panel, 20 bundles of roofing zinc sheets, two mobile phones, and ₦47,650 in cash.
Military sources said the suspects and the recovered items are currently in the custody of the 149 Battalion (Motorised) for further investigation to determine the intended destination of the materials and establish possible links to Boko Haram logistics networks.
The arrest is part of ongoing intelligence-driven strangulation operations aimed at disrupting the supply chains sustaining terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
Security sources added that although the general security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm, it remains unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of vigilance and operational readiness.
Troops Overrun Terrorist Enclaves in Wulgo Axis, Recover Drugs During Offensive in Borno
Troops Overrun Terrorist Enclaves in Wulgo Axis, Recover Drugs During Offensive in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have cleared several Boko Haram enclaves in the Wulgo axis of Borno State after engaging fleeing insurgents during a major offensive operation.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was launched at about 11:00 a.m. on July 4 by troops of the Headquarters, 24 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with volunteer forces under the leadership of the Brigade Commander.
The fighting force, comprising about 140 soldiers and 50 volunteer personnel, deployed with two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, nine gun trucks, five Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) Toyota Hilux vehicles and 10 motorcycles, advanced from the assembly area at the 3 Battalion (Motorised) headquarters toward the Wulgo general area.
According to the sources, the troops conducted coordinated clearance operations on terrorist enclaves located at Wulgo, Hausari, Danbaure and Jegarawaji.
During the advance into Wulgo, the troops encountered resistance from Boko Haram fighters, who engaged the advancing force before being overwhelmed by superior firepower.
The insurgents were forced to retreat in disarray, abandoning a sack containing suspected illicit drugs during their withdrawal.
The troops pursued the fleeing terrorists along their escape routes but discontinued the chase because of difficult terrain, which limited further movement.
The operation continued into Hausari and Danbaure, where the troops found the terrorist camps abandoned. Several life-support structures used by the insurgents were subsequently destroyed in situ to deny them future use.
The force later advanced to Jegarawaji, where no contact was made with terrorists.
Military sources said troops also discovered that the routes leading into Garal and Manawaji were heavily marshy and impassable. As a result, indirect fire missions were executed from Jegarawaji into the suspected terrorist hideouts in both locations.
The troops completed the operation without casualties and returned safely to base at about 7:45 p.m.
Security sources described the offensive as part of sustained clearance operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement and dismantling their remaining enclaves in the Lake Chad and border areas.
They added that while the overall security situation across the North-East theatre remains relatively calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and operational readiness.
Six Suspected Boko Haram Members, Relatives Surrender to Troops in Gwoza, Over ₦1.5m Recovered
Six Suspected Boko Haram Members, Relatives Surrender to Troops in Gwoza, Over ₦1.5m Recovered
By Zagazola Makama
Six suspected Boko Haram members and their family members have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State following sustained military pressure on terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the first group surrendered at about 6:00 a.m. on July 4 to troops of D Company, 192 Battalion (Motorised).
The group comprised Hamman Zaha, 65, and his wife, Falmatu Yahaya, 55, who disclosed during preliminary interrogation that they had escaped from the Guduf-Bubayagwa terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains.
According to the sources, troops recovered ₦943,000 from the couple at the point of surrender.
In a related development, another group of four surrendered about 45 minutes later to troops of C Company, 192 Battalion (Motorised) in Gwoza.
The group consisted of Ali Garba, 31; Ismail Yakubu, 27; Aisha Musa, 60; and Amina Garba, 50, who told investigators they had fled the Chikide terrorist enclave, also located in the Mandara Mountains.
The escapees said they decided to abandon the camp due to sustained military offensives, worsening hardship and the lack of basic necessities within the insurgents’ enclave.
Troops recovered two Tecno mobile phones and ₦593,500 from the second group.
Military sources said all six individuals had been screened, documented and taken into custody by the 192 Battalion (Motorised) for further investigation.
The sources added that the two adult male suspects, believed to have had links with the insurgents, as well as the source of the more than ₦1.5 million recovered from both groups, would be subjected to further interrogation to establish the circumstances surrounding the funds and determine any operational or logistical connections.
Security sources noted that the latest surrender underscores the growing pressure being mounted on terrorist hideouts across the Mandara Mountains through sustained ground operations, forcing more insurgents and their relatives to abandon the enclaves.
They added that although the overall security situation across the North-East theatre remains relatively calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of vigilance and operational readiness.
Troops Intercept Woman, Child Allegedly Heading to Terrorist Enclave Near Mandara Mountains
Troops Intercept Woman, Child Allegedly Heading to Terrorist Enclave Near Mandara Mountains
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted a 20-year-old woman and her two-year-old child while she was allegedly attempting to make her way into a terrorist-held enclave near the Mandara Mountains in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the woman, identified as Aisha Idrisa, was arrested at about 3:50 p.m. on July 4 by troops conducting picketing duty along the Gwoza–Pulka Road.
The sources said she was intercepted near the foothills of the Mandara Mountains, an area known to harbour remnants of terrorist groups operating along the Nigeria-Cameroon border.
She was accompanied by her two-year-old child, Musbahu Christopher, at the time of the arrest.
Items recovered from the suspect included an Itel mobile phone, an extra battery, and some personal clothing.
During preliminary questioning, Aisha reportedly claimed that she was heading to her farm. However, intelligence available to the troops suggested she was attempting to gain access to a terrorist enclave, prompting her arrest for further investigation.
She is currently in the custody of the 26 Task Force Brigade for further interrogation and other necessary actions.
Security sources said the interception forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to block movement routes used by insurgents and their collaborators, particularly around the Mandara Mountains, where troops have sustained clearance and surveillance operations.
They added that while the overall security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of vigilance and operational readiness.
Troops, CJTF Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant Accused of Identifying Kidnap Targets in Borno
Troops, CJTF Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant Accused of Identifying Kidnap Targets in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB) under Sector 3 of Operation HADIN KAI, working in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) informant in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Isa Janyu, 30, was tracked and apprehended at about 7:20 p.m. on July 4 during a targeted intelligence-led operation at Kasuwan Shanu in Monguno town.
According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect included a Tecno mobile phone, a knife, a comb, a mirror, and ₦10,000 in cash.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a native of Arianna Mai Massallachi Village in Kukawa Local Government Area and allegedly specialised in identifying wealthy residents for ISWAP elements to facilitate kidnapping operations for ransom.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the Headquarters Sector 3 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation and other necessary actions.
Military sources said the arrest was part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks and disrupting the activities of informants providing critical information to insurgent groups in the North-East.
They added that although the general security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of operational readiness and sustained offensive pressure against terrorist elements.
ISWAP Family Members Surrender to Troops in Borno
ISWAP Family Members Surrender to Troops in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Two suspected family members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the surrender occurred at about 8:18 p.m. on Friday when the woman, identified as Mrs. Fatimata Modu, 29, arrived at the location of troops of the 81 Division Task Force Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade, accompanied by her two-year-old son, Muhammed Modu.
The sources said the woman and her child, both from Yaganari Village in Bama LGA, voluntarily surrendered to the troops and were immediately taken into custody for profiling and documentation in line with established operational procedures.
Military authorities said preliminary screening and documentation had been completed while further assessments would be carried out by the appropriate agencies.
The latest surrender adds to the growing number of insurgents and their family members who have continued to lay down their arms and embrace non-violent pathways amid sustained military operations across the North-East.
Security sources, however, noted that although the general security situation across the theatre remained relatively calm, it was still unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of vigilance and operational readiness. Troops’ morale and fighting efficiency were described as satisfactory.
Troops Rescue Two Abductees, Recover Suspected N1.2m Ransom in Borno
Troops Rescue Two Abductees, Recover Suspected N1.2m Ransom in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force (North-East) under Operation HADIN KAI have rescued two abductees and recovered items, including N1.2 million suspected to be ransom, during a search-and-rescue operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno.
Sources said that the operation was carried out by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on Tuesday at Gwugumdi village in the Mussa area.
The sources said the troops encountered suspected terrorists hiding around Dutse Mopo during the operation, leading to an exchange that forced the insurgents to flee.
According to the sources, two abductees identified as Saleh Aliyu, 15, and Mrs Dija Aliyu, 35, both from Dubunkwa Mussa in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, were rescued unhurt.
Items recovered at the scene included 10 packs of spaghetti, 10 packs of Viva detergent, cooking utensils, airtime vouchers valued at N25,000 and N1.2 million in cash, believed to be proceeds of ransom paid by victims’ families.
The military sources added that exploitation of the area and search-and-rescue operations were continuing to track fleeing terrorists and locate other possible victims.
They reaffirmed the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI to sustaining offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist hideouts and restoring normalcy across the North-East.
Troops Arrest Wanted Suspect, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Adamawa
Troops Arrest Wanted Suspect, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a wanted criminal and recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Adamawa State.
Sources said that the suspect, Umar Sani, 27, was apprehended by troops of the 232 Battalion (Tactical) in collaboration with local hunters in Gombi Local Government Area.
According to the sources, preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect had concealed an AK-47 rifle in his hometown of Kwashan, Toungo Local Government Area.
Acting on the information, troops deployed a patrol team to the community, where they recovered the assault rifle along with 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two AK-47 magazines.
The sources said the suspect and the recovered weapon had been taken into military custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
They noted that the arrest was part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations by Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt criminal and terrorist networks operating within the North-East and adjoining areas.
COAS passes out over 3,000 recruits, tasks troops on discipline, professionalism
COAS passes out over 3,000 recruits, tasks troops on discipline, professionalism
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday passed out more than 3,000 newly trained recruits at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, charging them to uphold discipline, loyalty and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking at the passing-out parade of the recruits, Shaibu said the graduates represented a significant addition to the Nigerian Army’s manpower, in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen national defence and address the country’s prevailing security challenges.
He said the recruits had undergone rigorous military training designed to prepare them for the realities of modern warfare and Nigeria’s evolving security environment.
The COAS urged the soldiers to remain vigilant, disciplined and mission-focused, stressing that their loyalty to the Constitution and constituted authority must remain unwavering.
According to him, the nation has invested heavily in their training and expects them to justify that confidence through courage, professionalism and selfless service.
Shaibu described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, as a strategic investment in the Nigerian Army’s training infrastructure and manpower development.
He said the facility was part of ongoing efforts to expand the Army’s force generation capacity, noting that the graduation followed similar recruit pass-out parades recently conducted at the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, and the newly established training depot in Osogbo, Osun State.
The Army chief commended the Commandant, instructors and support staff of the depot for their commitment to producing competent and combat-ready soldiers capable of supporting ongoing military operations across the country.
In his remarks, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, commended the Nigerian Army for establishing the training depot in the state.
Nwifuru described the facility as a strategic national asset that had enhanced security, stimulated economic activities and created opportunities for residents of Ebonyi State and neighbouring communities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies to promote peace, stability and development.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, families of the recruits and other dignitaries.
Highlights of the event included a ceremonial parade, precision drills and the presentation of awards to outstanding recruits.
COAS honored with traditional title in Ebonyi, as he pledges stronger civil-military cooperation
COAS honored with traditional title in Ebonyi, as he pledges stronger civil-military cooperation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has been conferred with the traditional title of “Omu Udo I of Ebonyi” by the Ebonyi State Council of Chiefs in recognition of his contributions to peace, security and national development.
The honour was bestowed on the Army Chief on Wednesday during a ceremony held on the sidelines of the Passing Out Parade of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State.
The event brought together senior government officials, traditional rulers, military officers and other dignitaries, highlighting the growing partnership between the Nigerian Army, the Ebonyi State Government and traditional institutions in promoting peace, security and national development.
Presenting the honour, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, described the COAS as “a proud son of the soil” whose leadership and commitment to national service had earned him the admiration and appreciation of the people of the state.
Nwifuru said the traditional title symbolised the gratitude of the people of Ebonyi for the Army Chief’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation and supporting the development of the state.
The governor also described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, as one of the landmark achievements recorded under Shaibu’s leadership.
According to him, the institution has strengthened security, created economic opportunities and enhanced Ebonyi State’s contribution to national defence through the training and development of military personnel.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustaining its collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other critical stakeholders, stressing that stronger civil-military relations remained essential to achieving lasting peace, security and sustainable development across the country.
The investiture also underscored the increasing role of traditional institutions in supporting national security through community engagement and a whole-of-society approach to addressing contemporary security challenges.
The ceremony formed part of activities surrounding the Passing Out Parade of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake, marking another milestone in the Nigerian Army’s efforts to strengthen its manpower and operational readiness.
Ebonyi Governor Hails Maiden Passing-Out Parade at New Army Depot, Pledges Continued Support to Nigerian Army
Ebonyi Governor Hails Maiden Passing-Out Parade at New Army Depot, Pledges Continued Support to Nigerian Army
By: Zagazola Makama
The Governor of Ebonyi State Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has described the maiden passing-out parade of recruits at the newly established Nigerian Army Recruit Training Depot Amasea as a historic milestone that will strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, deepen national unity and accelerate socio-economic development in the state.
The governor made the remarks on Wednesday during the passing-out parade of the pioneer set of recruits trained at the depot located in Amasiri, in the Edda axis of Ebonyi State.
He said the event marked not only the successful completion of military training by the pioneer recruits but also the realization of a vision conceived to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army while bringing lasting developmental benefits to Ebonyi State and the country at large.
According to the governor, the establishment of the recruit training depot represents a major milestone for the Nigerian Army, Ebonyi State and Nigeria, noting that it would strengthen national security while creating opportunities for economic growth, infrastructure development, peace and stability.
He recalled that when the proposal to establish the depot in Ebonyi was first presented, the state government immediately embraced it because of its strategic importance to national security and the immense benefits it would bring to the people of the state.
The governor said what began as a bold vision through the donation of land by the Ebonyi State Government and host communities had now become a reality with the successful graduation of the first set of professionally trained soldiers.
“We are now witnessing the first fruits of that vision through these splendid, well-trained and professionally groomed young men and women who are prepared to serve our fatherland with honour, courage and dedication,” he said.
He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the depot and providing the resources required for its successful take-off.
According to him, the President’s approval demonstrates the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
The governor described the establishment of the depot in the South-East as a landmark achievement that reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to national inclusiveness, unity and balanced development.
He also paid tribute to the leadership of the Nigerian Army, particularly the Chief of Army Staff, for believing in Ebonyi State and accepting the state’s contribution towards the Army’s transformation agenda.
The governor commended the Nigerian Army for investing substantial resources, expertise and time in transforming the donated land into a modern recruit training institution.
He noted that the Army’s decision to locate the depot in Ebonyi represented a strong vote of confidence in the state and its people.
Beyond its primary responsibility of producing soldiers for national service, the governor said the depot had already begun to deliver significant benefits to the host communities through improved security, increased economic activities, infrastructure development and stronger civil-military relations.
He described soldiers as valued partners in development and nation-building rather than strangers to the communities in which they serve.
The governor assured the Nigerian Army of Ebonyi State’s continued support, pledging that the government would sustain a peaceful and conducive environment for military training and operations while promoting harmonious coexistence between soldiers and host communities.
He said the donation of land marked only the beginning of a long-term partnership built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to building a safer Ebonyi State and a stronger Nigeria.
The governor also commended traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of the host communities for maintaining cordial relations with the Nigerian Army since the groundbreaking of the project.
He urged them to sustain the cooperation by supporting the commandant, officers and soldiers of the depot and embracing the institution as an integral part of the Ebonyi community.
Addressing fellow governors in the South-East, government officials and development partners, the governor stressed that security remains the foundation for sustainable development.
He said continued investment in institutions such as the recruit training depot represents an investment in peace, national unity and economic prosperity.
He pledged that Ebonyi State would continue to complement the Federal Government’s efforts in strengthening security institutions while supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of military personnel.
The governor congratulated the pioneer recruits for successfully completing what he described as a rigorous and demanding training programme.
He reminded them that the journey ahead would be challenging but equally honourable, urging them to uphold the values of integrity, discipline, professionalism and patriotism throughout their military careers.
“As you march from these parade grounds to various formations across the country, always remember the solemn oath you have taken to defend our great nation, its Constitution and its flag,” he said.
COAS Warns 2989 Soldiers Against Social Media Misuse, Urges Professionalism and Respect for Human Rights
COAS Warns 2989 Soldiers Against Social Media Misuse, Urges Professionalism and Respect for Human Rights
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has cautioned newly enlisted soldiers against the misuse of social media, warning that indiscriminate online activities could jeopardise military operations, undermine national security and result in dismissal from service.
Shaibu gave the warning on Wednesday during the maiden Passing-Out Parade of pioneer recruits at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri, in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Addressing the recruits, the Army Chief said the increasing trend of personnel posting operational information, images of military activities and sensitive locations on social media posed serious risks to operational security and the integrity of the Nigerian Army.
He said the unauthorised dissemination of operational information, photographs of military installations and activities, as well as the circulation of unverified and misleading content, constituted grave violations of extant military regulations.
“Let me be clear: violations of the Nigerian Army Social Media Policy can and will attract disciplinary action, including dismissal from service where necessary,” he said.
According to him, such misconduct carries severe consequences for individual soldiers, the institution and the nation at large.
He explained that while erring personnel stood to lose their careers, honour and livelihood, the Nigerian Army would suffer damage to its discipline, operational security, morale and institutional credibility.
He added that the nation would equally bear the burden through the waste of substantial public resources invested in recruiting and training the affected personnel.
The COAS urged the new soldiers to exercise restraint, maturity and responsibility in their engagement with social media, stressing that discipline must extend beyond the battlefield into the digital space.
Shaibu also reminded the recruits of their obligation to conduct operations within the framework of international human rights principles and the Nigerian Army’s Rules of Engagement.
He urged them to uphold the trust reposed in them by Nigerians and remain worthy ambassadors of the service.
“Above all, uphold the trust of the Nigerian people and remain worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Army,” he said.
The Army Chief assured the soldiers of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to improving their welfare, training and operational capabilities.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to strengthening the Armed Forces through sustained investments in personnel welfare, defence infrastructure and modern military capabilities.
“The nation has invested substantial resources in your training because it believes in your ability to make a difference. You now carry the proud responsibility of defending our nation and preserving the rich traditions of the Nigerian Army,” he said.
Shaibu disclosed that the Federal Government was investing heavily in indigenous defence industries, local production and emerging technologies to reduce dependence on foreign military imports and ensure sustainable support for troops.
He stressed the need to prioritise decent accommodation, quality healthcare and comprehensive welfare packages for military personnel, noting that those who risk their lives in defence of the nation deserved the best the country could provide.
The COAS also paid tribute to parents and guardians of the graduating recruits for their sacrifices and unwavering support throughout the training period.
“You entrusted your children and wards to the Nigerian Army. You endured months of separation, anxiety and uncertainty, and today you witness with pride their transformation into disciplined soldiers.
“You have given your best to Nigeria, and the nation salutes your sacrifice. Continue to stand by them, encourage them and pray for them because military service is demanding,” he said.
Shaibu further appealed to leaders and residents of the South-East to encourage greater participation of youths from the region in military service.
He observed that recruitment quotas allocated to the South-East had consistently remained underutilised, describing the trend as a concern that required collective action.
According to him, military service is not merely a profession but a noble calling rooted in patriotism, leadership, sacrifice and national service.
“I urge community leaders, parents, guardians and elders across the South-East to encourage our young men and women to see this depot as their own institution and step forward to serve the nation,” he said.
The COAS expressed appreciation to all stakeholders whose contributions ensured the successful establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri, describing the occasion as a landmark in the history of the Nigerian Army and national security development.
He concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings upon the Nigerian Army, Ebonyi State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
COAS Says New Nigeria Army Depot Amasiri Edda Will Produce New Generation of Combat-Ready Soldiers, Boost Force Expansion, National Unity
COAS Says New Nigeria Army Depot Amasiri Edda Will Produce New Generation of Combat-Ready Soldiers, Boost Force Expansion, National Unity
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri, Ebonyi State, as a landmark achievement in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security, deepen national integration and expand the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond to emerging security challenges.
Shaibu stated this on Wednesday during the maiden Passing-Out Parade of the pioneer recruits of the newly established Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri, in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The COAS said the event represented a defining moment in the history of the Nigerian Army, marking not only the successful completion of military training by the pioneer intake but also the beginning of a new chapter in the Army’s force generation and training architecture.
Addressing a gathering that included the Executive Governor of Ebonyi state, senior serving and retired military officers, members of the Federal Executive Council, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, captains of industry, community leaders and families of the recruits, Shaibu said the depot’s establishment reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable national development and strengthening the country’s security institutions.
He acknowledged former Chiefs of Army Staff and retired senior officers present at the ceremony, members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), led by its President, Dr. Hajia Sa’adatu Hassan Shaibu, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers led by His Royal Majesty Eze Charles Nkuma, as well as host communities of Amasiri and Edda for their support.
The Army Chief noted that the depot, established on Nov. 25, 2025, is strategically located in Ebonyi State and remains the third recruit training depot of the Nigerian Army as well as the first primary recruit training institution established in the South-East geopolitical zone.
According to him, the decision to establish the institution in the South-East demonstrates the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting national cohesion and ensuring balanced development across all parts of the country.
“The establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army represents a landmark achievement in our national journey towards security, unity and equitable development.
“Without doubt, today’s event represents the realisation of a noble vision and another major milestone in the ongoing transformation of our Armed Forces towards effectively addressing the contemporary security challenges confronting our beloved nation,” he said.
Shaibu added that to the people of the South-East, especially Ebonyi State, the depot would remain a symbol of national integration, shared responsibility and collective commitment to peace, security and national development.
The COAS explained that beyond its strategic importance to the region, the depot would significantly reduce operational and training pressure on the Nigerian Army’s existing recruit depots in Zaria and Osogbo.
According to him, it also signals the emergence of another centre of excellence for producing highly trained and professional soldiers capable of meeting the country’s present and future security needs.
“On my part as the Chief of Army Staff, the establishment of this depot not only eases the operational and training pressure on the existing depots in Zaria and Osogbo, but also heralds the emergence of a new generation of professionally trained soldiers from this prestigious institution.
“It is equally a proud moment for Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri, which despite being newly established, has successfully and effectively trained and nurtured this pioneer intake under rigorous conditions,” he said.
Shaibu disclosed that the recruits graduating during the ceremony formed part of the first batch of 14,000 personnel under the Federal Government’s Strategic Force Expansion Initiative, which would eventually produce 28,000 additional soldiers for the Nigerian Army.
He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for providing the strategic direction that led to the establishment of the depot and approving the resources required for its successful take-off.
According to him, the President’s support reflects the Federal Government’s determination to continuously strengthen the institutional capacity of the Nigerian Army by producing highly trained, disciplined and mission-ready soldiers in sufficient numbers.
“As the character of warfare and asymmetric threats continues to evolve, so too must our capacity to prepare men and women entrusted with safeguarding the security and territorial integrity of our great nation,” he said.
The COAS also commended the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his unwavering support and partnership, particularly for facilitating the historic groundbreaking ceremony held on Jan. 13, 2026.
“I want to put on record that Your Excellency has written your name in gold as one of the founding fathers of this depot,” he said.
He equally appreciated members of the Federal Executive Council, retired and serving senior military officers from the South-East and other stakeholders whose collective efforts contributed to the successful establishment of the institution.
Shaibu reserved special commendation for the Commandant, instructors and training staff of the depot for successfully transforming civilians into disciplined soldiers through rigorous military training.
“I commend your professionalism, resilience and dedication in transforming these young civilians into soldiers whom the Nigerian Army can confidently deploy into battle.
“This aligns with my Command Philosophy, which seeks to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment,” he said.
The Army Chief added that the instructors had laid a solid foundation for the recruits to effectively support ongoing counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.
Addressing the graduating soldiers, Shaibu reminded them that while they had successfully completed basic military training, the passing-out parade merely marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and professional development.
He noted that although Amasiri is the third recruit training depot in the Nigerian Army, it had already distinguished itself in tactical-level training, as reflected in the impressive parade and weapon proficiency demonstrations by the pioneer recruits.
“As you pass out today, you must understand that the training you have received here is intended to prepare you for the tasks ahead and serve as the foundation for your future military education and operational experience,” he said.
The COAS observed that Nigeria’s security environment had become increasingly complex, with terrorism, insurgency, banditry, separatist violence, transnational organised crime, cyber threats and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons posing unprecedented challenges to national and regional stability.
He therefore urged the recruits to understand from the outset that defending Nigeria would require courage, sacrifice, discipline and unwavering commitment to duty.
Shaibu assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to review and strengthen its recruit training curriculum to meet evolving operational realities.
According to him, greater emphasis is now being placed on combat fitness, weapon handling, marksmanship, fieldcraft, minor tactics and leadership development to produce soldiers capable of operating effectively in contemporary battlefields.
“The training you underwent here was deliberately designed to prepare you for the realities of our operational environment.
“As you proceed into the field, remember that the Nigerian people will look up to you not only as defenders of the nation but also as symbols of hope, courage and national unity,” he said.
The COAS reminded the recruits that the Oath of Allegiance they took was not merely ceremonial but a solemn covenant with the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“When you took the Oath of Allegiance, you pledged to defend Nigeria with your lives.
“Those words are not mere ceremonial requirements but a solemn covenant between you and your country.
“I therefore encourage you to wear your uniform with pride, carry your weapons with responsibility and always treat your comrades with dignity and respect,” he said.
Shaibu urged the soldiers to uphold the core values and traditions of the Nigerian Army throughout their careers, stressing that professionalism, discipline, loyalty and patriotism would remain the hallmarks of military service.
He expressed confidence that the pioneer graduates of the depot would justify the confidence reposed in them and contribute significantly to ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Army, NDLEA Arrest Three Suspected Drug Suppliers Linked to Terrorists in Katsina
Army, NDLEA Arrest Three Suspected Drug Suppliers Linked to Terrorists in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency) have arrested three suspected drug peddlers allegedly supplying illicit substances to terrorists and other criminal elements in Katsina State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the joint operation was conducted at about 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi deployed at Kafur, alongside operatives of the NDLEA Area Command, Malumfashi.
The operation targeted Kagara village in Kafur Local Government Area, where the security team raided suspected drug distribution points.
According to the sources, three suspects identified as Mohammed Lawan, 34, Muhawiya Haruna, 40, and Junadata Usman, 40, were arrested during the operation.
Items recovered from the suspects included substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, quantities of tramadol capsules, pregabalin, diazepam, Extol-5 tablets, rubber solution, and “Suck and Die” spirit.
The sources said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in supplying hard drugs and other intoxicating substances to terrorists and criminal elements operating within Kafur and neighbouring communities.
The arrested suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, have been handed over to the NDLEA Area Command in Malumfashi for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt the logistics and supply networks supporting terrorism and other forms of criminality across Katsina State.
Establishment of Army Depot in South-East Reflects FG’s Commitment to National Unity, Security and inclusiveness– COAS
Establishment of Army Depot in South-East Reflects FG’s Commitment to National Unity, Security and inclusiveness– COAS
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has said that the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army in Amasiri-Edda, in Ebonyi State is a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to national security, inclusiveness, national integration and balanced development across the country.
Shaibu made the remarks while addressing dignitaries during activities marking the inauguration of the newly established military training institution in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
According to the Army Chief, the depot, which is the first primary recruit training institution of the Nigerian Army in the South-East geopolitical zone, represents a strategic investment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in strengthening national security and promoting equitable distribution of critical national institutions.
“The establishment of this depot reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to national security, inclusiveness, national integration and balanced development,” Shaibu said.
He described the inauguration of the facility as a landmark achievement in the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army under President Tinubu, noting that it would significantly enhance the Army’s capacity to train professionally competent and combat-ready soldiers.
The COAS disclosed that the first set of recruits trained at the new depot would graduate the following day, describing the event as a historic milestone not only for the institution but also for the evolution of recruit training within the Nigerian Army.
“Their graduation will not only mark the successful completion of basic military training but will also usher in a new chapter in the evolution of recruit training in the Nigerian Army,” he said.
Shaibu explained that since its establishment, the depot had steadily developed into a modern recruit training institution designed to produce disciplined, professional and capable soldiers in line with the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda and long-term strategic vision.
He said the facility forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and expand military capacity to address Nigeria’s dynamic security environment.
The Army Chief expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the establishment of the institution and providing the necessary resources for its successful implementation.
He noted that the new depot would not only improve military training capacity but also strengthen the strategic importance of the South-East within Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, locating the institution in Ebonyi State underscores the government’s determination to ensure that all parts of the country benefit from national development initiatives while fostering greater national cohesion.
Shaibu also commended Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for his unwavering support towards the establishment and successful take-off of the depot.
He said the state government provided accommodation, logistics and other essential support that contributed significantly to the successful training of the pioneer batch of recruits.
“From facilitating the historic groundbreaking ceremony to providing sustained support for this institution, the governor has demonstrated remarkable patriotism and an enduring commitment to national security,” he said.
The COAS further described the Government and people of Ebonyi State, as well as the entire South-East, as indispensable partners in the establishment and growth of the institution.
He also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, political leaders, religious leaders, community leaders and residents of the state for creating a peaceful and conducive environment for the depot to thrive.
Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to deepening its partnership with host communities and stakeholders, stressing that sustained collaboration between the military and the people remains critical to enhancing national security and maintaining lasting peace.
According to him, the state’s sustained support demonstrates a strong commitment to national security, peace and development.
The Army Chief further commended traditional rulers, community leaders, members of the State Development Committee, political and religious leaders, and other stakeholders for fostering a peaceful environment that enabled the successful establishment of the Depot.
He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army values its partnership with the state and pledged to continue strengthening collaboration in pursuit of improved security and national development.
The COAS also paid tribute to distinguished retired senior military officers from the region for their contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian Army.
The establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army in Ebonyi is widely regarded as one of the landmark military infrastructure projects under the Tinubu administration, aimed at expanding recruit training capacity while promoting inclusiveness, national integration and balanced development across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Troops Recover Arms, Repel Terrorists in Katsina
Troops Recover Arms, Repel Terrorists in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recovered arms, ammunition and a motorcycle after repelling terrorists during a fighting patrol in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation, carried out on Monday, followed sustained offensive patrols by troops of Sector 2 along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis, where they encountered armed terrorists.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to abandon their position and flee into the surrounding bush.
A subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition, and one motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing terrorists.
Military authorities said the recovery further degraded the operational capability of the criminal elements operating within the axis.
Troops Foil Terrorist Attacks, Neutralise Notorious Commander in Zamfara
Troops Foil Terrorist Attacks, Neutralise Notorious Commander in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks, neutralised a notorious terrorist commander and disrupted a large-scale assault through precision airstrikes during separate operations in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 2, acting on credible intelligence, swiftly mobilised alongside local security volunteers to prevent an imminent terrorist attack on communities in the area.
The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing the attackers to retreat with several casualties.
In a related operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers neutralised Alhaji Tukur, identified as a notorious terrorist commander and younger brother of wanted terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.
Several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and fled into nearby forests.
In another operation at Sabon Gari, also in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops responded promptly to reports of terrorist activities. On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists abandoned their mission and escaped into nearby bushes.
A follow-up exploitation of the area led to the neutralisation of one terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, in a major boost to ongoing counter-terrorism operations, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intercepted an estimated 300 terrorists travelling on motorcycles from the Sunke-Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi.
Acting on credible intelligence, three Nigerian Air Force aircraft were deployed to intercept the convoy. As the terrorists attempted to disperse and seek cover beneath trees, the air platforms carried out precision strikes, inflicting heavy casualties and successfully foiling the planned attack.
Military authorities described the operation as another demonstration of the effective synergy between ground troops and the Air Component, noting that the successful interdiction significantly degraded the terrorists’ operational capability.
Troops Recover 80 Rustled Cattle in Kogi, Hunt Suspects Over Killing of Two Herders
Troops Recover 80 Rustled Cattle in Kogi, Hunt Suspects Over Killing of Two Herders
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes, have recovered 80 rustled cattle following an attack that claimed the lives of two herders in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Sunday when suspected hunters from Omi/Ogar community allegedly killed the two herders and rustled about 100 cattle belonging to them.
Acting on a distress report at about 9:30 a.m., troops of the 12 Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Egbe, alongside other security agencies and vigilantes, launched an offensive operation to the affected area.
The operation led to the recovery of 80 of the stolen cattle, while efforts are ongoing to trace and recover the remaining animals.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the attack was allegedly carried out by hunters from Ogar community, reportedly led by a suspect identified simply as Mr. Sunday.
However, attempts by security operatives to arrest the suspects were unsuccessful as most of the male residents had reportedly fled the community before the arrival of the joint security team.
Security agencies have intensified efforts, in collaboration with local authorities, to apprehend those responsible for the attack and ensure they are brought to justice.
Sources said the security situation in the area has remained calm, with troops maintaining surveillance and monitoring developments to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
Insurance Employee Kidnapped from ECWA Staff Quarters in Jos
Insurance Employee Kidnapped from ECWA Staff Quarters in Jos
By Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted an employee of an insurance company from the ECWA Staff Quarters in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Sunday when unidentified armed men stormed the residential area and whisked the victim away to an unknown destination.
Following the report, troops of Sector 1 of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPEP) were immediately deployed to the scene.
On arrival, the troops confirmed the abduction and launched a search-and-rescue operation across the general area in an effort to locate the victim and apprehend the kidnappers.
However, no contact was made with the fleeing suspects during the initial operation.
Security forces have since intensified efforts to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe rescue of the victim, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The Commander Who Changed Ebonyi: How Lt. Col. A.A. Bako Won a War Against Fear—and the Hearts of a Grateful People
The Commander Who Changed Ebonyi: How Lt. Col. A.A. Bako Won a War Against Fear—and the Hearts of a Grateful People
By Zagazola Makama
When Lt. Col. A.A. Bako first arrived in Ebonyi State, few people knew his name. To many, he was simply another military commander posted to a state battling violent attacks by suspected members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN). Communities were gripped by fear, security personnel were under constant threat, and confidence in public safety had eroded.
Yet, within months, the quiet officer from Kano State would become one of the most celebrated military commanders ever to serve in Ebonyi, not because he sought recognition, but because he earned it on the battlefield and in the hearts of the people.
His story resurfaced on Tuesday when Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, while receiving the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, set aside his prepared speech to tell the remarkable story of an officer whose courage, leadership and selflessness transformed the state’s security landscape.
For the governor, it was more than a military success story. It was a deeply personal account of how one commander changed the trajectory of an entire state.
“I doubted him when I first saw him”
Governor Nwifuru admitted that he was initially unconvinced when the then Chief of Army Staff late Lt Gen Toareed Lagbaja assured him that help was on the way.
At the time, insecurity had reached alarming levels. Armed separatist fighters had established footholds in several communities, forcing residents to flee while security agencies struggled against heavily armed attackers.
Seeking urgent intervention, the governor approached the Army leadership.
“The Chief of Army Staff simply told me, ‘Consider it done. I will send somebody,’” Nwifuru recalled. That officer was Lt. Col. A.A. Bako. The governor confessed that his first impression was one of doubt.
“I looked at this young man and wondered whether he truly understood what Ebonyi was facing. I even thought he looked too young for the assignment.” Sensing his reservations, the Army Chief offered him reassurance.
“He told me, ‘Give him one month. If you don’t see any difference, I will replace him.’” One month later, the governor said, everything had changed.
Unlike commanders who directed operations from a distance, Bako chose to fight alongside his men.
According to Governor Nwifuru, the young commander quickly earned the confidence of officers and soldiers across the various Army formations in Ebonyi by leading from the front.
He was not merely concerned with planning operations; he believed in inspiring those who executed them. One conversation, the governor said, has remained with him ever since.
“The reward system is very important,” Bako had told him. “When officers perform well, appreciate them immediately. It motivates others to do even more.” That philosophy became part of his command style.
Gallantry was rewarded. Professionalism was celebrated. Every success became a source of motivation for the next mission. It transformed morale within the ranks and created a force that believed in itself.
The Battle That Changed Everything
For Governor Nwifuru, one operation forever defined Bako’s leadership. Suspected ESN fighters had launched a devastating attack near a police formation. The attackers possessed overwhelming firepower. The police, heavily outgunned, were forced to withdraw.
Fear spread rapidly. Then Bako arrived.
Instead of directing troops from a safe distance, he climbed into an armoured vehicle and personally led the assault. He did not care that bullets were flying everywhere,” the governor recalled. He moved forward himself. He directed the operation from the front.”
The fierce battle ended with the gunmen neutralised and their stronghold dismantled.
For the governor, however, the greatest victory was psychological. That operation changed everything. It changed the psychology of the criminals. It changed the psychology of our people.”
From that day onward, residents stopped panicking whenever reports of armed men emerged. “They would simply say, ‘The Army is coming.’ “And once they heard that, they became confident.”
Peace Returns
Under Bako’s operational leadership, intelligence-driven operations intensified.
Attacks were disrupted before they occurred.
Hideouts were dismantled. Criminal networks weakened. Public confidence returned.
Governor Nwifuru said the transformation was so profound that the state government strengthened its partnership with the military, providing logistics and rewarding outstanding officers.
Today, he said, the Army often acts before he even has to request assistance. Before I even think of calling for help, they have already responded. Every day I receive intelligence reports of planned attacks that have been foiled and suspects arrested before they could strike.”
The Day an Entire Community Came Out to Say Goodbye
If there was ever any doubt about the impact Lt. Col. Bako had on Ebonyi, it disappeared on the day he was posted out of the Nkwagu Military Cantonment in Abakaliki. What was expected to be a routine military farewell turned into an emotional community celebration rarely witnessed for a serving Army officer.
From the early hours of the day, residents abandoned their daily activities and converged on the cantonment. Market women.
Traditional leaders. Religious figures. Retired military personnel. Civil servants. Youth groups.
Children. Former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members. Entire families.
They came not because they had been invited, but because they wanted to say thank you.
Roads leading to the cantonment became lined with cheering residents waving flags, singing songs and offering prayers for the departing commander. Many struggled to hide their emotions. Others openly wept.
For many in Ebonyi, Bako was not merely leaving a military posting. He was leaving behind a safer state than the one he met.
A Legacy Beyond the Barracks
Among those paying tribute was former corps member, Glory Daniel Ajah. With emotion in her voice, she described a commander whose influence extended far beyond military discipline. Sir, your leadership was not just felt; it was experienced. You led with purpose, treated everyone with respect and made the cantonment a place of learning, growth and excellence.” Others described him as firm but fair.
Quiet but highly effective. Demanding but compassionate. Professional but approachable.
Soldiers remembered a commander who shared risks with them. Residents remembered a man who restored hope. Young officers remembered a mentor who believed leadership was earned, not imposed.
A Farewell Reserved for Heroes
The farewell ceremony itself reflected the respect he had earned. Military units under his command staged an impressive parade, displaying the discipline and professionalism he had instilled. Tributes flowed freely.
Songs filled the air. Banners bearing messages of appreciation fluttered across the cantonment.
Children of soldiers stood beside community elders as everyone joined in celebrating a commander whose service had transcended the walls of the barracks. There were no elaborate political speeches. No grand declarations.
Only sincere gratitude. It was less a farewell and more a community’s way of saying thank you.
The Measure of Leadership
Governor Nwifuru believes the greatest legacy of Lt. Col. A.A. Bako cannot be measured solely by the number of operations conducted or criminal hideouts dismantled. His true legacy lies in restoring confidence where fear once prevailed. “People see soldiers in uniform,” the governor reflected. But behind every peaceful community are officers who make difficult decisions and put their lives on the line for others.
“If nobody praises them, Ebonyi people will continue to appreciate them because we know the price they have paid for the peace we enjoy today.”
Long after the farewell parade ended and the convoy carrying Lt. Col. Bako departed Nkwagu Cantonment, the memory of that day remained etched in the minds of many. Lt. Col. A.A. Bako did not simply complete a military posting in Ebonyi.
He left behind a legacy of courage, trust and peace one that transformed a state once haunted by fear into one that now looks to the future with renewed confidence.
PRESIDENT TINUBU ORDERS ICPC TO INVESTIGATE “PRESIDENTIAL FOREIGN INTERVENTION PROMOTION COUNCIL”
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU ORDERS ICPC TO INVESTIGATE “PRESIDENTIAL FOREIGN INTERVENTION PROMOTION COUNCIL”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the activities of a “Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” (PFIPC) and all related matters.
The President directed that the investigation be concluded and a comprehensive report submitted to him within 30 days.
The directive follows the discovery of the fictitious PFIPC, which was never established by the Federal Government of Nigeria and has no basis in any law, presidential instrument, executive approval, or other lawful act of Government.
One Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew presented himself as the Director-General of the so-called PFIPC and falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee.
Among the issues to be investigated by the ICPC are the forged appointment letters and other official government documents; the use of a false claim of presidential appointment to seek or obtain official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation; and the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents.
President Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate not only the conduct of the principal individual and other collaborators involved but also the wider circumstances that may have enabled a fictitious body and a false claim of presidential appointment to acquire an appearance of official legitimacy.
The investigation is to examine the provenance and use of false official documents; the processes through which official recognition or diplomatic support may have been sought or obtained; the opening and operation of any related bank accounts; the source and movement of any funds involved; and the role of any public officer, private individual, financial institution, intermediary or other person or entity that may have facilitated, enabled or participated in the alleged scheme.
The President further directed the Commission to identify any weaknesses in government and institutional procedures that may have been exploited and to recommend immediate measures to prevent the recurrence of similar abuses.
All ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government have been directed to provide the ICPC, upon lawful request, with all relevant information, records and assistance required for the expeditious completion of the investigation.
President Tinubu stated that the integrity of the Presidency and the institutions of the Federal Government must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and the exploitation of weaknesses in the public service.
The President directed that all persons found culpable be treated strictly in accordance with applicable law.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
7 July 2026
COAS Announces Groundbreaking of Military Hospital Project at Amasiri Depot to enhance healthcare and welfare of recruits
COAS Announces Groundbreaking of Military Hospital Project at Amasiri Depot to enhance healthcare and welfare of recruits
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has expressed optimism over the commencement of a signature military healthcare project at the Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri, saying the planned groundbreaking of the depot hospital will significantly enhance the welfare of recruits and personnel undergoing training.
Shaibu made this known on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, at the Government House in Abakaliki ahead of the passing-out parade of the 99 Regular Intake recruits at the Nigerian Army Depot, Amasiri, located within the Afikpo and Edda axis of the state.
The Army Chief described the proposed military hospital as a critical infrastructure project that would complement the newly established depot by providing quality healthcare services to recruits subjected to the rigours of military training.
“We are awaiting another signature project, which is the groundbreaking ceremony of the military hospital at the Depot in Amasiri. As young recruits undergo strenuous military training, there will naturally be medical needs that require immediate and professional attention. This hospital will go a long way in ensuring that the depot takes off meaningfully and operates efficiently,” Shaibu said.
He noted that the establishment of the Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represents a strategic investment in manpower development and reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable distribution of key military institutions across the country.
According to him, the proposed hospital will strengthen medical support services, improve emergency response capabilities and contribute to maintaining the physical fitness and operational readiness of recruits and personnel undergoing training.
Shaibu also commended Governor Nwifuru for facilitating the seamless acquisition of land for the depot and for his administration’s sustained support to the Nigerian Army through the provision of logistics and other critical assistance.
He specifically acknowledged the governor’s donation of operational vehicles to the military formation and his interventions in promoting peace and resolving communal disputes across the state.
“The support of state governments remains indispensable to the Nigerian Army’s ability to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities. Ebonyi State has demonstrated that partnership between civil authorities and the military is essential for achieving lasting peace and security,” he said.
Responding, Governor Nwifuru reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the construction of the military hospital and other infrastructure required for the full development of the depot.
The governor described the establishment of the depot as one of the most significant federal projects in Ebonyi’s history, pledging that the state government would continue to provide the enabling environment needed for the Nigerian Army to succeed in its constitutional mandate.
He added that the depot and its accompanying facilities, including the proposed military hospital, would not only improve military training and welfare but also stimulate economic growth and accelerate development in Amasiri, Edda, Afikpo and surrounding communities.
Nwifuru Says Ebonyi Enjoying Unprecedented Peace Through Military Operations
Nwifuru Says Ebonyi Enjoying Unprecedented Peace Through Military Operations
By: Zagazola Makama
Governor Francis Nwifuru has said Ebonyi State is currently experiencing one of its most peaceful periods in recent years, attributing the achievement to the professionalism, operational effectiveness and close collaboration of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
The governor said the state government no longer waits to call for military intervention during emerging security threats because troops have become proactive, acting swiftly on intelligence before criminal elements can strike.
“Before I even think of calling for assistance, they have already responded. That is the kind of commitment we are witnessing from the Nigerian Army. Nigerians should appreciate the sacrifices these officers are making because they are truly working,” he said.
According to Nwifuru, Ebonyi has become a model of effective civil-military cooperation, with highly dedicated commanders and troops working tirelessly to sustain peace across the state.
He noted that residents frequently ask why Ebonyi has remained relatively free from major security incidents despite challenges confronting other parts of the South-East.
“The answer is simple. God has blessed us with competent officers who are not only disciplined and professional but also courageous and operationally effective. We are grateful for their sacrifices and commitment,” he said.
The governor expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for strengthening military formations in the state and for establishing the Nigerian Army Depot at Mmasiara, describing the institution as a transformational project that would place Ebonyi at the centre of military training in the South-East.
He said the depot would attract visitors, military personnel and government officials from across the region, further enhancing the state’s strategic importance.
Nwifuru also highlighted Ebonyi’s historical and cultural ties with parts of Northern Nigeria, noting that the state’s geographical position and longstanding interactions with neighbouring states have fostered a unique cultural identity.
He reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and maintaining close cooperation with military commanders operating within Ebonyi.
The governor particularly commended the General Officer Commanding and the Commander of the cantonment for sustaining aggressive intelligence-led operations against criminal elements.
He disclosed that since the deployment of the current military leadership in the state, Ebonyi had not recorded any successful attack by suspected members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“Since the present commanders assumed duty, we have not recorded any ESN attack anywhere in Ebonyi. Every day I receive intelligence reports on how planned attacks are disrupted, how suspects are arrested before they can strike and how troops continue to dominate vulnerable areas,” he said.
He added that the state government remained ready to provide additional logistics and operational support to security agencies to sustain the prevailing peace.
Nwifuru praised the Nigerian Army’s increasing emphasis on operational leadership, noting that commanders were demonstrating initiative, courage and professionalism in confronting security threats.
“You have trained officers who are operationally focused rather than merely administrative. The people of Ebonyi are today enjoying the dividends of their sacrifices, training and dedication,” he said.
The governor concluded by thanking the Chief of Army Staff, officers and soldiers for their unwavering service to the nation, assuring them of the continued support, partnership and appreciation of the government and people of Ebonyi State.
Nwifuru Hails Tinubu, Army Chiefs for Restoring Security, Establishing Military Depot in Ebonyi
Nwifuru Hails Tinubu, Army Chiefs for Restoring Security, Establishing Military Depot in Ebonyi
By Zagazola Makama
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigerian Army for transforming the state’s security landscape, saying the establishment of the Nigerian Army Depot in Mmasiara and decisive military operations against separatist violence have ushered in a new era of peace and development.
The governor spoke while receiving the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who visited the Government House in Abakaliki ahead of the passing-out parade of recruits of the 99 Regular Intake at the Nigerian Army Depot, Mmasiara on Tuesday.
Nwifuru described the establishment of the depot as one of the most significant federal investments ever made in Ebonyi State, saying it was both historic and unexpected.
He said he was overwhelmed by the decision of the Nigerian Army to site such a strategic military institution in Ebonyi, a state he noted had long felt overlooked in terms of major federal establishments.
“What the Chief of Army Staff has done for this great state is very shocking and unbelievable. It is wonderful and highly commendable. For us to have a Nigerian Army training depot here is a landmark achievement and the first of its kind in our history,” he said.
The governor attributed the establishment of the depot to the support and vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as another demonstration of the President’s commitment to equity, national integration and inclusive development.
Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, Nwifuru noted that despite the President receiving relatively few votes in Ebonyi State, his administration had continued to demonstrate fairness to the state through key appointments and developmental projects.
He recalled that one of the President’s earliest decisions after assuming office was appointing an indigene of Ebonyi as Minister of Works, describing the appointment as unprecedented.
“For the first time since Nigeria’s independence, an Igbo man from Ebonyi State became Minister of Works. It is one of the most strategic ministries in the Federal Government today and reflects President Tinubu’s belief in fairness rather than politics,” he said.
The governor also recounted the severe security challenges that confronted the state at the height of attacks by suspected members of the outlawed separatist group known as the Eastern Security Network (ESN), saying several communities were under siege while residents lived in fear.
According to him, the situation changed dramatically following the intervention of the then Chief of Army Staff, who deployed a new General Officer Commanding to oversee military operations in the state.
Nwifuru praised the commander for adopting an aggressive operational strategy that rapidly dismantled criminal strongholds and restored public confidence.
He said the commander combined operational effectiveness with strong leadership, motivating officers and soldiers through an effective reward system that boosted morale and encouraged exceptional performance.
“The officer understood that recognising gallantry immediately inspires others to do more. That philosophy transformed the fighting spirit of the troops and changed the security environment in Ebonyi,” he said.
The governor recalled one of the defining operations in which troops confronted heavily armed ESN fighters who had attacked a police formation.
He said while security personnel initially faced overwhelming firepower from the attackers, the Army commander personally led the assault, directing armoured vehicles into the battle despite the risks.
According to him, the operation resulted in the neutralisation of the armed attackers and marked a turning point in the fight against violent criminal groups operating in the state.
“That operation changed the psychology of both the criminals and the people. From that day, once communities heard that the Nigerian Army was responding, confidence returned because people knew the Army would confront the criminals decisively,” he said.
Nwifuru said the bravery displayed by the troops strengthened the relationship between the military and local communities and encouraged the state government to continue supporting security agencies through logistics, welfare and operational assistance.
He expressed appreciation to the officers and soldiers serving in Ebonyi, noting that many had risked their lives to restore peace across previously troubled communities.
The governor assured the Chief of Army Staff of his administration’s continued support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, stressing that sustained collaboration remained essential to preserving the peace and stability currently enjoyed across the state.
He also commended President Tinubu for strengthening the Armed Forces and supporting initiatives aimed at improving military infrastructure, manpower development and national security.
COAS Commends Ebonyi Governor for Strengthening Security, Supporting Nigerian Army
COAS Commends Ebonyi Governor for Strengthening Security, Supporting Nigerian Army
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has commended the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army, describing the state government’s contributions as instrumental to enhancing security and military operations in the state.
The COAS gave the commendation on Tuesday during a curtesy call at the Government House in Abakaliki ahead of the passing-out parade of recruits of the 99 Regular Intake at the Nigerian Army Depot, Mmasiara, Ebonyi State.
Shaibu congratulated the governor on his achievements since assuming office, noting that the security situation across Ebonyi had improved significantly under his administration.
“It is on record that since your assumption of office, the security situation in the state has improved tremendously,” he said.
The Army Chief described the establishment of the Nigerian Army Depot at Mmasiara as a historic milestone for the South-East, saying it was made possible through the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to promote inclusivity and equitable distribution of military institutions across the country.
According to him, the depot represents a strategic investment in manpower development and will significantly boost the Nigerian Army’s operational strength in addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
He also praised the Ebonyi State Government for facilitating the seamless acquisition of land for the establishment of the depot.
“I am aware of your generous support right from the inception of the project. You ensured that the land for the depot was made available without any encumbrances, thereby enabling the Nigerian Army to commence the project without delay,” he said.
Shaibu further acknowledged Governor Nwifuru’s interventions in promoting peace and stability in the state, particularly his efforts in resolving communal crises.
The COAS also lauded the governor for supporting the construction of a military hospital within the depot, describing the project as critical to the welfare of recruits undergoing intensive military training.
He explained that the hospital would provide essential medical services for trainees and personnel, thereby enhancing the operational capacity and sustainability of the new training institution.
In addition, Shaibu commended the governor for donating three operational vehicles to the military formation, describing the gesture as further evidence of the state’s commitment to strengthening security.
He reiterated that collaboration between state governments and the military remains indispensable in addressing contemporary security challenges across Nigeria.
“The support of state governments is critical to ensuring that the Nigerian Army effectively performs its constitutional responsibilities wherever it is deployed,” he stated.
The Army Chief also expressed appreciation to the people of Ebonyi State for providing a peaceful and hospitable environment for military formations operating in the state.
He noted that the state currently hosts several key Nigerian Army establishments, including the Command Secondary School in Abakaliki, an infantry battalion, an engineering regiment, a corps regiment and the newly established Nigerian Army Depot at Mmasiara.
Shaibu concluded by thanking Governor Nwifuru and the people of Ebonyi State for their continued partnership with the Nigerian Army, expressing optimism that the collaboration would further enhance peace, security and development in the state and the South-East region.
Responding, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for what he described as the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and strengthening security across the state.
The governor said the establishment of the Nigerian Army Depot at Mmasiara was a landmark development that would remain one of the greatest federal investments in Ebonyi State, noting that the institution would not only enhance military capacity but also stimulate economic and social development in the region.
Nwifuru credited the improved security situation in the state to the professionalism, courage and intelligence-driven operations of troops deployed to Ebonyi, stressing that residents were now enjoying unprecedented peace.
“Before I even think of calling for assistance, the Army has already responded. That is the level of commitment we have witnessed. Nigerians should appreciate the sacrifices these officers are making because they are truly working,” the governor said.
He disclosed that since the deployment of the current military commanders to the state, Ebonyi had not recorded any successful attack by suspected members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN), attributing the achievement to proactive military operations and close collaboration between the state government and security agencies.
According to him, the operational approach adopted by the military has significantly disrupted criminal activities, with security forces routinely foiling planned attacks through timely intelligence and swift intervention.
Nwifuru reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army with logistics and other operational requirements, saying security remained the foundation for sustainable development.
“We are deeply grateful to the Chief of Army Staff and the officers and soldiers serving in Ebonyi. Their sacrifices have restored confidence among our people, and we will continue to partner with the Nigerian Army to sustain the peace we are enjoying,” he said.
Six Soldiers Injured in Road Accident in Sokoto
Six Soldiers Injured in Road Accident in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Six soldiers sustained injuries in a road traffic accident involving troops of the 8 Division Garrison in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Sources said that the accident occurred on Saturday at Goronyo Community while troops attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Isa were returning from an administrative patrol.
The sources said the accident involved a military gun truck, which sustained minor damage in the incident.
According to the sources, six soldiers were injured and were immediately evacuated to Goronyo Hospital, where they received initial medical treatment and were stabilised.
The injured personnel were later transferred to the 8 Division Military Hospital for further medical attention.
The sources added that the condition of the injured soldiers was stable, while the circumstances surrounding the accident were being assessed.
Police Arrest Six Suspected Kidnappers, Recover ₦8.25 Million Ransom in FCT
Police Arrest Six Suspected Kidnappers, Recover ₦8.25 Million Ransom in FCT
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have arrested six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered ₦8.25 million allegedly paid as ransom for the release of a female victim abducted in Abuja.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out by detectives attached to the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) following a distress report received on June 29 that a young woman had been abducted in the Maitama area of the FCT.
Sources said the kidnappers initially demanded ₦20 million but later accepted ₦8.25 million before releasing the victim on July 3. Investigations and digital tracking reportedly traced the victim's captivity to Kwan-Kwashe Village in neighbouring Niger State.
