The Nigerian Air Force has neutralized multiple terrorist groups and disrupted planned attacks across Rafi and Mariga Local Government Areas of Niger State in a series of intelligence-led air operations conducted between May 20 and 23, 2026, as security incidents continued to multiply across the country with attacks on a royal palace in Kwara State, abductions in Kogi, and the killing of a former government aide linked to a child kidnapping ring in Katsina.
The Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1 carried out the Niger State strikes after credible intelligence identified the convergence of terrorist elements around Tungan Bako and Kasuwan Daji. Subsequent operations on May 21 engaged terrorists moving with rustled cattle from Tungunguna toward Uregi, neutralising the group and destroying their withdrawal capability. A further operation on May 23 targeted terrorist elements attempting movement near Dogon Dawa in Mariga Local Government Area in advance of planned attacks on military positions.
Separately, armed bandits invaded the ancient town of Yashikira in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State in the early hours of Sunday, setting the emir’s palace ablaze and abducting the emir’s wives, children, and several community residents. The attackers reportedly overpowered local vigilantes and operated for hours without resistance. The attack came barely 24 hours after armed men struck a prayer ground in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing worshippers and abducting others during a night vigil.
In Katsina State, a former Senior Special Assistant to the state governor was arrested alongside five others for allegedly masterminding the abduction of an eight-year-old boy. Police said the syndicate snatched the victim on May 13 while he was returning from an Islamic school, then demanded 50 million naira in ransom. After negotiations, 17 million naira was paid. Police recovered 7.5 million naira, a vehicle, and a motorcycle during the arrest.
In Kogi State, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association condemned the killing of nine herdsmen, women, and children in Ika Community, Ankpa Local Government Area, calling on security agencies to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria in Kano raised an alarm over the overall security trajectory, saying Nigeria had lost its sense of the value of human life. The group called for government action on insecurity and renewed attention to the continued captivity of Chibok schoolgirls and Leah Sharibu.
Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi, who had been advocating amnesty for bandits, denied supporting terrorism and warned that doctored videos and manipulated statements attributed to him were being circulated by sectional interest groups. He threatened legal action against anyone continuing to circulate what he described as fabrications after the date of his statement.
The family of Oyedokun Michael Olugbade, a teacher killed following the school attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, appealed directly to President Tinubu to direct security agencies to locate and recover their son’s remains, which had not been found despite widespread reports of his death. The family said other victims from the same attack remained in captivity under life-threatening conditions and called on the president to take personal responsibility rather than delegating the matter entirely.
