Bandit Loosing Ground In North-West: Army Rescues Over 1000 Victims, Recovers 189 AK- 47's

The Nigerian Army has declared that armed bandit groups operating across the North West are steadily losing ground following intensified military operations that led to the rescue of over 1,000 abducted persons within one year.

‎This position was stated on Tuesday by the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, during the West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025 celebration held at the Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto.

Ajose, who also commands Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said troops rescued 1,023 kidnapped victims and recovered 189 AK-47 rifles alongside thousands of rounds of ammunition from criminal elements.

“Our troops seized 4,338 rounds of ammunition, confiscated 305 motorcycles used by bandits and recovered 4,123 stolen livestock. Several notorious bandit leaders were also neutralised,” he said.

The Army chief added that the sustained operations had disrupted the logistics and mobility of criminal gangs, weakening their ability to terrorise rural communities

According to him, “The war against banditry and terrorism is being progressively won by our troops, and the results are now evident across farming and trading communities.”

Representing the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, the Special Adviser on Security, Colonel Ahmed Abdu (rtd), lauded the Army’s resilience and reaffirmed the state government’s partnership with security agencies.

“WASA represents unity, discipline and cultural pride. We commend the Nigerian Army for its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property in our state,” Abdu said.

‎He also praised the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, describing his leadership as “exemplary” at a critical time for national security.

Ajose attributed the operational gains to the commitment of troops and the strategic direction of the Army leadership, noting that intelligence-driven missions had become more precise and impactful.

He disclosed that the Division had also prioritised troop welfare through improved accommodation and medical facilities, saying these measures were essential for sustaining morale.

‎“The welfare of our personnel is central to operational effectiveness, and we will continue to invest in it,” the GOC added.

The WASA event featured cultural displays, traditional cuisines and sporting activities, with soldiers, families and civilians celebrating the end of the training year.

‎As the ceremony concluded, the 8 Division pledged to build on current gains and intensify operations against remaining criminal elements in the North West.