The sources disclosed that operatives sustained surveillance after the victim regained freedom, leading to the arrest of six suspects on July 5 in Suleja, Niger State. The suspects were identified as Ifeoma Nnamchi, 35, believed to be the gang leader; Peter Rasheed Onwunumah, 40; Olanipekun Anuoluwa, 46; Jemimah Monday, 25; Gabriel Nnamchi, 14; and Stanley Nnamchi, 17.
Items recovered during the operation included the ₦8.25 million ransom, two vehicles—a Toyota Corolla and a Toyota Camry—a cutlass, seven pairs of AirPods, assorted jewellery suspected to have been stolen from previous victims, five mobile phones and a laptop.
According to the sources, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspected gang leader, Ifeoma Nnamchi, and Olanipekun Anuoluwa had previously been arrested by the FCT Police Command in 2022 and 2019, respectively, over similar offences. The syndicate is believed to have been operating along the Kubwa Expressway, Maitama Federal Housing Road and other parts of the FCT since 2024, while investigations are ongoing.
Troops Dismantle Illegal Refining Site, Recover Equipment in Rivers Forest
Troops Dismantle Illegal Refining Site, Recover Equipment in Rivers Forest
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have uncovered and dismantled a suspected illegal crude oil refining site in the Orashi National Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, as part of ongoing operations against crude oil theft.
Sources told Zagazola Makama on Tuesday that the operation was conducted between 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday by troops of the 103 Battalion (Mechanised), in conjunction with personnel of the 5 Battalion and the 16 Brigade Garrison.
The sources said the troops discovered equipment and materials believed to have been used for illegal crude oil refining during a clearance operation in the forest.
Recovered items included one large oven drum, one large coolant, two small oven drums, one small coolant, a galvanised pipe measuring approximately 400 metres in length, and two sacks containing about 100 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
According to the sources, all recovered items were handled in accordance with the operational procedures and mandate of the ongoing anti-crude oil theft operation.
The sources added that the operation is part of sustained military efforts to dismantle illegal refining camps, disrupt oil theft networks and safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
Troops Discover Suspected Illegal Crude Oil Refining Equipment in Rivers Forest
Troops Discover Suspected Illegal Crude Oil Refining Equipment in Rivers Forest
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have uncovered suspected illegal crude oil refining equipment during a patrol in the Orashi National Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Sources who disclosed this on Tuesday said that the discovery was made at about 12:00 p.m. on Saturday by troops of the 16 Brigade Garrison at Abissa, working in conjunction with personnel of the 5 Battalion.
The sources said the troops, while conducting operations in line with the mandate of anti-crude oil theft operations, discovered equipment believed to be used for illegal refining activities.
Items recovered at the site included one large oven drum, one large coolant, two small oven drums, one small coolant, one long galvanised pipe and two sacks containing crude oil.
According to the sources, the recovered items were handled in accordance with the operational procedures and mandate of the ongoing anti-oil theft operation.
The sources added that the operation forms part of sustained efforts by security forces to dismantle illegal refining camps, curb crude oil theft and protect critical national assets in the Niger Delta region.
Troops Recover Unexploded Ordnance During Patrol in Benue
Troops Recover Unexploded Ordnance During Patrol in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have recovered an unexploded ordnance (UXO) during a routine patrol in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Military sources told Zagazola on Tuesday that the discovery was made at about 1:10 p.m. on Saturday at Tse Orkpen, near Ukpiam, by troops of Sector 1 of the operation.
The sources said the troops spotted the unexploded ordnance while conducting a patrol and immediately secured the area to prevent any danger to residents.
According to the sources, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was subsequently deployed to the location and safely recovered the device.
The recovered unexploded ordnance has been taken into military custody for further action, while security agencies continue efforts to clear operational areas of explosive remnants that could pose a threat to civilians and security personnel.
Troops Secure 27 Cattle After Responding to Farmland Destruction Report in Plateau
Troops Secure 27 Cattle After Responding to Farmland Destruction Report in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have secured 27 cattle after responding to a report of farmland destruction in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Military sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on Monday at Taagbe Village.
The sources said troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace, were deployed to the area following reports that cattle were grazing on farmlands, resulting in the destruction of crops.
Upon arrival, the troops found 27 cattle grazing unattended, with no herders present at the scene.
According to the sources, the cattle were moved to a safe location to prevent further damage to farmlands and to facilitate appropriate administrative action.
The sources added that security personnel remain on alert in the area to forestall any breakdown of law and order, while efforts are ongoing to identify the owners of the cattle and address the incident through the appropriate channels.
The intervention forms part of ongoing measures by security agencies to contain farmer-herder disputes and maintain peace in communities across Plateau State.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Informant, Recover Motorcycle, Cash in Kebbi
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Informant, Recover Motorcycle, Cash in Kebbi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected terrorist informant and logistics supplier during a routine patrol in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Sources said that the suspect was apprehended at about 12:14 p.m. on Saturday in Kangiwa while troops of the 8 Division were conducting a patrol along the Falde–Gedere road.
The sources said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect was allegedly involved in providing information and logistics support to terrorist elements operating in the area.
Items recovered from the suspect included one motorcycle, one mobile phone and the sum of N69,000, believed to be connected with his activities.
According to the sources, the suspect has been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrest, they said, forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle terrorist support networks and disrupt the movement and logistics of criminal elements operating in parts of the North-West.
NADCEL 2026: CAS Hails Nigerian Army at 163, Reaffirms Air Force Support to Joint Operations
NADCEL 2026: CAS Hails Nigerian Army at 163, Reaffirms Air Force Support to Joint Operations
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has congratulated the Nigerian Army on its 163rd anniversary, describing its history as one of courage, sacrifice and military excellence, while reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to strengthening joint operations to address the country’s evolving security challenges.
The CAS stated this on Monday during the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 in Port Harcourt.
The event was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside senior military officers, government officials, foreign defence chiefs, veterans and other dignitaries.
Aneke paid tribute to the Nigerian Army’s 163 years of distinguished service to the nation, noting that its rich military heritage continues to inspire generations of service personnel.
He particularly recalled the exploits of Nigerian soldiers during the Second World War, especially their role in the 1941 East African Campaign, which he described as one of the fastest military advances in modern history.
According to him, the courage, resilience and professionalism demonstrated by Nigerian troops during the campaign laid a strong foundation for the Army’s enduring tradition of excellence in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic values.
“The remarkable achievements of those gallant soldiers continue to inspire today’s Nigerian Army as it confronts contemporary security threats with dedication and professionalism,” he said.
The CAS also underscored the strategic partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army, describing it as a critical factor in the Armed Forces’ operational successes across various theatres of operation.
He said the Nigerian Air Force continued to leverage its unique advantages of height, speed and reach to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, air mobility, precision strike capabilities and close air support for ground forces.
According to him, these capabilities enable land forces to seize the initiative, dominate the battlespace and accomplish operational objectives with greater speed, precision and effectiveness.
Highlighting the level of inter-service cooperation displayed during the celebration, Aneke noted that a Nigerian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft successfully airlifted and deployed military skydivers during the event, demonstrating the Air Force’s strategic airlift capability and operational readiness in support of joint missions.
He said the display reflected the increasing integration between air and land components of the Armed Forces and showcased the nation’s growing capacity to project military power across vast distances.
“The enduring integration of air and land capabilities has consistently produced tangible operational successes and remains a testament to Nigeria’s collective resolve to safeguard the nation,” he said.
The CAS congratulated the Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, officers, soldiers, veterans and families of the Nigerian Army on the historic milestone.
He commended their patriotism, resilience and unwavering commitment to national service despite the complex security environment.
Aneke reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to projecting purposeful and decisive air power in support of surface forces while deepening jointness, interoperability and operational integration among the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He added that the Nigerian Army’s distinguished wartime legacy and consistent record of service remained a powerful reminder that unity of purpose, professionalism and effective joint operations were indispensable to achieving lasting peace and overcoming Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Technology-Driven Security Operations at Army Day Grand Finale
Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Technology-Driven Security Operations at Army Day Grand Finale
By: Zagazola Makama
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deploying emerging technologies and strengthening the capacity of the Armed Forces to effectively tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The President made the commitment on Monday at the Grand Finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 and the maiden African Land Forces Forum (ALFF), held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said his administration was modernising the nation’s military through sustained investments in advanced military hardware, technology, intelligence capabilities and personnel development to improve operational planning and combat readiness.
The event, organised by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with the African Land Forces Forum, was themed: “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
According to the President, the Federal Government remains resolute in defeating terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other emerging security threats through intelligence-driven and technology-enabled military operations.
“My administration is firmly committed to countering contemporary threats through the adoption of emerging technologies and the building of capacity across all battle spaces, thereby improving operational planning and combat readiness,” he said.
Tinubu stated that beyond procuring modern equipment, his administration was prioritising research and development to promote indigenous defence technologies capable of addressing Nigeria’s peculiar security needs.
He said revitalising the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) remained central to the government’s efforts to strengthen local defence production, reduce dependence on foreign military equipment and create skilled employment opportunities.
According to him, although previous administrations made efforts to revive DICON, his administration is determined to reposition the corporation as a strategic pillar for military self-reliance.
The President noted that a vibrant local defence manufacturing industry would not only enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces but also reinforce Nigeria’s strategic independence in addressing contemporary security threats.
He also described the African Land Forces Forum as a landmark initiative that would deepen defence diplomacy, facilitate the exchange of military expertise and promote regional cooperation among African armies.
Tinubu commended Great Minds Event Management for partnering with the Nigerian Army to organise the forum, saying the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s leadership in defence collaboration across the continent while creating opportunities for innovation and economic growth within the defence sector.
The President paid glowing tribute to officers and personnel of the Armed Forces, describing them as symbols of patriotism, sacrifice and professionalism whose contributions extended beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“Our Armed Forces remain a model of selfless service to the people and a source of pride across the African continent.
“Their devotion to neutralising threats in this part of the world extends beyond our borders. It becomes a real contribution to global security, peace and stability,” he said.
He also honoured fallen military personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation’s unity and sovereignty.
“Their sacrifices will not be in vain, and their families will not be forgotten.
“Their courage lives in the freedom we breathe, and the families they left behind remain a sacred responsibility of this nation,” Tinubu added.
The President further commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for his visionary leadership in organising the joint event, noting that it had successfully promoted strategic dialogue, innovation and stronger defence partnerships across Africa.
In his remarks, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, described the hosting of the event in Port Harcourt as a reflection of the prevailing peace and stability in the state.
Fubara said the successful hosting of military leaders and dignitaries from across Africa contradicted negative narratives about Rivers State and underscored its readiness to host major national and international events.
He commended the Nigerian Army for its sacrifices in preserving Nigeria’s unity and urged the Federal Government to further improve the welfare, working conditions and wellbeing of military personnel.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting the lives and property of citizens.
He said the theme of the 2026 celebration reflected the Army’s enduring commitment to its constitutional responsibilities despite the increasingly complex and dynamic security environment.
According to him, emerging threats have continued to reshape military operations, requiring the Army to constantly adapt its strategies, strengthen intelligence capabilities and enhance operational effectiveness.
Shaibu commended officers and soldiers serving across various theatres of operation for their resilience, courage and professionalism in confronting insecurity.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigerian Army and pledged the loyalty and commitment of officers and soldiers to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief.
The ceremony featured the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards, military drills, tactical demonstrations and colourful displays by various units and formations of the Nigerian Army.
Among dignitaries at the event were former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd); former President Olusegun Obasanjo; members of the National Assembly; Deputy Governors of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi and Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, respectively; Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd); Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; former service chiefs and other senior military officers.
NADCEL 2026: Radda lauds troops’ courage, reaffirms support for fight against insecurity
NADCEL 2026: Radda lauds troops’ courage, reaffirms support for fight against insecurity
By: Zagazola Makama
Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State has congratulated officers, soldiers and veterans of the Nigerian Army on the occasion of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), commending their courage, professionalism and sacrifices in the fight against insecurity.
Radda, in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, described this year’s NADCEL theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People,” as a reflection of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to defending the country’s territorial integrity and protecting lives and property.
The governor paid tribute to officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army, particularly those serving on the frontlines in Katsina State, the North-West and other parts of the country affected by insecurity.
He commended the troops for their resilience and steadfastness in combating banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities, saying their efforts had continued to strengthen national security and restore hope to affected communities.
Radda reaffirmed the commitment of the Katsina State Government to sustaining its partnership with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to achieve lasting peace and security across the state.
“Our administration remains fully committed to supporting the Nigerian Army through sustained collaboration, intelligence sharing and community engagement.
“Together, we will continue to strengthen the fight against insecurity and create a safer environment where our people can live, work and prosper,” he said.
The governor also honoured officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation, praying for the peaceful repose of their souls and the speedy recovery of those wounded in the line of duty.
He urged serving personnel of the Nigerian Army to remain committed to their constitutional responsibility, assuring them of the continued appreciation, support and prayers of the government and people of Katsina State.
Radda further wished the Nigerian Army continued success in its mission of defending the nation and serving the people.
NADCEL 2026: Radda lauds troops’ courage, reaffirms support for fight against insecurity
NADCEL 2026: Radda lauds troops’ courage, reaffirms support for fight against insecurity
By: Zagazola Makama
Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State has congratulated officers, soldiers and veterans of the Nigerian Army on the occasion of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), commending their courage, professionalism and sacrifices in the fight against insecurity.
Radda, in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, described this year’s NADCEL theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People,” as a reflection of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to defending the country’s territorial integrity and protecting lives and property.
The governor paid tribute to officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army, particularly those serving on the frontlines in Katsina State, the North-West and other parts of the country affected by insecurity.
He commended the troops for their resilience and steadfastness in combating banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities, saying their efforts had continued to strengthen national security and restore hope to affected communities.
Radda reaffirmed the commitment of the Katsina State Government to sustaining its partnership with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to achieve lasting peace and security across the state.
“Our administration remains fully committed to supporting the Nigerian Army through sustained collaboration, intelligence sharing and community engagement.
“Together, we will continue to strengthen the fight against insecurity and create a safer environment where our people can live, work and prosper,” he said.
The governor also honoured officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation, praying for the peaceful repose of their souls and the speedy recovery of those wounded in the line of duty.
He urged serving personnel of the Nigerian Army to remain committed to their constitutional responsibility, assuring them of the continued appreciation, support and prayers of the government and people of Katsina State.
Radda further wished the Nigerian Army continued success in its mission of defending the nation and serving the people.
NADCEL 2026: Radda lauds troops’ courage, reaffirms support for fight against insecurity
NADCEL 2026: Radda lauds troops’ courage, reaffirms support for fight against insecurity
By: Zagazola Makama
Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State has congratulated officers, soldiers and veterans of the Nigerian Army on the occasion of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), commending their courage, professionalism and sacrifices in the fight against insecurity.
Radda, in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, described this year’s NADCEL theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People,” as a reflection of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to defending the country’s territorial integrity and protecting lives and property.
The governor paid tribute to officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army, particularly those serving on the frontlines in Katsina State, the North-West and other parts of the country affected by insecurity.
He commended the troops for their resilience and steadfastness in combating banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities, saying their efforts had continued to strengthen national security and restore hope to affected communities.
Radda reaffirmed the commitment of the Katsina State Government to sustaining its partnership with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to achieve lasting peace and security across the state.
“Our administration remains fully committed to supporting the Nigerian Army through sustained collaboration, intelligence sharing and community engagement.
“Together, we will continue to strengthen the fight against insecurity and create a safer environment where our people can live, work and prosper,” he said.
The governor also honoured officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation, praying for the peaceful repose of their souls and the speedy recovery of those wounded in the line of duty.
He urged serving personnel of the Nigerian Army to remain committed to their constitutional responsibility, assuring them of the continued appreciation, support and prayers of the government and people of Katsina State.
Radda further wished the Nigerian Army continued success in its mission of defending the nation and serving the people.
NADCEL 2026: Radda lauds troops’ courage, reaffirms support for fight against insecurity
NADCEL 2026: Radda lauds troops’ courage, reaffirms support for fight against insecurity
By: Zagazola Makama
Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State has congratulated officers, soldiers and veterans of the Nigerian Army on the occasion of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), commending their courage, professionalism and sacrifices in the fight against insecurity.
Radda, in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, described this year’s NADCEL theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People,” as a reflection of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to defending the country’s territorial integrity and protecting lives and property.
The governor paid tribute to officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army, particularly those serving on the frontlines in Katsina State, the North-West and other parts of the country affected by insecurity.
He commended the troops for their resilience and steadfastness in combating banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities, saying their efforts had continued to strengthen national security and restore hope to affected communities.
Radda reaffirmed the commitment of the Katsina State Government to sustaining its partnership with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to achieve lasting peace and security across the state.
“Our administration remains fully committed to supporting the Nigerian Army through sustained collaboration, intelligence sharing and community engagement.
“Together, we will continue to strengthen the fight against insecurity and create a safer environment where our people can live, work and prosper,” he said.
The governor also honoured officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation, praying for the peaceful repose of their souls and the speedy recovery of those wounded in the line of duty.
He urged serving person
NADCEL 2026: COAS Says Technology, Intelligence Key to Defeating Nigeria’s Evolving Security Threats
NADCEL 2026: COAS Says Technology, Intelligence Key to Defeating Nigeria’s Evolving Security Threats
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has said the Nigerian Army is intensifying investments in technology, intelligence capabilities and modern combat equipment as part of efforts to strengthen its capacity to confront the country’s increasingly complex security challenges.
Speaking at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Army Chief said the changing nature of security threats demands a military that is not only professionally trained but also equipped with modern technologies capable of responding effectively to contemporary warfare.
He noted that the Nigerian Army has continued to adapt to emerging threats by modernising its operational capabilities while improving collaboration with other security agencies.
According to him, the Army has recorded significant successes against insurgents, terrorists, bandits and other armed groups through sustained operational pressure, enhanced intelligence gathering and the deployment of modern military assets.
Shaibu explained that investments in intelligence and technology have become central to the Army’s operational strategy, enabling troops to identify threats more accurately, respond faster and conduct operations with greater precision.
He said the service would continue to acquire and effectively deploy modern combat equipment and force enablers to enhance battlefield effectiveness and improve the safety of personnel during operations.
The COAS said the Army’s modernisation drive extends beyond the acquisition of equipment to include improved training programmes designed to ensure that officers and soldiers are able to effectively operate sophisticated military platforms and adapt to evolving security environments.
He stressed that the Army remains committed to maximising the operational value of recently procured assets by ensuring they are efficiently integrated into ongoing counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism and internal security operations across the country.
The Army Chief also highlighted the importance of intelligence-driven operations, noting that the increasing complexity of terrorism and other forms of organised violence requires timely intelligence, inter-agency cooperation and the application of advanced technologies.
He said the Nigerian Army would continue to deepen collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to improve information sharing and coordinate joint operations against criminal and terrorist groups.
Shaibu observed that modern warfare is increasingly shaped by innovation, intelligence fusion and rapid decision-making, making technology an indispensable component of military success.
He added that while equipment and technology are vital, they must be complemented by professionalism, discipline and adherence to ethical standards.
The COAS reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to transforming itself into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency operational environment.
He also appealed for continued public support, stressing that meaningful security outcomes require cooperation between the military and citizens, particularly through the provision of credible and timely intelligence.
According to him, the Army’s investments in technology, intelligence and human capacity development are intended not only to improve operational performance but also to ensure the protection of lives, territorial integrity and national stability in the face of evolving security threats.
Shaibu reiterated that despite the dynamic nature of the country’s security challenges, the Nigerian Army remains committed to innovation, operational excellence and continuous transformation in order to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and maintain peace across the country.
NADCEL 2026: Nigerian Army Expands Barracks, Recruitment Infrastructure to Improve Troops’ Welfare
NADCEL 2026: Nigerian Army Expands Barracks, Recruitment Infrastructure to Improve Troops’ Welfare
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has announced significant investments in soldiers’ welfare, accommodation and manpower development as part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening operational readiness.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this during the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt.
He said improving the welfare of officers and soldiers remains a top priority for the current Army leadership, noting that several infrastructure projects are already underway across the country.
Among the key projects, Shaibu highlighted the construction of the second phase of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks as well as extensive renovation of existing barracks in formations nationwide.
He also announced that the new Depot Nigerian Army at Amasiri-Edda would soon be commissioned, describing the facility as a strategic investment designed to address manpower requirements while improving the quality of recruit training.
According to the Army Chief, the projects reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the institution and enhancing the living and working conditions of military personnel.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence and state governments for supporting the Army’s operational and infrastructural needs.
Shaibu also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies, saying improved inter-agency collaboration has contributed significantly to recent operational successes across different theatres.
The COAS assured Nigerians that recently acquired military platforms and combat support assets would be effectively deployed to confront the country’s security challenges.
He further stated that the Army leadership remains committed to continuous training, improved administration and better welfare policies aimed at maintaining a highly motivated and combat-ready force.
NADCEL 2026: Army Chief Reaffirms Loyalty to Constitution, Calls for Continental Security Cooperation
NADCEL 2026: Army Chief Reaffirms Loyalty to Constitution, Calls for Continental Security Cooperation
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s loyalty to the Constitution and pledged the unwavering commitment of officers and soldiers to defending Nigeria’s democracy, sovereignty and national unity.
Speaking during the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt, on Monday, Shaibu described the Army as an institution dedicated to serving the Nigerian people while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
He said the Army would continue to strengthen discipline through improved supervision, ethical leadership and adherence to established rules of engagement during operations.
According to him, the ongoing implementation of the Army’s “Soldier-First Culture” initiative is intended to enhance professionalism, resilience and operational effectiveness while building greater public confidence in the institution.
The COAS urged Nigerians living in areas affected by military operations to continue cooperating with security forces, explaining that troop deployments are intended to protect law-abiding citizens and isolate violent criminal groups.
Shaibu reiterated the Army’s determination to intensify operations against terrorists, insurgents, bandits and other armed groups threatening national security.
He also used the occasion to commend the participation of Army Chiefs from 16 African countries who attended the celebration, describing their presence as a demonstration of growing continental military cooperation.
The visiting delegations came from Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Mauritania, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Rwanda, Morocco, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Shaibu said the growing complexity of security challenges across Africa makes stronger defence partnerships increasingly important, noting that no single country can effectively confront transnational threats in isolation.
He added that the Nigerian Army remains committed to deepening regional military cooperation, intelligence sharing and joint security initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability across the continent.
The Army Chief concluded by thanking Nigerians for their continued support and confidence in the Armed Forces, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration between the military and the public would contribute to a safer and more prosperous nation.
Four Killed as Armed Men Attack Two Villages, Hospital in Niger Communal Violence
Four Killed as Armed Men Attack Two Villages, Hospital in Niger Communal Violence
By Zagazola Makama
No fewer than four civilians have been killed and several houses razed after unidentified armed men attacked two communities and a hospital amid renewed communal violence between Fulani and Kamuku groups in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attacks occurred on July 4 following recent hostilities between members of the two communities.
According to the sources, troops of the 45 Battalion deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kagara conducted a fighting patrol to Baka Cin Hatsi and adjoining villages after receiving reports of the violence.
The sources said the troops confirmed that the attackers invaded Anguwan Gizo and Anguwan Karaya villages, where they killed four civilians and set several houses ablaze.
The assailants also raided Asmau Hospital, where some displaced Fulani residents had sought refuge from the violence.
Following the attacks, troops dominated the affected communities to prevent further violence and reassure residents.
Security sources added that the Rafi Local Government authorities have imposed a 12-hour curfew, from 7:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., to forestall reprisal attacks and restore calm in the area.
They said security forces would continue to maintain a strong presence while efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
One Dies as Cholera Outbreak Affects 24 in Kukawa, Military Begins Emergency Response
One Dies as Cholera Outbreak Affects 24 in Kukawa, Military Begins Emergency Response
By Zagazola Makama
A cholera outbreak has claimed one life and infected 24 people in Cross Kauwa community, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, prompting an emergency medical response by the Nigerian military and local health authorities.
Security and health sources told Zagazola that the outbreak was reported on July 4 in the lakeside community, with affected residents immediately evacuated to the Primary Health Care Centre for treatment.
According to the sources, a medical team from the 19 Brigade Medical Centre was swiftly deployed to the area to support local health workers in containing the outbreak.
The team established quarantine measures and commenced emergency treatment for affected patients to prevent further spread of the disease.
The sources said that, as of the latest report, 24 persons had been affected, while one fatality had been recorded.
They added that the military medical team was working closely with the relevant state authorities and Kukawa Local Government officials to implement sustainable disease control and public health interventions.
The sources noted that surveillance and response efforts remain ongoing, with the 19 Brigade Medical Centre closely monitoring the situation to ensure the outbreak is contained and to prevent additional infections.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Public health experts say the disease can spread rapidly in communities with limited access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, but can be effectively treated when detected early.
Troops Rescue Two Abducted Girls Who Escaped Terrorist Enclave in Mandara Mountains
Troops Rescue Two Abducted Girls Who Escaped Terrorist Enclave in Mandara Mountains
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion under Operation HADIN KAI have rescued two young girls who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains and reunited them with their community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the girls were rescued at about 7:00 a.m. on July 2 while troops deployed at Ngoshe were conducting a routine standing patrol from their mountain position.
According to the sources, the patrol team spotted the two girls stranded near Armuda Bridge and cautiously approached before confirming that they were civilians in distress.
The rescued girls were identified as 15-year-old Bintu Adamu and 11-year-old Sadiya Jummai.
Following the rescue, the troops advanced and cleared the surrounding area up to about 400 metres to ensure there was no imminent threat before returning safely to base.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the girls had been abducted from Ngoshe community by terrorists and were held at an enclave in the Chinene area of the Mandara Mountains. The victims reportedly seized an opportunity to escape from captivity before eventually encountering the military patrol.
The troops immediately administered first aid to the girls before handing them over to the Ngoshe community leader, Mallam Bulama Kunda, at the community’s camp for reunification with their families.
The latest rescue underscores the sustained efforts of troops operating in the Mandara Mountains to locate abductees, dismantle terrorist hideouts and restore security in communities affected by insurgency across the North-East.
Troops, CJTF Arrest Fake Soldier Accused of Robbing Residents in Maiduguri
Troops, CJTF Arrest Fake Soldier Accused of Robbing Residents in Maiduguri
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 7 Division Garrison of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected impersonator accused of posing as a soldier to rob residents in the Shuwari area of Maiduguri, Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Abdulazeez Mohammed, was apprehended at about 2:00 p.m. on July 1 following credible intelligence on his activities within the Shuwari General Area.
According to the sources, the suspect allegedly dressed in military camouflage to gain the confidence of residents before stealing mobile phones and other valuables from homes in the area.
Acting on the intelligence, troops of the 7 Division Garrison, supported by members of the CJTF, swiftly mobilised to the location and arrested the suspect without incident.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to determine the full extent of his activities and whether he is linked to any criminal syndicate.
Security authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report anyone suspected of unlawfully wearing military uniforms or engaging in suspicious activities, noting that impersonating members of the Armed Forces is a criminal offence punishable under Nigerian law.
Fake Soldier Arrested at Kashim Ibrahim University, Suspected of Acting as Terrorist Informant
Fake Soldier Arrested at Kashim Ibrahim University, Suspected of Acting as Terrorist Informant
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 73 Battalion (Motorised), operating under Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a 25-year-old man dressed in military camouflage at Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, over suspected impersonation and possible links to criminal intelligence gathering.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Mubarak Mohammed, was apprehended at about 4:30 p.m. on July 1 at the university’s Njimtilo campus after his appearance in a desert camouflage uniform aroused suspicion among troops.
According to the sources, the suspect claimed during preliminary questioning that he was a newly admitted student of the university and had borrowed the military uniform from a civilian friend to attend the institution’s Career Week programme.
However, the claim quickly unraveled during interrogation.
The sources said the suspect was unable to communicate in English, failed to produce a valid student identity card, and could not access the university’s student portal on his mobile phone to verify his admission status.
Troops subsequently contacted the university management through the institution’s Systems Manager, who confirmed that the suspect was not a registered student of the university.
The university official also informed the troops that only final-year students were participating in the Career Week activities, contradicting the suspect’s claim that he had attended the event as a newly admitted student.
Security sources said the suspect is being investigated over suspicions that he may have been gathering intelligence under the guise of a soldier.
He remains in the custody of the 73 Battalion for further investigation.
Military authorities reiterated their warning against the unlawful use of military uniforms, noting that impersonating members of the Armed Forces poses a serious security threat and could be exploited by criminal and terrorist elements.
Troops Arrest 12 Suspected Boko Haram Collaborators, Logistics Suppliers in Damasak Raid
Troops Arrest 12 Suspected Boko Haram Collaborators, Logistics Suppliers in Damasak Raid
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 5 Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI have arrested 12 suspected collaborators, logistics suppliers and spies working for Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province during a series of intelligence-led operations in Damasak, Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, led by the Acting Commander of 5 Brigade, Col. S.O. Bello, was carried out in the early hours of July 2 following actionable intelligence obtained from the interrogation of an earlier suspect, Mustapha Goni Ahmed, who had been arrested at the Kadauri Cattle Market in Damasak.
According to the sources, Ahmed allegedly confessed during interrogation and identified several meeting points and hideouts used by suspected terrorist collaborators, logistics suppliers and informants operating within the brigade’s area of responsibility.
Acting on the information, troops launched coordinated cordon-and-search operations at multiple locations, resulting in the arrest of 12 additional suspects believed to be members of the terrorists’ support network.
The arrested suspects were identified as Alhaji Dala Kawomi, 45; Bulama Mallum Kyari, 38; Shatamari Gabo Kyari, 30; Tujja Saloma, 20; Massa Mairami, 70; Bulama Chari Fannai, 36; Mustapha Mohammed, 28; Bukar Bulama, 23; Bunu Madu, 25; Awari Baba Goni, 23; Hassan Madu, 34; and Chellu Malari, 60.
Items recovered during the operation included three Tecno mobile phones, one Itel mobile phone, one Infinix smartphone and a total of ₦7,360 in cash.
The sources said the suspects are currently undergoing preliminary processing before being transferred to the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre (JIFC) in Maiduguri for detailed investigation, profiling and further necessary action.
Military sources described the operation as a significant breakthrough in ongoing counter-intelligence efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist support structures and disrupting the logistics and information networks sustaining insurgent activities in the Lake Chad region.
They added that operations to identify and apprehend additional collaborators linked to the network are continuing.
Troops Bust Drug Dens in Pulka, Gwoza, Arrest Five Suspected Peddlers
Troops Bust Drug Dens in Pulka, Gwoza, Arrest Five Suspected Peddlers
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian military under Operation HADIN KAI have arrested five suspected drug peddlers during separate anti-drug raids in Pulka and Gwoza, recovering large quantities of cannabis, controlled substances and cash.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operations were conducted by troops of the 192 Battalion (Motorised), Forward Operating Base (FOB) Pulka, and the 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and curb the illicit drug trade in Borno State.
According to the sources, troops of the 192 Battalion arrested three suspects—Bamadu Grama, 25; Usman Usman, 28; and Bana Buba, 30—during a raid carried out at about 4:00 p.m. on July 2 in Pulka.
Items recovered from the suspects included 151 wraps of cannabis, two sacks of cannabis, three bottles of a substance locally known as “Suck and Die,” one bottle of cough expectorant, three packs of Tramadol tablets, one Itel phone, one Tecno phone, one pack of “Orisk,” 39 white tablets believed to be illicit drugs, and ₦20,000 in cash.
In a related operation conducted at about 9:45 p.m. on July 3, troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison raided a suspected drug supply point in Gwoza, leading to the arrest of two additional suspects identified as Akawu Adamu, 52, and Abba Yuguda, 37.
The raid yielded 114 wraps of cannabis, one bottle of cough syrup, one bottle of “Suck and Die,” a sack containing “Captain Black,” a sack of cannabis seeds, one MP3 player, one Itel mobile phone, 34 wraps of “Arizona,” 44 wraps of “Captain Black,” and ₦64,700 in cash.
The suspects are currently in the custody of the 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison and are expected to face further investigation.
Security sources said the operations form part of sustained efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs, which are often linked to criminality and insurgent activities in parts of the North-East.
They added that troops would continue to target drug trafficking networks and other criminal enterprises that threaten security and public safety in the theatre of operations.
Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush After IED Blast on Damboa–Kumala Road, Escort 134 Civilian Vehicles Safely
Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush After IED Blast on Damboa–Kumala Road, Escort 134 Civilian Vehicles Safely
By Zagazola Makama
Combined troops of the 19 Battalion (Motorised), 25 Brigade Garrison and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) have successfully repelled a terrorist ambush after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated along the Damboa–Bulabulin–Kumala Main Supply Route in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on July 4 while the combined security team was conducting an escort and dominance patrol along the strategic highway.
According to the sources, the patrol encountered a command-wire IED approximately two kilometres from the Kumala crossing point. Moments after the explosion, the terrorists launched an ambush on the convoy in an attempt to disrupt the movement of troops and civilian vehicles.
The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to withdraw from the area without inflicting casualties on the security personnel.
Although no soldier was injured during the encounter, the explosion damaged two tyres of a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle. The damaged tyres were immediately replaced, enabling the convoy to continue its mission.
Following the successful clearance of the route, the troops safely escorted 63 civilian vehicles to the Kumala crossing point before returning and escorting another 71 vehicles back to Damboa without further incident.
Military sources said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of the ongoing security escort along the Damboa–Kumala corridor, a critical route frequently targeted by insurgents seeking to disrupt civilian movement and logistics.
They added that clearance operations and convoy escorts would continue to ensure the safety of commuters and deny terrorists freedom of action along major supply routes in the North-East.
Troops Arrest Additional suspect Linked to NIPSS Attack While Receiving Treatment for Gunshot Wound
Troops Arrest Additional suspect Linked to NIPSS Attack While Receiving Treatment for Gunshot Wound
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6 have arrested an additional suspected Berom Militia allegedly linked to the recent attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Paul Kolsen, was apprehended in Farm Center at about 3:30 p.m. on July 5 following credible intelligence.
According to the sources, the suspect was arrested while receiving medical treatment for a gunshot wound believed to have been sustained during the attack on the institute.
The sources said the arrest represents another breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the assault on the NIPSS facility, which has already led to the arrest of other suspects in recent days.
The latest arrests followed the July 2 attempted attack on the strategic national institution, during which troops engaged suspected Berom militia in a gun battle, killing one suspect while others escaped into nearby rocky terrain.
During that operation, troops recovered a service rifle bearing registration number CO-3175, which military authorities said had earlier been stolen from a soldier killed during an attack on troops at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11.
The recovery of the weapon had already prompted security agencies to widen investigations into possible links between the recent attacks on security personnel operating within the Kuru-Vom axis.
Paul Kolsen is currently in custody and is undergoing further investigation to determine his alleged role in the attack and identify other members of the criminal network.
Security authorities said intelligence-led operations are continuing to track down other suspects connected to the incident as efforts intensify to dismantle the group responsible for the attack.
Troops Foil Attack on Fulani Communities in Mangu, Repel Suspected Berom Militias
Troops Foil Attack on Fulani Communities in Mangu, Repel Suspected Berom Militias
By Zagazola Makama
Troops have foiled an attack by suspected Berom militias on Fulani communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State after engaging the attackers in a gun battle that forced them to retreat.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, deployed in Gyambwas, responded at about 3:25 p.m. on July 5 following reports of sporadic gunfire around the Gimti Galadima, Kobodon and Kaduno areas of Mangu LGA.
According to the sources, upon arrival at the scene, the troops discovered that the armed group was attempting to set ablaze several Fulani settlements.
The troops immediately engaged the attackers with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw toward Kugot village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Military sources said 58 rounds of 12.7mm anti-aircraft ammunition were expended during the engagement to suppress the attackers and prevent the destruction of the affected communities.
The incident triggered panic among residents, with several Fulani women and children fleeing across the river toward Langai for safety.
No casualty among troops was reported during the operation.
Security sources said troops have continued to dominate the general area through aggressive patrols to prevent a renewed attack and reassure residents of their safety.
The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to contain communal violence and prevent further escalation of attacks across Plateau State.
Suspected Fulani Bandits Kill Vigilante Member in Bokkos, Troops Launch Manhunt
Suspected Fulani Bandits Kill Vigilante Member in Bokkos, Troops Launch Manhunt
By Zagazola Makama
A member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) has been killed in an attack by suspected Fulani militias along the Minjim–Manger river line in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 5 of Operation Enduring Peace, based in Bokkos, responded to a distress call at about 3:30 p.m. on July 5 following reports of an attack on VGN members who were conducting neighbourhood watch duties.
According to the sources, upon arriving at the scene, the troops found one of the vigilantes, identified as Mr. Friday Ishaku, dead from gunshot wounds.
The attackers had fled the area before the arrival of the security personnel.
The sources said troops immediately commenced pursuit operations to track down and apprehend the fleeing assailants.
Security has since been reinforced in the area to forestall further attacks, while efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible for the killing.
The latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges in parts of Bokkos Local Government Area, where security forces continue to conduct operations to contain violent attacks and restore peace.
Troops Rescue Missing Seven-Year-Old Herder in Plateau
Troops Rescue Missing Seven-Year-Old Herder in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, of Operation SAFE HAVEN have rescued a seven-year-old herder who went missing while grazing cattle in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:34 p.m. on July 5 after troops received a report that the child, identified as Umar Ali, had disappeared while grazing cattle around the bushes near Shen community.
According to the sources, the troops immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation in the surrounding area and successfully located the missing boy.
Preliminary findings indicated that the child had been chased away by some residents of Shen community after his cattle reportedly strayed into areas where they were not permitted to graze.
Following the rescue, the troops handed the boy over safely to a Fulani youth leader in Sabon Gari, Jos East Local Government Area, for onward reunification with his family and other necessary arrangements.
Security sources said the prompt intervention by the troops prevented the incident from escalating and underscored the importance of timely security response in addressing disputes that could trigger wider communal tensions.
Rivers reaffirms support for Nigerian Army at NADCEL 2026 gala
Rivers reaffirms support for Nigerian Army at NADCEL 2026 gala
By: Zagazola Makama
The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to enhance peace, security and economic development in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma, made the commitment on Sunday in Port Harcourt while representing Gov. Siminalayi Fubara at the Gala Night of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Wokoma said the state government recognised the critical role of the military in safeguarding lives and property, noting that security remained the bedrock of any prosperous society.
He said the governor was unavoidably absent due to pressing state engagements but conveyed his goodwill to the Nigerian Army and all participants at the event.
“It is with profound honour and a deep sense of patriotism that I stand before you tonight at this gathering marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Rivers State, I warmly welcome the Chief of Army Staff, chiefs of army from friendly countries, senior military commanders and all our distinguished guests who have travelled from across Nigeria and beyond to be with us,” he said.
The SSG described the gala night as an opportunity not only for fellowship and celebration but also for reflection on the courage, resilience and sacrifices of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
He paid tribute to fallen military personnel, saying their sacrifices had helped to preserve Nigeria’s unity, protect its territorial integrity and sustain democratic governance.
“We honour those who have paid the ultimate price and stand in solidarity with the families they left behind.
“Their sacrifices keep our nation united, protect our territorial integrity and enable our democracy to thrive,” he said.
Wokoma expressed appreciation for the Nigerian Army’s contributions to peace and stability in Rivers State, saying the existing collaboration between the military and the state government had strengthened security and created an enabling environment for economic growth.
He noted that the active engagement of the Nigerian Army had enabled residents of the state to live peacefully despite security challenges confronting parts of the country.
“As everyone knows, security remains the vital foundation of any prosperous society.
“A nation sleeps in peace because great men and women stand awake in its defence.
“The ongoing cooperation we have with the military has greatly enhanced peace, stability and economic progress in our state,” he said.
The SSG reiterated the Fubara administration’s commitment to complementing the Federal Government’s efforts by supporting the welfare and operational needs of military personnel deployed in the state.
He assured the Chief of Army Staff that the state government would continue to provide logistics, operational assistance and moral support to security agencies within its capacity.
“Although the welfare of our soldiers is primarily the responsibility of the Federal Government, we recognise the important role we must play as a sub-national government.
“Our doors have always remained open to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies working tirelessly for the peace and security of Rivers State.
“We will continue to collaborate with the military authorities and provide the necessary logistics, operational and moral support to ensure their deployments in the state remain effective,” he said.
Wokoma congratulated the Nigerian Army on the successful celebration of its 2026 anniversary and commended its professionalism, discipline and operational excellence.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military in its efforts to safeguard the nation’s peace, unity and development.
COAS Reaffirms Commitment to Troop Welfare, Professionalism at NADCEL 2026 Gala Night
COAS Reaffirms Commitment to Troop Welfare, Professionalism at NADCEL 2026 Gala Night
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of its personnel, strengthening professionalism and sustaining ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness in addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
Shaibu gave the assurance on Sunday night during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 Gala Night held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of activities marking the 160th anniversary of the Nigerian Army.
The gala night, attended by senior government officials, military chiefs, foreign military delegations, traditional rulers, captains of industry and other distinguished guests, served as an evening of reflection, recognition and appreciation for the sacrifices of officers, soldiers, veterans and their families.
In his welcome address, the COAS described the occasion as a solemn tribute to the courage, dedication and enduring spirit of the men and women of the Nigerian Army, whose sacrifices continue to guarantee the nation’s security and stability.
“It is with immense pride and gratitude to Almighty God that we gather at this gala event to mark the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
“Tonight’s gala reflects a solemn tribute to the courage, dedication and enduring spirit of the officers, soldiers and families that make up the Nigerian Army,” he said.
The Army Chief specially welcomed the Special Guest of Honour, the Governor of Rivers State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, alongside senior representatives of the Federal and State Governments, former Chiefs of Defence Staff, former Service Chiefs, serving military commanders, representatives of African armies, members of the diplomatic community, royal fathers and members of the business community.
He expressed appreciation for their continued support to the Nigerian Army, describing such partnerships as critical to the success of military operations and national security.
Shaibu said the week-long NADCEL 2026 activities commenced with a press briefing in Abuja and had featured a series of programmes simultaneously across formations and units of the Nigerian Army nationwide.
According to him, the events were carefully designed not only to showcase the Nigerian Army as a symbol of national unity and professionalism but also to strengthen civil-military relations through community service projects and humanitarian activities.
“We have so far had an interesting series of events, which will culminate in the grand finale tomorrow.
“It is evident that all hands have been on deck to make this year’s celebration unique, and I assure you it will end on a high note, God willing,” he said.
Reflecting on the Army’s history, the COAS said the Nigerian Army had, over several decades, demonstrated exceptional courage, resilience and professionalism both in international peace support operations and domestic security operations.
He noted that from peacekeeping missions across Africa to ongoing counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism and internal security operations within Nigeria, officers and soldiers had remained steadfast in defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to him, the gala night was not only a celebration of the Army’s achievements but also an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of those who had served the country with distinction.
Shaibu particularly paid tribute to military veterans who participated in the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) peacekeeping operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone during the late 1980s and 1990s.
He said their courage and sacrifices had contributed immensely to regional peace and stability and deserved national recognition.
The Army Chief also paid glowing tribute to fallen heroes who lost their lives in the defence of Nigeria.
“As we celebrate tonight, let us also remember our fallen heroes, those who paid the ultimate price in service to our beloved nation.
“Their memories are enshrined in our hearts and their sacrifices remain the foundation upon which we continue to build a stronger and more secure Nigeria.
“We owe it to them and future generations to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline and patriotism,” he said.
Shaibu reaffirmed that the welfare and well-being of officers, soldiers and their families would continue to receive priority attention under his leadership.
He said the Army would continue to improve its welfare packages while investing in training, capacity building, infrastructure development and modern operational capabilities to enhance combat effectiveness.
The COAS further reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s loyalty to the Constitution and its unwavering commitment to supporting the Federal Government in safeguarding the nation’s unity and democratic institutions.
He disclosed that the Army would continue reviewing its operational strategies and transforming its processes to effectively confront emerging and anticipated security threats across the country.
“As an Army, we will continue to transform our processes and review our operational activities to effectively tackle the current and anticipated security challenges within our environment,” he stated.
Shaibu expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.
He noted that recent improvements in operational capabilities, troop welfare, logistics, training and infrastructure development had been made possible through the Federal Government’s sustained support.
According to him, the Army’s successes would also not have been possible without the cooperation of other security agencies, civil authorities, host communities, development partners and the families who stand behind every soldier.
Speaking on the theme of NADCEL 2026, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” Shaibu said it reflected the Army’s renewed commitment to strengthening partnerships with Nigerians in promoting peace, national unity and sustainable development.
He described the gala night as an opportunity for officers, soldiers and guests to reflect on the Army’s achievements, deepen camaraderie and renew their collective commitment to national service.
The COAS encouraged participants to interact, build stronger relationships and appreciate Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity as showcased during the event.
He also commended members of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2026 Central Organising Committee and the various local organising committees for their dedication, resourcefulness and hard work in ensuring the success of the anniversary celebration.
He urged them to sustain the momentum until the grand finale of the celebration.
Shaibu congratulated all officers, soldiers and civilian staff of the Nigerian Army on the occasion of its 160th anniversary, describing their dedication, loyalty and professionalism as the bedrock of Nigeria’s peace, security and stability.
“As we look ahead, let us remain resolute in our duty, steadfast in our resolve and united in our purpose,” he said.
The Nigerian Army Day Celebration is held annually to commemorate the establishment of the Nigerian Army and recognise the sacrifices, achievements and contributions of its personnel in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting internal security operations.
The 2026 edition, which marks the Army’s 160th anniversary, will culminate with the grand finale scheduled for Monday in Port Harcourt.
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kankomi have recovered 50 rustled cattle after repelling suspected cattle rustlers during an ambush operation in Chikun Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9:55 a.m. on July 4 over the activities of suspected rustlers at Ungwan Gontu community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly laid an ambush and made contact with the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and escape into the surrounding area.
During the operation, the troops recovered 50 rustled cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owner.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as security operations continue to combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Kaduna State.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have arrested a suspected military impostor during a fighting patrol in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:30 p.m. on July 4 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi while conducting routine patrols within Malumfashi town.
According to the sources, the suspect was intercepted while wearing a woodland camouflage three-quarter short, raising suspicion among the troops.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a fake Nigerian Army identity card, four Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, one woodland camouflage three-quarter short, a wristwatch and the sum of ₦17,000.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb impersonation of security personnel and other criminal activities within the area.
Troops Arrest Four Suspects Conveying Materials Believed for IED Production in Sokoto
Troops Arrest Four Suspects Conveying Materials Believed for IED Production in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 8 Division Garrison have arrested four suspected criminals found conveying metal materials believed to be intended for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Isa Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 4:15 p.m. on July 4 by troops deployed at Shanawa during a security operation.
According to the sources, the four suspects were intercepted while transporting metal bed frames and metal plates allegedly looted from Bafarawa community.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the recovered metal materials are commonly used as components in the fabrication of improvised explosive devices.
The suspects and the recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Military sources said the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and prevent the movement of materials that could be used to manufacture explosive devices in the North-West.
Security Forces Recover 249 Rustled Cattle from Terrorist Camp in Kogi
Security Forces Recover 249 Rustled Cattle from Terrorist Camp in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Combined security forces have recovered 249 rustled cattle from a suspected terrorist camp during a clearance operation in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 6:30 a.m. on July 3 by troops of 12 Brigade in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Hybrid Forces.
According to the sources, the recovered livestock were found at a camp previously occupied by the neutralised terrorist leader, Kachalla Ibrahim Baccujo, located within Ofere Forest.
The operation led to the recovery of 249 rustled cattle, which have been taken into the custody of the ONSA Hybrid Forces pending identification and return to their rightful owners.
Military sources said the recovery forms part of sustained joint operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves, disrupting criminal logistics, and restoring security across Kogi State.
Troops Rescue Four Kidnap Victims, Neutralise Suspected Terrorist in Kogi
Troops Rescue Four Kidnap Victims, Neutralise Suspected Terrorist in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Hybrid Forces, have rescued four kidnapped victims during a clearance operation in Lokoja Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 11:30 p.m. on July 2 following intelligence on kidnapping activities at a Ruga community in Obajana.
According to the sources, the troops deployed from Oshokoshoko made contact with the suspected kidnappers, leading to a gun battle in which one suspected terrorist was neutralised, while others fled into the surrounding area.
The troops subsequently exploited the terrorists’ withdrawal route and successfully rescued four kidnapped victims unharmed.
During the operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle magazine loaded with one round of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The rescued victims were reunited with their families, while the recovered ammunition has been taken into military custody for further investigation.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks responsible for kidnappings in the area.
Three Feared Killed in Rival Cult Clash in Kogi
Three Feared Killed in Rival Cult Clash in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Three suspected cult members were killed following a violent clash between rival cult groups in Ofu Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of 21 Battalion responded at about 5:30 p.m. on July 4 to reports of a suspected cult-related clash in Ejule community.
According to the sources, preliminary findings indicated that three suspected cult members were abducted during the clash, while their bodies were later discovered along the Ochadamu–Umomi road.
The troops restored normalcy to the affected area and have intensified security patrols to prevent further outbreaks of cult-related violence.
Security agencies said efforts are ongoing to investigate the incident and identify those responsible for the killings.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Hybrid Forces, have arrested a suspected terrorist during an operation in Lokoja Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 1:00 p.m. on July 4 to reports of a confrontation between local residents and a suspected terrorist at a Ruga settlement behind Obajana community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly intervened and arrested one suspect at the scene.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of a terrorist group led by an individual identified as Haruna, which allegedly operates within the Okene general area.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to establish the extent of his involvement and identify other members of the group.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks across Kogi State.
Three Killed, One Injured in Shooting Attack by Fulani Bandits at Plateau Smoking Spot
Three Killed, One Injured in Shooting Attack by Fulani Bandits at Plateau Smoking Spot
By Zagazola Makama
Three young men were killed and a teenage girl injured in a shooting attack by Fulani Bandits at a smoking spot in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to reports of sporadic gunfire at about 7:58 p.m. on July 4 around Rantiya community.
On arrival at the scene, the troops discovered the bodies of three male victims who had been shot dead, while a girl sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
The corpses were evacuated to the General Hospital in Barkin Ladi, while the injured victim was rushed to Damlak Clinic for urgent medical attention.
The sources said troops have launched efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing assailants responsible for the attack.
Security agencies said investigations into the incident are ongoing as efforts continue to restore calm and prevent further violence in the area.
Operation WHIRL STROKE Troops Arrest Suspected Militia Member in Benue
Operation WHIRL STROKE Troops Arrest Suspected Militia Member in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have arrested a suspected militia member during a clearance operation in Guma Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 5:00 a.m. on July 4 after troops deployed at Tatyough received intelligence on the presence of suspected militia members hiding at Tse Kyia community.
The sources said the troops swiftly responded to the report and arrested one suspect alleged to have been involved in terrorist-related activities in the area.
During the operation, the troops recovered one empty 7.62mm ammunition cartridge case and other sundry items believed to be linked to the suspect.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation and subsequent handover to the appropriate authorities.
Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation WHIRL STROKE to dismantle armed militia networks and enhance security across Benue State.
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis and Other Illicit Substances in Borno
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis and Other Illicit Substances in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested five suspected drug peddlers and recovered a large quantity of suspected illicit substances during separate operations in Gwoza Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the first operation was conducted at about 4:00 p.m. on July 2 by troops of 192 Battalion (Mechanised) at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Pulka.
During the operation, the troops arrested three suspected drug peddlers and recovered two sacks and 151 wraps of suspected cannabis, three bottles of a locally abused substance known as “Suck and Die,” one bottle of cough expectorant, three packs of tramadol, one pack of “Orisk,” 39 white tablets, two mobile phones, and the sum of ₦20,000 suspected to be proceeds of illicit drug sales.
In a related operation at about 9:45 p.m. on July 3, troops of 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison raided a suspected drug distribution point in Gwoza town, arresting two additional suspects.
Items recovered during the raid included 114 wraps of suspected cannabis, one bottle of syrup, one bottle of “Suck and Die,” one sack of “Captain Black,” one sack of cannabis seeds, 34 wraps of “Arizona,” 44 wraps of “Captain Black,” one MP3 player, one mobile phone, and the sum of ₦64,700.
The arrested suspects are currently in military custody and are expected to be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
Military sources said the operations form part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs, which are often linked to criminal and terrorist activities in the North-East.
Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush After IED Explosion on Damboa–Kumala Road
Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush After IED Explosion on Damboa–Kumala Road
By Zagazola Makama
Combined troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled a terrorist ambush after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated along the Damboa–Kumala road in Damboa Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on July 4 as troops of 19 Battalion (Mechanised), 25 Brigade Garrison, supported by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), were escorting 63 civilian vehicles to Kumala.
According to the sources, the convoy encountered an IED along the Main Supply Route (MSR) between Damboa, Bulabulin and Kumala. Shortly after the explosion, suspected terrorists launched an ambush about two kilometres from the incident point.
The troops responded with superior firepower, successfully fighting through the ambush and forcing the attackers to retreat.
Although two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle tyres were damaged by the explosion, no casualties were recorded among the troops or the escorted civilians.
The damaged tyres were replaced at the scene, after which the troops completed the mission and safely escorted 71 civilian vehicles on the return journey from Kumala to Damboa.
Military sources said the successful operation underscores the determination of Operation HADIN KAI troops to keep critical supply routes open and ensure the safe movement of civilians despite persistent terrorist threats in the North-East.
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis and Other Illicit Substances in Borno
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis and Other Illicit Substances in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested five suspected drug peddlers and recovered a large quantity of suspected illicit substances during separate operations in Gwoza Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the first operation was conducted at about 4:00 p.m. on July 2 by troops of 192 Battalion (Mechanised) at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Pulka.
During the operation, the troops arrested three suspected drug peddlers and recovered two sacks and 151 wraps of suspected cannabis, three bottles of a locally abused substance known as “Suck and Die,” one bottle of cough expectorant, three packs of tramadol, one pack of “Orisk,” 39 white tablets, two mobile phones, and the sum of ₦20,000 suspected to be proceeds of illicit drug sales.
In a related operation at about 9:45 p.m. on July 3, troops of 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison raided a suspected drug distribution point in Gwoza town, arresting two additional suspects.
Items recovered during the raid included 114 wraps of suspected cannabis, one bottle of syrup, one bottle of “Suck and Die,” one sack of “Captain Black,” one sack of cannabis seeds, 34 wraps of “Arizona,” 44 wraps of “Captain Black,” one MP3 player, one mobile phone, and the sum of ₦64,700.
The arrested suspects are currently in military custody and are expected to be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
Military sources said the operations form part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs, which are often linked to criminal and terrorist activities in the North-East.
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
By Zagazola Makama
Security was significantly reinforced around Niger’s Presidential Palace in Niamey following reports of unrest involving elements of the country’s armed forces, security sources told Zagazola Makama.
According to multiple security sources, the heightened deployment of the Presidential Guard, supported by armoured vehicles around the Presidential Palace on the night of July 3 and into July 4, followed what was described as a limited protest by personnel of an armoured unit within the Niger Armed Forces (FAN).
The sources said some soldiers reportedly declined deployment to frontline positions in northern Tillabéri Region, particularly around Inatès and Chinagodrar, citing inadequate heavy equipment and insufficient operational resources to confront the growing security threats in the area.
The protest was described by one source as a “small mutiny,” although there has been no official confirmation from the Nigerien authorities.
Security sources said the development triggered concern within the country’s leadership, prompting the reinforcement of security around the Presidential Palace and temporary restrictions on movement in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The Tillabéri Region remains one of Niger’s most volatile security zones, with recurrent attacks by armed extremist groups, including factions linked to the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerien government and military authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the reported protest or the increased security presence around the Presidency.
