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
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 neutralise two suspected terrorists in ambush along Aulari–Kawuri axis in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have neutralised two suspected terrorists during a night ambush along the Aulari–Kawuri road ahead of Forward Operating Base Aulari in Borno State.
A military source told the Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 2:15 a.m. on March 31 after surveillance cameras sighted two suspected terrorists moving along the route towards Yale forest axis.
The source said troops of 202 Battalion swiftly engaged the targets after confirmation of hostile intent, resulting in the neutralisation of both suspects.
According to him, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement along key routes within the theatre of operations.
He added that troops patrol operations continue to prevent further infiltration by terrorist elements.
Troops neutralise two suspected terrorists in ambush along Aulari–Kawuri axis in Borno
Troops arrest suspected drug peddlers in Delta raid operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Battalion (Rear), in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested two suspected drug peddlers during a raid operation in Warri metropolis, Delta State.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 3:00 p.m. on March 31 at suspected drug hideouts in Ugborode, Agbarho, Uti communities, Airport Road and Ekpan general area.
The source said the joint team acted on credible intelligence targeting illicit drug distribution points within the metropolis.
He added that two suspects were arrested during the operation, while assorted illicit drugs and substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and codeine syrup were recovered.
According to him, the suspects and recovered items were handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
The source said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb drug abuse and related criminal activities in Delta State.
He reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies to sustain joint operations aimed at maintaining law and order across the Niger Delta region.
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