Are Nigeria’s Airstrikes Finally Turning the Tide? Nigerian Air Force Bombs Terrorist Hideouts in Borno’s Timbuktu Triangle Under Operation Hadin Kai

Is Nigeria’s intensified air campaign beginning to weaken terrorist strongholds in the North-East? The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed a major air interdiction operation targeting terrorist locations at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State, carried out under the joint task force Operation Hadin Kai.

According to a statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the mission followed multi-source intelligence that confirmed active terrorist presence, fortified structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area. Based on this intelligence, NAF air assets were deployed for integrated surveillance and precision strikes on identified targets.

The Air Force said the operation was carefully designed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlespace for advancing ground forces, while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting non-combatants. Targeted structures believed to be used by terrorist elements were destroyed, while a follow-up strike neutralised armed fighters observed converging on the location.

Speaking on the mission, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the operation as evidence of the Air Force’s determination to deliver precise and decisive airpower in support of ground troops. He stated that NAF would continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, hideouts, and logistics wherever they attempt to regroup.

“Our operations are intelligence-led and carefully planned to achieve maximum impact on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians,” Aneke said, reaffirming that pressure will be sustained until terrorist networks are completely dismantled. Ground troops who later advanced into the area reportedly confirmed the effectiveness of the airstrikes, validating the success of the joint air-land operation.

The Borno operation follows a similar strike in December 2025, when NAF targeted bandit camps in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State under Operation Fansan Yamma, destroying positions linked to a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Dogo Sule. Those strikes were also based on what NAF described as credible, multi-source intelligence.

As Nigeria continues to battle insurgency and banditry across multiple regions, the latest operation raises key questions: Are precision airstrikes beginning to weaken terrorist networks? Can sustained intelligence-driven operations finally deny extremists safe havens? And will joint air-ground campaigns restore security to communities long terrorised by violence?

Nigerian Army Arrests Notorious Bandit Kingpin Fidelis Gayama in Benue–Taraba Border Operation

The Nigerian Army has captured a high-profile bandit leader, Fidelis Gayama, during an intelligence-led operation in Vaase Community, Ukum Local Government Area, Benue State. Gayama, linked to multiple kidnappings and armed robberies along the Benue–Taraba axis, is reportedly associated with another wanted criminal, Aka Dogo. The arrest, carried out by troops of Forward Operating Base Wukari under Operation Whirl Stroke, is considered a major blow to criminal networks in the region. The suspect is now in military custody and will be handed over to authorities for investigation and prosecution. The Army urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

Abuja Court Reopens Terrorism Case Against Bello Turji’s Alleged Financiers

The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the Federal Government’s request to reopen a terrorism case against five suspects accused of financing notorious bandit leader Bello Turji. Initially struck out due to claims of non-diligent prosecution, the case—marked FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024—was reinstated by Justice Emeka Nwite following arguments from the Attorney-General’s office. The defendants, including Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (aka Doctor), Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma, face multiple counts of providing material, logistical, and financial support to terrorist networks operating in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna. The court adjourned the case to January 21, 2026, for continuation of hearings.

Ex-Aide Accuses Tinubu’s Defence Minister Bello Matawalle Of Using Police Hit Squad, Supplying Vehicles To Bandits And Colluding With Criminal Networks In Zamfara

A former aide to Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has made grave allegations accusing the minister of colluding with police officers to eliminate perceived enemies and protect allies during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State. Musa Muhammad Kamara, also known as Musa Kamarawa, who served as a Senior Special Assistant to Matawalle, claimed in a viral Hausa-language interview that the minister maintained a network of police operatives who allegedly carried out extrajudicial killings on his orders. Kamara further alleged that the Zamfara State Government under Matawalle procured and supplied vehicles to notorious bandit leaders, including Bello Turji and Halilu Sububu, as part of an engagement strategy. He claimed to have personally facilitated the procurement of a Hilux vehicle for one of the bandits. Kamara stated that after he began speaking publicly, he was targeted through arrests, prosecutions, and what he described as a coordinated attempt to silence him. Swearing on the Holy Qur’an, he challenged Matawalle to publicly deny the allegations under oath. The accusations have reignited national debate over insecurity in Zamfara State, alleged government complicity with banditry, and calls for an independent investigation into Matawalle’s conduct as governor and defence minister.

