ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

The military high command has disclosed that troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have uncovered a terrorists’ tax collection scheme in Yobe State, while also intercepting suspected logistics suppliers supporting insurgent activities.

According to the military, troops arrested three suspected logistics suppliers in Kanama and apprehended a terrorist tax collector in Kafiya village, both in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The Armed Forces also revealed that a cumulative total of 122,843 insurgents have surrendered to troops under Operation Hadin Kai since the establishment of Operation Safe Corridor in 2015.

Providing an update on the activities of troops, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said sustained military pressure had significantly restricted the movement of terrorists and disrupted their logistical networks.

He noted that the successes recorded were achieved through close collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, local hunters and other hybrid forces supporting ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

Onoja explained that between 7 and 11 March 2026, troops maintained intense operational pressure on terrorists across the theatre, successfully repelling several attacks despite operational challenges.

“During the period, security forces arrested key terrorist operatives, including logistics suppliers, tax collectors, informants and economic saboteurs.

Troops also rescued abducted civilians and intercepted illicit fuel supplies intended to sustain insurgent operations,” Onoja revealed.

He further disclosed that on March 9, 2026, troops recovered arms caches after repelling terrorist attacks in Mafa and Jere Local Government Areas of Borno State.

Similarly, troops repelled simultaneous attacks on Forward Operating Bases in Tuba and Doro Baga on March 10, 2026, demonstrating strong defensive coordination and combat readiness.

On March 11, troops carried out an ambush operation at Mantamaleri in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising two terrorists.

“In Adamawa State, troops responded swiftly to distress calls from Madagali and Maiha Local Government Areas, rescuing kidnapped victims and seizing 23 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit intended for terrorist use.

“Within the same period, 14 additional insurgents surrendered, bringing the total number of those who have laid down their arms under Operation Hadin Kai to 122,843 since the creation of Operation Safe Corridor in 2015,” he said.

Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2 in Goniri, Yobe State, supported by close air support from the Air Component, repelled a coordinated night attack by terrorists of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on March 11, 2026.

During the encounter, troops neutralised over 20 terrorists, including a high-value target, Abu Yusu, identified as the Munzir of Dursula. Weapons, improvised explosive devices and ammunition were also recovered.

Troops have since maintained control of the area and commenced clearance and pursuit operations to prevent fleeing insurgents from regrouping.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Sunday announced the arrest of four suspected “bandits” within the vicinity of Akure Airport at Eleyewo in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State following a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies.

The arrest is coming amid the incessant kidnappings and violent attacks occurring at Ilu-Abo community near the Akure Airport in Akure North LGA of the state.

Ut would be recalled that no fewer than 10 kidnap cases had been recorded at the axis in the past two months with residents protesting and demanding urgent government action and protection from the security agencies.

FAAN said the arrested suspects were apprehended after security operatives received a distress alert that suspicious individuals had been sighted behind the airport perimeter towards the Eleyewo community.

According to a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, security personnel immediately launched a joint search operation in response to the alert.

Mr Agbebire said the operation involved FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and other local security outfits.

“During the operation, some individuals reportedly attempted to flee the area, but four suspects were eventually apprehended by the joint security team.

“The suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further interrogation,” the statement said.

FAAN commended the swift collaboration among aviation security personnel, the military, the police and local security groups, including Amotekun Corps and community vigilantes, whose joint efforts led to the arrests.

The authority said the incident underscored the importance of strengthening airport perimeter protection across the country.

It added that the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with the support of the Presidency under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has accelerated the provision of modern perimeter fencing and enhanced security infrastructure at airports nationwide.

FAAN disclosed that work has already commenced in phases to ensure airports under its management are better secured against unlawful access and other security threats.

The authority, however, reassured the travelling public and host communities of its commitment to maintaining safety and security across all airport facilities in Nigeria.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

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.”