Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy in Kanama, Yobe

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of 159 Battalion in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force have arrested a suspected spy linked to terrorists operating in the North-East in Kanamma Yobe state.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Malam Fantami, a native of Dikwa was apprehended during a security operation by troops deployed in the area.

The sources said the suspect was intercepted following credible intelligence indicating that he might be working as an informant for terrorists affiliated with the ISWAP.

According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest included a mobile phone, a smart watch, prayer beads, a motorcycle key, and a cash sum of ₦7,000.

Preliminary examination of the suspect’s mobile phone by security personnel reportedly revealed several suspicious materials, including photographs of motorcycles, large sums of cash, AK-47 rifles and other items believed to be linked to terrorist activities.

“The discovery of these materials has raised serious suspicion about the suspect’s role as a possible logistics informant or intelligence asset for insurgent elements operating in the region,” the source said.

The suspect is currently in military custody, where he is undergoing further interrogation to determine the extent of his involvement with terrorist networks and to identify possible collaborators.

The military high command said the arrest forms part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by troops in the North-East aimed at dismantling the intelligence and logistics networks that support insurgent operations.

Kanama, located in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State near the border with Niger Republic, has remained an important corridor frequently exploited by insurgent groups for movement and supply activities.

Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy in Kanama, Yobe

Troops repel ISWAP attack in Bita, Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled an attack by terrorists suspected to be members of ISWAP in Bita area of Borno state following a fierce overnight encounter.

Security sources said the attack began at about 1:09 a.m. on Saturday, when the insurgents launched a coordinated assault on troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade deployed in the Bita axis.

According to the sources, the terrorists attempted to overwhelm the troops’ position but were met with stiff resistance from the soldiers who engaged them in a sustained gun battle.

“In a decisive and coordinated operation, gallant troops of Operation Hadin Kai launched a simultaneous land and air assault on terrorist positions in Bita in the early hours of today,” the source said.

The coordinated response involved ground troops engaging the insurgents while aerial support conducted precision strikes and surveillance over the battlefield, forcing the attackers to retreat.

The intense engagement compelled the terrorists to withdraw towards their enclaves after suffering heavy pressure from the combined land and air assault.

Following the withdrawal of the insurgents, troops immediately commenced exploitation operations to pursue fleeing elements of the terrorist group and prevent them from regrouping.

Troops repel ISWAP attack in Bita, Borno

Unrest reported at Kara Cow Market in Gusau, one person killed

By: Zagazola Makama

Tension erupted at Kara Cow Market in Magami, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State following a reported shooting incident involving civilians affiliated with a Maiduguri-based Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local vigilante groups.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on March 13 when a group of JTF operatives, identified as DSS assets attached to PW Construction Company reportedly entered the market and discharged firearms indiscriminately, creating panic among residents.

During the unrest, an unidentified Fulani man was pursued and killed by members of the local vigilante group, known as Askarawa who intervened amid the chaos. The body was reportedly taken to the Askarawa office in Magami by members of the mob.

Authorities said investigations have commenced and the area is under close monitoring to prevent further escalation.

Residents have been advised to exercise caution and cooperate with security operatives while the incident is being thoroughly investigated.

Unrest reported at Kara Cow Market in Gusau, one person killed