Fresh Chadian Offensive Forces ISWAP/Boko Haram Fighters to Flee Lake Chad Shores

By: Zagazola Makama

A fresh military offensive by Chadian forces in the Lake Chad Basin has triggered a mass displacement of Boko Haram terrorists and their families from the Tunbuns and adjoining island settlements toward parts of northern Borno, security and local sources have disclosed.

The development followed days of intense aerial bombardments and coordinated ground assaults launched by the Chadian military against suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region after deadly attacks on Chadian troops earlier this month.

Sources told Zagazola Makama on Tuesday that large numbers of insurgents, accompanied by women and children, were seen moving across border routes from the Tunbuns toward Kangarwa and surrounding settlements.

Kangarwa is located about 14 to 15 kilometres from Kukawa in northern Borno.

The sources said the fleeing insurgents were escaping sustained bombardments by Chadian air assets targeting known terrorist camps and logistics bases located within the marshlands and islands around the Lake Chad fringes.

According to the sources, there are growing fears that some of the displaced fighters may attempt to regroup within established enclaves around Doro Naira, Wula Wula, Njemina, Tunbun Gini, Tunbun Rago and Tunbun Shanu in Borno state.

The sources stressed the need for intensified military operations within the Kukawa, Baga, Gudumbali and Malam Fatori axis to prevent the insurgents from integrating into existing cells operating within Nigerian territory.

The latest offensive is believed to be directly linked to recent deadly attacks carried out by insurgents against Chadian troops in the Lac Province area of Chad.

Security sources said insurgents linked to the Bakura-led faction of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) attacked Chadian military positions at Ngaboua and Chukuntale, known collectively as the Barka Tolorom axis, between May 4 and May 6.

According to the sources, the first attack occurred on May 4 at about 10 p.m. when insurgents stormed a Chadian military base at Ngaboua and reportedly overran the position.

Two days later, Chadian troops mounted a counteroffensive involving senior military commanders and multiple watercraft advancing through the riverine area toward insurgent positions.

However, the troops were reportedly ambushed around the Chukuntale waterways and adjoining high grounds.

Official Chadian figures put the casualty toll at 23 soldiers killed and 26 wounded.

However, security and local intelligence sources suggested that the actual casualty figure could be significantly higher, with some reports indicating that more than scores of soldiers, including two generals, may have been killed during the attacks.

The Chadian authorities subsequently declared a three-day national mourning period from May 6 to May 9 for fallen soldiers and imposed a 20-day state of emergency across the Lac Province.

Sources also disclosed that mass burials had been conducted for some of the deceased troops, while reports indicated that additional bodies remained within remote island locations difficult to access.

Zagazola noted that the Lake Chad region remains one of the most difficult operational theatres in the fight against Boko Haram due to its geography of islands, swamps and narrow waterways that provide insurgents with concealment and escape routes.

The terrain enables fighters to move rapidly between islands using canoes and small boats, making pursuit by conventional forces extremely difficult.

Zagazola further noted that poor communications, difficult logistics and isolated forward positions often complicate casualty evacuation, troop reinforcement and battlefield reporting within the region.

The latest attacks have also revived memories of the March 2020 Bohoma assault in Chad, where Boko Haram fighters killed dozens of Chadian soldiers during an attack on a military base located on one of the Lake Chad islands.

The renewed Chadian offensive appears aimed at dismantling insurgent camps and preventing further attacks on military formations within the region.

However, concerns remain that displaced insurgents could spill into communities across northern Borno and parts of Yobe if regional forces fail to coordinate sustained follow-up operations.

Military sources said the current dry-season conditions between May and July provide favourable terrain for clearance operations within the Tunbuns and adjoining riverine corridors.

Zagazola also renewed calls for stronger coordination among countries operating under the Multinational Joint Task Force, warning that unilateral operations without sustained regional synchronisation could simply displace insurgent threats across borders rather than eliminate them.

Fresh Chadian Offensive Forces ISWAP/Boko Haram Fighters to Flee Lake Chad Shores

JNIM Fighters Intensify Pressure on Bamako Supply Routes Amid Growing Security Concerns in Mali

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed fighters linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have intensified attacks along key transport corridors in southern Mali, raising fresh concerns over the country’s deteriorating security situation and the growing vulnerability of routes leading to the capital, Bamako.

