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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Nigerian Army Eliminate 24 Boko Haram Insurgents, Recover Weapons

In continuation of the series of coordinated offensive operations across the North East Theatre of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), bolstered by close air support from the Air Component and collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, have carried out successful kinetic operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in theatre between 4 – 9 July 2025, eliminating several terrorists. In one of the ambushes conducted at Platari on 4 July 2025, the gallant troops, while lying in wait, made contact with JAS/ISWAP terrorists mounted on bicycles moving from the Sambisa Forest axis to the Timbuktu Triangle. The terrorists were immediately subdued with heavy fire, leading to the neutralization of 3 terrorists. Similarly, following intelligence on movements of the insurgents around Komala general area, troops sprang another ambush on the terrorists, neutralizing another fighter. On exploitation of the general area, troops recovered motorcycles and spare parts, knapsack sprayers, pesticides, and terrorists’ food items. Relatedly, troops conducted a night ambush on the same day at terrorists’ hideouts around the Kawuri general area in Konduga Local Government. During the deliberate operations, the resilient troops came into contact with the insurgents. Consequently, 2 terrorists conveying logistics were immediately eliminated, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Troops also recovered packets of salt, food seasoning, detergents, and other sundry items. In the same vein, troops on 5 July 2025, intercepted terrorists attempting to access the Madarari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Konduga Local Government Area. The troops swiftly engaged the insurgents, killing one terrorists, while others escaped with traces of gunshot wounds. Troops subsequently recovered several rounds of ammunition during the exploitation of the area. In another development, troops conducted a fighting patrol to terrorists’ enclaves at Leno Kura. Resultantly, the troops came into contact with the insurgents and engaged them with simultaneous gunfire from different directions. Accordingly, 3 terrorists met their Waterloo, while troops continued exploitation of the area. Furthermore, on 6 July 2025, troops carried out a night ambush at a suspected terrorists’ crossing point along the roads Ngoshe – Gava, Ngoshe – Ashigashiya, as well as Amuda – Gava areas.Troops made contact, and an insurgent was neutralized while others fled. On 7 July 2025 also, troops sprang another ambush following an intelligence report close to Sabsawa village. During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists’ logistics suppliers and successfully neutralized 2 insurgents. On exploitation of the area, the gallant troops recovered bicycles, sacks of slippers, several torchlights, batteries, detergents, salt, and rubber shoes, amongst other sundry items. On 8 July 2025, troops in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, under close air support provided by the Air Component of OPHK, conducted clearance operations at Bula Marwa, a known ISWAP/JAS enclave. In the course of the operation, the troops eliminated an insurgent and recovered a gun, terrorists’ uniforms, while their life-supporting structures were totally destroyed. Additionally, troops in a joint operation with hunters and the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted fighting patrol at terrorists’ hideouts at Pambula village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. During the patrol, contact was made with JAS/ISWAP terrorists, who were immediately engaged with a high volume of fire, forcing the terrorists to disperse in disarray. The troops neutralized a terrorist, recovering four motorcycles and his weapon. The determined troops continued exploiting the general area to rid it of any terrorists activities.

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Army Chief Urges Youths to Join Military, Promotes Discipline and Patriotism in Sokoto Outreach

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has encouraged young Nigerians to consider careers in the Nigerian Army, emphasizing the values of discipline, patriotism, and national service. Speaking during a civil-military relations event held on Friday at Idris Koko Technical College, Farfaru, Sokoto, the Army Chief — represented by Brigadier General A. A. Musa, Commander of the 108 Division Equipment Service — said the initiative aimed to enlighten students about the Army’s nation-building role and inspire youth to pursue positive, purposeful lives. “It is our hope that through this initiative, more young Nigerians will consider a career in the Army and understand the importance of discipline, patriotism, and service to the nation,” General Musa said. The event featured educational talks and interactive sessions designed to bridge the gap between civilians and military personnel. Captain Musa Lemu, Administrative Officer at the 8 Provost Group, spoke on the dangers of criminal associations, urging students to focus on education and avoid peer pressure. Lieutenant E. O. Ojo delivered a presentation on “Civil-Military Relations and Community Interventions by the Nigerian Army,” highlighting the Army’s humanitarian outreach such as: Mallam Musa Koko, Director of Quality Assurance at the Sokoto State Ministry of Science and Technology, who represented the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, applauded the Nigerian Army for the initiative. “Programs like this help our students to envision meaningful futures and inspire them to contribute to national development,” he stated. The event attracted wide participation from students, teachers, Army officers, and government officials, and ended with a lively Q&A session, giving students a chance to engage directly with military personnel and explore opportunities in national service.

