Troops Eliminate Scores of Terrorists in Niger State, Rescue 138 Kidnap Victims Across Three States

Nigerian troops have killed a significant number of terrorists in Niger State following a coordinated military operation targeting bandit movements between Zamfara and Niger States. The operation, which began on July 22 under Operation Forest Sanity III, was based on actionable intelligence indicating terrorist activity across the Maru-Kaboro-Sangeko-Makuku corridor in Zamfara and Kebbi States. Troops advanced into Niger State, linking up with forces at Forward Operating Bases in Rijau and Warari, where they confronted the terrorists, killing many and destroying 18 motorcycles used for their movement.

The Army confirmed the recovery of several loaded AK-47 rifles and reported continued clearance operations on July 23, resulting in further seizures of weapons and motorcycles. However, one soldier was killed during the mission.

An intelligence source disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) air component of Operation Fasan Yamma carried out successful airstrikes on July 23, eliminating at least 95 terrorists in Ragada and Warari villages of Rijau LGA. The terrorists, reportedly travelling with 108 motorcycles from Zamfara and heavily armed, were intercepted by NAF jets at coordinates 10°54′1.51″N | 5°25′4.96″E. Only 13 motorcycles reportedly escaped the air raid.

Following the offensive, residents of Rijau, Warari, and several nearby communities such as Ragada, Kakihum, Mazame, and Maburya celebrated the military’s success. In a video shared on social media, locals were seen cheering and praising soldiers in armoured vehicles. The community had recently suffered a5 deadly attack on July 14 that left six dead and over 20 abducted.

Local leaders and residents confirmed the successful repelling of a coordinated terrorist assault on Warari, with eyewitnesses reporting a four-hour gun battle. The presence of a military post in Warari was said to have played a key role in thwarting the attack. Despite the military’s recent gains, residents warned that some insurgents were regrouping in the Kotonkoro Forest and advancing westward toward Kumbashi, Maburya, and Kakihum in Mariga LGA, raising concerns about a possible retaliatory strike.

In an audio message shared by local resident Zakari Y. Adamu Kontagora, Rijau LGA Chairman Danladi Kumbo Uganda praised the swift military action that repelled the attempted invasion of Warari. He described the operation as “a victory from God,” noting that many attackers were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Meanwhile, security personnel have arrested a former councillor for Shambo Ward in Rijau LGA, Mamman Wazo, for allegedly attempting to claim ownership of cattle recovered from bandits. The arrest, carried out by members of the Ragada Vigilante Group, followed an air bombardment operation that forced bandits to abandon stolen livestock. The suspect and an accomplice were reportedly in the habit of reselling rustled cattle. While the police have yet to confirm the arrest, they acknowledged that rustled livestock were recently recovered in operations across Mariga LGA.

In a related development, Nigerian troops have rescued 138 kidnapped victims and arrested multiple terrorist collaborators during operations across Zamfara, Borno, and Adamawa States. In Zamfara, troops of 1 Brigade and local vigilantes rescued 106 captives—eight women, 85 girls, and 13 boys—near Mayanchi Village. An additional 32 hostages were released through non-kinetic efforts and handed over to the Office of the National Security Adviser, along with five AK-47 rifles and a DUSHKA machine gun.

Troops also apprehended a known terrorist collaborator in Tofa Village, Zamfara, believed to have served as a ransom negotiator and logistics coordinator for criminal groups. In Adamawa, soldiers ambushed ISWAP/JAS elements in Takaskala, recovering explosive-making materials, while in Borno, they repelled an infiltration attempt in Monguno and arrested an ISWAP informant in Abari. Another suspect was caught in Damasak with illicit drugs.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to national security and acknowledged the continued support of local communities in ongoing counterterrorism operations.