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Relentless Pursuit: NAF Commits to Finding, Fixing, and Striking Insurgents, Records Major Successes in January

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Relentless Pursuit: NAF Commits to Finding, Fixing, and Striking Insurgents, Records Major Successes in January

By Olayemi Esan

… Precision Strikes to Keep Nigeria Safe

The Nigerian military’s air component, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), recorded significant milestones in January 2025, following a series of successful air interdiction operations across the theatre. The precision strikes, conducted in furtherance of ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts, yielded substantial results, underscoring the NAF’s commitment to ensuring the security and stability of the nation.

At NAF Administration Personnel Seminar, recently the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar emphasized that the Nigerian Air Force unwavering commitment to national security and the total defeat of terrorism and banditry. He said; “Our relentless operations against criminal elements reaffirm our determination to protect innocent lives and restore peace across the nation. Let me make it clear that airpower will extend the long arm of the law, bringing justice to criminals hiding in ungoverned space. We will find, fix and strike all those who take arms against the State, and we will not relent until Nigeria is safe for all.

SpyeTV Defence Correspondence, Olayemi Esan takes a look at some of the operational successes of the Nigerian Air Force in close coordination with the ground forces (Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy).

On 2 January 2025, following credible reports and confirmatory ISR on the converging of BH/ISWAP terrorists around the Mandara Mountains, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction. The locations were acquired and engaged with stores on boards. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics destroyed. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 64 terrorists, arrested 28 suspects and rescued 14 kidnappers hostages.

On 3 January 2025,the air component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in continuation of its ongoing offensive operations against terrorists conducted air interdiction at Alawa Forest in Shiroro LGA of Niger State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures as well as logistics were destroyed. Overall, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralized 21 terrorists, arrested 24 persons and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages.

On 4th January 2025, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on the fleeing ISWAP/BHT terrorists on motorcycles and Gun trucks in the SABON GARI Village of DAMBOA Local Government Area of Borno State Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons. On the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons recovered. Troops also recovered with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Sadly, 6 personnel were killed in action.

The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate against the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops but the troops’ reinforcement team comprised of elements of the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes as well as hybrid forces timely arrived at the scene to overpower the terrorists.

On 6 January 2025, following credible reports, the air component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted air interdiction in continuation of ongoing offensive operations against terrorist activities within Alawa Forest in Shiroro LGA of Niger State. The location was acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs in multiple passes. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.

On the same day, based on credible reports and confirmatory ISR on activities of terrorists, the air component also conducted air interdiction at Maikaho and Mashigin areas in Zuru LGA of Kebbi State. Accordingly, the target was acquired and engaged with stores on board. Battle Damage Assessment and local feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized as well as over 12 kidnapped hostages rescued.

On 6 January 2025, following credible reports and confirmatory ISR on the activities of the BH/ISWAP terrorists at Wulade in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. The air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction. The target with gun trucks was acquired and attacked with stores on board. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their logistics destroyed. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 76 terrorists, arrested 72 suspects and rescued 8 kidnappers hostages.

On 8th January 2025, Director Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olusola F Akinboyewa also shared one of the major successful achievements in January, which is the accomplishment of the remarkable feat of reactivating a Dornier DO-228 aircraft, which had been grounded for 23 years. Significantly, this accomplishment builds upon the NAF’s earlier successes, such as the conduct of the first in-country 4,800-hour inspection on another DO-228 aircraft in January 2025.

The aircraft, originally designated “5N-MPS” and operated by the now defunct Ministry of Mines, Power, and Steel, had been grounded at the DANA facility in Kaduna since 2001. However, sequel to a Presidential Directive for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to transfer such grounded platforms to the NAF for evaluation and possible reactivation, the NAF initiated this project. The NAF took on the challenge of reactivating this aircraft, a Dash 201 Series with only 1,081 flight hours since new, considering the task a unique opportunity to restore a valuable national asset. The reactivation process, for the grounded aircraft – redesignated “NAF-039” – was conducted between June and September 2024, involving meticulous planning and painstaking execution by a crack team of 5 engineering officers and 40 technicians from the NAF 431 Engineering Group (Engr Gp), Kaduna.

On 10 January 2025, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has delivered a crushing blow to banditry in Zamfara State, through a devastatingly well-coordinated air-ground assault, the Air strikes and synchronized ground assaults at Fakai Hills decimated scores of bandits, leaving many others gravely wounded. This bold operation underscored the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to restore peace and security to the region.

Local intelligence reports confirmed that the bandits, loyal to notorious leader Kachallah Bello Turji, suffered heavy casualties. Scores of bandits were neutralized, while many others, including some top commanders, sustained varying degrees of injuries. Sequel to the fierce engagement, Kachallah Turji’s whereabouts remain unknown, adding further pressure on his crumbling network.

