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Fear grips residents of North-East Nigeria over recurring ISWAP attacks

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Fear grips residents of North-East Nigeria over recurring ISWAP attacks

Fear grips residents of North-East Nigeria over recurring ISWAP attacks

By: Zagazola Makama

Thousands of residents in the Nigeria’s North East of  Monguno, Borno State, are currently living in fear over imminent attack by the Islamic State of the West  African Province’s(ISWAP), terrorists.

Monguno Local Government which is currently housing about 800,000 displaced families is located about 137.9 km to the restive city of Maiduguri. 

Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad, was informed by Intelligence sources that the town being one of the socio-economic hub of Northern Borno, has been very peaceful until recently when it was subjected to series of coordinated attacks by ISWAP terrorists. 

The latest attack was carried out on Sunday July 17, when the ISWAP swooped on the town at about 1 a.m. with heavy arms. They were however engaged by the troops in a gun battle that lasted till about 2a.m, forcing them to retreat. 

On Monday, July 18, the attackers made another incursion into the town at about 9pm; a heavy gunfight with troops ensued which lasted for about one hour before the attack was eventually repealed. 

It was gathered that the fleeing terrorists blocked the road between Monguno to Gajiram and shot three commuters in Gasarwa Village. The victims who sustained bullet wounds were evacuated to Monguno General Hospital for treatment.

ISWAP intensify attacks in Monguno

ISWAP has coordinated series of attacks on the town since June 18, when they stormed the town, killed 3 civilians and abducted three other humanitarian workers and fled towards the axis of Marte in the shores of Lake Chad. 

Similarly On July 3, the terrorists returned again to attack the town in multiple folds through the parapet with motorcycles and four vehicles wielded with Anti Air Craft guns in the wee hours of the day.

They engaged Army troops of Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force around Charlie one formation but they were pushed back by the troops. 

On July 4, the ISWAP coordinated another attack at the Charlie one checking point and killed two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and kidnapped three others. 

In the same vein, on the July 8, the terrorists mounted a snap checking point along Monguno-Maiduguri road and abducted one member of the Civilian JTF and one other Personel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who were on transit in a commercial vehicle.

On July 10, the heavily armed ISWAP terrorists infiltrated the town through Charlie 6 at about 2.45 am and fired several shots, causing the death of at least two civilians who were hit by stray bullets. Again, the combined military efforts forced the insurgents to withdraw. 

The military authority later imposed curfew and placed restrictions on vehicular movement within the town and its environment. 

Two persons suspected to be working for the terrorists were killed when they attempted to sneak out of the town through the parapets during the curfew time.

“We Live in Fear,” Monguno Residents Narrate Ordeals 

Some residents of Monguno say they are living in constant fear due to recent spate of insecurity bedeviling the town as the terrorists have continued to attack and abduct people. 

Babagana Bashir, a resident, said “We have been living in fear for the past 40 days. We believe that those who are attacking the town are coordinating the attacks from within the town”. 

Bashir lamented that there has been a massive influx of new faces within the past five months; most of them, he said, claimed that they came to do business.

“We suspected that the terrorists may have recruited spies in the town who helped them to coordinate attacks on the town”.

Ibrahim Rabbanima, another resident, who expressed the same fear, said he may relocate his family out of the town if the situation did not improve.

Rabbanima said that there was uncertainty in the security of the town as Boko Haram had promised more attacks.

“We believe that many of them had infiltrated into the town with their weapons. They said they will attack the town and make life unbearable to the people. 

“We also believe that these attacks were retaliations to the military operations in the fringes of Lake Chad by the Nigerian Military and the MNJTF”, he said.

A Community leader, Musa Muhammed, said that the insurgents are currently targeting the homes of the Civilian Joint Task Force in the town in order to pave way for bigger attacks.

He said that many Civilian JTF members were killed while some were abducted by the terrorists in recent times, noting that they may be forcing them to reveal information on where and who they should attack. 

The community leader alleged that two persons that were recently killed by the terrorists in the town were engaging in businesses with them. 

“They actually came after them because they did not fulfill their demands”, he said. 

War against ISWAP and the Network of informants 

A competent Military sources predicted that the situation may worsened as some of the terrorists had gained access into the town under the guise of surrendered persons; others came in as merchants while some are hiding under the guise of being Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs).

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The sources who were familiar with the activities of the informants told of how some months ago, the insurgents deployed some well-trained women to the town as agents to keep vigil on activities of troops. 