The situation remains under close observation.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Berom Militia Linked to NIPSS Attack as Security Sources Say Investigation Supports Earlier Leads
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Berom Militia Linked to NIPSS Attack as Security Sources Say Investigation Supports Earlier Leads
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected Berom militia allegedly linked to the recent attempted attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, in another significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 3:30 p.m. on July 4 during an intelligence-led operation by troops of Sector 6 at Trade Centre in Jos South.
According to the sources, one of the suspects was identified as Mr. Aboi, while the identity of the second suspect has yet to be officially released as investigations continue.
The sources said the two men were arrested in connection with the failed attack on the NIPSS facility and are currently undergoing interrogation to assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending other members of the alleged criminal militia network.
“The suspects are being exploited for further intelligence that could lead to the arrest of other members of the group involved in the attack,” one of the security sources said.
The latest arrests followed the July 2 attempted attack on the strategic national institution, during which troops engaged suspected Berom militia in a gun battle, killing one suspect while others escaped into nearby rocky terrain.
During that operation, troops recovered a service rifle bearing registration number CO-3175, which military authorities said had earlier been stolen from a soldier killed during an attack on troops at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11.
The recovery of the weapon had already prompted security agencies to widen investigations into possible links between the recent attacks on security personnel operating within the Kuru-Vom axis.
Following the publication of Zagazola Makama’s report identifying the slain attacker as a suspected member of an armed Berom militia operating within the area, the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) issued a statement rejecting the report.
Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, the association’s president, denied that the Berom ethnic community operated any militia group and challenged the report’s conclusions, arguing that the ethnicity of the deceased had not been independently established.
He claimed that the association had conducted inquiries and spoken to people within the community, but that no one claimed to know the identity of the attacker. He challenged Zagazola Media Network to back its claims with evidence and urged security agencies and journalists to rely only on verified information in reporting security incidents.
Subsequently, Zagazola Makama published additional reporting stating that the deceased attacker had been identified by local residents and multiple security and community sources as Peter, a Berom resident of the Trade Centre area. The report was supported by a 17-second WhatsApp video clip in which an individual identified the attacker as someone from his area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest of the latest suspects in the same Trade Centre axis, where Peter was reportedly traced, has strengthened investigators’ efforts to establish the composition of the group responsible for the attacks.
The sources, however, stressed that investigations remain ongoing and that the suspects would be afforded due process while intelligence exploitation continues.
Military authorities have yet to issue an official statement naming the suspects or announcing any formal charges.
Meanwhile, security has been reinforced around the NIPSS complex, with troops maintaining aggressive patrols, surveillance and domination operations aimed at preventing further attacks on the institution and adjoining communities.
The arrests are expected to assist investigators in unraveling the network behind the repeated attacks on security personnel and strategic facilities within the Kuru-Vom corridor.
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested two suspected criminals during a routine patrol in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects, identified as Azi Ezekiel, 21, and Ajiji Emmanuel, 19, were apprehended at about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday along the road leading to Forbur Village.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, while conducting a routine patrol in the area.
According to the sources, the two suspects have been handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Forbur for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at combating criminal activities and enhancing safety across Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Mohamdu Surajo, 29, was arrested at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday at Sabon Layi Village following sustained security operations in the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing preliminary interrogation to aid ongoing investigations.
They added that the arrest is part of continued efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across Plateau State.
One killed, another injured in Fulani Bandits attack as troops arrest suspect in Plateau
One killed, another injured in Fulani Bandits attack as troops arrest suspect in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspect following an attack by Fulani Bandits on Rinyan Community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau that left one person dead and another injured.
Security sources said the troops responded at about 4:00 p.m. on Saturday after receiving reports of an attack by suspected armed Fulani militia on the community.
According to the sources, on arrival at the scene, the troops found one person dead, while another victim had sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured victim was evacuated to the General Hospital in Riyom for medical treatment.
The sources said the troops immediately pursued the fleeing assailants but did not establish contact with them.
However, one suspect was arrested during the operation and is currently in custody undergoing interrogation as investigations continue.
The military has maintained intensified operations across Plateau to curb attacks and apprehend those responsible for violent crimes in the state.
Troops Repel Terrorist Attack on Forward Operating Base in Zamfara
Troops Repel Terrorist Attack on Forward Operating Base in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Combat Team 5 (CT 5) have repelled a terrorist attack on their Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Moriki, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists launched the attack at about 1:00 a.m. on Friday, assaulting the base from multiple directions.
The sources said the troops maintained their defensive positions and successfully repelled the attackers after an exchange of gunfire.
During the incident, three civilians sustained gunshot wounds and were immediately evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment.
The sources added that the situation has since been brought under control, while security has been reinforced in the area to prevent further attacks.
Troops Repel Terrorist Attack on Forward Operating Base in Zamfara
Troops Repel Terrorist Attack on Forward Operating Base in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Combat Team 5 (CT 5) have repelled a terrorist attack on their Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Moriki, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists launched the attack at about 1:00 a.m. on Friday, assaulting the base from multiple directions.
The sources said the troops maintained their defensive positions and successfully repelled the attackers after an exchange of gunfire.
During the incident, three civilians sustained gunshot wounds and were immediately evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment.
The sources added that the situation has since been brought under control, while security has been reinforced in the area to prevent further attacks.
Six Villagers Killed as Terrorists Attack Sokoto Community, Rustle Livestock
Six Villagers Killed as Terrorists Attack Sokoto Community, Rustle Livestock
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected terrorists have killed six villagers and rustled an unspecified number of livestock during an attack on Koludo Village in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that combined troops of the 8 Division Strike Team, 18 Field Engineer Regiment, 28 Support Engineer Regiment, and the Nigeria Police responded to a distress call following the attack at about 7:10 a.m. on Friday.
The sources said that upon arrival at the village, the security team confirmed that the attackers had invaded the community, killed six residents, and made away with livestock before fleeing.
The troops immediately launched a pursuit of the fleeing terrorists along their withdrawal routes but were forced to halt the operation after the suspects escaped into marshy terrain, which hindered further movement.
Security forces have maintained vigilance in the area while efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
Islam Prescribes Severe Punishment for Terrorists, Bandits, Says Islamic Scholar
Islam Prescribes Severe Punishment for Terrorists, Bandits, Says Islamic Scholar
By: Zagazola Makama
An Islamic scholar has said that Islam prescribes severe punishment for individuals involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes that threaten public safety.
The scholar, while delivering a sermon, cited Surah Al-Ma’idah, Verse 33 of the Qur’an, which outlines punishments for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and spread corruption on earth.
According to him, the verse states that those who engage in such acts may face capital punishment, crucifixion, amputation of opposite hands and feet, or exile from the land, depending on the gravity of their crimes and the judgment of lawful authorities.
He stressed that Islam does not tolerate criminality or violence carried out under the guise of religion, adding that the religion places a high premium on the protection of human life, property and public order.
The cleric explained that those who commit offences such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and treason have prescribed punishments under Islamic law once they are lawfully apprehended, prosecuted and found guilty.
He noted that the objective of such punishments is to deter violent crimes, safeguard society and ensure justice for victims.
The scholar urged Muslims and the general public not to associate the actions of terrorists and other violent criminals with the teachings of Islam, maintaining that the religion unequivocally condemns the shedding of innocent blood and all forms of corruption on earth.
He also called on security agencies and the judiciary to continue working within the law to ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.
Nigerien Forces Repel Attack in Tillabéri, Neutralise 41 Armed Assailants
Nigerien Forces Repel Attack in Tillabéri, Neutralise 41 Armed Assailants
By: Zagazola Makama
Niger’s Defence and Security Forces (FAN) have reportedly repelled an attack by armed assailants on a military position in Torodi, Tillabéri Region, killing 41 attackers and capturing two others alive.
According to information released by the Nigerien authorities, the incident occurred on Tuesday when the armed group attempted to overrun the security position.
The authorities said the troops responded swiftly, forcing the remaining attackers to flee after an intense exchange of fire.
Military sources added that a cache of weapons and equipment was recovered during the operation, including machine guns, rocket launchers, several AK-47 rifles, motorcycles and communication radios.
The Nigerien authorities commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism, describing the operation as another demonstration of the military’s resolve to defend the country’s territorial integrity and protect its citizens.
The authorities also called on members of armed groups operating in the country to lay down their arms and embrace peace, warning that security forces would continue sustained operations against groups threatening national security.
The Tillabéri Region, located in western Niger, has witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups linked to extremist organisations operating across the Sahel.
Gunmen abduct woman, kill retired Army officer in Nasarawa community
Gunmen abduct woman, kill retired Army officer in Nasarawa community
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected gunmen have abducted a woman and killed a retired Army officer during an attack on a residential community bordering the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nasarawa State.
Police sources said the incident occurred at about 12:45 a.m. on Friday at Plot 038, PGC Community, bordering Jikwoyi in the FCT.
The attackers reportedly invaded the residence of Silas Orite, 46, and abducted his wife, Bukola Oluwatoyin Silas, 40, taking her to an unknown destination.
According to the sources, the Community Chief Security Officer (CSO), Master Warrant Officer Reuben Yelwa, 61, a retired Nigerian Army personnel, responded in an attempt to assist during the attack but was shot dead by the assailants.
Police visited the scene, documented evidence and commenced investigations into the incident.
Security operatives have intensified efforts to rescue the abducted woman unharmed and track down those responsible for the attack, while area domination operations have been reinforced to prevent further criminal activities.
Suspected herders kill farmer in Benue community
Suspected herders kill farmer in Benue community
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected armed herders have killed a 60-year-old farmer, Emmanuel Kwaghchimin, during an attack on his farm in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Police sources said the incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday at Atse Village in Mbajir Council Ward, Abako area of the local government.
The victim was reportedly working on his farm when he was attacked and killed by the assailants.
Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Katsina-Ala led a team of officers to the scene.
The deceased’s body was evacuated to Aboh Hospital for a post-mortem examination before being released to his family for burial.
Police said security operatives have commenced combing nearby bushes in a bid to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Police arrest two suspects, recover firearm after violent altercation in Abia
Police arrest two suspects, recover firearm after violent altercation in Abia
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have arrested two suspects and recovered a locally made firearm and a live cartridge following a violent altercation in Ikwuano Local Government Area.
Police sources said the incident was reported at the Ikwuano Police Station at about 12:35 p.m. on Friday by Chiemela Opara of Oloko Proper.
According to the report, Opara alleged that following an earlier altercation, one Chibueze Stephen returned to his residence at about 9:00 a.m. armed with a locally made short gun and accompanied by three others, where they allegedly threatened to kill him.
Acting on the report, police operatives moved to the scene and arrested Chibueze Stephen and one of his alleged accomplices, Chukwuebuka Chinkee, while two other suspects fled.
Police said Chibueze Stephen had sustained severe machete injuries allegedly inflicted by village youths before officers arrived at the scene. He was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment.
A locally made short gun and one live cartridge were recovered during the operation.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
Fire razes about 50 shops at Ibadan market
Fire razes about 50 shops at Ibadan market
By: Zagazola Makama
A fire outbreak has destroyed about 50 shops at the Bode Market area of Ibadan, Oyo State, with no casualties recorded.
Police sources said the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Friday following reports from members of the public.
A team of police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of Mapo Division responded to the scene, while firefighters were immediately contacted to contain the blaze.
The fire was eventually extinguished through the combined efforts of firefighters and residents.
Police cordoned off the area to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the situation to loot affected shops.
Although about 50 shops were completely destroyed by the fire, no lives were lost and no injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, while the value of the property destroyed is still being assessed.
Police said investigations into the incident have commenced.
Amotekun operative arrested after accidental fatal shooting in Oyo
Amotekun operative arrested after accidental fatal shooting in Oyo
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative of the Amotekun Corps has been arrested following the accidental fatal shooting of a man during an attempt to arrest two persons involved in a violent altercation in Saki area of Oyo State.
Police sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at Ayemojuba Kosigi Village, via Saki.
The matter was reported to the Saki Police Division on Friday by Abdullahi Dogo, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Fulani association in Saki, who said two men of Fulani extraction, whose identities are yet to be established, engaged in a cutlass fight.
According to the report, an Amotekun operative, identified as Abdulafeez Alabi, allegedly discharged his firearm accidentally while attempting to arrest the two men, fatally hitting one of them.
The victim died at the scene, while the second individual was not reported to have been injured.
Police arrested the Amotekun operative and recovered a locally fabricated single-barrel gun as well as one expended cartridge from the scene.
The suspect is in police custody, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
APOLOGY TO MY RESPECTED PLATEAU FRIENDS.
APOLOGY TO MY RESPECTED PLATEAU FRIENDS.
This afternoon I made just two posts concerning National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru, suggesting the relocation of the Institute from its present site and turning the present site to a military formation.
The outpour of abuses is not disturbing but rather funny.
Watching the social media space on hourly basis, my tribe (Hausa) and faith (Islam) receive all sorts of negative statements.
If you people are hurt by my suggestions, imagine what we endure everyday from your negative statements about Hausa, Fulani and Muslims generally who are part of Plateau state.
I was born in Jos (Layin Zana, Audi Street) 60 years ago. I did all my education in Jos and I am still living in Jos with my family. I served this state in three previous administration namely Dariye's administration, Baba Jang's administration and Lalong's administration. I have been serving this state all my life paying tax, renewing my vehicle license, buying VATeable items etc all contributing to the growth and economy of Plateau state. There are over one million of people like scattered all over Jos and the state who are of Hausa, Fulani or Muslim faith. All of us consider Plateau as home with no where to go.
What you feel about my posts this afternoon is exactly what we feel whenever, for instance you people call for the relocation of University of Jos from my area, or asking government not to rebuild the Jos Main Market.
The new spirit on the Plateau should be that of live and let other Nigerians live. "Settlers" developed Lagos. Plateau could be another Lagos in the North when we learn to embrace every Nigerian and allow everyone who wants to live on the Plateau do so and to contribute his quota to the development of the state.
An exclusive Christian Plateau is a mirage!
A word is enough for the wise 🙏
Late Community Leader Daniel Pulle Laid to Rest Amid Tears as Killing Continues to Stir Questions in Plateau
Late Community Leader Daniel Pulle Laid to Rest Amid Tears as Killing Continues to Stir Questions in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Hundreds of mourners from different faiths and communities on Saturday gathered in Gana-Ropp, Ropp District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, to bid a final farewell to community leader, Mr. Daniel Pulle, popularly known as Nagunda, whose killing has continued to generate concern and controversy across the area.
Pulle, 60, was buried according to local customs amid emotional scenes as family members, traditional leaders, community elders, youths, women, and sympathisers paid glowing tributes to a man many described as a symbol of peace, unity and selfless service.
The late community leader was reportedly killed on the evening of June 28, 2026, in circumstances that remain unclear. His death has heightened concerns over networks of criminal militia groups operating in Barkin Ladi and renewed calls for a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Throughout the funeral ceremony, grief-stricken residents remembered Pulle as a humble and accommodating leader whose influence extended beyond ethnic and religious boundaries.
Many speakers described him as a bridge-builder who maintained cordial relationships with all segments of the community, including neighbouring Fulani settlements, despite the complex security challenges that have affected parts of Plateau State in recent years.
His reputation for peaceful coexistence was reflected in the large turnout at his burial, which drew hundreds of mourners comprising both Christians, Muslims and Fulani from within and outside Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
As prayers and tributes filled the atmosphere, many mourners struggled to hold back tears while recalling his contributions to community development and conflict resolution.
Residents said his death has left a vacuum in Gana-Ropp, where he was widely regarded as a respected voice of moderation and dialogue.
Although security agencies have yet to announce any arrest in connection with the killing, the incident has continued to generate widespread speculation among residents.
Community sources told Zagazola that one line of speculation centres on a prolonged leadership dispute involving Pulle and another member of the community. According to the sources, the disagreement had been the subject of litigation for an extended period before the court reportedly ruled in Pulle’s favour.
Other residents linked the incident to disagreements over land ownership and mining activities in the area.
According to community members, there had been disagreements between Pulle and some youths over parcels of land reportedly earmarked for mining activities involving Chinese investors.
The sources explained that while similar mining-related land transactions had reportedly been carried out successfully in other parts of Barkin Ladi, including neighbouring communities, efforts to execute a comparable arrangement in Gana-Ropp were met with resistance from some local residents.
However, none of the claims regarding the motive behind the killing has been officially confirmed by security authorities, and investigators have yet to disclose any findings linking the incident to either the leadership dispute or the land-related disagreements.
Many appealed to the Plateau State Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
“This is not just the loss of a family; it is the loss of an entire community,” one elderly mourner said. “Nagunda believed in peace and lived for his people. We owe him justice.”
Others noted that despite differences that naturally arise within communities, Pulle consistently advocated dialogue rather than confrontation and remained accessible to people across religious and ethnic divides.
As the late community leader was lowered into the earth amid prayers and sobbing relatives, mourners said the greatest tribute to his memory would be the restoration of peace and justice in Gana-Ropp.
Residents expressed hope that a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death would not only bring closure to his family but also help prevent further tension within the community.
Troops Raid Criminal Hideout in Imo, Recover Weapon, Military Items
Troops Raid Criminal Hideout in Imo, Recover Weapon, Military Items
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under the 82 Division and Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), have raided a suspected criminal hideout in Imo State, recovering a pump-action gun, military-style clothing and other items.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed intelligence obtained from a suspected logistics courier and armourer arrested earlier by troops.
According to the sources, the intelligence-led follow-up operation was conducted on July 3 by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, who advanced through difficult terrain to a suspected criminal hideout in Obiakpu Community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The sources said the troops came under contact with the suspects upon arrival, but the criminals fled into the surrounding area after encountering superior firepower from the soldiers.
A subsequent search of the hideout led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, one woodland camouflage uniform and seven black Special Forces-branded T-shirts, alongside other miscellaneous items.
The sources added that efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while investigations into the recovered items and the activities of the criminal network continue.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal hideouts and disrupt the activities of armed groups operating in the South-East.
The Plateau Narrative War: Why Naming Criminals Should Not Be Mistaken for Profiling Communities
The Plateau Narrative War: Why Naming Criminals Should Not Be Mistaken for Profiling Communities
By: Zagazola Makama
The reactions that followed Zagazola Media Network’s report identifying the suspect killed during the attempted attack near the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, has again exposed a deeper challenge in Plateau’s long-running conflict, the battle over narratives is increasingly becoming as fierce as the violence itself.
At no point did our report describe the good people of Berom as a militia. We referred to a suspected Berom militia member, (Peter from Trade Center Community in Plateau) based on what is circulating on various local indigenes platforms as well as available information from multiple security and local sources.
A 17 minutes video shared by Zagazola showed a Whatsapp conversation where one Berom youth was speaking to another telling him that he recognized the attacker as one Peter who was from his area at Trade Center and that he is a BEROM. That automatically qualified him to be a Bandits, terrorists or any name we chose to call him. Because more disturbing was the fact that the gun that was used for the attack was traced to be a rifle used by the same Berom Militia to attack and kill a Nigerian Soldier in another Berom community.
So, there is a world of difference between identifying the background of a suspect and criminalising an entire ethnic group. Those who deliberately blur that distinction are only choosing to mischievously misrepresent it.
Therefore, our report did not describe the Berom people as a militia. It referred to a suspected criminal from the Berom extraction as the militia member. Conflating the actions of an individual or an armed group with an entire ethnic community is misleading, just as suggesting that identifying a suspect’s background automatically amounts to profiling an entire people is equally misguided, problematic and misleading.
Curiously, this distinction appears to matter only when it is politically convenient. For years, reports identifying Fulani bandits have circulated widely with little objection from many of those who now insist that ethnicity should never be mentioned in security reporting. In fact, many have argued that identifying armed Fulani groups was necessary for transparency and accountability.
“Everyday we hear the Berom Youth leader profiling the entire Fulani communities as terrorist groups. Miyetti Allah association has severally been called a terrorist organization. He will always come out to warn that supporters of terrorists will also be considered as terrorists. In his numerous emotional speeches, he always pointed at a peaceful Fulani community and told the world that it is through those communities that the terrorists are coming to attack the Berom Communities. Sometimes, he will name some of the communities as training grounds for terrorists. This is normal as it fits in the narratives because they are FULANI.
And when the Fulani’s are killed in any part of the Berom Communities, instead of condemnation, the Berom Leader will come out and say that the Fulani themselves were the ones who scheme the killings in order to have a reason to attack the Berom people. The man has used this same script in more than 10 different attacks against the Fulani by his people.
Now, a different standard appears to be emerging. When the identity of a suspect allegedly points elsewhere, the conversation suddenly shifts from the attack itself to the identity of the attacker, and eventually to the journalist who reported it.
The irony is difficult to ignore. Plateau’s conflict has never been a simple story of one community attacking another. Security operations over the years have led to the arrest of armed suspects from different ethnic backgrounds. Weapons have been recovered from various communities. Security personnel have repeatedly confronted armed groups operating under different identities. Innocent civilians have been killed across ethnic and religious lines. Infact, troops have come under heavy attack by Berom Militia leading to the killing of an Officer recently.
Pain does not recognise ethnicity. Neither should justice. That reality is uncomfortable because it refuses to fit neatly into a single narrative. (We are targeted for Genocide). The unfortunate consequence is that every security incident increasingly becomes a contest over perception rather than an opportunity to confront criminality.
Perhaps the hardest truth to accept is that many attacks on the Plateau today are reprisals for previous attacks. One killing produces another. One burnt settlement leads to another. Every side points to yesterday’s victims to justify today’s violence. That endless cycle has turned grief into an inheritance passed from one generation to another. This is what we find and we have all the documented stories with facts, time and coordinates.
Meanwhile, misinformation has become another weapon of war. False narratives spread faster than verified facts. Every incident is immediately reshaped to fit an existing political or ethnic storyline. Social media amplifies rumours. WhatsApp manufactures witnesses. Every community believes only its own version of events. Facts become secondary.
Every community readily acknowledges the crimes committed against it but often hesitates to openly confront violent actors operating from within its own ranks. The Berom communities have always defended these criminal networks describing them as the defenders of the Berom Land. This is why in many cases, they will come out to confront the military asking for the release of any perpetrator no matter the crime.
This pattern is not unique to one ethnic group.
Across Plateau’s troubled communities, violent individuals often find defenders long before investigators complete their work. Once arrests are made or suspects are neutralised, debates frequently shift from accountability to allegations of bias, while the original crime gradually fades into the background. Meanwhile, the victims remain dead.
For example, the so-called advocate of peace simply attempted to shift the conversation from the act of terrorism perpetrated by the militia from the Berom extraction to the naming of the Berom Militia. They are more concerned about the name attached to the criminal instead of the act. Worst still, they attempted to disown him because he was caught in the act.
One of the less discussed realities of the Plateau crisis is that many attacks are reprisals. A village is attacked; another community retaliates. Livestock are stolen; farms are destroyed in response. One funeral becomes the justification for another. This vicious cycle has continued for years, producing victims on every side while strengthening extremists who benefit from perpetual hostility.
Equally concerning is the growing role of misinformation. Competing narratives now spread almost instantly after every incident. Social media platforms become arenas where facts compete with rumours, and carefully crafted ethnic narratives often gain traction before investigators even arrive at crime scenes. Mainstream media are deliberately not reporting these issues. In such an environment, objective reporting inevitably becomes unpopular because facts rarely satisfy entrenched positions.
Yet journalism cannot become hostage to public sentiment. If armed Fulani bandits are identified where evidence supports that conclusion, the same standard should apply to any other armed group. Conversely, where evidence changes or proves insufficient, responsible journalism equally demands correction. That is how credibility is built not through selective silence but through consistency. In this case Zagazola was right. PETER was a Berom son. Does this criminalize every Berom, no. It only criminalised Mr Peter and his networks of Militia.
Now, the larger question is whether Plateau’s stakeholders are prepared to confront criminality wherever it exists. The overwhelming majority of Berom, Fulani and other ethnic communities in Plateau desire peace. Farmers want to cultivate their land. Herders want to graze their livestock. Traders want to move safely. Children want to attend school without fear. Unfortunately, these aspirations continue to be undermined by a relatively small number of violent actors whose actions often receive moral justification from competing ethnic narratives.
As a Fulani herder, you cannot passed through certain communities without being lynched. So also the Berom people, same fate are mated on them the same way. Both communities have no go areas and to prevent the killings, troops of Operation Enduring Peace, created buffer zones where cattle are prevented from encroaching farmlands.
Justice cannot operate with two different measuring sticks. One of the uncomfortable truths about the Plateau conflict is that violent actors exist on all sides. That reality has been documented repeatedly by security agencies, intelligence reports, court records, arrests and operational outcomes. Armed groups have emerged from different communities. Weapons have been recovered from different communities. Suspects have been arrested from different communities. Some have even been killed while attacking security forces.
Acknowledging that reality is not hatred. It is honesty. What has remained disappointingly absent over the years is consistent moral courage from community leaders across the divide. Whenever security agencies arrest armed Fulani criminals, many Fulani leaders dismiss the reports as collective persecution. Whenever armed youths from Berom communities are arrested or neutralised during violent incidents, some leaders respond with outright denial or insist that the victims somehow killed themselves. Every incident quickly becomes another battle of competing narratives instead of an opportunity to confront criminality.
That is precisely why independent journalism matters. Our responsibility is not to comfort one side or the other. Our responsibility is to document events as accurately as possible, correct mistakes where credible evidence demands it, and continue reporting without fear or favour.
Some have suggested that identifying armed groups from different communities somehow fuels division. We disagree. What fuels division is selective outrage. What fuels division is defending criminals because they speak your language or pray the same way you do. What fuels division is pretending that violence exists only on one side while ignoring atrocities committed on another. Criminals thrive where communities refuse to confront them.
The Plateau crisis will not end through propaganda. It will not end through denial. It will not end by blaming journalists for reporting uncomfortable realities. It will end only when every community accepts one principle: a criminal is a criminal, regardless of ethnicity. It will end when parents stop celebrating armed youths as defenders while condemning identical crimes committed by others.
It will end when political leaders find the courage to support genuine dialogue instead of allowing fear of public backlash or political correctness to dictate peace efforts. It will end when facts become more important than narratives.
Plateau remains one of Nigeria’s most beautiful states, and the overwhelming majority of its people Berom, Fulani, Anaguta, Afizere, Irigwe, Mwaghavul, Ron and many others want nothing more than to live in peace. The violence is concentrated in relatively few areas, yet its consequences stain the reputation of the entire state. That should concern all of us.
Zagazola Media Network has no quarrel with any ethnic group. We have no interest in promoting one narrative over another. Our only commitment is to the truth as established by credible evidence.
Those who disagree with our reports are free to challenge them with verifiable facts. Journalism welcomes scrutiny. But replacing evidence with outrage has never solved a single conflict.
Peace will remain elusive as long as communities measure justice by the identity of the suspect rather than the gravity of the offence.
Zagazola Media Network
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the critical role of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in strengthening discipline, leadership and operational effectiveness across the Nigerian Army.
The COAS made the remarks on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed 6 Division Regimental Sergeant Major’s House in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
Speaking at the event, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described RSMs as the backbone of regimental administration and custodians of discipline, standards and morale within the Army.
He said the provision of dedicated accommodation for RSMs was not merely a welfare initiative but a strategic investment aimed at enhancing leadership at the unit level and improving operational efficiency.
According to the Army Chief, RSMs play a vital role in translating command directives into action, maintaining troop cohesion and ensuring effective implementation of operational orders across various theatres of operation.
He added that the senior non-commissioned officers also serve as the crucial link between officers and soldiers, fostering professionalism, mutual trust and esprit de corps within formations and units.
Shaibu noted that the influence of RSMs in mentoring soldiers, enforcing discipline and sustaining troop morale remains indispensable to the success of military operations.
He stressed that providing conducive accommodation for key regimental leaders would enhance their ability to discharge their responsibilities effectively and contribute to improved operational readiness.
The COAS reiterated that under his “Soldier First” philosophy, the welfare of personnel, particularly those occupying critical leadership positions, remains a top priority.
He maintained that sustained investment in welfare infrastructure and leadership development would continue to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to remain a resilient, professional and combat-ready force capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
NADCEL 2026: COAS seeks stronger Rivers partnership to boost national security
NADCEL 2026: COAS seeks stronger Rivers partnership to boost national security
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Friday paid a courtesy visit to Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in tackling security challenges and protecting critical national assets.
The visit formed part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026), which is being hosted in Rivers State.
Speaking during the visit, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu said he was in the state for the week-long celebration, which will culminate in the grand finale on July 6.
The Army Chief expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Rivers State for their support and hospitality, noting that the conducive environment created by the state had contributed significantly to the successful organisation of the annual celebration.
He also commended the Rivers State Government for its continued support to the Nigerian Army, stressing that sustained collaboration among the military, government and the citizenry remains vital in addressing emerging security threats and safeguarding critical national infrastructure.
Shaibu said closer cooperation between security agencies and state authorities would further enhance efforts to preserve peace, protect strategic assets and promote national development.
In his remarks, Gov. Fubara thanked the Chief of Army Staff for selecting Rivers State to host the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
The governor commended Lt.-Gen. Shaibu for what he described as significant improvements in the security situation in the state since he assumed office as Chief of Army Staff, noting that the improved security environment had contributed to increased oil production and broader economic activities.
Fubara also praised the Nigerian Army for its sustained efforts in combating insurgency, pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, describing the military as a critical partner in ensuring the nation’s security and economic stability.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Rivers State Government to sustaining its support for the Nigerian Army, both in hosting NADCEL 2026 and in ongoing operations aimed at protecting critical national infrastructure and strengthening internal security across the state.
COAS hosts global army chiefs, strengthens military cooperation at NADCEL 2026
COAS hosts global army chiefs, strengthens military cooperation at NADCEL 2026
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Friday hosted Chiefs of Army and senior military leaders from Africa and other parts of the world at a cocktail reception in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
The event, attended by top military commanders from several partner nations, served as a platform to deepen defence cooperation, strengthen military diplomacy and enhance professional engagement among participating armies.
Addressing the gathering, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described the Nigerian Army Day Celebration as more than a ceremonial event, noting that it provides a strategic opportunity for military leaders to exchange operational experiences, strengthen partnerships and foster greater collaboration in addressing emerging security challenges.
The army chief said the evolving nature of global and transnational security threats requires sustained cooperation, knowledge sharing and improved interoperability among armed forces to enhance collective security and operational effectiveness.
He stressed that partnerships founded on mutual trust, professionalism and shared values remain essential in safeguarding peace, promoting regional stability and responding effectively to contemporary security threats.
The reception brought together senior military leaders from across Africa and other parts of the world, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening international defence cooperation and advancing regional and global security.
The cocktail reception is one of the highlights of the week-long activities lined up for NADCEL 2026 in Rivers State, which has attracted military delegations from several countries in celebration of the Nigerian Army’s 163 years of service and commitment to national security.
COAS hosts global army chiefs, strengthens military cooperation at NADCEL 2026
COAS hosts global army chiefs, strengthens military cooperation at NADCEL 2026
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Friday hosted Chiefs of Army and senior military leaders from Africa and other parts of the world at a cocktail reception in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
The event, attended by top military commanders from several partner nations, served as a platform to deepen defence cooperation, strengthen military diplomacy and enhance professional engagement among participating armies.
Addressing the gathering, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described the Nigerian Army Day Celebration as more than a ceremonial event, noting that it provides a strategic opportunity for military leaders to exchange operational experiences, strengthen partnerships and foster greater collaboration in addressing emerging security challenges.
The army chief said the evolving nature of global and transnational security threats requires sustained cooperation, knowledge sharing and improved interoperability among armed forces to enhance collective security and operational effectiveness.
He stressed that partnerships founded on mutual trust, professionalism and shared values remain essential in safeguarding peace, promoting regional stability and responding effectively to contemporary security threats.
The reception brought together senior military leaders from across Africa and other parts of the world, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening international defence cooperation and advancing regional and global security.
The cocktail reception is one of the highlights of the week-long activities lined up for NADCEL 2026 in Rivers State, which has attracted military delegations from several countries in celebration of the Nigerian Army’s 163 years of service and commitment to national security.
One Killed, Nine Injured as Vehicle Hits Suspected IED in Borno
One Killed, Nine Injured as Vehicle Hits Suspected IED in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
One person was killed and nine others injured after a trailer conveying passengers struck a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) along the Komala village axis in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Police sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on July 2 when the trailer, driven by Isa Uba, was travelling from Maiduguri to Damboa.
The sources said the explosive device was suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the route.
According to the sources, a passenger, Zannah Mulima, 26, from Ajari Ward in Damboa, died at the scene, while nine other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The injured were identified as Abdulkarim Jibrin, Hauwa Abubakar, Mustapha Mohammed Abba, Goni Bulama, Alhaji Goni Gajimi and Yagana Shettima, all of Damboa Town; Sani Mohammed Abdullahi of Abuja Sharaton, Maiduguri; Awana Mohammed of Dala, Maiduguri; and Abdulhamid Ali of Ngomari Airport, Maiduguri.
The sources said combined teams of the military, police tactical units, Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) operatives, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and hunters were immediately deployed to the scene.
They said the injured victims were evacuated to hospital for treatment, while the body of the deceased was removed to the hospital, certified dead by a medical doctor and later released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
The sources added that EOD personnel rendered the scene safe after the explosion, while security forces had sustained combing operations in the area to prevent further attacks.
Police Arrest Suspect as Rival Youth Groups Clash in Bauchi
Police Arrest Suspect as Rival Youth Groups Clash in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Bauchi has arrested a 22-year-old suspect following a clash between rival youth groups in Bauchi metropolis that left one person seriously injured.
Police sources said the incident occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on July 2 when a clash broke out between youths from Gudum Sayawa and Gudum Hausawa, popularly known as “Sara Suka.”
The sources said one Umar AC sustained serious injuries during the violence.
According to the sources, a police patrol team responded swiftly to the scene and evacuated the injured victim to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where he was admitted for treatment.
The sources said one Zurkanlaini Alhassan, 22, was arrested in connection with the incident.
They added that investigations were ongoing to identify other persons involved and determine the circumstances that led to the clash.
Bandits Attack Truck Driver, Injure One in Sokoto
Bandits Attack Truck Driver, Injure One in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected armed bandits have attacked a truck driver conveying soft drinks in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving him with gunshot injuries.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on July 2 along Boka village in Tureta LGA when a large number of armed bandits, wielding sophisticated weapons, opened fire on a truck transporting Coca-Cola products.
The sources identified the injured driver as Sharifu Aliyu, 29, who sustained a gunshot wound to his back during the attack.
According to the sources, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately mobilised tactical teams in conjunction with troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the scene, but the attackers had fled before the arrival of security operatives.
The sources said the victim was evacuated to the General Hospital, Tureta, where he is responding to treatment.
They added that neighbouring police divisions had been placed on alert to track down the fleeing suspects, while confidence-building patrols had been intensified in the area to reassure residents and forestall further attacks.
One Killed, Another Injured as Bandits Attack Communities, Rustle Livestock in Cross River
One Killed, Another Injured as Bandits Attack Communities, Rustle Livestock in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
One person was killed and another injured when suspected armed bandits attacked Keluje/Yaula and Kulodo villages in Cross River, police have said.
Police sources said the attack occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on July 2 when a large number of armed bandits invaded the remote communities, firing sporadically and rustling an unspecified number of domestic animals.
The sources said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), on receiving the report, mobilised tactical teams, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Anti-Kidnapping operatives and personnel from the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the affected communities.
According to the sources, one resident, identified as Malam Aliyu, 50, of Yaula village, was shot dead during the attack, while another resident, Malam Tunau, 45, sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg.
The sources said the deceased’s body was evacuated to a hospital for autopsy, while the injured victim was receiving medical treatment.
They added that joint security teams were combing the surrounding bushes to recover the rustled livestock and apprehend the fleeing attackers.
The police further said neighbouring divisions had been placed on alert to intercept the suspects, while confidence-building patrols had been intensified in the affected communities to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.
Workers Protest Unpaid Salaries at Obudu Cattle Ranch Resort
Workers Protest Unpaid Salaries at Obudu Cattle Ranch Resort
By: Zagazola Makama
Workers of the Obudu Cattle Ranch Resort in Cross River on July 1 staged a peaceful protest over the non-payment of five months’ salary arrears.
Police sources said credible intelligence received at about 1:15 p.m. indicated that workers had gathered at the resort to demand payment of their outstanding salaries.
The sources said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Obanliku immediately led officers from the Utanga Police Post and other personnel to the resort to monitor the situation and ensure law and order.
According to the sources, the protesting workers locked the main entrance to the resort and demanded to meet with the Special Assistant to the Government on the ranch resort to negotiate a resolution to their grievances.
The official was, however, unavailable at the time of the protest.
The sources said the demonstration remained peaceful throughout, with no damage to government property or injuries recorded.
They added that the protesters later dispersed peacefully to their respective homes after security personnel monitored the situation.
Police Investigate Woman’s Mysterious Death in Church Toilet in Calabar
Police Investigate Woman’s Mysterious Death in Church Toilet in Calabar
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Cross River has commenced an investigation into the death of a woman whose body was found in a church toilet in Calabar.
Police sources said the incident was reported at the Federal Housing Police Station on July 1 by Peace Minka Ayebe, who said she received information from her elder brother, Saviour Ayebe, regarding the death of their mother, Blessing Ayebe.
The sources said the deceased had attended a service at the Presbyterian Church, Ikot Ansa Parish, on June 28 but did not return home.
According to the report, she remained missing until about 9:00 p.m. on June 29 when she was found lifeless in the church toilet.
The sources said the victim was evacuated to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where she was confirmed dead before her remains were deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Police detectives who visited the scene and the hospital observed no visible marks of violence on the body.
The sources added that investigations had commenced to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the death.
Police Recover Four Locally Made Pistols Abandoned at Benue Motor Park
Police Recover Four Locally Made Pistols Abandoned at Benue Motor Park
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Police Command in Benue have recovered four locally fabricated Beretta-style pistols concealed in a modified container at a motor park in the state.
Police sources said the recovery was made at about 4:00 p.m. on July 2 during a routine patrol at a motor park when officers observed a green Sharon bus with registration number MKD 75 XB that had arrived from Ayingba in Kogi State.
The sources said a passenger seated in the front of the vehicle suddenly alighted and fled on noticing the approaching police officers, abandoning a five-litre plastic container.
According to the sources, officers initially believed the container held engine oil, but a thorough inspection revealed that its base had been cut open and resealed to conceal four locally fabricated English Beretta pistols.
The sources added that efforts were ongoing to identify, trace and arrest the fleeing suspect, while investigations into the origin and intended destination of the firearms had commenced.
Police Neutralise Four Suspected Bandits, Recover Firearm in Benue
Police Neutralise Four Suspected Bandits, Recover Firearm in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Benue has neutralised four suspected armed bandits and recovered a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, ammunition and other exhibits during an intelligence-led operation in Logo Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources said the operation was carried out at about 5:00 a.m. on July 2 following credible intelligence on the activities of armed bandits at their hideout in Tse Gaagum, Mbavuur Ward, Logo LGA.
The sources said the operatives came under attack on arrival at the location as the suspects opened fire on the team, prompting the police to respond, resulting in a gun duel.
According to the sources, four of the suspected bandits were neutralised during the exchange of fire, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
The sources said a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, six rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition, mobile phones and suspected criminal charms were recovered from the scene.
The bodies of the deceased suspects were evacuated and deposited at a mortuary for post-mortem examination.
The sources added that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Police Inaugurate Violent Crime Response Unit in Lagos, Receive Operational Support
Police Inaugurate Violent Crime Response Unit in Lagos, Receive Operational Support
By: Zagazola Makama
The Lagos State Police Command has inaugurated its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against violent crimes and enhance rapid response to security threats across the state.
The inauguration, held on Thursday at the unit’s operational base in Ijora Olopa, Oto Road, followed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police on the establishment of the specialised unit nationwide.
The VCRU is designed to serve as a tactical operational backup team for rapid deployment to high-risk incidents, intelligence-led operations, coordinated enforcement actions and swift response to violent crimes.
During the event, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) donated five operational vehicles, 1,200 raincoats and 1,000 pairs of operational boots to support the operations of the newly inaugurated unit.
The inauguration was attended by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, senior officers of the command, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, the Ojora of Ijora Kingdom, Oba Abdulfatai Aromire, the Aare Onikoyi of Yorubaland, Aare Tomori Williams, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, Engr. Olalekan Adigun, the President and Founder of the Social Intervention Advocacy Foundation, Dr. Segun Awosanya, the Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Lagos State Command, Apostle Kehinde Sowemimo, as well as other strategic security stakeholders.
The event concluded peacefully without any security incident.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist, Recover Phones, Cash in Kogi
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist, Recover Phones, Cash in Kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 12 Brigade have intercepted a suspected terrorist and recovered three mobile phones, an MP3 player and cash during a security operation in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources said the suspect was intercepted at about 5:20 p.m. on July 2 along the Owara–Atsawa Road in Lokoja LGA.
The sources said a preliminary investigation revealed photographs and videos of suspected terrorist activities stored on the suspect’s mobile phone.
According to the sources, troops recovered three mobile phones, an MP3 player and the sum of N19,200 from the suspect.
The sources added that the suspect and the recovered items were in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops Arrest Suspected Armed Robber, Recover Firearm and Stolen Items in Plateau
Troops Arrest Suspected Armed Robber, Recover Firearm and Stolen Items in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally made revolver pistol, suspected stolen items and other exhibits during an operation in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the troops responded at about 12:30 a.m. on Friday to reports of the activities of a suspected armed robber at Yelwa Zangam village in Bassa LGA.
The sources said the suspect engaged the troops in a gun duel on sighting them and was shot in the leg during the exchange of fire before he was overpowered and arrested.
According to the sources, troops recovered one locally made revolver pistol, one motorcycle, one 9mm empty shell, two sachets of a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa, one mobile phone, one television set, one speaker, one DVD player and one decoder from the suspect.
The sources added that the suspect was receiving medical treatment at a hospital, while the recovered exhibits were secured for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Four Victims in Plateau
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Four Victims in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued four abducted victims in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the troops, deployed at Gashish, responded at about 8:30 p.m. on July 2 to reports of suspected kidnappers operating along the Kurra–Exland Road in the Razat Forest area of Barkin Ladi LGA.
The sources said the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene, forcing the suspected kidnappers to abandon their mission and flee into the surrounding rocky terrain.
According to the sources, four kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed during the operation.
The sources added that troops had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and sustain operations aimed at curbing kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
Troops, DSS, Police Arrest Suspect, Recover Firearm in Enugu
Troops, DSS, Police Arrest Suspect, Recover Firearm in Enugu
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 82 Division Garrison, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, have arrested a suspect and recovered a firearm during a joint operation in Enugu State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 2:45 a.m. on Friday at his residence on Umuoji Street, Independent Layout, Enugu.
The sources said the operation was carried out based on actionable intelligence obtained from the DSS Headquarters in Lagos State.
According to the sources, security operatives recovered one double-barrel gun and three mobile phones during a search of the suspect’s residence.
The suspect and the recovered items have been handed over to the DSS for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist, Recover AK-47 in Benue Anti-Kidnap Operation
Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist, Recover AK-47 in Benue Anti-Kidnap Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a swift anti-kidnapping operation in Benue State.
The operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers at Jotar Village near the Quarantine Checkpoint on July 2.
Spokesperson of OPWS said troops deployed at Kyado immediately mobilised to the area to prevent the criminals from carrying out their activities.
It said the troops made contact with the armed suspects on arrival, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
According to the statement, one suspected terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines from the scene.
The statement added that preliminary indicators suggested the neutralised suspect might have been a member of the gang responsible for the July 1 attack on commuters in the area, during which the former Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG) sustained gunshot injuries.
The Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience, courage and commitment to protecting lives and property.
He urged them to sustain aggressive fighting patrols and maintain pressure on criminal elements to deny them freedom of action throughout the Joint Operations Area.
Gara also lauded other security agencies for their continued collaboration and intelligence sharing, describing inter-agency cooperation as critical to achieving lasting peace and security.
He called on all security stakeholders to remain united in the collective effort to restore peace, stability and tranquillity across the area of operation.
The force commander reaffirmed Operation WHIRL STROKE’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring them that all useful intelligence would be treated confidentially and acted upon promptly.
Troops Recover Nine Cattle Rustled in Mangu, in Plateau, Intensify Search for Remaining Livestock
Troops Recover Nine Cattle Rustled in Mangu, in Plateau, Intensify Search for Remaining Livestock
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have recovered nine rustled cattle following a swift response to a cattle rustling incident in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 3:32 p.m. on July 2, when suspected rustlers made away with 28 cattle from Ajing village in Mangu LGA.
The sources said troops of Sector 8 OPEP, working in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and the Panyam Youth Leader, immediately launched a search operation in the mountainous areas around Vodni Larkas.
During the operation, the security team successfully recovered nine of the stolen cattle, which were moved to a secure location for documentation and subsequent handover to their rightful owners.
The sources added that efforts were ongoing to track down the rustlers and recover the remaining 19 cattle.
Stakeholders seek unity, counter misinformation on Plateau attacks at peace meeting
Stakeholders seek unity, counter misinformation on Plateau attacks at peace meeting
By: Zagazola Makama
Stakeholders have called for unity among communities and the need to counter misinformation surrounding recent security incidents during a peace engagement held in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the stakeholders’ meeting, organised by the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, was held on Friday at the Bokkos Local Government Conference Hall.
The meeting was attended by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Maj.-Gen. EF Oyinlola, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, OPEP, Brig.-Gen. MS Sule.
Also in attendance were the Plateau State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, the Director-General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, the Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, traditional and religious leaders, representatives of security agencies, as well as community and youth leaders.
According to the sources, participants deliberated on misconceptions and misinformation surrounding the military’s response to the recent attack on Kawel village in the Mushere Central District.
The meeting also emphasised the need to strengthen unity among the Mushere people and bridge communication gaps, particularly involving women and youths, as part of efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent further violence.
Sources said the engagement ended peacefully without any security incident.
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intercepted a herd of cattle found grazing in a restricted area in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Sector 4 OPEP responded to a report of illegal grazing at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday in Nyerwie village.
The sources said that upon arrival at the location, the troops found a herd of cattle grazing in the restricted area.
The herders reportedly fled into nearby bushes on sighting the troops, abandoning the livestock.
The intercepted cattle were subsequently moved to a secure location for necessary administrative action, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing herders, the sources said.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected vandals in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State for allegedly stealing construction materials from an ongoing road construction site.
Security sources said the suspects, identified as Arin Itse, 21, and Agwom Christopher, 19, were arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on Friday during a routine patrol by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, along the Kwanga road in Jos North.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted while in possession of iron rods suspected to have been stolen from a road construction company handling an ongoing project in the area.
According to the sources, the suspects were taken into custody for further investigation, while the recovered iron rods were handed over to the construction company.
The sources added that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and whether other persons were involved.
Suspected Armed Robber Dies in Hospital After Gunshot Wounds Sustained During Shootout with Troops
Suspected Armed Robber Dies in Hospital After Gunshot Wounds Sustained During Shootout with Troops
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected armed robber, Mustapha Haruna, has died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Plateau State after sustaining gunshot wounds during an exchange of fire with troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) in Bassa Local Government Area.
Security sources said Haruna was wounded during a gun battle with troops at Yelwa Zangam village in Bassa LGA in an earlier security operation.
The sources said the suspect, who had been receiving treatment at the Plateau State Hospital, was confirmed dead at about 6:58 a.m. on Friday.
According to the sources, his remains were deposited at the old Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) mortuary pending further necessary action.
The sources added that the incident followed an earlier operation in which troops engaged the suspect in a firefight during efforts to apprehend him.
Troops Conduct Show of Force, Ensure Peaceful Juma’at Prayers in Jos-Bukuru
Troops Conduct Show of Force, Ensure Peaceful Juma’at Prayers in Jos-Bukuru
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in collaboration with other security agencies, on Friday conducted a show of force across the Jos-Bukuru metropolis as part of measures to ensure peaceful Juma’at prayers in Plateau State.
Security sources said the operation involved personnel of OPEP, the Nigerian Air Force’s 551 Station, Operation Keystone, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies.
The sources said the joint security team patrolled major flashpoints within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis before deploying personnel to various sectors and sub-sectors across the Joint Operations Area to provide security during Juma’at prayers.
According to the sources, the operation was aimed at reassuring residents, deterring criminal activities and denying criminal elements the freedom to operate.
The sources added that the prayers and the security operation were conducted peacefully without any security breach.
ECOWAS, WACSI seal landmark pact to strengthen civil society's role in regional integration
ECOWAS, WACSI seal landmark pact to strengthen civil society's role in regional integration
By: Zagazola Makama
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), reaffirming its commitment to placing citizens at the heart of regional integration even as the bloc navigates the political consequences of the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
The agreement, signed in Abuja on Friday, formalises a long-standing relationship between the regional organisation and the Ghana-based institute, creating a framework for collaboration on conflict prevention, democratic governance, peacebuilding, civic participation, digital governance and institutional capacity building.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, insisted that despite the departure of the three Sahel states from the 15-member bloc, the peoples of the region remain deeply connected.
"It's a divorce without leaving the house," Touray remarked, drawing laughter from the audience before explaining that while governments may have taken different political paths, the social, economic and cultural ties binding West Africans remain strong.
He stressed that ECOWAS would continue to engage citizens across the region, saying the organisation's vision of integration could only succeed with an active and vibrant civil society.
"We continue to open our doors to the people," Touray said, adding that civil society organisations remain indispensable partners in promoting democratic governance, accountability and sustainable development.
The ECOWAS Commission President described the MoU as "far more than a formal agreement", saying it represents "a shared commitment to partnership, dialogue and collective action in pursuit of a peaceful, democratic, prosperous and resilient West Africa."
According to him, the partnership comes at a critical time as the region grapples with unconstitutional changes of government, violent extremism, fragile political transitions, shrinking civic space, youth unemployment, climate-induced pressures and declining development financing.
"These challenges demand stronger partnerships, innovative approaches and coordinated responses that draw on the comparative strengths of governments, regional institutions and civil society," he said.
Touray said the agreement would strengthen ECOWAS' preventive diplomacy architecture by leveraging the knowledge and reach of civil society to improve early warning systems, anticipate governance and security risks, and promote peaceful democratic transitions anchored on constitutional rule. He added that the collaboration would also deepen citizen engagement, protect civic freedoms, empower women and young people, strengthen civil society institutions and promote responsible digital governance in line with ECOWAS Vision 2050.
In her response, WACSI Executive Director, Dr Nana Asantewa Afadzinu, described the agreement as an "epochal" milestone that demonstrates ECOWAS' determination to transform itself into "an ECOWAS of peoples."
"For us, it's bigger than WACSI," she said.
"ECOWAS has been established with a very clear direction that it is not just an ECOWAS of Heads of State, but actually an ECOWAS of peoples."
Afadzinu said WACSI's vision of a peaceful, secure and prosperous West Africa driven by its people aligns perfectly with that of ECOWAS, adding that citizen participation has always been central to the institute's mission.
"The people element is what drives us," she said. "Your engaging us in this manner and wanting to deepen this relationship shows your commitment to engaging with the people in looking at the issues affecting this region."
She noted that WACSI, established in 2005, has worked closely with ECOWAS for nearly two decades, supporting initiatives such as the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework, strategic planning processes, civil society engagement in policy formulation and consultations on the establishment of the proposed ECOWAS Economic and Social Council (ECOSOCC).
"We are no strangers to ECOWAS," Afadzinu said. "But what this MoU does is really strengthen that bond and also give us, to some extent, a certain mandate—with the blessing of ECOWAS—to bring civil society closer to this institution that we truly believe in."
Despite the political and security challenges confronting the sub-region, she said WACSI remains confident in the regional body's future.
"In spite of all the challenges, we believe in this institution, and we want it to succeed," she declared.
Afadzinu said the partnership would also help bridge the knowledge gap between ECOWAS and civil society organisations, describing the relationship as a two-way process.
"There are ways that you could enable us to understand better how this institution works. That's what civil society needs to understand. But also for ECOWAS to understand civil society. It's a two-way affair."
Both leaders agreed that the value of the agreement would ultimately be measured not by the ceremony but by the impact it delivers for the people of West Africa.
"The true value of this Memorandum will be measured not by its signing but by the tangible results it delivers for the people of West Africa," Touray said, urging both institutions to move swiftly from commitment to implementation.
The partnership is expected to provide a structured platform for joint initiatives on peace and security, democratic governance, human rights, civic participation, digital innovation and institutional strengthening, reinforcing ECOWAS' long-term ambition of building a peaceful, inclusive and resilient West Africa anchored on the active participation of its citizens.
Troops Repel Multiple Terrorist Attacks, Rescue District Head, Recover Arms in Katsina, Zamfara
Troops Repel Multiple Terrorist Attacks, Rescue District Head, Recover Arms in Katsina, Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have repelled multiple terrorist attacks, rescued an abducted district head and recovered arms and other combat equipment during coordinated operations across Katsina and Zamfara states.
The military disclosed that the operations, conducted on July 2, demonstrated the sustained offensive against terrorist groups operating in the North-West.
In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 on a fighting patrol engaged terrorists between Amara and Chakau Junction in Danmusa Local Government Area after the fleeing criminals opened fire on the advancing troops.
The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee and abandon their mission.
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and two motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists.
In another operation on the outskirts of Sabon Garin and Dantakeri villages in Dutsinma Local Government Area, troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes, responded to a terrorist attack and engaged the assailants in a firefight.
One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while the remaining attackers fled with varying degrees of gunshot wounds, according to military sources.
Also in Katsina, troops of Sector 2, working with other security agencies, responded to intelligence that terrorists had invaded Farin Hawa Village in Malumfashi Local Government Area and abducted the District Head, Mr. Mubarak Sharin.
The troops immediately pursued the fleeing terrorists, made contact with them and engaged them in a gun battle, killing one of the kidnappers and forcing the others to abandon the abducted traditional ruler.
The district head was rescued unhurt and reunited with his family.
Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 successfully repelled a terrorist attack on their position at Dauran in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
Military sources said reinforcement troops joined the battle, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray.
A subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 35 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a bandolier and a hydration pack (CamelBak).
The military commended the courage, professionalism and resilience displayed by the troops as well as the support of other security agencies and local vigilantes during the operations.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups while working closely with local communities to improve security and protect lives and property across the North-West.
COAS Welfare Flight Airlifts 348 Personnel, Total Beneficiaries Reach 33,774
COAS Welfare Flight Airlifts 348 Personnel, Total Beneficiaries Reach 33,774
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has continued to strengthen personnel welfare and operational efficiency with the successful conduct of the first welfare flight for July 2026, facilitating the movement of hundreds of military personnel into and out of the North East theatre of operations.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the welfare flight was conducted on July 2 using a chartered ValueJet aircraft as part of the Nigerian Army’s sustained welfare initiative designed to ease the movement of troops serving under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
According to the sources, a total of 174 personnel were airlifted into the theatre, while another 174 personnel were transported out, bringing the total number of beneficiaries on the flight to 348.
The sources disclosed that the movement was completed without any operational or logistical challenges.
They added that with the latest rotation, the cumulative number of military personnel transported into and out of the Operation HADIN KAI theatre under the COAS Welfare Flight Initiative has risen to 33,774.
