According to a report by Security Brief Nigeria, troops of Operation Hadin Kai carried out a successful search-and-rescue operation in Maiduguri, leading to the elimination of a suspected Boko Haram member and the recovery of several weapons.
The operation, conducted under Operation Desert Sanity IV, followed actionable intelligence about suspicious movements linked to insurgents around Malkube, near the busy Baga Road Market. Security Brief Nigeria notes that the troops were responding to earlier gunfire reportedly exchanged between suspected militants in the area.
A team of about 36 soldiers, supported by 10 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), moved in and came under fire. They quickly cordoned off the area and engaged the suspects.
Recovered items included:
2 AK-47 rifles
2 AK-47 magazines
15 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
A Samsung Fold 4 smartphone, believed to contain valuable intelligence
One suspected insurgent was killed, and no casualties were recorded among the security forces or CJTF personnel.
Security Brief Nigeria reports that troops have continued follow-up surveillance in neighbouring communities to track any remaining suspects and prevent potential attacks.
The military is encouraging residents to remain alert and report suspicious activity as part of ongoing efforts to keep Maiduguri secure.
The Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YAMMA has recorded fresh successes in the North-West following coordinated operations in Kebbi and Zamfara States.
According to the Army, troops acting on intelligence neutralised two suspected terrorists in Kebbi State and later rescued 62 kidnapped victims from a forest hideout in Zamfara.
What Happened in Kebbi
Military sources said troops received credible intelligence about the movement of suspected Lakurawa terrorists around the Augie–Binji axis, close to the Kebbi–Sokoto border.
The suspects were said to be moving on motorcycles through bush paths when troops laid an ambush near Kerani village. A brief gunfight followed, during which two terrorists were killed.
Items recovered include:
Two motorcycles
Camouflage clothing
Thick blankets used to pad the bikes
Hand-operated tyre pumps, suggesting long-distance movement
The Army said the suspects appeared well-prepared and organised, reinforcing concerns about how armed groups operate across the border areas.
Rescue Operation in Zamfara
In a separate operation, troops stormed Munhaye Forest in Zamfara State, a known hideout linked to bandit leader Kachalla Alti.
During the operation, 62 kidnapped victims were rescued alive. The victims were reportedly held under harsh conditions before troops secured their release.
They have since been moved to a safe location for medical checks, profiling, and psychological support, before being reunited with their families.
Army Reacts
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said the operations were intelligence-driven and carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes.
He added that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains focused on dismantling terrorist and bandit networks, rescuing captives, and restoring peace across the North-West.
Reactions
Many residents say the rescues offer some hope, especially for communities that have suffered repeated kidnappings and attacks. Others, however, argue that sustained operations and long-term solutions are still needed to fully address insecurity in the region.
What do you think—are these operations making a real difference, or is more still required?
SecuritybriefNg: May God Bless Prince Otu and his wife. For his security effort. Since he stepped in as Gov. Of the state...C'River Crime Rate has been term down compare to Incumbent Ben Ayade...
May God Bless Prince Otu and his wife. For his security effort. Since he stepped in as Gov. Of the state...C'River Crime Rate has been term down compare to Incumbent Ben Ayade...
No fewer than 80 militants operating in the creeks of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State have voluntarily surrendered their weapons and embraced the state government’s amnesty and reintegration programme.
The militants reportedly emerged from the creeks on Friday at the Atimbo Rear Area during Operation OKWOK, within the Area of Responsibility of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade. Security analysts describe the development as a major breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to curb coastal militancy and maritime crime in southern Cross River.
According to security sources, the mass surrender followed months of sustained military operations, alongside quiet engagements involving community leaders, government officials and security agencies.
Two notorious militant camps were said to have dismantled themselves in a coordinated move. The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, popularly known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters, with four more expected to report in the coming days.
The second camp, commanded by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, surrendered 41 fighters. His group, widely referred to as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or “Border Boys,” was known to control strategic waterways linking Cross River to neighbouring coastal routes. Ten additional members of the group are also expected to join the amnesty process.
In total, 80 militants have formally laid down their arms and entered the state-supervised disarmament, rehabilitation and reintegration programme.
