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: Nigerian Army
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Army Chief Pledges Final Blow to Insurgency Amid Renewed Offensive
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Army Recovers Hundreds of Cattle After Fierce Katsina Gunfight
According to reports from Premium Times, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade have successfully recovered 529 rustled livestock following a violent encounter with terrorists in the Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State. The criminals, reportedly led by a relative of the notorious bandit kingpin Ado Aliero, engaged the troops in a prolonged shootout before fleeing.
The operation is part of an intensified effort to dismantle the economic backbone of banditry in the Northwest, where cattle rustling is a primary source of funding for armed groups. The Nigerian Army stated that the recovered animals are being processed for return to their rightful owners in the local community.
The success of the 17 Brigade is being hailed as a tactical victory, though residents remain cautious as many communities in the region have historically relied on non-state armed groups for protection—a phenomenon known as the “Jibia Peace Model.”
Supporting reports from Leadership and The Nation confirm the engagement, with Leadership stating, “The neutralization of bandit logistics is key to restoring peace in Katsina,” and The Nation quoting a military spokesperson: “We will not rest until the last of these economic saboteurs is brought to justice.”
Echotitbits take: While recovering cattle is a win, the long-term solution lies in replacing the “Jibia Model” with permanent state security presence. Watch for how the military handles the “non-state enforcers” who currently fill the security vacuum.
Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/nwest/855104-gunfight-in-katsina-as-troops-battle-bandits-official.html?tztc=1 , February 8, 2026
Photo credit: Premium Times
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Federal Government Deploys Army Battalion to Kwara Following Deadly Attack
According to The Punch reporting, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State following a brutal attack that left over 160 residents dead. The new military command will spearhead “Operation Savannah Shield,” a targeted offensive designed to track down the gunmen who targeted innocent villagers in what the President described as a “cowardly and beastly” campaign of terror.
The security crisis was also covered by Daily Post and Tribune Online, which provided updates on the humanitarian response. Daily Post confirmed that “relief materials are already being moved to the affected communities,” while Tribune Online quoted Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq saying, “We will not rest until the perpetrators of this massacre are brought to justice.”
The U.S. government has reportedly condemned the killings and expressed support for the Nigerian government’s security deployment. Security experts remain concerned about the vulnerability of border communities in Kwara and have called for permanent military outposts in the region to prevent future incursions by bandits.
Echotitbits take: The rapid deployment of “Operation Savannah Shield” shows a proactive stance, but the 10-hour delay reported by locals before troops arrived indicates a massive gap in early-warning systems. The focus must shift from reactive deployment to proactive intelligence gathering.
Source: Channels TV – https://www.channelstv.com/2026/02/05/kwara-attack-tinubu-orders-deployment-of-troops-condemns-incident/, February 6, 2026
Photo credit: Channels TV
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President Tinubu Deploys Army Battalion to Kwara Following Deadly Terror Attack
Reporting by Premium Times indicates that President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Woro village in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The directive follows a devastating overnight attack by Boko Haram terrorists, reportedly under the command of Mallam Sadiku, which resulted in scores of fatalities. The Presidency confirmed that the new military command will spearhead “Operation Savannah Shield” to secure the border communities and prevent further incursions from the nearby Kainji forest reserve.
The state government initially placed the death toll at 75, while the Red Cross reported as many as 162 confirmed deaths by Wednesday evening. Residents revealed that the terrorists invaded the community around 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, continuing their assault into the early hours of Wednesday. The victims were allegedly targeted for refusing to subscribe to extremist ideologies or be conscripted into the group’s ranks.
The Daily Trust and Channels TV have also provided extensive coverage of the massacre. Daily Trust quoted a local survivor who stated, “the attackers came in large numbers and showed no mercy to those who stood their ground.” Channels TV reported that “security forces have begun a massive manhunt in the Kainji forest reserve,” with a military source confirming that “no stone will be left unturned in neutralizing the Sadiku-led faction.”
Echotitbits take:
The relocation of Boko Haram elements to the North-Central axis (Kwara/Niger borders) represents a dangerous geographical shift in the insurgency. While the deployment of a full battalion is a necessary reactive measure, the long-term security of the Savannah belt will depend on intelligence-led operations within the Kainji National Park. This development may force a redirection of security spending in the 2026 supplementary budget.
Source: DailySabah – https://www.dailysabah.com/world/africa/nigeria-deploys-military-after-latest-massacre-kills-at-least-162, February 5, 2026
Photo credit: DailySabah
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Plot to Assassinate President Tinubu and Top Officials Uncovered
Premium Times reports (January 30, 2026) that a joint intelligence operation involving the Nigerian Army and the State Security Service (SSS) uncovered and disrupted an alleged plot aimed at overthrowing the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The alleged conspiracy, said to have taken shape in late 2025, reportedly targeted President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for assassination.
Investigations reportedly advanced after a military whistleblower raised an alarm about a planned strike during a major presidential outing, prompting the cancellation of some high-profile national events and a wave of arrests of alleged military and civilian collaborators.
ThisDay and The Nation also reported additional details, including claims of coordinated suspect activity and ongoing efforts to trace alleged financial sponsors.
Echotitbits take: This development highlights persistent friction within parts of the security architecture and political class. While disrupting the plot is a major security win, the administration will need to manage public perception of instability. Expect tighter surveillance in Abuja and possible reshuffling of mid-level military commands in the weeks ahead.
