How Insurgents Exploit Women to Undermine Security Efforts in Northeast Nigeria

By: Zagazola Makama

The capture of a woman attempting to smuggle mobile phones and ammunition to Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa Forest has once again highlighted the evolving tactics of terrorist groups in Northeast Nigeria. The suspect, who was among those rescued by troops from insurgent captivity, was found concealing phones strapped to her legs and carrying bullets meant for the insurgents.

Intelligence sources confirm that the woman had been given the best treatment after her rescue, only for her to exploit the goodwill of the troops and attempt to supply critical resources to the enemy. This incident reflects a disturbing trend where insurgent groups manipulate the perceived innocence of women to facilitate their operations.

Over the years, Boko Haram and its splinter factions, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have increasingly turned to women to transport weapons, gather intelligence, and even act as suicide bombers.

The use of women poses significant challenges for security forces, as cultural and humanitarian considerations often make it difficult to scrutinize female suspects as rigorously as their male counterparts. Intelligence reports indicate that some women, under the guise of being victims of conflict, have played key roles in sustaining terrorist networks by smuggling cash, SIM cards, and weapons to fighters in the bush.

The Nigerian military has made significant efforts to rescue women and children from insurgent captivity, often providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation.

Intelligence experts warn that some of these women may not be acting voluntarily. Boko Haram has been known to coerce captives into working for them under threats of harm to their families. However, in some cases, ideological indoctrination plays a role, leading some women to actively support insurgent activities even after their rescue.

As troops continue their battle to restore peace in the Northeast, they must navigate the difficult balance between providing humanitarian assistance and preventing insurgents from exploiting their goodwill. The latest incident in Maiduguri is a reminder that the war against insurgency is not just fought on the battlefield but also in the shadows where trust can be easily weaponized.

How Insurgents Exploit Women to Undermine Security Efforts in Northeast Nigeria

NSCDC Arrests 17 Vandals for Attacks on Pipelines in Niger Delta

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 17 suspected vandals for their alleged role in the killing of an officer of the corps during an operation in the Niger Delta.

A statement by the spokesman of the corps, Afolabi Babawale on Monday read that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad [CG’S SIS] in a tactically coordinated Intelligence base operations have arrested 17 suspects for the alleged role played in a renewed hostility attack on oil and gas Installations in the Niger Delta region.

They were accused of attacking NSCDC Operatives and Tantita Security Service base which led to the killing of Assistant Superintendent Umar Aliyu with Service number 6363 and stealing of a speed boat belonging to Tantita Security Services.

Speaking on the arrest, the CG’S SIS Boss Commandant Apollo Dandaura hinted that a high profile syndicates of 17 sea pirates were arrested by his men in synergy with other sisters security agencies, following an intelligence base coordinated operations at Tonogbe, Ekeremo Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on 6th March, 2025.

He said: “Earlier in January 21st, 2025, there was an attack against the Joint Task Force combining operatives of the NSCDC and Tantita Security Services at their Base in Torugbene II unit at Ekeremo LGA in Bayelsa State by suspected vandals and Sea pirates who were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons”.

“Upon arrival at the base, they shot sporadically at the officers and innocent civilians which led to the killing of ASC Umar Aliyu, his Ak 47 official Riffle was carted away, Ebikame Seimeneyefa of Tantita Security was shot and Tantita Speed Boat was also hijacked and stolen”.

Dandaura disclosed that an intensive undercover and investigative operation was carried out in synergy with sisters security agencies and Tantita, which led to successful tracking and arrest of the 17 suspects.

He said: “We mounted a round the clock and relentless onslaught against the suspects in collaborations with sisters security agencies and the Tantita Security and succeeded in smashing the 17 deadly Sea pirates led by a notorious vandal, kidnapper and armed robber called Ziakede Amatu, who hails from Norgbene community in Ekeremo, Bayelsa State and has been terrorizing the community and all neighbouring states.

“From our preliminary investigation carried out by the Commandant General Special Intelligence Squad squad, the suspects volunteered the following information stating that the same syndicate launched attack against the State Honourable Minister of Petroleum, Hon. Lokpobiri Heineken at his residence on the 1st of January this year.

“According to the kingpin, while engaging in illegal refining of petroleum products in 2023 at Abonima Rivers State, he worked under another notorious suspect called “Emergency ” (Original name unknown); they had 7 Ak 47 which was kept safe in the forest but after refining the products one day the suspect Emergency left suddenly and never returned.

“Ziakede Amatu later migrated from Rivers to Bayelsa State and hinted some Elders in his community about the seven [7] Ak 47 Riffles in which he was advised to withdraw them from the hide out and use them for protection of the community.

“The Suspect, Ziakede after a failed attempt to join the Tantita Security Services, procured Tantita Security Services uniforms to use in his renewed hostility attack on oil installations in order to divert attention, disguise and destroy the good work of Tantita Security while carrying out their dastardly act.

“Further confession revealed that the suspects embarked on this mischievous blackmail against the Tantita Security Chairman, Ekpemupolo Owiezide Government aka Tompolo since they could not infiltrate and get some Surveillance contracts sublet to them; hence the move to vandalise Oil and Gas Installations and this culminated to the attack on NSCDC and Tantita Operatives, leading to the killing of the late officer.”

The exhibits recovered are one AK47 Riffle, two empty Ak47 magazines, charms, 15 Tantita Security uniform (shirt and trouser), 15 Tantita Security T-shirt and 15 black boots.

TheCommander CG’S SIS thanked the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi for enabling the Squad to carry out her responsibilities with necessary logistic support which has engendered its remarkable achievements in fighting crimes and criminalities, combating illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta, carrying out Investigative operations and dislodging criminal minded persons from their hideouts.

He noted that with the ongoing thorough investigation, other suspects would be apprehended in due course and made to face the full wrath of the law.

NSCDC Arrests 17 Vandals for Attacks on Pipelines in Niger Delta

Man Arrested for Killing Sister-in-Law in Kano

By: Zagazola Makama

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old man, Anas Yakubu, for allegedly killing his sister-in-law, Fatima Adamu, in Baura Village, Albasu Local Government Area.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on March 16 at about 12:30 p.m. following a misunderstanding between the suspect and the victim.

“Yakubu allegedly hit Adamu, 35, with a pestle on her head, causing severe injuries. She was rushed to the General Hospital in Albasu, where she was confirmed dead by medical personnel,” the spokesperson said.

Police have arrested the suspect, and released the victim’s body to her relatives for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Man Arrested for Killing Sister-in-Law in Kano