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•Military: What we’re doing to keep North-West, North-Central safe
From Noah Ebije (Kaduna), Scholastica Hir (Makurdi) and Molly Kilete (Abuja)
Renewed bandits attacks in Kaduna, Sokoto, and Benue states claimed no fewer than 56 lives early this week. About 30 residents were said to have been killed by gunmen in a surprise attack in Naridon community in southern Kaduna, while 11 others were killed in a separate attack in Sokoto.
At the time of filing this report, death toll in a similar attack by suspected herdsmen in Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State had risen to about 16, raising fear and anger in local communities.
Although governments at state and federal levels have taken measures to stem the tide of killings in the affected areas, survivors of the attacks and other concerned Nigerians are demanding more action from security forces.
The military, however, said it has intensified efforts to clear the North West and North Central areas of the country of perpetual attacks by insurgents.
In a conversation with Saturday Sun, the military noted that ongoing military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal groups terrorising the peace of the country is no doubt achieving tremendous results.
With intensified bombardment of known criminal hideouts, strongholds and logistics bases across the country, the criminals are now running for their lives and relocating from their hitherto strongholds, the military noted. They have also been denied the capability to carry out attacks at will with constant patrols, raiding, and stop and search exercises among other counter operations, it added.
Lamentations of survivors
Residents who survived the attack have described the situation as disheartening, urging the federal and state governments to urgently arrest the situation.
A resident, who identified himself simply as Mr. Egbe, said some of his relatives were still missing at the time of filing this report.
“As we speak some of our brothers and sisters are still missing. We don’t know whether they are dead or alive. It is a sad situation. Our people were killed in an unprovoked attack like chickens. They killed the young and the old, women and children. There are dead bodies everywhere. It is a tragic period for our people.
“Many people have been killed and many others injured. Our local hospitals are overwhelmed. We need help.”
Also speaking, Mr. Jerome Ankeli called on the governments to take urgent steps to end the killings, saying they are no longer sleeping in their communities.
Local authorities in Kaduna fume over killings
Local residents in Kauru Local Government Area in Kaduna State under the aegis of community development associations’ forum have questioned how about 30 residents of Naridon community in Chawai Chiefdom of Southern Kaduna were brutally killed by gunmen last Sunday, despite the presence of a military base just a few kilometres away from the village.
“What makes this tragedy more painful is that the attack happened despite the presence of military personnel stationed in Kifin, just a few kilometres away from Naridon,” a statement signed by the forum’s chairman, Dr. Billy Ishaya La’ah, and Secretary, Danbaba Katuka, read.
According to the forum, preliminary reports indicate that about 30 people, mostly women and children, were killed during the attack, while several others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment. It added that houses and property worth millions of naira were destroyed by the attackers.
The community leaders noted that the latest incident came less than a month after a similar attack on Ungwan Magaji in Kamaru, warning that recurring violence in the area shows that existing security measures are failing.
The group called on the Kaduna State government and security chiefs to immediately review the deployment of security personnel in Kauru Local Government Area and investigate why the attack was not prevented.
It also urged the government to implement a lasting solution to the persistent attacks in Chawai Chiefdom and other parts of Kauru LGA.
CAN laments killings
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter condemned the killing in Kauru, describing it as a brutal assault on human dignity and calling for immediate action to end the recurring bloodshed in Southern Kaduna.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Rev. Caleb Bawa Ma’aji, the association expressed grief and outrage over what it described as the horrific and unprovoked massacre of innocent residents.
“This latest attack is not merely another security incident; it is a brutal assault on human dignity, the sanctity of life, and the very essence of our shared humanity,” the statement read.
CAN said the attackers had completely abandoned every known value of humanity, compassion, and civilisation.
“Those who deliberately invade peaceful communities, murder innocent men, women, children, and the elderly, and leave families in anguish cannot be described as humane. Such acts represent the height of wickedness and a complete disregard for the sacredness of human life,” it stated.
The association lamented that the latest killings were part of a disturbing pattern of repeated attacks on the community.
According to CAN, Narido (Kizakoro) suffered a similar attack in August 2025 in which seven people were killed and buried in a mass funeral. It added that another attack in June 2026 claimed nine lives and left 11 others injured.
“Weeks later, the same community is preparing yet another mass burial following the killing of over 30 innocent people,” the statement added.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, CAN noted that a community that repeatedly buries its people in mass graves instead of celebrating life reflects a painful reality that demands urgent national attention.
Kaduna govt promises tighter security
The Kaduna State government while condemning the killings assured that security would be beefed up to bring perpetrators to book. The government said the attack occurred in the border community between Kaduna State and Ganawuri in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, promising to work hand-in-hand with the Plateau State government and security agencies to ensure peace in the area.