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Boko Haram Kills Over 300 in Five Weeks Report Warns of Failing Counterinsurgency Strategy

Abuja, Nigeria – Over 300 people, including more than 100 military personnel and 200 civilians, have been killed in renewed Boko Haram attacks over a five-week period, according to a new report by security research firm Nextier SPD. The report, titled “Re-thinking Nigeria’s Counterinsurgency Strategy: The Aftermath of the Boko Haram Resurgence”, highlights a troubling increase in both the frequency and lethality of terrorist attacks in northeastern Nigeria between November 2024 and April 2025. Authored by Dr. Ndu Nwokolo and Dr. Chibuike Njoku, the findings reveal that 252 terrorist incidents were recorded during the six-month span. January 2025 alone saw 92 deaths, despite a relatively average number of attacks that month. “Military victories do not necessarily translate to improved community security and stabilisation,” the report notes. The report links the resurgence of violence to the two main Boko Haram factions — Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) — which have ramped up their operations with more sophisticated tactics including ambushes on military convoys, use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and raids on internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. In a worrying development, the insurgents have reportedly seized control of three local government areas in Borno State, further undermining state authority and disrupting humanitarian operations. The report also raised alarm over growing military fatigue, deteriorating civil-military relations, and a surge in kidnappings, particularly in April 2025. Despite continued military offensives, Nextier SPD argues that Nigeria’s current approach — heavily focused on military operations — has failed to address the underlying drivers of insurgency, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education. The authors call for a comprehensive, people-centred counterinsurgency strategy, combining military efforts with socioeconomic reforms, inclusive dialogue, and community-based interventions. “The current strategy is reactive rather than preventative,” the report warns. “Without urgent reforms, Nigeria’s fight against terrorism may continue to flounder, leaving millions vulnerable to extremist violence.” The resurgence of Boko Haram comes as Nigeria faces mounting security challenges across several regions, with many analysts now urging a fundamental rethink of national security policy to address the root causes of violence rather than its symptoms.

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Soldier dies, others suffer injuries in Lagos autocrash

A private car driver on Friday recklessly ran into troops, killing a solider and injuring several others in Lagos. The tragic incident, according to a statement signed by Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel, Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, occured during the Bi-Annual Route March near Myhoung Barracks in Yaba, Lagos State. The Division’s image maker disclosed that tragically, a driver in a private vehicle recklessly ran into the participating troops resulting in the death of a soldier with others sustaining various degrees of injuries. He also informed that the deceased has been deposited in the mortuary while the injured are currently receiving medical care at 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba, Lagos, assuring that the 81 Division Military Police in conjunction with other relevant security agencies are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this incident. “The route march, which is an NA training exercise designed to enhance operational readiness, involved NA formations across Lagos State. The exercise had earlier been announced on various media platforms to create public awareness,” he pointed out. Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased soldier while praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded. He has also called for calm among the public as investigation into the sad occurrence has commenced. He added that the Division remains steadfast in its commitment to training and readiness to discharge its duties despite this devastating event. Furthermore, this tragic loss will not deter the Division’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties within its Area of Operations in accordance with the NA’s constitutional mandate.

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Nigerian Army raise alarm on online scammers

The Nigerian Army has uncovered fake social media accounts created by fraudsters to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians, mainly through recruitment scams. These scammers, according to the Nigerian Army have been using fake accounts to defraud people, and while some have been caught, efforts are ongoing to apprehend more, assuring that the Nigerian Army is committed to protecting the public from these malicious activities. “To clarify, the Nigerian Army doesn’t have any official social media accounts on TikTok. If you come across any suspicious activity or requests for funds related to recruitment, report them immediately to the Nigerian Army’s toll-free number 193 or through our four verified social media handles:“X: https://x.com/HQNigerianArmy, Facebook: https://facebook.com/HQNigerianArmy, Instagram: https://instagram.com/HQNigerianArmy, YouTube: https://youtube.com/HQNigerianArmy, and official website: https://army.mil.ng.”

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COAS pledges to elevate training standards for Nigerian Army personnel

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has committed to advancing the training of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to new heights, aiming to enhance professionalism across the force. Lieutenant General Oluyede made the pledge during his visit to the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria on Monday, 20 January 2025, where he addressed personnel at the prestigious military institution. In his address, the COAS emphasized the critical importance of robust training at this pivotal time for Nigeria’s national security. He noted that enhanced training will strengthen military operations and security efforts by equipping personnel with the necessary skills and professionalism to carry out their duties effectively. Oluyede reaffirmed his commitment to creating an environment that fosters excellence in training and assured personnel of his full support in ensuring they have the resources to perform at their best. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of professionalism and expressed his determination to prioritize personnel welfare and well-being. During the briefing, the Commandant of the Depot Nigerian Army, Major General Mohammed Abdullahi, highlighted the institution’s recent centenary celebration, marking a century of producing skilled manpower for the Nigerian Army. He also shared key achievements and challenges faced by the institution, expressing gratitude to the COAS for his steadfast support.

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Nigerian Army intensifies efforts to combate oil theft

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed the troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to strengthen operations against oil theft to ensure a significant increase in the nation’s oil production. The COAS issued this directive during a working visit to the 6 Division in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Condemning the current level of crude oil output as inadequate, Lieutenant General Oluyede emphasized that for Nigeria’s economy to thrive, efforts to protect oil production must be ramped up. He called on the troops to work with greater resolve in creating a secure environment for oil exploration and production. He also underscored the importance of maintaining integrity and avoiding any association with criminal elements or activities. The COAS warned that any personnel found colluding with economic saboteurs or engaging in unlawful acts will face severe consequences in line with military and national laws. The COAS also urged the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their operations and reassured them of his commitment to improving their welfare and providing the necessary resources to enhance their operational effectiveness. General Oluyede reminded the troops that they are pivotal to the success of the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians, and therefore must approach their duties with the utmost dedication and integrity.

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