The Nigerian Army says its troops have eliminated eight terrorists and rescued 40 abducted individuals in a series of coordinated operations across the country.
The army, in a post on its official X Handle on Monday, said the recent victories had further tightened the noose around the necks of unrepentant terrorists and their collaborators.
The post added that the troops also apprehended a notorious arms courier found with a large cache of ammunition, striking a major blow against arms proliferation by criminal elements.
According to army, troops, acting acting on genuine intelligence on Sept. 28, conducted a strategic stop-and-search operation along the Lafia-Keffi Road in Nasarawa State.
“This resulted in the arrest of a firearms courier and the recovery of 303 live rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition concealed in a bag.
“The suspect and the vehicle were immediately taken into custody, and further investigations are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices.
“In another operation in Kaduna State, troops executed precision strikes in the forests near Danmari and Saulawa villages in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, where one terrorist was eliminated.
“Additional engagements in Ankwa village of Kachia Local Government Area also led to the annihilation of two more terrorists and the recovery of a locally made firearm, 11 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, and a motorcycle used by the terrorists,” it said.
The post also revealed that troops in an encounter with fleeing terrorists at Faayijiwa Fandanari village in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno, recovered two AK-47 rifles, 61 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO), 51 rounds of 7.62mm (special ) ammunition, hard drugs and various supplies.
It said the terrorists abandoned the firearms and ammunition after succumbing to the troops’ superior firepower.
According to the post, further operations in Gwoza Local Government Area resulted in the neutralization of three terrorists near Ashigashiya village, while vigilant troops responding to credible intelligence, pursued and intercepted a convoy suspected of transporting logistics to terrorists at Gubio.
“Three vehicles loaded with food supplies intended for terrorist camps were seized, and the sum of N2,400 recovered.
“The efforts in Kukawa Local Government Area yielded another victory as troops, acting on intelligence, intercepted terrorists attempting to relocate abducted victims from Cijin village.
“The terrorists fled upon sighting the troops, abandoning 38 hostages, including six men, eight women, and 24 children, who were safely rescued by the troops.
“Meanwhile, in Yobe, troops responding to reports of terrorists extorting civilians staged a successful ambush in Sasawa village in Damaturu Local Government Area.
“The troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK-47 rifle along with a motorcycle.
“The Chief of Army Staff has commended the troops for their bravery and relentless fight for peace. He also expressed gratitude to the citizens whose continuous provision of credible information has been instrumental in these successes.
“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its mission to obliterate terrorism and safeguard the lives of all Nigerians,” it added.
Sir: Thursday, last week troops of Operation Hadarin Daji dispatched terrorist leader, Halilu Sububu, and his gang of death-dealers in a five-star caravan of wry irony to the netherworld. Sububu had risen in notoriety with the savagery he dealt on citizens in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other parts of north-western Nigeria. He was loud, imperious, and brutal, issuing threats and making crowing pronouncements on videos. Lives have been lost, communities displaced, property destroyed, and citizens maimed by the sheer industry of Sububu and his gang.
The troops also scored another victory, neutralising Sani Wala Burki, kin of Sububu in the terror business, and his gang, as well as extirpated a terrorist hideaway in Kaduna, freeing 13 kidnapped students. The troops also eliminated four terrorists in Zamfara State – Ibrahim Nagure, Lawali Dodo, Kadiri, and Jambaleri.
In another valiant endeavour, the security forces apprehended terrorist leader, Hosseini Osman, in Plateau State. The news agency says Osman was netted at Ganawuri village, in the Riyom local government area, where he confessed to masterminding numerous attacks across the state.
The troops further launched offensives against fleeing terrorists in Sambisa Forest, neutralising many of them.
This string of propitious outcomes in the northwest and the northeast follow President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the service chiefs to relocate to the zone and his consistent support to the security agencies.
On September 3, the President in a decisive response to the killings in Yobe State, had said: ‘The perpetrators of this sinister act will have an inevitable encounter with justice.’’ And true to his promise, the troublers of the nation are having fated encounters with justice, and so will all those visiting terror on Nigerians.
Fundamentally, successive actions against terrorism will not be effective or be permanent solutions without a conscientious plan to address the underlying cause. A prominent contributor to the challenge is youth illiteracy and socio-economic dislocation. Economic and social security is essential for corporeal security.
This is the reason the President Tinubu-led administration is making critical investments in education. The federal government through its out-of-school initiative recently reintegrated four million children into the educational system. Also, the Out-of-School Children Commission, set to commence this month, will provide training to approximately 10,000 young Nigerians. The Tinubu administration is addressing the bottom-line precipitates of social-economic insecurity through seminal policies and programmes while redistributing wealth to the vulnerable and the most vulnerable through revamped social welfare schemes.
