Anti-terror war: After US strikes, NAF pounds Lakurawa bases in Zamfara

•Army confirms US airstrikes neutralised Sokoto terror camps

•8 killed as terrorists hit Kebbi community

•Over 40 gunmen sack Kwara community, kill one, abduct 2

By Kingsley Omonobi, Demola Akinyemi and Haruna Aliyu

The  Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, Sector 2 of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has conducted two high-impact precision Air Interdiction, AI, missions at Turba Hill and Kachalla Dogo Sule’s Camp, both in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, neutralising several bandits.

This came as the Nigerian Army has confirmed a significant operational success following the United States airstrike on Lakurawa terrorist hideouts in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Meanwhile, terrorists have launched a deadly attack on Gebbe community in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing eight persons and injuring several others.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, said the Zamfara operation was a major success in its sustained offensive against armed banditry.

He said:  “Acting on credible, multi-source intelligence, NAF air assets were deployed against bandits’ enclaves at the identified locations. 

“The first strike targeted Turba Hill, a confirmed bandit hideout. 

“Persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance revealed significant human activity and an operational zinc-roofed structure assessed to be central to the enclave’s activities. 

“Following positive identification, the target was engaged with precision, resulting in a direct hit. 

“Post-strike battle damage assessment confirmed the complete destruction of the structure and the neutralization of several bandits.

“The second AI mission was conducted at Kachalla Dogo Sule’s Camp, a notorious bandit stronghold identified as a key IED manufacturing and operational hub.

“Intelligence had linked the camp to the planning and execution of recent IED attacks along the Dan Sadau–Magami axis. 

“The precision strike successfully engaged multiple active structures within the enclave, triggering intense fires that destroyed the facilities and neutralised several bandits, effectively crippling the group’s IED production and deployment capability.

“These decisive air strikes represent a significant degradation of bandit networks operating in Zamfara State, particularly their capacity to manufacture and employ improvised explosive devices.

“The operations reaffirm the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment, working in close coordination with other components of Operation Fansan Yamma, to deny criminal elements safe havens, degrade their combat effectiveness, and support ongoing joint efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North-West and the nation at large.”

Army confirms US airstrikes neutralised Sokoto terror camps

Speaking on the Sokoto US missile strikes, a  credible Army Headquarters source told NAN, yesterday, that the action formed part of ongoing operations in the 8 Division/Sector 2 Area of Responsibility under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

He said the troops of Combat Intelligence Battalion VII, acting on credible intelligence about terrorist movements along the Kaurau axis, coordinated with US AFRICOM forces to target camps in the Bauni Forest, near Waria and Alkassim villages, on December 25.

The source said that follow-up patrols on December 26, confirmed extensive destruction of terrorist positions, significantly degrading their operational capability.

“In a related operation, soldiers of 1 Brigade, Combat Team 12, deployed at Forward Operating Base Jabo in Kebbi State, recovered debris believed to be from unmanned aerial devices and missile components in Kajiji Town, Tambuwal LGA.

“Preliminary assessments by the Army’s Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, EME, team identified some as fuel boosters from Tomahawk missiles, each weighing about 300 kilograms and capable of penetrating soft ground up to two metres.

“The Nigerian Army assured the public that investigations are ongoing to safely recover remaining missile components and urged citizens to report any suspicious objects to security agencies.

“The army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist groups while safeguarding lives and property across northern Nigeria,” he said.

8 killed as terrorists hit Kebbi community

The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed that at least eight persons were killed following coordinated attacks by gunmen on Kaiwa, Gelawu, and Gebbe villages in Shanga Local Government Area of the state.

The attacks, which occurred without warning, reportedly triggered widespread panic, forcing many residents to flee to neighbouring communities and nearby bushes for safety.

Confirming the incident to our correspondent, the spokesperson of the Kebbi State Police Command,  Bashir Usman, said seven people died during the attacks, while another victim later succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment.

He added that one injured person is currently responding to medical care.

According to Usman, security agencies have launched coordinated operations across the affected areas, with intensified patrols and surveillance aimed at preventing further attacks.

“Security agencies have sustained coordinated operations within the affected areas, while intensified patrols and surveillance are ongoing to forestall further breaches,” he said, noting that additional details could not be disclosed as the operation is still ongoing.

Residents described the attacks as devastating, adding that the communities had not experienced such violence in many years.

“The entire area is in shock. People are afraid to return home,” a resident said.

Security operatives have since been deployed to the affected villages to restore calm, while residents have appealed to the state government to strengthen security in the area.

