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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

Gunmen attack Obajana police headquarters in Kogi, one killed, several injured

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Gunmen attack Obajana police headquarters in Kogi, one killed, several injured

By: Zagazola Makama

Unknown gunmen on Sunday night attempted to storm the Obajana Police Divisional Headquarters in Kogi State but were repelled by combined security forces, resulting in one death and multiple injuries.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 10:30 p.m. when a large number of assailants sought to invade the divisional headquarters. The attackers were confronted by joint operatives comprising the Immediate Response Team (IRT), Quick Response Unit (QRU), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Police Mobile Force (PMF), Divisional personnel, and members of Vigilante.

During the ensuing exchange of fire, several security personnel sustained gunshot wounds. Victims included Inspector Onwaye Solomon, AP attached to QRU Lokoja, as well as Ahmadu Adamu, one Ahmadu (surname yet unknown), Muhammed Usman, and Ibrahim Mustapha, all members of the Vigilante. The injured were immediately rushed to Fisayo Hospital, Obajana, for medical attention. One of the injured, Ahmadu (surname unknown), was confirmed dead by hospital authorities.

The Area Commander, ACP Metro, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Obajana subsequently mobilised joint security forces to carry out reprisal operations against the attackers, including bush combing, intensive surveillance, and intelligence gathering.

Police sources confirmed that the area has since been fortified and normalcy restored, while operations continue to track the fleeing assailants. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.
Ends

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Troops neutralise eight terrorists in Kayamla, Sojiri villages in Borno

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Troops neutralise eight terrorists in Kayamla, Sojiri villages in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised eight terrorists during a clearance operation in Kayamla and Sojiri villages in Borno State, military sources have confirmed.

Zagazola report that the operation, codenamed Desert Sanity V, involved coordinated patrols and clearance missions targeting insurgents of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS/ISWAP) who were reportedly hibernating in the axis.

The troops, working closely with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) personnel, engaged the terrorists in a well-coordinated gun battle, resulting in the neutralisation of eight insurgents. Others reportedly fled, leaving behind guns and personal weapons, including AK-47 rifles.

The sources confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries among the troops, and operational equipment was not damaged during the engagement.

The patrol team continues to conduct operations in surrounding enclaves to prevent insurgent regrouping.

Troops neutralise eight terrorists in Kayamla, Sojiri villages in Borno

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Fulani youths shot by suspected Berom militia in Jos South in latest unprovoked attack in Pleateau

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Fulani youths shot by suspected Berom militia in Jos South in latest unprovoked attack in Pleateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Two Fulani youths were ambushed late Tuesday while returning from Gero village in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) in the latest unprovoked attack by suspected Berom militia in Plateau state.

Zagazola Makama gathered from sources that the victims, Zakariya Abdullahi and Jibrin Musa, were attacked by suspected Berom militia around 8:00 p.m. Abdullahi was killed on the spot, while Musa sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

The latest ambush of Zakariya Abdullahi and Jibrin Musa fits this established pattern of escalating attacks, in which pastoral and farming communities are alternately targeted in a cycle of reprisals.

The recent spate of violence follows the deadly December 31, 2025, attack in Bum community, Chugwi area of Vwang District, Jos South LGA, where at least seven farmers were killed in their homes and farmlands. That attack occurred despite prior security alerts warning of potential threats to several rural communities.

Zagazola had link the Bum killings to an escalating cycle of reprisal attacks. On December 27, 2025, five Fulani youths were shot near Con Filling Station along Bukuru Express Road, sustaining critical injuries. Local sources allege that the gunmen, suspected Berom militia, targeted the youths without provocation as they returned from Bukuru Cattle Market.

The December violence traces further back to attacks on mining sites and pastoral assets. On December 16, 2025, gunmen attacked an illegal mining site at Tosho community, Barkin Ladi LGA, by Fulani Bandits, killing 12 miners and abducting three others. The assault reportedly followed cattle rustling in nearby communities, including the loss of 137 cattle in Nding community on December 12, and additional theft and poisoning of livestock across Jos East and Riyom LGAs.

The unrest has also seen civilian casualties, including the killing of four children in Dorong village, Foron District, Barkin Ladi LGA, in what residents describe as a Fulani reprisal attack. Other retaliatory attacks have reportedly targeted Gero village in Jos South LGA, resulting in the deaths and injury of both humans and livestock.

Despite multiple warnings and early alerts, affected communities have repeatedly decried slow response by the state government and selective enforcement that fails to dismantle armed militias on all sides.

The lack of decisive action against armed militias on both sides has fueled unending attacks, mistrust, making people in rural settlements increasingly vulnerable to attacks. Unresolved issues such as cattle rustling, livestock poisoning, and targeted killings act as triggers for revenge attacks, creating a self-perpetuating spiral of violence.

Fulani youths shot by suspected Berom militia in Jos South in latest unprovoked attack in Pleateau

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