. Police rescue Edo kidnap victim, neutralise 3 suspects
.As AIG pledges stronger security in Northwest
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised over 40 fighters, including a prominent commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province, in a precision air strike on their enclave at Badu Village, south of Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Army said the terrorists were neutralised on October 10, 2026, while preparing to launch coordinated attacks on troops operating within Sector 3 areas of responsibility.
Similarly, the Police Command in Edo has rescued a kidnap victim and neutralised three suspected kidnappers during a joint security operation in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 10 Headquarters, Sokoto, Ahmed Musa, has assumed duty with a pledge to strengthen security, improve public confidence and intensify the fight against violent crimes across Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
The acting Military Information Officer, Northeast Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, in a statement on Monday, said the operation was conducted by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force for the Northeast Operation Hadin Kai.
He said the operation led to the destruction of two vehicles and approximately 20 motorcycles used by the terrorists for mobility, logistics and offensive operations.
The statement read, “The Air Component of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI has dealt a devastating blow to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, neutralising over 40 fighters, including a prominent commander, in a precision air strike on a terrorist enclave at Badu Village, south of Gudumbali in Guzamala LGA, Borno State, on 10 October 2026.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Air Component conducted targeted aerial surveillance, identified terrorist movements around suspected hideouts and logistics facilities, and subsequently executed a precision strike on a building occupied by the terrorists.”
According to Goni, preliminary Human Intelligence and Battle Damage Assessment indicate that over 40 terrorists, including a prominent ISWAP Qaid (commander), were neutralised in the strike.
“The operation also destroyed two vehicles and approximately 20 motorcycles used by the terrorists for mobility, logistics and offensive operations, thereby significantly degrading their fighting capability and disrupting planned attacks on military positions and surrounding communities,” he added.
Further intelligence, he said, revealed that the terrorists belonged to ISWAP’s Murabitun element, a specialised mobile fighting unit responsible for conducting patrols, coordinating attacks and sustaining terrorist activities within the general area.
The army spokesperson said destroying the enclave and associated operational assets represents a significant setback to the group’s ability to launch attacks and sustain its activities in the Lake Chad region.
He, however, assured that the Joint Task Force North East remains resolute in sustaining relentless, coordinated air and ground operations to eliminate terrorist threats, protect vulnerable communities and consolidate ongoing efforts towards restoring lasting peace and stability in the region.
A statement on Monday by Edo command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the operation, conducted at about 2 am, on Sunday, followed intelligence gathering and technical support.
Ikoedem said this led the security operatives to the Geo Works’ bushes and forest bordering Otuo, where the victim identified as Michael Akano, was being held.
According to her, the victim was reportedly abducted on Friday.
She explained that the operation involved police operatives from Igarra Division, personnel of the Nigerian Army 195 Battalion, the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and members of the Edo Security Corps (ESSC).
”Three suspected members of the kidnapping gang were neutralised during a gun duel, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
“Exhibits recovered from the scene include three locally fabricated single-barrel shotguns, eight live cartridges, five expended cartridges, two cutlasses and five mobile handsets of different brands.
“The bodies of the neutralised suspects have been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary, Igarra, for autopsy.
“Bush-combing operation is still ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects,” she said.
Ikoedem quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, as commending the joint security team for what he described as ”swift response, effective collaboration and courage” during the rescue operation.
The commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations and denying criminal elements safe havens across the state.
The police chief also urged residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes.
In his maiden address to officers and men of the zone on Monday, the new AIG charged them to maintain discipline, professionalism and dedication to duty.
Musa officially assumed office on Monday, October 12, 2026, following the retirement of his predecessor, AIG Augustine Grimah.
He also urged residents to support the police with credible and actionable information to prevent and detect crimes.
He reaffirmed his commitment to intensifying efforts to combat violent crimes across the three states, stressing the importance of collaboration with the Armed Forces, other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to sustain peace and protect lives and property.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, Zone 10 Headquarters, Sokoto, ASP Abdallah Ambursa, Musa also promised to maintain an open-door policy to enable members of the public to engage the zonal headquarters on police-related matters.
The statement quoted the AIG as reaffirming his resolve to strengthen inter-agency collaboration towards ensuring “a safer and more secure environment throughout the Zone’s areas of responsibility.”
Musa, an indigene of Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Maiduguri. He joined the Nigeria Police Force as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police under Course 18 on June 10, 1994.
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