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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

Police arrest suspected foreign bandits in Benue

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Police arrest suspected foreign bandits in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

The Benue State Police Command has arrested two suspected foreign bandits in Jato-Aka area of the state.

Police sources said the suspects, identified as Franklin Penn, 32, and Ayong Louis, 33, were apprehended at about 6:00 a.m. on April 12 following credible intelligence.

According to the sources, the suspects, who claimed to be Cameroonian nationals, were found in possession of suspected criminal charms and foreign currency believed to be in French denomination.

The sources added that the suspects had no valid means of identification at the time of arrest.

They said the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

The command assured that further developments would be communicated as investigations progress.

Police arrest suspected foreign bandits in Benue

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Crime

Suspected ISWAP member attempts suicide in custody in Borno

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Suspected ISWAP member attempts suicide in custody in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

A suspected member of ISWAP/JAS arrested in Ngamdu town, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, has reportedly attempted suicide while in custody.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 11:00 a.m. on April 13, following the suspect’s earlier arrest on April 12 by troops of 154 Task Force Battalion.

According to the sources, the suspect attempted to take his life by strangulation while in detention, but was quickly overpowered and restrained by troops on duty.

They added that the suspect was evacuated to a Level 2 Field Hospital (L2FH), where he is currently receiving medical attention and responding to treatment.

The sources noted that security measures around the detainee have been reinforced, while investigations into the case continue.

Suspected ISWAP member attempts suicide in custody in Borno

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Crime

Troops uncover pipeline vandalisation, illegal crude oil storage in Delta

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Troops uncover pipeline vandalisation, illegal crude oil storage in Delta

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops under Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, have uncovered a case of pipeline vandalisation and illegal crude oil bunkering in Obazogbe community, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Security sources said the discovery was made at about 12:00 noon on April 12 along the NNPC/Pan Ocean pipeline following credible intelligence.

According to the sources, troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and a technical team from NNPC/Pan Ocean, mobilised to the location.

They added that the team discovered a tapping point on the pipeline as well as a dug-out storage facility containing stolen crude oil estimated at about 2,660 litres.

The sources further disclosed that the technical team repaired the vandalised section of the pipeline, while the recovered crude oil was handled in line with Operation Delta Safe directives.

They noted that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend those behind the illegal activity.

Troops uncover pipeline vandalisation, illegal crude oil storage in Delta

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