Communal clashes, as well as the activities of criminals and insurgents in Nigeria, led to the death of 96 people between Monday, June 22, and Friday, June 26. Twelve people were also kidnapped in the period, according to data collated by the Nigeria Security Tracker.
The highest death tolls were recorded in Borno, Zamfara, and Katsina where 40, 22, and 12 respectively lost their lives. Four people died in each of Benue and Niger; two people died each in Anambra, Kogi, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, and Plateau; and one resident each died in Adamawa and Cross River.
Out of the fatalities, 35 were civilians, two were state actors, and three were sectarian actors. Also, 40 members of the Boko Haram terror group, one robber, and 15 other armed people were killed.
There were nine victims of kidnapping from Ondo and three from Katsina in three separate attacks that took place on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.
According to the Defence Headquarters, strikes from the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji destroyed two camps that served as a refuge for a bandit group led by Hassan Tagwaye in Zamfara State’s Doumborou Forest.
Major General John Enenche, Coordinator of the Defence Media Operations, said about the operation, “The attack aircraft engaged the target structures, scoring accurate hits and taking out the huts along with their occupants.
“The NAF jets also later recorded direct hits on the suspected bunker, from where some of the bandits were seen emerging, completely destroying it.”
“Human Intelligence reports later confirmed that Hassan Tagwaye and his twin brother Hussain along with several other bandits were neutralized in the airstrikes, while a few escaped with injuries,” he added.
Another raid conducted by the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole on Wednesday led to the death of about 40 members of Boko Haram and destroyed the group’s bases. This was at Tongule and Bukar Meram, both settlements in Borno State.
The largest civilian casualty was recorded on Friday when bandits reportedly killed 12 residents of Unguwar Yabo, a village located in Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
An indigene of the community, Malam Sani Mohammed, told journalists that they arrived on motorcycles and, within several hours, indiscriminately fired at people and looted properties.
“We have seen hell. These heartless people have completely ruined the village because most of those killed or wounded were those we are proud of,” Mohammed said.
In Danmusa, Katsina State, five civilians and one policeman were shot dead by bandits on Thursday.
On Sunday, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, charged special forces in Katsina to ensure they do not fail in safeguarding lives and properties.
“You have no excuse for failure. You are professionals in your field. We are hopeful that the security challenges will soon be over. Whatever challenges you have, we shall address them,” he said.
“We are bringing additional weapons; we are bringing additional platforms and we are bringing additional men. In fact, some of the equipment has arrived in Bauchi while some are even here already. Some of you may be moved to other locations to get things right there.”
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