Banditry Victims’ Families Urge Tinubu to Probe Alleged Links of Ex-Governors Yerima and Bafarawa to Northwest Insecurity

Families affected by years of deadly banditry in Northwest Nigeria have petitioned President Bola Tinubu, seeking an investigation into allegations that former governors Ahmed Sani Yerima (Zamfara) and Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto) contributed to the region’s insecurity. The Coalition of Families Affected by Banditry highlighted the loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods from sustained attacks across Zamfara, Sokoto, and neighbouring states. The petition was prompted by claims from notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, who alleged that policies under the former governors, including the seizure of grazing reserves and arming of vigilante groups, fueled ethnic tensions and cycles of reprisal violence. The coalition urged an impartial probe, with potential international oversight, to ensure accountability and break the cycle of violence.

BREAKING: Police Bust Bandit Supply Route in Kwara, Arrest Two Suspected Kidnappers and Arms Couriers Linked to Notorious Bandit Leader

Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), working with the Kwara State Police Command, have dismantled a bandit supply route in Kwara State, arresting two suspected kidnappers and arms couriers during an intelligence-led operation along the Omu-Aran–Oko Road. The suspects, identified as Abubakar Mohammed Lawal and Abubakar Manu, were intercepted on December 13, 2025, with items allegedly meant for bandits hiding in the Oro-Ago forest. Recovered items included walkie-talkies, a military-style water bag, a rechargeable torchlight, and a face cap. Police sources said the suspects confessed to supplying logistics and arms to criminal groups and revealed links to a notorious bandit leader, Nagala Danladi, who reportedly commands over 300 armed men terrorising communities across Kwara, Kano, and Niger states.

Bello Turji Admits Meeting Zamfara Officials, Calls for Arrest of Ex-Governor Matawalle, Others

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has confirmed holding peace talks with Zamfara State officials under former governor Bello Matawalle but denied receiving ₦30 million as alleged. In an audio message, Turji accused former Zamfara and Sokoto governors, including Ahmed Sani Yerima, of fuelling violence in the region and called for their arrest, while distancing himself from political sponsorship.

Northern Coalition Demands Probe of Defence Minister Matawalle Over Alleged Links to Bandits in Zamfara

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has called on the National Assembly to launch an urgent investigation into allegations linking Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to bandit leaders in Zamfara State. The group cited alleged confessional statements by a former aide accusing political figures of funding and supporting criminal networks. CNG warned that the claims, if proven, could undermine Nigeria’s security efforts and demanded a transparent, independent probe with full protection for whistle-blowers.

#BelloMatawalle

#BanditryInNigeria

#NationalAssemblyProbe

JUST IN: Nigerian Army Eliminates Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Kallamu in Sokoto Operation

The 8th Division of the Nigerian Army has killed notorious bandit commander Kachalla Kallamu in Sokoto State’s Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

Now that the man Nigerians admire and trust, General Musa, has been appointed Minister of Defence, one uncomfortable question refuses to leave my mind:

Will he truly be able to work with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle?

Before anyone answers that, let us remind ourselves who Oga Bello really is.

In 2021, when he was still Governor of Zamfara State, he boldly declared in a now-viral interview:
“Not all bandits are criminals.”
According to him, bandits only became violent because vigilante groups had cheated them.

But that is not even the most troubling part.

In November 2025, one of his former senior aides granted an explosive interview, alleging that Matawalle supplied 36 brand-new Toyota Hilux vehicles to notorious bandit commanders. Not only that, the aide claimed he maintained communication with these commanders even after becoming Minister.

And then came the most shocking accusation of all.

His successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, publicly accused Matawalle of harboring bandit leaders inside the Government House and diverting the resources of the state to enable banditry. He even went further to call for Matawalle’s removal from the Defence Ministry if the Federal Government is truly serious about ending terrorism and banditry.

So I ask again

General Musa may be ready to fight for Nigeria
but is everyone around him ready to fight the same enemy?

And how exactly are these appointments made without any background checks whatsoever?

This leads to the question I keep asking: can we truly separate our government from the terrorists killing us?

-KAA
#kaa_truths

"Majority of Bandits Neutralised, Only Few Scattered Elements Remain"— Defence Minister,Matawalle.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has stated that most b+ndit leaders and their followers have been neutralised, noting that only a few scattered elements remain. He added that President Bola Tinubu has directed Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops to eliminate the remaining bandits in the North-West.

