Crime
Freed victims expose evolving logistics, coercion tactics of terrorists in Kainji forest
Freed victims expose evolving logistics, coercion tactics of terrorists in Kainji forest
By: Zagazola Makama
Fresh revelations by two freed abductees have shed light on the growing sophistication of terrorist logistics and control mechanisms within the Kainji Forest Reserve, raising concerns over the scale of insurgent entrenchment in the area.
The victims, identified as Badiyu Hamidu and Saminu Isah, regained their freedom and arrived in Babanna at about 1100hrs, providing what security analysts describe as “critical human intelligence” on insurgent operations.
According to their account, no fewer than 10 trucks conveying grains, yams, and other farm produce were offloaded at a terrorist camp deep within the forest. The scale of the supplies, analysts say, points to an organised logistics chain capable of sustaining prolonged insurgent activity.
More striking, however, is the reported use of abducted civilians to support these operations. The victims said they were compelled at gunpoint to assist in offloading the supplies, highlighting a pattern of forced labour increasingly adopted by terrorist groups to reduce exposure and maintain operational secrecy.
The presence of young boys guarding the supply operation further underscores concerns about the continued recruitment and use of minors in insurgent activities, a development experts warn could deepen the cycle of radicalisation in affected communities.
The narrative of “betrayal” advanced by the terrorists against fleeing communities also offers insight into the evolving relationship between armed groups and local populations. According to the victims, the insurgents claimed to have previously granted locals access to restricted economic activities such as farming, fishing, mining, and logging within the forest, despite government prohibitions.
This was interpreted as a form of shadow governance, where terrorist groups create informal economic systems to win local cooperation or compliance. However, the backlash against communities attempting to flee suggests a shift towards coercion as military pressure intensifies.
“The accusation of betrayal indicates that these groups are losing voluntary support and are now resorting to intimidation to retain control,” sources noted.
The development also illustrates the strategic importance of the Kainji forest corridor, which has increasingly emerged as a hub for criminal and insurgent activities, partly due to its difficult terrain and limited state presence.
The reported stockpiling of food and supplies may be linked to preparations for sustained resistance against ongoing and anticipated counter-terrorism operations in the region.
Freed victims expose evolving logistics, coercion tactics of terrorists in Kainji forest
Troops raid suspected robbers’ hideout in Nasarawa, recover motorcycle
By: Zagazola Makama
LAFIA — Troops of Sector 2, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have conducted a clearance operation on a suspected robbery hideout at Agwatashi in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6, following information on the suspected hideout of armed robbers in the area.
The troops searched the location but made no contact with the suspected criminals, who were believed to have fled before their arrival.
During the operation, the troops recovered one motorcycle and other miscellaneous items suspected to be associated with the activities of the group.
The recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Security agencies are expected to sustain clearance operations across the area to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and prevent them from establishing operational bases in the community.
Troops raid suspected robbers’ hideout in Nasarawa, recover motorcycle
Suspected cattle rustlers injure youth in isolated attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A youth has sustained injuries after he was reportedly attacked by suspected Fulani cattle rustlers at Bakkanuk Village in Forof District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:50 a.m. on Oct. 5, when troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to a report of an attack on a VGN youth identified as Mr Kamaillo Godfrey Benedict.
The troops, upon arrival at the location, found the victim with injuries, while the suspected attackers had fled the area.
Benedict was evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical treatment.
Troops have commenced efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.
Suspected cattle rustlers injure youth in isolated attack in Plateau
Troops arrest three suspected kidnappers in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested three suspected kidnappers at Ungwan Haruna Village in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were arrested at about 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 5 by troops deployed at the Wasa Station.
The suspects were identified as 25-year-old Nura Manu, 26-year-old Alhassan Yari Samaila and 28-year-old Abdullahi Abubakar.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were on the wanted list of security agencies over their alleged involvement in kidnapping activities within Sanga Local Government Area and neighbouring communities.
The suspects remain in custody and are undergoing interrogation as security agencies work to establish their wider involvement in kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
Troops arrest three suspected kidnappers in Kaduna
Israel Trains Nigerian Health Workers on Maternal Emergency Care
Troops recover cannabis, other illicit drugs huge out in Mangu market
Katsina Tops Sub-national Climate Governance Ranking
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News3 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions5 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News3 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions5 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS3 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns3 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
