Crime
ISSP Establishes Cross-Border Corridor Linking Mali to Lake Chad Axis, Claims Lakurawa Group As its Operational Wing
ISSP Establishes Cross-Border Corridor Linking Mali to Lake Chad Axis, Claims Lakurawa Group As its Operational Wing
By: Zagazola Makama
The Islamic State in the Sahel Province (ISSP) has officially recognized the Lakurawa Group as its clandestine operational wing, formalizing a strategic corridor between its two major factions EIGS (Islamic State in the Greater Sahara) operating in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) active around Lake Chad.
The announcement, made in the wake of two deadly attacks on May 4 in Niger, marks a significant shift in the regional security landscape. On that day, armed militants attacked Dogonkiria in Dosso region, killing at least 30 security force personnel, and Danga in Tillabéri region, where six volunteer fighters for the defense of the homeland (VDPs) were slain.
Zagazola Makama believes the operational link now established between the Sarma Forest in Nigeria and Anderamboukane in Mali via central Niger will enable increased mobility for fighters, arms trafficking, intelligence sharing, and hostage transfers. This corridor, long suspected by observers, has now been confirmed as a key axis for extremist logistics.
Sources say the emergence of ISSP reflects a new phase in Islamic State operations in the region, marked by greater coordination, territorial fluidity, and strategic exploitation of Niger’s governance and airspace gaps particularly since the withdrawal or downsizing of key international security partners.
Zagazola reports that the central strip of Niger already marked by repeated attacks, pipeline sabotage, and mass civilian casualties is increasingly falling under the shadow of ISSP. Many of these incidents had previously gone unclaimed but are now attributed to the group’s covert campaign to secure this critical transit route.
Zagazola warn that if the current trend continues unchecked, the entire security architecture of West Africa may be destabilized, with spillover effects extending beyond the Sahel to Nigeria.
He called for renewed multilateral cooperation and intelligence-sharing, transcending political divisions and post-coup dynamics.
In recent months, Zagazola had raised alarm over the quiet expansion of Lakurawa, cautioning that the group was a proxy for EIGS. The confirmation by ISSP now validates those concerns, signaling an urgent need for proactive counterterrorism measures and regional solidarity.
ISSP Establishes Cross-Border Corridor Linking Mali to Lake Chad Axis, Claims Lakurawa Group As its Operational Wing
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have cleared suspected terrorist enclaves and recovered items during a coordinated offensive in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 8:00 a.m. on April 22 by troops of 17 Brigade in collaboration with members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), with support from the Air Component of the operation.
The troops reportedly cleared identified enclaves at Radawa, Farin Tafki and Kuka Damisa during the operation.
Items recovered include one empty AK-47 magazine, two motorcycles, a horse and a vehicle.
The recovered items are currently in the custody of the troops for further action.
The sources added that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist hideouts and restore security across Katsina State.
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have responded to a terrorist attack around Zamfarawa outpost in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while an improvised explosive device (IED) incident was also recorded along a nearby route.
Security sources said the troops of 1 Brigade, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Danjibga, responded at about 10:10 p.m. on April 21 after receiving reports of gunfire around the outpost.
Following the engagement, a vehicle conveying grains to Danjibga reportedly triggered an IED along the Danjibga–Kunchin Kalgo axis.
The sources said no casualties were recorded from the explosion.
They added that troops have intensified patrols and monitoring along the axis to forestall further incidents and ensure the safety of residents and road users.
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Collaborators in Niger Offensive Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators during a joint offensive operation in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 6:17 a.m. on April 22 by troops deployed at Forward Operating Bases (FOB) Audu Fari and Babana.
The troops carried out coordinated operations across multiple locations including Kuble–Lumma–Swahi, Saminaka–Kanu, Sokomba–Kabe–Kerengi–Mirami, and the Babana general area.
According to the sources, the operation was aimed at dominating the area and denying criminal elements freedom of action within the Area of Responsibility.
During the exercise, three suspected collaborators were apprehended and are currently in military custody for further action.
The sources added that troops will sustain offensive operations to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across the area.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Collaborators in Niger Offensive Operation
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
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