The operation was meticulously executed, with real-time coordination from an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform overhead, ensuring accurate target correlation. The identified targets were swiftly engaged using rockets and cannons in multiple passes, delivering devastating blows to the enemy. The aircrew maintained visual and radio contact with the ground troops. The bandits, in a desperate bid to escape, were observed fleeing eastward of the hill, prompting further engagements that successfully neutralized additional targets.

On 12 January 2025, the NAF spokesperson, however, notified the public that due to the reported incidence of civilian casualties in the recent Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrikes in Zamfara State, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has dispatched a fact-finding team to Zamfara to fully investigate the incident and provide a detailed report for further action. The Team, led by Air Vice Marshal Edward K Gabkwet, Director of Coordination and Cooperation (DCC) in the Civil-Military Relations Branch of NAF Headquarters, liaised and interfaced with State and Local Government officials as well as all other critical stakeholders, for a holistic assessment of the situation to drive the appropriate response.

A comprehensive investigation was launched, to ascertain the veracity of the loss of civilian lives in the course of the operation at Tungar Kara in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, noting that responsible and professional custodian of airpower for the security of the nation, the NAF believes in the absolute value of the life of every Nigerian.

On 17 January 2025, following credible reports and confirmatory ISR in conjunction with land ground troops, the air component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted air interdiction in Fakai Hill in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State. Accordingly, the target was acquired and engaged with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that a numbers of terrorists were eliminated. Overall, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralized 44 terrorists, arrested 27 persons and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages.

Also, On 17 January 2025, a coordinated operation between troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA as well as the air component conducted clearance operations along Shinkafi , Kagara, Fakai , Moriki, Maiwa and Chindo axis. The operations killed scores of terrorist including notorious terrorist leaders, Bello TURJI’S, son on Fakai high ground where the terrorist were hiding.

The intensity of troops fire power resulted in high terrorist casualties and their logistics hub destroyed. The operations also resulted in the rescue of several kidnapped hostages held captive by Bello TURJI. The terrorist leader, Bello Turji, in a gross cowardly act escaped abandoning his son and combatants.

Meanwhile, in a related development , troops also destroyed another terrorist kingpin camp known as Idi Mallam along Zango Kagara Forest . During the encounter, troops neutralized 3 terrorist, and arrested 3 suspected collaborators

On 19 January 2025, two prominent terrorist leaders namely, Abu RADDE and UMAR BLACK, operating in Batsari and Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State surrendered to troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA operating in the North West operational theatre of the nation. The surrender was occassioned by ongoing synchronised offensive operations by the the air component and the ground troops which resulted in several terrorist dislodged from their enclaves with high casualties.

During the operations, troops recovered assorted weapons, ammunitions as well as secured the release of 15 hostages held by the terrorist. Troops are nevertheless sustaining the momentum as they continue the hunt for notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji, among others.

On 21 January 2025, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (AC OPFY) recorded another significant achievement in its counter-terrorism campaign, neutralising scores of bandits and dismantling their logistics base at Alawa Forest in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

This operation, was based on credible intelligence and follow-up confirmatory aerial surveillance efforts which indicated an influx of armed terrorists into the forest. These criminals were linked to widespread violence, including two Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks on 19 December 2024 in Bassa, Shiroro LGA, which claimed several innocent lives.

In response, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) launched a three-day sustained air operation, code-named KONAN DAJI, to degrade the terrorists’ capabilities and render the forest unhabitable for them. To this end, AC OPFY dispatched a formation of fighter aircraft to execute air interdiction missions in the area. Upon arrival, the jets swiftly engaged the identified targets with precision strikes, neutralising numerous armed fighters and destroying their logistics base, as confirmed by multiple secondary explosions.

Troops recorded several encounters with terrorists during the course of the clearance operations which result in over 70 terrorists combatants including 3 notable terrorist commanders neutralized. The terrorist commanders neutralised include and is not limited to the following: TALHA (Terrorist Special Forces Commander), Mallam UMAR (Terrorist Operations commander) and ⁠ABU YAZEED (Terrorist Brigade Commander).

Between the 20-21 Jan 2025, sequel to ongoing military onslaught on terrorist in the North West of the country, between the 20-21 Jan 2025, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralized the second-in-command of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji’s namely, Aminu Kanawa. Troops also inflicted terminal injuries on some of Bello Turji’s close allies namely: Dosso (Bello Turji’s younger brother) and Danbokolo (one of Turji’s closest allies).

Additionally, troops neutralised several of Bello Turji’s key commanders namely: Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe, among others. Furthermore, troops neutralised over 24 fleeing terrorist from Bello Turji’s Camp around Gebe and Isa LGA of Sokoto State, as well as around Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State.

