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 recover 74 rustled livestock in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and local vigilantes, have recovered 74 rustled livestock following an operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 6:50 p.m. on April 13 after troops received credible intelligence on terrorist activities in Matazu town.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly mobilised to the area, where they made contact with the suspected terrorists and engaged them in a firefight.
“The terrorists were overwhelmed by superior firepower and forced to withdraw from the area,” the sources said.
They added that troops subsequently exploited the general area and successfully recovered 74 rustled livestock.
The recovered animals were later handed over to personnel of the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) for further necessary action.
Security agencies have continued operations in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further incidents.
Troops recover 74 rustled livestock in Katsina
Police officer arrested after fatal armed robbery at Kontagora filling station
By: Zagazola Makama
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a serving Mobile Police officer in connection with an armed robbery incident that left a fuel attendant dead in Kontagora Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred on April 15, 2026, at about 2:40 p.m., when a distress call was received reporting an armed robbery at Garun Mallam Filling Station, behind BCG Garage, Kontagora.
According to the sources, two armed suspects, one of whom was reportedly dressed in a mobile police uniform and operating on a motorcycle, stormed the filling station and demanded money from the fuel attendant after purchasing fuel.
When the attendant, identified as 20-year-old Jibrin Inuwa of Garun Mallam, resisted, one of the suspects shot him in the chest and fled with an undisclosed sum of money.
The victim was rushed to the General Hospital, Kontagora, where he was confirmed dead, and his body was later released to his family for burial according to Islamic rites.
Following the attack, police patrol teams from ‘A’ Division Kontagora, led by the Divisional Police Officer, trailed the suspects to the Dadinkowa area behind a vigilante office, where they were engaged in a gun duel.
One of the suspects was eventually overpowered, shot in the leg, disarmed, and arrested.
The suspect was later identified as a serving Mobile Police officer, Insp. Jido Ahmed, attached to 61 PMF Kontagora but currently on special duty in Agwara.
He was taken to the General Hospital, Kontagora, and later referred to the Police Clinic in Minna for treatment.
An AK-47 rifle with number 38262 and 12 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered from him.
Sources from the command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the second fleeing suspect, while investigation into the case continues.
Police officer arrested after fatal armed robbery at Kontagora filling station
Troops rescue injured herder, foil attack by Berom Militia in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation OPEP have foiled an attack by Berom Militia and rescued an injured herder in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 12:22 p.m. on April 12 at Rasa village, where gunmen suspected to be Militia from Berom Community reportedly attacked a herder.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 4 OPEP deployed at Bisichi responded promptly to the distress call and forced the attackers to abandon their mission and flee.
They added that the troops rescued the victim, who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
“The injured herder was evacuated to Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention,” the sources said.
They noted that troops have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops rescue injured herder, foil attack by Berom Militia in Plateau
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