Security Forces Capture Infamous Bandit Leader ‘Mai Pankshin’ and Disrupt Criminal Network in Plateau and Kaduna
The Nigerian Armed Forces have successfully apprehended Adamu Buba, widely known as ‘Mai Pankshin’, a notorious bandit leader responsible for orchestrating violent attacks across Plateau and Kaduna States. Alongside him, 13 members of his criminal syndicate were also detained.
Coordinated Military Operations Target Terrorist Hideouts
According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the arrests were the result of meticulously planned raids conducted by troops under Operation Safe Haven (OPSH). These operations targeted multiple insurgent camps and criminal strongholds in key areas including Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Jos South, Bassa, and Jos North in Plateau State, as well as Jaba and Zangon Kataf in Kaduna State.
Major General Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed that the security forces seized a cache of firearms, ammunition, and motorcycles during the crackdown. Interrogations of the suspects are ongoing to dismantle the broader network.
Significant Arms Seizure and Weapon Surrender
On August 17, 2025, Major General Foluso Oyinlola, Commander of OPSH, officially handed over 220 assorted weapons and 1,874 rounds of ammunition confiscated from criminal elements to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Jos, Plateau State. This handover underscores the military’s commitment to curbing illegal arms proliferation in the region.
Nationwide Military Campaigns Yield Positive Results Against Insurgency and Banditry
Between August 13 and 20, 2025, Nigerian security forces intensified operations across various regions, deploying specialized task forces to combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
North Central and North West: Operation Whirl Stroke’s Impact
In the North Central and North West zones, Operation Whirl Stroke troops executed targeted raids in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, and the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These missions led to the neutralization of multiple terrorists, the arrest of suspects including a notorious arms dealer, and the liberation of several abducted individuals.
North East Offensive: Operation Hadin Kai’s Strategic Gains
Operation Hadin Kai intensified ground and aerial assaults on Boko Haram and ISWAP enclaves in Borno and Yobe States, focusing on hotspots such as Monguno, Gwoza, Konduga, Damboa, and Bama. The military reported the elimination of numerous insurgents, the capture of nine collaborators, and the rescue of three hostages. Additionally, forces recovered weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), motorcycles, and cash totaling ₦191,700.
Continued Success in the North West: Operation Fagge Yamma
In Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto States, Operation Fagge Yamma troops achieved significant breakthroughs by killing terrorists, rescuing 46 kidnapped victims, and apprehending 11 suspects. These efforts contribute to restoring security and stability in the volatile North West region.
Ongoing Commitment to National Security and Public Safety
The recent military victories highlight the Nigerian Armed Forces’ unwavering dedication to dismantling criminal networks and insurgent groups that threaten peace across the country. With continuous intelligence-driven operations and community collaboration, the security agencies aim to sustain momentum in the fight against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.
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