The welfare flight programme, introduced by the Chief of Army Staff, is aimed at improving the welfare of troops by providing safe, timely and efficient transportation for personnel proceeding on leave, returning from leave, or rotating in and out of operational deployments.
Military authorities have consistently described the initiative as one of the key welfare interventions designed to boost troop morale, reduce the burden of long-distance road travel and enhance operational readiness in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North East.
The hitch-free execution of the latest flight further underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining personnel welfare while maintaining the operational tempo of troops engaged in the fight against terrorism and other security threats across the theatre.
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Arms Couriers in Ebonyi Sting Operation
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Arms Couriers in Ebonyi Sting Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have arrested four suspected arms couriers during an intelligence-led sting operation in Ebonyi State as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal arms trafficking networks in the South-East.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 11:50 a.m. on July 1 by troops of the 82 Division Garrison in conjunction with the Provost Group and Sector 2 of Operation UDO KA.
According to the sources, the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected arms dealers operating within the Ebonyi metropolis.
The troops subsequently conducted a coordinated sting and follow-up operation, leading to the arrest of four suspects believed to be involved in the illicit movement and distribution of arms.
The identities of the suspects were not immediately disclosed, while preliminary investigations are ongoing to establish the extent of their involvement and identify other members of the suspected network.
The suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing further interrogation ahead of possible prosecution.
Security sources said the arrest forms part of sustained intelligence-driven operations by Operation UDO KA aimed at disrupting the supply of illegal weapons to criminal elements and improving security across the South-East.
They added that efforts are ongoing to uncover the suspects’ associates and trace the source as well as intended destination of the arms linked to the network.
Troops Intercept Armoured Vehicle in Niger, Arrest Driver Over Suspected Irregular Documentation
Troops Intercept Armoured Vehicle in Niger, Arrest Driver Over Suspected Irregular Documentation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD have intercepted an armoured vehicle in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State and arrested its driver for further investigation over documents presented during the movement of the vehicle.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the interception occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on July 2, when troops of the 221 Battalion conducting security operations stopped the armoured vehicle at Wawa town.
According to the sources, the driver was unable to satisfactorily account for the movement of the vehicle and presented what he claimed was an End User Certificate purportedly issued by a top security agency.
The suspect reportedly told the troops that he was conveying the armoured vehicle to its owner in Abuja.
The authenticity of the document and the legality of the vehicle’s movement are, however, being subjected to further verification by the relevant authorities.
Military sources said the driver and the armoured vehicle have been taken into custody pending the outcome of investigations.
The interception forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to monitor the movement of sensitive security assets, curb illegal arms-related activities, and strengthen security across the North Central region.
The sources added that investigations are ongoing to determine the ownership of the vehicle, verify the End User Certificate, and establish whether all regulatory and security requirements were complied with before the vehicle’s movement.
Troops Intercept Armoured Vehicle in Niger, Arrest Driver Over Suspected Irregular Documentation
Troops Intercept Armoured Vehicle in Niger, Arrest Driver Over Suspected Irregular Documentation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD have intercepted an armoured vehicle in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State and arrested its driver for further investigation over documents presented during the movement of the vehicle.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the interception occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on July 2, when troops of the 221 Battalion conducting security operations stopped the armoured vehicle at Wawa town.
According to the sources, the driver was unable to satisfactorily account for the movement of the vehicle and presented what he claimed was an End User Certificate purportedly issued by a top security agency.
The suspect reportedly told the troops that he was conveying the armoured vehicle to its owner in Abuja.
The authenticity of the document and the legality of the vehicle’s movement are, however, being subjected to further verification by the relevant authorities.
Military sources said the driver and the armoured vehicle have been taken into custody pending the outcome of investigations.
The interception forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to monitor the movement of sensitive security assets, curb illegal arms-related activities, and strengthen security across the North Central region.
The sources added that investigations are ongoing to determine the ownership of the vehicle, verify the End User Certificate, and establish whether all regulatory and security requirements were complied with before the vehicle’s movement.
Troops Clear Zamfara Highway of Explosive Threats, Recover Police Vehicle Damaged by IED
Troops Clear Zamfara Highway of Explosive Threats, Recover Police Vehicle Damaged by IED
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Brigade have successfully cleared the Bagega–Anka major supply route in Zamfara State of explosive threats, restoring safe movement along the road after a comprehensive route scanning operation.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 9:30 a.m. on July 2 by troops of the brigade in conjunction with a Quick Response Force (QRF) and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
According to the sources, the troops conducted a thorough route scanning exercise along the Bagega–Anka Main Supply Route (MSR) in Anka Local Government Area to detect and neutralise any improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or other explosive hazards.
At the conclusion of the operation, the route was confirmed free of explosive threats and was subsequently reopened to vehicular traffic.
During the exercise, the troops also recovered a Nigeria Police Counter-Terrorism/Counter-Strike (NP CSK) vehicle that had recently struck an improvised explosive device along the same route.
The operation was completed without incident, and no casualties were recorded among the troops.
Security sources said the route clearance forms part of sustained counter-insurgency and counter-banditry efforts aimed at ensuring the safety of motorists, security personnel and residents travelling along strategic roads in Zamfara State.
They added that troops will continue aggressive route clearance patrols and surveillance operations to deny criminal elements the opportunity to emplace explosive devices on major highways within the theatre of operations.
Troops Repel Terrorists’ Attempted Attack on Forward Operating Base in Zamfara
Troops Repel Terrorists’ Attempted Attack on Forward Operating Base in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Brigade have successfully repelled an attempted terrorist infiltration and attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bukuyyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 2:45 p.m. on July 2, when suspected terrorists attempted to infiltrate and attack troops stationed at FOB Gwashi.
According to the sources, the troops responded with superior firepower, engaging the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire and forcing them to abandon the assault and retreat from the area.
Following the failed attack, reinforcement troops from the Forward Operating Bases at Gummi and Bukuyyum were immediately deployed to strengthen the position and support ongoing clearance operations.
The sources said troops have since intensified surveillance and domination of the general area while reinforcing defensive positions to prevent the terrorists from regrouping or launching further attacks.
No casualty was reported among the troops during the encounter.
Military sources described the swift response as a demonstration of the troops’ operational readiness and determination to deny terrorist groups freedom of action across the operational area.
They added that aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations are continuing to track the fleeing terrorists and sustain pressure on criminal elements operating in the state.
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Arms Dealers in Ebonyi Sting Operation
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Arms Dealers in Ebonyi Sting Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have arrested four suspected arms dealers during an intelligence-led sting operation in Ebonyi metropolis as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal arms trafficking in the South-East.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 11:50 a.m. on July 1 by troops of the 82 Division Garrison in collaboration with the Provost Group and Sector 2 of Operation UDO KA.
According to the sources, the operation followed actionable intelligence on the activities of suspected arms traffickers operating within the Ebonyi metropolis.
The troops subsequently carried out a coordinated sting and follow-up operation, leading to the arrest of four suspects believed to be involved in the illegal trade and movement of firearms.
The identities of the suspects were not immediately disclosed, while preliminary investigations are underway to determine the scope of their activities and identify other members of the suspected network.
The suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing further interrogation ahead of possible prosecution.
Security sources said the arrests represent another breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on illegal arms trafficking and other criminal activities in the South-East.
They added that efforts are continuing to uncover the wider network behind the illicit arms trade and prevent weapons from reaching criminal groups operating within the region.
Troops Prevent Fulani Reprisal attack after Rustling of Livestock by Suspected Local Militia in Mangu in Plateau
Troops Prevent Fulani Reprisal attack after Rustling of Livestock by Suspected Local Militia in Mangu in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have repelled suspected Fulani Bandits during a rapid response operation following reports of sporadic gunfire around Banasu High Ground in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:52 p.m. on July 2, when troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, deployed at Gyambwas, received reports of intermittent shootings around the Banasu High Ground.
Security sources said that the planned attack was in response to previous attack on hardees and rustling of their livestock by Militia men in Mangu.
Acting swiftly on the distress report, the troops moved to the area and engaged the armed criminals in a firefight.
According to the sources, the superior firepower of the troops forced the assailants to abandon their mission and retreat towards the surrounding high ground.
No casualties were reported among the troops during the encounter.
Security sources said the troops have sustained surveillance and monitoring of the area, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent any further attacks.
The operation forms part of ongoing security efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to prevent any armed militia activities and enhance security across Plateau State.
From Fulani Bandits to Berom Militia: Zagazola Will Continue Naming Criminals, No Matter Who They Are
From Fulani Bandits to Berom Militia: Zagazola Will Continue Naming Criminals, No Matter Who They Are
By Zagazola Makama
Yesterday, we published a report identifying the attacker killed during the attempted assault on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, as a suspected Berom militia member. That simple act of calling the attacker by his known identity immediately made many people uncomfortable.
The reaction was predictable. For years, many have demanded that security reports identify Fulani attackers whenever communities are assaulted. We have consistently done so. When armed criminals of Fulani extraction carry out attacks, we do not hide behind vague descriptions such as “unknown gunmen.” “Armed attackers or assailants. We identify them as Fulani bandits or Fulani attackers where the facts support it. So why should the standard suddenly change because the attacker is Berom?
At Zagazola Makama, we made a deliberate decision while reporting the Plateau crisis that every attacker would be profiled according to established facts, including identity and area of operation. If an attack is carried out by Fulani criminals, we say so. If it is committed by Berom militia, we say so. If Erigwe are responsible, we report it. If Mangu militias are involved, we identify them accordingly. Criminality must never enjoy the protection of ethnicity, religion, or politics.
No community has a monopoly on victimhood, and no community is free from criminal elements. Pretending otherwise is one of the reasons the Plateau conflict has remained difficult to resolve.
The hypocrisy is striking. Many people are comfortable sharing our reports when Fulani criminals are exposed. They praise objective journalism and demand accountability. But the moment a criminal from their own ethnic group is identified, the complaints begin. Suddenly, facts become “divisive,” reporting becomes “biased,” and journalists are accused of profiling an entire community. It cannot work that way.
Justice cannot have two standards.
The individual neutralised during the attempted attack on NIPSS was not an anonymous figure. Within minutes of the operation, residents around Kuru and Trade Centre were already identifying him by his name (PETER) and pointing to his Berom background. That information was already circulating locally long before it appeared in our report.
Yet many of the loudest voices who routinely condemn violence suddenly went silent. There were no emotional statements. No passionate calls for justice. No public condemnation of the attack on security personnel. No acknowledgement of the professionalism displayed by troops who repelled yet another assault on a strategic national institution. Instead, the energy shifted to questioning why the attacker’s identity was mentioned.
That silence speaks volumes. The soldiers who defended NIPSS prevented another deadly attack. They recovered a service rifle stolen months earlier from a soldier killed by the Berom Militia. Those soldiers deserved commendation but Instead, some preferred to grumble in WhatsApp groups because the facts disrupted a convenient narrative. (Any youths caught with arms is a defender of his community) and he is innocent.
This is exactly why Nigeria’s security challenges persist. Too many people judge violence not by the crime committed but by who committed it.
A murderer does not become less of a murderer because he shares your language. A militia fighter does not become a freedom fighter because he belongs to your ethnic group. An armed attacker does not become a victim simply because exposing him makes your community uncomfortable.
At Zagazola Makama, our position remains unchanged. We will continue to expose Fulani bandits. We will continue to expose Berom militias, Erigwe or the Mangu militias. We will continue to expose every criminal organisation, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
The only side we recognise is the side of innocent victims and the security personnel risking their lives to protect them.
The day Nigerians stop defending criminals because they bear familiar names or come from familiar communities is the day the country will begin winning the fight against insecurity.
Until then, facts will remain uncomfortable but they will still be reported.
Troops Recover Body of Missing Man During Search Operation in Plateau
Troops Recover Body of Missing Man During Search Operation in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have recovered the body of a 35-year-old man who was reported missing after going into a forest to fetch firewood in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the troops responded at about 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday following a report that the victim, identified as Iliya Gyang Sharu, had failed to return home after leaving to cut firewood on high ground around Gwom Tahoss in Riyom LGA.
According to the sources, the troops immediately launched a search and rescue operation in the area to trace the missing man.
During the operation, the search team discovered the victim’s lifeless body in a bush on the high ground.
The corpse was subsequently evacuated to the General Hospital mortuary in Riyom for preservation pending further procedures.
Security sources said investigations had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the death and identify those responsible, if foul play is established.
The military assured residents that it would continue working with other security agencies and members of the community to unravel the circumstances of the incident and sustain efforts aimed at protecting lives and property across the area.
Troops Respond to Discovery of Corpse in Plateau Community
Troops Respond to Discovery of Corpse in Plateau Community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have responded to the discovery of the body of a man in Hurti Village, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the troops were alerted at about 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday following reports of the discovery of a corpse in the community.
According to the sources, the troops immediately moved to the location, where they confirmed the deceased as Mallam Bala Ismaila, a Fulani resident of Hurti Village.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the deceased reportedly slumped and died while defecating in an open field behind the settlement.
Following the preliminary assessment, the body was released to the deceased’s relatives, who evacuated it for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
The sources added that there was no indication of foul play at the scene based on initial findings, while troops have continued to monitor the general security situation in the area to ensure the maintenance of peace and order.
The incident was reported to have occurred without any breach of security, and normal activities have continued in the community.
Operation Enduring Peace Holds Stakeholders’ Meeting, Distributes Fertiliser to Plateau Farmers
Operation Enduring Peace Holds Stakeholders’ Meeting, Distributes Fertiliser to Plateau Farmers
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have convened a stakeholders’ engagement in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State as part of efforts to consolidate recent security gains and ensure a peaceful farming season across the area.
The engagement, held at the Headquarters of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Thursday, brought together key security, government, traditional and community leaders to strengthen collaboration towards sustaining peace and preventing violence during the farming season.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Maj.-Gen. EF Oyinlola, was represented at the meeting by the Chief of Staff, Operation Enduring Peace, Brig.-Gen. MS Sule.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, traditional and religious leaders, representatives of security agencies operating within the local government, as well as community and youth leaders.
Speaking during the engagement, participants emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation among security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents in preserving the prevailing peace and preventing acts capable of undermining stability in the area.
The meeting focused on strategies to consolidate existing security gains, promote peaceful coexistence among farming and herding communities, and ensure that farmers carry out their agricultural activities without fear of violence or disruption.
As part of measures to support agricultural production and encourage residents to take advantage of the improved security situation, fertilisers were distributed to farmers in the local government area.
The gesture was described as part of broader efforts aimed at enhancing food production, improving livelihoods and reinforcing confidence among communities as the farming season progresses.
Stakeholders at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with security agencies to sustain peace, promptly report suspicious activities and resolve emerging disputes through dialogue.
At the end of the engagement participants expressed optimism that continued collaboration would further strengthen stability and foster socio-economic development across Barkin Ladi and other parts of Plateau State under Operation Enduring Peace.
Two Soldiers Killed, Three Injured as Troops Repel Terrorists in Sokoto
Two Soldiers Killed, Three Injured as Troops Repel Terrorists in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
Two soldiers were killed and three others injured after troops of the Nigerian Army came under a terrorist ambush during an operation in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on June 30 after troops of the 8 Division deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tidibale responded to reports of terrorist activities at Tagirke Village.
The sources said the troops engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to retreat from the village.
However, while withdrawing from the area, the troops ran into a well-coordinated ambush by the fleeing terrorists.
During the encounter, one of the military gun trucks struck an improvised explosive device (IED), resulting in casualties among the troops.
According to the sources, two soldiers were killed in action, while three others sustained injuries.
The bodies of the fallen soldiers were evacuated to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) morgue in Sokoto, while the injured personnel were stabilised at the 8 Division Medical Services and Hospital.
The damaged gun truck was later recovered and towed back to FOB Tidibale for further action.
Military sources said troops have intensified efforts to track down the terrorists and recover the missing weapons while sustaining offensive operations across the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected Arms Supplier, Recover Five Locally Made AK-47 Rifles in Niger
Troops Arrest Suspected Arms Supplier, Recover Five Locally Made AK-47 Rifles in Niger
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected arms supplier and recovered five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles during an intelligence-led operation in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 5:00 p.m. on July 1 by troops of the 223 Battalion following credible human intelligence on the activities of a suspected illegal arms supplier.
The sources said the troops conducted a fighting patrol to Kotonkoro Village, where the suspect was successfully apprehended.
During the operation, the troops recovered five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles believed to have been intended for criminal elements operating within the area.
The suspect and the recovered firearms are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained intelligence-driven efforts to dismantle illegal arms supply networks and deny terrorists and bandits access to weapons in the North-Central region.
The sources added that troops have continued aggressive operations across the theatre to curb the proliferation of illicit firearms and enhance security in vulnerable communities.
Troops Foil Sea Pirates’ Kidnap Attempt, Rescue 37 Traders in Akwa Ibom
Troops Foil Sea Pirates’ Kidnap Attempt, Rescue 37 Traders in Akwa Ibom
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a suspected kidnap attempt by sea pirates along the Oron–Ibaka waterways in Akwa Ibom State, rescuing 37 traders and crew members without casualties.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 3:35 p.m. on Tuesday at Akpa Aron Creek in Oron Local Government Area.
The sources said troops of the 2 Brigade operating under Sector 4 of Operation Delta Safe responded swiftly to a distress call over a suspected kidnap incident involving sea pirates operating along the waterway.
On sighting the troops, the suspected pirates, who were travelling in a speedboat, reportedly engaged the soldiers before abandoning their kidnap attempt and fleeing the scene under pressure.
The troops successfully rescued 37 traders and crew members who were aboard a wooden market boat targeted by the attackers.
The rescued victims were subsequently escorted safely to the Oron Jetty, where they were handed over for further necessary action.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to secure Nigeria’s inland waterways and protect residents and commercial activities from criminal elements operating in the coastal region.
Troops Recover 117 Rustled Livestock, Return Them to Owners in Katsina
Troops Recover 117 Rustled Livestock, Return Them to Owners in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered 117 rustled livestock after engaging fleeing terrorists in Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:00 p.m. on June 30 by troops of the 17 Brigade deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Radda following a distress call on terrorists moving with stolen livestock along Kaddanya village.
The sources said the troops, in conjunction with members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), swiftly mobilised to the area in pursuit of the terrorists.
Before reaching Kaddanya, the security team made contact with the fleeing terrorists at Sabaru Reraya village in the same local government area.
The troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and flee into the surrounding bush.
The recovered livestock comprised 43 cattle and 74 rams.
The animals were evacuated and kept in the custody of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps at Radda Model Primary School before they were identified and handed over to their rightful owners.
The successful operation underscores the sustained efforts of security forces to combat cattle rustling and deny terrorists access to economic resources used to sustain their activities.
Heavy Fighting Erupts Between Lakurawa, Bandits in Niger Forest, Casualties Feared
Heavy Fighting Erupts Between Lakurawa, Bandits in Niger Forest, Casualties Feared
By Zagazola Makama
Heavy fighting has reportedly broken out between suspected Lakurawa fighters and armed bandits in the Tapkin Giyayya axis of Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, with casualties feared on both sides.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the clash began after a group of armed bandits allegedly moved from forests in Zamfara State through the Tudun Magaji area into the Mashegu forest.
According to the sources, an intense gun battle ensued, resulting in significant casualties among the rival groups.
Residents said several fighters were reportedly killed during the confrontation, while others were seen fleeing the area with gunshot wounds.
The exact number of casualties could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
Security authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The development is the latest in a series of violent confrontations involving armed groups operating across the forests straddling parts of Niger and Zamfara states, where security forces have continued efforts to curb criminal activities.
Efforts to obtain confirmation from relevant security agencies were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
The Blood We Have Normalised
The Blood We Have Normalised
By U.K. Umar
It happens in many parts of Nigeria, particularly across the North-West and North-Central, but I write this from the perspective of someone who has spent considerable time on the frontlines in Plateau and Benue States. I have walked through communities still smelling of burnt homes. I have spoken with soldiers who had barely returned from operations before heading out again. I have sat with grieving families whose only crime was waking up on the wrong side of an endless cycle of violence. The stories differ only in names and locations. The pain is identical.
Almost every week, another community buries its dead. Men, women and children are killed in attacks and reprisal attacks, many hacked to death in ways that defy human conscience. Yet the official response has become painfully predictable. Government condemns the killings. Officials promise that perpetrators will be brought to justice. Security agencies launch investigations. Then everyone waits until the next massacre. We have repeated this script for years while the cemeteries continue to expand.
What worries me even more is that much of the country seems to have adjusted to this reality. It is as though the killings in Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto or parts of Kebbi have become distant headlines rather than a national emergency. But all is not well with Nigeria. Not even close. A nation that becomes comfortable with burying dozens of its citizens every other week is a nation slowly losing its collective humanity.
In the past few weeks alone, we have witnessed renewed violence around the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State. Security forces have had to repel repeated attacks targeting one of the country's foremost strategic institutions. Before that came attacks around Vom, deadly assaults on security personnel, and fresh recoveries of military weapons stolen from fallen soldiers. Across the border in Benue State, communities continue to count their dead after successive attacks, with entire settlements displaced and livelihoods destroyed. These are not isolated incidents. They are symptoms of a much deeper crisis.
Having recently visited military formations in both Plateau and Benue States, one truth became impossible to ignore. The Nigerian Armed Forces are carrying a burden that no military alone can solve. I met exhausted officers and soldiers who spend weeks away from their families, operating under difficult terrain and enormous psychological pressure. Many have paid the ultimate price. Others continue to fight despite losing colleagues in brutal ambushes. Their sacrifices deserve recognition, not constant vilification.
But another truth also confronted me.
In community after community, I found fear. I found anger. I found suspicion. Most painfully, I found a hatred that has become deeply entrenched between many indigenous farming communities and Fulani pastoralists. It is a hatred born from years of killings, displacement, cattle rustling, destruction of farms, revenge attacks and mutual distrust. Both sides have suffered losses that cannot simply be measured in statistics. Every family seems to have a story of someone murdered, displaced or permanently scarred.
That reality makes peace infinitely harder.
When grief is inherited from one generation to another, revenge begins to masquerade as justice. Every fresh attack becomes justification for another reprisal. Every funeral plants the seeds for another burial.
This is why simplistic narratives do not help.
Reducing the crisis to farmers versus herders, Christians versus Muslims, or indigenes versus settlers ignores the complex web of criminality, historical grievances and political failures that sustain the violence. Criminals exploit genuine community fears. Communities, in turn, increasingly shield criminals whom they perceive as protectors of their own people.
Perhaps one of my biggest observations from these visits is the alarming proliferation of arms in civilian hands. There are simply too many sophisticated weapons circulating among non-state actors. These weapons are not manufactured in villages. They arrive through organised trafficking networks and remain hidden within communities.
Unfortunately, many community members know who possesses these arms. They know who participates in attacks. They know who provides logistics and intelligence. Yet they remain silent, often out of fear, ethnic loyalty or expectation of future retaliation. That silence has become one of the greatest obstacles confronting security agencies.
No intelligence operation can succeed where communities refuse to cooperate.
Equally disturbing is the conduct of some political and community leaders whose public utterances sometimes amount to subtle calls to arms. In moments that demand restraint, they choose inflammatory rhetoric. They cast security forces as enemies rather than partners. They reinforce ethnic victimhood while carefully avoiding any condemnation of criminals operating within their own constituencies.
Words matter.
Every careless speech delivered from a podium has consequences in villages where emotions already run dangerously high. Every attempt to delegitimise the military without evidence weakens public confidence and emboldens armed groups.
This is not to suggest that the Armed Forces are infallible. Like every human institution, mistakes occur. Allegations of misconduct should always be investigated transparently and professionally. But there is an important distinction between demanding accountability and deliberately undermining the very institution standing between communities and complete anarchy.
The military can only do so much.
The larger solution sits on the tables of elected leaders—from the President to state governors and local government authorities. They alone possess the constitutional powers to drive coordinated political, economic and social interventions capable of addressing the roots of these conflicts.
Security operations must continue with greater intelligence support and improved inter-agency coordination. But security alone cannot heal communities where trust has collapsed.
Justice must be impartial.
Compensation must not depend on ethnicity.
Prosecution must not depend on political convenience.
Victims deserve equal recognition regardless of whether they are farmers or herders, Christians or Muslims, indigenes or settlers.
Government must reward those who choose peace and punish those who profit from violence without fear or favour. Anything less simply reinforces the perception that violence works.
The country also needs an aggressive programme for arms recovery, community reconciliation, youth engagement and economic revitalisation in the affected areas. Entire generations are growing up knowing nothing except conflict. That should frighten every Nigerian.
Nigeria cannot continue to normalise mass burials.
We cannot continue issuing statements while villages disappear.
We cannot continue allowing children to inherit hatred as though it were family property.
The bloodshed in Plateau and Benue is not just their tragedy. It is Nigeria's tragedy.
History will not judge us by the number of condolence messages we issued. It will judge us by whether we found the courage to stop the killing while there was still a country united enough to save.
Angwa Rukuba Killings: Prosecution Rejects Medical Treatment Plea By Suspect Arrested By DSS
Angwa Rukuba Killings: Prosecution Rejects Medical Treatment Plea By Suspect Arrested By DSS
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State government, on Thursday at the State High Court, Jos, opposed a motion by one of the four persons arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), for their alleged links to the Angwa Rukuba massacre of late March and early April of 2026, that he be allowed to undergo medical treatment at the Jos University Teaching hospital, Jos.
The prosecution told the court that the motion for medical treatment was a ploy by the defence to delay the accelerated hearing of the terrorism trial.
At the continuation of trial on Thursday, counsel to the third defendant, M. I. Salihu, moved the motion seeking an order of the court for the prosecution to allow his client visit a doctor at the Jos University Teaching hospital, Jos, for medical treatment.
Responding, the prosecution, led by
the Plateau State Director of Civil Litigation, Sabo Longji, moved a counter-affidavit urging the court presided over by Justice Gedeliah Fwomyon, to dismiss the motion "in the interest of justice" for victims of the massacre.
He argued that the motion was a delay tactic by the defence to buy time in the course of trial of the terrorism suspects.
The trial judge thereafter reserved ruling on what he said was a contentious motion. He directed counsels to leave their telephone numbers to enable the court communicate the date for ruling, after which he adjourned to 15th July, 2026.
It would be recalled that, on Palm Sunday of 2026, a number of gunmen attacked Angwa Rukuba in Jos North LGA of the state, killing about 30 persons. Days later, the DSS arrested Adamu Isa Alhassan, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar aka Auwalu Dogo, and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim aka Yaroro.
The Plateau State government charged the four suspects alongside one Ado Ibrahim, said to be at large, with terrorism-related offences.
Suspected ISWAP Member’s Wife, Five Children Surrender to Troops in Borno
Suspected ISWAP Member’s Wife, Five Children Surrender to Troops in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
MAIDUGURI – A woman identified as the wife of a suspected ISWAP terrorist, along with her five children, has surrendered to troops of Sector 3 Headquarters in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the woman surrendered to troops at about 3:30 p.m. on June 30 in Monguno town.
Preliminary investigations revealed that she and her husband had joined the terrorist group at Kayowa village in Abadam Local Government Area about eight years ago.
According to the sources, the woman stated during initial debriefing that sustained military air strikes on terrorist enclaves had significantly worsened living conditions within the camps, prompting her to flee with her five children.
She reportedly navigated her way out of the enclave with the assistance of Fulani herders before eventually reaching troops, where she voluntarily surrendered.
The woman and her children are currently in the custody of the Military Intelligence Branch at Sector 3 Headquarters for profiling, further investigation and other necessary administrative procedures.
Security sources said the surrender further evidences the continued impact of sustained military operations, particularly precision air interdictions, in degrading terrorist strongholds and increasing pressure on insurgent elements and their families across the North-East.
Troops Foil Suspected Terrorists’ Movement During Operation Savannah Shield in Niger
Troops Foil Suspected Terrorists’ Movement During Operation Savannah Shield in Niger
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 18 Brigade, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Administration Battalion and reinforced by troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Beri, have thwarted the movement of suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol under Operation Savannah Shield in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation commenced at about 6:00 a.m. on June 30 following credible intelligence indicating that a large group of terrorists, riding on more than 100 motorcycles, was moving around Ma’undu Village.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops established blocking positions at Babban Number, Dare Biyu, Beri and Allabani villages to deny the terrorists freedom of action and intercept their movement.
The sources said troops subsequently laid an ambush at a suspected terrorist crossing point. However, the insurgents detected the security presence and diverted through an alternative route via Rijiyar Nagwamatse before crossing into Usalle Village.
Troops immediately pursued the fleeing terrorists along their escape route but made no contact before the suspects dispersed.
Security sources said the operation disrupted the terrorists’ planned movement and demonstrated the military’s proactive posture in responding to credible intelligence aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement across the area.
They added that troops have sustained aggressive patrols and surveillance operations across the general area to track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from carrying out attacks on vulnerable communities.
OPINION: Sahel’s Illegal Mining-Terror Nexus Is Nigeria’s Next Defining Security Battle
OPINION: Sahel’s Illegal Mining-Terror Nexus Is Nigeria’s Next Defining Security Battle
By Zagazola Makama
The security landscape across the Sahel has entered one of its most volatile phases in recent history. The convergence of jihadist insurgency, separatist militancy, transnational organised crime and illegal mining has created a dangerous and evolving threat environment with direct implications for Nigeria.
Nigeria is already confronting an increasingly complex security challenge driven by the intersection of terrorism, separatist violence, organised criminal networks and illegal mining. The warning signs are becoming too significant to ignore.
Developments across Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria during the first half of 2026 show a region entering an unprecedented period of strategic instability, fuelled by terrorism financing, illicit resource exploitation and shifting geopolitical alliances.
Across the Sahel, extremist organisations are moving away from traditional funding mechanisms and increasingly exploiting artisanal gold mining, illegal mineral trading and transnational smuggling routes to finance their operations.
The combination of expanding jihadist capabilities, financial independence derived from illicit gold economies, weakening regional security cooperation and porous borders has significantly increased the threat facing Nigeria over the coming months.
Mali Offensive Marks a Strategic Turning Point
The April 25, 2026 coordinated offensive launched by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) represents the most significant military operation in Mali since the 2012 rebellion. The coordinated attacks simultaneously targeted Bamako, Kati, Gao, Kidal, Sévaré and Mopti, striking military headquarters, government facilities and strategic installations across southern, central and northern Mali.
The offensive reportedly resulted in the death of Mali’s Defence Minister, Sadio Camara, while intelligence chief Modibo Koné was wounded.
More importantly, the operation marked a dangerous strategic shift, representing the first major operational alliance between the al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM and the Tuareg separatist FLA groups that had historically pursued different objectives.
The alliance demonstrates that extremist organisations are increasingly willing to cooperate pragmatically against state forces despite ideological differences. The Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) also exploited the offensive by launching opportunistic attacks elsewhere, further illustrating the growing complexity of the regional battlefield.
ISSP has emerged as perhaps the most tactically innovative terrorist organisation currently operating in the Sahel. Its coordinated attacks on Niamey Airport during January and February 2026 and Tahoua Airport in March demonstrated a strategic shift from rural insurgency towards attacks on critical national infrastructure.
The group has also targeted the Niger-Benin oil pipeline through sabotage. ISSP is increasingly integrating drones into reconnaissance, propaganda and strike operations.
Equally significant is JNIM’s rapid expansion in drone warfare. The group’s use of armed drones reportedly increased from fewer than 10 documented attacks in 2024 to approximately 80 strikes in 2025 an eight-fold increase within a year.
Drone warfare is fast becoming a defining feature of insurgent operations across the Sahel and could eventually spread into Nigeria if proactive counter-drone measures are not strengthened.
Illegal Mining Becomes Terrorism’s Financial Lifeline
One of the most disturbing realities emerging from the Sahel is that illegal mining has become one of the principal financial engines sustaining terrorist and criminal organisations. Artisanal and small-scale mining now accounts for nearly 50 per cent of the region’s gold production, with more than 1.8 million people relying on mining activities for their livelihoods.
Rather than directly operating mines, groups such as JNIM and ISSP increasingly dominate the wider mining economy by controlling access roads, taxing miners, regulating transportation corridors, collecting protection payments and overseeing gold smuggling networks. This decentralised financial model has made insurgent financing far more resilient and less vulnerable to conventional counter-terrorism measures.
Nigeria’s Illegal Mining Crisis
Nigeria’s illegal mining sector, particularly in Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina and Plateau states, deserves far greater national attention than it currently receives. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development disclosed that more than 327 suspects, including foreign nationals allegedly linked to illegal mining and terrorism financing, had been arrested during nationwide enforcement operations.
Approximately 80 per cent of mining activities in Northwest Nigeria are believed to be conducted illegally. Revenues generated from illegal mining increasingly finance armed bandit groups involved in kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, extortion and attacks on rural communities. There have also been allegations by some U.S. lawmakers linking illegal mining activities involving certain foreign operators to terrorism financing, although such claims require continued investigation and law enforcement scrutiny.
A joint report by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) found that illegal mineral trading networks are dominated by foreign buyers, shell companies and organised criminal groups.
Persistent Violence in Zamfara
The continued attacks on farming communities in Zamfara demonstrate that security forces have yet to fully dominate the mining-conflict ecosystem. Two major attacks in June 2026 reportedly claimed at least 32 civilian lives.
One attack killed 17 farmers and injured more than 13 others in Goron Namaye, while another left at least 15 residents dead in another farming community.
These attacks appear to serve objectives beyond ordinary criminality. They involve depopulating resource-rich areas, enforcing illegal taxation systems, controlling mining zones and protecting criminal supply chains.
Crime and Terrorism Are Becoming Increasingly Intertwined
The United Nations Security Council has repeatedly warned of the growing convergence between terrorism and transnational organised crime across the Sahel. The region has become a strategic corridor linking West Africa, North Africa and Europe through interconnected networks involved in cocaine trafficking, illicit arms movement, gold smuggling and human trafficking. An estimated 12 million illicit weapons are circulating across West Africa.
Nigeria’s geographic location places it at the crossroads of several trafficking corridors, increasing its exposure to regional instability.
Foreign Actors Complicate the Security Environment
Geopolitical changes following military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have significantly altered the regional security landscape.
Burkina Faso’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with France and the emergence of Russia’s Africa Corps have reshaped regional security partnerships. The Africa Corps operates under a security-for-resources model, exchanging military support for access to mineral concessions. At the same time, international human rights organisations have raised allegations against Malian security forces and Russian personnel over abuses against civilians during counter-insurgency operations. Such allegations, if not addressed, risk fuelling local grievances and facilitating recruitment by extremist organisations.
Pragmatic Alliances Among Armed Groups
One of the most concerning developments is the emergence of tactical cooperation between armed organisations previously regarded as rivals. The JNIM-FLA alliance in Mali, combined with ISSP’s opportunistic attacks during the same offensive, demonstrates that operational cooperation is increasingly driven by shared objectives rather than ideological alignment.
This reduces opportunities for governments to exploit divisions among extremist organisations.
Patterns of Escalation
Several trends are becoming increasingly evident across the Sahel: Increased attacks against urban centres and critical infrastructure rather than isolated rural outposts. Rapid proliferation of drone technology among insurgent groups. Expansion of illegal mining as the principal source of insurgent financing. Greater convergence between terrorism, organised crime and transnational smuggling.
Growing attacks against farming communities located within mining zones. Increased involvement of foreign actors in both legal and illegal resource extraction.
Nigeria Cannot Ignore the Warning Signs
The illegal mining-terrorism financing pipeline now stands out as perhaps the most severe emerging security threat confronting Nigeria.
Porous northern borders, expanding jihadist operations in neighbouring countries, sophisticated financing networks and growing regional instability create favourable conditions for extremist expansion into Nigeria.
The demonstrated capability of ISSP to attack airports and strategic infrastructure should also concern Nigerian security planners. Equally troubling is the possibility that continued displacement of farming communities, food insecurity and humanitarian crises could create conditions conducive to recruitment into armed groups.
The Way Forward
Nigeria’s response must be comprehensive.
The Federal Government, state governments, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, law enforcement institutions, mining regulators and financial authorities must work in concert to confront this evolving threat.
Priority should be given to strengthening border security, intensifying action against illegal mining, improving intelligence sharing with neighbouring countries, tightening regulation of mineral supply chains, expanding financial investigations into illicit gold trading networks and enhancing surveillance along cross-border smuggling routes.
Regional cooperation will also be indispensable in disrupting terrorism financing while addressing governance deficits, weak institutions and socio-economic conditions that enable armed groups to thrive. The reality is that illegal mining is no longer merely an economic crime. Across the Sahel, it has evolved into a strategic enabler of terrorism, organised crime and regional instability.
If urgent and coordinated measures are not taken, the convergence of illegal mining, organised crime and insurgency could significantly undermine Nigeria’s national security and further cement the Sahel’s position as one of Africa’s most volatile conflict theatres.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Terrorism Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
ISWAP Gunboat Operator Surrenders to Troops in Damasak After Air Strikes
ISWAP Gunboat Operator Surrenders to Troops in Damasak After Air Strikes
By Zagazola Makama
A suspected ISWAP fighter trained as a gunboat operator and Dushka heavy machine gunner has surrendered to troops of the 5 Brigade in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the insurgent surrendered to troops at about 9:00 a.m. on July 1.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect escaped from a terrorist camp at Barra Village in the Lake Chad region near Dogon Chukwu, an enclave reportedly under the command of a terrorist leader identified as Abu Ubeida.
During initial debriefing, the surrendered insurgent disclosed that he had been trained as a gunboat driver and also operated a Dushka heavy machine gun during terrorist operations in the Lake Chad area.
According to the sources, the suspect attributed his decision to flee the camp to the sustained military air bombardments on terrorist enclaves, which he said had severely disrupted activities and made survival increasingly difficult.
Following his surrender, the suspect was quarantined in line with military procedures and provided with food and medical assistance.
He remains in the custody of troops for further profiling, intelligence debriefing and other necessary administrative actions.
Security sources said the surrender point to the continued impact of sustained air and ground operations in weakening terrorist capabilities and encouraging defections from insurgent ranks across the North-East.
Troops Bust Illegal Arms Factory, Arrest Two Suspects, Recover Five Rifles in Kebbi
Troops Bust Illegal Arms Factory, Arrest Two Suspects, Recover Five Rifles in Kebbi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing syndicate and recovered five locally fabricated rifles during an intelligence-led operation in Kebbi State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation targeted a secluded compound allegedly being used by the syndicate to manufacture and supply locally made firearms to terrorist and bandit groups operating across the North-West.
The sources said troops, acting on credible intelligence, raided the hideout and conducted a thorough search of the premises, leading to the recovery of five locally fabricated AK-47-style rifles.
Two suspected members of the syndicate, believed to be involved in the production and distribution of the illicit weapons, were arrested during the operation.
According to the sources, the raid was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, highlighting the growing inter-agency cooperation in ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations in the region.
The sources described the operation as a significant blow to criminal networks supplying locally fabricated weapons to armed groups, noting that efforts to disrupt the illicit arms trade remain a key component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s campaign against terrorism and banditry.
The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are undergoing interrogation to provide intelligence on other members of the syndicate, their financiers, and the distribution network supplying weapons to criminal elements.
Security agencies have also launched follow-up operations to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle the remaining components of the illegal arms manufacturing network.
Military authorities urged residents across the North-West to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to ongoing efforts to rid the region of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
Troops Gun Down Suspected Berom Militia in Fresh Attack on NIPSS, Recover Rifle Stolen from Fallen Soldier
Troops Gun Down Suspected Berom Militia in Fresh Attack on NIPSS, Recover Rifle Stolen from Fallen Soldier
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have neutralised a suspected Berom militia member during a failed attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, recovering a service rifle previously stolen from a soldier killed in an earlier assault.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the latest attack occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on July 2, when suspected armed militia attempted to breach the security perimeter of the prestigious institute under the cover of darkness.
The troops of Sector 6, deployed to protect the facility, responded immediately, engaging the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
During the encounter, one of the assailants was shot dead, while the remaining attackers retreated towards the rocky high grounds behind the institute.
A search conducted on the neutralised suspect led to the recovery of a service rifle bearing registration number CO-3175, which military authorities confirmed belonged to a soldier who was killed in action on April 11, 2026, during an attack on troops by Berom Militia at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, also in Jos South Local Government Area.
The recovered rifle was loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and has since been taken into military custody.
The body of the slain attacker was evacuated to Keystone Hospital, Vom, before being deposited at the mortuary, while troops have intensified area domination patrols around the institute to forestall further attacks and reassure residents.
The latest incident is the third attempted attack on the NIPSS facility within weeks, pointing to the persistent security threats around the strategic institution.
On June 16, the gunmen launched a deadly assault on security personnel guarding the Moderator’s Quarters of NIPSS, killing Inspector Peter Joseph of the Force Headquarters Operations Department and two military personnel. The attackers escaped with the inspector’s service pistol and two military rifles.
Again, on June 29, troops and other security agencies foiled another attempted infiltration after detecting suspicious movements around the institute. The suspects fled into nearby bushes before they could gain access to the facility.
Security sources noted that the recovery of the rifle stolen during the April attack provides a significant breakthrough in ongoing investigations into armed local militia activities in the Kuru-Vom axis, suggesting that the same criminal network has been linked to multiple attacks on security personnel in the area.
Military authorities have reinforced security around NIPSS, with surveillance operations and aggressive patrols continuing to track down the fleeing attackers.
The operation, according to the sources, forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to dismantle armed militia cells and restore lasting security across Plateau State.
Suspected terrorists kill 46 local security personnel in western Niger
Suspected terrorists kill 46 local security personnel in western Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
At least 46 members of Niger’s National Guard (GNN) and allied local militia were reportedly killed in a suspected terrorist attack on a security position in Dyagourou, Tillabéri Region, western Niger.
Security sources said the attack occurred on Tuesday when heavily armed insurgents stormed a National Guard position and the nearby base of the Domol Leydi self-defence militia in the Terra area of Tillabéri.
According to the sources, the attackers overran the position after intense fighting, leaving at least 46 National Guard personnel and militia members dead.
The incident is one of the latest in a series of deadly attacks targeting security forces and community defence groups in the volatile Tillabéri Region, where armed groups linked to the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda have intensified their activities.
Meanwhile, another group of suspected terrorists launched a separate attack on security positions in Torodi on the same day.
Military sources said the Nigerien Security and Defence Forces (SDF) mounted a fierce resistance and successfully repelled the assault after intense gunfire.
The sources said the attackers were forced to retreat, abandoning about 20 bodies, motorcycles, weapons and ammunition at the scene.
However, the military also suffered casualties during the operation.
Among those reportedly killed was the son of the traditional ruler of Kieta Canton, whose death has attracted widespread attention on social media.
Sources added that several security personnel were also wounded during the fighting.
Meanwhile, funeral rites for some of the National Guard personnel killed in the Dyagourou attack were held on Wednesday at the Yantala Cemetery in Niamey.
The Nigerien authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the casualty figures or the attacks as of the time of filing this report.
The Tillabéri Region, bordering Mali and Burkina Faso, has remained one of the epicentres of insurgent violence in the Sahel, with frequent attacks against military formations and civilian communities.
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
Three cattle herders were reportedly killed and one other injured in an ambush by unidentified gunmen while grazing livestock in Gero-Rafin Bauna area of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Plateau, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident and condemned the attack.
Babayo called on security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
According to him, the bodies of the three victims were discovered in a forest after an extensive search by members of the community.
He alleged that the victims were brutally killed during the attack.
The MACBAN chairman further claimed that the latest incident came barely two weeks after four other herders were reportedly killed in the same general area, adding that their bodies had yet to be recovered.
Babayo urged the authorities to take urgent steps to improve security in vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
He also appealed to members of the affected communities to remain calm and allow security agencies to investigate the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of the perpetrators remain unclear.
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
By: Zagazola Makama
The Benue State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Fulani community leader, Alhaji Risku Muhammad, in Ohimini Local Government Area, urging residents to remain calm as investigations into his killing continue.
The condolence visit took place on Tuesday and was led by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, who represented Gov. Hyacinth Alia.
The delegation included the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, Makurdi, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto, the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), other security agencies and relatives of the deceased from different parts of the country.
During the visit, the delegation sympathised with the bereaved family and appealed to them and members of the Fulani community not to resort to self-help or reprisals.
They urged them to allow security agencies to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The delegation assured the family that the government and security agencies were committed to ensuring that those responsible for the homicide are identified and brought to justice.
Police authorities said the case was under active investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), adding that efforts were ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Benue State Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state and called on all residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid the investigation.
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during a raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 12:15 a.m. on June 30 by troops of the 20 Model Battalion deployed in Gassol, in collaboration with a team from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The sources said the joint team conducted the intelligence-led raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout at Kwatan Nanido Village following credible information on illegal arms activities in the area.
Although no suspect was arrested during the operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition abandoned at the location.
The recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend members of the suspected gunrunning syndicate as operations continue to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and enhance security across the state.
Troops Repel Ambush During Pipeline Patrol in Rivers, Recover Motorcycle
Troops Repel Ambush During Pipeline Patrol in Rivers, Recover Motorcycle
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have repelled an ambush by suspected criminals during a routine pipeline patrol in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:05 p.m. on June 30 when troops of the 6 Division’s Combat Intelligence Battalion (CIB VIII), deployed at Ogoda Community, came under attack while conducting a pipeline security patrol.
According to the sources, the troops were ambushed by armed criminals at Olabie Community but responded with superior firepower and fought their way through the attack.
The assailants were forced to flee into the surrounding bushes under sustained pressure from the troops.
The sources said reinforcement troops from the battalion headquarters subsequently carried out exploitation of the area, leading to the recovery of one motorcycle and a mobile phone believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
The recovered items are in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing criminals.
Military authorities said troops would continue aggressive patrols and clearance operations to safeguard critical national assets and deny criminal elements freedom of action in the Niger Delta region.
Abducted Soldier Escapes Captivity, Reaches Military Base in Makurdi
Abducted Soldier Escapes Captivity, Reaches Military Base in Makurdi
By: Zagazola Makama
A Nigerian soldier who was abducted by suspected kidnappers has escaped from captivity and safely reached a military facility in Makurdi, Benue State.
Security sources said the soldier, attached to the 130 Battalion (Main), Baga, was abducted on June 27 while travelling on welfare pass to the Rear location of the battalion in Ogoja, Cross River State.
The sources disclosed that at about 11:53 a.m. on June 30, intelligence from the 401 Intelligence Cell in Makurdi confirmed that the soldier had escaped from his captors and made his way to the 72 Special Forces Battalion in Makurdi.
The circumstances surrounding his escape were not immediately disclosed.
Military authorities are making arrangements to move the soldier to the 130 Battalion (Rear) in Ogoja for debriefing, medical evaluation and other administrative procedures.
Security sources said further investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances of the abduction and identify those responsible.
Troops Arrest NSCDC Armourer, Correctional Officer Over Alleged Illegal Arms Supply in Enugu
Troops Arrest NSCDC Armourer, Correctional Officer Over Alleged Illegal Arms Supply in Enugu
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 82 Division Provost Group have arrested an armourer attached to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a correctional officer over alleged involvement in an illegal arms supply network in Enugu State.
Security sources said the arrests followed the interrogation of a suspected criminal apprehended at Igah Community on June 28, who allegedly identified his principal arms supplier as Superintendent Tasie Victor Nnamdi, an armourer with the NSCDC Enugu State Command.
Acting on the intelligence, troops conducted a targeted operation on June 29 and arrested the suspect at the New Market Filling Station in Enugu.
During preliminary interrogation, the NSCDC officer allegedly identified Chief Superintendent Augustine Mmuo of the NSCDC Delta State Command as his principal supplier of arms.
He also allegedly named Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ekwueme Onyebuchi Clement, attached to the Arms Department of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State Command, as one of his major customers.
Based on the information, troops conducted a follow-up sting operation at about 11:00 a.m. on June 30 and arrested the correctional officer at Okpara Square in Enugu.
Security sources said a search of his vehicle led to the recovery of 30 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition.
During interrogation, the correctional officer allegedly identified a civilian whom he claimed had supplied him with firearms on several occasions.
The sources added that photographs of various firearms allegedly offered for sale were also recovered from the suspect’s mobile phone.
The arrested suspects remain in military custody as investigations continue to unravel the alleged arms trafficking network and identify other persons connected to the operation.
The allegations remain under investigation, and the suspects have not been convicted by any court.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Nasarawa
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued two victims along the Akwanga–Gwantu Road in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on June 29, following a distress call reporting kidnapping activities along the highway.
The sources said troops of Sector 2, Operation Whirl Stroke, deployed at Anguwan Makama, swiftly mobilised to the scene alongside police personnel.
On sighting the advancing security team, the suspected kidnappers fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning two of their captives.
The rescued victims were safely escorted out of the area by the security operatives and reunited with their families.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers, while patrols have been intensified along the Akwanga–Gwantu Road to prevent further criminal activities.
Troops Raid Illegal Mining Site in FCT, Arrest Nine Suspects
Troops Raid Illegal Mining Site in FCT, Arrest Nine Suspects
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have arrested nine suspected illegal miners during a raid on an illegal mining site in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 8:12 p.m. on June 29 by troops of the 176 Guards Battalion as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and related criminal activities in the FCT.
According to the sources, the troops raided the mining site and apprehended nine suspects found carrying out illegal mining activities.
Items recovered during the operation included three motorcycles, five head pans, 14 shovels, three diggers, two electricity generators, one chisel, one hammer, three empty jerrycans, one torchlight, three engine belts and the sum of ₦50.
The arrested suspects and the recovered items are in military custody pending further investigation and necessary legal action.
Security authorities said operations against illegal mining and other unlawful activities would continue across the Federal Capital Territory to protect public resources and enhance security.
Air Strikes Neutralise Scores of Terrorists in Niger State
Air Strikes Neutralise Scores of Terrorists in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA has recorded another major operational success following a series of intelligence-led air interdiction missions that disrupted the movement of terrorists and neutralised scores of them in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The successful operations, conducted on June 29, 2026, were based on credible intelligence indicating the movement of over 200 terrorists mounted on motorcycles along the Sangeko–Dogon Dawa–Womba axis, with indications that the group was planning coordinated attacks and reinforcing criminal enclaves within the Kamuku Forest corridor.
In response, the Air Component immediately launched an Armed Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (AISR) mission using the military aircraft to conduct extensive aerial reconnaissance over Womba, Dogon Dawa, Kurugin, Birnin Gwari, Polewaya and Udawa.
During the mission, the aircrew positively identified a group of terrorists travelling on three motorcycles en route to the Kamuku Forest. Following positive target identification and in line with established Rules of Engagement, the aircraft engaged the hostile elements with precision munitions, successfully neutralising them.
Subsequent battle damage assessment and coordination with ground forces confirmed the elimination of the terrorists, while follow-on surveillance revealed no additional suspicious movement or emerging threats within the operational area.
In a separate but complementary mission conducted the same day, the aircraft carried out another armed reconnaissance over Dogon Dawa, Kurugin Maidawa and adjoining locations.
During the surveillance, several terrorists mounted on motorcycles were observed converging at a logistics and refuelling point, an indication of preparations for further movement and possible offensive operations.
Recognising the location as a critical terrorist logistics node, the aircrew executed a carefully coordinated precision strike, destroying the concentration and neutralising a significant number of the terrorists.
The operation was executed with exceptional precision, professionalism and adherence to operational procedures, with no reported collateral damage.
Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Borno Community, Recover Terrorists’ Equipment
Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Borno Community, Recover Terrorists’ Equipment
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion have repelled an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on Kurnari Community in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, recovering ammunition, communication equipment and other items abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
Security sources said the terrorists launched the attack at about 3:30 a.m. on June 30, prompting troops to swiftly respond to distress calls from the community.
The sources said the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing them to abandon the attack and flee the area.
Following the successful engagement, the troops conducted exploitation of the area and recovered 28 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm PKT ammunition, one handheld radio, one weapon cleaning rod, two head warmers, three locally made explosives, a 50cl can of weapon cleaning oil, one empty RPG bomb charger casing, one neck strap and the sum of ₦5,000.
The recovered items are in military custody for further investigation and exploitation.
Security sources said the operation forms part of ongoing offensive efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to deny terrorists freedom of action and prevent attacks on vulnerable communities across the North-East.
They added that troops remain on aggressive clearance operations to track down the fleeing terrorists and sustain pressure on insurgent hideouts in the area.
Troops Repel ISWAP Ambush After Twin IED Attacks on Humanitarian Convoy in Borno
Troops Repel ISWAP Ambush After Twin IED Attacks on Humanitarian Convoy in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 149 Battalion have repelled an ambush by suspected ISWAP terrorists after two command-detonated improvised explosive device (IED) attacks targeted a military escort convoy in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the first incident occurred at about 2:15 p.m. on June 29 when troops escorting a convoy to Kareto encountered a command-detonated IED planted by suspected terrorists at Grema Kauri Village.
The sources said the explosion left the Commanding Officer of the 149 Battalion, Lt.-Col. E.P. Isah, with minor injuries.
According to the sources, at about 2:55 p.m. on the same day, while escorting 16 empty humanitarian logistics trucks on the return journey, the convoy struck another command-detonated IED at Gambo Kurumuri Village in the same local government area.
The second explosion was immediately followed by an ambush mounted by the terrorists.
The troops, however, fought through the ambush with superior firepower, cleared the terrorists’ positions and pursued the fleeing insurgents during subsequent exploitation of the area.
During the attack, one civilian truck driver was killed, while another civilian sustained minor injuries.
One humanitarian logistics truck was also damaged in the incident.
Following the successful clearance of the route, the convoy of humanitarian trucks was handed over to troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion in Magumeri for onward movement to Maiduguri.
The escort troops subsequently returned safely to their base.
Security sources said the incident underscores the continued use of command-detonated IEDs and coordinated ambush tactics by ISWAP/JAS terrorists targeting military movements and humanitarian supply routes in the North-East.
They added that troops remain committed to securing critical supply corridors and sustaining offensive operations to degrade the operational capabilities of terrorist groups across the theatre.
Plateau Peace Committee Adopts Abuja Delegation Report, Moves to Launch ‘Plateau Resolve 2.0’
Plateau Peace Committee Adopts Abuja Delegation Report, Moves to Launch ‘Plateau Resolve 2.0’
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Peace Committee has adopted the report of its sub-committee chaired by former Governor of the state, Sen. Joshua Chibi Dariye, as a working document to guide the implementation of measures aimed at achieving lasting peace, security and reconciliation across the state.
The decision was reached at a meeting of the committee convened by Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, following the presentation of the report by the sub-committee.
The committee was constituted after a high-powered delegation from Plateau State met with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on April 27, 2026, to seek lasting solutions to the recurring security challenges and communal conflicts in the state.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, members of the committee unanimously adopted the report as the framework for implementing practical measures to promote peace, unity and sustainable development in Plateau.
The committee commended Dariye and members of the sub-committee for what it described as their diligence, patriotism and commitment in producing a comprehensive report that reflects the aspirations of the people of the state.
It noted that the report represents a significant milestone in Plateau’s ongoing peace-building efforts.
The state government also reaffirmed its commitment to reviewing previous policies and programmes introduced by successive administrations with a view to identifying viable initiatives that would strengthen community policing, promote inclusiveness and enrich the final implementation framework.
The committee further directed the Dariye-led sub-committee to submit additional recommendations on areas requiring further attention or issues not fully addressed in the report.
On the issue of indigene-settler relations, the committee acknowledged the constitutional implications surrounding the matter and emphasised the need for sustained dialogue as the foundation for enduring peace and harmonious coexistence.
