Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged assault on a personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, in an operation that underscores the military's determination to protect its own and maintain public order. The suspect, identified as Umar Farouq Saidu, was apprehended on Thursday, June 25, 2026, after troops responded to a distress call reporting an attack on an airman in Gital Community.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:15 a.m., according to intelligence sources quoted by security analyst Zagazola Makama. Troops of Sector 8 (Sub-Sector 82) were immediately mobilised and arrived at the scene to find that an aircraftman attached to the 263 Nigerian Air Force Reference Hospital in Daura, Katsina State, had been assaulted by a group of assailants. The airman, who was reportedly on a welfare pass to the community, was attacked without provocation, raising concerns about the safety of security personnel even while off duty.
Upon arrival, the troops succeeded in apprehending one of the suspects, Umar Farouq Saidu, while other members of the group fled on sighting the security personnel. The arrested suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to assist investigators in identifying and apprehending the remaining suspects. Security sources said investigations into the incident are ongoing, while efforts have been intensified to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
The assault on the airman is the latest in a series of attacks on security personnel in the North-East and North-Central regions of Nigeria, where troops have been deployed to combat insurgency, banditry, and other forms of criminality. The Nigerian military has consistently warned that attacks on its personnel would not be tolerated and that those responsible would be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law. In a statement, the military reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of security personnel and civilians, warning that individuals involved in attacks on security operatives would face the full weight of the law.
Operation Enduring Peace is a joint military operation tasked with restoring peace and security in Plateau, Bauchi, and parts of Kaduna states. The operation has been conducting raids and patrols to flush out criminal elements and protect civilians from attacks. The arrest of Umar Farouq Saidu is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to curb insecurity in Bauchi State, where incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence have been on the rise.
The military has urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid in the arrest of the fleeing suspects. The public has also been reminded that attacks on security personnel constitute a serious crime and that anyone found culpable would face the consequences. As the investigation continues, the troops have intensified efforts to track down the remaining suspects and ensure they are brought to justice.
The incident has also highlighted the risks faced by security personnel even when they are off duty. The airman, who was on a welfare pass to visit his community, was attacked by a group of assailants, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance among security personnel and the public alike. The military has assured the public that it will continue to take all necessary measures to protect its personnel and ensure that those who attack them are held accountable.
The arrest of Umar Farouq Saidu is a testament to the professionalism and swift response of the troops of Operation Enduring Peace. The military has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of security personnel and civilians, warning that individuals involved in attacks on security operatives would be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects are ongoing, and the public has been urged to cooperate with security agencies to ensure that justice is served.
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