Troops capture bandit Leader Habu Dogo in major crackdown, rescue victims

Nigerian security forces have apprehended Abubakar Bawa Ibrahim, alias Habu Dogo, a feared bandit leader responsible for terrorizing communities across Sokoto State.

Dogo, who has long evaded capture, was arrested by Nigerian troops conducting counter-insurgency operations in Rumji Village, Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto. His arrest marks a significant victory in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against banditry and insurgency.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), through a statement by Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, confirmed the arrest.

Buba noted that Dogo has been a notorious figure on the watch lists of security agencies in both Nigeria and Niger Republic due to the cross-border nature of his criminal activities. Dogo is allegedly responsible for a series of violent crimes, including multiple killings and kidnappings.

In a broader campaign against insurgents and criminals across the country, Nigerian troops have achieved notable success. According to Major-General Buba, 147 hostages were rescued, 187 terrorists were neutralized, and 311 other criminals, including those involved in oil theft, were detained.

Buba detailed several recent operations conducted by the troops:

North-West Operations:

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Troops in Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 51 terrorists, arrested 55 suspects, and rescued 81 kidnapped victims. They recovered an arsenal that included 26 AK-47 rifles, six fabricated rifles, three Dane guns, five pump-action shotguns, three pistols, and substantial ammunition including 414 rounds of 7.62mm special, 297 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 30 live cartridges.

Operations in Zamfara and Sokoto States (Oct 21):

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During patrols in Maradun (Zamfara) and Isa (Sokoto), soldiers clashed with terrorists, resulting in the elimination of 13 insurgents. Among the recovered items were nine AK-47 rifles, three pump-action guns, and 297 rounds of NATO ammunition.

Kaduna State Response (Oct 23):

Responding to intelligence on terrorists in Birnin Gwari, troops freed four hostages and seized an AK-47 rifle with 16 rounds of ammunition.

Multi-State Operations (Oct 22–28):

A series of offensive operations were conducted across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Katsina States, with troops also targeting terrorist cells in Giwa and Kachia, Kaduna State.

These operations resulted in the neutralization of 17 terrorists, the arrest of 11, and the rescue of a kidnapped hostage. The troops seized multiple weapons, motorcycles, and mobile phones.

In light of these achievements, Major-General Buba reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace to affected regions.

As efforts intensify, the DHQ has encouraged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces, emphasizing that ongoing operations will continue to target high-profile criminals such as Habu Dogo and others who pose threats to national security.