Crime
ISWAP Kills Several Farmers Despite Agreement to Allow Farming in Enclave
ISWAP Kills Several Farmers Despite Agreement to Allow Farming in Enclave
By Zagazola Makama
Fighters of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) on Sunday evening killed several farmers in Daban Gajere, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, in what appeared to be a betrayal of an earlier agreement to permit farming activities in their enclave.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the farmers had negotiated with a faction of ISWAP, paying levies to secure access to farmland near Daban Leda, close to Mangari, approximately eight kilometers from Baga town. The arrangement was intended to allow them to cultivate their crops without interference.
However, another ISWAP group, unaware of the agreement, intercepted the farmers and opened fire, killing several of them.
Chairman of the Lake Chad Fishermen Association, Abubakar Gamandi, confirmed the incident. He explained that some survivors of the attack had reported the betrayal by the armed group.
“Our farmers were killed after they went to the ISWAP enclave to farm. They had made an arrangement with ISWAP and paid them money. Unfortunately, another faction of ISWAP, unaware of the agreement, attacked them. This is what the survivors who escaped told us,” Gamandi said.
He noted that the exact number of casualties remains unclear as more survivors are still emerging from the area. “Only when they all come out can we ascertain the total number of casualties,” he added.
Zagazola understands that the Nigerian military had established secure perimeters where farmers and fishermen could operate under military protection. However, some farmers opted to negotiate directly with ISWAP, bypassing the safe zones. This decision, unfortunately, resulted in tragic consequences.
In some instances, farmers and fishermen who enter ISWAP controlled areas are used as couriers or logistical suppliers. When they fail to meet demands, they are accused of espionage and face severe consequences.
The incident demonstrates the precarious and complex relationship between civilians and armed groups in conflict affected areas. Desperate to sustain their livelihoods, civilians often take significant risks that expose them to violence or death.
Despite the dangers, over 2,000 farmers and fishermen are reportedly still operating in ISWAP enclaves, often caught in crossfire during rival clashes or killed by factions that suspect them of betrayal.
ISWAP Kills Several Farmers Despite Agreement to Allow Farming in Enclave
Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 16 Brigade Garrison operating under the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have intercepted a vehicle conveying about 400 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Security sources said the interception occurred at about 3:10 p.m. on May 12, 2026, along the Oruma–Kolocreek road during ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations in the area.
According to the sources, the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the troops approaching the area.
The vehicle and the illegally refined petroleum products were subsequently handled in accordance with operational directives guiding Operation Delta Safe activities.
The military has sustained operations across the Niger Delta to curb crude oil theft, illegal refining and related economic sabotage threatening the nation’s oil infrastructure.
Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa
Troops Arrest Two Suspects Over Alleged Ammunition Supply to Terrorists in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two additional suspects in Damaturu, Yobe State, over alleged involvement in the supply of ammunition to terrorists operating in the North-East.
Security sources said the arrests were made at about 12:05 p.m. on May 11, 2026, following intelligence obtained through communication intercepts linked to an earlier arrest of a repentant member of ISWAP.
The suspects were apprehended in Damaturu town, headquarters of Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that one of the suspects had been assigned to collect ammunition from the second suspect for onward delivery to a terrorist commander.
Military sources disclosed that the suspects are currently in custody while efforts are ongoing to track down the alleged terrorist commander and recover the ammunition intended for delivery.
The development is part of ongoing counterterrorism and intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting logistics and supply networks supporting insurgent activities in the North-East.
Troops Arrest Two Suspects Over Alleged Ammunition Supply to Terrorists in Yobe
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorists’ Family Member in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State have intercepted a woman suspected to be linked to members of ISWAP during a foot patrol operation.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 10:25 a.m. on May 12, 2026, while troops were conducting routine patrol activities within the area.
Items reportedly recovered from the suspect included a detergent, a washing soap, a torchlight and five seasoning cubes.
During preliminary interrogation, the woman allegedly stated that she was travelling from Gezuwa to reunite with four of her children, who are suspected to be members of the terrorist groups.
The suspect is currently in military custody pending further investigation and necessary action by security authorities.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorists’ Family Member in Borno
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno
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Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa
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