Commissioner for Information in the state, Ahmed Maiyaki, said, “The government strongly condemns the attack and has directed security agencies to intensify operations to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
“Governor Uba Sani extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, prays for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased, the speedy recovery of the injured, and has directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency to provide immediate relief and humanitarian support to affected families.
“The Kaduna State government reaffirms its commitment to working with the Plateau State Government, security agencies, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen security cooperation, restore lasting peace and protect lives and property along the Kaduna–Plateau border.”
Schools shut in Sokoto
In a related development, the Sokoto State government has ordered the immediate closure of all public primary and secondary schools outside the state capital following the worsening security situation across parts of the state.
The directive, which took effect last Monday, exempts schools in Sokoto North and Sokoto South Local Government Areas, as well as selected schools in Wamakko, Dange Shuni and Kware LGAs.
The school closure follows a fresh wave of deadly bandit attacks in Rabah and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas, where no fewer than 11 people were killed in separate incidents.
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Seven people, including two operatives of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps (SCGC), were killed on Monday when suspected bandits attacked Maikujera village in Rabah. Three women were also reportedly killed in nearby Angamba village.
A security source said the attackers arrived on more than 30 motorcycles and opened fire on residents before abducting an unspecified number of people.
“Four people, including two members of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps (SCGC), were killed in Maikujera. We are now heading to Angamba, where three women were also killed by the bandits,” the source said.
An SCGC operative, who also requested anonymity, said the local guards were overwhelmed by the number of the attackers.
“We rushed to defend the community, but we lost two of our men. The bandits were many and came on more than 30 motorcycles,” he said.
He said that the corps lacked adequate logistics, claiming members had no armoured vehicle and had been buying ammunition with personal funds.
In a separate attack less than 24 hours earlier, suspected bandits dressed in military uniforms reportedly invaded Unguwan Lalle community in Sabon Birni LGA, killing four people, injuring several others and looting homes, shops and livestock.
“We thought they were soldiers because they were wearing military uniforms. They surrounded the village, opened fire on residents, looted our homes and shops and carted away our livestock,” a resident said.
A police officer in the area said the attackers crossed into the community from Bakura in neighbouring Zamfara State and escaped into the forest before security operatives arrived.
“The community is about 10 minutes from Rabah town. There is a military base nearby, but by the time security personnel arrived, the attackers had escaped into the Bakura forest,” the officer said.
Spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, confirmed the killing of a farmer in the area but said he was yet to receive details of the attack on Unguwan Lalle. Several rural communities in Sokoto State have witnessed repeated attacks, killings, kidnappings and displacement despite ongoing military operations against bandits.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Ahmed Ladan Ala, said the decision to suspend school activities followed a Federal Government directive to temporarily shut schools because of the prevailing insecurity. He said all other public primary and secondary schools across the state would remain closed until further notice.
The closure comes as schools are in the 11th week of the third term and are preparing to begin end-of-term examinations next week, raising concerns over disruptions to the academic calendar.
Police account of Benue attack
The Benue State Police Command confirmed that the attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when suspected armed bandits invaded the community to rustle cattle belonging to a resident, Mr. Peter Ambulus.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu said the attackers opened fire on farmers they encountered while escaping with rustled cattle.
“Upon receipt of the distress call, police operatives were immediately mobilized to the scene. Preliminary investigation revealed that the armed bandits invaded the community with the sole intention of rustling cattle,” Aondongu said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, led tactical teams on a clearance operation during which officers came under ambush from the fleeing suspects.
“During the exchange of gunfire, two suspected bandits were neutralised, while one AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of ammunition were recovered. The operation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, recover the rustled cattle and ensure all those connected with the attack are brought to justice,” the police spokesman added.
Benue govt cautions PDP, SDP
The Benue State government had asked the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Aondoakaa and that of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Herman Hembe, to end the politicisation of the Benue tragedy.
Governor Hyacinth Alia in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, flayed what he described as the continuous, cynical, and shameful weaponisation of the recent armed herders’ attacks on innocent communities in Benue State by some opposition elements, especially the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, for narrow partisan political gains.
“We condemn, in the strongest terms, this irresponsible act. The blood of our people being spilled, the grief of bereaved families, the trauma of survivors, and the many other losses require compassion, urgent action, and unity, not sarcastic profiteering. It is both shameful and a clear demonstration of heartlessness for individuals like Michael Aondoakaa and his followers to seize upon human suffering to score cheap political points and level unfounded accusations aimed primarily at fanning the embers of discord when solidarity and calm are most urgently needed,” the government said.
