The special brigade of the Nigerian Army has neutralised scores of Lukurawa bandits and destroyed about 22 camps in Sokoto and Kebbi states.

The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.- Gen. Oluyinka Soyele, disclosed this to the newsmen on Friday in Sokoto.

Speaking through the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division of Nigerian Army Sokoto, Brig.

Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, Soyele said the special operation brigade was deployed by the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa for the exercise.

He noted that the successes were recorded through a fresh onslaughts lunched against Lakurawa bandits that led to the destruction of bandits camps.

Soyele said that the operation was to consolidate successes achieved in the ongoing operation under ” FOREST SANITY III CHASE LAKURAWAS OUT. ”

He charged the troops to ensure total destruction of the Lakurawas sects and enjoined them to abide by the rules of engagement and ensure the protection of lives and properties of law abiding citizens.

Soyele further highlighted that troops have been selected and trained for this mission, hence Nigerians are counting on their ability and professionalism to flush out the Lakurawas.

He added that the special operation was to ensure total elimination of the Lakurawas sects in Sokoto and Kebbi states.

He explained that the operation reached forests and enclaves at Rumji Dutse East of Sarma, Tsauna and Bauni, Malgatawa, Gargao, Tsauna and Magara forests in Kebbi state.

Other areas raided included; Kaideji, Nakuru, Sama, Sanyinna, Kadidda, Kolo and Dancha villages in Illela, Tangaza and Binji local government areas of Sokoto state.

The operation, he said led to the recovery of four rifles and 409  PKT 7.62mm NATO and 94 pieces of 7.62mm special rounds ammunition besides destruction of about 22 camps, neutralization of several members of the sect members.

He stressed that the deployment of the brigade would be an added impetus in frustrating the activities of the bandits and restoring normalcy to the affected communities and the Northwest states.

Soyele added that prior to the deployment of the Brigade, troops of 8 Division under Operation FANSAN YAMMA had begun precursor and shaping the areas. (NAN)

The troops of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have destroyed several bandits camps and recovered ammunition in Taraba.This is contained in a statement on Sunday in Jalingo signed by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations.It said the successes were recorded in a series of clearance operations under Commander of the Brigade, Brig.

Gen. Kingsley Uwa, across multiple bandits hideouts in Taraba. “The operation code named OP GOLDEN PEACE commenced after extensive confidence building patrols, clearance missions, and stakeholder engagements, which proved effective in the northern part of the state.“The latest phase of the operation began on 28 November 2024 in Takum Local Government Area (LGA), focusing on known bandit and terrorist hideouts around Lijam High Ground.”The statement indicated that during the operations, several bandit camps were destroyed, and troops recovered 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one AK 47 Magazine, one handheld Baofeng radio and 2 motorcycles.“To further solidify the safety of residents, troops projected force into the Akume and Ananum areas of Donga LGA on 30 November 2024, reinforcing the Brigade’s commitment to securing lives and property throughout Taraba State.”The statement quoted the Commander of the 6 Brigade who commended the troops, urging them to remain vigilant.“Together, we will ensure peace and security across Taraba State and beyond.“This is our determined effort to ensure a safe and secure environment for the ongoing farm harvest season and the forthcoming yuletide and to ensure that the state does not become a safe haven for criminals,” the commander is quoted as saying.(NAN)

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says cybersecurity is the bedrock of operational readiness and the key to mission success of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Abubakar said this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the opening of NAF’s Cybersecurity Awareness Training.

He said the training was a vital initiative that would highlight the future of national security in the increasingly interconnected world, where artificial intelligence and advanced technologies play pivotal roles.

According to him, the integration of technology into warfare has ushered in a new era where digital bits and bytes are as formidable as physical bullets and bombs.

“The integrity of our nation’s defence systems, the security of our communications, and the sanctity of our data depend on the strength and resilience of our cybersecurity framework.

“For the NAF, which has distinguished itself as being more technological advanced than other services, cybersecurity is not just an IT concern; it is the bedrock of our operational readiness and the key to mission success.”

The CAS also said that the workshop would serve as a vital part of NAF’s efforts at ensuring that its personnel were equipped to meet the demands of securing the nation’s collective cyber environment.

He added that the recent global events had highlighted the severe consequences of cyberattacks, which could disrupt critical operations and undermine national security.

He disclosed that NAF’s platforms depended on secure digital communications, making them vulnerable to potential hijacking or operational disruptions.

According to him, these vulnerabilities emphasise the urgent need for a proactive and robust approach to cybersecurity within our ranks, which is precisely the focus of our gathering here today.

“Cybersecurity is a continuous journey that demands vigilance, ethical conduct, and a commitment to protecting our nation’s digital infrastructure.

“Let us continue to build a resilient cybersecurity posture that will enable us to stand ready against any threat, known or unknown that may arise in the digital age.”

In his remarks, the Chief of Communications and Information System, NAF, AVM Suleiman Usman, said the training was designed to equipped personnel with the necessary knowledge and tools to protect both physical borders and digital frontiers.

Usman explained that the training had dominated CAS’ strategic intent to develop and sustain optimal operational effectiveness in the NAF.

He said the cybersecurity training was an essential part of their collective mission to secure the integrity of NAF’s information networks.

“Cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, hence the need for robust and resilient cybersecurity measures against evolving threats becomes ostensible.

“We are not just guarding the airspace but also protecting data, communications and systems that are integral to the success of every mission we undertake,” he said.

In his lecture titled, “Global Trends and Pillars of Cybersecurity for NAF”, Dr Asogbon Godwin, said that NAF must develop comprehensive cyber security policies and laws that addressed various types of cybercrimes.

He said that the cybercrimes include hacking, identity theft, phishing, and malware attacks.

Godwin urged the air force to invest in raising awareness about cybercrime risks and best practices for staying safe online and training investigators and prosecutors on digital forensics and other technical skills needed to investigate cybercrimes.

He also advised NAF to void ‘Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) police and also practice Zero Trust Principle.(NAN)