Observers Times

Tag: Terrorist

  • Troops Destroy Terrorist Camps in Katsina Forest, Rescue Hostage

    Troops Destroy Terrorist Camps in Katsina Forest, Rescue Hostage

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed several terrorist camps during ongoing Operation CLEAN SWEEP and rescued a kidnap victim in Katsina.

     

     

    The operation was conducted by troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force, supported by elements of the 8 Division Special Forces, according to a military report on Friday.

     

    The army said the operation targeted terrorist strongholds around Tuga in the Matazu council area.

     

    The troops leveraged intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support as well as precision strikes from the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma, according to the report. The recovery dealt a major blow to the economic activities of criminal groups relying on livestock theft and related crimes.

     

    “The troops subsequently advanced into the notorious Fafu Forest to sustain pressure on the terrorists and deny them safe havens,” it said.

     

    The army said coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments preceded the ground assault on identified terrorist locations, with the troops destroying several terrorist camps and concealed hideouts within the forest.

     

    “During the exploitation of the area, the troops discovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist leader where kidnapped victims were being held. Two lifeless bodies were recovered from the location.

     

    “One victim, identified as Nura Yar’Adua, was found in chains and successfully rescued by the troops. The rescued victim was administered first aid and evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for advanced medical treatment,” it added.

     

    The army said further assessment revealed extensive damage to terrorist logistics structures in the targeted areas.

     

    It added that signs of enemy casualties were observed, indicating a significant degradation of the terrorists’ operational capability.

     

    The military reaffirmed its commitment to defending the nation’s territorial integrity and protecting citizens from security threats.

     

    It also urged the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information.

     

    (NAN)

  • Edo Reopens Schools After Terrorist Scare, Cites Improved Security

    Edo Reopens Schools After Terrorist Scare, Cites Improved Security

    The Edo government has approved the reopening of schools in Akoko-Edo LGA, recently shut over security concerns after intelligence reports indicated a plan to attack schools in the area.

    The approval is contained in a circular issued by the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, in Benin, on Friday.

    According to Mr Otamere, the decision to reopen the schools was taken after a comprehensive review of the security situation by relevant security agencies and other stakeholders.

    He said that the government was satisfied that adequate measures had been put in place to guarantee the safety of students, teachers and other school personnel.

    “Following the implementation of enhanced security measures and the deployment of additional safety mechanisms across the affected communities and schools, the government is satisfied that necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and other school personnel.

    “All public and private schools affected by the earlier circular are to resume normal academic and administrative activities, with effect from Monday, June 15, 2026,” Mr Otamere added.

    The permanent secretary directed school heads, proprietors and relevant education authorities to make the necessary arrangements for the safe return of students and members of staff.

    He also urged them to maintain close collaboration with security agencies, community leaders and government officials to sustain a safe and conducive learning environment.

    He reassured parents, guardians and other stakeholders that adequate security measures had been deployed across the affected schools.

    Mr Otamere encouraged parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards returned to school promptly to continue their academic activities.

    The state government ordered the temporary closure of Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School, following security alerts from relevant agencies in the state.

    The closure was linked to credible intelligence reports warning of imminent threats to the safety of students, staff and host communities.

    The development also followed a security memo by the State Security Service, which reportedly raised concerns over an alleged plot by suspected bandits to abduct schoolchildren in parts of Edo North Senatorial District.

    The intelligence report indicated that security operatives intercepted communications suggesting plans to target students, while a suspect was reportedly apprehended during surveillance activities around Makeke Secondary School.

    The government subsequently suspended academic activities at the affected schools as a precautionary measure, while candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination had to sit for their examinations under special security arrangements.

    With the latest directive, normal academic activities are expected to resume in the schools on Monday, following the government’s assurances that the security situation has been brought under control.

    (NAN)

  • UNN Rejigs Security Measures Over Terrorist Attack Scare

    UNN Rejigs Security Measures Over Terrorist Attack Scare

    Management of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) says it has tightened security at its Nsukka campus, as a measure to ensure safety and protection of staff, students and visitors.

    The management said the move was made following an alleged impending terrorists attack, to abduct some students of the institution,

    This is contained in a statement by the Acting Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the university, Inya Egwu, on Sunday in Nsukka, Enugu.

    The statement said as part of precautionary measures, the university had deployed officials of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army at key entry points, to complement the efforts of the institution’s security department.

    It stated, “The management of the university of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has become aware of a social media post currently circulating online, alleging an impending terrorist attack and mass abduction of students on the Nsukka campus.

    “Members of the university community are urged to remain calm and go about their normal activities without fear.

    “The university has taken precautionary measures to further strengthen security on the campus, following the alleged impending terrorists attack, as contained in social media.

