BOKO HARAM: Again ISWAP targets abduction of IRC staff, meets vacant Office in Monguno

BOKO HARAM: Again ISWAP targets abduction of IRC staff, meets vacant Office in Monguno

By: James Bwala

Boko Haram/Islamic State for West African Province, ISWAP on Thursday night 30th June 2022 fails in their attempts to abduct aid workers during an attack where the insurgents reportedly infiltrated the office of the International Rescue Committee, IRC, an aid organization working in Monguno local government area of northern Borno in northeast Nigeria.

Impeccable sources told NEWSng that the terrorists targeted staff of the international organization so they can bargain for food and cash following hunger and lack of fighting equipment that hits their camps as a result of military operations.

It could be recalled that on March 12, 2022 the insurgents in a sneaky move invaded the IRC guest house in Monguno where they allegedly abducted an Area Manager of the organization, one Alkali Imam, who is said to have been in their custody till now.

The incident left hundreds of humanitarian workers shocked and frightened on how they came and raided the compound like the Israeli Entebbe operations and left without firing a single shot. Many questions has since been asking regarding the security arrangements put in place by the organization as the incident happened around 3:00 am thereby begging for answers as to how the terrorists made their way to the staff quarters and pick only one staff – a Manager.

Speaking on phone with our source in Monguno, he explained that the Water Board camp and Ngurno camp which houses thousands of IDPs are being used by the insurgency as a hub to spy on the activities of humanitarian organizations.

“We have large camps in Monguno. About thirteen or fourteen of them and there is hunger in those camps. Most of the IDPs are either direct relations of the terrorists or were repentant. We have got intelligence that some terrorists are monitoring the activities of INGOs in Monguno from these camps and we are keeping our eyes on them.”  Our source revealed.

An official of one of the camps who confirmed the attack in Monguno yesterday told NEWSng that the incident happened in the evening.

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“They (Insurgents) infiltrated the office but they could not get anyone to abduct as the office was vacant. You know since the governor stopped the sharing of food by NGOs there has been increased demand for food for the returning displaced people. We have been battling with the adjustment since the NGO stopped sharing food. Some of the displaced or so called repentants are working for their relatives who are still fighting the government.

“We are also being careful working with them because some of the things they tell you weakens everything about you. Sometimes you look at them and you feel this is a terrorists looking at you and any mistake you make you are dead. They asked questions that made you feel very uncomfortable. “He said

Aid Workers, who spoke to NEWSng on the second attack and attempt on the IRC office, described the situation as unfortunate. Monguno is said to be secure but with constant attacks and now targeting humanitarian organizations, the going operations needs another strategy to curb brewing hunger in the camps as well as the need for intelligence to fish out Boko Haram elements still working for the comrades who came in and out of Monguno on missions.

Speaking with a top security officer in Monguno, he revealed that the attack was repelled but added that it is something they deal with almost on a daily basis.

“Yes. ISWAP terrorists invaded rescue office yesterday night at about 2300hrs. The group could not abduct anyone as the office was vacant as at the time they carried out the infiltration. Attacks like this are often here. They are all around us. We will continue to do our best to ensure the safety of innocent ones and with your prayers; we will end this madness some day.” He said.

BOKO HARAM: Again ISWAP targets abduction of IRC staff, meets vacant Office in Monguno