Source: Daily Trust – https://dailytrust.com/how-coup-to-topple-tinubu-was-uncovered-foiled/ 2026-01-30
Photo Credit: Daily Trust
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Security Forces Rescue 15 Abducted Students in Joint Kaduna Operation
A joint operation by the Nigerian Army and Air Force has reportedly rescued 15 students abducted from a secondary school in Kaduna State, with the mission described as intelligence-led and executed near a forest corridor bordering Zamfara State.
Security officials said some bandits were neutralized while others fled with injuries, as the rescued students were moved to a military medical facility for evaluation ahead of reunification with families.
Kaduna State authorities praised the troops and reiterated commitments to the Safe Schools Initiative, urging residents to share actionable intelligence with security formations.
Echotitbits take: A welcome win against banditry. Intelligence-led operations are the right model, but prevention remains the bigger challenge: school security hardening, early-warning networks, and disruption of financing pipelines must improve to reduce incidents.
Source: Zagazola – https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/army-troops-rescue-11-kidnapped-victims-in-kaduna 2026-01-27Photo Credit: Zagazola
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Security Alert: Terrorists Deploy Booby-Trapped Corpses in Niger State
Reports indicate terrorists killed six people in Niger State and planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) under the victims’ bodies in Borgu Local Government Area—apparently targeting those attempting recovery.
Response: A bomb expert reportedly neutralized the devices. Local leaders are appealing for immediate reinforcement and heightened security presence in the affected communities.
Why it matters: The use of booby traps suggests a more lethal phase of insurgent tactics, increasing risk to first responders, civilians, and security forces.
Echotitbits take: This is a tactical escalation consistent with guerrilla playbooks seen in other conflict zones. Expect heightened pressure on security agencies to expand IED detection, training, and community intelligence networks in rural corridors.
Source: Facebook/ITV – https://web.facebook.com/itvradiong/posts/combating-terrorism-troops-kill-scores-of-terrorists-in-adamawa-borno-statesin-a/1290902703071605/?_rdc=1&_rdr# (January 25, 2026)
Facebook/ITV 2026-01-25
Photo Credit: Facebook/ITV
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Nigerian Troops Neutralize Terror Commanders in Sambisa Forest Raid
Nigerian Troops Neutralize Terror Commanders in Sambisa Forest Raid
In an update published by Daily Post, the Nigerian military’s Operation Hadin Kai recorded a significant victory against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains. During Operation Desert Sanity V, ground troops reportedly repelled an ambush, resulting in the death of 10 terrorists. Two high-ranking commanders, identified as Basulhu and Ubaida, were among those neutralized.
The operation also led to the recovery of weapons, communication gadgets, and logistics supplies. Military sources said the encounter at Malkube was particularly intense, but that the troops suffered no casualties. The offensive is part of a renewed dry-season push to eliminate the remnants of terror cells attempting to regroup along the border with Cameroon.
Further reporting from The Punch confirmed the military’s success, quoting a spokesperson who said forces are maintaining a high tempo to ensure no safe haven remains for insurgent elements. Leadership newspaper also validated the report, adding that civilian intelligence played a key role in tracking the movements of the neutralized commanders.
Echotitbits take: Eliminating top-tier commanders is a major blow to insurgents’ command-and-control structures. Beyond battlefield wins, the next challenge is holding territory long enough for displaced residents to return safely. Expect increased border patrols to prevent fighters from slipping into neighboring countries.
Source: Zagozola — https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/troops-neutralise-two-terrorists-recover-arms-in-sambisa-forest (2026-01-23)
Photo Credit: Zagozola 2026-01-23
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Experts Urge Police Reform as Military Remains Overstretched in Security Roles
Experts Urge Police Reform as Military Remains Overstretched in Security Roles
In an update published by The Punch, security experts and former military leaders called for a phased withdrawal of the Armed Forces from internal security operations. At a forum, former Army Chief Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (Rtd) argued that prolonged military involvement in policing perpetuates dependency and weakens the Nigeria Police Force.
The reform debate comes amid concerns about accidental killings and human-rights frictions involving soldiers in civilian-facing roles. Speakers advocated a defined transition timeline—suggesting a one-year window—to reform, train, and properly fund the police to resume their statutory role as primary guardians of internal law and order.
Daily Post validated similar sentiments, quoting a security analyst warning against using the military as the default tool for every episode of civil unrest. The Nation also reported that the current administration is considering adjustments to internal security architecture.
Echotitbits take: This debate has simmered for years. The military can provide immediate stabilization, but internal security requires community policing, de-escalation, and accountability frameworks. A credible transition back to police-led internal security is essential for long-term civil-military relations.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/internal-security-withdraw-military-reform-police/ (2026-01-23)
Photo Credit: The Punch 2026-01-23
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Security Operations: Military Dismisses Katsina Amnesty Rumors
Security Operations: Military Dismisses Katsina Amnesty Rumors
The Nigerian Military has denied claims of an amnesty deal involving the release of 70 suspected bandits in Katsina, saying releases occurred only after intelligence clearance and that kinetic operations remain ongoing.
Additional coverage across Nigerian media and stakeholder reactions indicate that the implications of the development will be closely watched in the coming days as policy, security, and market signals evolve.
Echotitbits take: The controversy reflects a communication gap between state-level narratives and federal military messaging. Public confidence will hinge on transparency around screening, releases, and operational outcomes.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/amnesty-international-report-lacks-depth-misleading-dhq/ (2026-01-22)
Photo credit: The Punch
2026-01-22 18:00:00