As the President re-affirmed, immediate and latent security threats will be decisively dealt with.
•Fredrick Nwabufo,Snr Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement, Abuja.
He said: “The breakdown of weapons recovered 69 AK47 rifles, 31 locally fabricated guns, 38 Dane guns, 2 PKT guns, 3,112 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 3,094 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2,720 rounds of 7.62mm x 38mm ammo, 5 assorted arms and 269 assorted ammunitions.”
Buba said troops in the Niger Delta region, recovered 1,239,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 308,195 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 1,120 litres of kerosene.
The defence spokesman said troops would continue to operate with “tremendous force” against terrorists and violent extremists across the country.
“Accordingly, we will work tirelessly to stop insecurity and ensure the safety of citizens,” he said.
The internet has become a weapon for terrorists. With no meaningful deterrence, a handful of bandits freely operate TikTok accounts, interacting with followers. They frequently showcase weapons, ammunition, and flaunt ransom. The brazen display without any fear of retribution portends more danger to Nigeria. ALAO ABIODUN traces their activities and behavioural display.
Every minute, millions of social media posts, photos and videos flood the internet. In spite of the numerous advantages of the social media, a lot of concerns have been raised about its usage and contribution to the growth of social vices such as terrorism.
TikTok is one of such spaces. It has offered terrorists groups the ability to disseminate images and videos at a rapid pace to a borderless audience.
In Nigeria, terrorist activities have become endemic. A cursory look at these activities will prove that the social media has become a platform for propagating terrorism.
TikTok is very popular with young audiences – and Nigerians are no exception. It appears to be the most popular social media platform in Northern Nigeria. It has gained dominance by the day, and is gradually diverting young Nigerians from other social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
DataReportal’s figures show that there were 36.75 million active social media user identities in Nigeria in January 2024. Also, ByteDance’s advertising resources indicate that TikTok had 23.84 million users aged 18 and above in Nigeria in early 2024.
Banditry is a composite crime that includes kidnapping, massacre, rape, cattle rustling, and illegal possession of firearms. The impact of their actions has been devastating, with a staggering 1,087,875 individuals in rural communities displaced as of December 2022. Furthermore, between 2010 and May 2023, approximately 13,485 deaths have been attributed to banditry.
The Nation‘s findings revealed that numerous terrorist groups and individuals in Nigeria have adapted the use of social media to recruit and proselytize on the basis of its wide reach, ability to connect individuals around the world and immediate impact on users.
Most of the TikTok accounts show these individuals flaunting cash or images of them in military camouflage wielding a rifle or wearing a bandolier.
On TikTok, they have found an online appeal after their despicable acts of terror and bloodshed. Their digital footprints are now carried beyond their sphere of control, thanks to social media platforms, especially Facebook, X, and TikTok.
Recently, a viral TikTok video featured a terrorist asking Nigerians to share their bank details, promising to reward them for praising their leader, the notorious terrorist, Turji Kachalla, during recent nationwide protests against economic hardship.
This bizzare situation sparked reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing displeasure over the security agencies’ inability to apprehend the criminals.
Tiktok handle @RabeMagarya3 had a terrorist saying that their group was grateful and pleased that their leader was referred to as a ‘hero’ by some individuals from the northern region.
He said: “May the peace and blessings be with you all Nigerians.
“Protesters, we heard you guys are praising Mohammed Bello Turji.
“We are grateful, we are grateful to you. May you achieve success.
“Bello Turji is greeting. Send your account details; Bello Turji wants to do something for you people.”
Individuals surprisingly complied with the terrorist’s request, sharing their bank account details in the comment section of the viral video.
Reacting, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said it was not possible for security forces to arrest all criminals at once.
On many occasions, these accounts flaunted arms to instill fear and attract impressions. They have been seen in several online clips brandishing the Russian Kalashnikov, a shoulder weapon commonly used by jihadi terrorists.
These bandits have become notorious and bold, flaunting their activities on social media without fear of the security agents locating them. They’ve unfettered access to highspeed internet connections free of state controls. They evade detection from the tech company and exploit the online platform for their antics.
The Federal Government formally declared bandits as terrorists in November 2021. This designation meant tougher sanctions under the terrorism prevention act for suspected bandit gunmen as well as their informants and supporters, such as those caught providing these criminals with arms, fuel and food.
