The operation was conducted on the evening of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at about 7:49 p.m. in the Marit general area near Doruwa Babuje, following credible intelligence on the movement of suspected criminal elements.

According to a military statement, the suspects were allegedly responsible for terrorising surrounding communities through violent attacks, sexual assault, and armed robbery.

Acting on the intelligence, troops set up an ambush and engaged the armed men in a gun duel. Two of the suspects were killed during the exchange, while others escaped into nearby bushes under the cover of darkness.

Following the operation, a search of the area led to the recovery of a locally fabricated rifle, five rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, a cutlass, a jackknife, and a mobile phone.

Security forces have since maintained a strong presence in Marit and Lajam villages to ensure the protection of residents, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The statement added that troops remain deployed in the affected areas as part of sustained operations aimed at restoring peace and preventing further attacks.

The military also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to stay vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies.

The details were contained in an election timetable released to journalists on Wednesday by the faction’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature.

According to the schedule, the faction is set to submit its membership register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 21, 2026, and formally notify the commission of its primary election timetable a day later.

The document shows that the expression of interest form for all aspirants is pegged at N1 million, while nomination fees vary depending on the office being contested. Aspirants for State Houses of Assembly will pay N2 million, House of Representatives N3 million, Senate N5 million, governorship N20 million, and presidential aspirants N50 million.

Sales of forms are scheduled to begin on April 27 and close on May 4, while submission of completed forms will end on May 9.

Screening for State Assembly, National Assembly, and governorship candidates will hold on May 11, while presidential aspirants are billed for screening on May 12.

The presidential primary is slated for May 18, governorship primaries for May 27, House of Representatives primaries for May 21, Senate primaries for May 23, and State Assembly primaries between May 21 and May 24.

All appeal processes are expected to be concluded by May 30, 2026.

Bature also noted that female aspirants will only be required to pay the expression of interest fee for their respective positions.

The PDP remains deeply divided into rival factions, one led by Kabiru Turaki and backed by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, and another led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, supported by Nyesom Wike. The internal crisis has resulted in multiple court cases, with the Supreme Court expected to announce a date for judgment after reserving its ruling.

In a statement made available to DAILY POST and signed by Zamani Daniel and Ibrahim Tukur, the party chieftains warned Wadada against claiming presidential backing as a tool to gain advantage over other aspirants in the race.

The APC leaders stressed that Wadada’s alleged closeness to the President would not guarantee him victory, insisting that the governorship contest must be determined by popular support.

They maintained that President Tinubu is a democrat who believes in the will of the people, expressing concern over claims that he would personally endorse Wadada over other established aspirants.

The statement further urged all contenders to focus on grassroots engagement rather than relying on perceived endorsements or political influence, noting that the adoption of direct primaries requires aspirants to present themselves directly to party members and voters.

Meanwhile, the development follows the endorsement of Wadada’s governorship ambition by incumbent Governor Abdullahi Sule, a move that has sparked criticism within the APC in the state.

Senator Wadada, who was previously elected under the Social Democratic Party, recently resigned and aligned with the APC ahead of the forthcoming political contest.