In an update published by Vanguard, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has vowed to take decisive action against the remnants of terrorist groups and insurgents operating within the country. Speaking at the West African Social Activities (WASA) event in Abuja, the COAS stated that the Nigerian Army is entering a new phase of high-intensity operations designed to permanently secure troubled regions.
The Army Chief emphasized that troop welfare remains a top priority, as motivated soldiers are essential for the success of “Operation Desert Sanity V” and other ongoing missions. He noted that the military has seen significant gains in the North-East and North-West, with scores of terrorists recently neutralized and large caches of weapons recovered.
Despite these successes, the COAS urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies. He reiterated that the military’s goal is to create a peaceful environment conducive to economic development and social stability.
The Punch confirmed these reports, adding that recent operations in the North-East led to the recovery of sophisticated anti-aircraft guns. Daily Post reported on the killing of several Boko Haram commanders, quoting a military spokesperson: “We are squeezing the operational space of the terrorists until they have nowhere left to hide.” Leadership also highlighted the COAS’s remarks, with a security analyst stating, “The focus on troop welfare is a critical shift that will likely improve battlefield performance in the coming months.”
Echotitbits take: The rhetoric from the COAS is strong, but the persistence of abductions in the Middle Belt remains a thorn in the side of the military. Watch for a possible shift toward more aerial-led operations Reuters – https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerias-army-chief-vows-crush-insurgents-amid-us-pressure-over-religious-2025-11-07/, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: Reuters
Tag: Insurgency
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Army Chief Pledges Final Blow to Insurgency Amid Renewed Offensive
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Security: Notorious Bandit Leader Executed by Rival Group in Katsina
Reporting by Daily Post indicates a significant shift in the power dynamics of banditry in Northwest Nigeria following the execution of Abdu Lankai, a prominent armed group leader. Lankai, who was known for enforcing a local “peace arrangement” in the Jibia area of Katsina State, was reportedly captured and killed by a rival faction linked to the notorious Bello Turji. The incident occurred during what was supposed to be a reconciliation meeting between the two groups.
The death of Lankai has raised immediate fears of a collapse in the fragile calm that had existed in some parts of Katsina. Security experts warn that his execution could trigger a wave of retaliatory attacks between rival gangs, potentially caught in the crossfire of which are innocent civilians. The Nigerian security forces have been placed on high alert in the region to prevent any escalation of violence.
The Punch confirmed the killing, quoting a local source who stated, “The execution of Lankai marks a dangerous turning point in the internal wars between these groups.” Vanguard also reported the development, noting that “security agencies are monitoring the situation to ensure that the peace deal in Jibia does not completely disintegrate.”
Echotitbits take: While the death of any bandit leader might seem like progress, “internal cleansing” often leads to more radicalized and violent leadership taking over. The military should capitalize on this internal rift to launch a decisive offensive while the groups are disorganized.
Source: Zagazola – https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/rival-bandit-leaders-clash-as-key-peace-enforcer-is-killed-in-jibia-axis-katsina January 28, 2026
Photo Credit: Zagazola
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Defence minister warns terror sponsors: ‘friend of a thief is a thief’
In an update published by The Guardian Nigeria, Defence Minister Christopher Musa warned that anyone supporting terrorists, insurgents and bandits should stop immediately, urging citizens to share timely intelligence with security agencies.
The minister’s remarks were made during activities linked to the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day events in Abuja, where leaders pushed a message of national support for troops.
The statement signals a harder stance on collaborators and enablers—an issue that has often complicated counterterror operations and prosecutions.
Security observers say follow-through will require credible investigations, lawful prosecutions, and protection for whistleblowers and communities providing information.
Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s security war is as much about logistics and intelligence as firepower. Watch for concrete arrests/prosecutions of financiers and facilitators—not only battlefield gains.
Source: The Guardian Nigeria – https://guardian.ng/news/friend-of-a-thief-is-a-thief-defence-minister-warns-terrorist-sponsors-bandits/ 11 January 2026
The Guardian Nigeria 2026-01-11
Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigeria
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Nigerian Air Force to Receive 12 New Attack Helicopters from US Firm
In an update published by The Punch, the Federal Government and a US-based defense company reportedly finalized plans to deliver 12 advanced attack helicopters to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of efforts to strengthen airpower against insurgency and banditry.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reportedly said the first batch is expected by mid-2026. The helicopters are described as having modern night-vision and precision-strike capabilities suited for rugged terrain.
The deal is said to include training for pilots and technicians and a maintenance center in Nigeria, which would support modernization and reduce reliance on foreign contractors for routine servicing.
Channels TV and Vanguard also reported the development, including commentary about negotiations and planned basing in the North-West.
Echotitbits take: Precision air support can shift the balance if integrated with ground intelligence and rapid response. The key will be coordination, maintenance discipline, and clear rules of engagement.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/insurgency-fg-us-company-plan-delivery-of-12-attack-helicopters/ 2026-01-09
Photo Credit: The Punch
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Questions Grow Over Civilian Impact and Strategy After Reported US Airstrikes in Sokoto
As documented by The Guardian, concerns are being raised about the long-term impact of reported U.S. airstrikes targeting the ‘Lakurawa’ insurgent group in Sokoto State.
While the strikes were said to have hit militant targets, local accounts have raised questions about debris and potential effects on civilian assets such as farmlands.
Analysts say airpower can degrade leadership but must be matched with coordinated ground operations to prevent regrouping.
**Echotitbits take:** Foreign strikes are tactically useful but politically risky if communities feel harmed or unheard. Watch for follow-up security operations, transparent damage assessments, and local engagement to avoid fresh grievances.
