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ARMED FORCES SCORE BIG WIN AGAINST TERRORISTS IN ZAMFARA STATE

The Nigerian Army’s 1 Brigade, led by Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, has recorded a significant victory in its fight against terrorism in Zamfara State. In a daring operation, troops from Combat Team 6 engaged a large group of bandits in Mai Kwanugga village, Talata-Mafara Local Government Area, killing several terrorists, including five notorious bandit leaders. The neutralized bandit leaders were identified as Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza. The troops recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, a PKT Machine Gun, RPG tubes, and RPG bombs. Unfortunately, two civilians were caught in the crossfire and injured. In a separate incident, troops from Combat Team 2 responded to a protest in Dayau village, Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area, where residents had blocked a major road due to bandit attacks. The security team successfully dispersed the crowd, restored calm, and reopened the road. The Brigade Commander praised the bravery and professionalism of the troops, assuring citizens of the army’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the state. The military urged the public to provide credible information to security agencies and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

THREE CUSTOMS OFFICERS KILLED IN ISWAP TERRORIST AMBUSH IN KEBBI

The Nigeria Customs Service has confirmed the killing of three officers by suspected terrorists in Kebbi State. The ambush occurred in the Bashaka area of Argungu Local Government, where attackers opened fire, killing the officers and burning their patrol vehicles. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by ACG Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, raised concerns over the growing threat of ISWAP at the Babanna border in Niger State. Adeniyi emphasized the dangers posed by smuggled fuel, which enables terrorist movements. He revealed that customs officers narrowly escaped another ISWAP ambush after intercepting 500 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit valued at ₦25.9 million, allegedly meant for terrorists and bandits. “We urge stronger inter-agency cooperation and call on citizens to report suspicious activity, noting that some terrorists live among local communities in Niger, Kebbi, and Borno states,” Adeniyi said. Pascal Chibuoke, Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Command, credited community cooperation for the operation’s success and appealed for more patrol equipment and communication tools to boost security efforts. The NCS chief highlighted the importance of collaboration in tackling security challenges.

NIGERIA POLICE FORCE NEUTRALISES SEVEN TERRORISTS, RECOVERS 23 ARMS AND AMMUNITION

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has neutralised seven terrorists and recovered 23 arms and ammunition in various parts of the country. According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police operatives attached to the Kebbi State Command trailed and engaged some kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, resulting in the neutralisation of four kidnappers and the arrest of one with fatal injuries. The police also rescued the kidnapped victim, Umaru Bawa, aged 60, who was abducted from Gobiraje Village in Suru LGA of Kebbi State on February 14, 2025. The operatives recovered the cash sum of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000) already paid to the kidnappers as ransom. In another operation, the police neutralised two Eastern Security Network (ESN) kingpins and recovered seven AK-47 rifles, 13 pump-action guns, and hundreds of assorted live ammunition in Imo State. The operation was carried out by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Imo State Command, in collaboration with other security agencies. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the brave efforts of the operatives involved and emphasized the need for continued vigilance in the fight against crime. He assured that the police would continue to work tirelessly to ensure a safer environment for all Nigerians. “The Force assures members of the public that these operations will continue with renewed vigour as it strives to ensure a safer environment for all Nigerians,” the IGP said. “As part of these ongoing efforts, the IGP has called for increased intelligence gathering, community engagement, and prompt reporting of suspicious activities by citizens.”

TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN NEUTRALISE NOTORIOUS KIDNAPPERS, RESCUE VICTIMS AND RECOVER WEAPONS

Troops of Operation Safe Haven have successfully rescued four kidnapped victims and neutralized two notorious kidnappers in an encounter along the Kafanchan-Kwoi road in Kaduna. The operation was carried out by troops of Sector 7 Command of Operation Safe Haven under the command of Major-General Folusho Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding the Third Armoured Division in Jos, Plateau State. According to reports, the troops received a distress call on February 14, 2025, at about 2030 hours, regarding the kidnapping of some passengers along the Kafanchan-Kwoi road at Afana Daji Village in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The troops immediately mobilized to the area and conducted search operations, leading to the rescue of one of the victims with a gunshot wound. Based on credible intelligence, the troops conducted further offensive operations around Angwan Rimi Forest in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State on February 15, 2025, at about 1600 hours. During the encounter, the troops neutralized two of the kidnappers and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 8 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), 10 mobile phones, foodstuffs, and a cash sum of One Million, One Hundred and Thirty-Six Thousand Naira (#1,136,000.00) only. The rescued victims have been identified as Mathew Ayemowa, Tunde Salam, and Mustapha Mohammed. Troops are currently dominating the general area with mobile patrols to ensure the safety of the residents.