Troops kill 80 terrorists, rescue 34 victims in multi-state operations

This came as the Nigerian Army said its troops have killed more than 80 terrorists, rescued 34 kidnapped civilians, and arrested dozens of criminals in coordinated operations conducted between December 25 and 29.

An Army Headquarters source disclosed that the successes were recorded across Borno, Adamawa, Sokoto, Katsina, Niger, Zamfara, Plateau, Delta, Cross River and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

In Borno State, the source said airstrikes and follow-up precision ground operations at Sowolwolo in Bama Local Government Area and surrounding communities neutralised 19 terrorists, destroyed logistics bases, and disrupted ISWAP/JAS networks.

He added that subsequent operations in Gulumba Gana, Kumshe, Kasho Miri and Chongolokura led to the killing of 38 additional terrorists, while intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) activities identified further high-value targets for future engagements.

In Niger and Katsina states, the source revealed that troops successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kwanar Dutse in Mariga LGA and along the Shanono–Katsina axis, rescuing one civilian and recovering 78 cows and 28 sheep stolen by the insurgents.

According to him, security operations also recorded significant successes in kidnap rescue efforts.

“In Kebbi State, 16 civilians were rescued by troops of 223 Battalion following a tip-off at Unashi Village in Danko-Wasagu LGA.

“In Plateau State, one victim was rescued at Yaka Naji Jandutse in Wase LGA, although two DSS personnel sustained injuries during the encounter,” he said.

The source further disclosed that troops disrupted criminal activities across several states, including the arrest of 11 illegal miners in the FCT.

According to him, two armed robbery suspects were apprehended in Plateau State, with stolen funds recovered.

“In Delta State, two illegal oil bunkerers were arrested with 104 sacks containing about 2,600 litres of crude oil recovered, while three suspected sea pirates linked to the BIG JOE militant group were arrested in Cross River State,” he added.

The source said the operations underscore the military’s resolve to protect lives and property, enforce the rule of law, and maintain peace and security across the country.

He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-driven operations, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the neutralisation of insurgent and criminal threats nationwide.

Over 40 gunmen sack Kwara community, killed one abduct 2

In Kwara State, over 40 gunmen stormed Owa-Onire in Ifelodun Local Government Area on Saturday and abducted two persons, including a palace maid, killed one person simply identified as a blacksmith, while several residents were severely injured.

Mr. Kabiru, son of  Abdulfatai Ajulo (the Elerin of Owa Onire), was reportedly shot during the attack, while the duo of Mr. Sunday (adult male) and Miss Rachael (teenage girl) palace maid were abducted.

Vanguard also gathered that Ajulo (the Elerin of Owa Onire), the same person whose son was shot in this recent attack, was previously kidnapped along with another person in the community while working on their farm.

They were reportedly released only after payment of approximately N7.5 million ransom.

Vanguard gathered, yesterday that the community of over 500 population has been deserted, leaving the monarch, Olowa of Owa-Onire, Oba AbdulRahman Fabiyi and few of his chiefs left as residents have fled for fear of another attack.

Vanguard learned that the kidnappers have been having free operations in the community over the years because there’s no police station or presense of security agencies anywhere in the community.

It was further gathered that the gunmen have sent message to the monarch that they’ll collect N100million before the two victims could be released, but negotiations have reportedly reduced the ransom to N5million at press time.

Vanguard, however, gathered from the locals that the kidnappers who arrived the community by 8p.m., were initially asking for the resident of their target, simply identified as “Pastor,” and a successful farmer, who unknown to them had traveled to Ilorin earlier in the day.

A local said: “They entered our community exactly 8p.m., more than 40 of them asking for the residence of Pastor, who had earlier in the day travelled to Ilorin.“

“They didn’t meet him or anyone in his residence and the anger made them to attack everyone in sight, moving from house to house. “”Some of them entered my house and seriously beat me, thank God I’m alive.“

“They were just entering homes, collecting phones, and PoS and carting away the items our people’s are selling.They also went to the palace.“

“I was in our community today almost everywhere was silent, nobody was around. I learnt only Kabiesi and few chiefs are left. I had to take few personal needs and returned to Ilorin,” said the local who craved anonymity.

The monarch Olowa of Owa-Onire, Oba Fabiyi was reportedly spared by the kidnappers because he was abducted about a year ago, and ransom was paid before his release.

The post Anti-terror war: After US strikes, NAF pounds Lakurawa bases in Zamfara appeared first on Vanguard News.