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ISWAP Kills Several Farmers Despite Agreement to Allow Farming in Enclave

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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

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Crime

Troops intercept suspected Boko Haram logistics convoy conveying 13 persons in Borno

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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

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Crime

Troops, CJTF arrest three suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Borno

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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

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Crime

Police arrest newly recruited suspected ISWAP member in Kwara

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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

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