To deepen reconciliation efforts, the committee resolved that the state government should immediately begin preparations for “Plateau Resolve 2.0,” a broad-based dialogue platform designed to foster reconciliation, strengthen social cohesion and promote mutual understanding among all communities in the state.
The committee said the adoption of the report demonstrates the collective determination of Plateau leaders and stakeholders to place the interest of the state above all other considerations and pursue lasting solutions through dialogue, justice, inclusiveness and collaborative governance.
It added that the state government remained committed to implementing the committee’s recommendations in partnership with traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations, security agencies, development partners and residents to build a peaceful, united and prosperous Plateau State.
The meeting was attended by past governors of the state, political leaders, the Chairman of the Plateau State Traditional Council of Chiefs and Emirs, leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), as well as representatives of women, youth and civil society organisations.
Commercial Motorcyclist Killed, Motorcycle Stolen by Local Militias in Mangu, Plateau
Commercial Motorcyclist Killed, Motorcycle Stolen by Local Militias in Mangu, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have recovered the body of a 27-year-old commercial motorcyclist who was allegedly killed by suspected motorcycle snatchers in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the discovery was made at about 6:15 a.m. on June 30 after troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Gyambwas, responded to a report of a corpse found between Angwan Baraya and Sagani villages.
The sources said the troops, working in conjunction with police personnel from the Keystone Gindiri Division, arrived at the scene and found the victim’s body bearing multiple machete cuts.
A search of the surrounding area led to the recovery of a mobile phone believed to belong to the deceased.
Using the phone, the security personnel contacted the victim’s father, Mr. Muhammadu Sheko, who identified the deceased as Haruna Muhammadu, 27, of Changal Village in Mangu Local Government Area.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the deceased was a commercial motorcyclist who had recently purchased a new motorcycle before he was allegedly attacked and killed by suspected motorcycle snatchers, who made away with the motorcycle.
The body was evacuated by police personnel from the Keystone Gindiri Division and released to the family for burial.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend those responsible for the killing and theft of the motorcycle.
They urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts to combat violent crime in the state.
Troops Repel Armed Herders During Illegal Grazing Operation in Plateau
Troops Repel Armed Herders During Illegal Grazing Operation in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have repelled an attack by suspected armed herders during an operation against illegal grazing in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:20 p.m. on June 29 after troops of Sector 8 responded to reports of armed herders grazing cattle in restricted areas around Kwahas Village.
According to the sources, the troops were deployed to the area following intelligence on illegal grazing activities in violation of existing restrictions.
On arrival at the location, the armed herders reportedly opened fire on the troops.
The troops responded with superior firepower, successfully repelling the attack and forcing the assailants to flee with their cattle in disarray.
Security sources disclosed that the troops expended 10 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition during the exchange.
No casualty was reported among the troops.
Following the encounter, the troops dominated the general area and commenced offensive clearance operations to prevent the armed herders from regrouping and to restore security in the affected community.
Military authorities said operations would continue across vulnerable areas to curb illegal grazing, protect farming communities and deny criminal elements freedom of action.
Cattle Rustling, Local Militia Activities Behind Sai Community Attack in Benue
Cattle Rustling, Local Militia Activities Behind Sai Community Attack in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Emerging security intelligence has identified persistent cattle rustling and the activities of armed local militias as the major factors that culminated in the recent attack on Sai Community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which occurred on June 30, 2026, is believed by security sources to have been a retaliatory assault carried out by armed herders following months of attacks allegedly orchestrated against herders and their livestock by criminal militia groups operating within the area.
According to intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama, the violence did not occur in isolation but represents the latest development in a prolonged cycle of reprisals that has continued to fuel insecurity across parts of Benue State.
Security findings indicate that for several months, organised criminal groups operating around Katsina-Ala had repeatedly targeted herders, rustled cattle, and attacked livestock grazing routes.
One intelligence report revealed that at about 8:15 a.m. on Feb. 3, 2026, a suspected criminal kingpin identified as Abam allegedly instructed one of his associates, Anyogo, to mobilise armed men to ambush herders reportedly moving toward the Udorugh axis.
During the intercepted conversation, the suspects were said to have discussed plans to rustle cattle and explored possible markets where the stolen livestock could later be sold.
Investigators believe the discussion provided further evidence that cattle rustling had become a structured criminal enterprise rather than isolated incidents of livestock theft.
Another intelligence report dated Feb. 18, 2026, indicated that another suspected militia leader, identified simply as Chen, allegedly informed his associates that he had engaged herders in a violent confrontation at Gbagir Village.
During the clash, two cows belonging to the herders were reportedly killed, while the suspect allegedly expressed willingness to continue future attacks against pastoral communities.
Zagazola learnt that such repeated incidents significantly heightened tensions between farming and herding communities, creating conditions that eventually resulted in retaliatory violence.
However, intelligence sources stressed that the activities of the criminal militias extend beyond attacks on herders.
According to the sources, the armed groups have also been terrorising residents within their own communities through killings, intimidation, kidnappings and extortion.
The groups are alleged to execute community members suspected of sharing information with security agencies, impose illegal levies on villages under their influence, burn settlements that refuse to comply with their demands, and abduct innocent civilians for ransom.
Security officials believe these criminal activities have weakened community structures and created an atmosphere of fear that discourages residents from cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
Sources further disclosed that inadequate intelligence sharing from some affected communities has continued to undermine ongoing security operations.
Many residents, according to the findings, are reluctant to volunteer information due to fear of reprisals from the armed groups, while some influential individuals allegedly provide protection and public support to the criminal elements by portraying them as community defenders instead of criminal actors.
Sources warn that such narratives often complicate counter-criminal operations by making it difficult to isolate genuine community defence initiatives from organised criminal networks.
Investigators therefore believe that the attack on Sai Community should be understood within the broader context of sustained criminality, cattle rustling and retaliatory violence that have persisted in parts of Katsina-Ala and neighbouring communities.
They stressed that unless the underlying criminal economy driven by cattle rustling, armed militias, kidnapping and illegal taxation is dismantled, isolated military responses may only provide temporary relief while leaving the cycle of revenge attacks unresolved.
Security agencies are said to be intensifying intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling the criminal networks operating within the area, recovering illegally acquired firearms, rescuing kidnapped victims and restoring confidence among affected communities.
Authorities have also appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information, assuring that measures are being strengthened to protect informants and improve security across the affected communities.
Several Feared Dead as Armed Herders Attack Sai Community in Benue
Several Feared Dead as Armed Herders Attack Sai Community in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Several persons were feared killed while many others sustained injuries after suspected armed herders attacked Sai Community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attackers stormed the community in large numbers, opening fire on residents and setting several houses ablaze, forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
The sources said security personnel were immediately mobilised to the area following distress calls and engaged in efforts to repel the attackers and restore normalcy.
Several injured victims were evacuated to nearby medical facilities for treatment, while security operatives commenced search operations to account for missing residents and prevent further attacks.
The attack also resulted in the destruction of residential buildings and other property, with many families displaced from the affected community.
The Nigerian army troops and other security agencies have since intensified patrols around Sai and adjoining communities to forestall further violence and reassure residents.
The latest attack illustrates the persistent security challenges confronting parts of Benue State, where recurring clashes involving armed groups have continued to claim lives, destroy livelihoods and displace communities.
Mutfwang appoints retired Maj.-Gen. Isandu as security adviser
Mutfwang appoints retired Maj.-Gen. Isandu as security adviser
By: Zagazola Makama
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has appointed retired Maj.-Gen. Bala A. Isandu as Special Adviser on Security as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was announced by the Plateau State Government on Wednesday.
Before his appointment, Isandu served as Senior Special Assistant on Intelligence to the Minister of Defence and also held the position of Director at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
During his distinguished military career spanning more than three decades, the retired general participated in several local and international security operations, earning recognition for his extensive experience in intelligence, strategic security management and national defence.
The state government said the appointment formed part of a broader restructuring aimed at reinforcing Plateau’s security framework, enhancing the protection of lives and property, and ensuring the safety of educational institutions across the state.
Mutfwang congratulated Isandu and other newly appointed officials, expressing confidence in their professionalism, dedication and wealth of experience.
He urged the new Special Adviser on Security to deploy his expertise in advancing the administration’s vision of a peaceful, secure and prosperous Plateau.
Meanwhile, security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, has welcomed the appointment, describing Isandu as a seasoned intelligence officer with deep operational experience.
Makama said the retired major-general had spent more than three decades in the security sector, serving in key intelligence and strategic appointments both within and outside Nigeria.
According to him, Isandu’s vast knowledge of intelligence gathering, security coordination and counter-insurgency operations would be invaluable in supporting the Plateau Government’s efforts to address the state’s security challenges.
Three Killed, Two Injured in Attack by Fulani Bandits Near Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
Three Killed, Two Injured in Attack by Fulani Bandits Near Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Three persons have been killed and two others injured following an attack by suspected armed Fulani bandits near an illegal mining site in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on June 30 around the border communities of Tsoho Gero and Nyango, where armed assailants ambushed local residents before fleeing the scene.
The sources said troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), under Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), responded to a distress call and, in conjunction with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), moved to the area.
On arrival, the troops made contact with the fleeing attackers, who escaped towards the Dutse Kura axis in neighbouring Bassa Local Government Area.
However, security personnel confirmed that the attackers had already killed three local residents and injured two others before the troops arrived.
The deceased were identified as Mr. Chung Davou, Gyang Gwaha and Pam Chung.
Following the incident, troops carried out exploitation and clearance operations from Tsoho Gero to the Gero High Grounds in search of the fleeing assailants.
During the operation, Fulani community leaders alleged that four Fulani men had also been killed in the violence. However, security personnel said no bodies were found to substantiate the claim.
Tension later escalated at Gyel, where a group of aggrieved women blocked the troops’ route and threw stones at security personnel, accusing them of failing to prevent the attack.
The troops fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd and restore access before continuing the operation.
Security sources said clearance operations were ongoing in the area to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
Angwa Rukuba Killings: Court To Rule On Jurisdiction, As Suspects Remain In DSS Custody
Angwa Rukuba Killings: Court To Rule On Jurisdiction, As Suspects Remain In DSS Custody
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos, on Wednesday, reserved ruling on a preliminary objection on jurisdiction filed by counsel to some suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), and standing trial for their roles in the Angwa Rukuba massacre of late March and early April of 2026.
At the resumed trial on Wednesday, the Plateau State Director of Civil Litigation, Sabo Longji, told the court that two of the defendants filed a notice of preliminary objection challenging the the court's jurisdiction, praying the court to strike out the case against them.
The prosecution, however, told the court presided over by Justice Gedeliah Fwomyon, that it filed a counter-affidavit dated June 29, 2026, which had been served on the defendants.
When the defence counsel, led by M. I. Shaba (SAN), M. I. Salihu and S.M Danlami, drew the court's attention to the fact that the counter affidavit was filed out of time, the prosecution made a fresh application for extension of time, which the court granted.
The judge adjourned the matter to 2nd July 2026 to hear the motion, while the substantive matter was adjourned to 15th July, 2026.
The defendants are to remain in the custody of the DSS.
On Palm Sunday of 2026, a number of gunmen attacked Angwa Rukuba in Jos North LGA of the state, killing about 30 persons. Days later, the DSS arrested Adamu Isa Alhassan, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar aka Auwalu Dogo, and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim aka Yaroro.
The Plateau State government charged the four suspects alongside one Ado Ibrahim, said to be at large, with criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and illegally dealing in arms and ammunition.
AES Forces Claim Heavy Losses Inflicted on Terrorist Groups Across Three Fronts
AES Forces Claim Heavy Losses Inflicted on Terrorist Groups Across Three Fronts
By: Zagazola Makama
The armed forces of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on terrorist armed groups during coordinated military operations conducted on three fronts across Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
The claim was made in a statement circulated on Tuesday, which identified the affected locations as Gaweri in Burkina Faso, Ségou in Mali and Torodi in Niger.
According to the statement, the operations were carried out simultaneously by the respective national armed forces, resulting in significant casualties among the terrorist groups.
The AES said the coordinated operations demonstrated the growing military cooperation among the three member states in confronting insurgency and terrorism across the Sahel region.
Troops Intercept 675 Litres of Smuggled Fuel Suspected for Terrorists in Adamawa
Troops Intercept 675 Litres of Smuggled Fuel Suspected for Terrorists in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted 27 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, suspected to be destined for terrorist elements during a strangulation operation in Adamawa State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the interception occurred at about 3:15 p.m. on June 29, when troops of the 247 Reconnaissance Battalion conducting Operation Desert Sanity V intercepted the consignment along the Muva route in Mubi North Local Government Area.
The sources said the smugglers abandoned the fuel and fled into nearby bushes immediately after sighting the advancing troops, preventing their arrest.
The recovered consignment comprised 27 jerrycans of PMS, estimated at approximately 675 litres, which security sources believe was being transported to an undisclosed destination, with suspicions that it was intended to support terrorist logistics.
The recovered fuel has since been taken into the custody of the 247 Reconnaissance Battalion for further investigation and necessary action.
The interception forms part of Operation HADIN KAI’s ongoing strangulation operations aimed at disrupting terrorist supply chains, denying insurgents access to fuel and other logistics essential for sustaining their operations across the North-East.
Military sources said troops remain vigilant across the theatre, noting that although the general security situation is relatively calm, it remains unpredictable. They added that troops continue to maintain high morale and operational readiness as clearance and interdiction operations continue across the region.
Troops Recover Rustled Livestock, Repel Terrorists in Katsina
Troops Recover Rustled Livestock, Repel Terrorists in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 17 Brigade, Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled a major livestock rustling attempt and recovered a large number of stolen animals during a counter-terrorism operation in Katsina State.
The operation was conducted on Tuesday in collaboration with the Katsina State Community Watch Corps following credible intelligence on the movement of armed terrorists in Charanchi Local Government Area.
Security sources said the operation was launched after local residents raised an alarm that heavily armed terrorists were driving a large herd of rustled livestock through the vicinity of Kaddanya Village.
Acting on the intelligence, the joint security team swiftly mobilised and laid an ambush along the terrorists’ suspected route.
The troops intercepted the suspects at Sabari Reraya Village, where a gun battle ensued after the terrorists encountered the security forces.
According to the sources, the troops overwhelmed the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and flee into the surrounding bush.
Following the successful engagement, the security forces secured the recovered livestock and dominated the area to forestall any attempt by the fleeing terrorists to regroup.
Efforts are currently underway to identify the rightful owners of the recovered animals and facilitate their return.
The operation forms part of the ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry campaign by Operation FANSAN YAMMA aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, protecting rural communities and safeguarding livelihoods across the North-West.
Military authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with local security outfits to deny criminal elements freedom of action and enhance security in the region.
Benue Govt. Dismantles Illegal Checkpoints, Arrests Civil Protection Guards
Benue Govt. Dismantles Illegal Checkpoints, Arrests Civil Protection Guards
By: Zagazola Makama
The Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security and Internal Affairs has dismantled several illegal checkpoints along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road and ordered the arrest of members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) found manning them.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday, was conducted alongside the State Commander and other senior officers of the BSCPG as part of efforts to enforce compliance with security directives and ensure the free flow of traffic across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Media Aide to the Special Adviser, Comrade Mfa A. Igirgi Jr., the operation followed concerns over the increasing number of unauthorized roadblocks mounted by security volunteers along the highway.
The Special Adviser said the exercise was in line with the directive of the Benue State Commissioner of Police that roads should not be obstructed except at officially approved security checkpoints.
During the operation, two illegal checkpoints in Aliade were dismantled, while BSCPG personnel found operating them were disarmed and taken into custody for further administrative action.
The team also visited Howe, where soldiers had mounted a checkpoint near the premises of a Chinese construction company. The soldiers explained that they were providing security for the Chinese Harbor Company and its expatriate staff.
The Special Adviser, however, directed that the roadblock be removed and instructed the soldiers to concentrate on securing the company’s premises rather than occupying the highway.
He noted that unnecessary checkpoints impede the free movement of motorists and could create security vulnerabilities, particularly when left unmanned.
Reiterating the operational mandate of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, the Special Adviser said members of the outfit are expected to patrol their communities, provide early warning on security threats and serve as first responders, rather than establish checkpoints on public highways.
He stressed that BSCPG personnel are only permitted to participate in checkpoint operations when working jointly with the Nigeria Police Force or other authorized security agencies.
The Special Adviser urged residents to report any BSCPG personnel operating unauthorized checkpoints to the office of the State Commander or his office for prompt disciplinary action.
He reaffirmed the Benue State Government’s commitment to promoting lawful security operations while ensuring that measures put in place to protect lives and property do not inconvenience law-abiding citizens or create opportunities for criminal activities.
COAS Commissions 80 Affordable Housing Units for Soldiers in Jos, Reserves Homes for Wounded Personnel
COAS Commissions 80 Affordable Housing Units for Soldiers in Jos, Reserves Homes for Wounded Personnel
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned 80 housing units under the Nigerian Army Affordable Home Ownership Scheme in Jos, Plateau State, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of personnel through improved housing and post-retirement security.
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The commissioning ceremony, held on Tuesday, formed part of the Nigerian Army’s Soldier-First Culture initiative, which the COAS described as a critical pillar for strengthening operational effectiveness and improving the overall well-being of troops and their families.
Addressing officers, soldiers and stakeholders at the event, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu said the provision of quality and affordable housing remains a deliberate investment in the welfare, morale and long-term security of personnel who continue to make enormous sacrifices in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
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He noted that ensuring soldiers have access to decent accommodation, particularly after retirement, would not only improve their quality of life but also enhance their confidence and commitment while in active service.
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According to the Army Chief, personnel who are assured of a secure future are better motivated to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with professionalism and dedication.
“The welfare of our personnel and their families remains central to the actualisation of my command philosophy. A well-motivated and professionally fulfilled soldier is better positioned to deliver on the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Army,” he said.
Shaibu disclosed that the 80 housing units commissioned in Jos are part of an ongoing nationwide housing programme aimed at expanding home ownership opportunities for military personnel.
He revealed that 60 housing units were delivered under the scheme last year, while another 120 units in Abuja and 40 units in Benin are scheduled for commissioning in the coming months.
The COAS said the continued expansion of the housing programme demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to improving the living standards and welfare administration of both serving and retired personnel.
In what observers described as a significant welfare initiative, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu announced that five per cent of the newly commissioned housing units have been specifically reserved for soldiers wounded in action.
He explained that the allocation is intended to honour personnel who sustained injuries while defending the nation and to recognise their courage, sacrifice and unwavering dedication to national security.
According to him, the gesture underscores the Nigerian Army’s enduring responsibility towards those who have paid a heavy price in the line of duty.
“Our wounded-in-action personnel have made extraordinary sacrifices in service to the nation. Reserving these housing units for them is a token of our gratitude and appreciation for their selfless service,” the COAS stated.
He urged beneficiaries of the scheme to maintain the facilities and uphold the values associated with responsible home ownership, describing the houses as symbols of stability, dignity and lasting reward for years of dedicated military service.
The Affordable Home Ownership Scheme forms part of the Nigerian Army’s broader welfare reforms aimed at boosting personnel morale, improving retention, and ensuring that soldiers enjoy a secure and dignified life both during and after their careers in service to the nation.
COAS Commissions Renovated Soldiers’ Accommodation in Jos, Reaffirms Welfare as Foundation of Combat Readiness
COAS Commissions Renovated Soldiers’ Accommodation in Jos, Reaffirms Welfare as Foundation of Combat Readiness
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed that the welfare of troops remains central to the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness, declaring that quality accommodation and improved living conditions are indispensable to building a highly motivated and combat-ready force capable of meeting Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Army Chief made the declaration on Tuesday during the commissioning of five fully renovated blocks of soldiers’ accommodation at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State, describing the project as a strategic investment in personnel welfare and a critical component of the Army’s broader transformation agenda.
The commissioning forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to modernise barracks infrastructure, improve the quality of life of personnel and their families, and strengthen the operational readiness of troops deployed across various theatres of operation.
Addressing officers, soldiers and their families, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that the provision of decent accommodation goes beyond infrastructure development, noting that it directly impacts morale, discipline, mental well-being and the overall effectiveness of troops in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
He said a soldier who is confident that his family is living in a safe, secure and comfortable environment is better positioned to concentrate fully on operational tasks, whether engaged in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, anti-banditry or other internal security operations across the country.
The COAS explained that improving the welfare of personnel remains a cornerstone of his “Soldier First Culture”, a command philosophy designed to place the needs, welfare and professional development of soldiers at the heart of the Nigerian Army’s transformation efforts.
According to him, investing in the welfare of troops is not merely an administrative responsibility but a strategic necessity that enhances operational efficiency, strengthens fighting spirit and reinforces the Army’s ability to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
During an interaction with families residing in the cantonment, the Army Chief paid glowing tribute to the wives of soldiers, describing them as silent pillars behind the operational successes recorded by the Nigerian Army.
He commended their patience, resilience and unwavering support despite the demanding nature of military service, noting that the sacrifices made by military families contribute immensely to sustaining the morale of personnel serving on the frontlines.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu acknowledged that while soldiers often receive public recognition for their service, their spouses and families equally deserve appreciation for the emotional strength, encouragement and stability they provide, especially during prolonged deployments and operational engagements.
He assured personnel that the Nigerian Army under his leadership would continue to prioritise the rehabilitation of existing barracks, construction of new accommodation, and improvement of essential facilities aimed at enhancing the overall welfare of soldiers and their dependants.
The COAS also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to creating an environment where personnel can live with dignity while remaining fully prepared to respond to emerging security threats across the country.
The renovation of the accommodation blocks at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment reflects the Nigerian Army’s growing emphasis on balancing operational excellence with personnel welfare, recognising that a motivated soldier is a more effective soldier.
The initiative is expected to further boost the morale of troops and reinforce the Nigerian Army’s resolve to build a professional, disciplined and highly responsive force capable of effectively confronting the nation’s diverse security challenges while safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.
Nigerian Army Boosts Training Capacity as COAS Inaugurates Modern Training Facilities in Plateau
Nigerian Army Boosts Training Capacity as COAS Inaugurates Modern Training Facilities in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has taken another significant step toward enhancing the professionalism and combat readiness of its personnel with the inauguration of modern training facilities at the 3 Division Training School and Shooting Range in Miango, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The facilities, commissioned on Tuesday by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, form part of the Army’s ongoing efforts to modernise its training infrastructure and provide a more conducive environment for the development of officers and soldiers.
Speaking during the inauguration of newly constructed hostel blocks at the training school, the COAS described training as the bedrock of operational success, stressing that a well-trained force remains indispensable in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
He said the provision of modern accommodation and improved training infrastructure would significantly enhance the capacity of the institution to conduct effective and realistic training, thereby producing personnel capable of meeting contemporary operational demands.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu noted that the Nigerian Army has continued to invest in training institutions across the country as part of deliberate efforts to strengthen force readiness, improve operational efficiency, and sustain the momentum in ongoing counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and internal security operations.
According to him, creating a conducive learning and training environment is essential to achieving excellence, as quality infrastructure directly contributes to effective knowledge acquisition, skills development, and professional competence among troops.
The Army Chief reiterated that the welfare of personnel remains a central pillar of his command philosophy, explaining that improving accommodation, training facilities, and the overall working environment for soldiers is critical to maintaining morale and enhancing operational effectiveness.
He commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace for his foresight, prudent management of resources, and commitment to executing projects that directly improve the Army’s training capacity.
The COAS expressed confidence that the new facilities would not only improve the quality of instruction at the training school but also reinforce the Nigerian Army’s broader transformation agenda aimed at building a highly professional, disciplined, and combat-ready force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
The commissioning of the facilities illustrates the Nigerian Army’s sustained commitment to investing in human capital development through modern training infrastructure, reflecting its determination to prepare personnel for the complex security environment confronting the nation.
The initiative also aligns with the Army’s strategic objective of developing a technologically driven, professionally competent, and highly motivated force capable of responding swiftly and effectively to both conventional and asymmetric threats across the country.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Jos Raid
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Jos Raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1,Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested three suspected drug peddlers during a raid on a notorious hideout in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Military sources said the operation was conducted at about 6:00 a.m. on June 29 at the Congo-Russia area following sustained efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
According to the sources, the troops arrested three suspects identified as Abubakar Abdulrahman, 23; Muhammadu Abubakar, 28; and Awal Ali, 33.
The sources said quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and other illicit drugs were recovered from the suspects during the operation.
The arrested suspects have been profiled and are undergoing further investigation, while appropriate legal action will follow.
The military said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and deny drug traffickers safe havens within Plateau State.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Jos Raid
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Jos Raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1,Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested three suspected drug peddlers during a raid on a notorious hideout in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Military sources said the operation was conducted at about 6:00 a.m. on June 29 at the Congo-Russia area following sustained efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
According to the sources, the troops arrested three suspects identified as Abubakar Abdulrahman, 23; Muhammadu Abubakar, 28; and Awal Ali, 33.
The sources said quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and other illicit drugs were recovered from the suspects during the operation.
The arrested suspects have been profiled and are undergoing further investigation, while appropriate legal action will follow.
The military said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and deny drug traffickers safe havens within Plateau State.
Court Grants Sowore N200m Bail *Lists fresh conditions
Court Grants Sowore N200m Bail
*Lists fresh conditions
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, granted bail to online publisher and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
Aside a N200 million bail with two sureties, one of them must be a traditional ruler in Sowore's community in
Ese-Odo Local Government Area in Ondo State.
The second surety, the court ruled, must have landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Also, Sowore is to surrender his international passport to the court's deputy registrar for safekeeping. The court held that both sureties must be verified by counsel to the prosecution, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN.
Following Sowore's absence in court, the judge, on June 16, 2026, revoked the bail he granted Sowore on "self-recognition" last December. Thereafter, he issued a bench warrant for the politician's arrest after he failed to appear in court for his trial on allegations bordering on cybercrime and criminal defamation.
Last Tuesday, Justice Umar ordered that Sowore be kept in the Kuje Correctional Centre until his motion for a stay of the execution of the order for the revocation of his bail and bench warrant is determined.
Justice Umar dismissed Sowore's other application that the judge be withdrawn from further presiding over his trial on the ground of alleged bias.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over alleged criminal defamation arising from claims that he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts made on his official X and Facebook accounts.
The defendant's lawyer, R. O.
Adakole, however, appealed to the judge that Sowore be released to him to enable him get his passport from the US embassy in Lagos.
Justice Umar Mohammed adjourned to July 6, 2026, for continuing of hearing.
CAS Commends Troops for Rescue of Lassa Students, Orders Sustained Offensive Against Terrorists
CAS Commends Troops for Rescue of Lassa Students, Orders Sustained Offensive Against Terrorists
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended troops of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and their counterparts on the ground for the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted during the recent terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to the statement, the CAS described the operation as a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint military operations in protecting civilians and maintaining pressure on terrorist groups.
Air Marshal Aneke specifically praised the rapid deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, as well as timely air support, which disrupted the movement of the terrorists and enabled ground troops to engage the fleeing insurgents and rescue the abducted victims.
He said the account of one of the rescued victims, Mr Paul Namaske, Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, underscored the decisive impact of air power during the operation.
According to Namaske, the arrival of military aircraft forced the terrorists to scatter, creating an opportunity for the abducted teachers and students to escape as troops advanced on the insurgents’ position.
The CAS said the testimony further validated the critical role of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations when effectively integrated with ground forces.
Aneke also commended the courage, professionalism and commitment displayed by the troops who participated in the rescue mission.
He, however, paid tribute to a soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who lost their lives during the operation.
The CAS extended his condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, describing their sacrifice as a source of inspiration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the defence of the nation.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to working closely with the Nigerian Army, other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to sustain ongoing operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country.
Troops Rescue Farmer Shot by Suspected Armed Herders in Plateau, Recover Abandoned Cattle
Troops Rescue Farmer Shot by Suspected Armed Herders in Plateau, Recover Abandoned Cattle
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued a farmer who was shot by suspected armed herders during an attack in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:20 p.m. on June 29 around Jebbu Miango community, where the assailants attacked a farmer identified as Mr. Lambat.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to a distress call and engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee the area before they could inflict further harm.
During the intervention, the troops rescued the victim, who had sustained gunshot wounds, and evacuated him to ENOS Hospital in Miango for urgent medical treatment.
The troops also recovered a herd of cattle abandoned by the fleeing suspects. The animals were moved to a secure location pending identification of their rightful owners and further necessary action by the relevant authorities.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.
Missing Man Found Dead at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
Missing Man Found Dead at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
The corpse of a man earlier reported missing has been recovered at an illegal mining site in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to a report at about 7:30 a.m. on June 29 that one Mr. Jerry had gone missing from the Rantya area.
The sources said the troops, in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), launched a search-and-rescue operation in the surrounding bushes.
During the operation, the search team discovered the victim’s corpse at a mining site. The body bore gunshot wounds as well as machete cuts.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the deceased had left home for illegal mining activities but failed to return, prompting concerns from relatives and the subsequent search operation.
Security sources said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.
Military Delivers Decisive Air Strike on Bandit Enclave Along Niger–Kaduna–Zamfara Border
Military Delivers Decisive Air Strike on Bandit Enclave Along Niger–Kaduna–Zamfara Border
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian military, in continuation of its sustained air campaign against armed bandits and other criminal elements threatening national security, has recorded another significant operational success with a precision air strike targeting a major gathering of bandits at Dogon Dawa, along the strategic Niger–Kaduna–Zamfara border.
Credible operational sources confirmed that the strike was executed after intelligence indicated that a large number of armed bandits had converged at the location to coordinate and plan a series of attacks against nearby communities.
The precision engagement effectively struck the gathering, resulting in the neutralisation of a substantial number of the terrorists. Intelligence obtained following the operation also indicated that more than hundreds of motorcycles, believed to have been assembled for the planned offensive and mobility of the criminal elements, were present at the target area at the time of the strike.
Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) and follow-up intelligence further revealed that several surviving terrorists, many of them wounded, fled in disarray towards the forests between Shadadi and Ma’undu through the Mangwaro axis, abandoning their coordinated plans as the devastating effects of the air strike disrupted their operations.
The successful mission illustrated the effectiveness in employing intelligence-driven precision air power to deny criminal groups freedom of movement, disrupt their command structures, and degrade their operational capabilities before attacks can be launched against innocent civilians.
This operation also reflects the seamless synergy between intelligence agencies and the Air Component in identifying, tracking, and engaging high-value terrorist and bandit targets with remarkable precision while sustaining pressure on criminal networks across the North-West and North-Central theatres.
Troops Rescue Six Kidnap Victims Abandoned by Terrorists in Katsina
Troops Rescue Six Kidnap Victims Abandoned by Terrorists in Katsina
Zagazola Makama
The troops of the 17 Brigade under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued six kidnap victims who were abandoned by fleeing terrorists during an offensive operation in Katsina State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue took place on June 29, 2026, at Unguwan Doka in Faskari Local Government Area following sustained military pressure on terrorist enclaves in the area.
The rescued victims comprise four women and two children. They were identified as Mrs. Umaima Isiaku, 30; Amina Isiaku, 25; Fatima Saidu, 22; Huzaima Nasiru, 16; as well as Usman Surajo, aged one, and Dauda Isiaku, aged 18 months.
During preliminary interrogation, the victims disclosed that they were abducted by armed terrorists on March 11, 2026, along the Tsafe–Bilbis Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The victims, who are all indigenes of Bilbis village, said they were held in captivity for more than three months before being abandoned by their captors as troops intensified offensive operations in the area.
Military sources said the rescued victims are receiving necessary care, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families.
The latest rescue is part of the sustained operations by Operation FANSAN YAMMA aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and securing communities across the North-West.
Troops Rescue Nine Abducted Students, Intensify Pursuit of Terrorists After Lassa School Attack
Troops Rescue Nine Abducted Students, Intensify Pursuit of Terrorists After Lassa School Attack
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued nine students abducted by Boko Haram terrorists during an attack on Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Lassa in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, while sustaining aggressive pursuit operations to rescue the remaining captives.
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Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists stormed the school in the early hours of Monday while students were writing the ongoing Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE), causing panic before abducting several female students.
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During the attack, a teacher was killed while another sustained injuries. The assailants fled with an unspecified number of students and several motorcycles.
Sources disclosed that troops, supported by local vigilante members, immediately launched a pursuit operation and engaged the fleeing terrorists in a fierce gun battle.
The combined forces successfully overpowered the terrorists, forcing them to abandon part of their captives. Initial rescue efforts led to the recovery of eight abducted students and the capture of four motorcycles belonging to the terrorists.
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Subsequent exploitation operations resulted in the rescue of an additional student, bringing the total number of rescued victims to nine, while troops also recovered a fifth motorcycle from the fleeing insurgents.
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The sources further revealed that one vigilante member and one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter, while efforts are ongoing to account for the remaining abducted students.
Military authorities said troops have continued to dominate all possible escape routes used by the terrorists, with additional reinforcements deployed to block crossing points and deny the insurgents freedom of movement.
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The sources added that troops are maintaining relentless pressure on the fleeing terrorists through coordinated ground pursuit operations aimed at rescuing the remaining abductees and recovering additional equipment abandoned by the insurgents.
Security forces expressed optimism that the ongoing operation would yield further successes as the terrorists remain under intense pressure and are being pursued across multiple axes.
The attack comes amid sustained military offensives against Boko Haram and ISWAP enclaves across the North-East, with troops intensifying clearance operations to deny the insurgents safe havens and protect vulnerable communities.
The Soldiers’ Firepower Forced the Terrorists to Run’ — Rescued Teacher Recounts Lassa School Ordeal
‘The Soldiers’ Firepower Forced the Terrorists to Run’ — Rescued Teacher Recounts Lassa School Ordeal
By Zagazola Makama
A teacher rescued after Monday’s terrorist attack on the Technical Secondary School in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, has recounted how the overwhelming firepower of troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) forced suspected ISWAP terrorists to abandon their captives and flee.
Speaking after his rescue, the visibly relieved teacher said the swift response by troops prevented what could have been a far greater tragedy.
“There were many soldiers, and they really helped us to escape because they came with gun trucks,” the teacher said.
“Their firepower was what made us escape. They came with heavy firepower, and the terrorists began to run away. They could not even return the fire because the firepower from the soldiers and the team was very, very strong.”
The teacher was among 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers rescued after the terrorists stormed the school at about 9:00 a.m. while students were writing their examinations.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that immediately after receiving reports of the attack, the Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission, deploying ground troops supported by strike aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms from the Air Component.
Guided by real-time aerial intelligence, troops intercepted the fleeing terrorists around the Daggu axis, where a fierce gun battle ensued.
The superior firepower of the troops overwhelmed the insurgents, forcing them to abandon some of their captives as they fled. The operation resulted in the successful rescue of 10 abducted victims, comprising students and teachers, all of whom were rescued unharmed.
Troops also recovered seven motorcycles belonging to the terrorists, significantly hampering their mobility during the pursuit.
Military authorities said troops have continued to dominate the general area and all likely escape routes while sustaining pressure on the fleeing terrorists to rescue the remaining abducted victim and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Despite the successful operation, one soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) paid the supreme sacrifice during the fierce exchange of fire.
Troops Foil Attempted Infiltration of NIPSS Facility in Plateau
Troops Foil Attempted Infiltration of NIPSS Facility in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled an attempted infiltration of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Military sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on June 29 when troops of Sector 6, in collaboration with other security agencies on guard duty at the institute, detected the movement of unidentified suspected criminals around the facility.
According to the sources, the security personnel responded swiftly, forcing the suspected intruders to flee into a nearby thick shrub before they could gain access to the institute.
The troops immediately conducted a search of the surrounding area where the suspects were last sighted, but no contact was established as the suspects had escaped.
The sources said security has since been reinforced around the facility, while surveillance and area domination patrols have been intensified to prevent any further attempt to breach the premises.
They added that the area remains under close monitoring as security agencies continue efforts to identify and apprehend those behind the attempted infiltration.
Operation WHIRL STROKE Delegation Attends Burial of Slain Benue MACBAN Chairman, Son in Kogi
Operation WHIRL STROKE Delegation Attends Burial of Slain Benue MACBAN Chairman, Son in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Senior military officers from Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) on June 27 attended the burial of the late Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State Chapter, Ardo Risku Muhammed, and his son, Yakubu Isah, in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The father and son were killed in an attack in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State while returning from a peace meeting, an incident that has drawn widespread condemnation.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the burial ceremony, held at about 10:30 a.m., was attended by the Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, represented by the Coordinator of the Intelligence Cell, Lt. Col. S.I. Auwal.
Also present at the funeral were representatives of the 72 Special Forces Battalion and the 21 Battalion, who joined family members, community leaders and sympathisers in paying their last respects to the deceased.
Speaking during the ceremony, Lt. Col. Auwal conveyed the condolences of the Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE and the Nigerian military to the bereaved family.
He assured the family that security agencies were committed to ensuring that those responsible for the killings were identified, apprehended and brought to justice.
The military officer also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that would aid ongoing investigations and operations aimed at restoring peace and security in the area.
Military sources said the burial was conducted peacefully without any security incident, while security personnel maintained adequate presence throughout the ceremony.
Troops Repel Attack on Fulani Bandits in Plateau Community, One Civilian Killed
Troops Repel Attack by Fulani Bandits on Plateau Community, One Civilian Killed
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have repelled an attack by suspected Fulani Bandits on Jebbu Miango community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Military sources said the incident occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on June 29 when troops of Sector 3 responded to reports of sporadic gunfire by suspected armed militias in the community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee into the surrounding highlands.
A search of the community conducted after the attackers retreated led to the discovery of the body of a 74-year-old resident, identified as Mr Baba Den, who was believed to have been killed during the attack.
The sources said troops subsequently commenced offensive operations and domination patrols across the area to prevent the attackers from regrouping and to forestall further attacks on the community.
The military added that the security situation in the area remained under control, while efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing assailants.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and continue to provide credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations in the area.
Police Arrest 10 Suspects Over Killing of Benue MACBAN Chairman, Associate
Police Arrest 10 Suspects Over Killing of Benue MACBAN Chairman, Associate
By Zagazola Makama
The Benue State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and his associate, Yakubu Isa.
The arrests followed intensive intelligence gathering and tactical operations launched after the two men were ambushed and killed while returning from a peace meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area.
Confirming the development in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said the Command had made significant progress in unraveling those behind the attack.
According to the statement, the suspects arrested are Titus Thyodenda, 25; Utibe Sam, 20; Owoicho Ameh, 18; Sunday Useni, 21; Sunday Ogbanje, 46; Daniel Raphael, 23; Adokole John, 24; Samuel Ogazi, 32; Agbo Daniel, 25; and Onazi James, 30.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the tactical teams and investigators for their swift response, describing the arrests as a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation.
“The Command has made significant progress in the ongoing investigation. Ten suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident following intensive intelligence and tactical operations,” the Commissioner said.
He assured members of the public that investigations were continuing and that efforts had been intensified to identify, trace and arrest other individuals linked to the killings.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law,” the police commissioner added.
CP Nwadiogbu appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information capable of assisting the investigation and other security operations across the state.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Benue State Police Command to protecting lives and property and sustaining peace and public safety throughout the state.
The killing of Ardo Risku Mohammed, a prominent Fulani leader in Benue State, had generated widespread concern after he and Yakubu Isa were attacked while returning from a peace meeting, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and the arrest of those responsible.
Top ISWAP Leaders Surrender as Military Pressure Forces More Terrorists to Abandon Camps
Top ISWAP Leaders Surrender as Military Pressure Forces More Terrorists to Abandon Camps
By: Zagazola Makama
Sustained offensive operations by troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have continued to yield significant results, with a fresh group of senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders surrendering to the military amid intensified counter-terrorism operations across the North-East.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the latest surrender involved key figures within the terrorist network who abandoned their enclaves following weeks of sustained military offensives, precision strikes and intelligence-driven operations that have continued to degrade the group’s operational capabilities.
The sources said the surrendered commanders are currently being held at a secure military facility, where they are undergoing profiling, intelligence debriefing and other procedures in line with established operational protocols.
Although security authorities have not disclosed the identities of the surrendered commanders for operational reasons, their defection is regarded as another major setback for ISWAP’s leadership structure and a reflection of the increasing pressure being mounted by troops across the theatre.
Military sources attributed the development to the relentless tempo of Operation HADIN KAI, which has intensified coordinated land and air operations targeting terrorist enclaves, logistics bases, supply routes and command centres across Borno and other parts of the North-East.
According to the sources, the sustained campaign has significantly reduced the terrorists’ freedom of movement, disrupted their logistics chain and weakened their ability to organise large-scale attacks, forcing many fighters and commanders to reconsider their continued participation in the insurgency.
The latest surrender comes barely days after scores of terrorists laid down their arms in different locations within the theatre. Within the past week alone, military records indicate that no fewer than 76 terrorist fighters, alongside some of their family members, voluntarily surrendered to troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI.
Security analysts believe the increasing number of surrenders is linked to the cumulative effects of sustained military pressure, worsening living conditions within terrorist camps, dwindling supplies and growing internal distrust among insurgent ranks.
Recent intelligence has also pointed to increasing divisions within ISWAP’s leadership, with disagreements over operational decisions, dwindling resources and command authority contributing to declining morale among fighters.
Military authorities maintain that the current operational strategy, which combines precision combat operations, intelligence-led targeting, air interdiction missions and close collaboration among security and intelligence agencies, is steadily reducing the operational space available to terrorist groups across the North-East.
The latest development is expected to provide valuable intelligence that could support ongoing operations, as surrendered commanders may possess critical information on the group’s leadership structure, logistics network, recruitment channels, planned attacks and locations of remaining enclaves.
Operation HADIN KAI has reiterated its commitment to sustaining the current operational momentum until all terrorist elements are either neutralised or compelled to surrender, stressing that ongoing offensives will continue across all identified hideouts in the North-East.
Military sources said troops remain focused on consolidating recent gains while intensifying pressure on the remaining insurgent elements to further degrade their capabilities and restore lasting peace and security across the region.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorist Collaborators at Zamfara Checkpoint
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorist Collaborators at Zamfara Checkpoint
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Brigade have arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators during a stop-and-search operation at a military checkpoint in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 11:49 p.m. on June 26 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jangeme checkpoint while conducting routine security screening.
According to the sources, the suspects aroused the suspicion of the troops during the checkpoint operation and were taken into custody for questioning.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the two individuals were suspected of collaborating with terrorist groups operating in parts of Zamfara State.
Military sources disclosed that an initial forensic examination of the suspects’ mobile phones uncovered several images and materials allegedly depicting terrorist-related activities, further strengthening suspicions of their involvement with criminal elements.
During the operation, troops also recovered one motorcycle believed to have been used by the suspects, along with two mobile phones, which have been retained as exhibits for further digital exploitation.
The suspects remain in military custody as intelligence operatives continue interrogations to determine the extent of their involvement, identify other collaborators and uncover possible links to terrorist cells operating within the North-West.
Military authorities said the arrest reflects ongoing intelligence-driven efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks by targeting informants, logistics providers and collaborators who facilitate the activities of armed groups across Zamfara State.
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists, Recover Weapons in Kebbi Offensive
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists, Recover Weapons in Kebbi Offensive
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Counter-Insurgency Battalion VII (CIB VII) have neutralised two suspected terrorists and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during an offensive operation in Arewa Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 3:40 p.m. on June 27 following intelligence on the activities of armed terrorists operating around Saburumowa Village.
According to the sources, the troops launched a deliberate offensive into the area, where they made contact with the armed terrorists, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The superior firepower of the troops overwhelmed the criminals, leading to the neutralisation of two terrorists, while other members of the group fled into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of injuries.
A subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, nine AK-47 magazines loaded with a total of 143 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, as well as one motorcycle believed to have been used by the terrorists for movement during their operations.
Military sources described the operation as part of sustained offensive efforts to dismantle terrorist cells and deny criminal groups freedom of action across Kebbi State and the wider North-West region.
The sources added that troops have continued pursuit operations to track down the fleeing terrorists and recover additional weapons, while maintaining dominance patrols to protect communities from further attacks.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorist Medical Logistics Suppliers in Zamfara
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorist Medical Logistics Suppliers in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Brigade Counter-Terrorism Force have arrested two suspected logistics suppliers accused of providing medical support to armed terrorist groups operating in parts of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrests were made at about 6:00 p.m. on June 27 during an intelligence-led operation conducted in Magami, Gusau Local Government Area.
According to the sources, the operation followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to a network responsible for supplying medicines and emergency healthcare materials to armed terrorists operating around Langa Village in Bungudu Local Government Area.
One of the suspects is believed to have served as a medical supplier who allegedly provided treatment and emergency healthcare services to wounded terrorists, while the second suspect allegedly concealed and stored the medical supplies in his shop for onward delivery to the criminal group.
The two suspects were apprehended without incident during the operation and are currently undergoing preliminary interrogation by security operatives to determine the full extent of their involvement and identify other members of the logistics network.
Military sources said the arrests form part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts to dismantle the supply chains that sustain terrorist operations in Zamfara and the wider North-West region.
The sources added that security agencies are expanding investigations based on information obtained from the suspects, with further operations expected against individuals suspected of facilitating medical, logistical and financial support for armed groups operating in the state.
Troops Arrest Six Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Ransom Phone in Edo Forest Raid
Troops Arrest Six Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Ransom Phone in Edo Forest Raid
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA, working in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local vigilantes, have arrested six suspected kidnappers during a coordinated offensive operation on a notorious criminal hideout in Edo State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 7:00 a.m. on June 27 by troops of the 4 Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Sobe.
According to the sources, the joint security team launched the intelligence-driven operation into the Nifon Forest in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, following reports that the area was being used as a hideout by kidnapping syndicates terrorising residents and motorists.
During the operation, six suspected kidnappers were apprehended without resistance, while security operatives recovered one locally fabricated Dane gun, two cartridges and several mobile phones.
Military sources disclosed that a preliminary forensic examination of one of the recovered mobile phones revealed the telephone number allegedly used by the gang to demand ransom from victims’ relatives, further strengthening the case against the suspects.
The suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.
Security sources said the operation forms part of sustained joint efforts by security agencies to dismantle kidnapping networks operating in the forests of Edo State and improve safety for residents and commuters.
They added that intelligence exploitation is ongoing to identify other members of the criminal syndicate and uncover additional hideouts linked to kidnapping activities within the state.
Trailer Driver Killed as Troops Respond to IPOB/ESN Attack on Motorists in Imo
Trailer Driver Killed as Troops Respond to IPOB/ESN Attack on Motorists in Imo
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have responded to an attack by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), along the Enugu–Umuahia highway in Imo State, where a trailer driver was killed and one of the attackers died during the incident.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 6:13 p.m. on June 27, prompting troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Okigwe to mobilise to the scene following a distress call from motorists.
According to the sources, the armed assailants had mounted an illegal roadblock along the Enugu–Umuahia Road in an attempt to stop and possibly hijack a moving trailer.
Rather than stop, the trailer driver reportedly accelerated through the roadblock, striking one of the attackers, who died on the spot.
The remaining gunmen immediately opened fire on the vehicle, fatally shooting the driver. The trailer’s conductor, however, managed to escape unhurt before the arrival of the troops.
Following the attack, the assailants fled into the surrounding bushes before the security forces reached the area.
During a subsequent exploitation of the scene, troops recovered one magazine and 20 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing attackers.
The body of the trailer driver, along with that of the deceased attacker, was evacuated and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and other necessary actions.
Military sources said troops have intensified patrols and launched follow-up operations in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks on commuters using the strategic highway.
The sources reaffirmed that Operation UDO KA remains committed to sustaining offensive operations against armed groups threatening public safety across the South-East.
Troops Repel Planned ISWAP on Damaturu, Force Terrorists to Retreat
Troops Repel Planned ISWAP on Damaturu, Force Terrorists to Retreat
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled a planned attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on military positions in Damaturu, Yobe State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the attempted attack was thwarted at about 11:48 p.m. on June 26 following actionable intelligence indicating that terrorists were planning to assault troops deployed at the Mega Checkpoint along the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway.
Acting on the intelligence, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, in conjunction with personnel from Headquarters Sector 2, intensified night dominance patrols around Damaturu to intercept the advancing terrorists before they could reach the military position.
According to the sources, the troops, detected the movement of the terrorists as they advanced towards the town under the cover of darkness.
The troops immediately engaged the insurgents with effective firepower, disrupting their formation and forcing them to abandon the planned assault.
Unable to withstand the superior firepower, the terrorists retreated through Kunnari Village in Busari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The troops subsequently pursued the fleeing insurgents along their withdrawal route in an exploitation operation but made no further contact, as the terrorists dispersed into the surrounding terrain.
Military sources described the operation as a successful pre-emptive action that prevented what could have been a coordinated attack on troops stationed along the strategic Damaturu–Maiduguri corridor.
They added that troops remain on high alert across the area, with intelligence-driven patrols and surveillance continuing to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement and protect key military installations and civilian communities in the North-East.
Army EOD Team Discovers, Destroys Two Terrorist IEDs in Borno
Army EOD Team Discovers, Destroys Two Terrorist IEDs in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 5 Brigade Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team have successfully discovered and safely disposed of two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by suspected terrorists in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 5:40 p.m. on June 26 in Wokilti Village following intelligence and routine counter-IED clearance activities in the area.
According to the sources, the explosives were carefully concealed and buried by terrorists along a route believed to be used by troops and civilians, in what appeared to be an attempt to inflict casualties and disrupt ongoing military operations.
The EOD team, using specialised detection and disposal procedures, identified the buried explosives and successfully rendered both devices safe without any casualties or damage.
The sources noted that the prompt discovery and destruction of the IEDs averted a potentially deadly incident and underscored the importance of sustained counter-IED operations in areas previously exploited by terrorist groups.
Military authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious objects or movements to security agencies, as terrorists continue to employ improvised explosive devices in attempts to impede military advances and endanger civilian lives.
Troops Foil Planned Attack on Adamawa Community, Neutralise Gunman, Recover Three AK-47 Rifles
Troops Foil Planned Attack on Adamawa Community, Neutralise Gunman, Recover Three AK-47 Rifles
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 23 Brigade have foiled a planned attack on communities in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, neutralising one suspected armed assailant and recovering a cache of weapons and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 10:55 a.m. on June 27 after troops received credible intelligence indicating that a group of armed assailants was planning to launch an attack on communities around the Rigange general area.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the troops established a blocking position along suspected infiltration routes commonly used by the attackers in an effort to intercept them before they could reach their intended target.
The sources said the operation paid off when the troops came into contact with the armed suspects, leading to a firefight.
During the exchange of gunfire, one of the assailants was neutralised, while others fled into the adjoining forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
A search of the area led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines and 26 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition abandoned by the fleeing criminals.
Military sources described the operation as another successful pre-emptive action aimed at denying criminal elements the opportunity to attack vulnerable communities in Adamawa State.
They added that troops have intensified pursuit operations in the surrounding forest to track down the fleeing suspects and recover additional weapons, while security has been reinforced across the area to forestall further threats.
NAF Airstrike Eliminates 11 ISWAP Terrorists in Borno’s Maisani Axis
NAF Airstrike Eliminates 11 ISWAP Terrorists in Borno’s Maisani Axis
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, has intensified its sustained air offensive against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, neutralising no fewer than 11 insurgents during a precision air interdiction mission in the Maisani general area of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 5:30 p.m. on June 20 after credible intelligence, corroborated through persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), confirmed the presence and movement of terrorist elements within the target area.
“The target was positively identified following careful surveillance and intelligence analysis. After confirming the absence of civilian presence, the aircraft engaged the location with precision-guided fire, resulting in devastating effects on the terrorists,” the sources said.
He disclosed that a post-strike Battle Damage Assessment (BDA), conducted through aerial surveillance, confirmed that at least 11 terrorists were neutralised during the strike.
The sourcss noted that the successful mission further degraded the operational capability of the insurgents operating around the Damboa axis, an area that has remained under sustained military pressure in recent weeks.
He added that the military under Operation HADIN KAI, has continued to execute intelligence-driven air operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement, destroying their hideouts and supporting ongoing ground offensives across the North-East.
“The Air Component remains committed to providing timely and decisive air power in support of ground forces. Our operations are carefully planned and executed based on actionable intelligence to ensure maximum impact on terrorist elements while minimising the risk to innocent civilians,” the senior officer added.
Armed Robbers Kill Village Head of Gana Ropp in Plateau Ambush
Armed Robbers Kill Village Head of Gana Ropp in Plateau Ambush
By Zagazola Makama
The Village Head of Gana Ropp has been shot dead after armed men suspected to be robbers ambushed motorists along the Barkin Ladi–Gana Ropp Road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Sunday when the assailants opened fire on road users travelling along the notorious stretch of road.
The traditional ruler, who was riding a motorcycle at the time of the attack, was fatally shot by the gunmen. He died from gunshot wounds sustained during the incident.
The attackers reportedly fled the scene before security operatives arrived, while the killing sent panic through nearby communities.
The Barkin Ladi–Gana Ropp corridor has remained a persistent security flashpoint, with recurring incidents of armed robbery targeting commuters, particularly during the evening hours.
Troops Foil Armed Robbery Attack, Rescue Injured Victim in Plateau
Troops Foil Armed Robbery Attack, Rescue Injured Victim in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace , under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued an injured victim following an armed robbery attack along the Ankwil–Kurra Falls Road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:45 a.m. on June 27, when troops of Sector 4 deployed at Gashish responded swiftly to a distress call reporting an ongoing armed robbery along the route.
On arriving at the scene, the troops found the injured victim, while the armed robbers fled into nearby bushes on sighting the approaching security personnel.
The attackers reportedly made away with the victim’s handbag containing an undisclosed sum of money before escaping.
The victim was immediately evacuated by the troops to a medical facility in Kurra Falls, where he received treatment for injuries sustained during the attack.
Military sources said troops have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and are conducting search operations in the surrounding area to apprehend those responsible.
The sources added that security patrols have been intensified along the corridor to deter further criminal activities and enhance the safety of residents and road users.
Troops Rescue Four Kidnap Victims, Intensify Search for Two Others in Plateau
Troops Rescue Four Kidnap Victims, Intensify Search for Two Others in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace, under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued four victims abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sanyi Road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:30 a.m. on June 27 when troops of Sector 6, deployed at the Sector Operational Patrol Post (SOPP), received a distress report on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating along the route.
The troops immediately mobilised to the scene, where they discovered an abandoned vehicle in the middle of the road with no occupants inside.
Further enquiries revealed that six occupants of the vehicle had been abducted by the armed criminals before the arrival of the security forces.
The troops promptly launched a search-and-rescue operation into the surrounding bushes, leading to the successful rescue of four of the kidnapped victims.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to locate and safely rescue the remaining two victims, while troops have continued to comb the surrounding forests and possible escape routes used by the kidnappers.
The sources added that security operations have been intensified across the area to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and enhance the safety of commuters along the corridor.
Troops Arrest NSCDC Officer Over Alleged Arms Supply to Criminals in Ebonyi
Troops Arrest NSCDC Officer Over Alleged Arms Supply to Criminals in Ebonyi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have arrested an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of arms and ammunition to criminal elements in Ebonyi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 12:30 p.m. on June 27 during an intelligence-led raid on a suspected criminal electronics repair workshop at Anyanko Market along the Abakaliki–Enugu Road in Abakaliki Local Government Area.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, carried out the operation following credible intelligence linking the workshop to criminal activities within the area of responsibility.