We’re intensifying war against bandits, terrorists – Military
Saturday Sun gathered that Operation Fansan Yamma, one of the military operations set up to restore peace and stability in the North West, recorded some operational successes in the last three weeks through relentless, round-the-clock and highly coordinated military operations.
Despite the persistent environmental and logistical challenges, spokesman for the operation, Lieutenant Colonel Osoba, said the sector has dealt a decisive blow against terrorist networks with sustained and coordinated operations which have severely impaired the insurgents’ operational capabilities, shattered their cohesion, and decimated their morale.
In the last few weeks, the sector’s sustained operations have resulted in the neutralisation of over 300 terrorists across the theatre. Notably were the operations conducted during Operation Forest Safe IV, where troops successfully eliminated over 100 terrorists, the military stated.
“Intelligence-led raids and clearance operations also led to the successful apprehension of over 200 suspected terrorists and their logistical collaborators.
“Similarly, recognizing that motorcycles are the primary mode of transport for bandits, troops have intercepted and recovered 230 motorcycles, severely crippling the insurgents’ ability to launch swift attacks or evade capture,” the military asserted.
it was gathered that Sector 2 also seized an arsenal of weaponry and recovered arms that include one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), 12 PKTand QJC machine guns, one RPG tube, and three RPG bombs with chargers.
The troops also recovered assault rifles and small arms with over with 70 AK-47 rifles, three G3 rifles, seven fabricated AK – 47 rifles. It was gathered that an unspecified number of small arms as well as ammunition have also been recovered.
Troops also said they successfully rescued over 3,000 hostages who were being held captive in various terrorist enclaves and recovered over 6,000 rustled livestock, returning vital economic assets to the local populace.
For Operation Whirl Stroke, set up to curb activities of herders and criminal groups in Benue state, troops of its Maritime Component under Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (JTF OPWS) arrested suspected herders for encroaching and destroying cultivated farmlands in Makurdi, Benue State, reaffirming the JTF OPWS zero tolerance for criminality.
The JTF OPWS said: “On 18 July 2026, troops of the Maritime Component of Operation Whirl Stroke, operating from the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME) Jetty, responded to a distress call from farmers at Lower Benue Basin, Ejaha London, Makurdi. The farmers reported that suspected Fulani herders had driven cattle into their farms, causing extensive damage to crops.
“The troops immediately mobilised to the location, where they found cattle grazing freely on cultivated farmlands. Crops destroyed included rice, maize, okro and tomatoes. On sighting the troops, the herders abandoned the cattle and attempted to flee the scene. “The suspects were subsequently apprehended and handed over to the 401 Provost Group for further investigation and handing over to relevant agencies for prosecution over alleged farm encroachment and malicious grazing.”
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, warned against criminal activities capable of escalating tensions leading to violent conflicts. Major General Gara reiterated that Operation Whirl Stroke maintains zero tolerance for criminality and other unlawful activities, while urging residents to promptly report suspicious or illegal activities to security agencies for swift intervention.
In another development, Troops of Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, in conjunction with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, neutralised two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims during a successful intelligence led offensive operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation, which commenced at about 0300 hours on 16 July and was concluded on 17 July 2026, saw troops advance through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities located across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where suspected terrorists were operating.
During the operation, troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, neutralising two of them. Three abducted victims namely; Mr Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Mr Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Mr Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala LGA were rescued. Other captives fled the camp during the firefight.
Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, listed items recovered to include one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle with optic sight, one pistol, 19 AK-47 magazines, 181 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 40 rounds of 7.62×51mm ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm Tavor ammunition, one Moniepoint POS device, two pairs of desert camouflage uniforms and two pairs of woodland camouflage uniforms.
He also said that Troops recorded another success against criminal elements following a swift response to credible intelligence on kidnapping activities at Jotar Village, near the Quarantine Checkpoint, on 2 July 2026.
Acting promptly on the intelligence received, he said troops deployed at Kyado immediately mobilised to the suspected location to prevent the criminals from carrying out their activities. On arrival, the troops made contact with the armed kidnappers, resulting in a fierce exchange of fire. He informed that during the encounter, one terrorist was neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines from the scene.
“The recovery further underscores the determination of Operation Whirl Stroke to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate within its Joint Operations Area. Meanwhile, there are indicators that the neutralised bandit may have been part of the gang that attacked commuters on 1 July 2026 which included the former Benue State SSG who suffered gunshot injuries.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke Major General Moses Gara, praised troops resilience and commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He charged them to sustain aggressive fighting patrols and maintain pressure on criminal elements to ensure they are denied freedom of action throughout the OPWS Joint Operations Area.
Operation Whirl Stroke reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and encouraged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring them that all useful intelligence would be treated with utmost confidentiality and acted upon promptly.
