It was mixed fortunes on the security landscape at the weekend as suspected terrorists killed seven people in a fresh attack a Niger community while security agents also hit some terrorists’ camps in Kwara State, neutralising many bandits and kidnappers.
In Kaduna State, troops foiled a bandit attack and neutralised one suspected terrorist during a snap ambush in the Maraban Rido general area while the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the military, in collaboration with other agencies, was conducting sustained, intelligence-driven operations to rescue the people abducted by bandits in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Among the seven people killed by suspected terrorists in Wawa, a community I Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, was a staff member of the Kainji Lake National Park, whose body had not been recovered at the time of filing this report.
The attack plunged the agrarian community into mourning, renewing fears of worsening insecurity in the Borgu Emirate.
Corpses recovered so far have been deposited at the Basic Health Centre (BHC) in Wawa.
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Residents of the community confirmed the tragic loss of their kinsmen, describing the incident as devastating and traumatic for families and the entire area.
Community leaders said the violence has deepened fear among locals who now live in constant fear.
According to credible sources, the crisis began after reports emerged that a prominent youth was attacked on his farm by suspected bandits.
In response, a group of youths mobilised and ventured into the bush in an attempt to confront the attackers and rescue the victim.
While some of the youths later returned safely, others were declared missing, raising concerns within the community.
The situation later took a grim turn when bodies were discovered in the area.
Security operatives eventually recovered six unidentified bodies from the bush and conveyed them to Wawa.
The deaths were subsequently confirmed.
Residents described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that it had caused deep pain, fear and emotional trauma, especially among families who lost loved ones or were still awaiting news on missing relatives.
Community leaders have urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, rumours or inflammatory messages that could further escalate tension in the area.
Borgu Local Government Area has witnessed a series of attacks by armed bandits in recent months, forcing many residents to flee their ancestral homes for fear of further violence.
Concerned residents have again called on both the Niger State and the federal governments to urgently intervene, curb the activities of bandits and restore peace across Borgu and its surrounding communities.
Military hits terrorists camps in Kwara, neutralise kidnappers
Military operations in Kwara State at the weekend hit terrorist camps in parts of Edu, Ifelodun and Patigi Local Government Areas.
The attacks neutralised many kidnappers and terrorists, it was gathered yesterday.
The operations targeted bandits’ camps operated by notorious kidnappers and terrorists with hideouts in Baba Sango (Ifelodun), Gbugbu (Edu) and Lata (Patigi).
A source quoting preliminary security report from the theatre said: “It is obvious that Operation India has put the bandits in disarray and displaced them from their positions.
“However, operations are impeded by the activities of moles and informants within different communities who give out information about troops’ movement.”
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A military source said the ongoing operations have destroyed many of their camps while many of the bandits and terrorists sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“Residents need to be vigilant. They need to speak up about the informants who give out information about troops’ movement.
“This is important for more success,” the source said.
Troops foil bandits’ attack, kill terrorist
Troops of 1 Division/Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled a bandits’ attack and neutralised one suspected terrorist during a snap ambush in the Maraban Rido general area of Kaduna State.
The operation followed a distress call received late on Monday indicating that armed bandits had rustled livestock in Anguwan Fulan village within the Rido axis.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops were deployed to the area and laid a hasty ambush to intercept the fleeing criminals.
Upon arrival, the troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray and with gunshot wounds.
The soldiers subsequently carried out aggressive exploitation of surrounding forested areas, including the Kankomi forest, where another contact was made at a suspected crossing point around Anguwan Sarki.
During the engagement, the troops again overwhelmed the bandits, compelling them to abandon their loot and flee, leading to the recovery of some of the rustled livestock.
Further exploitation of the ambush location in the early hours of Tuesday resulted in the killing of one terrorist.
Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, four magazines and 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj-Gen. Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism while urging the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
DHQ deploys intelligence asset to rescue Kaduna kidnap victims
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, was conducting sustained, intelligence-driven operations to rescue the people abducted by bandits in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims, reportedly about 177 in number, were abducted by armed bandits during a church service last Sunday.
The military high command, in a statement by the Director Defence Media Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Michael Onoja, reassured the affected communities and Nigerians that “the safe rescue and reintegration of all kidnapped victims remains a paramount undertaking.”
The statement said: “Contrary to assertions of a diminished response, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in close collaboration with other security agencies, has been executing sustained, intelligence driven operations within the vicinity and surrounding forested areas believed to harbour the perpetrators.
“These operations encompass a strategic amalgamation of ground patrols, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and targeted initiatives meticulously designed to locate the kidnappers and secure the hostages without jeopardising their safety.
“These operations encompass a strategic amalgamation of ground patrols, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and targeted initiatives meticulously designed to locate the kidnappers and secure the hostages without jeopardising their safety.”
According to the statement, the military recognises the distress and trepidation experienced by the affected families and underscores that operational restraint in certain instances is a deliberate strategy, guided by the imperative to safeguard the captives and avert unintended harm.
“While specific operational details must remain confidential for security considerations, substantial efforts are underway to dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the abductions,” the statement added.
It stated that the Armed Forces remain unwavering in its mandate to protect lives and property and are steadfastly committed to reuniting the kidnapped victims of Kurmin Wali with their families.
The military urged sustained public support, patience and cooperation as operations advanced toward a successful resolution.