Before now, it was Former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, who raised the alarm in 2020 that terrorists were ”exploiting social media, encrypted communications and the dark web to spread propaganda, recruit new followers and coordinate attacks”.
Mode of operation on TikTok
Social media is generally free, open to anyone who can get online, and messages can be more visible than ever before with a global reach. Rather than rely on the press or other intermediaries, extremist groups reach people directly and tailor the message accordingly.
Some bandits share the ransom paid to them on TikTok under the guise of “giveaway”. By their mode of operation, their online presence fit into the various definitional frameworks of an organised criminal group.
They enjoy some acceptance and patronage on social media. These account users spread terror, demonstrating their kidnap-for-ransom escapades and celebrating their cruelty. Videos of the live session garnered millions of views on TikTok, the Chinese-owned social network.
The social network is not alone in finding it difficult to stop extremists from promoting hate on its global platform. Facebook, Twitter and Google’s YouTube similarly have struggled to stop a tidal wave of violent and harmful material from spreading online despite increased efforts
Some members of the Boko Haram terrorist group have been caught using Starlink, the super-fast device owned by billionaire Elon Musk in Sambisa Forest.
Recently, the Nigerian troops “Operation Hadin Kai” successfully killed a top commander of the sect, Tahir Baga, and recovered digital connectives like Starlink Wi-Fi system and mobile phones, among other weapons.
The Nation tracked over 20 accounts linked to bandits on TikTok, which have been used to spread propaganda and messages in local language.
For example, a bandit with the username @8184049848275 shared various videos of himself wielding a gun while entertaining his followers on the platform.
Recall that the Islamic State of Iran and ISIL famously used Twitter for propaganda purpose in 2014 and 2015.
By using local languages, they have enjoyed the freedom to gather audiences and create a false image of themselves in order to push themselves on potential recruits through propaganda messages reaching millions of young people.
The terrorists are not only posting textual information, they also post videos and photos designed to attract new recruits and spread their radical ideology.
Shifting the battle to social media?
Nigeria’s Terrorism Prevention Act outlaws promoting terrorist activities in any form, stating that anyone who directly or indirectly solicits or renders support for terrorism “commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of at least 20 years and up to a maximum of life imprisonment”.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has since directed full implementation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Amendment Act, 2024, to prevent use of social media by terrorists.
Nigeria on July 6, 2022 joined the league of 66 other countries that have signed and ratified the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime to enhance international cooperation, provide common platform and procedural tools for efficient and safe cyberspace pursuant to Section 41(2) (a) of the Cybercrime Act 2015 requiring conformity of Nigerian cybercrime and cybersecurity laws and policies with regional and international standards.
Recall that former national security adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno had said terrorist groups were using social media platforms to recruit and radicalise youths.
Former minister of communication and digital economy, Isa Pantami, corroborated Monguno’s claim. He affirmed that terrorists are ”exploiting social media, encrypted communications, and the dark web to spread propaganda, recruit new followers and coordinate attacks”.
The current Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, also alerted media organisations in the country of plots by terrorist groups to boost their membership through dysfunctional information appealing for easy recruitment using media platforms, networking sites, and online propaganda including mainstream and traditional mediums of communication.
Police react
In a post on X, spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, urged Nigerians to appreciate law enforcement’s efforts rather than expecting immediate results.
“They are now posing with the ransom money. Showing that they are balling,” an X user (formerly Twitter) had captioned the post.
Reacting, Adejobi said: “We can’t apprehend all the criminals at once. At least, appreciate us for the ones we have arrested. We arrest them on a daily basis, in large numbers.
“The armed forces and the police are trying their best. Efforts of security forces should be seen, noticed and appreciated.
“We need to look towards having the collective efforts and individualistic involvement in tackling insecurity and other vices in Nigeria.”
Report people behind viral bandit video on TikTok, DHQ tells Nigerians
TikTok has a digital footprint for each user. For example, a user can see who and who visited his page. As you are checking him/her out, he/she also can check you out.
Security agencies have been tasked to utilise tools and intelligence to arrest individuals using social media platforms to heat up the polity.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, at a recent bi-weekly media briefing in Abuja, called on Nigerians who know anything about people making such posts on the social media to say something, and the military will do something about it.
TikTok, responding to The Nation‘s query, said: “We are committed to bringing people together in a way that does not lead to physical conflict.
“We recognise that online content related to violence can cause real-world harm.
“We do not allow any violent threats, promotion of violence, incitement to violence, or promotion of criminal activities that may harm people, animals, or property.
“If there is a specific, credible and imminent threat to human life or serious physical injury, we report it to relevant law enforcement authorities.