    “Management has deployed personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army at key entry points to complement the efforts of the UNN’s security unit.

    “In addition, some access gates to the Nsukka campus will be temporarily closed to enhance monitoring and regulation of movement in and out of the university.”

    The statement also noted that management had suspended motorcycle operations in the Nsukka campus, stating that no motorcycle would be allowed beyond the gates.

    “Management wishes to inform members of the university community that motorcycle operations within the campus have been suspended with immediate effect.

    “Consequently, no motorcycle will be permitted beyond the university gates, except those belonging to authorised security personnel. Staff who commute to work on motorcycles are advised to park them at designated locations outside the campus perimeter, before proceeding to their offices,” the statement added.

    It explained however, that there was no credible security intelligence or verified threat to the university that supported the claims as contained in the social media post, of an alleged impending attack on and subsequent abduction of students of the institution.

    “The above measures being taken by the university are precautionary and proactive. The information being circulated in social media is unsubstantiated and should not be regarded as factual,” it said.

    The statement advised members of the university community to be vigilant and security-conscious, as well as report any suspicious persons or movement to the security department of the institution, or the nearest security agency.

    “Security is a collective responsibility, the co-operation of all staff, students and other stakeholders are essential in maintaining a peaceful and secure environment,” the statement added

    (NAN)

  • Troops of 12 Brigade Rescue Kidnapped Victims and Thwart Terrorist Logistics Move in Kogi State

    Troops of 12 Brigade Rescue Kidnapped Victims and Thwart Terrorist Logistics Move in Kogi State

    wTroops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have achieved significant operational successes in Kogi State, rescuing kidnapped victims and thwarting a terrorist logistics move in separate but coordinated operations carried out on 6 May 2026.

    In a major breakthrough under Operation TIGER PAW II, troops successfully rescued the remaining kidnapped victims from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage following sustained search and rescue efforts. Acting on credible intelligence and maintaining persistent operational pressure, troops of the Brigade’s Blocking Force intercepted and recovered the victims within the Agbaja Forest general area in Lokoja Local Government Area.

    The rescued victims comprised five boys, two girls, and two adult females, believed to be the wives of the proprietor of the orphanage. They were promptly evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre, where they received immediate medical attention and first aid. All victims are reported to be in a stable condition.

    In a related development on the same day, troops acting on credible intelligence about the activities of an arms and ammunition syndicate intercepted and apprehended a suspected terrorist ammunition courier along the Obajana–Lokoja road in Lokoja Local Government Area. The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was found in possession of 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize in an attempt to avoid detection.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a key logistics courier involved in the movement of arms and ammunition for terrorists across states within the North Central region. Further questioning indicated that the ammunition was handed over to him at Obajana Forest and was being transported to Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State, for delivery to a yet-to-be-identified terrorist.

    The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further questioning to assist ongoing operations aimed at dismantling the criminal network and apprehending other members of the syndicate.

    These coordinated successes underline the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while sustaining aggressive operations against terrorists and their collaborators. Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts.

     

  • NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Hideouts in Borno

    NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Hideouts in Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force says its airstrikes have successfully destroyed terrorist hideouts in the Southern Tumbuns area of Borno.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Saturday in Abuja.

    Ejodame said the operation was conducted on Friday at about 1850 hours over Ali Sheriffti, a known terrorist enclave, following credible intelligence on insurgent activities.

    “The NAF air assets carried out a focused surveillance sweep, during which several insurgents were sighted moving along concealed tracks and were trailed to structures hidden under dense foliage.

    “Following positive identification, the NAF executed a precise strike, engaging the structures with onboard munitions.

    “The operation achieved the desired effect, with terrorist structures destroyed, further degrading their capability and freedom of movement in the area,” he said.

    Ejodame said the strike underscored NAF’s sustained commitment to intelligence-led and precision-driven operations aimed at denying terrorists safe havens.

    He quoted the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as reaffirming the force’s resolve to sustain pressure on terrorist networks.

    He added that operations would continue with increased intensity to safeguard the nation and its citizens.

    “The Nigerian Air Force will continue to pursue and dismantle terrorist networks with unwavering precision and relentless force, ensuring no enclave remains beyond our reach,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Enclave in Lake Chad Region, Kill Scores

    NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Enclave in Lake Chad Region, Kill Scores

    The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has intensified its air offensive under Operation HADIN KAI, destroying a major terrorist enclave in Kangarwa, located in the Northern Tumbuns area of Borno.

    The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Mr Ejodame said the airstrike, conducted at about 1205 hours on April 1 by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force North East, followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance confirming the presence of terrorists in the area.

    He said the targeted enclave had been under close monitoring through Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions, which revealed significant activity and movement within the settlement.