These women would be in the IDPs camp, but would also be conducting SWOT analysis on the troops and report back to the terrorist for coordinated attacks on the town.

“We believe that there are some people within the town coordinating these attacks with terrorists coming from the axis of Kukawa, Marte and Gamborun Ngala local government areas”, he said.

The sources further disclosed that any day that there will be an attacks; the terrorist-collaborators usually fold one leg of their trousers in order not to be targeted by the intruders.

“We know where they are coming from.They will first gather in some villages around  Gwallam, Bulwa Bakin Dam in Kukawa general before going for the attack. 

“The deteriorating security situation in the town should be blamed on the lack of strict monitoring and surveillance by the security forces, community and Civilian JTF. 

“At some point, anybody could just come into Monguno town, buy logistics and food items  and take them to unknown destinations, mostly suspected to be ISWAP enclaves”, he said.

“From the above accounts which are actually recent developments, it is apparent that the network of informants in the north east is growing in complexity and sophistication, and that it has become a booming business enterprise for the unscrupulous locals and their recruiters. 

“With the escalation of this odious enterprise, it is not difficult understanding why the terrorists remain resilient and why their attacks on troops have become frequent, especially in the town of Monguno in the North East of Borno state.

“The urgent need to crack and dismantle this devious network of informants cannot be overstated and the responsibility is not that of the military alone. 

“This is where the intervention of Traditional Rulers, the locals, political and religious leaders in the zone is critically and urgently needed. The fight against terrorism must be fought by everybody in order to bring an end to it, said the source. End.

Zagazola Makama is Security Analyst and Counter Insurgency Expert in the Lake-Chad

Fear grips residents of North-East Nigeria over recurring ISWAP attacks

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The State Security Service: DG Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi and the Challenges of Leadership

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The State Security Service: DG Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi and the Challenges of Leadership

The State Security Service: DG Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi and the Challenges of Leadership

By: Dr. James Bwala

The role of the State Security Service (SSS) in Nigeria has become increasingly important due to the rise in security challenges facing the nation. With the appointment of Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi as the new Director-General (DG) of the SSS, there are high expectations for his leadership in tackling various threats. Indeed, the recent strides made by the DG cannot be overstated. Under his leadership, the organization has undergone significant reform, enhancing its operations, boosting morale among personnel, and improving its overall efficacy in maintaining national security. However, it is disheartening to acknowledge that certain individuals, both within and outside the commission, are actively attempting to undermine these commendable efforts. 

Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi assumed office as DG of the SSS with a wealth of experience in security and intelligence operations. His appointment comes at a crucial time when Nigeria is facing numerous security threats, including terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes. These challenges not only threaten the safety of citizens but also undermine public trust in government institutions. Since his assumption, Ajayi’s leadership has been vital for restoring confidence and ensuring the security of the nation. To appreciate the extent of these advancements, one must first consider the context in which the SSS operates. In a world increasingly fraught with security challenges—ranging from terrorism and cybercrime to organized crime—the role of national security agencies has never been more critical. The Director General’s vision for the SSS emphasizes adaptability, professionalism, and responsiveness. These principles have guided strategic initiatives aimed at modernizing the agency’s operations, fostering collaboration with other security bodies, and engaging with communities to promote trust and cooperation.

Among the notable achievements during this tenure is the modernization of intelligence-gathering methods. The incorporation of advanced technological tools has not only streamlined operations but also enhanced the accuracy and reliability of gathered intelligence. In an age where information is paramount, the SSS has begun harnessing data analytics and artificial intelligence to better preempt security threats. This forward-thinking approach places the service at the forefront of global security practices, demonstrating how proactive measures can deter potential risks before they escalate into crises. Equally important is the emphasis on personnel training and development. Recognizing that the strength of any organization lies in its people, the Director General has prioritized continuous professional development for SSS staff. Through specialized training programs, workshops, and seminars, agents are being equipped with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern security challenges. This investment in human capital not only boosts the competence of personnel but also fosters a culture of excellence and accountability within the ranks.

Despite these accomplishments, challenges persist. Certain factions, driven by self-interest or outdated ideologies, have emerged to destabilize the progress made thus far. These individuals often resort to misinformation campaigns, slander, and attempts at political manipulation, aiming to tarnish the reputation of the Director General and his reform agenda. Such actions not only jeopardize the integrity of the SSS but also pose a threat to national security by sowing discord and eroding public confidence in the institution. Indeed, one of the most alarming aspects of this opposition is its rootedness within the service itself. Individuals who feel threatened by the changes implemented by the Director General may attempt to sabotage initiatives or create an atmosphere of distrust amongst colleagues. This internal dissent can be incredibly damaging, as it undermines the cohesion necessary for effective teamwork and collective action. However, the leadership is acutely aware of these dynamics and is taking decisive steps to cultivate an environment of transparency and unity.