“We want you to share what inspires you, but TikTok is not a place to spread beliefs or propaganda that encourage violence or hate.
“We do not allow the presence of violent and hateful organisations or individuals on our platform.
“These actors include violent extremists, violent criminal organisations, violent political organisations, hateful organisations, and individuals who cause serial or mass violence.
“If we become aware that any of these actors may be on our platform, we will conduct a thorough review – including off-platform behavior – which may result in an account ban.
“Often the ideas of these actors are amplified by others. We do not allow anyone to promote or provide material support to violent or hateful actors.
“Content that may appear neutral, such as featuring a quote from a hateful organisation or individual, must make clear that there is no intent to promote it.
“We make limited exceptions for discussions about violent political organisations.
Security experts weigh in
Mixed reactions from security experts have placed security agencies on the edge. Some lamented the inability of security forces to locate and neutralise the bandits terrorising the country.
An expert, Lekan Adigun, believes that terrorists have been highly adaptable to changes in how their messages are disseminated around the world.
He said: “In order to keep pace with the evolution of terrorist strategy, states and social media platforms, especially TikTok, must adapt their counter-terrorism measures to meet these inevitable challenges.
“TikTok has become a platform where these terrorists promote their activities, yet the police who claim they can fish out any criminal from anywhere cannot find them. This is very ridiculous”.
A counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, expressed dismay over the promotion of unscrupulous individuals and their activities on TikTok, unrestrained.
He noted that some of them are bandits who openly show off their rifles and are dressed in military or police uniforms.
He wrote: “Audacity: Bandit on Tiktok flaunting and showing off ransom money he collected from his victims.
“The user of the account has 3000 followers, some of them are bandits who openly show off their rifles and are dressed in military or police uniforms.
“Tiktok platform has given room for insurgents to promote their campaign of terror without being restricted.”
The Defence Headquarters has said that troops on operations across the country killed 171 terrorists, arrested 302 criminals and rescued 134 kidnap victims in the past week.
It also said that troops on operation in the Niger Delta area seized 799,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 151,150 litres of illegally refined diesel, and arrested 25 oil thieves.
The military high command said this in a statement yesterday through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Edward Buba.
According to the statement, troops recovered 84 assorted weapons and 1,499 assorted ammunition from criminal elements during several operations.
The statement reads: “The weapons ammunition recovered one PKT gun, one G3 rifle, three AK49 rifles, 44 AK47 rifles, 10 fabricated rifles, 18 Dane guns, 10 pump action guns, four locally made pistols, 18 AK47 magazines, 2 FN magazines, one smoke grenade and one bandolier.
“Others are 843 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 506 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 60 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ball rimmed, and 90 live cartridges, among other items.”
The military high command said troops would continue to maintain operational activities across the country to ensure the protection of citizens.
Troops have neutralised five terrorists, while 44 others surrendered to the troops on Monday in Borno.
The Nigerian army made this known in a post on its official X Handle yesterday.
It said the troops also recovered bombs, arms, ammunition, and rustled cattle as well as apprehended some criminal suspects during the operations.
According to the post, troops had on Monday conducted a raid operation on an Islamic West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ enclave in the Bama Local Government Area(LGA) of Borno.
“In the operation, troops neutralised five terrorists and recovered two Rocket Propel Gun (RPG) bombs, two dane guns and one RPG bomb charger.
“Also recovered were: One AK-47 Rifle Magazine, 23 rounds of 7.62 x 54 mm ammunition, six motorcycles and assorted medications.
“Meanwhile, following sustained offensive operations against terrorist groups in the Northeast Theatre, 44 Boko Haram terrorists and their families have surrendered to troops at Bama, Dikwa and Gwoza LGAs of the state,” it said.
The post also indicated that the troops apprehended a notorious cattle rustler, Malam Maawuya Shuaibu, at Mararaban Kantom in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau.
It said the suspect had been on the watch list of the security agencies in connection with criminal activities in the general area of Barikin Ladi, Riyom and Mangu LGA of the state.
Army said the suspect was nabbed when the vigilant troops responded to credible intelligence on the suspect’s illicit activities and recovered 32 rustled cows from him.
In Bayelsa, it said the troops conducted raid operations into suspected criminal hideouts in Korokorosie Community of Southern Ijaw LGA, and apprehended one Mr Donald Emason.
According to the post, troops recovered one revolver pistol, and two locally fabricated guns concealed by the suspect.
In Oyo State, the post stated that troops deployed to Akinyele LGA apprehended a suspected gun runner, Mohammed Bello, 33.
