The Humanitarian Times

By Abdulkareem Haruna

In a series of coordinated strikes across Nigeria’s North-west and North-east, Nigerian troops have neutralised at least five insurgents, rescued four kidnap victims, and dismantled several illegal oil and logistics networks.

Military sources, and in several reports earlier published by Zagazola, an authoritative voice in counterinsurgency operations, it was confirmed that the operations, conducted between April 21 and April 23, 2026, targeted terrorist enclaves, logistics suppliers, and economic saboteurs in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Borno, and Rivers states.

North-West Offensive
In Zamfara State, the heartbeat of the banditry crisis, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded significant gains. On April 21, a major offensive in Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA) led to the destruction of a suspected terrorist camp. The operation utilized a “pre-H-Hour” bombardment by artillery units, supported by the Air Component, forcing the criminals to abandon their positions.

Further success was recorded in Goronyo LGA, Sokoto State, where troops rescued four abducted civilians after a fierce gun battle. Although the terrorists had earlier killed three residents in Gorau village, the military intervention prevented further casualties and allowed the rescued victims to be reunited with their families.

In a rare display of community resilience, residents of Achida in Wurno LGA, Sokoto, reportedly mobilised alongside local vigilantes to repel a bandit attack, neutralising one assailant in the process.

Logistics and Economic Sabotage
The military also intensified its “strangulation operations” aimed at cutting off supplies to insurgent groups.

In Borno State, troops of 159 Battalion intercepted a tricycle at a checkpoint conveying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) hidden in 15 sacks. The fuel was reportedly destined for areas under terrorist influence, including Kanama and Dikwa. A similar seizure occurred in Adamawa State, where 23 jerrycans of smuggled fuel were recovered after smugglers fled into the bush upon sighting a night patrol.
Down south in Rivers State, the fight against economic sabotage saw troops of Operation DELTA SAFE uncover an illegal oil bunkering site in the Abessa Forest. The discovery included four drum ovens and an estimated 3,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

Casualties and Arrests
Despite these successes, the period was marked by tragedy. In Katsina State, a notorious terrorist leader identified as Dogo Musa shot dead Sa’adu Amadu, the leader of the Ruwan Godiya Butchers’ Association, in his compound.
However, the military has continued to tighten the noose on collaborators. In Niger State, three suspects believed to be aiding terrorists were apprehended during a joint offensive in Borgu LGA. In Zamfara’s Maradun LGA, four suspects were taken into custody following an arson attack on Kofa Kyarawa village, with 13 motorcycles recovered from the scene.

Security authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining these operations, noting that while the situation remains “unpredictable,” troop morale remains high across all theatres.