During the raid, the NSCDC personnel attached to the Ebonyi State Command was arrested over allegations that he had been supplying arms and ammunition to criminal elements operating in the state.
The suspect reportedly volunteered useful information during preliminary interrogation, which led troops to conduct a follow-up search at his residence.
During the search, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one CS rifle, one magazine loaded with 29 rounds of 9mm ammunition, two empty AK-47 magazines, 58 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one jackknife and one pair of handcuffs.
The suspect and the recovered weapons and ammunition have been taken into custody by the 82 Provost Group for further investigation and necessary administrative and legal action.
Benin National Guard, OPAA II Conduct Joint Confidence-Building Patrol
Benin National Guard, OPAA II Conduct Joint Confidence-Building Patrol
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Benin National Guard and Operation OPAA II have conducted a joint night confidence-building patrol across key locations in southern Benin as part of ongoing efforts to enhance public security and reassure residents.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the patrol commenced at about 11:05 p.m. on June 26 and ended at about 2:34 a.m. on June 27.
The joint patrol covered several strategic locations, including Centre Ville, Fidjrossè, Place de l’Amazone, Dantokpa, Atakpa, Bohicon, Jericho, Étoile Rouge and Ouidah, before returning to the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) Camp at Togbin.
The operation was aimed at strengthening security presence, fostering public confidence and improving coordination between the participating security forces.
Sources said the patrol was completed without any incident, with no security breaches or untoward occurrences recorded throughout the exercise.
Troops Intercept Tricycle, Solar Equipment Suspected for Terrorist Logistics in Borno
Troops Intercept Tricycle, Solar Equipment Suspected for Terrorist Logistics in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted a tricycle and a consignment of solar generators and panels suspected to be destined for terrorist elements during a stop-and-search operation along the Potiskum–Maiduguri highway.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the interception was made at about 8:00 p.m. on June 26 by troops of the 233 Tank Battalion deployed at a checkpoint along the route.
According to the sources, troops first intercepted a truck bearing registration number KTG 647 ZZconveying a tricycle without valid ownership or transportation documents.
Further search operations along the route led to the interception of a Volkswagen Sharan with registration number KRD 74 XL, loaded with 16 solar panels and 16 solar generators, also without valid documentation.
The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Nasiru, 39, from Azare Local Government Area of Bauchi State; Anas Danliti, 35, also from Azare, Bauchi State; and Kabiru Yakubu, 55, from Hardokwala Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The suspects and the recovered items are currently in the custody of the 233 Tank Battalion for further investigation to determine the ownership, destination and intended use of the equipment.
Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and prevent the movement of equipment that could support insurgent activities in the North-East.
The sources added that troops have continued to intensify stop-and-search operations along major supply routes as part of ongoing measures to deny terrorist groups access to critical logistics.
Troops Recover Locally Fabricated Double-Barrel Gun in Borno
Troops Recover Locally Fabricated Double-Barrel Gun in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have recovered a locally fabricated double-barrel gun during an intelligence-led operation in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the weapon was recovered at about 3:15 p.m. on June 25 by troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion and Forward Operating Base (FOB) Magumeri following credible intelligence on the presence of illegal firearms in the area.
The operation was conducted at Lawanti Kareram community in Magumeri LGA.
According to the sources, the troops recovered one locally fabricated double-barrel gun abandoned at the location.
No suspect was arrested during the operation, as those linked to the weapon were believed to have fled before the arrival of the security team.
Military sources said the operation was carried out without incident and forms part of ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements access to illegal weapons and enhance security across the North-East theatre.
The sources added that troops have continued intelligence-driven operations across the theatre to recover illegal arms and disrupt the activities of terrorist and criminal networks.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impersonator, Recover Drug Exhibits in Borno
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impersonator, Recover Drug Exhibits in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected military impersonator and recovered suspected illicit drugs and other items during an intelligence-led operation in Gwazari High Court area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Sadiq Bukar, was arrested at about 2:55 p.m. on June 25 by troops of the 73 Battalion following a tip-off from residents on the presence of notorious criminals in the area.
The sources said two other suspects escaped before the arrival of the troops.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect possessed some military knowledge. A search of his mobile phone reportedly uncovered photographs and videos showing him dressed in military camouflage with an AK-47 rifle.
During interrogation, Bukar claimed he was a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under a commander identified as Saminu and was previously deployed to Malali in Monguno Local Government Area.
However, investigations by the troops indicated that he had left the area a long time ago.
The suspect also claimed to be an informant for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), but officials of the agency reportedly stated that they had only engaged him on a single occasion several years ago.
Items recovered from the suspect included one Infinix mobile phone, a wristwatch, an MP3 player and three wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, among other personal effects.
Security sources said the suspect is also being investigated over allegations of extorting shop owners while dressed in military uniform, following complaints from traders about the activities of military impersonators operating in the area.
The suspect remains in military custody as investigations continue to determine the full extent of his activities and identify possible accomplices.
Troops Neutralize Suspected ISWAP Logistics Supplier in Borno
Troops Neutralize Suspected ISWAP Logistics Supplier in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI have neutralized a suspected logistics supplier to the Islamic State West Africa Province during a covert intelligence-led operation in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 1:40 p.m. on Saturday following the interception of communications indicating plans to deliver supplies to ISWAP terrorists.
Acting on the intelligence, troops of the 222 Battalion, working in conjunction with local vigilantes, tracked and intercepted a male suspect carrying a sack containing suspicious items believed to be intended for the terrorists.
To confirm the suspect’s identity, troops dialed the phone number obtained from the intercepted communication. The mobile phone found in the suspect’s possession rang, confirming him as the individual linked to the planned delivery.
The suspect reportedly attempted to flee when confronted by the troops but was neutralized during the encounter.
A search of the sack revealed 74 bicycle inner tubes, 50 wristwatches and two loaves of bread, items consistent with the supplies mentioned in the intercepted communication.
Troops also recovered an Infinix Hot 20i mobile phone with the SIM card linked to the intercepted number, ₦4,100 in cash, an earpiece and a Moniepoint ATM card.
Military sources said the operation dealt another blow to ISWAP’s logistics network, which relies on civilian collaborators to transport food, communication devices and other essential supplies to fighters operating in remote enclaves.
The sources added that the morale and fighting efficiency of troops involved in the operation remain high as clearance and intelligence-driven operations continue across the North-East theatre.
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Logistics Supplier, Vigilante Accomplice in Borno
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Logistics Supplier, Vigilante Accomplice in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics supplier and an alleged accomplice during an intelligence-led operation in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed sustained communication intercepts and surveillance on suspected terrorist logistics networks operating within the area.
The sources said troops of the 222 Battalion (Mechanised) conducted a covert operation at about 10:00 p.m. on June 26 and arrested the suspect, identified as Abdullahi Hamza, in Malari village while he was allegedly attempting to deliver supplies to ISWAP fighters.
Items recovered from the suspect included a loaf of bread, two bottles of soft drinks, a pack of sewing needles and thread, which investigators believe were intended for insurgent elements.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that he was on his way to meet an ISWAP member whose telephone number had earlier been identified through intelligence intercepts.
The investigation subsequently led to the arrest of a second suspect, Haruna Abubakar, identified as a member of a vigilante group in Maiduguri, who is alleged to have acted as an accomplice.
Both suspects have been handed over to the military intelligence authorities for further investigation and profiling.
Military sources said the arrests underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist logistics and support networks across the North-East.
The sources added that troops would continue sustained surveillance, covert operations and intelligence exploitation to identify and disrupt individuals providing material support to terrorist groups operating in the region.
Troops Intercept Tricycle, Solar Equipment Suspected for Terrorist Logistics in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted a tricycle and a consignment of solar generators and panels suspected to be destined for terrorist elements during a stop-and-search operation along the Potiskum–Maiduguri highway.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the interception was made at about 8:00 p.m. on June 26 by troops of the 233 Tank Battalion deployed at a checkpoint along the route.
According to the sources, troops first intercepted a truck bearing registration number KTG 647 ZZ conveying a tricycle without valid ownership or transportation documents.
Further search operations along the route led to the interception of a Volkswagen Sharan with registration number KRD 74 XL, loaded with 16 solar panels and 16 solar generators, also without valid documentation.
The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Nasiru, 39, from Azare Local Government Area of Bauchi State; Anas Danliti, 35, also from Azare, Bauchi State; and Kabiru Yakubu, 55, from Hardokwala Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The suspects and the recovered items are currently in the custody of the 233 Tank Battalion for further investigation to determine the ownership, destination and intended use of the equipment.
Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and prevent the movement of equipment that could support insurgent activities in the North-East.
The sources added that troops have continued to intensify stop-and-search operations along major supply routes as part of ongoing measures to deny terrorist groups access to critical logistics.
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Spy, Foil Planned Attack on Military Bases in Borno
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Spy, Foil Planned Attack on Military Bases in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) spy linked to a planned attack on two military formations in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Muhammad Shuaibu, was apprehended by troops of the 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Chabbol following credible human intelligence on an impending terrorist attack.
The arrest was made at about 7:55 a.m. on June 26 during a routine perimeter patrol approximately 500 metres ahead of the anti-vehicle ditch protecting the base.
According to the sources, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had links to a planned ISWAP attack targeting the 199 Special Forces Battalion, popularly known as Mosquito Camp, and FOB Chabbol.
The suspect reportedly admitted during interrogation that the attack had been planned and further disclosed that the terrorists intended to carry out the operation regardless of his arrest.
Military sources said the timely arrest enabled troops to heighten security measures around the targeted formations and strengthen defensive preparations against any possible attack.
The suspect has since been handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation.
The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations by Operation Hadin Kai aimed at disrupting terrorist plots, dismantling insurgent networks and enhancing the security of military formations across the North-East.
ISWAP Fighter’s Wife, Infant Surrender to Troops in Borno
ISWAP Fighter’s Wife, Infant Surrender to Troops in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
A woman identified as the wife of an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighter has surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai with her two-month-old baby in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the woman, identified as Falmata Bakwai, surrendered to troops of the 19 Brigade at Cross Kauwa at about 10:15 a.m. on June 26.
According to the sources, Falmata said she escaped from the ISWAP enclave at Dogon Chuku while her husband and other fighters were away from the camp.
During preliminary debriefing, she reportedly told the troops that deteriorating living conditions within the terrorist enclave, including severe shortages of food and other basic necessities, compelled her to flee.
The sources said she attributed the worsening humanitarian conditions in the camp to sustained military strangulation operations and aerial bombardments targeting terrorist hideouts.
She and her infant have since been quarantined and provided with medical assistance in line with established operational procedures.
Military authorities said debriefing is ongoing, while arrangements are being made to transfer her to the Headquarters of Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai/Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), for further investigation and profiling.
Security sources noted that the surrender reflects the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist enclaves through coordinated ground and air operations across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept 11 Jerrycans of Suspected Smuggled Fuel in Adamawa
Troops Intercept 11 Jerrycans of Suspected Smuggled Fuel in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted 11 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, suspected to be smuggled to terrorist elements in Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the seizure was made at about 12:27 p.m. on June 26 by troops of the 247 Reconnaissance Battalion during a strangulation operation along the Maiha–Maiha Gari Road.
The sources said the smugglers abandoned the products and fled on sighting the troops, escaping into nearby bushes before they could be apprehended.
A total of 11 jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit were recovered from the scene.
The recovered petroleum products have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt the supply of logistics to terrorist groups operating in the North-East by denying them access to essential commodities, including fuel.
The sources added that troops have continued to sustain intelligence-driven strangulation operations across the theatre to block terrorist supply routes and dismantle their support networks.
Troops Boost Farmers’ Confidence with Security Patrol in Borno
Troops Boost Farmers’ Confidence with Security Patrol in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intensified efforts to secure farming communities in Borno State by conducting a fighting and clearance patrol across Bundur and adjoining villages in the Lake Chad region.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the patrol was led by the Acting Commander of the 19 Brigade, Col. E.O. Ikang, alongside troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The operation, carried out at about 12:30 p.m. on June 23, was aimed at dominating the general area, reassuring residents and providing security cover for farmers carrying out agricultural activities.
During the patrol, the brigade commander interacted with farmers, encouraging them to promptly report suspicious movements and terrorist activities to security agencies to enhance timely response.
He also distributed incentives to the farmers and assured them of the military’s continued commitment to protecting farming communities throughout the farming season.
The troops later returned to base after successfully completing the operation without any incident.
Military sources said the patrol forms part of Operation Hadin Kai’s ongoing efforts to create a secure environment for farming activities, improve civil-military relations and deny terrorists freedom of action across the North-East.
Troops Foil Terrorists’ Abduction Attempt, Rescue Farmer in Borno
Troops Foil Terrorists’ Abduction Attempt, Rescue Farmer in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have foiled an attempted abduction by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and rescued a farmer in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:45 a.m. on June 25 during a farm protection patrol at Alimiri farmlands.
The sources said the troops of 19 Battalion, under 25 Brigade, sighted suspected terrorists attempting to abduct a civilian identified as Mohammed Malan, 30.
On noticing the approaching security team, the terrorists abandoned the victim and fled into nearby bushes.
The troops immediately pursued the fleeing suspects but were unable to establish contact.
The rescued victim was evacuated to the Brigade Field Ambulance, where he received first aid before being transferred to the General Hospital for further medical attention.
Military sources said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to secure farming communities and protect civilians engaged in agricultural activities across the North-East.
The sources added that the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops continued offensive and protective operations against terrorist elements.
DSS Raids Taraba Warehouse, Recovers Donated Relief Materials, Arrests Four
DSS Raids Taraba Warehouse, Recovers Donated Relief Materials, Arrests Four
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have raided a private warehouse in Sintali Ward, Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State, recovering relief materials reportedly donated for disaster victims and arresting four suspects.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed intelligence provided by residents, who reported suspicious nighttime movement of relief materials from government stores to a private warehouse.
During the raid, DSS operatives recovered food items and other relief materials worth millions of naira believed to have been donated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre to the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA) for distribution to victims of disasters.
The sources said four persons, including the owner of the warehouse and three rice traders, were arrested in connection with the discovery.
The recovered items were subsequently evacuated to the DSS office in Jalingo for further investigation.
Security sources said investigators were working to determine whether the relief materials had been illegally diverted from official custody or were being temporarily stored at the warehouse for legitimate purposes.
As of the time of filing this report, the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency had yet to comment on the development, while the DSS had not issued an official statement on the operation.
The investigation is ongoing.
Fulani Herder Killed in Suspected Irigwe Militia Attack in Plateau
Fulani Herder Killed in Suspected Irigwe Militia Attack in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A Fulani herder has been killed in an attack allegedly carried out by suspected Irigwe militia members in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to a distress call at about 4:00 p.m. on June 27 following reports of an attack on herders grazing around Patchido Village.
On arrival at the scene, the troops discovered the body of the victim, identified as Auwal Yakubu.
The sources said the deceased sustained gunshot wounds and machete cuts.
Security personnel evacuated the body while efforts have been intensified to track down and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks that have continued to heighten tensions in parts of Bassa Local Government Area despite ongoing security operations in the state.
Nine Irigwe Residents Killed in Armed Fulani Bandits’ Attack in Kaduna
Nine Irigwe Residents Killed in Armed Fulani Bandits’ Attack in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Nine members of the Irigwe community, have been killed following an attack by armed fulani bandits on Ungwan Magaji village in Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attackers stormed the community in the early hours of June 16, opening fire on residents and killing nine persons.
The victims were laid to rest on Saturday, June 27, in a mass burial attended by members of the Irigwe community, religious leaders and sympathisers.
Community leaders condemned the attack and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible and prevent further attacks in the area.
They also urged the government to strengthen security in vulnerable communities along the Plateau-Kaduna border.
Security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Troops Foil Terrorist Attack on Tor Donga Yam Market, Neutralise Two in Benue
Troops Foil Terrorist Attack on Tor Donga Yam Market, Neutralise Two in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in collaboration with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, have foiled a terrorist attack on Tor Donga Yam Market in Benue State, neutralising two suspected terrorists and recovering arms and ammunition.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded swiftly to a distress call on Sunday while conducting fighting and confidence-building patrols around the market.
On arrival, the troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
During the encounter, two suspected terrorists, identified as Dantaraba and Golozo, were neutralised, while others fled the scene with varying degrees of injuries.
Items recovered from the suspects included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one damaged pistol, one pistol magazine, six rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, nine rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, one ATM card, one Moniepoint ATM card and other sundry items.
Military sources said the timely intervention of the troops prevented what could have resulted in significant civilian casualties and disruption of commercial activities at the popular Tor Donga Yam Market.
The successful operation also ensured that traders and residents continued their activities without fear of terrorist attacks.
The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and swift response to the incident.
He also praised the Benue State Civil Protection Guard for its collaboration with the military in ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
Maj.-Gen. Gara further appreciated members of the public for providing credible and timely intelligence, urging residents to sustain their support for security agencies.
He stressed that security remains a collective responsibility and called on citizens to continue reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
ISWAP Commanders Clash in Timbuktu Triangle, Several Feared Dead
ISWAP Commanders Clash in Timbuktu Triangle, Several Feared Dead
By: Zagazola Makama
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has been hit by a violent internal power struggle in its stronghold within the Timbuktu Triangle, with several fighters reportedly killed after rival commanders turned their weapons on one another over a disagreement on a planned attack.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the clash occurred on Friday, June 27, following a heated dispute between senior field commanders over the conduct of an operation that had been scheduled for the previous night.
According to the sources, one of the commanders, identified simply as Abu Ali, reportedly refused to allow fighters under his control to participate in the planned attack. His decision was said to have angered another senior commander, who accused him of deliberately frustrating the operation and questioned his loyalty to the group.
What began as an argument between the rival factions quickly degenerated into an exchange of gunfire inside the group’s enclave in the Timbuktu Triangle, one of ISWAP’s most fortified hideouts in the Lake Chad region.
Multiple intelligence sources familiar with developments in the area said several fighters were killed during the confrontation, while one of the rival commanders is believed to have died from injuries sustained in the clash. Security agencies are still working to establish the identities of those involved and determine the full casualty figure.
The incident marks one of the most serious cases of internal fighting recorded within ISWAP in recent months and points to growing cracks in the group’s command structure.
Sources said the dispute was not an isolated disagreement but the culmination of weeks of rising tension among commanders over operational decisions, dwindling resources and the management of logistics inside the enclave.
Sources believe the refusal to approve the planned attack merely exposed deeper grievances that had been building within the organisation, with rival commanders increasingly competing for influence, manpower and control of supplies.
The Timbuktu Triangle has for years remained one of ISWAP’s principal operational bases, serving as a sanctuary for commanders, training camps and logistics hubs from where attacks are coordinated across parts of the Lake Chad Basin. Any disruption to command within the enclave is therefore considered significant from an operational standpoint.
Security sources said the latest confrontation is expected to affect the group’s ability to coordinate attacks in the immediate term as distrust spreads among commanders and fighters.
“The incident has created divisions within the camp. There is now suspicion among different factions, and this could affect decision-making, logistics and operational planning until the leadership is able to reassert control,” one intelligence source familiar with the situation said.
There are also concerns that the killing of a senior figure could trigger retaliatory attacks within the group, as loyalists seek revenge against those they hold responsible. Such reprisals have historically deepened divisions within terrorist organisations and weakened internal cohesion.
The latest development reflects the cumulative pressure ISWAP has come under in recent months as sustained military operations continue to target its commanders, logistics networks and freedom of movement across the Lake Chad region.
Although the group remains capable of carrying out attacks, security analysts believe persistent military pressure has increased competition over scarce resources and intensified mistrust among field commanders, creating conditions for internal conflict.
The incident offers a rare glimpse into the growing strains within one of the region’s most organised terrorist groups, suggesting that, beyond the battlefield, ISWAP is increasingly confronting a struggle for cohesion and control from within.
The development is also viewed as an opportunity for ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. Intelligence officials believe divisions within the group could encourage defections and make it more difficult for ISWAP to plan and execute coordinated operations if the internal crisis persists.
Troops Neutralise 2 Terrorists, Recover Rifles, Ammunition in Kebbi Operations
Troops Neutralise 2 Terrorists, Recover Rifles, Ammunition in Kebbi Operations
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have neutralised 2 suspected terrorists and recovered arms, ammunition and motorcycles during separate offensive operations in Kebbi State.
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Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 2 established contact with terrorists at Sabarumawa on Friday during an offensive operation.
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During the encounter, the troops nutrialised two terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles, 143 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, nine AK-47 magazines and one motorcycle.
Military sources said the operations formed part of the sustained offensive campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and denying criminal elements freedom of action across the North-West.
The sources added that troops have continued to maintain aggressive offensive operations across the theatre to sustain pressure on the fleeing terrorists and consolidate recent operational gains.
Benue governor condemns killing of MACBAN chairman, orders investigation
Benue governor condemns killing of MACBAN chairman, orders investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has condemned the killing of the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Risku Mohammed, and directed security agencies to investigate the incident.
Alia, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, described the killing of Mohammed and his friend as shocking and tragic.
The governor said the incident occurred at a time when the state was witnessing significant improvements in peace and stability across several local government areas.
He described the attack as a deliberate attempt to undermine the peace and reconciliation efforts of his administration.
“It is deeply regrettable that this unfortunate incident occurred shortly after a security meeting,” Alia said.
The governor noted that the killing of a community leader and peace advocate was a setback to ongoing dialogue among stakeholders aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence in the state.
He directed security agencies to immediately commence a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killings.
Alia also ordered the agencies to ensure that those responsible were identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay.
He further directed that security around community leaders involved in peace-building and security engagements be strengthened to prevent similar incidents.
The governor appealed to members of MACBAN and the general public to remain calm and law-abiding, urging them not to allow the incident to derail the state’s peace efforts.
“We must not allow those who profit from chaos to succeed in inciting further violence or disrupting the peace we have taken time to build,” he said.
Alia extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire MACBAN community, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace across the state.
“Our administration remains resolute: Benue is a home for peace, and we will not allow the shadows of the past to eclipse the bright future we are currently building,” the governor said.
Troops Rescue 36 Benue Indigenes Held in Cross River Community
Troops Rescue 36 Benue Indigenes Held in Cross River Community
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 36 civilians from Benue State who were allegedly held by members of Imaje Community in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State following a reprisal attack linked to a livestock theft dispute.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 3:30 p.m. on Thursday by troops of 130 Battalion (Rear) in conjunction with 341 Artillery Regiment during a raid on the community.
The sources said the troops successfully rescued the 36 victims, all indigenes of Benue State residing in Imaje Community.
According to the rescued victims, the incident stemmed from the alleged assault of an indigene of Imaje by youths in Benue State over the theft of livestock.
The victims alleged that, in retaliation, members of Imaje Community attacked Benue indigenes living in the area and held them against their will.
The prompt intervention by the troops restored normalcy to the community and prevented further escalation of the crisis.
Security agencies are maintaining a presence in the area to forestall any renewed violence, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Troops Recover 120 Rustled Cattle, Repel Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Recover 120 Rustled Cattle, Repel Rustlers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
KADUNA – Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered 120 rustled cattle after engaging suspected cattle rustlers during an operation in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 4:00 p.m. on Thursday after troops of 312 Artillery Regiment, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kankomi, received a distress call over cattle rustling activities in Kankomi village.
The troops swiftly responded and laid an ambush along the suspected escape route of the rustlers.
The sources said the troops made contact with the fleeing suspects in Kadaru Bush, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and escape into the surrounding forest.
Following the operation, the troops recovered 120 cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owners.
Security forces have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing rustlers and sustain operations aimed at curbing cattle rustling and other criminal activities in the area.
Benue Police Condemn Killing of MACBAN Chairman, Launch Full Investigation
Benue Police Condemn Killing of MACBAN Chairman, Launch Full Investigation
By Zagazola Makama
The Benue State Police Command has condemned the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Ardo Rabo Mohammed, and one Yakubu Isa, describing the attack as a senseless criminal act capable of undermining ongoing peace and security efforts.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet.
According to the statement, the two victims were attacked by unknown assailants while returning from a security meeting along the Okwudu-Ogoli Road in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The police commissioner expressed deep concern over the incident and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and all those affected by the tragedy.
He assured residents that the command had commenced a full-scale investigation into the killings, adding that tactical and intelligence assets had been deployed to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
“The command will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the culprits are arrested and prosecuted,” the statement quoted the commissioner as saying.
Nwadiogbu urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and avoid taking the law into their own hands or spreading unverified information capable of escalating tensions.
He also appealed to anyone with credible information that could assist the investigation to report to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency communication channels.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that the police would continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure those behind the killings are brought to justice.
Benue Police Condemn Killing of MACBAN Chairman, Launch Full Investigation
Benue Police Condemn Killing of MACBAN Chairman, Launch Full Investigation
By Zagazola Makama
The Benue State Police Command has condemned the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Ardo Rabo Mohammed, and one Yakubu Isa, describing the attack as a senseless criminal act capable of undermining ongoing peace and security efforts.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet.
According to the statement, the two victims were attacked by unknown assailants while returning from a security meeting along the Okwudu-Ogoli Road in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The police commissioner expressed deep concern over the incident and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and all those affected by the tragedy.
He assured residents that the command had commenced a full-scale investigation into the killings, adding that tactical and intelligence assets had been deployed to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
“The command will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the culprits are arrested and prosecuted,” the statement quoted the commissioner as saying.
Nwadiogbu urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and avoid taking the law into their own hands or spreading unverified information capable of escalating tensions.
He also appealed to anyone with credible information that could assist the investigation to report to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency communication channels.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that the police would continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure those behind the killings are brought to justice.
Suspected Looter Dies After Arrest Attempt in Borno, Illicit Drugs Recovered
Suspected Looter Dies After Arrest Attempt in Borno, Illicit Drugs Recovered
By Zagazola Makama
A suspected looter who was apprehended by troops of the Nigerian Army in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State has died after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest while attempting to flee from security personnel.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:45 a.m. on June 25 when troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised) under 24 Task Force Brigade, aided by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), detected suspicious movement through closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance around the Junior Quarters in Ngala.
The troops swiftly responded and apprehended a suspect allegedly involved in looting goods from a bogged-down vehicle.
According to the sources, the suspect attempted to escape while being taken into custody but suddenly collapsed during the pursuit.
He was immediately evacuated to the Ngala General Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.
A medical examination attributed the death to cardiac arrest, allegedly caused by an overdose of illicit drugs.
The sources said security personnel recovered quantities of tramadol and flurazepam from the deceased.
The incident has been reported to the Nigeria Police in Ngala for further investigation and necessary action.
Trump Says U.S. Strikes in Nigeria Saved Christian Population, Vows Sustained Offensive Against Terrorists
Trump Says U.S. Strikes in Nigeria Saved Christian Population, Vows Sustained Offensive Against Terrorists
By Zagazola Makama
United States President Donald Trump has said that recently authorised U.S. missile strikes targeting ISIS/ISWAP elements in northern Nigeria helped save thousands of Christians from terrorist attacks and significantly weakened the extremist group.
Trump made the remarks on Friday during an event in Washington, where he defended his administration’s military operations against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.
“As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations,” Trump said.
“They have a great Christian population. They were being butchered—thousands and thousands of people were being killed, children, women, old people, just being slaughtered, hacked to death.”
The U.S. president said the strikes had sent a strong message to terrorist groups and deterred further attacks.
“They know that if they go further, the attack will be far greater and that they don’t want to really get involved anymore so much,” he said.
“You know, we hit them very hard. We knocked out their leader. We knocked out their second leader and their third leader.”
Trump compared the operation in Nigeria to recent U.S. military action against Iran, saying both reflected Washington’s commitment to confronting threats before they escalate.
“It sounds a little bit like Iran, actually. It’s all about a different cause that we have to do because we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. Can’t let it happen,” he said.
He also said his administration remained committed to protecting Christians and other vulnerable populations from extremist violence around the world.
“So I’m saving Christians throughout the world, even though we are not in those various countries where you read about this,” he said.
Trump further warned that the United States would continue to pursue terrorist groups wherever they operate.
“But I’m saving them by hitting these terrorists very violently and very hard. We’re hitting them very hard by the greatest weapons on earth, taking them out.
“We know where they are. We hunt them down, and we take them out. They go into a village and they just kill everybody; it’s like crazy,” he added.
The U.S. president also warned against what he described as threats to religious freedom, saying extremists sought to undermine religious institutions and democratic values.
In December 2025, the United States conducted a series of air strikes against ISIS terrorists in Sokoto State as part of its security collaboration with Nigeria.
In May 2026, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters announced that more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters were killed during coordinated U.S.-Nigeria air strikes in Metele, Borno State.
Similarly, in June 2026, the Nigerian military, working with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), carried out another successful air strike in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, eliminating 21 ISWAP fighters.
The operations formed part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of ISIS-affiliated groups in Nigeria’s North-East and North-West.
Plateau Gun-Making Factory Suspects Confessed to Selling Some Weapons to Fulani Militias Because They Paid More — Military
Plateau Gun-Making Factory Suspects Confessed to Selling Some Weapons to Fulani Militias Because They Paid More — Military
By Zagazola Makama
The military has disclosed that some suspects arrested at illegal weapon manufacturing factories in Plateau State confessed to selling locally fabricated firearms to Fulani militias because they offered higher prices.
The revelation was made by the Chief of Staff, Operation Enduring Peace (OPSH), Brig.-Gen. Selong Sule, while briefing a delegation of senior defence correspondents on behalf of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Maj.-Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, during a media engagement in Jos.
According to Sule, intelligence-driven operations by troops have led to the discovery and dismantling of several illegal gun manufacturing factories operating within the state.
“We have a lot of illegal weapon manufacturing factories. Recently, based on intelligence, we discovered and busted about three or four of such factories,” he said.
The senior military officer said investigations into those arrested produced disturbing confessions.
“Some of the suspects claimed they manufactured weapons for members of their communities to defend themselves. However, some later confessed that they also sold these weapons to Fulani militias because they paid more,” Sule disclosed.
He warned that the continued proliferation of locally manufactured firearms remained one of the greatest threats to peace and security in Plateau State.
“The proliferation of firearms and the activities of illegal weapon manufacturers raise serious security concerns. A weapon in the hands of a non-state actor is a major challenge to our operations,” he said.
Sule noted that while many civilians often justify possessing firearms as a means of self-defence, such actions frequently worsen insecurity.
“People tell us they carry weapons to defend themselves, but once weapons circulate among civilians, they easily fall into the hands of criminals who use them to attack communities,” he said.
He explained that troops operating under Operation Enduring Peace are guided by strict Rules of Engagement, constitutional provisions and military discipline, unlike armed civilians who often use weapons indiscriminately.
“Our soldiers are governed by the Constitution, military laws and Rules of Engagement. They cannot simply use force at will. But when civilians illegally possess weapons, there is no such control,” he said.
Sule stressed that beyond kinetic operations, the military was prioritising non-kinetic approaches aimed at winning the confidence of local communities.
“If we do not win the hearts and minds of the people, it becomes difficult to obtain credible intelligence that is essential for successful operations,” he said.
The Chief of Staff also called on the Plateau State Government and community leaders to intensify efforts toward curbing illegal arms production, encouraging voluntary surrender of illicit weapons and strengthening collaboration with security agencies to achieve lasting peace across the state.
Plateau's Cycle of Violence: What Soldiers on Ground Say Must Change
Plateau's Cycle of Violence: What Soldiers on Ground Say Must Change
By Chidi Omeje
For decades, Plateau State has remained one of Nigeria’s most volatile flashpoints, a land where cycles of violence have repeatedly defied government interventions, security operations, and peace initiatives. While policymakers, community leaders, and analysts continue to debate the root causes of the crisis, those who stand at the frontline of the conflict every day often possess insights that rarely make it into public discourse.
A fortnight ago, a team of defence and security reporters visited Plateau State on a fact-finding mission aimed at understanding the drivers of the protracted insecurity that has plagued the state. During the visit, the team engaged in frank conversations with other-rank soldiers of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace, stationed in Barkin Ladi, one of the epicentres of recurring violence in the state.
In a rare, no-holds-barred interaction, the soldiers shared their observations, frustrations, and perspectives on what continues to fuel the crisis despite years of military deployments and peacebuilding efforts.
For Martins (not his real name), a corporal in the Nigerian Army who has spent nearly eight months in the area, the conflict runs deeper than many outsiders realise.
According to him, the mutual distrust and hostility between sections of the indigenous communities and Fulani groups have become deeply entrenched over the years, making reconciliation increasingly difficult.
"I have been here for less than a year, but what I have seen is difficult to describe," he said. "The level of hatred and suspicion on both sides is alarming."
While acknowledging that Fulani militias are often portrayed as the primary aggressors in many of the attacks, the soldier noted that certain actions and attitudes from some local actors also contribute to escalating tensions.
Asked what he believed could bring lasting peace to Plateau, Martins was unequivocal: government action remains the decisive factor.
"The government holds the key," he said. "If there is genuine political will, this crisis can be addressed. Those instigating violence, funding attacks, or provoking communities should be dealt with decisively, regardless of their status, ethnic background, or religious affiliation."
His views reflect a sentiment commonly expressed within security circles, that impunity remains one of the biggest obstacles to sustainable peace in conflict-prone areas.
Another soldier who is deployed at a checkpoint along the Barkin Ladi highway, highlighted what he described as a major operational challenge confronting troops on the ground.
According to him, military authorities should authorise personnel to stop and thoroughly search every vehicle passing through security checkpoints, particularly during periods of heightened tension.
He expressed frustration that troops are often compelled to wave through convoys of siren-blaring, heavily tinted sport utility vehicles (SUVs) believed to belong to senior government officials or politically connected individuals.
"Whenever such vehicles approach, they are usually in a hurry, moving at high speed, and we are expected to let them pass without proper checks," he said.
For soldiers tasked with intercepting weapons and criminal elements, such exemptions can be deeply unsettling.
Kabir noted that some personnel privately fear that the unchecked movement of certain vehicles creates vulnerabilities that could be exploited by actors seeking to transport arms, ammunition, or other materials capable of fuelling violence.
His recommendation was straightforward: no vehicle, regardless of ownership or status, should be exempt from security screening in conflict zones.
"Every vehicle should be subjected to the same level of scrutiny," he argued. "Security should not recognise privilege."
Another soldier whose unit regularly patrols communities across the general area pointed to a different concern, the widespread use of motorcycles as a means of commercial transportation.
In his assessment, motorcycles have become one of the most effective tools exploited by criminal elements operating within the state's difficult terrain.
According to him, attackers often use motorcycles to move swiftly across remote locations, evade security checkpoints, and carry out attacks before disappearing into surrounding communities and forests.
"Many of those involved in violent activities rely on motorcycles because they provide mobility and anonymity," he observed.
He suggested that authorities should reassess existing regulations governing commercial motorcycle operations in high-risk areas, arguing that tighter controls could help limit the operational freedom of criminal groups.
While the opinions expressed by the soldiers represent personal observations rather than official military positions, they offer a rare glimpse into the realities confronting security personnel deployed in one of Nigeria's most enduring conflict theatres.
For the troops standing watch in Barkin Ladi and other troubled parts of Plateau, peace remains possible. But in their view, achieving it will require more than guns and checkpoints; it will require difficult decisions, consistent leadership, and a determination to confront the underlying factors that continue to sustain the cycle of bloodshed.
*Chidi Omeje is the publisher of Security Digest (www securitydigestng.com) and a member of Zagazola Media Network
Plateau’s Cycle of Violence: When Two Narratives Collide
Plateau’s Cycle of Violence: When Two Narratives Collide
By Chidi Omeje
There is a popular saying among the Nsukka people of Enugu State: when the first person in a dispute tells his story, you are so convinced that you remove your clothes in disbelief; when the second person tells his side, you hurriedly put them back on. The wisdom behind the allegorical statement is timeless; every conflict has multiple narratives, and truth often lies beyond the first account heard.
That age-old lesson came alive recently in Jos, Plateau State, when a team of senior defence and security correspondents embarked on a fact-finding mission facilitated by Operation Enduring Peace, the military task force charged with restoring stability in the troubled state.
The objective was simple but profound: listen to both sides of the long-running conflict between Plateau's indigenous communities and Fulani groups, understand the grievances driving the violence, and explore possible pathways to peace.
What emerged from the separate engagements was a sobering portrait of a conflict sustained by decades of mistrust, competing historical claims, criminality, political failures, and deep-seated fears.
A Delicate Security Challenge
Speaking on behalf of the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, the Chief of Staff of the operation, Brigadier General Selong Sule, described the Plateau crisis as one of Nigeria's most complex security challenges.
According to him, hostility between local communities and Fulani groups has become deeply entrenched, making conflict resolution increasingly difficult.
He identified several recurring triggers of violence, including destruction of farmlands by grazing cattle, kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, illegal mining activities, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and growing distrust of security agencies.
The military officer also pointed to what he described as insufficient political will to decisively address recurring violations of law and order, noting that sustainable peace would require both security and political solutions.
To avoid confrontations and encourage frank discussions, both groups met separately with the media team, providing detailed accounts of their experiences and perspectives.
Indigenous Communities: "We Are Under Siege"
Representatives of the Berom, Irigwe, Kulere, and Mushere communities spoke passionately about what they described as years of attacks, displacement and destruction.
Leading the presentation for the Irigwe Youth Movement, President of Irigwe Youth Movement, Ambassador Ezekiel Peter Bini argued that the destruction of farmlands by grazing cattle remains the most persistent trigger of violence across affected communities.
According to him, irrigation farms that serve as economic lifelines for many families have suffered extensive destruction over the years.
Bini rejected the widely used description of the crisis as a "farmer-herder conflict," insisting instead that indigenous communities view it as a campaign of land occupation and systematic attacks against local populations.
For the Birom community, represented by the National Publicity Secretary, Birom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, concerns centred on insecurity and alleged cross-border criminal infiltration. The group's leader claimed that armed individuals from neighbouring countries, including Niger and Chad, had become active participants in attacks across Plateau communities.
He argued that repeated destruction of farms and perceived government inaction have left many local communities feeling abandoned and vulnerable.
"The right to life has become threatened," he said, adding that retaliatory actions by some youths were often driven by desperation and survival instincts.
The Kulere Kingdom painted an equally troubling picture.
Its Youth President, Panye M. Joseph recounted incidents of isolated killings, mass attacks and the displacement of more than 40 communities. He alleged that many displaced residents could no longer access their farmlands because of persistent security threats.
He also highlighted the absence of telecommunications infrastructure in many rural communities, noting that the lack of telephone networks often prevents residents from alerting authorities during attacks.
Fulani Leaders: "We Too Are Victims"
When it was their turn, Fulani leaders in Plateau State offered a narrative that sharply contrasted with that of the indigenous groups.
Representing the Miyetti Allah leadership, Barrister Salisu Mohammed acknowledged that disputes over land remain a major driver of conflict. However, he argued that criminality exists on both sides and that some individuals have become "crisis entrepreneurs," benefiting from continued instability.
He admitted that some Fulani communities had failed to adequately expose criminal elements within their ranks but maintained that the broader Fulani population should not be judged by the actions of a few offenders.
Mohammed also pointed to what he described as a lack of political courage by government authorities to address the conflict impartially.
"Our cattle are killed regularly, yet there is no compensation," he lamented, alleging unequal treatment in the distribution of relief and support to victims of violence.
According to him, mutual suspicion lies at the heart of the crisis. "Fulani suspects Berom; Berom suspects Fulani," he observed.
To break the cycle, he advocated sustained dialogue among all stakeholders, stronger control of illegal arms, dismantling of illicit weapons production networks, and government-supported modern livestock management systems.
While supporting the transition to ranching, he argued that the high cost of establishing ranches makes government intervention necessary.
Another Fulani leader, Mallam Ado, acknowledged that grazing on cultivated farmlands is wrong but argued that unrestricted expansion of farming activities has also reduced traditional grazing routes and opportunities.
He called for equal application of justice and the reopening of designated grazing areas, while alleging discriminatory treatment against Fulani communities by state authorities.
The Miyetti Allah Youth leader, Alhaji Nuhu Mainasara, blamed recurring violence on civilians taking the law into their own hands.
He maintained that Fulani groups do not oppose the arrest and prosecution of criminals within their communities but accused some indigenous groups of resisting accountability when their members are implicated in violence.
He alleged one-sided treatment by the state government in favour of the indigenes. He cited an example of when the First Lady, Mrs Tinubu visited last year and donated N500m and came again this year and donated another N1billion to distressed people in the state, not a kobo was given to the Fulanis.
The Youth leader said taking laws into their hands by civilians in Plateau State have triggered a serious cycle of violence and crisis in the state. He said his group has never protested the arrest of any Fulani criminal. The same cannot be said of the other side, he claimed. He complained that false allegations against Fulanis in the state are rampant.
Nuhu also alleged that Fulani travellers are often times singled out from vehicles and get killed on roads, and that many Fulani families have been displaced from properties they legally acquired.
"We are often excluded from governance and security consultations," he said, adding that profiling all Fulanis as criminals only deepens divisions and fuels resentment.
Between Two Truths
Listening to both sides revealed a troubling reality: each community sees itself as the victim and the other as the aggressor.
The indigenous groups speak of killings, land loss, destruction of farmlands and displacement. Fulani leaders speak of discrimination, cattle rustling, exclusion and collective blame. Both complain of insecurity. Both accuse government of bias. Both express frustration with the failure of authorities to deliver justice.
Yet amid the competing narratives, one point of convergence stood out, both sides acknowledged that criminal elements exploit the conflict, and both recognised the need for stronger government intervention and genuine dialogue while commending the Nigerian military the important roles they've continued to play in brining peace and security to Plateau State.
The challenge for Plateau, therefore, is not merely identifying who is right or wrong. It is finding a way to break a cycle of violence that has endured for decades and continues to consume lives, livelihoods and communities.
Perhaps the old Nsukka proverb offers the most important lesson.
Until Nigerians are willing to listen to both sides, remove their clothes, and then put them back on again, the search for lasting peace on the Plateau may remain elusive.This version strengthens the storytelling, removes repetitive language, improves neutrality, and ends with a powerful callback to the opening proverb, giving the feature article greater impact and readability.
*Chidi Omeje is the publisher of Security Digest and member of Zagazola Media Network
DSS Releases, Compensates Man Wrongfully Arrested Over Alleged Links With Boko Haram
DSS Releases, Compensates Man Wrongfully Arrested Over Alleged Links With Boko Haram
By: Zagazola Makama
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the immediate release of a man wrongfully linked to Boko Haram terrorists.
The setting free followed a DSS investigation review panel that cleared Nura Idris of allegations of collaboration with Boko Haram terrorists.
Aside from giving Idris N3 million monetary compensation to meet his immediate needs, the DSS DG promised to help the wrongfully detained herder in his business, a practice common with the DG.
According to a security source, the farmer and animal rearer from Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested by a sister security agency in Suleja, Niger State, in June 2024, for alleged links with terrorists, and was thereafter transferred to DSS custody.
Following a thorough review of Nura's case, the DSS investigation panel found no basis for the charges against him, prompting the DGSS to order his immediate release and payment of compensation.
Receiving the compensation, Nura thanked the DGSS for what he described as a kind gesture, saying the money would help him restart his life.
"I thank the DGSS for his kindness. I was well treated in DSS custody and I pray that Allah rewards the DGSS immensely," the source quoted Nura as saying.
His father, Yusuf Idris, who received Nura upon his release, also expressed appreciation to the DGSS for his compassion and generosity, and assured that the compensation would be put to good use.
"When such cases are recorded, the DSS would usually follow up with the detainee, provide psychological and medical support, after which the Agency would further set up any business of the victim's choice", another source disclosed.
The release is part of an internal review exercise which the DSS began last year. The exercise is aimed at reassessing prolonged inherited cases to ensure that erroneously detained individuals do not remain in detention.
"The setting free and compensations across multiple cases underscores the DSS's growing reputation for institutional integrity and humanness," added the source.
"The Service under the current DG, has continued to show that safeguarding national security and citizens must go hand in hand with upholding the rights and dignity of citizens," declared the source.
"Recall the case of Sunday Ifedi and his wife, Calista who were arrested on 8th November 2021 and detained in Wawa facility, three years before the appointment of the current DG in August 2024," added the source. Sunday was released on 16th December, 2025, after the review of detainees ordered by the DG cleared him of ties with the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the DG awarded him N10 million as compensation.
"Importantly, plans are underway by the DSS to rebuild a restaurant in memory of Ifedi's wife, Calista, who died while in custody in a detention facility in Wawa. The initiative is to compensate Sunday for the allegations that his late wife operated a restaurant being patronized by IPOB, for which they were arrested. This brings to bear, over thirty cases that have since been reviewed with over 300m paid as compensation," the source disclosed.
It would also be recalled that, barely one one month after ordering the release and payment of N10 million compensation of one Abuja-based business woman, Mrs. Chineze Ozoadibe, in October 2025, the DSS boss ordered the release of one Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor, arrested in July 2022, for his alleged involvement in the activities of the proscribed IPOB. Five other detainees wrongfully linked to IPOB were by the same directive of the DG, released and each given an initial N2 million cash compensation. Last month, the DSS also released a Yobe State resident, Ya’u Mohammed, after investigations confirmed that he had no connection to terrorism.
Following his release, the Service provided initial financial support worth N2 million to assist his reintegration and restoration of his livelihood.
"There are many more instances where DSS investigations have established innocence and have been followed by efforts to facilitate reintegration," stated the source, adding, "these are the kind of measures the DSS is using to build public trust."
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis in Plateau Raid
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis in Plateau Raid
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested four suspected illicit drug peddlers during a raid on a criminal hideout in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 10:30 p.m. on June 25 at the Congo Russia area of Jos North as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and curb drug-related activities in the state.
During the raid, troops arrested four suspects identified as Isah Mohammed, 20; Nura Kabil, 19; Hamisu Rabiu, 21; and Yakubu Mohammed, 35.
The troops also recovered quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa from the suspects during the operation.
Sources said the suspects have been profiled and are currently in custody for further necessary action, while investigations are ongoing to uncover other members of the illicit drug network.
The operation forms part of sustained security efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to rid Plateau State of criminal elements and deny drug traffickers safe havens within the state.
Troops Neutralise militia, Recover Rustled Livestock After Attack During Clearance Operation in Plateau
Troops Neutralise militia, Recover Rustled Livestock After Attack During Clearance Operation in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have neutralised a suspected militia following an attack on security personnel during a clearance operation in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 7:00 a.m. on June 26 following credible reports on the activities of armed livestock rustlers around the Gero high grounds in Jos South LGA.
During the operation, the troops intercepted a herd of cattle allegedly grazing on cultivated farmland.
The sources said the troops came under sporadic gunfire from suspected militia shortly after the interception.
The troops responded by holding their position and calling for reinforcements.
Additional troops from Sector 3 at Rafin Bauna, alongside other reinforcements led by the Commander of Sector 6, swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers in a firefight.
During the encounter, one suspected bandit was neutralised, while others fled the scene.
A search of the area led to the recovery of two mobile phones and the sum of ₦14,000, believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
The intercepted cattle were moved to a safe location for further necessary action.
Military sources said troops have continued clearance operations and domination patrols across the area to forestall further attacks and deny criminal elements freedom of action in Plateau State.
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner, Recover Three Locally Made Rifles in Plateau
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner, Recover Three Locally Made Rifles in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered three locally fabricated rifles during a patrol operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest was made at about 10:00 a.m. on June 26 by troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Gashish, following the interception of a motorcycle conveying two persons from Kuba in Bokkos Local Government Area towards Maijanki Village in Barkin Ladi.
According to the sources, the troops became suspicious of the movement of the motorcycle and attempted to stop it for a search.
On sighting the troops, the passenger reportedly threw away a bag he was carrying and fled into nearby bushes, while the rider was apprehended after a brief pursuit.
The arrested rider was identified as Alpha Nanfwang, 21, a resident of Panyam in Mangu Local Government Area.
A search of the abandoned bag led to the recovery of three locally fabricated rifles.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect claimed that the bag belonged to the fleeing passenger, whom he had picked up from Kuba.
The suspect and the recovered firearms are currently in military custody, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspect and unravel the circumstances surrounding the movement of the weapons.
Security sources said troops have intensified patrols and surveillance across the area to prevent the movement of illegal arms and deny criminal elements freedom of action in Plateau State.
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Plateau, Intensify Hunt for Abductors
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Plateau, Intensify Hunt for Abductors
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have rescued three kidnap victims in separate operations in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State following sustained rescue missions against criminal elements.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the first operation was launched at about 7:30 p.m. on June 25 after troops of Sector 1 OPEP received a report that one Yusuf Usman had been abducted at Ruga Gurum in Bassa LGA.
The troops, in collaboration with Keystone operatives, immediately commenced a rescue operation at the suspected hideout of the kidnappers.
During the operation, it was discovered that the victim had escaped from his captors before the arrival of the security team. He was subsequently evacuated to Alheri Hospital for medical examination, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the kidnappers.
In a related development, troops sustained pressure on kidnappers who had earlier abducted travellers along the Jos–Zaria Road at Mista Ali in Bassa LGA.
The continued rescue operation forced the kidnappers to release the two remaining victims, identified as Owen Henry and Joshua Samuel Adeleke, both from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Security sources said the victims were safely recovered, while troops have continued aggressive patrols and clearance operations in the general area to prevent criminal elements from regrouping or carrying out further attacks.
The military urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts aimed at tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities across Plateau State.
Seven Terror Commanders Returned from Hajj. The Bigger Question Is: Who Cleared Them?
Seven Terror Commanders Returned from Hajj. The Bigger Question Is: Who Cleared Them?
By Zagazola Makama
Seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders reportedly completed one of the world’s most scrutinised international pilgrimages, boarded aircraft, travelled across international borders, landed at an international airport in Nigeria, and were only arrested upon arrival.
Pause for a moment. This is not merely another counterterrorism success story. It is also a frightening story about possible institutional failure. The obvious question should not only be how they were arrested. The more important question is: how did they get there in the first place?
Somewhere between the forests and the holy city of Makkah, somebody processed documents. Somebody approved travel. Somebody verified identities.
Somebody stamped passports. Somebody issued clearances. Somebody looked away.
And unless those “somebodies” are identified, arresting seven commanders may only scratch the surface of a much bigger security problem.
Last week, another controversy emerged when security analyst and Convener of the Katsina Security Community Initiative, Dr. Bashir Kurfi, alleged that the Katsina State Government sponsored some bandit leaders to Saudi Arabia as part of peace initiatives, claiming they received travel packages worth about ₦10 million each.
The Katsina State Government has categorically denied the allegation, describing it as false, baseless and politically motivated. Fair enough.
A denial is expected. But is a denial the end of the matter? Or should it be the beginning of a thorough investigation? That is the real issue.
When allegations of this magnitude are made by a known security advocate and they intersect with the later arrest of seven suspected terrorist commanders returning from Hajj, responsible institutions should not simply trade statements.
They should establish facts. Because Nigerians deserve answers. Were any suspected terrorists able to obtain Nigerian passport and other travel documents? If yes, how? Who verified their identities? Were aliases used? Did anyone inside any government institution facilitate the process?were there collaborators?
For years, Nigerians have focused almost exclusively on terrorists carrying rifles in the forests. Perhaps it is time to pay equal attention to insiders in offices. Terrorism rarely survives on guns alone. It also survives on compromised officials. It survives on insiders willing to replace patriotism with profit.
A terrorist cannot manufacture an international passport.He cannot approve immigration records.He cannot clear himself through airport procedures.He cannot erase himself from watchlists without help.Somewhere, someone opens the door.That person is just as dangerous as the man carrying the gun.
If the Interior Minister’s revelation is accurate, then this development should trigger one of the most comprehensive internal investigations Nigeria has conducted in recent years.
Nigeria has spent billions fighting Boko Haram and ISWAP.Thousands of soldiers have paid the ultimate price.Entire communities have been destroyed. Families have been displaced.
To then discover that suspected terrorist commanders were able to complete an international pilgrimage before being intercepted should concern every Nigerian.
OPINION: The Silence After Risku’s Murder Is Dangerous — Benue Must Speak Before Violence Speaks for It
OPINION: The Silence After Risku’s Murder Is Dangerous — Benue Must Speak Before Violence Speaks for It
By Zagazola Makama
Several hours have passed since the brutal murder of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his son, Ibrahim. Yet, what has echoed louder than the gunshots that ended their lives is the deafening silence from the Benue State Government. That silence is troubling.
According to multiple security sources, Risku was not just another community leader. He was widely regarded by security agencies as one of the most peaceful Fulani leaders in Benue State. A man who consistently stood on the side of dialogue rather than violence. He spent years encouraging restraint, persuading communities to embrace peaceful coexistence, and working closely with security agencies to prevent attacks and reprisals.
Ironically, he was murdered while returning from yet another peace meeting.If there is any definition of dying in the service of peace, this is it.Those who worked closely with him say his efforts played a significant role in keeping many parts of Benue relatively calm over the past several months.
At a time when the state had every reason to descend into another cycle of bloodshed, Risku remained one of the bridges connecting deeply divided communities. That bridge has now been targeted to be destroyed by the enemies of the state who benefits from crises.
Even more heartbreaking is the fact that Risku himself had repeatedly expressed fears that enemies of peace were after him. During previous peace engagements, he openly warned that there were individuals determined to eliminate him because of his commitment to reconciliation. On one occasion, he reportedly cancelled a peace meeting organised by a local government chairman in Benue after receiving credible security concerns about threats to his life.
Sadly, those fears became reality. One senior security official who knew Risku described his death as “disturbing, painful and entirely undeserved.” “He was a good man,” the officer said. “Throughout the years, he was never found wanting in any criminal activity. He never encouraged violence. He consistently supported every peace initiative. Ironically, peace became his death sentence,”
“This man spends years preaching peace. He convinces angry communities to embrace dialogue instead of revenge. He works with security agencies. He attends every peace meetings. He risks his own life trying to prevent bloodshed.Then he is murdered on his way home after honouring another invitation for peace talks.
In the end, his fears proved justified. The enemies of peace found him. But where were the voices of leadership? Still searching for the right press release? Or perhaps someone was calculating the political cost of condemning the murder of a Fulani man. Because these days, it appears that condemning the killing of an innocent citizen has become a political risk rather than a moral obligation.
Let’s ask the uncomfortable question. Would the condemnation have taken this long if the victim belonged to another ethnic group? That question alone should trouble every Nigerian.
Since when did ethnicity become the deciding factor in determining whose life deserves immediate sympathy?
Risku had lived in Benue for decades. He invested his energy in promoting peaceful coexistence. Security agencies trusted him enough to involve him in every peace initiatives.
Yet after his murder, official silence became louder than the bullets that killed him. What exactly are we telling other peace advocates?
Infact, hypocrites who tried to justify the killing are saying that he was killed by his own people in order to truncate the relative peace in the state.
The greatest beneficiaries of this silence are not grieving families. They are those who profit from conflict. Every peacemaker removed from the equation creates more room for extremists to recruit, manipulate and divide communities.
This is how wars are sustained, not only by those who pull triggers, but sometimes by those who cannot find the courage to condemn those who do. The murder of Ardo Risku is not simply about one Fulani man. It is about whether governments will speak only when it is politically convenient.
Governor Hyacinth Alia should rise above political calculations. He has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership at this critical moment.
Leadership is not measured by how loudly one speaks during campaign rallies. It is measured by how quickly one stands with every victims, even when doing so attracts criticism. Justice has no tribe. Condemnation has no religion. Empathy should have no ethnicity.
