Together with members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, troops from Operation WHIRL STROKE, OPWS, neutralized two suspected terrorists and recovered weapons and ammunition after thwarting a terrorist attack on Tor Donga Yam Market in Benue State.

Zagazola Makama, a security and counter-insurgency specialist in the Lake Chad region, revealed this in a post on X.

According to Zagazola, the forces conducted combat and confidence-boosting patrols around the market on Sunday while quickly responding to a distress call.

He claimed that as soon as the military arrived, they established contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a violent gunfight.

Two suspected terrorists, identified as Dantaraba and Golozo, were neutralized during the encounter, he claimed, while others left the scene with varied degrees of injuries.

One AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one broken pistol, one pistol magazine, six rounds of NATO 7.62mm ammo, nine rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, one ATM card, one Moniepoint ATM card, and other various goods were found from the suspects.

The security expert pointed out that the military’ prompt response avoided what might have led to serious civilian casualties and disruption of business operations at the well-known Tor Donga Yam Market.

He added, “The successful operation also ensured that traders and residents continued their activities without fear of terrorist attacks.”

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The Nigerian military on Monday narrated how troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, supported by Nigerian Air Force, rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information (DDI), from the den of bandits.

The rescue came after weeks of gruelling search-and-rescue operations launched after Mrs. Abubakar was abducted along with her husband by armed bandits, the military said.

The military said the troops continued to pressure the criminal group through a series of offensive operations and intelligence-driven missions to locate the kidnappers and free the victim.

Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village during one of the operations, which was the breakthrough.

The military said the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar and left her behind before fleeing when the troops closed in on their position and came under overwhelming pressure from the security forces.

The troops immediately cordoned off the area and rescued the victim, thereby ending her ordeal of captivity.

She was evacuated from the scene and taken to a military hospital for urgent medical care.

Mrs Abubakar is responding well to treatment and remains under close medical supervision, the Armed Forces said.

The military leadership has further assured that all the required support is being extended to her and her family to ensure her complete recovery.

The late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Defence spokesman and a senior military officer, and his wife were abducted in an incident that raised concerns and condemnation across the board.

Following the abduction, troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA intensified efforts to track down the kidnappers with ground operations, aerial surveillance and support from the Nigerian Air Force.

The armed forces would intensify their operations to track down and neutralize those behind the abduction and continue to rid Katsina State and other parts of the country of terrorists and bandits, the Armed Forces said, quoting Major General Uba.

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The Nigerian Military has neutralized a top terrorist leader, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, in an operation in Kogi State.

Security forces reportedly foiled a planned attack on students sitting their West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) based on credible intelligence, killing Battijo during a coordinated operation.

The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has since briefed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on the successful mission following the development.

Ododo briefed Ribadu on the killing of the bandit kingpin on Monday, a statement by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation said on Monday.

The statement signed by Maryam Abubakar Gulma, narrated that during the meeting, Governor Ododo gave a detailed account of the intelligence-driven operation that culminated in the neutralization of the criminal leader, describing it as a product of effective collaboration between federal security agencies, local security structures and the Kogi State Government.

According to the Governor, highly sophisticated intelligence assets were deployed to track the movements and activities of Battijo and his gang, which culminated in the discovery of their plot to attack and abduct students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination at Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

Following credible intelligence, the Kogi State Government promptly moved the students from a vulnerable location to the heart of Iluke town to ensure their safety while they continued their examinations.

“Despite the proactive intervention of government and security agencies, Battijo and his gang attacked the community in a desperate bid to carry out their criminal mission. However, the Nigerian military troops in synergy with other security agencies, the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local hunters successfully repelled the attack. “In the ensuing fierce gun battle, the notorious bandit kingpin was neutralized and his criminal network suffered devastating losses,” a statement said.

“In a follow-up clearance mission after the elimination of Battijo, troops of the Nigerian Army led by the Commander, 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Karim Sidi, successfully exhumed the remains of the slain terrorist leader for further examination and intelligence purposes,” the Governor added.

The operation also led to neutralization of more members of Battijo’s gang who had been hiding around the area after the first encounter.

“Earlier, security forces had recovered more than fifteen bodies of bandits during clearance operations, underscoring the scale of the victory recorded against the criminal group and confirming the operation as a comprehensive success,” the statement added.

Ribadu Replies
In response, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the elimination of Kachalla Battijo was a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against terrorism and banditry.

According to the NSA, who described Battijo as one of the most dangerous terrorists operating in the country, his neutralization is a major milestone in the ongoing national efforts to restore peace and security across Nigeria.

