Spokesman for the 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Muhammad Umar, in a statement disclosed that the operation led to the arrest of Fidelis Gayama, a” high-value” suspect who security agencies had long sought.

Umar said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is closely linked to Dogo, a wanted armed group leader, and is believed to be the ringleader of a criminal network that has terrorised travellers and communities along the Kente -Wukari Road and adjoining border areas between Benue and Taraba States.

Further validation by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost confirmed that the suspect is among individuals declared wanted by the Beji Police Division, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue state

“The suspect is currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authority for comprehensive investigation and prosecution in line with extant laws,” according to the statement.

Read Also: Notorious bandit leader, Na’ballo, eight others killed

The Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, described the arrest as a significant blow to criminal networks operating within the area.

He reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to sustaining offensive operations and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

The Commander further called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing security efforts.

Source Channels

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According to a community source, the first attack occurred in Dutsen Magaji, where 22 people were taken. Vigilantes pursued the attackers and engaged them in a gun battle, during which three of the vigilantes lost their lives and several others sustained injuries.

The assailants reportedly returned days later, invading Magama village during early morning prayers. They were said to have surrounded the mosque and abducted more than 20 worshippers. Vigilantes who attempted to confront the attackers were ambushed, resulting in the deaths of 13 members and injuries to several others.

Read Also: Army Rescues Kidnap Victims in Kwara, Vows to Sustain Anti-Bandit Operations

A statement from the local administration confirmed the killings, describing the fallen vigilantes as heroes who sacrificed their lives for the safety of their communities. The council expressed deep appreciation for their bravery and commitment.

The state police spokesperson, when contacted, offered assurances that security measures were being taken in response to the attacks.

Source: Dailypost

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According to Zagazola Makama, counter-insurgency expert, the dialogue, which took place at Kakumi Village in Bakori LGA, brought together representatives from Bakori, Kafur, Malumfashi, Kankara, and Funtua LGAs, alongside known bandit leaders operating within the Funtua zone.

According to reports, the meeting aimed to restore sustainable peace and security across communities that have been affected by years of violence and bandit attacks.

Those representing the communities included Abdurrahman Kandarawa (Bakori), Abubakar Musa Barde (Kafur), Bature Dan Kanjiba (Malumfashi), Audu Goya (Funtua), and Kasimu Dantsoho (Kankara).

Traditional rulers also participated, among them the Ado Bello, district head of Bakori; Galadiman Katsina, Abdullahi Mahuta (Malumfashi); Danejen Katsina, Abdulkadir (Kafur); and Sarkin Maskan Katsina (Funtua).

Representing the bandits were Ado Aleru of Yankuzo in Zamfara state, Isiya Kwashen Garwa of Guga Ward (Bakori), Babaro of Gidan Gamji (Kankara), and Iliya Zango Dan Sabau (Kankara).

Read Also: Israel, Hamas Reach Ceasefire Deal to End Gaza War

Resolutions reached included a cessation of hostilities, restoration of law and order, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence between the communities and the repentant bandit groups.

This is not the first such meeting between bandit leaders and community representatives in the state. In June, a similar meeting was held in Katsina.

Source: Thecable

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The operation was led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division and Commander of Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, during an operational visit to Patrol Base Babanla.

According to Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Polycarp Okoye, the victims were handed over to the traditional ruler of Ayekale, Oba Pius Oluwole Onidofin. The rescue followed an earlier attack near Idofin in Omu-Aran LGA, where three traders were killed.

Oba Oluwole attributed the rise in attacks to the area’s proximity to Babasango Forest and called for continued military presence.

Read Also: Kwara Governor Visits Crisis-hit communities

Maj. Gen. Nnebeife, while consoling the monarch, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to clearing the forest of bandits and restoring security.

Kwara has witnessed increased violence in recent weeks, including a deadly attack in Oke-Ode where at least 15 vigilantes and hunters were killed, prompting mass displacement of residents.

Source: Punch

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The operation comes barely a week after suspected armed herders and local bandits, numbering about a thousand, ambushed and killed 11 security personnel drawn from the police and the Civil Protection Guards, known by the code name Anyam Nyom, within Katsina-Ala LGA.

In a statement issued in Makurdi, the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, said the troops, thwarted the bandits’ plans to attack Agurugu and Igyudu villages.

