Troops kill many terrorists in Niger

Security operatives have killed scores of terrorists in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State. The terrorists were reportedly moving in large numbers from Zamfara State into Niger State through Rijau and Mariga LGAs when the troops launched an offensive against them. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the Army Headquarters said troops of Operation […]

Security operatives have killed scores of terrorists in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

The terrorists were reportedly moving in large numbers from Zamfara State into Niger State through Rijau and Mariga LGAs when the troops launched an offensive against them.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the Army Headquarters said troops of Operation Forest Sanity III launched a fighting patrol on July 22, 2025, from Maru LGA in Zamfara State, passing through Kaboro and Sangeko to Makuku and Dankolo in Kebbi State, based on intelligence about terrorist movements.

According to the post, the troops linked up with forces at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Rijau and Warari, Niger State, where they engaged the terrorists in a firefight, killing many and destroying 18 motorcycles.

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“AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines were recovered. A follow-up operation on July 23, 2025, led to additional weapon and motorcycle recoveries. Troops remain on high alert amid reports of terrorist regrouping,” the Army said.

However, the Army confirmed that one soldier paid the supreme price during the operation.

Meanwhile, an intelligence source confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Air Component of Operation Fasan Yamma successfully eliminated no fewer than 95 terrorists in major airstrikes around Ragada and Warari villages in Rijau LGA of Niger State.

According to NAN, the source said Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets intercepted the terrorists on their way from Zamfara on Tuesday at about 1500 hours.

He said intelligence gathered revealed the bandits were moving with 108 motorcycles, armed with sophisticated weapons, and heading toward Warari and Rijau LGAs of Niger State.

“NAF fighter jets intercepted them between Ragada and Warari villages at a location with general coordinates 10° 54’ 1.51” N | 5° 25’ 4.96” E in Rijau Local Government Area.

“It has been confirmed that out of the 108 bandits, only thirteen (13) motorcycles managed to escape, while the rest were neutralised,” the source said.

 

Residents jubilate, thank soldiers

Many residents of Warari and adjoining communities in Rijau LGA, as well as Ragada, Kakihum, Mazame, Maburya, and Kura in Mariga LGA, have fled their homes following an intense gun battle between Nigerian Army troops and terrorists.

A resident in Rijau, who preferred anonymity, said there was widespread celebration in Rijau and nearby communities after the successful elimination of many bandits.

“The operation was carried out by troops on Tuesday, and it was successful. It was a huge victory, and we, the people of these areas, are happy,” he said.

In a viral video circulating on social media, believed to have originated from Rijau, residents were seen jubilating and praising soldiers riding in armoured vehicles for their efforts.

Rijau, the headquarters of Rijau LGA, was attacked on July 14, 2025, during which at least six people were killed and more than 20 others were abducted.

Comrade Zakari Y. Adamu Kontagora, a resident in the area, also confirmed to Daily Trust that Nigerian Army troops successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on Warari, a community in Rijau LGA.

Daily Trust gathered that Warari had a military presence at the time, which played a crucial role in preventing the planned assault.

Sources said the firefight between the troops and the terrorists lasted for about four hours before the terrorists retreated.

Local sources, speaking under condition of anonymity, said they were in a state of panic but confirmed that many terrorists were killed during the intense gun battle.

Meanwhile, residents have told Daily Trust that despite recent victories by Nigerian Army troops against marauding terrorists, some of the insurgents are still regrouping in the Kotonkoro Forest, located in Mariga LGA of Niger State.

One resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, “As of now (Wednesday afternoon), they [the terrorists] are moving westward toward the villages of Dankolo, Kumbashi, Maburya, and Kakihum in Mariga LGA. 

“That was the same area they entered just yesterday (Tuesday). Anyone who follows their activities knows this is typical of them: when they are attacked, they vow to take revenge.”

Similarly, in an audio message shared by Zakari Y. Adamu, the Chairman of Rijau Local Government Area, Danladi Kumbo Uganda, confirmed the military’s success in repelling bandits who attempted to invade the town of Warari.

Efforts to reach the council chairman for independent confirmation were unsuccessful, as his phone line was not connecting.

In the audio earlier shared by Zakari Y. Adamu Kontagora, the chairman explained that soldiers acted swiftly on intelligence and successfully foiled the planned attack.

He said the military engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, overwhelming them and forcing many to flee with injuries.

“This is nothing short of a victory from God. Our battle-ready troops confronted the criminals fearlessly and foiled the planned attacks on our people. Many of the terrorists were neutralised, and the rest escaped with bullet wounds,” he said.

Another resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, told Daily Trust, “We have information they are moving from Kotonkoro Forest to Kumbashi District. But for now, they’ve stopped between Kotonkoro and Kumbashi. We learnt from an abductee-whose ransom was paid and who was released-that they are also targeting to launch an attack in the Nasko axis of Magama LGA.”

 

Ex-councillor arrested for claiming ownership of recovered cattle 

Security operatives have arrested a former councillor for Shambo Ward in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State, Mamman Wazo, for allegedly claiming ownership of cows recovered from armed bandits.

The suspect was apprehended alongside his accomplice by members of the Ragada Vigilante Group operating in Mariga Local Government Area.

The suspects were reportedly in the habit of collecting cattle recovered from bandits and selling them off.

Although the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, did not confirm the arrest of the former councillor when contacted by our correspondent, he said that security operatives had recently recovered some rustled cattle following an air bombardment.

He said the cattle were among those stolen during the recent attack on Rijau, the headquarters of Rijau LGA in the state.

Abiodun explained that the recovery, which took place on Friday, followed aerial bombardments that forced the bandits to abandon the animals.

“On 14th July, 2025, at about 1:30 p.m., suspected bandits attacked Rijau community and its environs, inflicted injuries on some persons, and carted away cattle while security teams were monitoring their movements.

“Consequently, on July 18, 2025, at about 4:30 p.m., the hoodlums were engaged through aerial bombardments around Yar-Tudu, Marafa, and Awala villages in the Kumbashi District area of Mariga LGA. The hoodlums were thrown into disarray, and a large number of cattle were recovered. However, monitoring continues,” he said.

Residents confirmed that the suspected former councillor had been handed over to security personnel in Rijau for further investigation.

 

138 kidnap victims rescued, terror collaborators arrested 

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 138 kidnapped victims and arrested several terrorist collaborators in ongoing operations across Zamfara, Borno, and Adamawa States.

A credible military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops of 1 Brigade, alongside local vigilantes, rescued 106 victims-eight women, 85 girls, and 13 boys-on July 20 near Mayanchi Village, Zamfara. 

The terrorists fled under heavy fire, and the victims were handed over to the District Head for documentation.

In a separate non-kinetic effort the same day, 32 more victims-27 women and five boys-were released to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), along with five AK-47 rifles and a DUSHKA gun.

Troops also arrested a terrorist collaborator in Tofa Village, Zamfara, identified as a ransom negotiator and logistics supplier.

In Adamawa, troops of 144 Battalion ambushed ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Takaskala, recovering IED-making materials. 

In Borno, troops repelled an infiltration attempt in Monguno and arrested an ISWAP informant in Abari. Another suspect with illicit drugs was intercepted in Damasak.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to national security and appreciated community support in ongoing operations.