Troops also neutralized another notable terrorist during the onslaught on Bello Turji’s Enclave around Fakai high ground. He is identified as Suleiman, and a loyalist of late notorious terrorist leader, Halilu Sububu. The late, Suleiman was leading a reinforcement team to rescue Bello Turji’s Camp which was in disarray, when he was eliminated during the fire fight.

The death of Bello Turji’s second in command, close allies, commanders and combatants is a significant blow to the terrorist network in the NW of the country, as well as their military and fighting capabilities. These group of terrorists were notorious for numerous kidnappings and terrorist attacks across the NW, particularly in Zurmi, Shinkafi, Isa, and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Sokoto States.

The NAF, in close coordination with ground forces, remains resolute in its commitment to maintaining operational dominance across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Together, we will defeat all enemies militating against the security of our territories and wellbeing of our people, paving the way for the peace and prosperity of our Great Nation.

OLAYEMI ESAN IS AN AWARD WINNING BROADCAST JOURNALIST AND A PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTITIONER. SHE IS A MEMBER OF NIPR AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SPYE TV [SPYE COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED]. SHE CAN BE REACHED VIA 08035132961 OR [email protected]

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Group Accuses Kaduna Governor of Keeping Political Prisoners

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Group Accuses Kaduna Governor of Keeping Political Prisoners

Group Accuses Kaduna Governor of Keeping Political Prisoners
…Urges Amnesty International, others to wade in

 

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) known as the Voice of Truth Nigeria (VTN) has accused the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani of keeping political prisoners in spite of valid and subsisting orders of court of competent jurisdiction granting them bail.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by VTN’s Programmes Coordinator, Dare Quadri, the group stated that the political prisoners are Jimi Adebisi Lawal, the former Senior Advisor and Counsellor to ex-Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; Umar Waziri, the former Accountant-General of Kaduna State; Bashir Saidu, a former Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance and Yusuf Inuwa, also a former Commissioner for Finance in the state.

The statement reads in part “It is worrisome that a man who parades himself as an activist and a member of the civil society would abuse his office and resort to using his position to compromise the judiciary and victimize political opponents who were charged on trumped on charges even when the court has granted them bail and they have since met the bail conditions. It is commonplace that an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty. But, in Governor Uba Sani’s Kaduna State, the reverse seems to be the case.

“It is a sad commentary on our judiciary that the application for the variation of the bail terms have been stalled over one flimsy excuse or the other.

“According to credible information available to us, while Saidu was accused of laundering N155 million; Lawal, Waziri, Inuwa and a company known as Solar Life Nigeria Limited were charged for allegedly laundering N64.8 million by the Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) on the 21st of January, 2025, contrary to the earlier unfounded claim of misappropriating the sum of N423 billion.

“After taking their non-guilty pleas, the Federal High Court heard their bail applications and consequently granted them bail.The court ordered the defendants to provide two sureties with N50 million each, who must have landed property in Kaduna with verified Certificates of Occupancy.

“Shortly after the defendant were granted bail, the agency responsible for the verification of Certificates of Occupancy (Cs of O), Kaduna Geographical Information Service (KADGIS), suddenly suspended verification services for Certificates of Occupancy (Cs of O), just as its Director-General was said to have suddenly travelled out of Kaduna to an unknown destination and without any information as to when he would return.

“All these schemes, we were reliably informed, were at the instance and under the direction of Governor Sani who has vowed to keep the defendants behind bars for as long as he desires. And to make through his boastings the defendants has remained in prison custody since the 21st of January, 2025 even when they have met all the bail conditions because KADGIS, acting on the instruction of Governor Sani, refused to verify the Certificates of Occupancy (Cs of O) in spite of two letters written by Mrs Anthonia Layi Oyibo, the Deputy Registrar of the Federal High Court, Kaduna, seeking their verification. The first was dated 21st day of January, 2025 and the second was dated 3rd February, 2025.”

The group therefore urged all well-meaning Nigerians, the international community and foremost human rights organisations, such as Amnesty International (AI) and Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS), among others, to prevail on Governor Sani to stop the abuse of power and free all the political prisoners “without further delay”.

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Rite Foods Partners NASRE Foundation to Support Ailing Journalists

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Rite Foods Partners NASRE Foundation to Support Ailing Journalists

*Rite Foods Partners NASRE Foundation to Support Ailing Journalists

 

Rite Foods Limited, a leading indigenous manufacturer in the Food & Beverages sector, has partnered the Noble Association of Social and Resourceful Editors(NASRE) Foundation to provide support for ailing journalists and widows of deceased media practitioners in the country.

 

 

This collaboration comes as part of NASRE’s ongoing efforts to assist journalists facing health challenges across the country, having embarked on three outreach programmes last year.

Rite Foods Partners NASRE Foundation to Support Ailing Journalists

The NASRE team was warmly received on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, by the management of Rite Foods at its Head Office in Ikeja, Lagos State.