SaharaReporters previously reported that the Kebbi State Police confirmed the abduction of at least 25 students from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Danko/Wasagu LGA, on Monday morning.

The attack by heavily armed bandits resulted in the d+ath of one staff member and injury to another, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi said. The incident reportedly occurred around 4am, with assailants engaging police officers in a gun battle.

Matawalle made his remarks during a visit to the Theatre Command Headquarters, following Juma’at prayers at the Command Mosque.

According to his Director of Information, Ibrahim Sule, he conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation for the troops’ courage, patriotism, and achievements in dismantling bandit formations across the Northwest.

He told the soldiers: “Most key bandit leaders and their foot soldiers have been neutralised through your gallant effort. What remains now are scattered elements, and the Commander-in-Chief has directed that these must be completely eliminated. You have every support needed logistics, equipment, welfare, and morale to finish the job.”

Matawalle was received by Theatre Commander Maj. Gen. Warrah Bello Idris, who briefed him on recent operations, including neutralising high-value targets and reclaiming communities previously under bandit control. The minister praised the troops’ resilience, calling their sacrifices the foundation for peace returning to Zamfara and neighbouring states.

Addressing officers and soldiers, Matawalle urged sustained vigilance and discipline, assuring them that total victory was near. “Your sacrifices will never be in vain. The President, the nation, and soon the people of this region will sleep peacefully,” he declared.

Fulani Bandit Leaders commit to Lasting Peace after Dialogue with Charanci and Batagarawa Communities.

The local governments of Charanci and Batagarawa in Katsina State have joined their counterparts in engaging in a peace dialogue with armed Fulani groups residing in the forests.

The peace meeting, which took place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, was held in Wurma town of Kurfi Local Government Area in Katsina State.

According to a report gathered by Zagazola via Militainment News, the meeting was attended by the Chairman of Batagarawa Local Government, Hon. Yahaya Lawal Kawo, representatives from Charanci Local Government, traditional rulers, and delegates of the forest-based Fulani community.

The dialogue session reportedly ended on a positive note, as representatives of the Fulani groups pledged to embrace lasting peace and coexist peacefully with neighboring communities.

Police Disclose Identities of Imam, Worshippers Killed in Zamfara Mosque.

Tragedy struck in Zamfara State on Friday when gunmen stormed a mosque in Yantodon Daji village, Tsafe Local Government Area, killing the Imam and four worshippers during morning prayers.

Three other people were abducted in the raid.

The State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Maikaba, who confirmed the incident, said the attackers deliberately targeted the mosque to provoke public outrage.

“We believe the bandits deployed this method just to draw attention. They have seen the reaction when a mosque was attacked in Malumfashi, Katsina State, and that is why they carried out a similar act here in Zamfara,” Maikaba told journalists.

According to him, the armed men opened fire indiscriminately on worshippers, killing five people before whisking away three others to an unknown destination.

Those killed were identified as:
Sale Dangero, 75
Mamman Yaro, 72
Malam Lawali Bataribas, 67
Malam Jafaru, a retired ASP, 68
Malam Safiyanu, 55

The abducted victims were named as Danyaye Alh. Gambo, Malam Basiru, and Ibrahim Bello.

Maikaba added that preliminary investigations traced the assault to a notorious bandit leader, Bakin Malam, and his loyalists operating around the Makera axis.

He assured residents that security operatives were already on the trail of the attackers and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice

JUST IN: Nigeria’s wanted bandit kingpin accepts peace deal in katsina

A notorious bandit leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, who was declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters, was among top bandits who reportedly accepted a peace deal in Katsina State.

Bandit Leader Allegedly Behind Killing Of Over 30 In Katsina Mosque Attack Attends Peace Meeting In Faskari |fintter

Bandit Leader Linked to Katsina Mosque Massacre Spotted at Peace Meeting in Faskari

September 15, 2025

Barely days after allegedly orchestrating the massacre of 32 worshippers at Mantau Mosque in Malumfashi Local Government Area, notorious bandit leader Babaro was seen on Sunday at a peace meeting in Faskari, Katsina State.

The dialogue, convened to ease tensions between armed herders and farming communities, brought together traditional rulers, security representatives, community leaders, and herder group leaders.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama revealed on X that Babaro—long on security watchlists for kidnappings, extortion, and deadly raids—was among those in attendance, raising serious concerns over impunity and governance failures.

