Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have arrested a suspect linked to a brazen attack on forest guards and local hunters in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, marking a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal networks that have terrorised rural communities in the region. The suspect, identified as Ahmed Musa, was apprehended during a follow-up operation in Gidan Waya following a fierce pursuit by ground troops who tracked the assailants from the scene of the attack into the dense Jagindi Forest. The development was disclosed on Friday, April 24, 2026, by security analyst Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region, who cited military sources directly involved in the operation.
According to the report, troops from Sector 7 of Operation ENDURING PEACE received intelligence around 9:35 a.m. on April 23 regarding an ongoing assault on forest guards and hunters in the Gidan Waya area. The armed men, who had attacked the local security volunteers, fled toward the Jagindi Forest as the victims raised an alarm. The troops moved swiftly, mobilising a pursuit team that tracked the attackers in the direction of Ungwan Maruwa. During the chase, one of the suspects, who was on a motorcycle, spotted the advancing soldiers and abandoned his bike, fleeing on foot into the thick vegetation. The soldiers, undeterred, cordoned off the area and conducted a thorough search, leading to the recovery of the abandoned motorcycle, alongside an AK-47 rifle, an AK-49 rifle, and other items believed to be linked to the attack.
The recovery of two assault rifles is particularly significant, as it suggests the attackers were heavily armed and prepared for a prolonged confrontation. The AK-47 and AK-49 are the weapons of choice for many criminal gangs operating in the North-Central and North-West regions, and their recovery will likely provide valuable intelligence for ongoing operations. The abandoned motorcycle, which the suspect left behind in his haste to escape, is also being examined for fingerprints, registration details, and possible links to other crimes in the area. Security sources confirmed that the area was subsequently secured and that no further casualties were reported among the troops or the local hunters.
The attack on forest guards and hunters in Jema’a LGA is part of a broader pattern of violence that has plagued Southern Kaduna for years. The region, which is predominantly agrarian, has witnessed repeated clashes between farming communities and armed groups, often resulting in deaths, abductions, and the displacement of thousands. The forest guards, often volunteers drawn from local communities, serve as a first line of defence, but they are frequently outgunned and lack adequate training and equipment. The attack on April 23 was particularly vicious, though details of casualties among the forest guards were not immediately released by military authorities.
In a follow-up operation conducted in Gidan Waya, the troops arrested the suspect Ahmed Musa, who was identified through intelligence gathered during the initial pursuit. According to Zagazola Makama, the suspect has been directly linked to the attack on the forest guards and hunters, and he is currently in military custody undergoing interrogation. “The suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody, while investigations continue,” Makama stated. Efforts are also ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group, as security operations in the area remain active.
The arrest of Ahmed Musa has been welcomed by community leaders in Jema’a LGA, who have long complained about the inability of security agencies to curb the activities of armed gangs. In a phone interview, a local youth leader who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal said, “We are tired of burying our people. This arrest gives us hope that the government is finally taking action. But we need more than just arrests; we need these criminals prosecuted and put away for good.” The Kaduna State Government has not yet issued an official statement on the arrest, but the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, has previously pledged to support all lawful efforts to restore peace to the troubled region.
The success of the operation underscores the importance of timely intelligence and rapid response. The troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, which was established to address insecurity in the North-Central zone, have been conducting patrols and clearance operations across Kaduna, Plateau, and parts of Nasarawa states. The task force has recorded several successes in recent months, including the neutralisation of bandit leaders and the rescue of kidnapped victims. However, the sheer scale of the insecurity and the difficult terrain of the region continue to pose challenges. The forest corridors that connect Kaduna to neighbouring states serve as hideouts for criminal groups who easily evade capture by moving across state lines.
The arrest of Ahmed Musa is only one step in a long and arduous fight. Military sources have indicated that the suspect is being interrogated for information on the larger network of collaborators, arms suppliers, and financiers. There is also hope that he may provide leads to the whereabouts of other members of the gang who are still at large. The recovery of the two rifles and the motorcycle will be crucial in building a strong case for prosecution. The Nigerian military has been working closely with the police and other security agencies to ensure that suspects are not only arrested but also successfully prosecuted under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and other relevant laws.
As the investigation continues, the people of Gidan Waya and surrounding communities are breathing a slight sigh of relief. For them, the arrest is a small victory in an otherwise endless war against banditry. But they know that tomorrow could bring another attack, another funeral, and more tears. The troops have not relented, and patrols have been intensified along the Jagindi Forest axis and other known flashpoints. The military has also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information, as community cooperation remains the most effective tool in the fight against criminality.
The arrest of Ahmed Musa and the recovery of the weapons send a clear message: the security forces are listening, and they are responding. Yet, the broader context remains grim. Across Kaduna State, hundreds of communities remain vulnerable, and many families have been forced to abandon their ancestral lands. The memory of the attack on the forest guards will linger, but for now, one suspect is in custody, and two rifles are off the streets. That is progress, but it is progress measured in inches, not miles. As the sun sets over the hills of Southern Kaduna, the troops continue their watch, and the people continue to hope.
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