Men of the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested 35 terrorists, cattle rustlers,as well as members of the Sara-suka, who specialise in terrorising Bauchi and Jos residents with arms and ammunition.
Its Commander, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, broke the news during the OPSH Sallah celebration at the command headquarters.
He said the special task force also arrested six suspected bandits and recovered weapons and 47 rustled cows in Manguna, the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Gen Abubakar, who is the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Div, Nigerian Army, said: “In our efforts to clear Jos of all criminal elements and secure Jos metropolis, recently, in a joint operation with the Department of State Services, troops raided selected areas in Jos metropolis to clear miscreants from the area on June 2, 2024.
“A total of 29 suspected sara-suka members were arrested with fabricated rifles, pistols and other assorted dangerous weapons recovered. I want to assure you that we would continue to make the entire Jos metropolis and indeed the whole of OPSH Joint Operations Area safe for everyone.
“Addition to this, concerted efforts have been put in place by OPSH to enhance and secure Jos metropolis. So far, we have intensified patrols using motorcycles at night by DHQ Special Operation Forces and OPSH DELTA Force. We have also equipped Neighborhood Watches with motorcycles and other logistics to carry out night patrols at vulnerable locations.
“This has tremendously reduced the crime rate and also enhanced the socio-economic activities of Jos metropolis. ‘‘
Troops of the Nigerian Army and the Community Protection Guards have killed three terrorists.
The troops also recovered some arms and ammunition, and rustled cattles in multiple operations that were conducted on Monday, June 10.
Army spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, announced this in a statement yesterday.
He said: “In Rukudawa Village, located in Zurmi Local Government Area of the state, troops launched an offensive operation targeting the hideout of notorious terrorist kingpin Gwaska Dan Karami.
In the encounter, troops eliminated two terrorists and uncovered a terrorists’ warehouse stocked with looted food supplies. The warehouse was also destroyed.
“In another operation in Mayanchi general area of Maru Local Government Area, troops on fighting patrol intercepted and engaged marauding terrorists who had rustled a flock of sheep. The troops neutralised one terrorist in the overwhelming firefight compelling the rest of the terrorists to flee, abandoning one AK-47 rifle, a magazine with three rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition, two motorcycles, and 410 rustled sheep; which have been recovered by the troops. ‘‘
The Kuchi community in Munya Local Government Area of Niger state has secured the release of 40 out of the 150 people abducted by terrorists three weeks ago.
This was achieved by giving the terrorists six Honda motorcycles, each worth N1.2 million, and N2 million in cash.
The released victims are mostly women and children.
The terrorists have now demanded another six motorcycles and N2 million in cash for the release of another 40 hostages.
A source within the community reported that negotiations are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining abductees.
It would be recalled that terrorists had abducted 150 villagers of Kuchi village three weeks ago when they invaded the community.
The bandits had earlier demanded for N150 million ransom for the release of the victims rejecting the N1.5 million offered by the community.
Residents and families of the abductees have lamented over government silence over their challenge as they claimed that no government official or security agent have visited the community to get information on what happened.
They also lamented that there is no security in the community leaving them vulnerable to attacks, a development which they said had led to people leaving the village in fear of future attacks.
The chairman of Munya local government area, Honorable Aminu Najume said that the negotiations are being done by the community as the Council is not involved in the negotiation with the terrorists.
Terrorists on Thursday beheaded 10 of 20 people they killed when they invaded the Bassa community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
It was learnt that those who were beheaded were young men between the ages of 20 years to 35 years, living in the community.
Sources told The Nation that the terrorists who numbered over 50 were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons and operated freely during the attack which occurred between 3 pm and 7pm. It was also learnt that after beheading the victims, the gunmen asked the members of those killed to carry the headless bodies while they took videos and pictures of them.
The terrorists had selected 20 adults and tried to recruit the 10 young men, who refused, resulting in their deaths while the other 10 were shot at close range.
Residents of the community believe that they were invaded by Boko Haram insurgents and not just bandits.
“They told us that anybody who refused to be recruited into their fold would be given a similar treatment. They said they used the 10 beheaded youths as an example. These people belong to the Boko Haram.
“They told us that we brought it upon ourselves as they had warned us to leave the community for them but we refused. We were told that it is either our children join them or we vacate the community,” a source said.
The state government or state Police Command was yet to comment on the recent incident at press time. The number of the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer was not going when calls were put across to him.
However, the Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, Mohammed Sani Musa, confirmed the killing, lamenting that his heart continues to bleed as his people are being killed like animals.
