CDS Commands Troops to Intensify Anti-Banditry Operations in North-West
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a stern directive to troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), urging them to escalate their efforts against bandits and other criminal elements in the North-West region. Emphasizing that Nigeria must be secured at all costs, Oluyede made this charge during an operational visit to the Headquarters of the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North-West, OPFY, in Gusau, Zamfara State.
Assessing Operational Readiness and Boosting Morale
The visit aimed to evaluate operational readiness, address challenges faced by troops, and enhance their morale in the ongoing campaign to restore peace and security. Oluyede praised the troops for their resilience, courage, and sacrifices in defending the nation, encouraging them to maintain discipline, professionalism, and relentlessness in combating banditry and terrorism.
Recent Military Successes and Interceptions
In related developments, troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have made significant strides over the past three months by dismantling terrorists' logistics supply networks. Notably, on March 29, 2026, troops deployed along Jamata–Owara Road in Lokoja Local Council intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics courier on a motorcycle. An intensive search revealed the motorcycle had been specially modified with a concealed compartment for covert ammunition transport, linking the suspect to known terrorist elements.
Following this, troops arrested high-profile terrorist ammunition courier Matthew Elisha (alias Nasara), who was on the security watchlist, and intercepted two additional suspected logistics couriers, recovering a large cache of ammunition in Kogi State.
Bandit Attacks and Ransom Demands Escalate
Meanwhile, bandits attacked the Ariko community in Kachia Local Council of Kaduna State on Easter Sunday, abducting residents and demanding a ransom of N1 billion for their release. Concerned Ariko Youths (CAY) described the incident as a tragic assault on innocent worshippers during a period of reflection, noting that abductees included vulnerable members such as two elderly blind men, women, children, and entire families. The group lamented the humanitarian crisis, with families traumatized and the ransom demand deemed outrageous for the rural community.
Boko Haram Issues Ultimatum to Federal Government
In a separate security threat, Boko Haram terrorists released a chilling video giving the Federal Government a 72-hour ultimatum to meet their demands or risk losing 416 captives forever. The video, featuring a spokesperson from Jama'atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda'awati Wal-Jihad under Imam Abu, warned that victims, including women and children, would be moved to unknown locations if demands were not met. The Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA) confirmed a N5 billion ransom demand and called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum to act before the deadline.
Political Context: ADC's Growing Influence
Amid these security challenges, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal, who serves as ADC National Deputy Chairman, claimed that President Bola Tinubu is rattled by the growing influence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. During an appearance on Channels Television's 'Inside Sources', Lawal asserted that the coalition aims to rescue Nigeria from hardship, citing widespread insecurity and economic crises as pressing issues.
