ABUJA –Fresh intelligence reports indicate that the recent mass abductions of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi States are likely retaliatory attacks by a terrorist faction following the killing of a key commander, Babangida, in a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike.
According to credible security sources who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the airstrike occurred on November 18th on the outskirts of Kurebe community, neutralizing several terrorists. Babangida, a key lieutenant to the notorious bandit kingpin Dogo Gideh, later succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack while receiving treatment.
The death of the commander has been met with relief in communities along the riverside axis of Shiroro, where residents have been celebrating the development. However, the security victory appears to have triggered a violent backlash.
A senior security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the subsequent school abductions were likely orchestrated by Babangida’s loyalists. The attacks are seen as a retaliatory show of force, aimed at reasserting the faction’s dominance after suffering a significant operational and psychological blow.
The faction’s distress was further evidenced when community leaders from villages including Kwaki, Buresidna, and Chukuba visited the Palleli home of Dogo Gideh’s mother on November 19th, where she was observed in a state of mourning.
A senior intelligence officer, who also requested anonymity, described Babangida’s elimination as “a significant blow” to the terrorist network. However, he issued a stern warning, noting that the faction remains dangerous and may attempt further reprisal attacks.
“We assess that this faction may attempt additional reprisals targeting vulnerable communities, schools, and security personnel,” the officer said.
In response, security agencies have been placed on heightened alert. The officer confirmed that ongoing military and intelligence operations have been intensified with a dual focus: to prevent further attacks and to facilitate the rescue of the abducted students.
Military authorities have reiterated their commitment to sustaining coordinated land and air operations until the capabilities of terror groups are fully degraded across the region.