    According to him, NAF air assets executed precision strike missions upon confirmation of the targets, delivering multiple attack runs on structures and concealed targets used by the insurgents.

    He said the strikes, described as highly effective, led to the destruction of key infrastructure, including logistics hubs and operational shelters within the enclave.

    “Scores of fighters were neutralised during the bombardment, significantly degrading the operational capability of the enclave and disrupting insurgent movement in the area.

    “The successful air interdiction is expected to create favourable conditions for ground troops to advance, dominate the area and carry out follow-on clearance operations,” he said.

    Mr Ejodame said the operation underscored the growing synergy between air and ground forces in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.

    It added that the enclave, believed to be a stronghold of ISWAP elements, suffered a major setback, with its command and support structures effectively dismantled.

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven precision strikes against terrorist hideouts across the theatre.

    Mr Aneke said the air force would continue to work in close coordination with surface forces to deny terrorists freedom of action and eliminate all remaining enclaves.

    He emphasised that the sustained air campaign remained critical to restoring lasting peace and security in the region.
    NAN

  • Troops Foil Terrorist Attack in Borno, Reassure Ngoshe Community of Safety

    Troops Foil Terrorist Attack in Borno, Reassure Ngoshe Community of Safety

     

    Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled a terrorist attack on a military position in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, restoring control of the location after a swift counter-offensive.

    In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, on 11 March 2026, the terrorists have launched an attack on the military position on March 3.

    According to the statement, reinforcement teams drawn from the Forward Operating Base in Pulka and the 151 Battalion were immediately mobilised to support troops at the location.

    “During the reinforcement operation, the leading Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which damaged two tyres. Undeterred, troops continued the advance to the location,” the statement said.

     

    It added that a special reinforcement team led by the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, under Sector 1 of Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Nasirudeen Abdullahi, later arrived at the scene and coordinated a counter-attack that forced the terrorists to withdraw from the area.

    During the exchange of fire and subsequent pursuit of the fleeing insurgents, troops recovered three AK-47 rifles and a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) barrel.

    The statement further noted that the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided heavy air support during the operation, neutralising several of the terrorists.

    Following the successful reoccupation of the location and subsequent clearance operations in the area, Brigadier General Abdullahi addressed the troops, commending their gallantry and resilience.

    He urged them to sustain aggressive operations to further degrade terrorist elements operating within the general area.

    The military authorities said troops of Operation HADIN KAI remain resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action and will continue to conduct sustained operations aimed at ensuring lasting peace, security and economic stability across the North East.

    According to the statement, the morale of troops remains high and operations in the theatre are ongoing.

  • Instead of buying bomb, weapons and fighter jets, Just negotiates with terrorists and pay them – Gumi tells Federal Government

    Instead of buying bomb, weapons and fighter jets, Just negotiates with terrorists and pay them – Gumi tells Federal Government

    A prominent  Kaduna-based Islamic cleric and former military officer, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has told the Nigerian Government to embrace the idea of negotiation with the bandits and other non-state actors ravaging the country.

    During an interview with Trust TV, the Islamic cleric stated that the government is wrong to continue spending billions of naira to combat banditry and terrorism.

    According to him, the only way to secure security is for the government to engage in an open discussion with the terrorists.

     

    He added that the root of security problems in the country could linked to the age-long farmer-herder crisis across the North and alleged that this could only be solved through negotiation and not war.

     

    Gumi also berated the Nigerian military over the recent mistaken bombardment of Tudun Biri residents in Kaduna State, adding that the incident is an indication for the government to strengthen the capacity of the police force to stop the military from interfering in the country’s internal security.

     

    “This is not the first time such is happening. The military should fight the military. Tank by tank. Jet by jet. The military should be out of fighting insecurity. We are not fighting Cameroon or Togo,” the cleric was quoted by Daily Trust as saying.

     

    He continued: “And the jet fighters should not be used on citizens. I cannot imagine any American president, no matter how instructive, would use F16 to bombard Americans. Impossible. He would go down the next day.

     

    “What we need are very good policies. Then stronger policing. That’s where our money should go. All those people should be involved in community policing.

     

    “In every society you have very good people and they are the majority. Nigerians are very humble people; very resilient who can sustain a lot of hardship. So I don’t see why good governance and good policing should be a big deal.

     

    “All the money we spend on buying all these Second World War aeroplanes and artillery and jets to fight insurgency is an archaic way of dealing with this issue. And billions of naira are spent on that.

     

    “Negotiate with these people. Build for them schools and hospitals. Let them have future. Build for them markets. Even the people we call bandits, what they sometimes complain is that they no longer have cattle markets because whenever they establish market, it gets destroyed.

     

    “So the military should be out of this picture completely. We are not fighting a foreign country. We should develop our internal security.”