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Midnight Moves And Sky Spies: How Nigerian Troops Thwarted A Bandit Plot With A Shadowy Drone Overhead

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5 months ago

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Midnight Moves And Sky Spies: How Nigerian Troops Thwarted A Bandit Plot With A Shadowy Drone Overhead

In the quiet of the night, when most of Katsina sleeps, the Nigerian military remains wide awake — watching, waiting, and ready. On the night of Wednesday, July 17, that vigilance paid off in a dramatic showdown that felt more like a scene from a spy thriller than real life.

Troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA successfully disrupted a potential bandit attack in the volatile Sabuwa and Faskari areas of Katsina State — two flashpoints in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against armed criminal groups. But this wasn’t just another foiled raid. This time, something more sinister was lurking above.

A surveillance drone — origin unknown — was spotted hovering above Dandume and Machika villages, eerily close to key military installations, including the Operation Sharan Daji Camp and the Machika Military Super Camp.

Let that sink in.

While bandits were creeping around on motorcycles below, an eye in the sky was watching — possibly guiding them.

The Drone Nobody Sent

Security analyst Zagazola Makama broke the story on X (formerly Twitter), detailing how troops immediately initiated a check to confirm whether the drone belonged to a “friendly” force. Every single unit denied deploying any UAVs in the area. That only raised the stakes.

At approximately 10:25 p.m., alert troops noticed the drone make a suspicious maneuver behind Wori Rock, disappearing briefly before re-emerging. Patrol teams opened fire. Whether it was hit or simply recalled, the drone eventually disappeared — direction unknown.

Meanwhile, the suspected bandits, realizing their cover had been blown, abandoned their mission and vanished into the bush. No casualties were reported, and the area is currently under investigation.

The Bigger Picture: Bandits Are Evolving

This incident is more than just a win for the military — it’s a warning shot about the evolving tactics of criminal elements in Nigeria’s northwestern corridor.

The use of surveillance drones by non-state actors represents a dangerous leap in tactical sophistication. These devices can map terrain, spy on troop movements, and help bandits avoid detection. In short, they’re game-changers.

And if this drone was, in fact, operated by these criminals, it marks a new phase in asymmetric warfare in Nigeria — one that demands upgraded counter-surveillance and real-time airspace monitoring.

Why Katsina Matters

Katsina State, the home state of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has long been a hotbed for banditry and rural terror, with attacks ranging from village raids to mass kidnappings. Despite numerous operations like Sharan Daji, Sahel Sanity, and now FANSAN YANMA, the terrain — both literal and political — remains complex.

The Maiganguma, Dandume, and Machika axis is particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to forest hideouts and porous borders with neighboring states. Bandits here often rely on motorbikes, making them agile and hard to track — now, it seems, they may also be gaining a bird’s-eye view of their targets.

Conclusion: Vigilance Above and Below

This chilling episode underscores the urgent need for drone detection technology, better intelligence coordination, and tighter control over Nigeria’s low-altitude airspace.

For now, the troops deserve commendation — not just for their quick response, but for their situational awareness in a scenario that could have ended much worse.

As Nigeria continues to battle insecurity, stories like this remind us that modern threats require modern solutions — and that sometimes, the most dangerous enemy is the one you can’t even see.

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Crime

Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

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1 week ago

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November 28, 2025

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Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges as multiple communities in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) experienced coordinated attacks this week. These incidents come just days after the abduction of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State……CONTINUE READING

New Abduction in Niger State

Residents of Palaita community in Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area were thrown into distress on Wednesday when armed groups invaded a rice farm and abducted several workers, including a pregnant woman. Community sources estimated the number of kidnapped victims to be around 24, while the Niger State Police Command confirmed 10 abductions as investigations continue.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. while farmers were busy harvesting their crops. Despite the community’s close proximity to a military base in Erena, the attackers escaped before security personnel arrived.

In a separate incident in Kakuru community, also in Erena Ward, residents reported that a visually impaired man was assaulted after refusing to hand over a mobile phone. The victim was given first aid, though his current condition remains unclear.

Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the attacks, assuring that security agencies are actively working to rescue the victims and restore calm in the affected areas.

Fresh Abductions in the FCT

In Abuja, communities in the Bwari Area Council faced renewed tension following another night attack in Gidan-Bijimi, a settlement near the Kaduna boundary. Six young women and a 16-year-old boy were taken during the raid, according to residents.

The attack, which occurred around 9:47 p.m. on Wednesday, created panic among locals already concerned by previous incidents in the region. Local vigilance groups attempted to intervene but retreated due to limited resources.

As of Thursday morning, families reported that no contact had been made with the attackers, while police were still verifying the details.

Church Confirms Passing of Kaduna Cleric

The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, has announced the death of Venerable Edwin Achi, who was abducted in October along with his wife and daughter. His passing was described as a deep loss to the Diocese and the wider Christian community. The Church also announced the cancellation of the upcoming “Stand Up for Jesus 2025” event in his honour.

