Retired Gen. Ali-Keffi: Buhari Govt Halted Major Offensive Against Bandits, Sabotaged Anti-Terror Operations

Retired Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi has revealed that the Muhammadu Buhari administration halted a crucial 2021 military offensive that was close to crushing major bandit networks across the North West and North Central. The former GOC 1 Division and commander of the covert Operation Silent War (OSW) detailed internal sabotage, intelligence conflicts, alleged illegal-mining-linked complicity, and an attempt to frame him for treason.

Ali-Keffi described clashes with then Army Chief Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, including an encounter where he was told to hand over intelligence so the Army could bypass OSW. He also alleged assassination attempts, noting that U.S. officials intervened during his detention.

According to him, coordinated operations in Niger and Kaduna had cleared key bandit camps and rescued over 100 victims before a presidential directive abruptly suspended offensives following negotiations with Fulani leaders. Both he and the GOC 8 Division were removed before the ceasefire window ended, derailing what he said could have been a decisive victory against banditry.

Obasanjo Says Boko Haram War Endures Because Insecurity Has Become an Industry

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has asserted that Nigeria’s 15-year battle against Boko Haram has persisted because insecurity has become a lucrative “industry” benefiting actors within and outside government. Speaking during the Toyin Falola Interviews, Obasanjo criticised the country’s failure to apply a modern counterinsurgency strategy built on training, intelligence, technology, and specialised equipment. He revealed instances of internal sabotage, lack of trust from foreign partners, and missed negotiation opportunities—such as a 2011 ceasefire offer the government failed to pursue. Despite trillions spent on defence, insurgency, banditry, and mass abductions continue to ravage the North, worsening Nigeria’s security crisis.

Intelligence Report Uncovers Hundreds of Kidnapping and Bandit Syndicate Members Across Northern Nigeria

A classified Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) report has exposed a vast network of kidnapping and bandit syndicates operating across the North-West and North-East. The investigation reveals detailed profiles of key kingpins, informants, logistics operators, and possible links to politically exposed persons.
Hotspot states like Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna dominate the findings, with suspects tied to ransom collection, weapons sourcing, international communication, and alleged collaboration with security and political figures. The report highlights how coordinated criminal networks sustain abductions, banditry, and cross-regional movement of armed groups.

Use Benin-Style Military Force Against Terrorists in Nigeria, Adeyanju Urges Tinubu

Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has called on President Bola Tinubu to apply the same decisive military strength used in stopping the failed coup in Benin Republic to crush terrorist groups operating across Nigeria. Praising Nigeria’s swift and coordinated intervention in Benin — involving Air Force jets and ground operations — Adeyanju said the same firmness is urgently needed to tackle terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism within the country. He added that Nigeria’s regional leadership means little if citizens at home continue to suffer relentless attacks, especially in the North-West, North-East and North-Central regions.

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

Insecurity: Kano gov gathers 4,444 Qur’an reciters for prayers against banditry

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has warned against politicising insecurity, stressing that the growing threat of banditry demands collective action from all citizens regardless of political affiliation.

The governor made the remarks on Saturday night during a special prayer session at the Government House, where 4,444 Qur’an memorizers (Huffaz) gathered to recite the Holy Qur’an and offer prayers for lasting peace in the state following recent attacks by armed bandits.

The event drew notable figures, including the 16th Fulani Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, top government officials, clerics and community leaders.

Governor Yusuf emphasised that insecurity affects everyone equally, urging Nigerians to unite in confronting the menace.

“Insecurity does not know politics or party affiliations. This is why everyone, regardless of their leanings, must join hands to fight the monster of banditry. We want to see everybody working together to free Kano,” he said.

According to him, the government is working round-the-clock with security operatives to protect Kano and its environs.

Describing the mass prayer session as a vital spiritual effort, the governor noted that such initiatives should be appreciated by all well-meaning residents.

The prayer session drew Islamic scholars, Qur’an reciters and participants from all 44 local government areas, all united in seeking divine intervention and an end to insecurity in the state.

The Police Command in Sokoto State has arrested three suspected financiers of banditry and several other individuals linked to motorcycle theft and criminal conspiracy, recovering rustled cattle as well as stolen motorcycles in two coordinated operations.

