Troops Kill Terror Kingpin in Zamfara, Borno – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) of Nigeria announced on Sunday, June 29, 2025. 

that troops of Operation Fasin Yamma successfully neutralised a notorious terrorist kingpin, Mai Dada, in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State June 29.

This announcement has been met with mixed reactions of Nigerian troops foil terrorist logistics in Borno.

Raising questions about the effectiveness and transparency of ongoing military operations in Nigeria’s troubled North-West and North-East regions.

Mai Dada, described by the DHQ as a wanted and deadly terrorist commander.

He had reportedly terrorised several communities across the North-West before his death in a counteroffensive operation.

While the military portrays this as a significant victory.

Critics argue that the killing of one “kingpin” does little to dismantle the complex terror networks that continue to plague the region.

Is Mai Dada truly the mastermind behind the violence.

Or is he a convenient scapegoat used to show progress amid growing public frustration?

The lack of independent verification and detailed evidence surrounding his death fuels skepticism about the military’s narrative.

Foiled Logistics Supply in Borno: A Minor Victory or a Sign of Larger Failures?

In a related but equally contentious development, troops of Sector 3 in Monguno, Borno State, intercepted a vehicle suspected of carrying logistics for terrorists.

Items seized included 65 litres of petrol, bags of rice, groundnuts, NPK fertilizer, tubers of yam, motorcycle headlights, solar lights, 2,000 empty cement bags, solar panels.

And a mobile phone. One suspect was arrested.

While this interception is presented as a blow to terrorist supply lines.

The nature of the items basic agricultural and household goods raises questions about the intelligence and operational priorities of the military.

Critics argue that such seizures, though symbolically important.

Do not address the root causes or major logistics channels sustaining insurgent groups.

Other Military Operations: Successes or Smoke Screens

The Defence Media Operations Director, Major General Markus Kangye.

Also reported several other military actions between June 25 and 26, 2025:

• Troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion, supported by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, recovered large quantities of ammunition in Ngoshe, Gwoza LGA.
• In Bama LGA, the 21 Special Armoured Brigade neutralised three terrorists and destroyed several life-support structures.
• Troops in Kaduna State recovered an AK-47 rifle during an engagement with armed men.
• In Edo State, a suspect was arrested with a pump-action rifle and cutlasses.
• Two suspects were arrested in Bayelsa State with locally fabricated pistols.
• Operation Whirl Stroke troops rescued five kidnapped passengers in Benue State and recovered a vehicle used by kidnappers.
• In Plateau State, offensive patrols recovered a Dane gun abandoned by fleeing suspects.

While these reports highlight active military engagement, the continued prevalence of kidnappings, armed banditry.

And terrorist attacks suggests these operations are reactive rather than strategic.

The Bigger Picture: Military Success or Public Relations Exercise

Major General Kangye affirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to working with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and maintain peace nationwide.

He claimed, “In well-planned and executed operations across various theatres.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in conjunction with other security agencies.

Recorded significant successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminal activity.”

However, for many Nigerians, these “significant successes” have yet to translate into tangible improvements in security or quality of life.

The persistent violence across Zamfara, Borno, and other states raises uncomfortable questions about the military’s strategy, transparency, and accountability.

Wahalaupdate’s Take: Is the Military Winning or Just Spinning

The killing of Mai Dada and the interception of suspected terrorist logistics might sound like victories on paper.

Yet, Nigerian troops foil terrorist logistics in Borno, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

Terrorism and banditry continue to ravage communities.

Displacing thousands and undermining national stability.

Wahalaupdate calls on the Nigerian military and government to provide clearer evidence of their claimed successes

And to adopt more comprehensive approaches that address the socio-economic and political roots of insurgency.

Without transparency and genuine reform, these military operations risk being little more than public relations exercises designed to placate a frustrated populace.