He commended Governor Ododo for his commitment, courage and uncompromising resolve in fighting insecurity, noting that the feat is a testament to the effectiveness of strong collaboration between state governments and federal security institutions.

Mallam Ribadu stated that Kogi State plays a strategic role in Nigeria’s security architecture, because of its unique position as a gateway state which borders nine states and the Federal Capital Territory. He promised the continued support of the Federal Government and security agencies in consolidating the gains already recorded in the fight against criminality.

The National Security Adviser also said that the successful operation is a testament to the efficacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s security reforms and the expanding synergy among security institutions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has said its air component under Operation Fansan Yamma, Sector 1, conducted successful airstrikes that neutralized terrorists and disrupted planned attacks across parts of Niger State especially in Rafi and Mariga Local Government Areas.

The operation was conducted between May 20 and May 23, 2026 on credible intelligence on terrorist movements and suspected plans to launch coordinated attacks on communities and security formations in the axis.

The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the first phase of the operation involved precision air interdiction on terrorists gathered around Tungan Bako and Kasuwan Daji in Rafi LGA.

More strikes were carried out on 21 May after terrorists were seen moving on motorcycles and footpaths with rustled cattle from Tungunguna towards Uregi and their movement and escape routes effectively neutralised, he said.

“Armed reconnaissance operations that followed on May 23 over Dogon Dawa and nearby communities in Mariga LGA led to precision strikes that thwarted planned attacks on troops’ locations,” Mr Ejodame said.

He said the post-operation assessments revealed neutralization of a large number of terrorists and disruption of their planned offensives and added the mission was part of the ongoing efforts to degrade the terrorist capabilities in the region.

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More than 20 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members were killed in a new coordinated air operation in the northeast by Nigerian troops working with the US Africa Command, according to the Defense Headquarters (DHQ).

According to the military, intelligence information on the movement and consolidation of terrorist elements in the area prompted the strikes in the general Metele area.

Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the Director of Defense Information, made this announcement in a statement on Monday.

The statement said that the operation was a component of continuous operations to destroy terrorist networks and deny safe havens to rebels in Nigeria.

It clarified that ISIS/ISWAP members who were seen regrouping in the region prior to the attack were the focus of the coordinated airstrikes.

The DHQ described the operation as a significant victory in the counter-insurgency operations, claiming that it eliminated over 20 terrorists.

It further stated that ongoing operations to weaken terrorist capabilities throughout the Northeast will be carried out by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in collaboration with US Africa Command.

The military added that the ongoing operations are intended to stop terrorist movements, remove combatants from the battlefield, and stop them from regrouping.

Maj.-Gen. Uba emphasized the military’s dedication to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while reiterating that there would be no safe harbor for terrorists anywhere in the nation.

The development coincides with Nigeria and the United States’ ongoing counterterrorism collaboration in the wake of recent reports of a combined operation that killed a senior ISIS-affiliated individual in the area.

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has attacked suspected terrorist positions in Guduf, which is in the Mandara Mountains along Nigeria’s northeastern border.

The Air Force said that the strike took place on April 27, 2026, as part of Operation Hadin Kai, which is an ongoing effort to fight terrorism.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information, said in a statement that the operation was based on reliable intelligence and reports from surveillance.

He said that air assets were sent in after they found several terrorist bases and supply depots in the area.

Ejodame said that the operation was carried out perfectly, hitting important insurgent infrastructure.

He said, “NAF air assets carried out a coordinated operation that found several terrorist structures and logistics hubs that were actively supporting insurgent activities in the area.”

He said that the strike successfully destroyed important facilities that the insurgents used, making it much harder for them to carry out their operations.

The Air Force stressed that the mission followed all rules of engagement and made sure to protect civilians and the environment.

He also said that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai used precise targeting to get rid of hostile elements while causing as little damage as possible.

The Mandara Mountains, which are in Adamawa and Borno states and go into Cameroon, have long been known as a safe place for insurgent groups.

The NAF said that the most recent operation shows how committed it is to keeping terrorists from moving freely and making security efforts in the region stronger.

The military said again that it would keep up offensive operations to weaken the insurgents and protect national security.

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Troops from the 33 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army and a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) worked together to carry out a successful operation against suspected terrorists in Bauchi State.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama shared the news on X on Sunday.

The post says that the operation happened around 10:30 a.m. on April 10 and was aimed at Auta Kachalla Camp and nearby areas in the Alkaleri Local Government Area.

Reports say that Brigadier General S.S. Shehu led troops into a gun battle with the terrorists after they made contact with them. The fighters had to run away into the bushes nearby because the soldiers were getting closer.

According to security sources, a Dane gun, a locally made gun, five communication radios, a Point of Sale machine, a mobile phone, and a laptop were among the things found at the camp.