For years, Babaro has terrorised communities in Kankara and Malumfashi, leaving trails of abductions, killings, and destruction. His open presence at a high-level forum has sparked outrage among locals still grieving the recent mosque massacre.

Peace meetings of this nature have become common across the northwest, where banditry and farmer-herder violence have displaced thousands. Supporters see dialogue as a path to stability, but critics argue it legitimises violent actors and undermines justice.

As of Sunday night, the Katsina State Government had not commented on reports of Babaro—and other wanted bandit leaders—attending the meeting. For many residents, the development has deepened fears that victims of the massacre may never see justice.

Empower Me and I’ll End Banditry in 2 Months-Gov. Dauda Lawal to FG.

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has thrown a big challenge to the federal government. He has sensationally declared that banditry would be a thing of the past if the federal government gives him direct and complete control of security agencies in the country.

He’s not done. He also declared categorically that he knows the movement of every single bandit leader operating in Zamfara State as he can track them on his mobile phone!

But in a viral video that has sent social media buzzing, the governor lamented that he is seriously handicapped in the fight against banditry in the state because he lacks direct control over security agencies and outfits operating in Zamfara.

The governor lamented that the situation where security chiefs in the state only take orders from Abuja could be counter-productive.

“We have dozens of tracking facilities which we fixed across the state just to help security in tracking the bandits.,’ he disclosed.

“I swear to Almighty Allah, wherever a bandits’ leader is located within Zamfara state, I know it and if he goes out, I know,

“With my mobile phone, I can show you where and where these bandits are today. But we cannot do anything beyond our powers.

“If today, I have the power to give orders to the security agencies, I can assure you, we will end banditry in Zamfara State within two months.

BREAKING: Seven Killed, Eight Injured In Southern Kaduna Terror Attack Despite Peace Pact

At least seven people, mostly minors, were killed and eight others injured in a late-night terrorist attack on Angwan Rimi community, Kauru LGA of Southern Kaduna.

Community leader Iliya Tata confirmed that heavily armed attackers struck between Sunday night and early Monday, leaving children as young as one year old among the victims. Survivors sustained gunshot wounds and machete cuts.

The Irigwe Development Association condemned the killings, calling on security agencies and government authorities to act swiftly to protect communities.

The attack comes despite Kaduna State’s peace pact with bandit leaders under the new “Kaduna Model” initiative, which has seen some warlords lay down arms. Critics, however, have warned that the deal lacks transparency and excludes victims’ voices.

#Kaduna #Nigeria #TerrorAttack #BreakingNews

Former gubernatorial candidate escapes assassination in Abuja.

A former gubernatorial candidate in Zamfara State, Sani Shinkafi on Friday escaped an attempted assassination in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.

Shinkafi, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress said the attack happened shortly after the Juma’at prayers on Friday, August 15.

He said he was on his way home when some masked assailants blocked his vehicle with an unmarked Prado jeep.

According to him, the assailants who seemed fierce were heavily armed and dressed in black.

Attributing the attempted attack on his life to his bold and patriotic stance on issues of governance and the growing insecurity in Zamfara, Shinkafi said he will not be intimidated by anyone or group.

Shinkafi has also been a strong critic of criminal elements including the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.

He said, “This was an unprovoked attempt on my life but I will not be deterred by intimidation or harassment in the quest for national security, peace, unity, and social development.”

He also disclosed that his Abuja residence has in the past week received several threat calls from unknown numbers.

Stating that he believes these calls are connected to the attack, the former guber candidate appealed to the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services to as a matter of urgency investigate the incident.

Inside Bello Turji’s Latest ‘Peace’ Deal With Zamfara
Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has struck another truce with Nigerian authorities after weeks of deadly clashes in Zamfara State. The deal, brokered by Muslim clerics, saw Turji agree to halt raids, kidnappings, and cattle theft in exchange for an end to vigilante attacks on his Fulani kinsmen. He also released 32 captives and surrendered some weapons.

While farming has resumed near his stronghold, security experts warn the accord may be a temporary “survival strategy,” as past deals with Turji and other bandits have collapsed. Underlying issues — poverty, herder-farmer tensions, and the profitability of banditry — remain unresolved.

#ZamfaraCrisis #BelloTurji #NigeriaSecurity #Banditry