There was panic in Obajana, Kogi State, on Sunday night after suspected bandits attacked a police position near the Dangote Cement Factory, leading to the death of one Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) member.
According to security sources, the attackers stormed the area in large numbers, believed to be a reprisal attack following a recent military operation in which over 200 terrorists were reportedly neutralised in the region.
The gunmen reportedly attempted to overrun the police position but were successfully repelled by security operatives stationed at the Dangote Cement Factory. During the exchange of gunfire, one CJTF operative was killed, while no police casualties or loss of arms were recorded.
Sources said the attackers, many of whom were hooded, suffered heavy casualties and were forced to retreat after evacuating their dead.
As of the time of this report, the Kogi State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
This attack has renewed concerns over security around strategic national assets and the growing threat of banditry spreading into North-Central Nigeria.
🗣 Nairalanders, what do you think should be done to secure critical facilities like Dangote Cement Factory?
Bachama Christian militia groups in Adamawa State have accused the state government and security agencies of taking sides in the ongoing violent clashes with fellow Christian Tchobo tribesmen in Lamurde Local Government Area.
According to the militia leadership, the alleged bias has weakened efforts to restore peace, with security interventions said to favour one party over the other. In a controversial appeal, the Bachama militia commander has called on the government to withdraw all security personnel from the area, insisting that both sides should be allowed to confront each other directly.
Reports indicate that the crisis has been ongoing since early December 2025, with repeated retaliatory attacks recorded on both sides, leading to rising tension and insecurity across affected communities.
It is further alleged that radical Tchobo Christian fighters mobilised reinforcements from neighbouring Gombe State, launching coordinated attacks on Bachama Christian settlements within Lamurde LGA.
Sources say the conflict is deeply rooted in long-standing disputes over traditional kingship and land ownership, issues that have repeatedly sparked violence in the area.
Residents are now calling for urgent and impartial intervention to prevent further bloodshed and restore lasting peace.
A disturbing video has surfaced online showing two men allegedly kidnapped by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State, begging for help.
One of the abducted persons was identified as Hon. Hassan Biu Miringa, a former Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area.
According to the victims, they were kidnapped on December 17, 2025, while travelling from Miringa to Maiduguri.
In the video, the captives claimed the terrorists are demanding $150,000 each, bringing the total ransom to $300,000 (about ₦423 million) before they can be released.
One of them said:
> “We were abducted on our way from Miringa to Maiduguri around 2:30. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive. We are appealing to the government and good-hearted Nigerians to come to our rescue.”
They specifically called on Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, Hon. Mukhtar Betara Aliyu, Hon. Sule Ali Rimi, Hon. Yakubu Gambo Kimba, and Alhaji Musa Dogo Biu to intervene.
> “We are their sons. We are begging them to help us. They said we must pay $150,000 each. We want to regain our freedom and reunite with our families,” one of the victims added.
Sad development from Gwoza LGA, Borno State. A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) has reportedly been killed after a suspected ambush by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters along the Warave–Bayan Dutse Road.
According to security sources, the incident happened on January 5 at about 2:30pm. Armed men believed to be insurgents opened fire on CJTF members and local hunters who were on a routine patrol in the area.
The victim was identified as Hamman Ibrahim, about 40 years old. He sustained severe injuries during the attack.
After the shooting, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the area was alerted. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, alongside police officers and CJTF personnel, reportedly moved to the scene to assess the situation and document the incident.
Ibrahim was later rushed to the General Hospital, Gwoza, where doctors confirmed that he was dead on arrival. His body was released to his family and he was buried according to Islamic rites.
Security Situation: Gwoza and nearby communities are still facing occasional attacks from Boko Haram and ISWAP remnants, despite ongoing military operations in the area. CJTF members and local hunters continue to play an important role in supporting security agencies through patrols and intelligence gathering.
Many residents are once again calling for stronger security presence and sustained counterterrorism operations to protect civilians and volunteer security operatives, especially in vulnerable parts of southern Borno State.
Politics › Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist, Recover Weapons In Maiduguri [photos] by SecuritybriefNg(op): 8:28pm On Jan 22*. Modified: 1:10am On Jan 23