Security sources and local reports indicated that several commercial buses and cargo trucks were intercepted and set ablaze on May 9 along the strategic Sikasso-Bougouni highway despite prior warnings allegedly issued by JNIM elements operating in the region.

The attacks reportedly occurred barely 48 hours after Mali’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, assured diplomats in Bamako that the state remained firmly in control of the security situation and that ongoing military “reorganisation” efforts were progressing effectively.

According to local accounts, armed fighters also attacked the village of Zambougou, located about 45 kilometres from Ségou on the road toward Bamako.

The village, reportedly hosting a pro-government militia allied with the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa), was allegedly set on fire during the assault.

Residents said militia members fled the area during the attack, leaving civilians stranded as homes and property were destroyed.

Similar incidents were reported in the Sanankoro Bani area, where additional buses were reportedly burned by armed groups operating along the corridor.

The attacks have heightened fears that insurgent groups are steadily tightening pressure on transport and supply routes critical to Bamako’s economic and logistical stability.

Transport operators and residents in affected regions described growing anxiety over movement along major highways linking southern and central Mali to the capital.

The latest incidents appear consistent with a broader insurgent strategy aimed at isolating Bamako through progressive disruption of transport corridors, supply chains and commercial movement.

“The pattern emerging is not random violence,” a regional security observer said.

“It increasingly resembles a deliberate strategy of economic and psychological pressure targeting the state’s ability to maintain normal activity and public confidence.”

The attacks also underscore the widening gap between official government messaging and realities on the ground, according to analysts monitoring the conflict.

In his May 7 briefing with diplomats, Diop had accused unnamed foreign actors of attempting to destabilise Mali while insisting that state institutions remained operational and effective.

However, critics argue that the repeated attacks on highways, military positions and civilian infrastructure reflect persistent weaknesses in the country’s security architecture despite the junta’s assurances.

Insurgent activity has expanded significantly in recent weeks across northern, central and southern Mali, targeting not only military facilities but also transport networks, energy infrastructure and commercial routes.

The ruling military government, led by Assimi Goïta, has repeatedly defended its security strategy since severing military ties with France and strengthening cooperation with Russian military partners.

Nevertheless, insecurity has continued to spread in several regions despite intensified military operations.

Zagazola warned that attacks on major highways could have severe economic consequences if sustained over time, particularly as Mali already faces inflationary pressures, fuel shortages and rising transportation costs.

“The danger is not only military. When commercial traffic slows and populations begin to fear movement between cities, the economic and psychological effects become significant.”

Local residents in parts of central and southern Mali have increasingly expressed concern over insecurity on roads previously considered relatively stable compared to conflict zones in the north.

Humanitarian organisations also warned that disruptions along key transport corridors could affect delivery of food supplies, medical assistance and other essential goods to vulnerable communities.

As of the time of filing this report, Malian authorities had not issued a detailed official statement regarding the attacks on the Sikasso-Bougouni axis.

JNIM Fighters Intensify Pressure on Bamako Supply Routes Amid Growing Security Concerns in Mali

Troops Arrest Additional Suspect Over Alleged Sale of Military Camouflage in Plateau State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested an additional suspect in connection with the alleged illegal sale and distribution of military camouflage materials in Plateau State.

Security sources said the suspect, identified as Mr. Hamisu Pam, 45, was arrested at about 1530 hours on May 11 at his shop in Taminus Market, Jos North Local Government Area.

The arrest followed ongoing investigations linked to earlier apprehended suspects alleged to be involved in the circulation of military-pattern uniforms within the state.

During the operation, troops reportedly recovered several yards of camouflage fabric from the suspect’s shop, believed to be part of the items under investigation.

Authorities said the suspect is connected to previously arrested individuals currently in custody over similar allegations.

The military added that all suspects are undergoing further interrogation as part of efforts to dismantle networks involved in the illegal trade of military materials, which is considered a threat to security operations and public safety.

Operation Enduring Peace reiterated its commitment to tightening controls on the circulation of restricted military items and enhancing intelligence-led operations across Plateau State.

Security agencies have also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities, particularly the unauthorized sale or possession of military-grade materials.

Troops Arrest Additional Suspect Over Alleged Sale of Military Camouflage in Plateau State