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 intercept suspected Boko Haram logistics convoy conveying 13 persons in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Bravo Company, 159 Battalion, have intercepted a suspected Boko Haram logistics convoy in Kanama area of Borno State.
Security sources said the interception occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on April 2 at a checkpoint while troops were conducting routine stop-and-search operations.
According to the sources, the troops stopped a Toyota pickup vehicle conveying 12 males and one female en route to Dekwa.
During a search of the vehicle, two adult males were found to have sustained gunshot wounds.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the injured suspects were members of a terrorist logistics support network who had reportedly been ambushed earlier by troops on April 1 along the Usmadi axis while transporting supplies to a terrorist camp in Dekwa.
The sources added that eight torchlight mobile phones were recovered from the suspects for further investigation.
All suspects and the vehicle are currently in custody and will be handed over to Headquarters for further action.
Troops intercept suspected Boko Haram logistics convoy conveying 13 persons in Borno
Troops, CJTF arrest three suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested three suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers at Benisheikh in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the suspects, identified as Abdul Kolo, Modu Masa and Atom Baaji, were apprehended at about 3:00 p.m. on April 3 following credible human intelligence.
According to the sources, the suspects confessed during preliminary interrogation that the items in their possession were given to them by Boko Haram members to sell on their behalf.
Items recovered from the suspects include 20 goats, two mobile phones, a knife and the sum of ₦139,780.
The sources said the suspects and recovered items had been handed over to the Headquarters of 29 Task Force Brigade for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts under Operation Hadin Kai to dismantle terrorist logistics networks and disrupt supply chains sustaining insurgent activities in the North-East.
Troops, CJTF arrest three suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Borno
Police arrest newly recruited suspected ISWAP member in Kwara
By: Zagazola Malama
The Police in Kwara have arrested a 20-year-old newly recruited suspected ISWAP member during a joint patrol operation in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources said the suspect, identified as Mallami Abubakar, was arrested on April 1 at about 8:00 a.m. during a routine patrol in Nanu community by a combined team of police operatives, national forest guards and Kaiama vigilante members.
According to the sources, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security surveillance in forested and border communities within the state.
The suspect, who hails from Isanlu-Dankuturu in Kogi State, was taken into custody for further investigation.
During interrogation, he allegedly confessed that he was contacted by a friend identified only as Babi from Babana village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, who invited him to join a suspected ISWAP/Lakurawa group in Farin Suna area of Baruten Local Government Area.
Police said investigations were ongoing to verify the claims and track other suspected members of the criminal network.
The command assured residents of continued collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to rid the state of criminal elements.
Police arrest newly recruited suspected ISWAP member in Kwara
Troops intercept suspected Boko Haram logistics convoy conveying 13 persons in Borno
Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno
Troops, CJTF arrest three suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Borno
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