Troops Recover Arms as Boko Haram Fighter Surrenders
At least 10 people have been killed and several others injured following an attack by armed bandits at a mining site in Karaga Village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to intelligence sources, the attack occurred on February 26 but was only reported on March 2 due to communication challenges in the area. The assailants, riding on motorcycles, opened fire indiscriminately before specifically targeting miners and residents.
The deceased have been identified as Lurwsnu Saidu (32), Zubairu Ibrahim (27), Tasiu Danlami (31), Zanaidu Ibrahim (36), Haliru Ibrahim (33), Abbas Abdulhamid (40), Uzairu Ibrahim (32), Umaru Aliyu (22), Dahiru Fadama (29), and Alheri Gambo (21), the only female victim.
Another victim, Sabiu Yakubu (25), sustained a gunshot wound to his right hand and is currently receiving treatment at Erena Comprehensive Health Centre.
Sources indicate that the attackers are linked to a terrorist network operating within Shiroro, which has been responsible for repeated attacks on mining sites, villages, and security forces in recent months.
Four Kidnapped in Katsina Attack
In a separate incident, gunmen abducted four individuals from Paris Quarters, located behind the Federal University, Dutsinma, in Katsina State.
The attack took place at around 2:20 AM when a large group of assailants silently infiltrated the area and forcibly took the victims.
The abducted individuals have been identified as Wali Kayode (25), Fahad Muhammad (20), Emmanuel (surname unknown), and an unidentified individual.
Security personnel responded swiftly upon receiving a distress call, but the kidnappers had already escaped. Authorities have since launched a manhunt to locate the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the victims.
Military Seizes Arms in Sambisa Forest Operation
Meanwhile, troops from the 21 Armoured Brigade, Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Hadin Kai, have recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, and equipment during a clearance operation in Sambisa Forest, Borno State.
Intelligence sources revealed that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the 199 Special Forces Battalion, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and Hybrid Forces.
The troops targeted the Ukuba general area, searching for hidden weapons and equipment used by terrorist factions.
Upon arriving at 12:10 PM on March 1, the forces discovered that the terrorists had fled hastily, leaving behind a significant stockpile of arms.
Recovered items included:
- One MOWAG engine
- One unidentified heavy-duty block engine
- Various engine components
- One QJC W85 anti-aircraft gun
- Three PKT machine guns
- Two General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG)
- One M60 machine gun
- Two RPG tubes
- One QJC gun cradle
- One unserviceable HK 21 rifle
- One G3 rifle magazine
- One fabricated 60mm mortar tube
- Three Improvised Explosive Device (IED) cylinders
Military authorities confirmed that this operation is part of a broader strategy to eliminate terrorist strongholds in Sambisa Forest and dismantle their hidden weapon depots.