A security Analyst has hailed the surge in victories Against insurgents and bandits under the coordinated leadership of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu .
In a remarkable display of resilience and strategic prowess, Nigerian security forces have achieved a series of decisive victories against terrorist and bandit elements across multiple theaters of operation over the past week. These successes, spanning from the volatile North-East to the North-West and beyond, underscore the effectiveness of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
At the heart of these triumphs is the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), led by the astute Nuhu Ribadu, whose visionary coordination has championed unprecedented synergy among various security agencies. Ribadu’s leadership has not only orchestrated simultaneous operations but has also amplified the impact of joint efforts, turning the tide in favor of peace and stability in Nigeria.
The North-East region, long plagued by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), witnessed some of the most intense confrontations this week. In the Baga and Buratai areas of Borno State, strategic zones often targeted due to their proximity to Lake Chad and historical significance as insurgent strongholds, Nigerian troops demonstrated exceptional defensive capabilities.
In one pivotal engagement, troops from Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) clashed with ISWAP fighters attempting to overrun military positions in Kukawa Local Government Area, which encompasses Baga. The operation culminated in the elimination of a high-ranking ISWAP commander, Malam Bako Gorgore, also known as Abou Mustapha. Security sources reported that Gorgore, a key figure in orchestrating attacks and logistics for the group, was neutralized during a fierce encounter. This strike not only disrupted ISWAP’s command structure but also prevented potential escalations in the region.
Further bolstering these efforts, in the nearby Buratai axis, ground forces supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) repelled a coordinated assault on Banki in Bama Local Government Area. ISWAP militants advanced in large numbers during the early hours, aiming to breach the military base. However, swift intelligence and aerial support from NAF jets forced the insurgents to scatter in disarray. The combined arms approach, integrating ground troops with air strikes exemplifies the tactical evolution under NSA Ribadu’s guidance, ensuring that no breach occurred and minimizing casualties among security personnel.
These repulsions in Borno are part of a broader pattern of proactive defense. In Goniri, Yobe State, troops from the Joint Task Force (North East), under Sector 2 of OPHK, foiled another ISWAP attack, killing over 20 terrorists.
Additionally, a suspected ISWAP member was arrested while transporting motorcycle tires and maintenance spares from the notorious Timbuktu triangle, a known smuggling route for insurgent supplies. Such interdictions have severely hampered ISWAP’s mobility and operational sustainability.
Shifting focus to banditry, which has terrorized communities in the North-West and other regions, Nigerian forces made headlines with the arrest of ‘Sule Yellow’, a notorious bandit infamous for flaunting ransom money from kidnappings on TikTok. Troops from the Nigerian Army apprehended him in a targeted operation, dismantling a key node in the bandit network that relied on social media for recruitment and intimidation. This arrest sends a strong message that no criminal is beyond the reach of justice, regardless of their digital bravado.
The week’s successes extended far beyond this high-profile capture. In a 24-hour blitz of intelligence-led operations nationwide, troops neutralized 18 terrorists, arrested 37 suspects, and recovered an array of weapons and logistics items. Nine kidnapped victims were rescued, further eroding the capabilities of criminal elements. Specific highlights include:
• In Delta State, soldiers foiled a kidnapping attempt on Patani–Ughelli Road, rescuing passengers and preventing a potential tragedy.
• In Zamfara State, Operation Fansan Yamma troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes (Askara), neutralized a bandit during an attempt to abduct students at the College of Science and Health Technology in Tsafe. Another patrol along Dansadau–Magami road eliminated several bandits, securing vital transportation routes.
• In Benue State, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) forces recovered a pistol and ammunition after militia members fled during a patrol in Gbemacha Mbatiav District, Gboko LGA. Separately, a high-profile criminal was arrested in Agasha Village, Guma LGA, following an attack on a resident.
• In Yobe State, a collaboration between 159 Battalion and the Civilian Joint Task Force led to the arrest of a suspected terrorist spy in Kanamma.
• In Kwara State, the Nigeria Police Force, working with the Intelligence Response Team, arrested 32 suspected bandits in forest hideouts across communities like Kaiama, Patigi, and Babanla, recovering four AK-47 rifles in the process.
These operations highlight the diverse threats addressed, from urban kidnappings to rural bandit enclaves, and demonstrate the troops’ adaptability across terrains.
What sets this week’s achievements apart is the seamless coordination facilitated by the Office of the National Security Adviser. Under Nuhu Ribadu’s leadership, the NSA has emerged as the central hub for intelligence sharing, resource allocation, and strategic planning. Ribadu, with his extensive background in law enforcement and security, has masterminded the simultaneous execution of these operations, ensuring that efforts in Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Benue, Delta, and Kwara were not isolated but part of a unified national strategy.
The NSA’s office has leveraged advanced intelligence fusion centers to monitor threats in real-time, allowing for rapid deployment of assets like NAF air support in Borno while ground forces in the North-West conducted raids. This synergy—evident in collaborations between the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, Civilian Joint Task Force, and local vigilantes, has minimized overlaps and maximized efficiency. For instance, the arrest of ‘Sule Yellow’ involved cross-agency intelligence that traced his TikTok activities back to operational hideouts, while the repulsions in Baga and Buratai benefited from shared satellite and human intelligence.
Ribadu deserves commendation for steering these victories. His emphasis on inter-agency harmony has transformed Nigeria’s security architecture, yielding tangible results in degraded insurgent capabilities and restored public confidence. By prioritizing joint training, technology integration, and community engagement, Ribadu has ensured that operations are not just reactive but preventive, addressing root causes like smuggling and espionage.
As Nigeria reflects on this week’s triumphs, the message is clear: unified action under capable leadership like that of NSA Nuhu Ribadu is the key to enduring peace. These operations have not only neutralized immediate threats but have also inspired hope among affected communities. Moving forward, continued investment in synergy through enhanced funding, training, and international partnerships, will be crucial to consolidate these gains.
The Nigerian troops, often operating in challenging conditions, have proven their mettle. With the NSA’s office at the helm, the nation can look toward a future where terrorism and banditry are relics of the past, paving the way for development and prosperity.
Anosike Chukwuma is a security expert and writes from Lagos .