Is every Fulani man now to be judged solely by his ethnicity? If Risku whose record of peaceful engagement was acknowledged even by security agencies could become a victim simply because of who he was, then Nigeria is travelling down a road that no responsible society should ever accept.
Criminals should be identified by their crimes not by their ethnicity. Justice must remain individual. Collective guilt has never solved insecurity anywhere in the world. It only creates new victims and fresh cycles of revenge.
This is precisely why the Benue State Government must act, not tomorrow, not next week, but now. A clear public condemnation, reassurance to all communities, and a transparent investigation would send the message that every innocent life matters equally under the law. More importantly, security agencies must move swiftly to identify and arrest those responsible. There should be no sacred cows, no excuses and no delays.
Every security formation operating in Benue, troops of Operation Wirld Stroke, Police, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant agencies, must immediately heighten surveillance in vulnerable communities. Intelligence gathering should be intensified, confidence-building measures strengthened, and every effort made to prevent revenge attacks.
Intelligence operations should be intensified immediately because history has shown that when respected community leaders are murdered, retaliation often follows. Stopping the next killing is just as important as investigating the last one.
Benue has bled enough. If the objective of those behind this killing was to destroy the fragile peace that had held for months, then government silence only risks helping them achieve exactly that.
Zagazola is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
MACBAN Chairman, Son Killed After Peace Meeting in Benue
MACBAN Chairman, Son Killed After Peace Meeting in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his son, Ibrahim, have reportedly been killed by local militia members while returning from a peace meeting in Otukpo, Benue state.
Sources said the incident occurred near Ahimeni in the Okodu area as the victims were travelling home after participating in the meeting aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence among communities.
The killing has sparked renewed concern over the persistent insecurity in parts of Benue State, where recurring attacks have continued to claim lives and heighten ethnic tensions.
Community members described the incident as tragic, noting the irony that the victims lost their lives shortly after attending a meeting dedicated to promoting peace and dialogue.
Stakeholders have urged Nigerians not to allow the actions of criminal elements to fuel ethnic profiling or collective blame, stressing that criminality should remain an individual responsibility rather than being attributed to any ethnic or religious group.
They noted that millions of Fulani men, women and children are law-abiding citizens who contribute to their communities and should not be targeted because of the actions of a few criminal elements.
The incident has further pointed to the need for sustained collaboration among government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to address insecurity and strengthen peace-building initiatives across the country.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while efforts were reportedly ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over the cycle of violence in parts of the country and highlights the urgent need for lasting measures to safeguard innocent lives and promote peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.
Troops recover body of unidentified woman along roadside in Plateau
Troops recover body of unidentified woman along roadside in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have recovered the body of an unidentified woman found by the roadside in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the discovery was made at about 7:00 a.m. on June 25 after troops of Sector 6 responded to a report of a corpse lying along the Bum axis in Ganawuri.
On arrival at the scene, the troops found the lifeless body of the woman bearing multiple injuries.
Preliminary assessment by security personnel indicated that the victim was suspected to have been knocked down by a vehicle.
The body was subsequently evacuated to the General Hospital, Riyom, where it was deposited in the mortuary pending identification and further investigation.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to ascertain the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Eleven Boko Haram family members surrender to troops in Borno
Eleven Boko Haram family members surrender to troops in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than 11 family members of Boko Haram terrorists, comprising five women and six children, have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the surrender took place at about 6:00 p.m. on June 24 at separate locations in Banki, Bama Local Government Area.
According to the sources, four women and four minors from Chongolo village voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion, while another woman and two minors from Ladantar surrendered to troops of the 151 Task Force Battalion at Banki Junction.
The sources said preliminary profiling revealed that all 11 individuals are family members of Boko Haram terrorists who fled insurgent enclaves in search of safety.
Following documentation and profiling by the troops, the surrendered individuals were handed over to the Bama Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp for further processing and rehabilitation in line with established procedures.
Military sources said the surrender is part of the continuing wave of defections from terrorist enclaves as sustained military pressure under Operation HADIN KAI continues to weaken insurgent groups operating in the North-East.
They added that the overall security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops remain vigilant and maintain high morale in ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Troops intercept two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers, seize 750 litres of petrol in Yobe
Troops intercept two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers, seize 750 litres of petrol in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers and recovered a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) during a snap checkpoint operation in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 3:30 p.m. on June 24 by troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison following credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorist collaborators along the Buni Gari–Bara road.
The suspects were identified as Lawali Alhaji Yunusa and Musa Ibrahim Baguwa, both natives of Kukawa Ward in Gulani Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Items recovered from the suspects include two TVS motorcycles, 30 jerrycans of 25 litres each filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), amounting to about 750 litres of fuel, one Tecno mobile phone and the sum of ₦49,650.
Military sources said the suspects and the recovered exhibits are currently in the custody of the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison for further investigation to establish their links with Boko Haram logistics networks.
The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt the supply chain sustaining terrorist activities in the North-East by intercepting fuel, food and other logistics destined for insurgent enclaves.
Troops intercept two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers, seize 750 litres of petrol in Yobe
Troops intercept two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers, seize 750 litres of petrol in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers and recovered a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) during a snap checkpoint operation in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 3:30 p.m. on June 24 by troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison following credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorist collaborators along the Buni Gari–Bara road.
The suspects were identified as Lawali Alhaji Yunusa and Musa Ibrahim Baguwa, both natives of Kukawa Ward in Gulani Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Items recovered from the suspects include two TVS motorcycles, 30 jerrycans of 25 litres each filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), amounting to about 750 litres of fuel, one Tecno mobile phone and the sum of ₦49,650.
Military sources said the suspects and the recovered exhibits are currently in the custody of the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison for further investigation to establish their links with Boko Haram logistics networks.
The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt the supply chain sustaining terrorist activities in the North-East by intercepting fuel, food and other logistics destined for insurgent enclaves.
Troops raid drug den in Borno, arrest four suspects, seize hard drugs
Troops raid drug den in Borno, arrest four suspects, seize hard drugs
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested four suspected drug peddlers during a raid on a suspected drug distribution point in Magumeri town, Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 1:08 p.m. on June 24 by troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal networks fueling insurgency and other violent crimes in the North-East.
The suspects were identified as Alhaji Bukar, 30; Rawagana Abubakar, 19; Abubakar Mallam, 34; and Abbani Aisami, 21.
Items recovered during the operation included 164 wraps of cannabis, 38 wraps of Erinmore, one card of Tramadol tablets, 101 white tablets identified as Hyxul, 38 bottles of Exiplon syrup, four containers of Diamond Rubber Solution, and two litres of methylene chloride, a dangerous inhalant commonly referred to as “Suck and Die.”
Troops also recovered two Android mobile phones, one Itel phone, one Tecno phone, a Bluetooth speaker, an earpiece and 129 gas lighters.
The suspects are currently in the custody of the 109 Special Forces Battalion for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Military sources said the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle drug trafficking networks believed to facilitate terrorist activities by supplying illicit substances and logistics to criminal elements operating within the theatre.
Troops Foil ISWAP Roadblock, Rescue 53 Civilians in Borno
Troops Foil ISWAP Roadblock, Rescue 53 Civilians in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued 53 civilians after foiling a ISWAP roadblock along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 3:45 p.m. on June 24 after troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Echo 1, Dutse Kura, detected the terrorists through surveillance system.
According to the sources, the terrorists had mounted an illegal roadblock along the Buratai–Kamuya axis when the Quick Response Force (QRF) was immediately mobilised to the location.
The troops pursued the fleeing insurgents towards the Mangari–Dora general area, where they made contact and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
The successful operation led to the rescue of 53 civilians, comprising 48 adults—20 males and 28 females—and five children. Troops also recovered eight vehicles abandoned during the incident.
Following the rescue, troops advanced about 10 kilometres along the terrorists’ withdrawal route, dominating the general area and conducting further searches to ensure the road was safe. No further contact with the insurgents was established.
The rescued civilians and recovered vehicles were escorted to Buratai, from where they will continue their journeys.
Military sources confirmed that no casualties or equipment losses were recorded during the operation.
The latest rescue underscores the sustained efforts of Operation HADIN KAI troops to secure major supply routes and protect civilians from terrorist activities across the North-East theatre.
Military authorities noted that while the overall security situation across the theatre remains calm, it is still unpredictable, adding that troops remain in high spirits and maintain satisfactory operational effectiveness.
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims, Launch Hunt for Two Others in Plateau
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims, Launch Hunt for Two Others in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued three kidnap victims and launched a search for two others abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Jos–Zaria Road in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:05 p.m. on June 24 in the Mista Ali area, following a report of kidnapping activities along the highway.
The sources said security personnel responded swiftly to the distress call, forcing the armed kidnappers to flee the scene.
During the operation, three victims identified as Osuji Franklin, Danjuma Moses and Irimiya Shehu were rescued with varying degrees of injuries.
However, preliminary findings indicated that the attackers had abducted two other victims, identified as Dayo and Henry Owen, before the arrival of the security team.
The rescued victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Mista Ali, where they are receiving medical treatment.
Security personnel also recovered an Opel Zafira vehicle with registration number RYM 25 A2 abandoned at the scene.
Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing kidnappers and secure the safe rescue of the remaining abducted victims.
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims, Launch Hunt for Two Others in Plateau
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims, Launch Hunt for Two Others in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued three kidnap victims and launched a search for two others abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Jos–Zaria Road in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:05 p.m. on June 24 in the Mista Ali area, following a report of kidnapping activities along the highway.
The sources said security personnel responded swiftly to the distress call, forcing the armed kidnappers to flee the scene.
During the operation, three victims identified as Osuji Franklin, Danjuma Moses and Irimiya Shehu were rescued with varying degrees of injuries.
However, preliminary findings indicated that the attackers had abducted two other victims, identified as Dayo and Henry Owen, before the arrival of the security team.
The rescued victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Mista Ali, where they are receiving medical treatment.
Security personnel also recovered an Opel Zafira vehicle with registration number RYM 25 A2 abandoned at the scene.
Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing kidnappers and secure the safe rescue of the remaining abducted victims.
Troops Rescue Eight Kidnap Victims from Pandam Forest in Plateau
Troops Rescue Eight Kidnap Victims from Pandam Forest in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued eight kidnap victims during a clearance operation in Pandam Forest, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation commenced at about 3:00 a.m. on June 24, when personnel launched a raid on suspected bandits’ hideouts inside the forest.
The sources said the bandits opened sporadic fire in an attempt to create confusion and facilitate their escape. However, the victims took advantage of the ensuing situation to flee from captivity.
Three victims were rescued during the initial phase of the operation.
The sources added that while security personnel continued combing the forest later in the day, five additional victims emerged from the bush and were safely recovered, bringing the total number of rescued persons to eight.
According to the sources, the successful operation has been widely welcomed by residents of surrounding communities, who expressed appreciation for the efforts of the security personnel.
No security personnel were killed or injured during the operation, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing bandits and dismantle their hideouts in the forest.
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim After Foiling Abduction in Kaduna
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim After Foiling Abduction in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued a kidnap victim after foiling an abduction attempt along the Gidan Waya–Nisama road in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on June 24, following a report of suspected kidnappers operating along the highway.
The sources said security personnel responded swiftly to the scene, where they found a J5 vehicle loaded with onions that had been intercepted by the armed criminals.
On sighting the approaching security team, the kidnappers fled into nearby bushes but had already abducted one occupant of the vehicle.
A pursuit was immediately launched, forcing the fleeing suspects to abandon the victim due to sustained pressure from the security operatives.
The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt and reunited with safety, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Security sources said investigations into the incident are continuing.
Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Suspected Explosive Materials in Kaduna
Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Suspected Explosive Materials in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Security operatives have intercepted a vehicle conveying suspected explosive materials during a stop-and-search operation in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the interception occurred at about 6:10 p.m. on June 24 at Barde village.
The sources said the vehicle, driven by one Lawal Musa, was stopped during a routine security check, during which personnel discovered a quantity of suspected explosive powder and three detonating wires concealed in the vehicle.
The suspect was immediately arrested, while the recovered materials were taken into custody for further examination.
Security sources said the suspect is undergoing preliminary investigation to ascertain the source and intended use of the suspected explosive materials, while further investigations are ongoing.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Arrest Three Suspects in Plateau
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Arrest Three Suspects in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled an attempted kidnap and arrested three suspected kidnappers in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:15 p.m. on June 24 after a distress call reported an attempted abduction at a residence in Dong village.
The sources said the swift response of security personnel forced the assailants to abandon their mission and flee the scene before the victim could be taken away.
Following information provided by vigilant residents who identified some of the fleeing suspects, security operatives, in collaboration with Operation Rainbow, launched a search-and-arrest operation in the area.
The operation led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Abok Ajiji, 38; Joseph Ajiji, 33; and Chollom Thomas, 37, around the residence of the intended kidnap victim.
The suspects are currently in custody undergoing preliminary investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang who escaped. TO APPREHEND THE FLEEING CRIMINALS.
Eight Farmers Count Losses as Cattle Destroy Farmlands in Plateau Community
Eight Farmers Count Losses as Cattle Destroy Farmlands in Plateau Community
By Zagazola Makama
Farmlands belonging to eight farmers have been destroyed by grazing cattle in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on June 24 at Tahoss village, where security operatives responded to a distress call over the destruction of farms owned by Mr. Gyang Samuel and seven other farmers.
On arrival at the scene, the operatives confirmed that the farmlands had been damaged overnight by cattle.
The affected farmers were urged to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands while efforts continue to identify, track and apprehend those responsible for the destruction.
Security sources said investigations into the incident are ongoing as authorities intensify measures to curb recurring farmer-herder conflicts in the area.
15-Year-Old Herder Arrested After Alleged Farmland Destruction in Plateau
15-Year-Old Herder Arrested After Alleged Farmland Destruction in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Security operatives have arrested a 15-year-old herder following the destruction of a farmland in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on June 24 after a distress report was received that cattle had invaded and destroyed a farm belonging to one Benjamin Pam at Rakwok village.
The sources said security personnel from Sub-Sector 41, Gashish, responded promptly to the scene but discovered that the herders had fled with their cattle upon sighting the approaching security team.
A pursuit was immediately launched, leading to the arrest of one of the herders, identified as Muhammadu Bashir, 15.
The suspect was taken into custody and is being held while the relevant authorities commence the necessary legal and administrative procedures.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend other herders who fled the scene.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Criminals in Plateau Raid
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Criminals in Plateau Raid
By Zagazola Makama
Security operatives have arrested two suspected criminals during a cordon-and-search operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 2:35 a.m. on June 24 following reports of criminal activities at a hideout in the Great Commission Ruga general area.
The sources said the operation led to the arrest of two suspects, identified as Yusufu Ibrahim, 20, and Aliyu Ibrahim, 23.
The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as part of ongoing investigations.
The sources added that routine patrols remain active across the Joint Operations Area under Operation Unity Haven to safeguard schools, critical infrastructure and other vulnerable locations.
Troops Recover 22 Stray Cattle After Farmland Destruction in Plateau
Troops Recover 22 Stray Cattle After Farmland Destruction in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have recovered 22 cattle found grazing on farmlands destroyed in Teegbe village, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:00 a.m. on June 23, following a report that farmlands belonging to three farmers had been damaged by grazing cattle.
The affected farmers were identified as Mr. Danjuma Yaris, Gado Chiyi and Bitrus Nechi.
The sources said security personnel responded promptly to the scene and intercepted 22 cattle grazing on the affected farms without any herder in sight.
The livestock were subsequently moved to a safe location pending further administrative and legal action by the relevant authorities.
The incident is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb farmer-herder conflicts and protect farmlands in the state.
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim in Kaduna After Pursuit of Suspects
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim in Kaduna After Pursuit of Suspects
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued a kidnap victim after pursuing suspected kidnappers along the Gidan Waya–Nisama road in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on June 24 following reports of suspected kidnappers operating along the route.
The sources said troops of Sector 7 responded swiftly to the distress call and, on arrival, discovered a vehicle loaded with onions that had been abandoned by the roadside after the criminals abducted one of its occupants.
The troops immediately launched a pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers, forcing them to abandon the victim and escape into nearby bushes.
The rescued victim was secured by the troops, while efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military has urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing operations against criminal elements in the area.
GOC Visits Frontline Troops in Sokoto, Assesses Operational Readiness
GOC Visits Frontline Troops in Sokoto, Assesses Operational Readiness
By Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation Fasan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Koughna, has visited frontline troops in Shinkafi and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State to assess their operational readiness.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operational visit took place on June 24 and was accompanied by formation commanders.
The sources said the GOC was received at the 26 Battalion location in Shinkafi by the Commanding Officer, who presented a comprehensive operational briefing on the security situation and ongoing military activities in the area.
During the visit, Maj.-Gen. Koughna provided tactical and logistical guidance to the troops, aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and ensuring mission success.
The GOC also visited the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Jangeru, where he inspected the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system and assessed its coverage of identified terrorist crossing points to improve situational awareness and operational efficiency.
The team subsequently proceeded to the Forward Operating Base in Isa for further engagements with troops deployed in the area.
The visit ended without incident.
Troops, NDLEA Arrest Six Suspected Drug Peddlers in Katsina
Troops, NDLEA Arrest Six Suspected Drug Peddlers in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 17 Brigade, in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested six suspected drug peddlers during a joint raid in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was conducted at about 1:00 p.m. on June 24 at Rugoji Village.
The sources said the joint team apprehended six suspects and recovered 4.0 grams of a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa as well as 3.5 grams of tramadol.
According to the sources, the suspects are believed to be suppliers of hard drugs and other illicit substances to terrorists and criminal elements operating within Kafur and its surrounding communities.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution.
False Alarm Triggers Sporadic Gunfire by Forest Guards in Yobe, No Casualties Recorded
False Alarm Triggers Sporadic Gunfire by Forest Guards in Yobe, No Casualties Recorded
By Zagazola Makama
A false alarm over the alleged approach of suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists caused members of the Forest Guards to open sporadic fire in Katarko community, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, security sources have said.
The sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident, reported belatedly, occurred at about 6:55 p.m. on June 23.
According to the sources, troops of the 198 Special Forces Battalion responded after receiving reports of gunfire from members of the Forest Guards who had recently been deployed to the community.
On arrival, the troops discovered that the shooting had been triggered by a false alarm over an unconfirmed number of suspected ISWAP terrorists allegedly approaching the town on motorcycles.
The troops promptly calmed the situation and disarmed some of the agitated Forest Guards to prevent further indiscriminate firing.
A total of 191 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were expended during the incident.
The sources confirmed that no casualties or damage were recorded, while normalcy has since been restored to the area.
Suspected ISWAP Fighter Surrenders to Troops in Borno
Suspected ISWAP Fighter Surrenders to Troops in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
A suspected member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) also known as Boko Haram, has surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said that the incident, reported belatedly, occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on June 23.
The sources said the suspect surrendered to troops of Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force/242 Reconnaissance Battalion deployed at Charlie 4 in Monguno.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect claimed he had escaped from the terrorist camp at Kusuma in Marte Local Government Area of the state.
The troops recovered one mobile phone, ₦1,700 in cash and other personal effects from the suspect.
The sources added that the suspect remains in military custody and is undergoing profiling and further investigation.
Troops Intercept Suspected Drug Peddler, Seize 65.3kg of Cannabis in Abuja
Troops Intercept Suspected Drug Peddler, Seize 65.3kg of Cannabis in Abuja
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 176 Guards Battalion have intercepted a suspected drug peddler transporting 65.3 kilograms of cannabis sativa along the Lokoja–Abuja highway in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation, which was reported belatedly, took place at about 9:50 p.m. on June 23 at the Quick Response Group (QRG) checkpoint in Abaji Area Council.
The sources said the suspect was intercepted while conveying six sacks of cannabis sativa weighing a total of 65.3 kilograms.
Following preliminary profiling, the suspect and the recovered illicit substance were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The interception forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb the movement of illicit drugs and other criminal activities along major highways.
Troops Conduct Fighting Patrol in Ogun, Sustain Anti-Crime Operations
Troops Conduct Fighting Patrol in Ogun, Sustain Anti-Crime Operations
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 35 Artillery Brigade have conducted a fighting patrol along the Imeko–Obolo–Ayetoro road and adjoining communities in Ogun State as part of ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
Security sources said that the operation was carried out at about 10:05 a.m. on June 24.
The sources said the troops combed bushes along the Imeko–Obolo–Ayetoro axis up to Olobo Community in Abeokuta South Local Government Area.
According to the sources, no contact was made with any criminal elements during the operation.
They added that the troops have continued aggressive patrols across the area to maintain security and prevent criminal activities.
One Injured as Suspected Armed Herders Attack Benue Community
One Injured as Suspected Armed Herders Attack Benue Community
By Zagazola Makama
A resident was injured when suspected armed herders attacked Tse Orhungur community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, prompting a swift response by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:19 p.m. on June 24.
The sources said troops deployed at Yogbo under Sector 1 of OPWS responded to a distress call reporting an attack by suspected armed herders on the community.
On arrival, the troops found that the attackers had already fled after injuring one resident.
The injured victim was immediately evacuated by the troops to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where he is receiving medical treatment.
The sources said troops have intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the perpetrators, while security patrols have been reinforced in the area to prevent further attacks.
No arrest had been made as of the time of filing this report.
Soldier Shoots Suspect During Struggle After Arrest in Enugu
Soldier Shoots Suspect During Struggle After Arrest in Enugu
By Zagazola Makama
A suspect arrested by troops of Operation UDO KA in Enugu State has died after he was shot during a struggle with a soldier while allegedly attempting to disarm the serviceman.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred at about 10:15 a.m. on June 24 along the 9th Mile–Enugu Road in Udi Local Government Area.
The sources said troops of the 103 Battalion (Rear), deployed at Ugwu Onyema, responded to a distress call over the conduct of a disorderly tipper driver along the busy highway.
According to the sources, the suspect was apprehended and taken to the military location for preliminary interrogation, where he allegedly became violent and attempted to seize a soldier’s weapon.
“The suspect resisted arrest and, during the ensuing struggle, attempted to disarm one of the soldiers. In the process, he was shot,” the source said.
The victim was immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical treatment but was later confirmed dead by doctors.
The sources added that troops reinforced security in the area and intensified patrols to prevent any breakdown of law and order following the incident.
Military authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the development as of the time of filing this report.
Soldier Detained After Allegedly Shooting Two Civilians in Borno
Soldier Detained After Allegedly Shooting Two Civilians in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
A Nigerian Army soldier has been detained after allegedly firing indiscriminately and injuring two civilians at Pulka town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred at about 5:10 p.m. on June 23.
The sources said the soldier, identified as Pte. Lawan Abubakar of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion deployed at Ngoshe, allegedly left his duty location without official authorization and proceeded to Pulka town.
According to the sources, the soldier reportedly fired several rounds indiscriminately around the Pulka Market area, injuring two civilians.
Troops of the 192 Battalion promptly responded, disarmed the soldier and took him into custody.
The injured civilians were evacuated to the General Hospital, Gwoza, where they are receiving medical treatment.
The sources added that the soldier has been transferred to the Headquarters, 26 Task Force Brigade, for further investigation and disciplinary action.
Again, Kidnappers Arrested by DSS Convicted, Bag Death Sentence in Ekiti State
Again, Kidnappers Arrested by DSS Convicted, Bag Death Sentence in Ekiti State
By: Zagazola Makama
*Third Defendant Discharged as Chief Judge Commends DSS Prosecutors
Two men arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) have been sentenced to death by an Ekiti State High Court, following their conviction for kidnapping a staff of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
While the kidnappers, Ibrahim Abubakar and Abdullahi Abubakar, were convicted and sentence of to death, the third defendant, Usman Abubakar, was discharged after the Court found insufficient evidence linking him to the crime.
The case bordered on the 22nd April 2022 abduction of Omoboade Adesina, a female staff member of the NYSC in the state. Both convicts were subsequently arrested and prosecuted by the DSS.
Delivering judgment, the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Lekan Ogunmoye, sentenced both defendants to death by hanging, but discharged the third.
The Chief Judge commended the diligence of DSS prosecutors in proving the case beyond reasonable doubt. He specifically highlighted the identification parade conducted by the Service and the analysis of call data records during investigation as pivotal to the conviction.
The conviction marks yet another major courtroom victory for the DSS. This comies on the heels of a death sentence handed down by a Sokoto High Court against three men convicted of terrorism and cross-border arms proliferation, as well as the conviction a kidnapper in Kogi State earlier secured by the Service among others.
The string of successful prosecutions further underscores the effectiveness of the DSS's intelligence-driven approach to investigating and prosecuting violent crimes. This also reaffirms the commitment of the Service in ensuring that perpetrators of kidnapping, terrorism, and related offences do not escape the full weight of the law.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Criminals in Plateau Raid
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Criminals in Plateau Raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested two suspected criminals during a cordon-and-search operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said that the operation was conducted at about 2:35 a.m. on June 24 following credible reports of criminal activities within the Great Commission RUGA general area.
The sources said troops raided a suspected criminal hideout during the operation, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
The arrested suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing preliminary investigation before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
Two Killed as Suspected Terrorists Attack Commuters in Kogi
Two Killed as Suspected Terrorists Attack Commuters in Kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
Two persons have been killed following an attack by suspected terrorists on commuters travelling on motorcycles along the Okoloke–Egbe Road in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on June 23 as the victims were heading to the Egbe Market.
The sources said troops of the 12 Brigade, deployed at Okoloke and Okunran, swiftly responded to reports of the attack.
According to the sources, two commuters were killed in the assault, while several others escaped from the scene.
The troops evacuated the bodies of the deceased and intensified patrols across the general area to prevent further attacks and deny the perpetrators freedom of action.
Security agencies have continued efforts to track down those responsible for the attack.
Two Killed as Suspected Terrorists Attack Commuters in Kogi
Two Killed as Suspected Terrorists Attack Commuters in Kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
Two persons have been killed following an attack by suspected terrorists on commuters travelling on motorcycles along the Okoloke–Egbe Road in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on June 23 as the victims were heading to the Egbe Market.
The sources said troops of the 12 Brigade, deployed at Okoloke and Okunran, swiftly responded to reports of the attack.
According to the sources, two commuters were killed in the assault, while several others escaped from the scene.
The troops evacuated the bodies of the deceased and intensified patrols across the general area to prevent further attacks and deny the perpetrators freedom of action.
Security agencies have continued efforts to track down those responsible for the attack.
Troops Arrest Suspected Drug Trafficker, Seize 235kg of Cannabis in Kogi
Troops Arrest Suspected Drug Trafficker, Seize 235kg of Cannabis in Kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected drug trafficker and recovered about 235 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis during a snap checkpoint operation in Kogi State.
Security sources said that the suspect was apprehended at about 7:50 p.m. on June 22 by troops of the 176 Guards Battalion deployed at the Quick Response Group (QRG), Abaji.
The sources said the troops intercepted a vehicle along the Lokoja–Abuja Road around Chikara North in Koton Karfe Local Government Area and discovered 273 compressed packets of suspected cannabis weighing approximately 235kg.
The suspect was subsequently profiled and handed over, along with the recovered exhibits, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Troops, Police Arrest Two Suspected Kidnappers in Edo
Troops, Police Arrest Two Suspected Kidnappers in Edo
By; Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in conjunction with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), have arrested two suspected kidnappers in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the suspects were apprehended at about 2:00 p.m. on June 22 during a routine patrol by troops of the 195 Battalion in collaboration with the police at Ososo Community.
The sources said the arrest followed an alarm raised by Mrs Success Sikiru, who identified the suspects and alleged that they had kidnapped her, her husband and their child along the Egbetua–Okpella Road on May 11, 2026.
According to the sources, troops immediately pursued and apprehended the two suspects.
Items recovered from the suspects included one power bank, two mobile phones, N70,410 in cash and other personal effects.
The suspects and the recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Supplier, Recover 150 Combat Boots in Zamfara
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Supplier, Recover 150 Combat Boots in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested a suspected logistics supplier to terrorists and recovered a large cache of military-grade equipment during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Sokoto–Gusau Road in Zamfara State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was intercepted on June 24 while driving a Honda Civic vehicle conveying military-related items and electronic devices suspected to be meant for terrorist groups operating in the North-West.
Items recovered from the vehicle included 150 pairs of combat boots, three jackknives, three electric shockers, one tear gas canister, one military beret and one belt.
The troops also confiscated two Android phones, one iPad and a digital wristwatch believed to be relevant to ongoing investigations.
The suspect has been taken into custody for further interrogation, while the recovered items are being profiled as part of efforts to dismantle terrorist logistics and supply networks in the region.
Military authorities said the arrest underscored the sustained commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupting the movement of logistics and equipment used by terrorist elements across the North-West.
They urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
Terrorism: Sokoto Court Imposes Death Penalty on Three, Including a Foreigner, Arrested by DSS.
Breaking...
Terrorism: Sokoto Court Imposes Death Penalty on Three, Including a Foreigner, Arrested by DSS.
By: Zagazola Makama
*Convicts To Forfeit Crime Proceeds to FG
A Sokoto State High Court has sentenced three men, including a Nigerien, to death by hanging, following their conviction on charges of terrorism and arms proliferation.
The convicts, Yusuf Muhammad (alias Sallau), a Nigeriene, Jabbi Alhaji Yalle, and Kabiru Muhammad were apprehended on 13th June, 2025, by the Department of State Services Counter-Terrorism Unit in connection with cross-border crimes, arms trafficking and terrorism.
Delivering judgment, Justice Bello found all three defendants guilty as charged and sentenced them to death by hanging. The court also ordered the forfeiture of all monetary exhibits recovered from the convicts to the Federal Government.
The Sokoto sentencing came barely a week after a Federal High Court in Katsina sentenced to death a female arms courier, Hauwa'u Mukhtar, arrested by the DSS while transporting 438 rounds of ammunition to a bandit kingpin.
Days earlier, the quartet of Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, and Abdulhaleem Idris, arrested by the DSS, were sentenced to death by a Federal High Court, Abuja, for their involvement in attacks that killed over 40 worshippers in Owo, Ondo State.
Last week, a High Court of Kogi State sitting in Lokoja, sentenced to death by hanging, one Jibrin Halilu, who was arrested by the DSS and charged with conspiracy and the kidnapping and murder of a hotelier in Obajana, Kogi State.
Alleged Cybercrime: Sowore Sent Back to Kuje Correctional Centre
Alleged Cybercrime: Sowore Sent Back to Kuje Correctional Centre
By: Zagazola Makama
* Court Fixes June 30 To Hear Appeal on Bench Warrant
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered that politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, be sent back to the Kuje Correctional Centre until June 30 when his application for the setting aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of bail application would be considered.
On Monday, Justice Mohammed Umar, revoked the December 2025 bail he granted Sowore "based on self-recognition", and ordered that the politician be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.
Before the revocation of the bail, Justice Umar had ordered Sowore to open his defence in a matter of alleged cybercrime brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).
At the resumed hearing of the matter, on Wednesday, Sowore's lawyer, R. O. Adakonye, who stood in for Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, informed the court that the matter was adjourned for hearing of their application to set aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of the bail of the defendant on account of his absence in court on 16th June, 2026.
The prosecution lawyer, A. T. Kehinde ,SAN, however, opposed the application filed by the defence. He told the court have he had filed a counter-affidavit urging the Court to refuse the application to set aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of bail against Sowore.
The judge, thereafter, adjourned the matter to June 30, 2026 for ruling on the application to set aside the order of bench warrant and revocation of bail application.
The defence lawyer begged the court to release Sowore to him, with a promise to bring the politician to court hon June 30. The judge declined the defence lawyer's request and insisted that Sowore be taken back to Kuje Correctional Centre.
The DSS resorted to prosecuting Sowore for alleged cyber-bullying after several unsuccessful appeals to make him pull down posts he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts in August 2025, calling President Bola Tinubu a "criminal."
COAS Joins Security Chiefs at Nigeria-UK Defence, Security Dialogue
COAS Joins Security Chiefs at Nigeria-UK Defence, Security Dialogue
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday joined top Nigerian security leaders at the Fourth Nigeria-United Kingdom Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue in Abuja.
The high-level meeting brought together the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and other senior security stakeholders.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Ribadu and Jonathan Powell, and focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges and advancing shared strategic interests between both countries.
Participants discussed ways of enhancing collaboration in areas such as defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building and regional security.
Security officials noted that the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom remained vital to efforts aimed at tackling security threats and promoting stability.
They added that the partnership had continued to support the development of military and security capabilities through training, technical assistance and strategic engagements.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to working with national and international partners to strengthen security, safeguard the country’s sovereignty and contribute to regional peace and stability in line with the Federal Government’s security objectives.
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim in Nasarawa, Recover Abandoned Truck
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim in Nasarawa, Recover Abandoned Truck
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have rescued a kidnap victim following a distress call on a kidnapping incident along the Akwanga-Gwantu Road in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Security sources said the troops, stationed at Ngoho-Andaha, responded swiftly to the incident at about 12:27 a.m. on June 23.
According to the sources, upon arrival at the scene, the troops discovered an abandoned truck believed to be connected to the incident.
The troops also rescued one victim during the operation.
The victim was subsequently assisted by the troops and allowed to continue his journey after regaining safety.
The sources added that efforts were ongoing to track down those responsible for the kidnapping and ensure the safety of commuters along the route.
The operation was conducted without any reported casualty among the troops.
Troops Intercept Arms Courier, Recover Weapons and Ammunition
Troops Intercept Arms Courier, Recover Weapons and Ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, in collaboration with operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Hybrid Forces, have intercepted a suspected arms courier vehicle and recovered weapons, ammunition and communication equipment along the Sokoto-Zaria-Kaduna highway.
Security sources disclosed that the operation, conducted on June 21 based on credible intelligence, targeted a vehicle suspected to be conveying arms to Kogi State.
The sources said the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the security operatives.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, nine magazines, 67 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two Beretta pistols with 9mm ammunition, two Baofeng handheld radios and three camouflage jackets.
According to the sources, the recovered items are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation and exploitation.
The sources added that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspect as well as uncover the network behind the arms movement.
They noted that the operation underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led security efforts aimed at disrupting the movement of illegal arms and ammunition across the country.
Troops Recover Over 2,400 Rustled Livestock After Clash with Terrorists in Zamfara
Troops Recover Over 2,400 Rustled Livestock After Clash with Terrorists in Zamfara
By; Zagazola Makama
Troops of 1 Brigade under Counter-Terrorism Operation 6 have recovered more than 2,400 rustled livestock following an encounter with suspected terrorists on the outskirts of Bukkuyum Town in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources disclosed that the troops responded to a distress call at about 12:25 p.m. on June 22 regarding the movement of suspected terrorists in the area.
The sources said the troops swiftly mobilised and made contact with the terrorists, engaging them in a firefight.
According to the sources, the superior firepower of the troops forced the terrorists to flee, abandoning a large number of livestock suspected to have been rustled from communities within the area.
Items recovered during the operation included 2,423 sheep, 10 donkeys and one calf.
The sources added that efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owners of the recovered animals and reunite them with the livestock.
They noted that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and cattle rustling in Zamfara and other parts of the North-West region.
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims After Three Months in Captivity in Zamfara
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims After Three Months in Captivity in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 1 Brigade under Counter-Terrorism Operation 6 have rescued three kidnap victims who escaped from a terrorist enclave after spending about three months in captivity in Zamfara State.
Security sources disclosed that the victims were rescued at about 8:45 a.m. on June 22 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bagega in Anka Local Government Area.
The sources said the victims managed to escape from their captors’ hideout before making contact with the troops.
According to the sources, the troops immediately secured the victims and provided initial assistance before evacuating them for medical attention.
The sources added that the victims were undergoing medical evaluation and care following their ordeal in captivity.
They noted that troops remained committed to sustaining operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and securing the release of abducted persons across Zamfara and other parts of the North-West.
Troops Repel Terrorists During Patrol in Kaduna, Recover Motorcycle
Troops Repel Terrorists During Patrol in Kaduna, Recover Motorcycle
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Headquarters Sub-Sector 6, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have engaged suspected terrorists during a patrol operation in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on June 23 while the troops were conducting a routine patrol in the area.
The sources said the patrol team encountered two armed terrorists riding on motorcycles and fleeing towards Basurfe Village.
According to the sources, the troops immediately engaged the suspects, forcing them to abandon one of the motorcycles and flee into a nearby valley.
The recovered motorcycle was secured by the troops, while efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
The sources added that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and enhance security across communities in Giwa Local Government Area.
They reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal elements in Kaduna State and the wider North-West region.
Troops Sustain Offensive Operations in Kaduna, Advance Through Several Communities
Troops Sustain Offensive Operations in Kaduna, Advance Through Several Communities
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sub-Sector 4 have continued offensive operations across parts of Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State as part of ongoing efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement.
Security sources disclosed that the operation commenced at about 8:30 a.m. on June 23, with troops advancing through Katembi, Agwa Gurma, Ungwan Sule and Gidan Maji communities.
The sources said the troops conducted security sweeps and area domination patrols across the communities during the operation.
According to the sources, the general area was largely deserted, although some residents reported occasional movement of suspected terrorists within the vicinity.
The troops subsequently advanced towards Sabon Chigbolu but were unable to proceed further due to a river obstruction along the route.
The sources noted that no contact was made with suspected terrorists during the operation.
They added that the offensive was part of sustained military efforts to enhance security, gather intelligence and maintain pressure on criminal elements operating within the area.
Troops Conduct Fighting Patrol Following Intelligence on Terrorist Gathering in Borno
Troops Conduct Fighting Patrol Following Intelligence on Terrorist Gathering in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 222 Battalion, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have conducted a fighting patrol to Bazamri Village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State following intelligence reports of suspected terrorist activity.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out at about 11:30 a.m. on June 23 after reports indicated a possible convergence of suspected ISWAP terrorists in the area.
The sources said the troops, operating within Sector 1 Area of Responsibility, swiftly mobilised to the location to verify the intelligence and deny the terrorists freedom of action.
According to the sources, the troops conducted a thorough search and patrol of the area but did not discover any significant terrorist presence or activity.
The sources added that no contact was made with suspected terrorists during the operation.
They noted that the patrol formed part of ongoing proactive measures aimed at disrupting terrorist movements, gathering intelligence and maintaining security dominance across communities in Konduga and other parts of Borno State.
NDLEA uncovers industrial-scale meth laboratory in Oyo forest, arrests Mexican, four others
NDLEA uncovers industrial-scale meth laboratory in Oyo forest, arrests Mexican, four others
By: Zagazola Makama
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has uncovered and dismantled an industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory hidden in a forest in Oyo State, arresting a Mexican national and four Nigerians allegedly linked to the operation.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja through the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
Marwa said the facility was discovered in Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State during a special operation conducted by NDLEA tactical operatives on June 17.
He described the laboratory as a highly fortified and sophisticated facility operated by a transnational drug cartel with the capacity for large-scale production of methamphetamine.
According to him, operatives arrested five suspected members of the syndicate during the raid, including a 56-year-old Mexican national, Jose Villa Ochoa, believed to have been brought into the country to provide technical expertise for methamphetamine production.
Others arrested were identified as Maxwell Uche Nevoh, 30; Olatunji Yusuf, 37; Bankole Akeem Owolabi, 45; and Ganiu Monsiu, 43.
Marwa said the arrest of the foreign suspect highlighted the growing transnational dimension of illicit drug production and trafficking in Nigeria.
He explained that following the operation, a team from the agency’s Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring conducted a detailed forensic examination of the site on June 18.
The NDLEA boss said the laboratory was stocked with large quantities of precursor chemicals, industrial catalysts and processing equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Among the items recovered were drums containing Phenylacetic Acid and Phenyl-2-Propanone (P2P), substances commonly used in methamphetamine synthesis, as well as containers of sulphuric acid, tartaric acid, thioglycolic acid and ethyl phenylacetate.
He added that operatives also recovered 101 bags of caustic soda, 25 cartons of aluminium foil and several drums containing substances at different stages of chemical processing.
According to him, industrial equipment recovered from the facility included a reactor pot, mounted distillation units, fabricated mixers and condensers, as well as vegetable dehydrator machines used in drying methamphetamine crystals.
Marwa said field tests conducted by forensic experts confirmed that samples of crystalline substances recovered at the site tested positive for methamphetamine.
He noted that all exhibits had been evacuated and preserved for presentation as evidence in court.
The NDLEA chairman said the latest discovery came barely four weeks after a similar clandestine methamphetamine laboratory was dismantled in a forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
He expressed concern that drug cartels appeared to be making attempts to establish a synthetic drug manufacturing network within the South-West region.
“The proximity of these discoveries reveals a desperate attempt by drug barons to establish a synthetic drug manufacturing hub in the South-West axis of the country.
“They thought hiding in dense forests would shield them from the long arm of the law, but they were wrong,” he said.
Marwa warned local and international drug syndicates that Nigeria would not serve as a safe haven for illicit drug production and trafficking.
“We will find you in the cities, we will track you into the forests, and we will dismantle your infrastructure of death,” he said.
He commended officers of the Oyo State Command involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
Marwa also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse across the country.
Troops intercept suspected drug trafficker, recover 235kg cannabis on Lokoja-Abuja highway
Troops intercept suspected drug trafficker, recover 235kg cannabis on Lokoja-Abuja highway
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Quick Reaction Group (QRG) deployed in Abaji have arrested a suspected drug trafficker and recovered 235 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis sativa along the Lokoja-Abuja Highway.
Military sources said the arrest was made during a routine snap check conducted at about 7:50 p.m. on June 22.
According to the sources, troops intercepted a white Toyota Avalon XLS with registration number BNG-326BN, registered in Kaduna State, which was travelling from Okitipupa in Ondo State to Abuja.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 273 compressed packets of suspected cannabis sativa weighing approximately 235 kilogrammes.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Ayodeji John, 30, was immediately arrested by the troops.
Preliminary investigations reportedly established the suspect’s involvement in the transportation of the illicit consignment.
The suspect and the recovered drugs were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on June 23 for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Military authorities said the operation underscored the vigilance and professionalism of troops in ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activities across the country.
They added that the successful interception had further denied criminal elements freedom of action while contributing to national security efforts aimed at curbing the movement of illicit substances.
No casualties or security breaches were recorded during the operation.
Troops intercept suspected drug trafficker, recover 235kg cannabis on Lokoja-Abuja highway
Troops intercept suspected drug trafficker, recover 235kg cannabis on Lokoja-Abuja highway
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Quick Reaction Group (QRG) deployed in Abaji have arrested a suspected drug trafficker and recovered 235 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis sativa along the Lokoja-Abuja Highway.
Military sources said the arrest was made during a routine snap check conducted at about 7:50 p.m. on June 22.
According to the sources, troops intercepted a white Toyota Avalon XLS with registration number BNG-326BN, registered in Kaduna State, which was travelling from Okitipupa in Ondo State to Abuja.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 273 compressed packets of suspected cannabis sativa weighing approximately 235 kilogrammes.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Ayodeji John, 30, was immediately arrested by the troops.
Preliminary investigations reportedly established the suspect’s involvement in the transportation of the illicit consignment.
The suspect and the recovered drugs were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on June 23 for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Military authorities said the operation underscored the vigilance and professionalism of troops in ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activities across the country.
They added that the successful interception had further denied criminal elements freedom of action while contributing to national security efforts aimed at curbing the movement of illicit substances.
No casualties or security breaches were recorded during the operation.
OPINION: USAID, Elon Musk, and Why Nigeria Must Demand Full Transparency from Foreign-Funded Organizations
OPINION: USAID, Elon Musk, and Why Nigeria Must Demand Full Transparency from Foreign-Funded Organizations
By: Zagazola Makama
When Elon Musk and President Donald Trump’s administration moved to dismantle large portions of USAID’s operations in February 2025 through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the reaction across the world was immediate and deeply polarized.
To some, it was an attack on humanitarian assistance and development programmes that support vulnerable populations across Africa, Asia and Latin America. To others, it was a long-overdue attempt to expose what they viewed as an opaque international funding network operating beyond effective public scrutiny.
At the time, many Nigerians rushed to defend USAID and other international development organizations. Critics of the DOGE initiative accused Trump and Musk of targeting political opponents and undermining humanitarian work. Few were willing to entertain questions about how billions of dollars in foreign aid are distributed, monitored and accounted for.
More than a year later, however, the debate has not disappeared. Instead, it has intensified and gained tractions.
In Washington, lawmakers, researchers, journalists and policy analysts continue to debate whether U.S. foreign assistance programmes have, intentionally or unintentionally, financed organizations, projects or networks that later became linked to instability, extremism or political interference in foreign countries.
Supporters of the move argued that DOGE was simply demanding accountability and transparency for billions of dollars in U.S. taxpayer-funded foreign assistance. According to them, legitimate lifesaving programmes were not eliminated but were instead transferred to the U.S. State Department for continued administration. Critics, however, argued that the cuts risked disrupting humanitarian programmes that millions of vulnerable people depended upon around the world.
The controversy quickly expanded beyond budgetary concerns and evolved into a broader debate about the true purpose of USAID and the role of foreign aid in advancing U.S. interests abroad.
One of the most significant allegations came from U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who claimed during a congressional hearing that some U.S. foreign aid funding had found its way, directly or indirectly, to terrorist organizations including Boko Haram, ISIS, Al-Qaeda and ISIS-K. Perry cited concerns over oversight failures and questioned whether American taxpayers were unknowingly financing extremist networks through aid programmes operating in unstable regions.
The session, titled “The War on Waste: Stamping Out the Scourge of Improper Payments and Fraud,” focused on alleged misappropriations of taxpayer funds.
“Who gets some of that money? Does that name ring a bell to anybody in the room? Because your money, your money, $697 million annually, plus the shipments of cash funds in Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s funding,” Perry
Perry further cited USAID’s reported funding of $136 million for building 120 schools in Pakistan, alleging that there was “zero evidence” of the schools’ construction.
Perry added, ” If you think that the programme under Operation Enduring Sentinel entitled Women’s Scholarship Endowment, which receives $60 million annually, or the Young Women Lead, which gets about $5 million annually, is going to women who, by the way, if you read the Inspector General’s report, is telling you that the Taliban does not allow women to speak in public, yet somehow you’re believing, and American people are supposed to believe, that this money is going for the betterment of the women in Afghanistan. It is not.
You are funding terrorism, and it’s coming through USAID. And it’s not just Afghanistan, because Pakistan’s right next door.
“USAID spent $840 million in the last year, the last 20 years, on Pakistan’s education-related programme. It includes $136 million to build 120 schools, of which there is zero evidence that any of them were built. Why would there be any evidence? The Inspector General can’t get in to see them.
But you know what? We doubled down and spent $20 million from USAID to create educational television programs for children unable to attend the physical school. Yeah, they can’t attend it, because it doesn’t exist. You paid for it. “Somebody else got the money. You are paying for terrorism. This has got to end.”he said.
The allegations attracted international attention, particularly in Nigeria, where Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgencies have caused widespread devastation over the past decade. However, the allegations remain disputed, and no definitive public investigation has yet established that USAID intentionally funded Boko Haram or other terrorist groups.
The debate also extended to USAID’s involvement in various countries around the world. Critics argued that USAID had long served as a tool of American political influence, pointing to its activities in countries such as Serbia, Georgia, Ukraine, Venezuela, Bolivia, Cuba, Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon, Haiti and Kyrgyzstan. According to critics, USAID-funded programmes often coincided with political transitions, opposition movements or so-called “color revolutions.”
Documents released over the years, including diplomatic communications and investigative reports, have fueled claims that aid programs sometimes served broader geopolitical objectives beyond humanitarian assistance.
Supporters of USAID reject these claims and maintain that the agency’s programmes were designed to promote democracy, civil society development, governance reforms and economic growth rather than regime change.
Another major controversy involved USAID’s partnership with EcoHealth Alliance and research collaborations involving the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China. Critics alleged that U.S.-funded research contributed to gain-of-function experiments that may have played a role in the emergence of COVID-19. Some commentators have argued that funding routed through EcoHealth Alliance helped support coronavirus research at the Wuhan laboratory.
These allegations gained traction after the COVID-19 pandemic, which killed millions of people globally and caused unprecedented economic disruption. However, the origins of COVID-19 remain the subject of ongoing scientific and political debate, and there is no universally accepted conclusion linking USAID funding directly to the creation of the virus.
Additional allegations raised by critics include claims that USAID funded controversial programmes in several countries, supported organizations later accused of misconduct, and operated projects that aligned closely with broader U.S. foreign policy objectives. Critics have also pointed to reports concerning Afghanistan, Cuba, Venezuela and other countries as evidence that aid programmes sometimes served strategic geopolitical purposes.
This is where Elon Musk’s intervention changed the conversation. Whether one admires him or opposes him, Musk forced public attention onto questions that many institutions preferred to avoid. He challenged long-standing assumptions about foreign aid. He questioned bureaucratic structures that had operated for decades with limited public scrutiny.
Supporters of DOGE and Elon Musk argue that these controversies justified a comprehensive review of USAID operations. They credit Musk with exposing weaknesses in oversight systems and forcing public scrutiny of foreign aid expenditures that had long escaped widespread attention.
In Nigeria, the debate gained further relevance after the House of Representatives established an ad hoc committee to investigate allegations that foreign aid funds may have been diverted to support Boko Haram activities. The committee’s work became controversial after civil society organizations and development partners criticized its demands as excessive and intrusive. Following consultations with stakeholders, the leadership of the House reportedly forced to halt further actions by the committee and encouraged a more collaborative engagement process.
The decision represented a missed opportunity to thoroughly investigate allegations involving aid funding, terrorism funding and national security, even when the civil society organizations sees it as a necessary step to protect legitimate humanitarian actors from undue interference.
Nigeria has suffered enormously from terrorism over the past two decades. Thousands of soldiers have been killed. Thousands of security personnel have been wounded. Entire communities have been displaced. Millions have lost homes, livelihoods and loved ones.
According to various estimates, insurgency-related violence across the Lake Chad Basin has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives either directly or indirectly. Given those realities, no responsible nation can afford to ignore questions about funding networks that may influence security dynamics.
What remains clear is that the controversy surrounding USAID has evolved into a much larger discussion about transparency, accountability and oversight of international aid programmes. While many allegations remain unproven, the debate has prompted renewed calls for stronger monitoring mechanisms, greater disclosure of funding flows and more rigorous auditing of aid programmes operating in conflict-affected regions.
The issue is particularly significant. Regardless of where one stands on the USAID controversy, many Nigerians agree that all organizations operating in conflict zones whether governmental, international or local should be subject to appropriate transparency and accountability measures. This does not mean every NGO is guilty. Far from it.
Many humanitarian organizations operating in Nigeria perform lifesaving work every day. They provide food, healthcare, education, water and protection services to populations that would otherwise face unimaginable hardship. Their contributions should be acknowledged and respected. However, acknowledging their work does not exempt them from scrutiny.
Transparency should not be feared by legitimate organizations. Any organization receiving millions of dollars in foreign funding and operating within Nigerian territory should be prepared to demonstrate where funds originate, how they are spent and who ultimately benefits.
The same standards should be applied to government agencies, private companies, political organizations and international development partners. Nigeria must move beyond the outdated assumption that every organization carrying a humanitarian label automatically deserves immunity from examination.
History has shown that international aid systems are not immune from abuse. Around the world, there have been documented cases of aid diversion, corruption, procurement fraud and programme manipulation. Today in Nigeria, we are witnessing how foreign funding are being used to promote FALSE narratives designed to destabilized the country.
In an age of information warfare and geopolitical competition, money often shapes outcomes long before weapons appear. Nigeria should therefore not wait for foreign governments to determine whether concerns about aid transparency deserve attention.
The ultimate goal should not be to shut down humanitarian assistance. The goal should be to ensure that every dollar, naira or euro entering the country serves the people it was intended to help and never becomes a tool for instability, manipulation or violence.
The lesson from the ongoing USAID debate is not that all aid is bad. The lesson is that all aid must be accountable. Nigeria must wake up to that reality. Our national security, sovereignty and future depend on it.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Troops Foil Terrorists’ Attack Mission in Samfara, Recover Weapon, Motorcycles
Troops Foil Terrorists’ Attack Mission in Samfara, Recover Weapon, Motorcycles
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 8 Division Garrison, Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have thwarted an attempt by suspected terrorists to launch an attack in Zamfara state, recovering a weapon, ammunition, motorcycles and other items.
Security sources disclosed that the troops, deployed for counter-terrorism operations, acted on credible intelligence indicating the movement of terrorists towards Kwanar Jollof in Jangeru Village, Shinkafi area.
The sources said the troops tactically positioned themselves along the route and laid an ambush for the terrorists.
“Upon sighting the terrorists, the troops engaged them with a heavy volume of fire, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee into the surrounding area,” the sources said.
Items recovered from the scene included one PKT assault weapon, a cache of ammunition, two motorcycles, chains believed to have been intended for abducted victims, and eight pairs of military uniforms.
The sources noted that the recovery of military uniforms suggested that the terrorists may have intended to disguise themselves during their planned operation.
They added that the successful operation disrupted the terrorists’ plans to wreak havoc in the area and underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven military operations.
According to the sources, troops are currently exploiting the general area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent any further threat to residents.
The military reassured residents of its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal elements across the North-West region.
Troops Arrest Suspected Cultist, Recover Firearm in Benue
Troops Arrest Suspected Cultist, Recover Firearm in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected cultist and recovered a locally fabricated pistol and ammunition in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue.
Security sources disclosed on Tuesday that the suspect was apprehended by troops of Sector 1 OPWS at about 7:10 p.m. on June 22 during an operation in the area.
The sources said the suspect was allegedly involved in cult-related activities that have contributed to insecurity within the local government area.
Items recovered from the suspect included one locally fabricated pistol, two cartridges and a bag.
According to the sources, the suspect is currently in custody while preliminary investigations are ongoing to ascertain the extent of his involvement in criminal activities and identify possible accomplices.
The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to curb cultism and other forms of criminality in Benue and neighbouring states.
Operation Whirl Stroke has continued to intensify operations across its area of responsibility to maintain peace and enhance security for residents.
Troops Arrest Suspected Cultist, Recover Firearm in Benue
Troops Arrest Suspected Cultist, Recover Firearm in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected cultist and recovered a locally fabricated pistol and ammunition in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Military sources said the suspect was apprehended by troops of Sector 1 OPWS at about 7:10 p.m. on Monday during a security operation in the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspect was allegedly involved in cult-related activities and had been under surveillance before his arrest.
Items recovered from the suspect included one locally fabricated pistol, two cartridges and a bag.
According to the sources, the suspect is in custody and will be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to combat cultism and other criminal activities in Benue and its environs.
Operation Whirl Stroke has continued to intensify operations across its area of responsibility to deny criminal elements freedom of action and enhance security for residents.
Troops Foil Attempted Kidnap of Farmers in Niger State
Troops Foil Attempted Kidnap of Farmers in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled an attempted kidnapping of farmers by suspected terrorists in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 12:35 p.m. on June 22 when troops of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Administration Battalion, while on fighting patrol along the Kukata-Kotonkoro road, encountered the suspected terrorists.
According to the sources, the terrorists had attempted to abduct farmers working in the area but fled on sighting the advancing troops.
The swift response of the troops prevented the abduction and forced the criminals to abandon their plan, allowing the farmers to escape unharmed.
The sources added that the troops maintained dominance in the area and continued patrols to forestall further criminal activities.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to protect rural communities and secure major routes against terrorist and bandit activities in Niger State.
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kwara, Reunite Them with Families
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kwara, Reunite Them with Families
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnap victims in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State after spending more than two months in captivity.
