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How Insurgents Exploit Women to Undermine Security Efforts in Northeast Nigeria

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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

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Troops clear terrorist enclaves, rescue nine in Borno operation

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Troops clear terrorist enclaves, rescue nine in Borno operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai in conjunction with Hybrid Forces and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have cleared several terrorist enclaves in Geizua, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, rescuing nine persons in the process.

Zagazola Makama report that the operation, conducted on Friday, was led by the Brigade Commander. The clearance operation covered several objectives, including Garin Bakura Jiga, Shehutari and Kachomri.

The terrorists hastily deserted the camps as the troops were approaching. Fresh human activities were observed, indicating recent terrorist presence.

All the terrorist structures were destroyed, and the troops recovered 16 bicycles which were destroyed in situ. Two Boko Haram flags hoisted at the camps were also recovered.

The operation also led to the rescue of nine persons six women and three children believed to be families of the terrorists.
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Troops neutralise suspected ISWAP informant in Borno ambush

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Troops neutralise suspected ISWAP informant in Borno ambush

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 3, MNJTF/Operation Hadin Kai, have neutralised a suspected ISWAP informant during a successful ambush operation in Karagawaru area of Kaga Local Government Area, Borno State.

Zagazola Makama was informed that the operation, which is part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity IV, was carried out by troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade in the early hours of Friday.

The source said the troops laid in wait at the suspected crossing point and at about 12:30 a.m., sighted and engaged the suspected informant.

“Troops neutralised one suspected Boko Haram informant and recovered one locally fabricated Dane gun and a bicycle used by the suspect,” the source disclosed.

The troops returned safely to base at about 3:40 a.m. without casualties.

Troops neutralise suspected ISWAP informant in Borno ambush

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Troops repel ISWAP attack near Benisheikh, Borno

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Troops repel ISWAP attack near Benisheikh, Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an attempted attack by ISWAP terrorists on their formation in the Borgozo axis near Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Zagazola Makama was reliably informed that the attack was repelled in the early hours of Friday, as part of ongoing operations under Operation Desert Sanity IV.

According to the source, the troops detected an unspecified number of terrorists advancing towards the headquarters from the southern Borgozo.

In response, the Brigade’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to engage the terrorists in a gunfight at the Borgozo parapet.

The exchange of fire reportedly lasted about 50 minutes and was supported by fire missions and aerial reconnaissance by air assets deployed to the brigade’s area of operations.

“Upon the arrival of combat aircraft at Benisheikh, the terrorists abandoned their mission and withdrew,” the source added.

No casualty was reported on the side of the troops. But the troops are currently chasing the terrorists.

Troops repel ISWAP attack near Benisheikh, Borno

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