According to Zubairu, troops deployed at Abaji received credible intelligence on the movement of a group of bandits around Agurugu village. The troops mobilised to the area and made contact with the criminals at Sheekan village, engaging them in a gun duel that forced the bandits to flee.

He further explained that troops deployed to Gbise encountered bandits during a fighting patrol towards Igyudu village.

He added that the bandits abandoned their positions and fled during the confrontation.

Items recovered during the two operations include one automatic pistol, three 9mm rounds, thirty-three (33) 7.62mm special ammunition, fifteen (15) 5.56 x 45mm rounds, two (2) AK-47 magazines, and twenty-nine (29) mobile phones abandoned by the fleeing criminals.

Other recovered items include a single-barrel gun, three rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, two AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, one hand grenade, one tear gas canister, assorted medical kits, and an Itel phone.

Read Also: Benue, Plateau Killings: DSS Arraigns Nine Prime Suspects

Zubairu quoted the OPWS Force Commander, Major General Gara, as commending the troops for their bravery, swift response, and professionalism.

He added that Gara assured the people of Katsina-Ala and adjoining communities of their safety, urging them to continue to provide credible and timely information to aid ongoing military operations.

“We remain committed to restoring lasting peace in Benue and neighbouring states. Our troops have shown resilience and determination, and we will not relent until these areas are completely secured,” the force commander was quoted as saying.

Source: Punch

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Eyewitnesses said the attack occurred when the security personnel responded to a distress call about the presence ofIn response, Governor Dikko Radda led a high-level delegation of security officials to the attack site for an on-the-spot assessment.

The delegation included the State Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Muazu; the State Commissioner of Police; the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS); and the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abdulkadir Nasir, among others. They were received by Matazu Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Shamsudeen Sayaya.

Governor Radda inspected the scene, where the burnt vehicle remained visible, and visited nearby hard-to-reach areas to engage with locals and better understand the prevailing security challenges. armed bandits in the area.

The assailants, numbering around 20 and riding motorcycles, ambushed the security team near a riverbank close to the village. Concealed among trees, they opened fire and set ablaze the Hilux van conveying the security operatives, killing all five onboard.

Among the deceased was the unit commander, Mallam Sanusi, who oversaw operations in Kusada, Kankia, and parts of Charanchi Local Government Areas.

Speaking after the visit, Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with security agencies and community leaders to enhance safety and protect lives and property.

Earlier, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, acknowledged the challenges while highlighting ongoing military successes, particularly in Ruwan Godiya.

He noted that the governor’s visit formed part of a broader security review aimed at strengthening the protection of lives and property in the state.

He urged residents to remain patient, prayerful, and supportive of the government’s peace efforts.

Governor Radda also extended condolences to the families of the victims, praying for divine mercy on the deceased and strength for their loved ones.

The attack highlights the persistent security threats in Katsina’s rural communities, where banditry remains a significant concern despite ongoing efforts by security forces to curb the menace.

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A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Maharazu Tsiga had regained freedom from his kidnappers after spending 22 days in captivity.

A source confirmed to newsmen last night that Tsiga has been released and is receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital for security reasons.

Recall that gunmen led by notorious bandit kingpin Babaro had demanded N250m for Tsiga’s release. But it is unclear if any money was paid for his freedom.

Government officials and security agencies including the Katsina State Police Command were yet to comment on Tsiga’s freedom as of now.

Also Recall that the former NYSC DG was abducted by an unspecified number of bandits on February 6th, 2025, at his residence in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

During the attack, two persons sustained various degrees of injuries and one of the gunmen was mistakenly shot dead by a member of his gang.

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The spokesman for the Army 6 Brigade, Oni Olubodunde, commiserated with the family of the slain monarch, assuring to bring the perpetrators of the attack to book.

He said the Commander 6 Brigade/Sector 3 operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, conducted an operational visit to remote areas in Lau and Karim Lamido Local Councils of the state.

According to Olubodunde, the visit was to reassure the local population of the unwavering commitment of troops to securing the citizens, and to strengthen the partnership between the Army, and the communities to flush out criminal elements hibernating within the area.

While encouraging the community to report any suspicious activities in the area for prompt response, he emphasised the crucial role of the people of Karim-Lamido in supporting the brigade’s operations.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Karim-Lamido Local Government, and the Chief of Wurkun District, Britus Dan-Jos, expressed their gratitude for the military’s continuous support. He commended the strong relationship between the military and the people of Karim-Lamido.

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