ZLP Chairman Nwanyanwu Says Nigeria’s Military Can Easily Defeat Bandits and Terrorists

The National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dan Nwanyanwu, has declared that Nigeria’s military has the full capacity to crush banditry and terrorism, describing the task as “simple” for the armed forces.
He referenced Nigeria’s strong record in peacekeeping missions across Africa, arguing that the same military that excelled abroad has the ability to restore peace at home if properly empowered and directed.

#Nigeria #Security #Nwanyanwu #Military

Nigerian Troops Rescue 10 Kidnap Victims in Kaduna After Gun Battle, Recover Weapons

The Nigerian Army has rescued 10 kidnapped victims in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State after engaging abductors in an early-morning gun battle. The victims, taken from their farms on November 29, were freed unharmed during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation under Operation Peace Shield. Troops recovered a fabricated AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and ₦1.6 million believed to be ransom money. The Army reaffirmed its commitment to combating banditry across Kaduna and nearby states, where rural communities remain persistent targets.

Nigeria Must Combine AI, Drones and Local Intelligence to Defeat Terrorism – Prof. Celestine Iwendi

Professor Celestine Iwendi of the University of Greater Manchester says Nigeria must adopt a hybrid security strategy that merges artificial intelligence, drones, and community-based intelligence to effectively combat rising terrorism, kidnappings, and banditry. He emphasises that conventional military tactics alone are insufficient and calls for retraining the military in guerrilla warfare, recruiting local defenders, and building secure data-driven systems to predict and prevent attacks. Iwendi also highlights the importance of collaboration with research institutions to strengthen national security capacity.

Boris Johnson Says He Feels “Perfectly Safe” in Nigeria Despite Rising Insecurity at Imo Economic Summits

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has declared that he felt “perfectly safe” during his visit to Nigeria, despite widespread insecurity and global concern over rising violence. Speaking at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, Johnson dismissed warnings about Nigeria’s security situation and praised Governor Hope Uzodimma’s plans for 24-hour electricity and sustainable power. His remarks contrast sharply with ongoing mass kidnappings, banditry, and international criticism, including recent warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump. Johnson emphasized Nigeria’s potential and highlighted strong cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and the UK.

Bandits Attack Ekiti Community, Engage Security in Gunfight as All Kidnap Victims Are Rescued

Armed bandits raided the Gaa Fulani community in Iye-Mero, Ikole LGA of Ekiti State on Wednesday evening, abducting residents and looting valuables. The attackers were intercepted by local security operatives and soldiers, leading to a prolonged gunfight across the Ekiti–Kwara–Kogi forest corridor. The bandits eventually abandoned all kidnapped victims and fled. The attack occurred amid rising tensions in nearby Kogi State, where protests over insecurity earlier resulted in the deaths of two youths after security forces reportedly opened fire.


#EkitiAttack

#Banditry_in_Nigeria

Troops Rescue Six Kidnap Victims in Successful Joint Operation Across Kogi Forests


Nigerian Army troops from the 12 Brigade in Lokoja have successfully rescued six kidnap victims during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation spanning the Ejiba and Saminaka forest axis in Kogi State. Supported by intensified air and ground offensives, including a Nigeria Police helicopter, the sustained pressure forced the bandits to release the abductees. Five victims have been reunited with their families, while one is receiving medical care. The Army reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating criminal hideouts and strengthening security across the state.


#KogiState #NigerianArmy #KidnapRescue #SecurityOperations #Banditry #NigeriaNews #TroopOperations #Ejiba #YagbaWest #YagbaEast #NationalSecurity

Bandits Demand N500m Ransom for Abducted Kogi Pastor and Church Worshippers



Armed bandits who raided a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Kogi State, have contacted the family of the abducted pastor and worshippers, demanding a N500 million ransom. The attack, which occurred during Sunday service, prompted state authorities to launch aerial and ground security operations. Officials condemned the incident as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the victims.