The immediate challenge faced by Mr. Ajayi when he took over was the persistent threat by terrorist groups, particularly Boko Haram and its splinter factions. These groups have continued to launch attacks in the northeastern part of the country, leading to significant loss of life and displacement of communities. However, under Ajayi’s leadership, the SSS enhanced intelligence gathering and collaborated effectively with other security agencies to neutralize these threats. Improved intelligence operations leading to timely interventions and preventing attacks on innocent civilians. 

At the core of the current leadership’s strategy is open communication. The Director General, Mr. Ajayi, aims to build trust and mitigate the impact of dissenters. Regular meetings, team-building exercises, and anonymous reporting channels empower employees to voice concerns without fear of retribution, effectively countering the narratives propagated by those intent on running down the agency. Transparency in decision-making processes not only cultivates a sense of ownership among personnel but also fortifies the agency against external attacks, as a well-informed workforce is less susceptible to manipulation.

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Outside of the commission, the SSS faces scrutiny from various stakeholders, including media entities, civil society organizations, and political actors. While oversight is essential for accountability, there are instances where critics may leverage genuine concerns to further their agendas, distorting facts for sensationalism or political gain. It is crucial for the SSS to engage constructively with these stakeholders, presenting evidence of its achievements while remaining open to constructive criticism. Building collaborative relationships can serve to counteract negative portrayals in the media and foster a greater understanding of the complexities involved in national security operations. As the Director General continues to navigate the challenges posed by detractors, it is essential to maintain focus on the long-term vision for the SSS. While immediate concerns may demand attention, sustainable change requires a commitment to perseverance and innovation. The evolving nature of security concerns necessitates a dynamic response, one that looks beyond today’s adversities and builds a robust framework for future challenges.

The resilience demonstrated thus far provides a strong foundation for navigating the complex landscape of national security. Those seeking to undermine the efforts of Mr. Ajayi, the DG SSS, will ultimately falter, as their efforts are overshadowed by tangible results and an unwavering commitment to reform. The leadership’s awareness of dissenters—both internal and external—coupled with a transparent, cohesive approach, lays the groundwork for sustained progress. Therefore, while the Director General of the State Security Service may be facing attempts to undermine the transformational efforts underway, these endeavors will ultimately fail. The combination of informed leadership, a commitment to transparency, and a unified organizational culture positions the SSS to rise above opposition. As the agency continues its path toward modernization and enhanced effectiveness, it remains poised to adapt to emerging threats while safeguarding the interests of the nation. The journey toward a more vibrant and capable SSS may be fraught with challenges, but with steadfast leadership and a dedicated workforce, the goals set forth will undoubtedly be achieved.

*James Bwala, PhD, a security strategy analyst, writes from Abuja.

*The State Security Service: DG Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi and the Challenges of Leadership

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Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue

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Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces have intensified patrols and peace-building efforts in Anyiatse village, Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, following the killing of a Fulani herdsman by suspected youths of the community.

Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, has heightened fears of a reprisal attack by Fulani groups in the area.

Sources said the herdsman was attacked and killed in the bush, sparking tension among residents and neighbouring communities.

In response, security personnel were deployed to the area to forestall further violence, while traditional rulers and stakeholders have been engaged in dialogue to restore calm.

The measures, according to local authorities, are aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order as investigations into the killing continue
End.

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NSCDC personnel brutally attack police inspector in Gombe, inflicting severe injuries

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NSCDC personnel brutally attack police inspector in Gombe, inflicting severe injuries

By: Zagazola Makama

Police in Gombe State have launched a manhunt for two NSCDC personnel involved in a conspiracy and attack on a police inspector.

Zagazola Makama was informed from a reliable sources that on June 15, 2025, at about 2000 hours, Umar Ahmadu, Al’azeez, and Abdulrasheed all members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to Dukku Road Office in Gombe allegedly attacked Inspector Mohammed Jungudo with a jackknife, inflicting severe injuries in various parts of his body.

The injured Inspector Jungudo is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, while the suspects remain at large.

Police sources say efforts are underway to arrest the suspects.

NSCDC personnel brutally attack police inspector in Gombe, inflicting severe injuries

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