Troops ambush bandits on Kaduna-Abuja highway, neutralise three and recover arms

Troops of the Nigerian Army have ambushed bandits and neutralised three on Kaduna-Abuja highway.

Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 said troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including two AK-47 rifles, and eight AK-47 rifle magazines. 

“In a well-coordinated operation on Tuesday 11th March 2025, troops of Sub-Sector 4, Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully neutralised three Violent Extremists and Insurgents (VEIs) in an ambush at an area near Ngwagi Hill, Gwagwada Community, off the Kaduna - Abuja highway in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State,” the statement read. 

Acting on credible intelligence regarding sighting the movements of the VEIs near Ngwagi Hill, troops were immediately deployed on long-range fighting patrol to the likely road-crossing point of the insurgents. 

 

The troops got into location at about 5.30 pm on the same date and successfully launched the ambush, which effectively neutralised three armed members of the criminal group.

During the operation, troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including two AK-47 rifles, eight AK-47 rifle magazines, 374 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 special ammunition and 88 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 NATO ammunition. 

 

Other items recovered were one Infinix mobile phone, medical supplies, clothing, and dry rations

 

The success of the operation is a testament to the troops' high fighting morale and combat efficiency. This achievement is also as a result of the effective collaboration between the military and intelligence agencies, which provided credible intelligence that informed the operation.

 

The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso, applauded and commended the troops for their resilience and successful conduct of the operation. 

 

He charged the troops not to relent on their oars until all criminal elements operating in the Division and the Sector's Area of Operational Responsibility are neutralised.

Security forces hunt down suspected herdsmen behind abduction and k!lling in Imo

Security agencies have launched a large-scale operation to track down herdsmen responsible for last Friday’s deadly attack along the Ihitte/Ngor Okpala road in Imo State.

The assailants allegedly abducted passengers and k!lled a driver, prompting a coordinated response from the police, forest guards, local vigilantes, and other security forces. 

Search operations are ongoing in Avu, Irete, Ihiagwa, and Obinze autonomous communities in Owerri West, as well as parts of Ngor Okpala LGA.

During a security operation on Monday, Imo State Police Commissioner Aboki Danjuma addressed journalists, stating that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), had previously designated Mondays as “sit-at-home” days.

However, he assured residents that the directive was no longer in effect, as security forces had neutralized threats in the area.

Danjuma disclosed that the latest operation in the Ihiagwa Avu forest led to the arrest of several suspects who are now providing useful intelligence.

The operation was executed in three sectors, each led by a separate commander, including the Brigade commander, another security leader, and Commissioner Danjuma himself.

He urged Imo residents to ignore the “sit-at-home” order and resume their daily activities without fear. 

He also called on the public to report any security-related information to him, the Brigand commander, or the Air Force commander, assuring them of confidentiality.