The Diocese assured that prayers continue for the safe return of his wife and daughter.

Federal Government Responds to Rising Insecurity

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, reaffirmed that the Nigerian military is intensifying efforts to eliminate criminal networks responsible for attacks across the country. He explained that intermittent assaults are typical of guerrilla-style tactics but insisted that security forces are “working day and night” to restore normalcy.

He further confirmed that the Federal Government has launched a full investigation into recent school abductions, including claims that security personnel were withdrawn prior to an incident in Kebbi State.

Police Redeploy Over 11,000 Personnel

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed that 11,566 police officers previously assigned to VIP protection have now been deployed to underserved communities to strengthen grassroots security.

He stated that the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at improving community policing and ensuring fair distribution of manpower nationwide.

Cardinal Onaiyekan Calls for Better Equipment, Not More Personnel

Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan called on the Federal Government to prioritize properly equipping the officers already serving across the country rather than recruiting additional personnel. The Cardinal emphasized the need for immediate action, stressing that adequately supported police officers are capable of confronting insecurity.

Experts and Community Leaders Advocate Unity

Former Senator Shehu Sani and humanitarian organizations participating in the 9th International Conference on Love and Tolerance urged Nigerians to embrace unity, understanding, and dialogue. They highlighted the importance of addressing root causes of conflict, promoting peaceful coexistence, and supporting security agencies with the resources they need to protect communities.

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Crime

Dalung Breaks Silence: TikTok Chat With Bandit Exposes Deep Secrets Behind The Violence

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1 week ago

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November 28, 2025

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Dalung Breaks Silence: TikTok Chat With Bandit Exposes Deep Secrets Behind The Violence

Former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, has opened up about a surprising and thought-provoking conversation he once had with a young man who claimed to be living in the bush as a bandit. Dalung shared the experience during an interview with News Central, explaining how the encounter gave him a deeper understanding of the issues fueling insecurity……CONTINUE READING

According to Dalung, he was browsing TikTok when he came across the young man, who openly described himself as someone living in the forest due to ongoing conflict. Curious, Dalung asked why they engaged in violent activities. The young man responded that they had suffered losses themselves and felt targeted by vigilante groups who, according to him, harmed their people and took their cattle. This, he said, pushed them into retaliation and led them deeper into the bush.

Dalung explained that he challenged the young man, pointing out that innocent people—including other Fulani individuals—were being harmed in the process. The young man replied that, from their viewpoint, only those living in the bush were considered part of their community, while anyone living in town was seen differently. It was a response that, according to Dalung, revealed how distorted perceptions can worsen the cycle of conflict.

Wanting to know if there was any path toward peace, Dalung asked what could help end the violence. The young man shared that they were open to negotiation and discussions that could encourage them to give up their weapons and reintegrate into society. Dalung noted that the confidence with which the young man spoke was unsettling, but it also showed that dialogue could be part of the solution.

Reflecting on the experience, Dalung urged the National Assembly to consider constitutional changes that would allow Nigerians the legal right to defend themselves responsibly, especially in areas affected by insecurity.

His conversation serves as a reminder of how complex the nation’s security challenges are—and how personal engagement, understanding, and strategic dialogue may help chart a way forward.

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Crime

BREAKING: EFCC Drags Ex-Justice Minister Malami—What He Said Will Shock You

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1 week ago

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November 28, 2025

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BREAKING: EFCC Drags Ex-Justice Minister Malami—What He Said Will Shock You

Nigeria’s former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has confirmed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially summoned him—sending shockwaves across the nation’s political landscape…….CONTINUE READING

Malami, who served from 2015 to 2023 under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, broke the news himself in a bold announcement on his social media page, declaring that he is ready to face investigators head-on.

The once-powerful justice minister, known for steering some of the country’s most controversial legal battles—from massive asset recovery operations to heated anti-corruption reforms—now finds himself at the centre of a fresh probe.
Throughout his tenure, Malami was linked to numerous high-stakes decisions, arbitration wars, and sensitive financial crime cases that kept him in the public eye.

In recent years, however, scrutiny tightened around issues such as asset declarations and management of recovered funds—allegations he has firmly and repeatedly rejected.

For now, the EFCC remains tight-lipped, refusing to disclose what exactly Malami is being called in for, leaving the public buzzing with speculation.

In a confident statement on Facebook, Malami wrote:

“This is to confirm that I have been invited by the EFCC.
As a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I reaffirm my commitment to honour the invitation.
I understand the spirit of accountability and transparency in public service—principles I have always advocated.
I am committed to sharing developments with the Nigerian public as they unfold.”

With Malami’s pledge to keep Nigerians updated, all eyes are now fixed on the unfolding drama—a saga that promises to shake up the nation’s justice and political corridors once again.

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