Troops Kill Over 300 Top Bandit Leaders as Ribadu Declares: "You Must Lay Down Your Arms"
- The Nigerian Army killed over 300 top bandit leaders in coordinated operations, significantly weakening bandit groups
- National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu urged remaining bandits to surrender immediately, warning that the government will no longer tolerate violence
- While major terrorist attacks reduced under President Tinubu’s administration, Ribadu acknowledged ongoing challenges from banditry in parts of the North-West and North-Central
The Nigerian Army has killed more than 300 top bandit leaders in a series of targeted operations, marking a major milestone in the country’s fight against terrorism and armed criminality.
This was revealed by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, during an interview with the BBC, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace across troubled parts of the country.
Source: Twitter
Army crushes bandit leadership in coordinated strikes
According to Ribadu, the successful operations led by the military have drastically weakened the command structure of several bandit groups, particularly in the northern region.
“The number of top bandit leaders we’ve killed is at least 300,” Ribadu stated.
He noted that many areas once considered no-go zones due to insecurity have now been reopened, and thousands of displaced residents have returned to their farms and communities.
NSA tells remaining fighters: Time to surrender
Despite the military’s successes, Ribadu issued a stern warning to bandits still operating in Nigeria, urging them to surrender immediately and stop killing innocent people.
“We believe the time has come for these terrorists to stop and lay down their arms,” he said.
He made it clear that the federal government would not tolerate continued violence, adding that the window for reconciliation was closing fast.
Major attacks reduced under Tinubu’s government
Ribadu praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritising national security and achieving significant results in a short time.
“In the past, terrorists used to attack prisons, trains, and military camps, but since this government came into power, we have stopped that.
“There has not been a single major terrorist attack since this administration took over, except for those in Borno,: he said.
Banditry and insurgency persist in some regions
Source: Getty Images
However, Ribadu acknowledged that challenges remain. Recent attacks in Zamfara state saw several residents sl@ughtered in Kauran Namoda, while violent clashes continue to rock parts of Benue and Plateau States.
In addition, the Boko Haram insurgency is still a serious concern in the North-East, with pockets of resistance remaining active in remote areas.
Security successes must be recognised, says Ribadu
Ribadu stressed the importance of publicly acknowledging the gains made by the Nigerian security forces and encouraging communities to support ongoing efforts.
“It is time for us to come out and say, yes, we’ve made progress,” he urged.
Soldiers nab suspected terrorists from Niger Republic
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Nigerian Army troops under Operation Hadin Kai arrested a suspected terrorist from Niger attempting to breach a security perimeter in Yobe State on Monday, July 28.
A credible source revealed that the inability of suspect to speak any Nigerian language had prompted further investigations into possible transnational ties.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