Source: The Guardian Nigeria – https://guardian.ng/news/sokoto-airstrikes-nigerias-diplomatic-appeals-fall-on-deaf-ears-as-us-clings-to-christian-genocide-narrative/ 2026-01-08Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigeria
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Army task force identifies Shariff Umar as alleged suicide-bombing network coordinator in North East
According to Vanguard, Operation Hadin Kai’s joint task force has identified Shariff Umar as the alleged coordinator of a suicide‑bombing network operating in Nigeria’s North East.
The announcement signals ongoing efforts to dismantle insurgent logistics and recruitment chains, while security analysts emphasise the need to protect civilians and improve intelligence-led prevention.
THISDAY reported the same development under the headline “Joint Task Force Names Shariff Umar as Coordinator of Suicide Bombing Network in North-east,” while Premium Times’ security reporting also tracked the task force’s claims about the suspect’s role.
What to watch next is the evidence trail: charges, prosecutions, and whether the disclosure leads to further arrests that disrupt the broader network.
Echotitbits take: What to watch next is the evidence trail: charges, prosecutions, and whether the disclosure leads to further arrests that disrupt the broader network.
Source: Thisdaylive — January 4, 2026 (https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/04/joint-task-force-names-shariff-umar-as-coordinator-of-suicide-bombing-network-in-north-east/)
Thisdaylive January 4, 2026
Photo Credit: Thisdaylive
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Lawmakers warn Lake Chad–Niger border insecurity needs deeper Nigeria–Niger military coordination
2026-01-02 06:00:00
According to Vanguard, concerns are rising about security threats around the Lake Chad basin and the Nigeria–Niger border corridor, with calls for stronger military coordination and intelligence-sharing between both countries.The argument is that cross-border insurgency and organised crime networks exploit weak surveillance gaps, making unilateral action costly and less effective.
Advocates of deeper cooperation say joint patrols and harmonised border management can reduce safe havens and disrupt logistics routes used by armed groups.
A Reuters briefing on regional security pressures has repeatedly described the Lake Chad basin as a hotspot where militants exploit porous borders, while humanitarian monitors warn instability in the wider Sahel continues to spill across frontiers. Regional security watchers also note coordination among neighbouring states remains a key determinant of whether insurgent movements can be contained.
Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s border security challenge is regional by default. Expect renewed focus on joint task forces, surveillance tech, and the political trust needed for intelligence cooperation. Watch for concrete steps—shared command protocols, joint operations schedules, and measurable outcomes in affected communities.
Source: ZAgazola — January 1, 2026 (http://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/diplomatic-ties-between-nigeria-niger-safer-stronger-together)
ZAgazola 2026-01-01Photo Credit: ZAgazola
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Nigerian Air Force claims 2,351 terrorists killed in 2025 air campaign
2026-01-01 07:30:00
Figures cited by Punch show the Nigerian Air Force says it neutralised 2,351 terrorists in 2025 through sustained air interdiction operations across multiple theatres.The service said repeated sorties were aimed at severing supply chains, disrupting movement corridors, and weakening leadership structures across key conflict zones.
Beyond counter-terror missions, the NAF also highlighted operations targeting oil theft infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
The Whistler quoted the NAF describing the campaign as “Sustained precision strikes” that “disrupted supply chains.”
The Guardian Nigeria also reported targeted strikes led to the destruction of illegal refining reservoirs and related assets.
Echotitbits take:
Headline numbers need verification. Watch whether 2026 sees fewer mass abductions and attacks in high-risk corridors, and whether air gains are matched by ground holding operations and community intelligence.
Source: The Punch — January 1, 2026 (https://punchng.com/2351-terrorists-killed-in-2025-air-raids-naf/)
The Punch 2026-01-01
Photo Credit: The Punch
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DHQ deploys GPS-guided munitions in reported Sokoto counter-terror strikes
2026-01-01 07:25:00
Reporting by Reuters indicates Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters deployed GPS-guided precision munitions in operations targeting militant enclaves in Sokoto State.The report suggests the strikes were aimed at degrading command structures and limiting mobility routes in forest corridors used by armed groups, amid pressure to show measurable security gains.
The implication is a shift toward more technology-driven targeting that could reduce risk to ground troops while expanding the air campaign footprint.
ThisDay also reported Nigeria’s military used “GPS-guided precision munitions” in the Sokoto operation.
A separate local follow-up likewise described strikes intended to disrupt bandit enclaves and logistics routes.
Echotitbits take:
Tech can improve targeting, but success depends on intelligence quality and post-strike ‘hold’ operations. Watch for independent confirmation, civilian-harm reporting, and whether communities experience fewer raids afterward.
Source: Reuters — December 31, 2025 (https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-used-gps-guided-precision-munitions-sokoto-strikes-via-mq-9s-sources-say-2025-12-31/)
Reuters 2025-12-31
Photo Credit: Reuters
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Yobe authorities say suspect linked to Maiduguri mosque blast has been arrested
2026-01-01 06:15:00
According to Vanguard, authorities in Yobe confirmed the arrest of a suspect allegedly linked to the December 24 Maiduguri mosque bombing.In an update published by the outlet, officials said the arrest followed local vigilance and security screening, with investigators expanding the net around possible support networks.
The development comes as the region continues to grapple with attacks targeting civilians and worship centres.
TheCable also reported the arrest and said the suspect was transferred for questioning as investigations continued.
BusinessDay similarly reported that the suspect allegedly confessed to being paid to carry out the attack, as authorities probed the wider network.
Echotitbits take:
Arrests are only step one. The credible test is independent corroboration—financing trails, logistics, handlers, and whether security agencies can prevent retaliatory or copycat strikes around high-traffic public spaces.
Source: Vanguard — January 1, 2026 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/yobe-confirms-arrest-of-suspect-linked-to-maiduguri-bomb-blast/)
Vanguard 2026-01-01
Photo Credit: Vanguard