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EXCLUSIVE: expanding JAS/ANSARU–JNIM violence signals growing jihadist threat in Niger–Kwara corridor
EXCLUSIVE: expanding JAS/ANSARU–JNIM violence signals growing jihadist threat in Niger–Kwara corridor
By: Zagazola Makama
Recent attacks by terrorists linked to Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), Ansaru splinter factions and the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have brought into sharp focus a troubling expansion of jihadist violence into Nigeria’s North-Central zone, with Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State emerging as a new flashpoint.
On Jan. 9, 2026, terrorists operating along the Borgu axis attacked Damala village, a Kambari farming settlement in Borgu LGA. The assailants killed four residents, looted foodstuffs and livestock, and subsequently withdrew towards the Kainji National Park.
Zagazola Makama report that the attack followed a similar modus operandi to the Jan. 3, 2026 massacre at Kasuwan Daji, where villagers were killed and abducted in a coordinated night raid.
Deep findings indicated that Borgu and neighbouring Agwara LGAs have increasingly become areas of operation for a Saddiku-led Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) faction working in collaboration with JNIM fighters infiltrating from the Sahel.
The terrorists are believed to be exploiting the Liptako–Gourma tri-border forest corridor, which stretches across parts of Mali, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso, before filtering through Benin Republic into the Kainji National Park ecosystem.
Zagazola noted that the vast forested terrain of the park, combined with weak surveillance, has made it an attractive rear base for terrorist regrouping, logistics and cross-border movement. Borgu has been under sustained pressure, with attacks occurring at regular intervals.
On Nov. 21, 2025, gunmen abducted students of St. Mary Catholic School, Papiri, in Borgu LGA. The students were later released in batches on Dec. 8 and Dec. 22, 2025. It was revealed whether ransom was paid or not. However, Intelligence linked the abduction to JAS handlers operating from Ali Ngulde camp in the North-East.
This was followed by the Jan. 3, 2026 Kasuwan Daji attack and an earlier Jan. 5, 2026 assault on a Mobile Police (MOPOL) checkpoint at New Kali village, also in Borgu LGA. This point to a high probability of continued and potentially more daring attacks within Borgu LGA and adjoining areas over the next two weeks.
There are also growing concerns that the violence could spill into Kwara State, particularly Kaiama and Baruten LGAs, which border Kainji National Park. The terrorist groups have had sufficient time to regroup and reposition following recent security operations in parts of Niger State, increasing the likelihood of an operational surge.
“The pattern suggests deliberate expansion rather than isolated criminality,” a counterterrorism expert said. “This is ideological jihadist violence, fused with banditry and cross-border logistics. The Damala attack has further reinforced assessments that JAS/Ansaru factions and JNIM elements now maintain established bases within the Kainji National Park.
The systematic raiding of livestock and foodstuffs, analysts say, reflects the groups’ dependence on local communities for sustenance and their reliance on the park’s ecosystem for concealment, mobility and survival.
Military strategists describe the park as the terrorists’ operational centre of gravity, and, paradoxically, their main vulnerability.
Zagazola suggested that a sustained , intelligence-driven air campaign targeting known hideouts, logistics routes and assembly areas within the park could significantly degrade their combat power.
Such an approach, would fix terrorist elements in place, disrupt their supply chains and create favourable conditions for coordinated ground operations to restore security and prevent further expansion into Kwara State and deeper into the North-Central zone.
The unfolding situation in Borgu is widely seen as a warning sign of the evolving nature of Nigeria’s security threats, where jihadist groups displaced from the North-East and North-West are probing new theatres with weak state presence.
If left unchecked, the Borgu–Kainji axis could become a permanent jihadist sanctuary, linking Sahel-based terrorist networks directly to Nigeria’s heartland.
EXCLUSIVE: expanding JAS/ANSARU–JNIM violence signals growing jihadist threat in Niger–Kwara corridor
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled suspected terrorists during an ambush operation along the Marte–Dikwa axis of Borno.
Security sources said the encounter occurred late on March 13 when troops of the 50 Task Force Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with personnel of the 134 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, laid an ambush along the main supply route between Marte and Dikwa in Borno State.
According to the sources, the troops made contact with a group of terrorists moving on bicycles at about 10:15 p.m.
The troops immediately engaged the insurgents forcing them to withdraw into nearby bushes.
During exploitation of the area, the troops recovered the corpse of one suspected terrorist, four bicycles and other sundry items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
The Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, has hailed the appointment of Nigeria’s foremost table tennis administrator, Wahid Oshodi to the Board of World Table Tennis (WTT).
Hon. Mailantarki described the appointment as a “round peg in a round hole,” noting that Oshodi’s elevation to the game’s apex commercial body is a testament to his track record of excellence.
Oshodi, who is the current President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) and Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), was appointed as a Director to represent the ITTF on the WTT Board alongside ITTF President Petra Sörling.
“This is a proud moment for Nigeria and a victory for the African continent,” Mailantarki stated.
“Barrister Oshodi has risen through the ranks from the national level to the continental stage with a vision that has transformed the sport.
“Having him as a decision-maker at the highest level of World Table Tennis ensures that African interests are well-represented.”
The NTTF Vice President further congratulated the Nigerian sports community, emphasizing that Oshodi’s presence in the WTT inner circle will serve as a catalyst for the continued growth and commercialization of the game globally.
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued six kidnapped victims after engaging suspected terrorists in a gun battle in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed terrorists suspected to be transporting abducted victims through forest routes in the area.
According to the sources, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gurara, under Sub-Sector 4 of Operation FANSAN YANMA, responded swiftly to the intelligence at about 7 a.m. on March 14.
The troops subsequently laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point used by the terrorists around Sabon Kurutu Village in Kachia LGA.
“During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The criminals, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning some items,” the source said.
Following the engagement, troops combed the general area and successfully rescued six kidnapped victims. However, a seventh victim, a minor, was reported to have died during the crossfire between the troops and the fleeing terrorists.
Troops also recovered three motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists during the movement of the abducted victims.
Preliminary interrogation of the rescued victims revealed that they were abducted earlier on March 14 from Janjala Village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victims said they had been moved through forest routes by the terrorists before the troops intercepted them.
The rescued victims and the body of the deceased minor were evacuated to Katari Hospital for medical attention and other necessary procedures.
Military sources said families of the rescued victims had been contacted.
The Military said the troops 1 Division Operation FANSAN YANMA and other task force has continued sustained offensives and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across the North-West region.
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
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