The troops also destroyed motorcycles that were found at the camp and were thought to have been used by the suspects to get around.

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An airstrike on a weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border is thought to have killed at least 56 people, most of whom were traders. Many others were hurt.

Reports say that the event happened on Saturday at Jilli Market, which is between the Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State and the Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.

People who talked to Daily Trust said that the market, which draws traders from nearby towns, was full of buyers and sellers when the airstrike happened.

The weekly market is usually open for people from Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State.

Local sources said that the operation was thought to be part of a military offensive against suspected Boko Haram insurgents who were said to be going to the market to collect taxes and get supplies.

But reports say that the airstrike missed its target.

An eyewitness said that the strike happened in the afternoon while people were working.

“The event took place at about 2:46 p.m., while business was still going on. Four fighter jets attacked, but the fourth jet was hard to see. The witness said, “We only heard explosions.”Study abroad consultation: “I counted 56 dead bodies and helped save two injured people by taking them to the hospital.” The source also said, “I think the number of deaths may be higher because more bodies are still being found.”

Malam Lawan Zanna, the councilor for Fichimaram Ward, confirmed the event and said that several injured people were taken to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam.

“The event happened at the weekly market in Jilli village in the Geidam LGA’s Fichimaram Ward. He said, “Based on what we know, it was an airstrike.”

“When the jets attacked, people freaked out and started to run, but the strikes kept going.” More than 30 people have died as we speak.

He went on to say that more than 20 people who were hurt were taken to the hospital, and some of the victims were sent to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu.

“In Geidam, more than 20 people were sent to the hospital. The Teaching Hospital in Damaturu got two of them. “Nine of the people who were getting treatment have died, bringing the total number of deaths to more than 30,” he said.

What the Yobe Government Says
Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (retd.), the Yobe State Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, confirmed the attack but said it happened in Borno State.

“I talked to the chairman of Geidam Local Government, and he told me that Jilli village is part of Gubio LGA in Borno State.” He said, “You can get more information by calling officials in Maiduguri.”

At the time this report was written, the Nigerian Air Force had not yet made an official statement about the incident.

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During a precision air interdiction operation at Kangarwa in the Northern Tumbuns, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) killed numerous terrorist combatants and commanders as part of Operation Hadin Kai, the Air Component of Joint Task Force North-East.

He emphasized that intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions enforced the April strike, which was based on reliable intelligence.

He claimed that this verified the terrorists’ gathering and ongoing violent actions inside the enclave.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, said in a statement that the operation highlights the force’s ongoing offensive mission to destroy terrorist strongholds and limit terrorists’ freedom of movement throughout the theater.

Several terrorists were seen moving around the settlement’s buildings and hiding places throughout the mission.

After identifying and confirming the target, NAF air assets executed a series of strike passes, accurately hitting targets.

He disclosed that the shelling severely damaged the enclave and reduced its operational efficacy by destroying important buildings, logistical centers, and numerous fighters.

Additionally, the attack hindered terrorist movement and made it easier for ground forces to approach, take advantage of the impact, and maintain coordinated clearance operations.

Both jets and parts of ISWAP’s command and support organization are thought to have suffered significant damage as a result of the mission.

The accomplishment demonstrates the increasing cooperation between air and ground forces throughout Operation Hadin Kai, supporting continuous attempts to deny terrorists a place to hide.

“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to deliver precise, intelligence-driven strikes in close coordination with surface forces until every terrorist enclave is dismantled and lasting security is restored,” said Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff, regarding the ongoing operational momentum.

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38 ISWAP terrorists have been killed by troops from the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI, OPHK.

The operation was conducted on Saturday morning, according to a statement sent by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Joint Task Force’s media information officer.

Before the military defeated them, the terrorists attacked the FOB Mandaragirau in Sector 2, Borno State.

The statement claimed that the military used well-planned ambushes and a calculated offensive-defensive strategy to confront the terrorists and drive them into a chaotic retreat.

In order to improve targeted kinetic responses against the assault, the troops were reportedly given close air support by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.

Further significant losses were caused by exploitation along the terrorists’ escape routes.

Eight dead have been found within the immediate engagement area, and human information from locals has confirmed that over thirty more terrorists’ bodies and weapons were scattered along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis into the Timbuktu Triangle, resulting in the neutralization of about 38 terrorists.

Blood trails and abandoned equipment served as proof of this. While reporting no casualties, troops also found seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four RPG bombs, and various ammo. One MRAP was struck by RPG fire, but the injured were quickly treated.

The statement went on, “The extent of enemy losses has sparked widespread celebration among local communities and highlights the sustained dominance of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action.”

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