Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully repelled attacks by terrorists on multiple locations across the Joint Operations Area in the early hours of Wednesday

According to a statement Thursday by Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lt.-Colonel Sani Uba, between midnight and 4 am, the terrorists launched coordinated assaults on troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko, situated in Sector 1 (Borno State) and Sector 2 (Yobe State) respectively.

“In all instances, troops stood firm, fought gallantly, and professionally repelled the attacks, dealing the terrorists a heavy decisive and bloody blow,” he said.

According to him, the coordinated offensive response was supported by air platforms of the Air Component Command of OPHK.

“The precision strikes, coupled with enhanced battlefield awareness provided by Theatre Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, gave troops additional leverage and impetus to respond with overwhelming and lethal force.

“The combined ground and air efforts resulted in the neutralisation of over 50 terrorists across all the locations. Troops also recovered 38 AK-47 rifles, 7 PKT machine guns, 5 RPG tubes, 2 GPMGs and hand grenades along with thousands of assorted belts and loose rounds of different calibres.

“Additionally, over 70 of the wounded miscreants are still being pursued by ground troops supported by the Air Component in close coordination.

“Intelligence further revealed the terrorists who attacked Dikwa and Gajibo manoeuvred from the Cameroon axis, while those that attacked Katarko emerged from the Timbuktu Triangle, a known terrorist enclave,” he said.

The spokesman, however, said some of the gallant troops were wounded in action but in stable condition.

“Some vehicles and buildings were also gutted by fire from the terrorists armed drones and RPG fire during the battle, especially in Mafa and Dikwa where a part of the defences was momentarily breached,” he said.

Uba said:  “The Military High Command has commended the gallantry, doggedness and renewed charge of the troops. Their steadfast performance once again reaffirms the military’s unwavering resolve and capacity to defend the nation’s territorial integrity against all threats especially with the introduction of more boots and critical combat enablers into the Theatre.”

 …No negotiation with bandits – Bago

Meanwhile, Niger state Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has said his administration won’t go into any form of negotiation or ransom payment to bandits.

According to him, such actions would only embolden the criminals and worsen the state’s security challenge.

The governor’s Special Adviser (Print Media), Aisha Wakaso, quoted him as saying this in a statement during a condolence visit to Rijau and Magama local government areas, where several communities were recently attacked by armed bandits.

While assuring victims of government support, the governor promised compensation for families of those killed, medical care for the injured, and assistance for residents who lost their livelihoods.

The statement said the state had got to a tipping point where citizens must take responsibility for their safety and resist banditry collectively.

He said: “We will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and keep kidnapping people.”

“We are surrounded by enemies, but we will not give up. The constitution gives us the right to defend our lives and property, and we will do just that. There is no going back,” the governor declared.

Bago, who likened the current trend to war situation, noted that it was both a constitutional and moral obligation to protect lives and property, assuring that he was prepared to go to any length to get at the criminal elements and protect the innocent and law abiding people of the state.

The governor, while expressing concern over some communities overrun by criminals, lamented that the situation had forced residents to flee their homes and live as internally displaced persons.

 And as part of efforts to beef up security within the state, the governor announced plans to immediately recruit and train 10,000 members into the state’s Joint Task Force (JTF).

Similarly, as a first measure to curb insecurity, he announced a ban on mining activities across Zone C of the state namely; Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara local government areas.

He said: “It is suspicious that miners can enter the forests freely, yet the bandits don’t touch them.”

The governor, therefore, directed the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrest anyone caught engaging in mining in the affected areas.

…Army lauds ODSG

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Army has commended the synergy between the Ondo state government and security agencies, saying it has contributed greatly to the relative peace enjoyed in the state.

Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Major Njoka Irabor, specifically commended the state government for her swift and decisive response to the recent security alert regarding a planned terrorist attack in some parts of the state.

Irabor made the commendation during an official visit to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, in his office in Akure.

He noted that the prompt action by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa in convening an emergency security meeting and directing all security agencies to be on full alert, demonstrated his commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens.

The Army spokesperson also expressed appreciation to the state government for its continuous support to the military and other security formations.

Irabor recalled that the governor recently presented utility vehicles and other operational equipment to security agencies to enhance their efficiency and operational readiness across the state.

According to him, the synergy between the government and security agencies has contributed greatly to the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.

He pledged the Nigerian Army’s continued collaboration with other agencies to ensure that Ondo remains a safe and stable environment for residents and investors.

In his response, Ajanaku thanked Irabor for the visit and for the army’s commitment to safeguarding the state.

He assured that the ministry would continue to support the military and other security agencies through effective information dissemination and public enlightenment.

Ajanaku emphasised the importance of public vigilance, urging citizens to report any suspicious or unlawful activities in their communities to the appropriate authorities. He noted that timely intelligence from the public plays a vital role in helping the government and security agencies prevent criminal acts and maintain peace.

The commissioner reaffirmed the Aiyedatiwa administration’s dedication to a secure and prosperous Ondo state, stressing that collaboration, vigilance, and communication remain key to sustaining peace and development.