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How Insurgents Exploit Women to Undermine Security Efforts in Northeast Nigeria
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
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued two kidnapped victims in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:50 a.m. on April 15 when troops deployed at Kyado responded to a distress call on kidnapping activities in the area.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly moved to the scene, prompting the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee.
The sources added that the troops successfully rescued the two victims and reunited them with their families.
Security operations have been intensified in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further incidents.
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims in Benue
Troops arrest bandit kingpin’s Deputy, wife in Gombe following intelligence operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have arrested the second-in-command to a notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Auta, alongside his wife in Gombe State following an intelligence-led tracking operation across multiple locations.
Sources said the suspects, identified as Bala, popularly known as “Pakapaka,” and his wife, Zulaha Bala, were intercepted after fleeing from Dajin Madam Forest in Plateau State.
According to the sources, the arrests were the result of sustained intelligence surveillance and coordinated ground tracking by security operatives targeting fleeing members of the criminal network.
The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to determine their level of involvement in the group’s activities and possible connections with other cells operating within and outside the region.
In a related development, troops conducted follow-up patrols around Bayar village in the Duguri axis after intelligence indicated that the main bandit kingpin had fled into the area.
However, no contact was made during the search operation.
Security sources said troops have continued to dominate the general area with sustained patrols aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement and disrupting their operational networks across Plateau, Taraba, and adjoining states.
Troops arrest bandit kingpin’s Deputy, wife in Gombe following intelligence operation
Troops rescue 12 kidnapped victims, arrest kingpin’s aides in Plateau–Taraba forest operations
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops conducting ongoing clearance operations under Operation Wutan Daji have rescued 12 kidnapped victims and arrested key associates of a fleeing bandit leader during coordinated offensives across forested areas linking Plateau and Taraba States.
A military source said the operations, carried out on April 15 and 16, involved troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade in conjunction with an Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) tactical team.
According to the source, the operations were conducted in the Dajin Madam and Kumbodoro forest axis, spanning parts of Plateau and Taraba States.
The source said the sustained offensive led to the recovery of 12 kidnapped victims who escaped from their captors during the pressure mounted by troops.
The victims were subsequently taken into custody for profiling before being moved to an Internally Displaced Persons facility in Fukuk.
Troops also recovered a Dane gun, a fabricated AK-47 rifle and a power bank during the operation.
Troops rescue 12 kidnapped victims, arrest kingpin’s aides in Plateau–Taraba forest operations
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims in Benue
Troops arrest suspected ammunition racketeer in Cross River
Troops arrest bandit kingpin’s Deputy, wife in Gombe following intelligence operation
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