Metro
Kaduna Gov’t Confirms Killing Of Wanted Terrorist Leader Boderi
In a heart-warming development and stemming from consistent support to security forces by Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani, a major breakthrough has been recorded in Nigeria’s fight against banditry and terrorism in the North-West and North-Central parts of the country.
The notorious bandit, insurgent and ruthless killer, Boderi Isyaku, has been neutralised in a gun duel alongside some of his fighters, by troops of the Nigerian Army, around Bada/Riyawa general areas of Chikun and Igabi LGAs of Kaduna State.
A statement titled, ‘Target Acquired, Justice Served: Boderi Falls To Security Forces’, signed by the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, on Thursday afternoon, said this feat was confirmed to the Kaduna State Government by security forces carrying out internal security operations and diligent checks from human intelligence sources.
“Boderi, as he was simply known, had for nearly a decade propagated a reign of fear, death and destruction in Kaduna State and neighboring Niger State, with a trademark of brutal attacks, mass abductions and cruel, relentless killing. His elimination comes as the culmination of tireless efforts by dedicated troops committed to restoring peace and security in the region. The General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army (and Force Commander, Operation Whirl Punch) Major General VU Okoro, coordinated the operation through meticulous planning and intelligence.
“The troops on Wednesday night, came in contact with Boderi and his fighters around Bada general area of Chikun LGA. Despite the terrorists’ well-fortified position, the troops laid a successful ambush. Boderi and his associates walked into the trap, and were cornered,” he said.
Aruwan added that in the ensuing confrontation, Boderi chose to resist the troops and engaged them in a fierce firefight.
“He was ultimately subdued, and his reign of terror ended in a burst of bullets and eternal ignominy. Two of his associates were likewise neutralized. After the operation, the troops recovered two AK47 rifles, 300 rounds of ammunition, nine AK47 magazines, one magazine carrier, one Baofeng radio set and five motorcycles.
“The elimination of Boderi Isyaku, as a notable milestone in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry, demonstrates the effectiveness of determined and coordinated efforts by security forces in confronting those who seek to spread fear and chaos.
“Boderi, known for his ruthlessness and cunning, had long eluded the grasp of security forces, while orchestrating the kidnappings of prominent figures, innocent civilians, school children and students with impunity. His activities not only caused untold pain to thousands of victims and families, but also posed a stiff challenge to law enforcement agents, who, at various times were only a whisker away from apprehending this menace.
“Boderi was involved in a range of deadly attacks spanning Sabon Birni, Rigasa, Buruku, Gwagwada, Rijana and Kateri general areas, the Kaduna-Abuja Road, the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road, as well as Shiroro, Alawa, and Mangoro general areas of neighbouring Niger State. His activities included vast and elaborate operations in cattle rustling and gunrunning.
He was also known to have built a close rapport with terrorist groups, collaborating with them towards establishing footholds in these areas. Recent intelligence reports revealed his plans to attack a school in his sphere of operation. Those plans have been thankfully truncated.
“It was Boderi who plotted and executed the 11th March 2021 abduction of 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, Igabi LGA. This high-profile kidnapping generated shock waves and massive panic around the country, as dozens of young students were whisked away and their families left to deal with unimaginable turmoil.
“On the 24th of August 2021, Boderi masterminded another deadly attack, this time on the Afaka campus of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Igabi LGA. Two officers were killed and another abducted. Weeks later, on 14th September 2021, Boderi led his gang of bandits in the kidnapping of the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Atto, around Dutse village, Chikun LGA. The Emir’s Police Detail was killed.
“These are a few highlights in the profile of a mindless monster, fueled by undiluted hate and evil, veiled underneath an apparently harmless, innocent and youthful exterior. Without a doubt, this baby-faced terror was one of the most dangerous individuals in the country, single-handedly tearing apart the lives of entire communities across several states,” he stated.
Receiving the report, Governor Sani expressed his elation at the development, which he described as a pointer to the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved.
The governor commended Major General Okoro, for his stellar leadership, and praised the troops for their assertive victory. Governor Sani went on to assure security forces in Kaduna State of his unflinching support and readiness to sustain cooperation, towards the successful achievement of their objectives.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly killed Bako Gorgore, a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
According to Zagazola, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region, Gorgore, also known as Abou Mustapha, was killed during an encounter with troops in Kukawa LGA of Borno state.
His death was reportedly confirmed through multiple intelligence channels after security operatives intercepted internal communications among ISWAP fighters acknowledging the development.
Gorgore, believed to be about 60 years old, was regarded as one of the longest-serving figures within the insurgent group.
