Traditional Ruler, Ojibara of Bayagan, Six Others Escape From Bandits In Kwara State

The Ojibara of Bayagan in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, and six other abductees have escaped from their captors, Vanguard reports. Sources from the community said the escape followed a daring attack by vigilantes who stormed the forest where the bandits were holding the victims. “The vigilante team confronted the bandits in a fierce battle around the Eku Idaji area, near Igbaja. While the monarch and the six others have not yet returned to Bayagan, they have contacted members of the community to confirm their escape,” a source said. The bandits had earlier demanded a ransom of N150 million for the monarch’s release. Vanguard had learned on Sunday morning that they contacted the community in the early hours to insist on the payment, requiring Oba Ojibara to prove he was in their custody. The monarch reportedly urged his community to negotiate for his release, explaining that he was transported on a motorcycle through dense forests for more than five hours before arriving at the bandits’ hideout. He also revealed that other people had been abducted from a nearby community during the attack. Bayagan is one of the largest communities in Ifelodun LGA. Oba Ojibara was kidnapped around 9:30 am on Saturday when armed bandits, reportedly carrying AK-47 rifles, stormed his farm.

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Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Neutralise Bandit During Ambush in Kogi

Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have thwarted a kidnapping attempt by armed bandits in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, rescuing one victim and neutralising a suspected bandit in the process. According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, the operation was launched in the early hours of Tuesday around the Oshokoshoko–Obajana axis of Lokoja LGA following credible intelligence on the movement of bandits with abducted persons. “As part of ongoing intensified efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Kogi State, troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have successfully foiled an ambush by armed bandits and rescued a kidnapped victim during a coordinated operation,” the statement said. Troops deployed at the Kabba Patrol Base, working alongside Other Hybrid Forces, mounted a special ambush after receiving reports of bandits crossing the corridor with captives. The soldiers made contact with the armed group, who opened fire, but were overpowered by superior firepower. “One bandit was neutralised while others fled with gunshot wounds,” the statement added. Soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle at the scene and rescued one victim, who was reportedly weak and distressed. The individual has since been taken to a medical facility for treatment. Pursuit operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects. The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal networks and ensuring the safety of communities across Kogi State. Residents were urged to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.

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Orji Uzor Kalu Claims Politicians Are Fueling Killings And Abductions To Destabilise Tinubu Government

Former Abia State governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has accused politicians of orchestrating the recent rise in killings and abductions across Nigeria to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Kalu said the wave of attacks is not random but part of a calculated plan, drawing parallels to attempts to destabilise former President Goodluck Jonathan. He declined to name the alleged sponsors but suggested both local and foreign actors are involved. “What we are seeing is always a routine, something that goes with the elections. When you have an election, people will try to pressure the government in power for all kinds of things to start happening. And you can remember when President Jonathan was here, a similar thing happened,” Kalu stated. He added that the ongoing insecurity is a strategic move linked to political manoeuvring ahead of upcoming elections. According to him, the attacks mirror past periods of heightened unrest aimed at weakening the incumbent government. Despite his concerns, Kalu expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s response to the crisis, noting that the President had cancelled official engagements to focus on national security following several high-profile abductions. “For the first time, you see the president cancelling all his engagements. Today is Sunday, and he faced security challenges. He faced everything about security,” he said. Kalu assured Nigerians that the government is making every effort to rescue abducted victims, including recently kidnapped schoolgirls. “Those girls will be recovered. The government is making every effort to make sure these people are recovered,” he said, describing the current situation as “not the best of times” for the country. He also praised the military and security agencies, acknowledging that service chiefs and operatives have been fully deployed to restore peace and security.

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Niger Lawmaker Escapes Deadly Bandit Ambush as Soldier Is Killed

Niger Lawmaker Escapes Deadly Bandit Ambush as Soldier Is Killed

Niger State lawmaker Jafaru Mohammad Ali Damisa narrowly escaped a deadly ambush by bandits, locally known as Lakurawa terrorists, on Tuesday afternoon. The attack along the Lumma–Babanna road in Borgu Local Government Area left one soldier dead and several others injured. Damisa was traveling to Babanna town for an official engagement when the heavily armed assailants, lying in wait on the road, opened fire between 1pm and 2pm. The sudden attack threw his security team and aides into chaos. According to sources, one soldier was killed instantly, while about eight others sustained varying injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in New Bussa for treatment. Four of Damisa’s supporters were also struck by stray bullets, though none suffered life-threatening wounds. The bandits also vandalised approximately 11 vehicles in the convoy, riddling them with bullets and causing extensive damage. All damaged vehicles have since been cleared from the scene. Damisa managed to escape unharmed thanks to the swift action of his security escorts and reinforcements from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Babanna. A fierce gunfight ensued, forcing the attackers to retreat into the forest.

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Troops Neutralise Bandit in Benue, Destroy Camps in Makurdi LGA

Troops of the 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with local hunters, have carried out a clearance operation around the Tatough general area of Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, neutralising one bandit and destroying multiple hideouts. According to a statement by Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Abdullahi Lawal Osabo, the weekend operation involved a fighting patrol and the escort of bereaved family members to Tse-Ayele village for a burial. Troops cleared several identified hotspots, including Mdoor, Anter, Tse-Gegu, Tse-Akaajime, Tse-Agam, and Ndor villages. While advancing through Tse-Akaajime, soldiers encountered armed bandits. A brief but intense firefight ensued, resulting in the killing of one bandit, while others fled, abandoning their positions. Items recovered included two Tecno mobile phones and three motorcycles suspected to have been used in criminal activities. Troops subsequently destroyed and set ablaze all identified bandit camps in the area, effectively preventing the criminals from regrouping. In a related development, soldiers deployed in Tatough have continued aggressive foot and perimeter patrols to maintain security and reassure residents of their safety. The Acting Commander, 401 Special Forces Brigade and Sector 1 OPWS, Colonel K.O. Bukoye, commended the troops for their gallantry, urging them to remain vigilant and sustain momentum in the effort to rid Benue State of criminal elements.

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Troops Kill Notorious Bandit Leader Dan Dari Biyar in Sokoto Operation

Troops Kill Notorious Bandit Leader Dan Dari Biyar in Sokoto Operation

By Kamal yalwa July 26, 2025 Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Fansan Yanma have neutralised Dan Dari Biyar, a notorious bandit kingpin long linked to a reign of terror in Sokoto State. He was killed during a clearance operation in the western axis of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, military sources confirmed. Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama reported that Biyar was eliminated on Thursday while attempting to collect a ransom from relatives of kidnapped victims. According to Makama, Biyar had summoned the victims’ families to deliver the ransom deep inside the forest before falling into an ambush by troops. Biyar was widely feared across the Sokoto East Senatorial District, with his operations based deep within the Tidibale Forest. From there, he orchestrated coordinated attacks on several communities, including Lalle, Tsamaye, and parts of Gwadabawa. He was also allegedly responsible for the notorious burning of Gidan Sale village along the Gundumi axis. Known for his cruelty, Biyar earned infamy for his brutal treatment of kidnap victims, and for his provocative slogan, “I prefer ₦500 to a Hausa man,” which underscored his disdain and ruthlessness. Intelligence reports linked him to numerous acts of arson, ambushes, and raids on rural communities, military sources said. The operation that led to his death was carried out by a joint team of Nigerian Army personnel and local security volunteers under the Sokoto State Government’s Community Protection Initiative. Troops reportedly recovered a cache of high-calibre weapons, while several members of Biyar’s gang fled the scene. Pursuit operations are ongoing. The successful neutralisation of Biyar marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in Nigeria’s northwest.

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