Presidency Cites Zagazola Reports to Highlight Military Gains Across Nigeria
The Presidency has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for sustained operational successes across multiple theatres, citing detailed field reports by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama as evidence of ongoing military gains against insurgents and criminal elements.
In a statement titled “An Appreciation of the Armed Forces: Weeklong Actions Across Multiple Theatres,” the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said security updates provided by Zagazola Makama highlighted significant progress by troops in tackling insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and related crimes nationwide.
Onanuga noted that public discourse often focuses on isolated incidents while overlooking the consistent efforts and achievements of military personnel confronting complex asymmetric threats.
Among the highlighted operations was the rescue of 13 passengers abducted along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State. Troops of Sub-Sector 1B, Operation Whirl Stroke, conducted a search-and-rescue mission in Ohimini Local Government Area, leading to the victims’ release.
The rescued passengers, including candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), were taken to the General Hospital in Otukpo for treatment.
Security sources, as cited in Zagazola’s report, clarified that the perpetrators were local criminal elements rather than external groups, correcting earlier media speculation.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace recorded multiple breakthroughs, including the arrest of suspects linked to violent attacks and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
Nine suspected militia members were apprehended in Riyom Local Government Area, with items recovered including firearms, ammunition, and motorcycles. The suspects were believed to be connected to a series of targeted killings in the area.
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Troops also responded to several incidents, including gun attacks along Kpashio-Ansa Road in Bassa LGA and clashes between farmers and herders in Barkin Ladi, restoring calm and evacuating injured victims.
In Borno State, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralised terrorists and repelled attacks along the Kirawa-Pulka axis, recovering communication equipment from insurgents.
They also detected and safely detonated improvised explosive devices along the Gajiram axis, preventing potential casualties.
In neighbouring Yobe State, troops arrested three suspected logistics suppliers linked to ISWAP and Boko Haram in Damaturu, in collaboration with local hunters.
In Sokoto State, troops of 8 Division repelled an attack by armed terrorists in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, forcing the attackers to retreat after a gun battle.
Similarly, in Kogi State, troops under Operation MESA destroyed a suspected terrorist camp in Yagba West and intercepted a logistics courier supplying food to the camp.
In Edo State, troops of 195 Battalion foiled a kidnap attempt in Auchi, rescuing victims and arresting five suspects.
In Imo State, joint security forces discovered and safely disposed of improvised explosive devices during a patrol in Orsu Local Government Area.
On the international front, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, participated in counterterrorism discussions at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye, emphasising the importance of global cooperation and intelligence sharing.
Onanuga said the cumulative operations, as reflected in Zagazola’s field reports, demonstrate the resilience and commitment of the Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation.
“Our troops are resolutely prosecuting this asymmetric war, making sacrifices—some paying the supreme price. What they deserve from us is appreciation and commendation, not condemnation,” he stated.
He acknowledged that while security challenges persist, ongoing military efforts continue to degrade the capabilities of criminal elements and restore stability in affected regions.
The Presidency urged Nigerians to support security agencies and adopt a balanced perspective that recognises both challenges and progress in the fight against insecurity.
By PRNigeria
