The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its counter-terrorism and counter-banditry efforts across the country through a series of precise airstrikes, resulting in significant casualties among members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram areas of Borno State.
In related operations, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters, and vigilante groups, commenced special patrols in forested and border areas to enhance security during the ember months.
Amid these military operations, reports emerged of bandits kidnapping at least four nursing mothers in Yan Kwada village, Kano State. The community’s security chairman confirmed the incidents, noting that the bandits, who arrived on motorcycles, had earlier abducted five women, one of whom managed to escape.
In Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule has ordered a manhunt for perpetrators of a midnight attack in the Sarkin Noma community, vowing that justice will be served swiftly. He condemned the attack as a deliberate disruption of peace in the region.
Similarly, Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris asserted that there are no territories under bandit control in his state, attributing recent insurgent activity to neighboring regions. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support in combating banditry and insecurity.
In a tragic incident in Borno State, a clash between factions of Boko Haram and ISWAP led to the deaths of over 100 individuals at Toumbun Gini, following an attempted offensive by ISWAP fighters. Early intelligence allowed the opposing faction to set a counter-ambush, resulting in heavy casualties for ISWAP.
The NAF conducted additional air operations, targeting bandit camps in Kwara and Katsina States, destroying key logistics hubs and neutralizing terrorists. Air Force spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed that these missions significantly degraded ISWAP’s operational capabilities.
In Abuja, joint patrols by the FCT Police have focused on ensuring safety for worshippers, aiming to deter criminal activities around places of worship. The police have emphasized community vigilance and cooperation with security agencies.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with rising insecurity, traditional rulers have been urged to invoke local and spiritual powers to combat the menace, emphasizing a collective effort in the fight against crime and violence across the nation.
