ADVERTISEMENT

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded significant operational gains with the killing of two suspected terrorists in Kebbi State and the rescue of 62 abducted persons in Zamfara State.

The coordinated operations, carried out by troops operating under Sector 2, were based on credible intelligence and involved close collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.

In Kebbi State, the troops ambushed suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group around Kerani village, near the boundary between Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State and Binji Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

During the operation, two of the suspects were neutralised, while two motorcycles believed to have been used for criminal operations were recovered.

The suspects were reportedly dressed in camouflage outfits, and the motorcycles were modified for long-distance movement.

In a separate operation in Zamfara State, the troops raided Munhaye Forest, a known criminal hideout, following intelligence that several kidnapped victims were being held in the area.

The operation led to the successful rescue of 62 abducted persons, who have since been moved to a secure location.Military authorities said arrangements are ongoing to reunite the rescued victims with their families, while efforts continue to track and dismantle remaining criminal elements operating in the forests and border communities.

The military noted that the latest successes reflect the sustained commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to restoring peace and improving security across the North-West region.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army, Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

ADVERTISEMENT

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nasarawa State has suspended its Chairman, Godwin Alaku Williams, over allegations of anti-party activities said to be threatening the unity and growth of the party in the state.

Naija News reports that the suspension was announced by the party’s Transitional Leadership Team (TLT) following a petition submitted against Williams, accusing him of actions considered inimical to the interests of the ADC in Nasarawa.

The decision was reached during a meeting of the TLT held on Wednesday at Otunsha Hotel, Keffi, under the leadership of Chief John Michael Abdul.

Confirming the development in a statement, the party’s spokesperson, Comrade Idris Ojoko, said the suspension would last 14 days, pending the outcome of investigations by a disciplinary committee.

“The suspension is to allow for a thorough investigation into the allegations levelled against the state chairman,” Ojoko said.

Following the suspension, the party announced changes in its leadership structure in the state.

Ojoko disclosed that Barrister Paul Magaji Ajeh, a former State Secretary, has been appointed as Acting State Chairman, while Umar A. Babayaro will serve as Acting Secretary.

According to him, the appointments were made to ensure administrative continuity and stability within the party during the investigation period.

The ADC accused Williams of several acts of anti-party conduct, including his alleged failure to recognise the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark.

He was also accused of refusing to integrate coalition members into the party’s structure in Nasarawa State, an action the party said violated directives from the national leadership.

Ojoko further alleged that Williams reported some party leaders to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police, describing them as impostors.

According to the party, Williams allegedly went further to set up parallel party structures across the state, while obstructing the establishment of ADC offices at the state, local government and ward levels.

The party claimed these actions were carried out in defiance of clear directives from the National Working Committee.

Williams was also accused of interfering with the ongoing membership registration and revalidation exercise, a key programme aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots presence ahead of future elections.

To probe the allegations, the TLT announced the constitution of a disciplinary committee. The committee will be chaired by Barrister Hassan Yakubu, with Amina Zanwa, Mamman Sunday and Yunus Abdullahi Sidi serving as members. Gaza Mark Auta will act as Secretary.

Ojoko said the committee has been mandated to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its findings within the suspension period.

The ADC leadership called on party members in Nasarawa State to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that the disciplinary process was aimed at strengthening internal democracy and unity.

“The party remains committed to fairness, discipline and collective progress,” Ojoko added.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Nigerian military has said notorious bandit leader Bello Turji is currently in a state of panic and confusion as intensified military operations close in on him and other armed group leaders operating in the North-West.

The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Warrah Idris, disclosed this on Wednesday, January 21, while speaking with defence correspondents touring the theatre of operations in Zamfara State.

Major General Idris said that although Turji has remained elusive, he is now under sustained pressure from coordinated military actions involving ground troops, intelligence gathering and modern surveillance technology.

According to the commander, the current tempo of operations has disrupted the movement and planning of bandit groups, forcing their leaders to remain constantly on the move.

“Based on the most current intelligence received, Bello Turji and others are currently in confusion and panic because of the intensity of our current operations,” Idris said.

“They are relocating every few hours, every few days.”

The theatre commander also dismissed claims that Turji controls any local government area or village in the region, describing such assertions as propaganda designed to create fear and project false strength.

Idris insisted that the bandit leader has no fixed base and is perpetually fleeing from military pressure.

“How does a person who does not have a permanent location control an axis or a local government?” he asked.

Challenging the bandit leader directly, the commander dared Turji to substantiate claims of territorial control.

“I dare Bello Turji to come out and present a single local government that he is controlling,” Idris said.

He stressed that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma remain determined to dismantle bandit networks and restore security across affected communities in Zamfara and neighbouring states.

Idris assured Nigerians that the military would sustain the current offensive until armed groups are neutralised and peace is fully restored to the North-West.

He added that the ongoing operations are yielding positive results, as bandit leaders are being dislodged from hideouts and denied the freedom to operate.

The Defence Correspondents’ tour, he noted, was part of efforts to give the public firsthand insight into the realities of the ongoing counter-banditry operations in the region.