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 Recover AK-47 Rifle, Ammunition in Failed ISWAP Reconnaissance Operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 68 Battalion, Mallam Fatori, have recovered one AK-47 rifle and 31 rounds of ammunition during an operation against suspected ISWAP elements in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 9:07 a.m. on June 11 when troops observed the movement of two ISWAP reconnaissance teams ahead of their defensive area of responsibility.
According to the sources, an ambush team was immediately deployed to flank the suspected terrorists, but the insurgents fled upon sighting the troops and opened fire while escaping.
Following an exploitation of the area, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and 31 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The sources added that follow-up operations were ongoing to track the fleeing terrorists and deny them freedom of movement within the general area.
Military authorities said the operation was part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist reconnaissance activities and strengthen security across the Lake Chad axis.
They reaffirmed commitment to maintaining pressure on insurgent groups until they are fully degraded.
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle, Ammunition in Failed ISWAP Reconnaissance Operation in Borno
Troops Arrest Suspect Over Killing of More Than 50 Cattle in Edo
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have arrested a suspected criminal linked to the killing of more than 50 cattle belonging to Fulani herders in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Security sources said that the suspect was arrested at about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday following credible intelligence on his whereabouts.
According to the sources, troops of 4 Brigade operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Uromi apprehended the suspect at his residence in Oloshi Main Town.
The suspect had reportedly been on the run since May 31, when he allegedly led an attack that resulted in the killing of over 50 cattle in the Oloshi general area.
The sources said the arrest was made after sustained efforts by security agencies to track down those involved in the incident.
Following his arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security agencies have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals connected to the attack.
Troops Arrest Suspect Over Killing of More Than 50 Cattle in Edo
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducting an ongoing operation in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno have arrested suspected kidnappers and recovered two AK-47 rifles from them.
Sources involved in the operation disclosed on Friday that the suspects were apprehended during a targeted security operation ahead of Magumeri town.
According to the sources, the operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 assault rifles believed to have been used by the suspects in criminal activities within the area.
The sources further revealed that preliminary interrogation of the suspects had yielded valuable intelligence that could assist security agencies in tracking and arresting other members of the kidnapping network.
“The suspects have provided useful information that can aid further operations and lead to the arrest of additional members of the criminal syndicate,” the source said.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle kidnapping and other criminal networks operating in parts of Borno State.
Security authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the operation, while investigations and follow-up actions are continuing.
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno
Police Foil IED Attack, Destroy Explosive Device in Zamfara
WHEN TERRORISTS MOCK THE STATE
Russia’s Role in the Widening Insecurity in Africa
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
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 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
