Nigerian security forces restored order in Mararraba community in Kaduna State after a mob killed a woman accused of child trafficking and attempted to cause further unrest.
The incident happened on 21 June 2026. The crowd became violent after the woman was killed. The mob then moved against public facilities and tried to block a major highway.
Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma, arrived at the scene and stopped the disturbance. The soldiers dispersed the crowd, secured important government facilities and ensured that motorists could continue using the road without interruption.
The troops also maintained a strong presence in the area to prevent fresh violence and reassure residents.
The action helped to stop the situation from getting worse and restored normal activities in the community.
The intervention in Mararraba formed part of a series of security operations carried out by the task force in Kaduna State.
On the same day, troops on a fighting patrol encountered armed criminals. The suspects fled into nearby bushes after coming under pressure from the soldiers.
The troops continued the pursuit and arrested two suspected bandit scouts. They also recovered motorcycles and communication devices. Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to criminal activities.
Earlier, on 20 June, troops intercepted two suspected bandits during a night patrol.
Checks carried out on the suspects uncovered digital materials believed to be connected to terrorist and bandit activities.
The two suspects remain in custody while investigations continue.
In another operation on 20 June, troops acted on intelligence about cattle rustling in a Kaduna community.
The soldiers engaged the suspected criminals in a gun battle after making contact with them. Two suspected bandits were killed during the operation.
Weapons, ammunition and rustled livestock were recovered.
The operation also disrupted the activities of the criminal group and helped return the stolen animals.
One civilian, however, lost his life during the incident. Military authorities said the death resulted from the actions of the bandits.
The Theatre Commander praised the troops for their vigilance, discipline and commitment during the operations.
He said the recent successes showed the determination of the force to continue targeting terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
He also assured residents that intelligence-led and offensive operations would continue as part of efforts to improve security and protect communities in Kaduna State and other parts of the North West.