Security sources said the victims were rescued at about 8:40 a.m. on June 22 by troops of the 22 Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Patigi during an operation around the Ndanaku-Lata general area.
The sources disclosed that the victims were abducted on April 2, 2026, while returning from Patigi Market.
According to the sources, the successful rescue followed sustained security operations in the area aimed at dismantling criminal networks and securing local communities.
The victims were subsequently reunited with their families after the operation.
The rescue is part of ongoing military efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities across Kwara and neighbouring states.
Security agencies have assured residents of their commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
Truth Has No Ethnic Colour — A Response to BYM’s Mischaracterisation of Zagazola Media Network
Truth Has No Ethnic Colour — A Response to BYM’s Mischaracterisation of Zagazola Media Network
The attention of Zagazola Media Network has been drawn to a statement issued by the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), in which our platform was unfairly and inaccurately portrayed as a “mouthpiece” of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) over reports relating to the recent killing of two herders in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Ordinarily, we would not dignify such allegations with a response. However, given the sensitivity of the Plateau conflict and the importance of maintaining public trust in independent journalism, it has become necessary to set the record straight.
First, Zagazola Media Network is neither affiliated with MACBAN, nor with any ethnic, religious, political or sectional interest group in Nigeria or the Sahel. We are a network of journalists, researchers and security analysts committed to factual reporting, conflict documentation and the promotion of peace and stability across Nigeria.
Our record speaks for itself.
For years, we have consistently documented and reported security developments across Plateau State and other conflict-prone areas without fear or favour. We have published hundreds of reports on attacks affecting all communities, irrespective of the identity of the victims or perpetrators. Our archives contain hundreds of extensive coverage of killings in Berom communities, attacks on Fulani settlements, reprisals, kidnappings, cattle rustling, communal violence and terrorist activities across the state.
When Fulani Bandits attacked communities in Bokkos on Monday and 18 of innocent residents were killed, Zagazola Media Network was among the first platforms to report the tragedy.
https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/fulani-bandits-kill-18-in-fresh-attack-on-plateau-communities
We did not hesitate because the victims were Berom. We reported the facts as they emerged. Indeed, many of those reports were subsequently cited and amplified by national and international media organizations. Likewise, when Fulani communities have come under attack, we have reported those incidents with the same level of professionalism and attention.
https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/two-fulani-killed-in-ambush-by-irigwe-youths-along-jos-south-road-one-escapes
Our principle is simple, All victims deserve to be heard, regardless of ethnicity, religion or social status. Facts deserve to be reported, regardless of whose narrative they support.
https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/suspected-fulani-bandits-attack-illegal-mining-site-in-plateau-kill-two-troops-recover-corpses
It is therefore disappointing that an organization claiming to advocate peace and justice would resort to attacking the credibility of journalists simply because a report did not conform to its preferred narrative.
https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/fulani-bandits-kill-one-injure-another-in-plateau-community-attack
The essence of journalism is not to validate the positions of interest groups. Journalism exists to establish facts and place them before the public. Sometimes those facts may align with the position of one group. At other times, they may not. That does not make the journalist an ally or an enemy of any side.
https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/one-killed-two-injured-in-attack-on-herders-by-berom-militia-in-plateau
The attempt to associate Zagazola Media Network with MACBAN is both false and irresponsible. Equally troubling is the suggestion that our reports should be judged based on whether they support the narratives of any ethnic organization. The Plateau crisis is too serious for such distractions.
https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/berom-militia-ambush-travelers-in-barkin-ladi-after-identifying-them-as-fulani-amid-escalating-tit-for-tat-violence-in-plateau
For decades, communities across Plateau State have suffered devastating losses. Berom families have lost loved ones. Fulani families have lost loved ones. Other ethnic groups have also paid a terrible price. The challenge before all stakeholders should be how to stop the cycle of violence not how to silence or intimidate independent reporting.
What should concern everyone is whether journalists are acting in good faith and striving for accuracy. On that score, Zagazola Media Network’s record remains open for public scrutiny.
We therefore reject, in its entirety, the attempt to portray our platform as aligned with MACBAN or any other interest group. Even the MACBAN are accusing Zagazola of stereo typing the Fulani as Bandits in our stories. But for the purpose of clarity the names of attackers must be clearly mentioned.
We therefore reject the dangerous trend of branding journalists based on whose actions are reported at any given moment. Our loyalty remains where it has always been: with the truth.
We will continue to report attacks against Berom communities when they occur. We will continue to report attacks against Fulani communities when they occur. We will continue to report criminality, terrorism and violence wherever they emerge.
The pursuit of peace requires honesty. It requires courage. Above all, it requires a willingness to confront facts, even when they are uncomfortable.
Zagazola Media Network will remain committed to those principles.
Truth has no ethnic colour. Facts have no tribe. Journalism has no side except the truth.
— Zagazola Media Network
Police Rescue Three Suspected Robbers from Mob, Recover Firearm in Lagos
Police Rescue Three Suspected Robbers from Mob, Recover Firearm in Lagos
By: Zagazola Makama
The Lagos State Police Command has rescued three suspected armed robbers from an attempted mob lynching and recovered a firearm allegedly used in robbery operations in the Sabo area of the state.
Police sources said the incident occurred on June 20 at about 2230 hours following information that three suspected robbers were about to be lynched by an angry mob.
Acting on the report, a team of police operatives was swiftly deployed to the scene, where the suspects were rescued and taken into custody.
The suspects were identified as Sulemon Azeez, 27, Yusuf Tijani, 22, and Timileyin Oyetola, 24, all said to be of no fixed address.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly robbed a resident, Ishola Oluwasegun, of his belongings and shot him multiple times in the thigh before they were apprehended by passers-by who overpowered them.
The victim was immediately rescued and evacuated to Lagos Island General Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.
Further investigation by police detectives led to the recovery of a locally made pistol loaded with three live cartridges from a house within the area.
Police said the weapon was allegedly used by the suspects to carry out the robbery and other criminal activities.
The command stated that investigations were ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in criminal activities and to identify possible accomplices.
Police Arrest Three Suspects, Recover Locally Made Pistol in Plateau
Police Arrest Three Suspects, Recover Locally Made Pistol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects and recovered a locally made pistol following a security operation in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources said the suspects were intercepted at about 1645 hours on June 22 by personnel attached to the Gada-Biu Police Outstation.
The suspects, identified as Ibrahim Alhassan, 27, Kingsley Kadinan Deban and one Johnson, whose surname was yet to be ascertained, were reportedly travelling on a Bajaj motorcycle from the Rukuba Road area of Jos towards Gada-Biu.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly fired a shot into the air upon reaching the vicinity of the Gada-Biu Catholic Church.
The gunshot attracted the attention of security personnel, who immediately pursued and apprehended the trio.
A search conducted after their arrest led to the recovery of a locally made pistol and the Bajaj motorcycle used by the suspects.
Police authorities said the suspects were in custody and investigations had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The command added that efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected members of the group and recover additional weapons.
Police further stated that the security situation across the state remained calm and under control.
Police Probe Alleged Child Theft in Benue, Suspect Complainant Under Investigation
Police Probe Alleged Child Theft in Benue, Suspect Complainant Under Investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Benue State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the alleged disappearance of a two-month-old baby in Gboko Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources said the incident was reported at about 1400 hours on June 22 at the ‘A’ Division, Gboko, by Terna Mbaigbaade of Apine Village, Mbayion.
According to the report, the complainant alleged that while he was at the Gboko Main Market on June 20 at about 1200 hours with his infant son, Aondoyaven-ga Terna, an unidentified woman took the child and disappeared to an unknown destination.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer led a team of detectives to the scene and commenced investigations to establish the identity of the suspected woman and trace the missing child.
Police authorities said efforts to identify the suspect had so far proved unsuccessful, while search operations were ongoing to locate and rescue the infant.
However, investigators disclosed that the complainant was also being questioned as part of the ongoing inquiry, as preliminary findings suggested that the circumstances surrounding the report appeared suspicious.
The case has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
Police said efforts were continuing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure the safe recovery of the child.
Police Dismiss Kidnap Rumour in Edo School, Arrest Woman Over False Alarm
Police Dismiss Kidnap Rumour in Edo School, Arrest Woman Over False Alarm
By: Zagazola Makama
The Edo State Police Command has dismissed reports of an alleged kidnapping attempt at a primary school in Iguobazuwa, describing the incident as a false alarm.
Police sources said information circulating on June 22 claimed that suspected kidnappers had gained access to Success Academy Primary School located on New Road, Iguobazuwa.
Following the report, police operatives, alongside other security agencies, swiftly deployed to the school to verify the claim and take necessary action.
According to the police, a thorough assessment of the situation revealed that no kidnapping incident occurred and that the report was unfounded.
Investigators subsequently arrested a woman identified as Happiness Osamudiamen, who was alleged by the school authorities to have originated or circulated the information that triggered panic in the community.
The suspect is currently being interrogated as part of ongoing investigations.
Police authorities said normalcy had since been restored in the area, while proactive security measures had been put in place to prevent similar incidents.
The command noted that academic activities at the school were temporarily disrupted due to panic generated by the rumour.
To reassure residents, police officers engaged with the school management and visited schools within the area to boost confidence among students, teachers and parents regarding their safety.
The command urged parents to allow their children return to school, assuring them that there was no security threat or cause for alarm in Iguobazuwa and its environs.
Investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Farmers/Herders Clash Leaves Several Dead in Kebbi State, Curfew Imposed
Farmers/Herders Clash Leaves Several Dead in Kebbi State, Curfew Imposed
By: Zagazola Makama
A violent clash between farmers and herders in Gulma Town, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State has left several persons dead, prompting the deployment of security operatives and the imposition of a curfew in the area.
Security sources said the incident occurred on June 22 at about 1500 hours following a confrontation between a herder, identified as Yaron Buba Dogo, and a farmer, Alhaji Aminu Ala of Gulma Town.
According to the report, the herder allegedly led his cattle into a farmland where crops were destroyed, leading to an altercation between both parties.
During the confrontation, the farmer was reportedly stabbed in the neck with a knife and later died from the injuries sustained.
Following the development, angry youths were said to have mobilised and launched reprisal attacks in the area, during which the herder was traced and killed, with his body subsequently set ablaze.
The mob violence reportedly escalated as some irate youths went on the rampage, searching for members of the Fulani community in the area.
Security operatives, including the Area Commander (ACPOL) Argungu, Divisional Police Officer (SUPOL) Argungu, Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel and other tactical teams, were deployed to restore order.
However, despite their intervention, the crowd was said to have overpowered security personnel in parts of the town.
During the violence, four persons identified as innocent Fulani residents were killed and burnt beyond recognition, while several others were injured or displaced.
Security sources said one Fulani woman and four men were rescued by PMF operatives and taken to safety at the Argungu Police Station.
Authorities confirmed that a joint security operation was ongoing to restore calm and prevent further attacks, while the state government has imposed a curfew in the affected area.
Police said investigations had commenced to identify and arrest the leaders behind the mob violence.
The situation, according to security sources, has since been brought under relative control.
Police Arrest Suspect Over Killing of Herder in Niger State
Police Arrest Suspect Over Killing of Herder in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
The Niger State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the death of a herder following a violent altercation in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources said the incident was reported at about 2030 hours on June 21 at the Mokwa Division by Alhaji Halulu of Kpautagi Fulani Camp via Takuma.
According to the report, the victim, identified as Tukur Halulu, had taken his cattle out for grazing within the vicinity of their settlement when he was allegedly attacked and beaten into a coma by one Mohammed Jibrin, 25, of the same area.
The suspect was said to have accused the victim of allowing his cattle to encroach on his farmland, leading to a confrontation.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised a team of operatives to the scene and ensured the victim was rushed to General Hospital, Mokwa, for medical attention.
Police authorities said the victim later died at about 0600 hours on June 22 while receiving treatment.
His remains were deposited at the same hospital for autopsy.
The suspect has since been arrested, while investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.
The command assured residents of its commitment to ensuring justice and preventing further escalation of tensions in the area.
Gunmen Abduct APC Chairman’s Wife, Son in Kebbi State
Gunmen Abduct APC Chairman’s Wife, Son in Kebbi State
By: Zagazola Makama
The Kebbi State Police Command has launched a manhunt for armed men who abducted the wife and son of a political party chairman in Yauri Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources said the incident occurred at about 0400 hours on June 22 when unknown gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, stormed the residence of Alhaji Yusuf Sani Alhassan, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yauri LGA.
The attackers were said to have invaded the Low Cost Area residence of the party chairman, where they abducted his wife, Nana Aisha Yusuf, 35, and his son, Sanusi Yusuf, 25, both of the same household.
According to sources, the assailants, who were reportedly armed with dangerous weapons, whisked the victims away to an unknown destination.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised a combined team of police operatives and local vigilantes to the scene.
However, the suspects had reportedly fled into a nearby bush with the victims before the arrival of security personnel.
Police authorities said efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted victims unhurt and track down the fleeing suspects.
The command assured that further updates would be communicated as investigations and rescue operations continue.
Four Killed in Lone Trailer Accident in Ibadan
Four Killed in Lone Trailer Accident in Ibadan
By: Zagazola Makama
Four persons have died in a lone fatal motor accident involving a trailer along the Ojo–Iwo Road Expressway in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Police sources said the incident occurred at about 0700 hours on June 22 at Iyana Bodija, near Enyo Filling Station.
According to sources, the accident involved a trailer with registration number XB 6895 KTG, driven by Aliyu Sagari, 35, from Bauchi State.
The vehicle was reportedly travelling from Bauchi to Lagos when the driver handed over to a second driver, identified simply as Abdullahi, at Akinyele in Ibadan.
The second driver was said to have attempted to park the vehicle at Iyana Bodija when he lost control of the steering, causing the trailer to veer off the road and fall into a deep pit.
Four occupants of the vehicle were confirmed dead in the crash.
Police authorities said the corpses were released to the families of the deceased for burial in line with Islamic rites upon request.
The command added that photographs were taken at the scene and a sketch map drawn as part of standard accident documentation.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash have commenced.
Two Killed, Several Injured in Communal Clash in Bauchi
Two Killed, Several Injured in Communal Clash in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
Two persons have been confirmed dead while eight others sustained injuries following a violent communal clash between youths of Inkil and Bujinji villages on the outskirts of Bauchi metropolis.
Police sources said the incident occurred at about 2300 hours on June 21, when youths from Inkil village reportedly launched a reprisal attack on Bujinji village over an old feud between the two communities.
During the confrontation, eight persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Following a distress report, a police patrol team led by a senior police officer swiftly moved to the scene and evacuated the victims to the State Specialist Hospital in Bauchi for medical attention.
Medical personnel confirmed the death of two persons identified as Al Amin Mohammad Aliyu and Jibir Shuaibu, both from the Inkil community.
Security operatives have since been deployed in the area to restore calm and prevent further escalation of violence.
Police authorities said patrols remained active in the affected communities, while monitoring efforts had been intensified to forestall a breakdown of law and order.
The command assured residents that investigations were ongoing and that those responsible for the violence would be brought to justice.
Police Arrest Suspect Over Alleged Defilement in Yobe State
Police Arrest Suspect Over Alleged Defilement in Yobe State
By: Zagazola Makama
The Yobe State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with the alleged defilement of an eight-year-old girl in Potiskum Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources said the incident was reported at about 1530 hours on June 22 at the Potiskum Division by Musa Abdullahi of Sabon Layi area.
According to the report, the suspect, Abdullahi Musa, 26, of Dogo Nini area in Potiskum, allegedly lured his younger sister, Hajara Umar, 8, into his room where he was accused of committing the offence.
The suspect was also alleged to have issued threats to the victim in an attempt to prevent her from reporting the incident.
Following the complaint, police operatives visited and documented the scene of the crime, while the suspect was promptly arrested.
Police sources said both the victim and the suspect were taken to the Yobe State Specialist Hospital for medical examination.
The command stated that the case is under investigation pending the outcome of medical reports, after which it will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further action.
Authorities assured that justice would be pursued in accordance with the law.
DIGPOLS Harp on Discipline, Inter-Agency Cooperation During Operational Visit to Gombe
DIGPOLS Harp on Discipline, Inter-Agency Cooperation During Operational Visit to Gombe
By: Zagazola Makama
The Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGPOLS), Zachariah Achinyan Fera (FDC) and Ibrahim Baba Zango (PSC), have called for improved professionalism, discipline and inter-agency collaboration in policing operations across the country.
The senior police officers made the call during an operational visit to Gombe State as part of a tour of duty, which included an interactive session with security stakeholders.
Police sources said the session, held at about 1030 hours, brought together civil society organisations, religious leaders, community representatives and members of the press, who all contributed to discussions on prevailing security challenges.
According to the sources, the DIGPOLS also delivered lectures to officers and men of the Gombe State Police Command, with emphasis on discipline, corruption control, responsible use of firearms, human rights, rule of law, community policing, training and retraining, and inter-agency collaboration.
The visit also included a courtesy call on Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (CON) at about 1700 hours, where key security issues affecting the state were discussed.
Governor Yahaya commended the efforts of the police in maintaining law and order and assured continued support for security agencies in the state.
The police leadership reiterated its commitment to strengthening operational efficiency and enhancing public trust through professional policing standards.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kano, Recover Weapons and Items
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kano, Recover Weapons and Items
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 3 Brigade Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected terrorist during a raid operation in Dambatta Local Government Area of Kano State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 10:30 p.m. on June 21 when troops deployed in Dambatta stormed Konan Dumawa village following intelligence reports.
According to the sources, the suspect was apprehended during the raid, while troops also recovered several weapons and items from the scene.
The recovered items include one Dane gun, one locally fabricated pistol, one locally made revolver-type weapon, four cartridges, three knives, two mobile phones, two scissors, one identity card, one locally made charm, and two ATM cards.
The sources said the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further action as investigations continue.
Military authorities stated that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to rid communities of criminal elements and prevent terrorist infiltration and violent crime in Kano State and adjoining areas.
They added that troops remain committed to sustaining intelligence-led operations aimed at enhancing security across the region.
Air Interdiction Operation Neutralises Terrorists in Kaduna – Military Source
Air Interdiction Operation Neutralises Terrorists in Kaduna – Military Source
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops conducting air support operations under Operation FANSAN YANMA have reportedly neutralised several suspected terrorists following a precision strike on a hideout in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was executed on June 22 at about 5:10 p.m. after credible intelligence indicated terrorist movement within Kidandan axis of Kidandan.
The source explained that an aerial surveillance platform was deployed for an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission, during which it monitored activities across the general area.
According to the source, four suspected terrorists were initially sighted on motorcycles and placed under continuous tracking, while two additional motorcycles were intercepted along a strategic route believed to lead to a terrorist assembly point.
The monitored movement reportedly led troops to a suspected high-ground hideout within the operational area of Giwa.
The source said the aerial platform maintained surveillance over the location before a precision strike was carried out on the target, resulting in the neutralisation of several suspected terrorists, while others fled in disarray.
Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) of the area indicated that the strike was successful, though the exact number of casualties could not be independently confirmed at the time of reporting.
Military authorities under Operation FANSAN YANMA said follow-up operations were ongoing to exploit the success of the mission and deny terrorist elements freedom of action across parts of Kaduna State.
The source reaffirmed the commitment of troops to sustained intelligence-led air and ground operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and restoring security in affected communities.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Kidnappers, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Borno
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Kidnappers, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested two suspected kidnappers during a coordinated security operation in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 6:00 p.m. on June 21 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers in the area.
The sources disclosed that troops of the 5 Brigade provided route clearance and close support for hybrid forces deployed to track and apprehend the suspects.
According to the sources, the operation led to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, while security personnel also recovered one AK-47 rifle and a magazine.
The suspects are currently in custody and are undergoing further interrogation as part of ongoing investigations, the sources added.
Military authorities said the arrest forms part of intensified efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes across Borno State and surrounding communities.
The sources further stated that the general security situation within the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of alertness and operational efficiency.
Operation Hadin Kai has continued to conduct intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring stability in the North-East region.
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant in Monguno IDP Camp
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant in Monguno IDP Camp
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested a suspected informant linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Modu Fanni, was arrested at Kuya Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Monguno town on June 21.
The sources disclosed that the arrest was carried out by operatives of the Sector 3 Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB) in collaboration with troops of Headquarters Sector 3 OPHK.
According to the sources, the suspect was trailed and apprehended following intelligence gathered from a separate suspect currently undergoing interrogation at the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre (JIFC).
The sources added that troops subsequently moved to the suspect’s residence to conduct a cordon-and-search operation as part of ongoing investigations.
Further details on the operation were still being compiled at the time of filing this report.
Security authorities said the arrest is part of sustained intelligence-driven efforts to identify and neutralise terrorist informants and collaborators operating within civilian populations and displacement camps in the North-East.
The general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and operational readiness.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Logistics Supplier in Borno
Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Logistics Supplier in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested a suspected logistics supplier for ISWAP terrorists during an operation in Ngamdu area of Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Alhaji Goni Ashami, 30, from Zaramari village in Kaga LGA, was arrested on June 21 at Ngamdu market.
The sources said the arrest was carried out by troops of the 154 Task Force Battalion in collaboration with the Ngamdu Forest Guards and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
Items recovered from the suspect included a pickup truck, 75 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), a Tecno mobile phone, a knife, and the sum of ₦24,750.
According to the sources, the suspect is believed to have been involved in supplying logistics to terrorist elements operating in the North-East.
He is currently in military custody and is expected to be handed over to the Sector 2 Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB) for further interrogation.
Security authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist supply chains and dismantle support networks aiding insurgent activities in the region.
The sources added that the general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops continue to maintain high morale and operational efficiency.
Troops Rescue Eight Escapees from Mandara Mountains, Reunite Family in Borno
Troops Rescue Eight Escapees from Mandara Mountains, Reunite Family in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have rescued eight persons, including women and children, who escaped from insurgent-held enclaves in the Mandara Mountains area of Borno State.
Security sources said the escapees were intercepted by troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion deployed in Ngoshe community during a perimeter clearance patrol along the Gava axis.
The sources identified the rescued persons as Mrs Bintu Ibrahim, 28; Halima Ibrahim, 10; Abubakar Ibrahim, 8; Mayriam Abubakar, 7; Mohammed Ibrahim, 5; Fatima Ibrahim, 2; Mrs Hafsat Bashir, 28; and her 18-month-old son, Abdullahi Usman.
According to preliminary investigations, the group escaped from Gava and Chikede communities in the Mandara Mountains following sustained military operations that reportedly disrupted insurgent activities and cut off supplies to the enclaves.
The sources said the escapees were intercepted by troops at about 7:55 a.m. on June 21 and were immediately provided with first aid and other humanitarian assistance.
They were subsequently handed over to the Ngoshe community leadership for care and reintegration.
The sources further disclosed that Mrs Hafsat Bashir is the widow of Bashir Musa, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who was killed during an attack on Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026.
Her return to the community was said to have attracted an emotional reception, with CJTF members and residents joining in welcoming the wife and child of their late colleague.
Military authorities said the rescue highlighted the impact of ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds and creating conditions for civilians trapped in insurgent enclaves to regain their freedom.
Operation Hadin Kai has sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements across the North-East, leading to the rescue of captives, recovery of weapons and disruption of terrorist logistics networks.
Troops Recover Illicit Drugs During Search Operation in Damasak
Troops Recover Illicit Drugs During Search Operation in Damasak
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have recovered a cache of illicit drugs during a cordon-and-search operation in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out by troops of the 145 Battalion following intelligence reports on suspicious movements of unidentified persons around the Masakali area of the town.
According to the sources, the operation was aimed at identifying unwanted elements, recovering weapons and preventing possible infiltration of Damasak by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.
The sources said troops conducted extensive searches, screening and interrogation of residents and properties within the area.
Although no weapons, explosives or suspected insurgents were found during the operation, security personnel recovered a Bagco sack containing various illicit substances concealed in a dilapidated structure believed to have been abandoned by a drug peddler.
Items recovered included 350 parcels of suspected marijuana, 229 tablets of tramadol, 16 tablets of diazepam and 280 tablets of Zola.
The recovered substances have been taken into custody for further investigation and necessary action by relevant authorities.
Security sources said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to deny criminal and terrorist elements freedom of action while maintaining security in communities across the North-East.
The sources added that the overall security situation within the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and operational readiness.
Military Reunites Teenager Rescued from Insurgents with Family in Maiduguri
Military Reunites Teenager Rescued from Insurgents with Family in Maiduguri
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have reunited a 15-year-old boy rescued from an insurgency-affected area with his family after years of separation caused by terrorist activities in Borno State.
Security sources said the teenager, identified as Isah Umaru, was formally handed over to his father, Mr Umar Mustapha, in Maiduguri after undergoing screening and identification procedures.
According to the sources, the handover was conducted by troops of the 192 Battalion (Mechanised) on June 18.
The sources said Isah was earlier rescued by troops operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Pulka on June 14 during operations around the Pulka axis of Gwoza Local Government Area.
Mr Mustapha reportedly told military authorities that he had left his son with the boy’s mother in Chikide village in the Mandara Mountains about 12 years ago before the community was overrun by ISWAP insurgents.
He said the terrorist attack led to the separation of family members and uncertainty over the fate of the child for several years.
The successful reunion followed thorough verification processes conducted by the military to establish the identity of the teenager and his family.
Security sources described the development as part of ongoing humanitarian efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to rescue civilians affected by insurgency and facilitate their reintegration with relatives and communities.
The military has continued to record successes in the rescue of captives and vulnerable persons during ongoing operations against insurgent groups across the North-East.
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Collaborator in Borno
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Collaborator in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested a suspected collaborator of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Alhaji Shuaibu Saidu, also known as “Jangal”, was apprehended on June 19 following intelligence reports linking him to terrorist activities.
The sources disclosed that the 42-year-old suspect was arrested by intelligence operatives of the 231 Tank Battalion and 331 Artillery Regiment during an operation conducted within Biu town.
According to the sources, the arrest was based on actionable intelligence regarding his alleged collaboration with insurgent groups operating in the North-East.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation.
Security authorities said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by troops of Operation Hadin Kai to dismantle terrorist support networks and deny insurgents access to local collaborators.
The sources added that the overall security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops continued to maintain a high level of operational readiness.
Operation Hadin Kai has intensified intelligence-driven operations in recent months, leading to the arrest of suspected collaborators, logistics suppliers and informants linked to terrorist groups in the North-East.
Troops Neutralise Two Suspected ISWAP Spies Near Nigeria-Cameroon Border
Troops Neutralise Two Suspected ISWAP Spies Near Nigeria-Cameroon Border
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised two suspected spies linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a patrol operation along the Nigeria-Cameroon border in Borno State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out by troops of the 152 Battalion, Banki, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
According to the sources, the suspects were intercepted in the early hours of Sunday while attempting to cross from the Cameroon side of the border into Nigerian territory.
The sources said the suspects were believed to have crossed into Nigeria either to monitor troop movements and activities or to procure logistics for terrorist elements operating in the area.
“The suspects were sighted jumping from the Cameroon side of the border fence into the Nigerian side, prompting troops to lay in wait and engage them,” the sources said.
The two suspects were neutralised during the operation, while troops subsequently conducted exploitation of the general area and intensified surveillance of the border corridor.
Military authorities said troops have continued to maintain vigilance across their areas of responsibility as part of ongoing efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and support networks within the North-East.
The sources added that the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, noting that troops’ morale and operational effectiveness remained high.
Operation Hadin Kai has sustained offensive and border security operations aimed at disrupting terrorist activities and preventing infiltration by insurgents and their collaborators across the region.
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Plateau
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have rescued two persons abducted by suspected kidnappers in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the victims, identified as Mr Victor Ibikuzhu and Mrs Tongriang Dayok Salihu, were kidnapped at Kwang village on Monday night.
The sources said troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, acting on a distress report, immediately mobilised to the area in conjunction with personnel of Keystone security outfit and launched a pursuit operation along routes suspected to be used by the kidnappers.
According to the sources, the security team subsequently established contact with the fleeing criminals, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
The kidnappers were said to have abandoned the victims and escaped into nearby bushes following the superior firepower of the troops.
The two victims were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families shortly after the operation.
Security sources disclosed that troops expended 18 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the encounter.
Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, the sources added.
The latest rescue comes amid sustained security operations by Operation Enduring Peace aimed at tackling kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities in Plateau and adjoining states.
Two Fulani Killed in Ambush by Irigwe Youths Along Jos South Road, One Escapes
Two Fulani Killed in Ambush by Irigwe Youths Along Jos South Road, One Escapes
By: Zagazola Makama
Two fulani youths were killed while another escaped unhurt following an ambush by Irigwe youths along the Gero-Rafin Bauna axis of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred late on Monday when the attackers ambushed a motorcycle conveying three passengers near River Line community.
Troops of Sector 3 of Operation Enduring Peace, acting on a distress report, reportedly mobilised to the scene in conjunction with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN).
The sources said that upon arrival, security personnel found the bodies of two victims identified as Sadik Mohammed of Dutsen Kura and Mossaud Abdullahi of Jebbu Bassa.
According to the sources, the motorcycle rider, identified as Samaila Haruna of Dutsen Kura, escaped the attack without injuries.
The motorcycle used by the victims was found abandoned at the scene.
The troops immediately launched a pursuit operation to track down the assailants but no contact was established, the sources added.
The remains of the deceased were later released to their families for burial in accordance with local customs.
The latest killings along the Gero–Rafin Bauna road are the latest indication that cycles of attacks and reprisals continue to intensify across several communities in Plateau State.
On Monday, Fulani bandits attacks and killed 18 persons in Bokkos while several others injured.
In recent months, communities like Mangu, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos and parts of Jos South have witnessed recurring violence, including ambushes, attacks on villages, reprisal killings and destruction of property.
The persistence of these incidents has left many residents questioning the effectiveness of the states government efforts to stem the crisis. While security deployments and official condemnations often follow major incidents, there has been little visible progress in addressing the underlying drivers of the conflict or bringing perpetrators to justice.
The continued bloodshed reflects a failure of both concerned stakeholders and political responses to a crisis that has persisted for years.
Military Rescues 47 ISWAP Captives in Borno
Military Rescues 47 ISWAP Captives in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have rescued more than 47 persons, mainly women and children, from captivity in an operation targeting Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) hideouts in Borno State.
The captives regained their freedom in Kangarwa community, Kukawa Local Government Area, following sustained military offensives against terrorist enclaves around the Lake Chad region.
The Acting Military Information Officer of OPHK, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Maiduguri.
According to Goni, the rescue occurred on June 20 as a result of continuous ground and air operations that weakened the terrorists and forced them to abandon their positions.
He said the intense pressure mounted by troops created an opportunity for the victims, who had been held for an extended period, to escape from captivity.
“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity,” he said.
Goni said the rescued persons were currently receiving medical care at a secure location while humanitarian assistance was being provided to address their immediate needs.
He added that the military was working closely with relevant agencies to facilitate the rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims into their communities.
The spokesman described the rescue as another indication of the military’s commitment to protecting civilians while sustaining operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks in the North-East.
He reiterated the determination of the Theatre Command to intensify ongoing offensives against ISWAP and other terrorist groups operating in the region.
According to him, troops will continue to target insurgent strongholds until peace and normalcy are fully restored across the North-East.
The rescue comes amid intensified military operations in the Lake Chad basin, where security forces have sustained pressure on terrorist elements through coordinated land and air assaults.
Plateau Govt Condemns Attack on Bokkos Community, Orders Security Crackdown
Plateau Govt Condemns Attack on Bokkos Community, Orders Security Crackdown
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Government has condemned the attack on Kawel community in Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos Local Government Area, which resulted in the death of several residents and injuries to others.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the government described the attack as heinous and senseless.
The government expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
According to the statement, the incident underscores the need for sustained efforts to combat criminal elements seeking to disrupt peace and stability in communities across the state.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has directed security agencies to intensify operations in the affected area, identify those responsible for the attack and ensure that they are apprehended and prosecuted.
The governor also ordered relevant emergency management and humanitarian agencies to provide immediate assistance and support to victims and affected families, particularly those receiving treatment in hospitals.
The statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements do not derail ongoing efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and development in the state.
The government urged residents of Kawel, Mushere Chiefdom and other parts of the state to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while cooperating with security agencies by providing credible information to aid investigations and ongoing security operations.
It also cautioned against any form of reprisal, stressing that justice would be pursued through lawful and constitutional means.
The state government assured residents of its solidarity during the difficult period and reiterated its determination to ensure peace, security and the rule of law across all communities in Plateau State.
Troops Respond to Terrorist Attack, Discover Burnt Vehicle in Zamfara
Troops Respond to Terrorist Attack, Discover Burnt Vehicle in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 1 Brigade Counter-Terrorism Force 7 have responded to reports of a terrorist attack along the Tsafe–Yankuzo route in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Military sources said the troops were mobilised at about 1115 hours on June 21 following intelligence that terrorists had intercepted a vehicle travelling from Tsafe Market to Yankuzo.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly moved to the area to confront the attackers and secure the route.
However, no contact was made with the terrorists, who had reportedly fled before the arrival of the security forces.
During a search of the area, the troops discovered a vehicle that had been set ablaze by the attackers.
Security forces subsequently secured the scene and intensified patrols in the area to forestall further attacks and reassure residents.
Military authorities said efforts were ongoing to track down the perpetrators and prevent terrorist activities along major transportation routes in the state.
Police Rescue Abducted Victims, Arrest Three Suspects in Ogun
Police Rescue Abducted Victims, Arrest Three Suspects in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
The Ogun State Police Command has rescued two abducted victims and arrested three suspects in connection with the crime in Oja-Odan area of the state.
Police sources said the incident was reported at about 2200 hours on June 20 by a resident, Mrs. Abosede Bakare, who informed officers that some unidentified men had forcibly abducted Alabi Moses from the Apetu area of Oja-Odan.
According to the report, the abductors arrived in two white Lexus vehicles and whisked the victim to an unknown destination.
Upon receiving the distress report, police operatives attempted to reach the victim through his mobile phone but received no response.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Oja-Odan Division, immediately mobilised a team of detectives and launched a search operation which led them to Ilaro, where the victim, Alabi Moses, and another individual identified as Sunday Olatunji were found.
The victims were rescued with various wounds and bruises allegedly inflicted by their abductors.
The police subsequently arrested three suspects identified as Abdulwahab Ayomide, Adebayo Victor and Moses Agemo in connection with the incident.
A white Lexus vehicle believed to have been used in the operation was also recovered.
Police authorities said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects who fled the scene, while investigations into the case continue.
Woman, Security Guard Found Dead as Suspected Robbers Cart Away Lexus Jeep in Ogun
Woman, Security Guard Found Dead as Suspected Robbers Cart Away Lexus Jeep in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the murder of a woman and her security guard during a suspected armed robbery attack along the Abeokuta-Kobape Expressway.
Police sources said the incident was reported to the Owode Egba Division at about 1120 hours on June 21 by a resident, Asumowi Yekeen, of Iyana Agodo Village.
According to the report, the complainant stated that he received information earlier that morning from another resident, Joseph, who observed that the front door of the residence of Mrs. Olakitan Oyeshiku had been partially damaged.
He further reported that the security house within the compound was locked and the victim’s Lexus Jeep was missing from the premises.
Concerned by the development, the complainant and another co-landlord visited the residence, where they discovered the body of the security guard, whose identity had yet to be confirmed, inside the security post.
The deceased guard reportedly had multiple injuries believed to have been inflicted by the attackers.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a team of detectives to the scene for investigation.
Police operatives subsequently forced open the main entrance to the residence and discovered the body of Mrs. Oyeshiku lying in a pool of blood inside her apartment.
Preliminary findings indicated that the attackers fled with the victim’s Lexus Jeep after the incident.
Exhibits considered relevant to the investigation were recovered from the scene, while the bodies of the deceased were evacuated to the State Hospital Mortuary, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy and preservation.
The police said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings and robbery, while investigations continue.
Police Launch Manhunt After Officer Attacked, Robbed in Ogun
Police Launch Manhunt After Officer Attacked, Robbed in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
The Ogun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected hoodlums who attacked and robbed a police officer along the Dangote–Eggua Express Road in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources said the incident was reported at the Igbogila Division by ASP Abimiku Ewuga Wahala, a Patrol and Guard officer attached to the Area Command, Ayetoro.
According to sources, the officer was travelling from Ayetoro to Igbogila on June 14 when he was ambushed by four armed hoodlums between Olu-Omo Petrol Station and Iya Shadia Junction.
The attackers, armed with sticks and cutlasses, allegedly assaulted the officer and left him unconscious before fleeing with his belongings.
Items stolen during the attack included a Boxer motorcycle with registration number OGUN AKM 658 UV, which the officer had borrowed from a friend, his police uniforms and accoutrements, a Tecno T303 mobile phone and a Tecno Pop 7 Android phone.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a team of detectives to the scene as part of efforts to track down the suspects.
Police authorities said investigations were ongoing and efforts had been intensified to arrest the perpetrators and recover the stolen items.
The command urged members of the public with useful information to assist security agencies in apprehending those responsible for the attack.
Police Rescue 23-Year-Old After Alleged Insecticide Ingestion in Lagos
Police Rescue 23-Year-Old After Alleged Insecticide Ingestion in Lagos
By: Zagazola Makama
Police operatives in Lagos have rescued a 23-year-old man who was found unconscious after allegedly ingesting an insecticide in Magodo area of the state.
The incident was reported at the Isheri Police Division on June 21 by Aminat Odofin, a resident of No. 24 Nojim Nije Street, Magodo.
According to the report, the woman stated that at about 0840 hours, she discovered Michael Bliss, who had been under her care since the age of seven, lying unconscious inside a room in the house.
Preliminary findings suggested that the young man may have ingested a quantity of insecticide after being confronted over an alleged theft.
Following the report, a team of detectives visited the scene and documented relevant evidence as part of ongoing investigations.
The victim was immediately evacuated to Spark View Hospital in Magodo, where he received urgent medical attention.
Police sources said the 23-year-old was responding to treatment and remained under protective custody while investigations continued.
Authorities said efforts were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police Recover Firearms, Ammunition Hidden in Vehicle in Nasarawa
Police Recover Firearms, Ammunition Hidden in Vehicle in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nasarawa State Police Command has recovered two locally made pistols and live ammunition concealed inside a vehicle brought to a workshop for repairs in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources said the discovery was made following a report by Adam Yunusa, a motor vehicle panel beater based near the International Market in Mararaba.
According to sources, a customer identified simply as Isaac had, on June 17, brought an unregistered Toyota Corolla car to the workshop for panel beating.
While carrying out repair work on the vehicle, the panel beater reportedly discovered a polythene bag hidden inside one of the door panels.
The bag was found to contain two locally made English Beretta pistols without serial numbers and four rounds of 9mm live ammunition.
Following the discovery, police commenced an investigation into the ownership of the vehicle and the recovered weapons.
Investigators subsequently invited and arrested ASP Sanusi Ali, a resident of Capital Gateway in Ado Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and attached to the Kakuri Area Command in Kaduna State, for questioning over allegations that he had previously sold the vehicle to the suspect identified as Isaac.
The recovered firearms and ammunition have been taken into police custody as exhibits.
Police authorities said efforts were being intensified to locate and arrest Isaac, who remains at large, while investigations continue to determine the source and intended use of the weapons.
Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover Rifle in Plateau
Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover Rifle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered a rifle during a joint security operation in Kanke Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources said the suspect, identified as Rowa Usman, was arrested at about 1300 hours on June 21 along Langshi Village in Ampang East District.
The operation was carried out by police operatives in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and local hunters.
According to the police, the suspect, who hails from Gargadi Village in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, was intercepted while riding a motorcycle through the area.
During preliminary interrogation, he claimed he was following his cattle from Doka Village in Quan Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State on his way to Bogoro in Bauchi State.
However, a search conducted on the motorcycle led to the recovery of an AK-49 rifle bearing Breech Number 11/6209002 and a magazine.
The suspect was subsequently taken into custody for further investigation.
Police authorities said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspected members of the gang and recover additional weapons.
The command added that the security situation across the state remained calm and under control.
Police Arrest Six Over Theft of 59 Computers, Other Equipment from Niger School
Police Arrest Six Over Theft of 59 Computers, Other Equipment from Niger School
By: Zagazola Makama
The Niger State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with the theft of computers and other equipment from the ICT centre of Martin Sanda Girls Day Science College in Paiko Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources said the incident was reported at about 1030 hours on June 21 by a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving at the school, who discovered that a window to the ICT room had been broken.
A subsequent inspection of the facility revealed that 59 computers, 57 keyboards, one lithium solar battery, one inverter and one current control panel had been stolen.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Paiko mobilised detectives to the scene and commenced an investigation.
Acting on intelligence, police operatives arrested six persons allegedly linked to the theft.
The suspects were identified as Adamu Hamisu, 30, an assistant contractor from Sundaba Street, Kuje, Abuja; Aminu Garba, 29, of Millionaires Quarters, Paiko; Abdul Hamid Mikailu, 29, a computer installer from New Quarters, Paiko; Idris Zakariya, 30, a voluntary staff member of the college; Ekene Asor Matthew, a serving corps member; and Abubakar Mohamed, 39, the school’s security guard.
Police authorities said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the theft and to recover the stolen items.
The command added that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
Police Arrest Man Over Killing of Younger Brother in Niger State
Police Arrest Man Over Killing of Younger Brother in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
The Niger State Police Command has arrested a suspect over an alleged case of culpable homicide in Rijau Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources said the incident was reported at about 1630 hours on June 21 at the Rijau Divisional Headquarters by Abubakar Dangiwa of Iri Village.
According to the report, a misunderstanding reportedly occurred earlier that day at about 1500 hours between two brothers, Bello Nani and Babuga Dangiwa, both of the same address.
During the altercation, Bello Nani allegedly macheted his younger brother, Babuga Dangiwa, leading to his death.
Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) mobilised officers to the scene, where the victim was found lifeless.
The body was evacuated to the General Hospital, Tungan-Magajiya, for autopsy and preservation.
The suspect has since been arrested, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
Insurgents Attack Immigration, Police Facilities in Niger State, Steal AK-47 Rifle
Insurgents Attack Immigration, Police Facilities in Niger State, Steal AK-47 Rifle
By: Zagazola Makama
Insurgents suspected to be members of a group known as Lakurawa on June 21 attacked security installations along the Mokwa–New Bussa Road in Niger State.
Police sources said the incident occurred at about 1630 hours when the armed group blocked the highway at Zugurma in Mashegu Local Government Area before launching an attack on a Nigerian Immigration Service checkpoint in the area.
During the attack, the insurgents reportedly overpowered personnel at the checkpoint and made away with an AK-47 rifle belonging to an immigration officer.
The attackers were also said to have extended their operation to the Police Outpost in Zugurma Village.
However, police authorities confirmed that all officers on duty at the outpost successfully escaped unhurt during the incident.
No cases of kidnapping or abduction were recorded during the attack, according to the police.
Security sources said the situation had been brought under control, while efforts were ongoing to track and apprehend the attackers.
The command assured residents of intensified patrols and continued security operations in the affected area.
Insurgents Attack Immigration, Police Facilities in Niger State, Steal AK-47 Rifle
Insurgents Attack Immigration, Police Facilities in Niger State, Steal AK-47 Rifle
By: Zagazola Makama
Insurgents suspected to be members of a group known as Lakurawa on June 21 attacked security installations along the Mokwa–New Bussa Road in Niger State.
Police sources said the incident occurred at about 1630 hours when the armed group blocked the highway at Zugurma in Mashegu Local Government Area before launching an attack on a Nigerian Immigration Service checkpoint in the area.
During the attack, the insurgents reportedly overpowered personnel at the checkpoint and made away with an AK-47 rifle belonging to an immigration officer.
The attackers were also said to have extended their operation to the Police Outpost in Zugurma Village.
However, police authorities confirmed that all officers on duty at the outpost successfully escaped unhurt during the incident.
No cases of kidnapping or abduction were recorded during the attack, according to the police.
Security sources said the situation had been brought under control, while efforts were ongoing to track and apprehend the attackers.
The command assured residents of intensified patrols and continued security operations in the affected area.
Police Arrest Three Suspects Over Kidnapping in Kebbi State
Police Arrest Three Suspects Over Kidnapping in Kebbi State
By: Zagazola Makama
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the kidnapping of two siblings in Shanga Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources said the incident was reported on June 21 at about 1730 hours by Adamu Aminu of Tashar Rogo Village, Shanga LGA.
According to the report, armed men suspected to be kidnappers invaded the family residence at about 0030 hours on the same day and abducted two brothers, Manu Aminu, 20, and Ibrahim Aminu, 12, both of the same household.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a combined team of police operatives and local vigilantes to the scene.
Security sources said the team trailed the suspected kidnappers and subsequently arrested three suspects identified as Bello Alhaji Danballa, Abubakar Alhaji Bello Dan Goronyo (also known as Kire), 25, and Abubakar Alhaji Ladan, 24, all from Kisen Village in Shanga LGA.
Police authorities said efforts were ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims unhurt.
The command added that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation, while operations to track remaining suspects continue.
Police Arrest Three Suspects Over Kidnapping in Kebbi State
Police Arrest Three Suspects Over Kidnapping in Kebbi State
By: Zagazola Makama
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the kidnapping of two siblings in Shanga Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources said the incident was reported on June 21 at about 1730 hours by Adamu Aminu of Tashar Rogo Village, Shanga LGA.
According to the report, armed men suspected to be kidnappers invaded the family residence at about 0030 hours on the same day and abducted two brothers, Manu Aminu, 20, and Ibrahim Aminu, 12, both of the same household.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a combined team of police operatives and local vigilantes to the scene.
Security sources said the team trailed the suspected kidnappers and subsequently arrested three suspects identified as Bello Alhaji Danballa, Abubakar Alhaji Bello Dan Goronyo (also known as Kire), 25, and Abubakar Alhaji Ladan, 24, all from Kisen Village in Shanga LGA.
Police authorities said efforts were ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims unhurt.
The command added that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation, while operations to track remaining suspects continue.
Police Arrest Two Suspected Armed Robbers, Recover Firearms in Oyo State
Police Arrest Two Suspected Armed Robbers, Recover Firearms in Oyo State
By: Zagazola Makama
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms, ammunition and other incriminating items along the Oyo–Ogbomosho Expressway.
Police sources said the suspects were intercepted on June 15 at about 1048 hours by personnel of the Safer Highway Patrol during a routine stop-and-search operation.
The vehicle, a gold-coloured Nissan Maxima with registration number FKJ 666 KA, was stopped along the highway and searched by operatives.
During the search, police reportedly recovered one live cartridge, two jackknives, a cutlass, one handcuff, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and a uniform resembling that of a security outfit identified as Soul-Safe Corps.
The two occupants of the vehicle, Ibrahim Muhammad Dabban and Ndako Suleiman, both of Sabo Area in Sagamu, Ogun State, were immediately arrested.
Following further investigation, operatives of the Vigilante Crime Response Unit (VCRU) said one of the suspects led them to Ogun State, where a follow-up search of his residence led to the recovery of two pump-action rifles, three live cartridges and one expended cartridge.
Police authorities said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal gang, while investigations into the case continue.
The command assured that the suspects would be prosecuted upon conclusion of investigations.
Police Intervene in Mob Violence After Church Altercation in Bauchi State
Police Intervene in Mob Violence After Church Altercation in Bauchi State
By: Zagazola Makama
The Bauchi State Police Command has intervened in a case of mob violence following a reported altercation between a motorcyclist and worshippers of a Catholic Church in Bogoro Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources said the incident occurred at about 0800 hours on June 21 in Jigawa Village Mine, following information received from the Officer-in-Charge of Gobbiya Outstation.
According to the sources, a passer-by identified as Ibrahim Mohammed, 30, of Kangere Village in Bauchi Local Government Area, was riding a motorcycle when he attempted to pass through an area where a church service was ongoing.
He was reportedly stopped by members of the church who were on duty, but the situation escalated after he allegedly refused to comply with instructions.
During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly drew a machete and inflicted injuries on three worshippers identified as Shalom Simon, 27; Tsamani Iliya, 35; and Ibrahim Emmanuel, 29, all of Jigawa Village.
Following the attack, alarm was raised, and the suspect was overpowered by members of the community, sustaining injuries during the mob action.
Police operatives were swiftly mobilised to the scene upon receipt of the report.
The injured persons were evacuated to the State Specialist Hospital, Bogoro, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Police authorities said efforts were underway to prevent further escalation and possible retaliatory attacks, while assuring residents that the situation had been brought under control.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Gunmen Abduct Man in Anambra, Police Launch Rescue Operation
Gunmen Abduct Man in Anambra, Police Launch Rescue Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for armed men who abducted a man in Ogbunike area of the state.
Police sources said the incident occurred at about 1600 hours on June 21 at Y Junction, following a report received by the 3-3 Division at about 1630 hours from Godwin Ude of Amawo Village, Ogbunike.
According to the report, the victim, identified as Victor Godwin, who resides in Nkwelle-Ezunaka, was abducted by four armed men allegedly dressed in military camouflage and armed with AK-47 rifles.
The suspects were said to have operated in a black Toyota Tundra, whose registration number was not yet known.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the gunmen forced the victim out of his white Lexus 250 saloon car before whisking him away to an unknown destination.
Following the incident, police tactical teams were immediately deployed and are currently on the trail of the suspects in an effort to rescue the victim and arrest those responsible.
The victim’s Lexus 250 vehicle has since been recovered and taken to the police station for safekeeping.
Police authorities assured that intensive operations were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of the victim.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Police Arrest Teenager Over Alleged Inciting Remarks in Katsina
Police Arrest Teenager Over Alleged Inciting Remarks in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old man for allegedly making inciting remarks during a religious preaching session in Kambarawa area of the state.
Police sources said the incident was reported at about 1200 hours on June 21 at the Makera Division by Zulai Murtala of Kambarawa area.
According to sources, the suspect, Ahmed Sani, 18, of the same address, was alleged to have made statements considered disrespectful during a preaching session, which prompted a complaint to the police.
Following the report, the suspect was promptly trailed and arrested by operatives.
The police said the suspect voluntarily admitted to the allegation during preliminary questioning.
Authorities stated that investigation into the matter is ongoing, while further developments would be communicated in due course.
The command assured residents of its commitment to maintaining peace and public order across the state.
Court Admits DSS Evidence, as Witness Deji Adeyanju Corroborates El-Rufai's Wiretapping Claims
Court Admits DSS Evidence, as Witness Deji Adeyanju Corroborates El-Rufai's Wiretapping Claims
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, admitted in evidence a testimony by a witness of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the ongoing trial of former Kaduna state governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai for allegedly wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
El-Rufai had in a February interview on Arise TV Prime Time, claimed to have been wiretapping the telephone conversations of the NSA.
The witness, human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, told the court hat he appeared for an interview program on Arise TV station on February 16, the same day El-Rufai made the confession on the same television station.
Adeyanju, the second prosecution witness in the trial, told the court that the former governor admitted during the television interview that “we listened to the conversations of the NSA.”
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, Adeyanju confirmed that he knew El-Rufai as a former governor of Kaduna State and recalled issuing a public statement after reports emerged that the former governor was to be arrested by security operatives.
The prosecution tendered the subpoena used to summon Adeyanju, which was admitted and marked as Exhibit G.
The court also viewed the Arise Television interview involving El-Rufai, after which Adeyanju confirmed the recording and the statements allegedly made during the programme.
The prosecution subsequently tendered Adeyanju’s own interview contained in a flash drive alongside a certificate of compliance. Both were admitted in evidence as Exhibits H and H1.
While giving evidence, Adeyanju told the court that he was later invited by the Department of State Services, DSS, where he was asked to recount what transpired at the television studio.
According to him, he confirmed to investigators that he was present when El-Rufai made the claims on air and that when further questioned during the interview, the former governor stated that someone carried out the phone tapping and passed on the information to him.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Paul Erokoro, Adeyanju stated that while he did not hear El-Rufai specifically say he hacked the phone lines of th NSA, he heard him say, “we listened to the conversations of the NSA.”
When asked whether he knew the means through which the NSA makes calls, and if he would be surprised to learn that DSS investigators did not ask the NSA which of his devices was allegedly compromised, he replied that those were not his business.
Meanwhile, the prosecution tendered an official gazette without objection from the defence. The document was admitted and marked as Exhibit I.
The matter was adjourned until June 23 for continuation of trial.
The DSS had filed a charge against El-Rufai over his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
In the three-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 was filed early before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the secret police accused the former governor of breaching the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act, (2024), and the Nigerian Communications Act (2003.)
Counts in the charge read:
*That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, on 13th February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station's Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did admit during the interview that you and your cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.
*That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, on 13t February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station's Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did state during the interview that you know and relate with certain individual, who unlawfully intercepted the Phone Communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, without reporting the said individual to relevant Security agencies and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.
*That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, and other still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, with others still at large did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety, national security and instilling reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to which you admitted during an interview on 13th February, 2026, on Arise TV station's Prime Time Programme in Abuja and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131(2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
Troops, NSCDC Destroy Illegal Bunkering Site in Rivers
Troops, NSCDC Destroy Illegal Bunkering Site in Rivers
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 114 Battalion operating from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Owaza under Operation Operation Udo Ka have discovered and destroyed an illegal bunkering site in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation, which was conducted at about 1100 hours on June 21, was carried out in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited).
The site, located at Lekuma Abiama community in Oyigbo LGA, was found to contain two small drum pots allegedly used for illegal petroleum product storage and refining activities.
According to a statement, the troops destroyed the facility on site, and the operation was conducted without any incident or resistance.
Authorities said the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts under Operation Udo Ka to curb crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region.
Troops Arrest 11 Suspected Cultists in Benue Raid
Troops Arrest 11 Suspected Cultists in Benue Raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under the Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested 11 suspected cultists during a raid on a criminal hideout in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The operation, carried out at about 0230 hours on June 20, targeted a suspected criminal enclave in the North Bank general area of Makurdi in Benue State.
Military sources said the troops stormed the location following credible intelligence on cult-related activities in the area and arrested the suspects without resistance.
Items recovered from the suspects include four mobile phones, one woodland camouflage vest, one combat short, and other sundry materials believed to be linked to their activities.
The suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Authorities said operations under Operation Whirl Stroke would continue to target criminal hideouts and cult-related networks within the North Central region.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Informant in Kwara
Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Informant in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have arrested a suspected terrorist informant during a follow-up operation in Bokungi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The arrest was made at about 1550 hours on June 19 following a tip-off that the suspect was conducting surveillance activities within Yana Tsaragi community.
Security sources said preliminary findings indicated that the suspect was allegedly linked to a terror group that previously operated along the Latan Daji axis.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended during surveillance activities within the community.
In addition, a former kidnapping victim identified the suspect as one of those involved in his abduction prior to the payment of ransom for his release.
The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Gwagwalada, Recover Phones, Substances
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Gwagwalada, Recover Phones, Substances
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 176 Guards Battalion under the Operation MESA have arrested a suspected terrorist during a security operation in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The suspect was arrested at about 0735 hours on June 21 at a checkpoint after allegedly exhibiting suspicious behaviour and attempting to bribe troops to evade search.
A further inspection of the suspect’s mobile phone reportedly revealed photographs of him and other suspected terrorists flaunting firearms, ammunition, and large sums of cash.
Items recovered from him include three mobile phones, two black nylon bags containing a brownish powdery substance, a black side bag, a power bank, body cream, and a mini Bluetooth speaker.
The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation.