High Time to Bomb Bandit-Terrorists in Northcentral States: Combat Analyst
By Segun Onibiyo and Steven Kefas
(Kaduna), In a series of coordinated operations, Nigerian security forces have dealt significant blows to terrorist networks operating in Kaduna State, marking a crucial turning point in the nation’s ongoing war against terror. These operations, carried out in September 2024, demonstrate the military’s renewed commitment to rooting out insurgency and restoring peace to troubled regions in the country.
On Friday, September 27, 2024, Nigerian troops successfully apprehended two injured terrorist suspects at a private clinic in Kaura County, Kaduna State. The suspects, believed to be members of the late notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Tukur Sharme’s gang, had sought medical treatment for wounds sustained during an earlier clash with the military in Birnin Gwari.
The Army’s statement confirmed the arrests: “In Kaura Local Government of Kaduna State, troops, acting on intelligence, stormed a private clinic where wounded terrorists were receiving treatment. Two suspects, believed to be members of the late notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Tukur Sharme’s gang, were arrested. They confessed to sustaining gunshot wounds during an earlier clash with Nigerian troops.”
This operation was made possible through crucial intelligence provided by local vigilantes, (community watchmen) highlighting the importance of community cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, a source privy to the operation told Truth Nigeria.
Tukur Mamu, a community guard and resident of Birnin Gwari, recounted the events leading to the arrests: “There was a gunfight two days ago (Tuesday Oct 1) that lasted for about three hours. We joined forces with the military to launch an attack on terrorist camps, specifically targeting Ansaru members and some bandits. The military led the charge while we secured the flanks. I saw the military take down more than 15 terrorists, and the rest scattered in all directions as we chased them down,” Mamu told TruthNigeria.
A military source who was part of the operation emphasized the significance of these arrests to TruthNigeria: “This is just the beginning of our offensive against the terrorists. We have a mandate from the Commander-in-Chief to root out their hideouts by taking the fight directly to them. We’re winning, and we won’t stop until they’re all eliminated.”
Air Force Bombs Logistic Base belonging to Dogo Gide’s Ally, Kachalla Gurgu
In a parallel operation on the same day, the Nigerian Air Force successfully destroyed a terrorist logistics base in the Yadi Forest, Giwa Local Government Area, of Kaduna State. The base, belonging to notorious terrorist kingpin Kadede Gurgu, an ally of fugitive terrorist kingpin, Dogo Gide, had been providing shelter for high-profile bandit-terrorists fleeing military operations in neighboring states.
Group Captain Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, detailed the air strike: “The Air Component dispatched an aircraft, supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, to attack the target. The target area initially appeared uninhabited. However, as the aircraft approached, some of the terrorists were seen emerging from under the shrubbery and running away from the area. Subsequently, the targets were engaged, recording successful hits on the logistics facility, which was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke seen.”
These coordinated land- and- air operations represent a significant escalation in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. By targeting both active combatants and their support infrastructure, the military is adopting a comprehensive approach to dismantle terrorist networks. The success of these operations also underscores the critical role of intelligence gathering and community cooperation in effective counterterrorism strategies.
Expert Says Military Must Hit the North Central Gangs
Security Expert, Dr Walid Abdullahi, while commenting on the arrest of the two terrorist suspects told Truth Nigeria that the military must extend its bombardment to the North Central part of the country.
“The arrest of the 2 terrorists in Kaura, which is in the northcentral part of the country, further shows that the terrorists are finding a safe haven to hide from the artillery fire in the Northwest.
“For the terrorist to run all the way from Birnin Gwari to Kaura, an area that has also suffered attacks by terrorists in times past shows that they believe the area is safe for them. I think the military really need to extend its campaign beyond the Northwest.
“When you look at Kajuru for instance, it is under the control of some terrorists who may have been dislodged from the Northwest. That is why you hear of attacks and kidnapping there almost on a daily basis. The military onslaught must be simultaneous across the country otherwise the terrorists will run elsewhere, regroup and come back to continue their nefarious activities,” Abdullahi concluded.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the complex challenges posed by insurgency, these recent victories offer hope for a more secure future. However, they also highlight the ongoing nature of the conflict and the need for sustained, multi-faceted efforts to achieve lasting peace.
The war on terror in Nigeria is not just a military campaign but a struggle that encompasses social, economic, and political dimensions. As the nation’s armed forces intensify their efforts to neutralize immediate threats, there is a growing recognition of the need to address social conditions that contribute to recruitment by gangs and terrorist insurgents: poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities in affected regions.
For both Nigerian and American audiences, these events serve as a reminder of the global nature of the fight against terrorism and the importance of international cooperation in addressing this shared threat. As Nigeria continues to make strides in its counterterrorism efforts, the international community watches closely, recognizing that the stability of Africa’s most populous nation has far-reaching implications for regional and global security.
Segun Onibiyo and Steven are conflicts reporters for Truth Nigeria