Receiving NASRE team on behalf of the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Saleem Adegunwa, the Head of Corporate Communications and Brand Management , Mr. Ekuma Eze was elated with the visit.

Earlier during the visit, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NASRE, Mr. Adeyemi Obadimu had outlined the foundation’s mission and the purpose of the meeting. He revealed the health and financial challenges facing most veteran journalists, who had, during their active years, served the country meritoriously, but are now struggling to survive.

Obadimu highlighted that NASRE’s outreach programme last year was a success, benefiting over 70 individuals, including journalists suffering from partial stroke, widows, and widowers of deceased practitioners . He emphasised the importance of taking care of journalists in need, especially, the veterans who have contributed greatly to the industry.

“Journalism is a thankless job, and as much as we may be appreciated in our bylines, it is crucial that we care for our colleagues who have dedicated their lives to the profession,” said Obadimu.

Butressing his point, the Director, Public Engagement, Mr. Bunmi Obarotimi who represented the President of the association, Mr. Femi Oyewale said: “NASRE’s intends to launch the Foundation officially in this current year and we are proud to have Rite Foods as our partner going forward.”

In his response, Ekuma Eze commended NASRE Foundation for its noble and impactful initiatives, recognising the significant difference it has made in the lives of journalists and their families. He praised the foundation’s efforts in providing assistance to over 70 journalists and their dependents last year. Eze reiterated Rite Foods’ unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that foster the well-being of the media community.

“At Rite Foods, we are deeply invested in contributing to the development of our society. We understand the importance of health and well-being, especially for those who dedicate their lives to sharing vital information with the public. We believe in the mission of NASRE and are committed to supporting your work in every way possible,” Eze stated.

“This partnership will go beyond just providing financial support; we are dedicated to helping create an ecosystem where journalists can thrive, even in the face of adversity,” he added.

He also spoke about the company’s long-term goals, highlighting Rite Foods’ plan to expand beyond Nigeria and into other African countries. “We have exciting plans for the future,” he added. “Rite Foods is committed to not only strengthening its footprint within Nigeria but also extending our reach to the wider African continent. We believe that our growth will not only benefit our business but also contribute to the national economy, creates job opportunities, and foster the development of the beverage and food sectors.”

Eze emphasised that Rite Foods has been actively involved in national economic development, focusing on reducing unemployment and improving service delivery. As one of the leading manufacturers in the beverage, drinks, and sausages sectors, Rite Foods remains committed to excellence in all its business operations, he said.

Through innovation, quality products, and partnerships like the one with NASRE, the company aims to continue breaking new ground in the industry.

He concluded that, “Our mission at Rite Foods is clear: to improve lives, deliver quality products, and contribute to the economic growth of Nigeria and Africa as a whole. We are proud to partner with organizations like NASRE that share our values of social responsibility and community development.”

The partnership between Rite Foods and NASRE marks a significant step in supporting the health and well-being of journalists, ensuring that those who have dedicated their careers to the industry receive the care and recognition they deserve.

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Man Cries Out Over Domestic Violence: ‘My Wife Beats Me in Front of Our Kids!’

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Man Cries Out Over Domestic Violence: 'My Wife Beats Me in Front of Our Kids!'

Man Cries Out Over Domestic Violence: ‘My Wife Beats Me in Front of Our Kids!’

 

A shocking case of domestic violence has surfaced after a distressed man publicly revealed that he is being physically assaulted by his wife—right in front of their children.

The startling confession took place at Ebuka Obi’s Zion Prayer Movement, where the man, alongside his wife and children, exposed the troubling family dynamic. According to him, every time he disciplines his children, his wife retaliates by physically attacking him, disregarding his requests to settle disputes in private.

Man Cries Out Over Domestic Violence: 'My Wife Beats Me in Front of Our Kids!'

In an emotional account, the man explained how his wife’s actions have influenced their children. He claimed that whenever he punishes them, they no longer cower in fear but rather fight back—either by hitting him or throwing objects at him.

“I told her that if she wants to correct me, she should wait until we are alone, but she won’t listen. Instead, she beats me in front of the kids,” the man lamented, as members of the congregation erupted in laughter.

 

The situation escalated when the wife, rather than showing remorse, aggressively defended herself. Witnesses say she verbally attacked her husband inside the church before their own children had to step in and calm her down.

The bizarre and unsettling family drama has since gone viral, drawing mixed reactions from the public. While some sympathize with the man, calling for awareness on male victims of domestic violence, others have ridiculed the situation, treating it as a humorous incident.

 

Public Reaction: Domestic Abuse Against Men is No Joke

The shocking revelation has reignited conversations about the often-overlooked issue of domestic violence against men. Many social media users have criticized the congregation’s reaction, arguing that abuse should not be laughed off simply because the victim is male.

As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear—domestic violence, regardless of gender, is a serious issue that demands attention and intervention.

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