#KogiKidnapping

#Banditry

#SecurityCrisis

Seven Cameroonians Arrested for Alleged Banditry in Benue Border Community




Seven Cameroonian nationals have been arrested in Imande-Agbatse, a Benue border community between Nigeria and Cameroon, for alleged involvement in banditry and cross-border criminal activities. The suspects — Titakung Cyril Gadinga, Nuvi Clifford Babila, Foyabo Godwin Nuvi T, Doh Collins Dobgima, Basil Smith, Dama Kenneth Babila, and Dingana Emmanuel — were apprehended by community youths before being handed over to security operatives. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the men are currently with the State Police Criminal Investigation Department for profiling and investigation. Authorities say Benue remains calm as efforts continue to determine the suspects’ roles in cross-border crime networks.

Yesterday evening, armed bandit groups ambushed travelers along the Wawa–Luma road in Borgu LGA, Niger State, blocking two vehicles and abducting an unspecified number of passengers. Locals say the attack lasted from 4–7 p.m. without any security response. Witnesses claim the bandits arrived on motorcycles in coordinated groups moving toward Kale, Konkoje, Kaiama and Lumma. Also a driver on the Papiri road survived after his vehicle was shot at.

The questions are: Why are road ambushes becoming so frequent? What strategies can actually curb banditry on highways? How long can communities endure these attacks?

Revealed: The Hidden Story of Banditry in Nigeria
From new tactics like chemical sprays to mass kidnappings, communities are under siege. See how residents and vigilantes are fighting back.
#NigeriaNews, #InsecurityNigeria, #BreakingNews, #FintterVoices

"Let heads roll, save Nigeria"- Okon of Lagos urges President Tinubu to prosecute Sheikh Gumi.

Popular Nollywood actor, Imeh Bishop Umoh, popularly known as Okon of Lagos, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prosecute Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi for terrorism.

Gumi has been known to push for negotiation with terrorists in their hide outs and also defending their actions.

Speaking via an open letter addressed to the president, Umoh asserted that Gumi is a well known banditry apologist and should be prosecuted if found guilty of terrorism.

Lamenting on the situation in the country, Umoh insisted that no responsible government negotiates with terrorists.

The actor wrote on Instagram: “Sheikh Gumi is a proven banditry apologist. It’s visible to the blind and audible to the deaf that there is a huge deficiency, if not a total lack of courage to arrest, investigate and subsequently prosecute and convict Sheikh Gumi if found culpable for terrorism.

“According to El-Rufai, the only repentant terrorist is a dead one and I totally agree. Keel them all! Save Nigeria!!

“No responsible government negotiates with terrorists!!!”

He added: “Yes there may be political pressures from sacred cows, but at this point does it matter? Let sacred cows be touched. Let heads roll. That’s not too much ado for our roads and farmlands to be safe again, our communities livable, as well as our churches and sacred worship centers, safe like before

“Our country is near gone. Let’s save what’s remaining of this already existing ruins and restore her back to glory. Mr. President Sir, I know you can. I hope you will.”

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the increasing incidence of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in the northern region of the country, asserting that no part will be neglected while his government remains vigilant.

FG says Trump’s Remarks Embolden Violent Groups in Nigeria.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has warned that recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump have unintentionally encouraged violent groups in Nigeria. Speaking in a press release on Wednesday, Akume said some extremists are now exploiting international narratives to justify attacks on soft targets.

He noted that prior to these statements, insurgency networks in the country had been largely weakened and reduced to isolated banditry. Akume stressed that the remarks have given opportunistic groups a platform to gain visibility, underscoring the need for collaboration rather than public labeling between Nigeria and the United States.

Akume reaffirmed that Nigeria does not require foreign troops, highlighting the Nigerian Armed Forces’ successes in reclaiming territories and degrading Boko Haram and ISWAP leadership. He emphasized that targeted support particularly in intelligence, technology, and equipment would be more effective than direct foreign intervention.

The SGF also rejected claims that the conflict represents a “Christian genocide,” noting that both Muslims and Christians have been victims of attacks on churches and mosques. He reiterated that Nigeria is a secular state and that government appointments reflect the country’s diversity, with Christians and Muslims equally represented in key positions, including the Federal Executive Council and the Nigerian Security Council.

Akume concluded that while Nigeria remains open to international cooperation, the focus should be on dismantling extremist networks with appropriate support rather than imposing external labels or interventions.