Over the years, he held several key positions, including senior membership of ISWAP’s Shura council, the group’s highest decision-making body.
He had previously been reported dead in 2022 alongside Aba Ibrahim, another senior ISWAP figure.
In May 2021, Gorgore and Ibrahim led a major onslaught against the faction of Boko Haram known as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS).
The offensive culminated in the death of Abubakar Shekau, the longtime leader of the faction. Seventeen of Shekau’s commanders subsequently surrendered and pledged allegiance to ISWAP.
Zagazola said Gorgore’s death could have significant implications for the leadership structure of the group.
“The confirmed killing of Gorgore could have important implications for the leadership cohesion of ISWAP. As a senior Shura member with deep operational experience dating back to the early Boko Haram years, his removal potentially disrupts command continuity within the group,” it said.
“The insurgency in the Lake Chad region has historically depended on experienced commanders capable of navigating the complex terrain and maintaining loyalty among fighters.
“The death of a veteran figure like Gorgore weakens institutional memory within the insurgent network and may also trigger internal power struggles as younger commanders compete to fill the vacuum.”
No fewer than 20 security operatives and vigilantes were reportedly killed when heavily armed bandits ambushed a joint patrol team in Wanka and surrounding communities of the Garga area in the Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Kanam Development Association (KADA) disclosed this in a statement signed by its Secretary, ND Shehu Kanam, and Chairman, Garba G. Aliyu, issued on Saturday in Dengi, Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The association said the victims included 12 security personnel, among them two senior military officers, and eight vigilante members who were assisting security forces to protect the communities.
According to the statement, the patrol team—made up of military personnel and local vigilantes—was travelling in two vehicles on routine security operations across the communities of Garga, Kyaram and Gyambau when they were suddenly ambushed by hundreds of heavily armed bandits on their way to Wanka at about 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
“In the unfortunate exchange of gunfire that followed the ambush, our nation lost brave defenders who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” the statement read.
KADA described the deaths of the security personnel and vigilantes as “deeply painful and unacceptable,” noting that the fallen operatives died while defending rural communities that have long faced repeated attacks.
The association added that after the ambush, the bandits reportedly stormed the Kyaram community, where they looted properties worth millions of naira and rustled a large number of cattle belonging to residents.
KADA warned that the incident was not isolated, stressing that communities around Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau and neighbouring settlements located along the borders of Plateau, Taraba and Bauchi states have endured persistent attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling for the past three to four years.
The association said it had previously issued several appeals to authorities over the deteriorating security situation but lamented that the crisis had continued to escalate.
It therefore called on the local, state and federal governments to urgently intervene to prevent further bloodshed in the affected communities.
Among its demands, KADA urged the immediate deployment of additional military and security personnel to Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, Wanka and neighbouring communities, as well as the establishment of a permanent security presence in the border areas.
The group also called for coordinated security operations along the Plateau–Taraba–Bauchi border corridor, which it said bandits exploit due to the difficult terrain.
In addition, it appealed for relief support for affected residents, many of whom have reportedly lost homes, livestock and other sources of livelihood as a result of the attacks.
“The people of these communities are law-abiding citizens whose only desire is to live peacefully, farm their land, raise their families and contribute to the development of our nation. They cannot and must not be abandoned to the mercy of armed criminals,” the statement added.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation of the incident from security authorities were unsuccessful, as both the military and the police did not respond to calls and messages seeking confirmation as of press time.
KADA also extended condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the families of the fallen soldiers and vigilantes, and the affected communities, saying their sacrifice would not be forgotten.
The traditional ruler of Mbajiir in Tongov, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, has been abducted and murdered by armed men.
According to Vanguard, the deceased, Zaki Sughter Agamber, was abducted on March 6, 2026, by suspected gunmen at Kam Village in Tongov, an incident that left residents of the community in shock and fear.
Sources in the area said the traditional ruler was taken away from his home in the presence of his family by the armed men.
The monarch’s lifeless body was later discovered the following day in a nearby bush, sparking anger and grief among residents and traditional institutions in the area.
The source stated that “no group has so far claimed responsibility for the killing, while the motive behind the attack remains unclear.”
The development has drawn widespread condemnation, including the Benue State House of Assembly, which strongly condemned the abduction and subsequent killing of the Kindred Head, describing the incident as barbaric and unacceptable.
The House described the murder as a grave threat to traditional institutions and community leadership.
The Assembly reached the resolution during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Alfred Emberga.
The lawmakers called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to intensify efforts to track down those behind the crime.
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