Nigerian Air Force Launches Precision Strikes Against Terrorists and Bandits
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its counter-terrorism and counter-banditry operations nationwide with a series of precision airstrikes that neutralised numerous Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram areas of Borno State. These strikes were part of coordinated missions under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Fasan Yamma, aimed at degrading terrorist and criminal networks across northern Nigeria.
In addition to these military actions, operatives of the FCT Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters, and vigilante groups, have initiated special church patrols within forests and border communities linking Bwari in Kaduna State, Bwari in Niger State, and Gwagwalada, also in Niger State. This initiative follows directives from the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Miller Dantawaye, to ensure the safety of worship centres and residents during the ember months.
Kidnappings in Kano State Highlight Ongoing Security Challenges
Meanwhile, bandits reportedly kidnapped at least four nursing mothers in Yan Kwada village, Faruruwa community, in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State. The chairman of the Faruruwa community and environs security committee, Yahaya Bagobiri, confirmed the incident and described how the bandits, using motorcycles, abducted five women, one of whom managed to escape. The attackers also took 50 cows and other animals, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing security measures in the area.
Bagobiri urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene and provide more armed personnel to protect the region. He emphasized the need for proactive measures to curb the rising wave of violence.
Governor Sule Orders Manhunt After Midnight Attack in Keana LGA
In Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule ordered a manhunt for the gunmen responsible for a midnight attack on residents of Sarkin Noma community in Keana Local Government Area. The governor assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice without delay. This directive followed renewed violence in parts of the state, including Keana and Lafia, which raised fears of infiltration by criminal elements.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Mr. Peter Ahemba, condemned the attack and stressed that the state government would not allow enemies of peace to succeed in their efforts to destabilise the state. He confirmed that security agencies were directed to ensure immediate arrest and prosecution of those behind the violence.
Kebbi State Governor Claims No Bandit Control
Governor Dr. Nasir Idris of Kebbi State boasted that no inch of the state is under the control of armed bandits. During a security summit organised by Arewa Media Practitioners Forum in Birnin-Kebbi, he stated that insurgents now attack and retreat to neighbouring states like Zamfara but added that security forces had made it impossible for them to take control of any town, village, or local government in Kebbi.
Deadly Clash Between Boko Haram Factions in Borno State
A deadly clash between factions of Boko Haram, specifically the Jam’at Ahl as-Sunna lid-Da’wa wa’l-Jihd (JAS) and ISWAP, resulted in the death of over 100 victims at Toumbun Gini, an island community in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. According to sources, ISWAP launched an offensive to reclaim the island, believed to have fallen under JAS control. However, intelligence reached JAS leadership ahead of the assault, enabling them to set up a counter-ambush.
The clash led to the deaths of over 50 ISWAP fighters, with seven of their boats seized. The remaining three vessels escaped with casualties. Security sources indicated that the continued push by JAS against ISWAP could force surviving ISWAP fighters deeper into mainland communities, increasing risks for civilians and security personnel.
APC Governors Call on Traditional Rulers to Combat Insecurity
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Governors Forum called on traditional rulers across the country to invoke local and spiritual powers to wage total war against insecurity. Chairman of the Forum and governor of Imo State, Chief Hope Uzodimma, highlighted the need to seek traditional means of fighting insecurity alongside government efforts. He urged traditional rulers to “conjure with the gods of the land to protect the nation towards ending the insecurity.”