Crime
ISWAP Kills Several Farmers Despite Agreement to Allow Farming in Enclave
ISWAP Kills Several Farmers Despite Agreement to Allow Farming in Enclave
By Zagazola Makama
Fighters of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) on Sunday evening killed several farmers in Daban Gajere, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, in what appeared to be a betrayal of an earlier agreement to permit farming activities in their enclave.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the farmers had negotiated with a faction of ISWAP, paying levies to secure access to farmland near Daban Leda, close to Mangari, approximately eight kilometers from Baga town. The arrangement was intended to allow them to cultivate their crops without interference.
However, another ISWAP group, unaware of the agreement, intercepted the farmers and opened fire, killing several of them.
Chairman of the Lake Chad Fishermen Association, Abubakar Gamandi, confirmed the incident. He explained that some survivors of the attack had reported the betrayal by the armed group.
“Our farmers were killed after they went to the ISWAP enclave to farm. They had made an arrangement with ISWAP and paid them money. Unfortunately, another faction of ISWAP, unaware of the agreement, attacked them. This is what the survivors who escaped told us,” Gamandi said.
He noted that the exact number of casualties remains unclear as more survivors are still emerging from the area. “Only when they all come out can we ascertain the total number of casualties,” he added.
Zagazola understands that the Nigerian military had established secure perimeters where farmers and fishermen could operate under military protection. However, some farmers opted to negotiate directly with ISWAP, bypassing the safe zones. This decision, unfortunately, resulted in tragic consequences.
In some instances, farmers and fishermen who enter ISWAP controlled areas are used as couriers or logistical suppliers. When they fail to meet demands, they are accused of espionage and face severe consequences.
The incident demonstrates the precarious and complex relationship between civilians and armed groups in conflict affected areas. Desperate to sustain their livelihoods, civilians often take significant risks that expose them to violence or death.
Despite the dangers, over 2,000 farmers and fishermen are reportedly still operating in ISWAP enclaves, often caught in crossfire during rival clashes or killed by factions that suspect them of betrayal.
ISWAP Kills Several Farmers Despite Agreement to Allow Farming in Enclave
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner Linked to Notorious Terror Kingpins in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade, Operation FANSAN YANMA have arrested a suspected gunrunner allegedly involved in supplying weapons and ammunition to terrorist groups operating in the North-West.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Saidu Rabiu, aged 25, from Wagini in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State, was arrested on May 15, 2026, at about 10:20 a.m.
According to the sources, troops acted on credible intelligence and swiftly mobilised to the General Hospital, Batsari, where the suspect was reportedly receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
He was subsequently arrested at the hospital without resistance and moved for interrogation.
Preliminary investigation allegedly linked the suspect to the supply of military-grade weapons and ammunition to several notorious terror kingpins operating in the region, including Bello Turji, Ado Aliero, and other criminal commanders identified as late Kachalla Black and Yellow.
Troops said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation to uncover wider arms trafficking networks supporting terrorist operations in the North-West.
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner Linked to Notorious Terror Kingpins in Katsina
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Member Extorting Motorists in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected member of the Islamic State West Africa Province in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 1:20 p.m. on May 14, 2026, in Gubio town during a coordinated operation with local security volunteers.
According to the sources, the suspect claimed to be from Jere Local Government Area and allegedly confessed to being part of a group involved in extorting motorists along the Kareto general area.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further interrogation.
Security authorities said investigations were ongoing to identify other members of the suspected extortion network and dismantle related criminal activities in the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Member Extorting Motorists in Borno
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists During Clearance Operations in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have neutralised two suspected terrorists during clearance operations conducted in parts of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to a special situation report issued by Headquarters Sector 1 under Operation Desert Sanity, the operation was carried out on May 15, 2026, by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion stationed at Kirawa.
The operation involved 15 soldiers working in conjunction with 16 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and 24 hybrid forces mounted on 28 motorcycles.
The troops reportedly advanced to Valle general area, Ashigashiya and Gakara communities during the operation aimed at clearing suspected terrorist hideouts and routes within the axis.
Military sources said contact was made with an unconfirmed number of suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad during the operation.
Following a firefight, two terrorists were neutralised, while several others reportedly retreated in disarray toward the Ngoshe axis.
Troops subsequently exploited the general area but made no further contact with the fleeing insurgents.
The forces later returned to base at about 3:00 p.m. the same day after completing the operation.
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists During Clearance Operations in Borno
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