Freed victims expose evolving logistics, coercion tactics of terrorists in Kainji forest

By: Zagazola Makama

Fresh revelations by two freed abductees have shed light on the growing sophistication of terrorist logistics and control mechanisms within the Kainji Forest Reserve, raising concerns over the scale of insurgent entrenchment in the area.

The victims, identified as Badiyu Hamidu and Saminu Isah, regained their freedom and arrived in Babanna at about 1100hrs, providing what security analysts describe as “critical human intelligence” on insurgent operations.

According to their account, no fewer than 10 trucks conveying grains, yams, and other farm produce were offloaded at a terrorist camp deep within the forest. The scale of the supplies, analysts say, points to an organised logistics chain capable of sustaining prolonged insurgent activity.

More striking, however, is the reported use of abducted civilians to support these operations. The victims said they were compelled at gunpoint to assist in offloading the supplies, highlighting a pattern of forced labour increasingly adopted by terrorist groups to reduce exposure and maintain operational secrecy.

The presence of young boys guarding the supply operation further underscores concerns about the continued recruitment and use of minors in insurgent activities, a development experts warn could deepen the cycle of radicalisation in affected communities.

The narrative of “betrayal” advanced by the terrorists against fleeing communities also offers insight into the evolving relationship between armed groups and local populations. According to the victims, the insurgents claimed to have previously granted locals access to restricted economic activities such as farming, fishing, mining, and logging within the forest, despite government prohibitions.

This was interpreted as a form of shadow governance, where terrorist groups create informal economic systems to win local cooperation or compliance. However, the backlash against communities attempting to flee suggests a shift towards coercion as military pressure intensifies.

“The accusation of betrayal indicates that these groups are losing voluntary support and are now resorting to intimidation to retain control,” sources noted.

The development also illustrates the strategic importance of the Kainji forest corridor, which has increasingly emerged as a hub for criminal and insurgent activities, partly due to its difficult terrain and limited state presence.

The reported stockpiling of food and supplies may be linked to preparations for sustained resistance against ongoing and anticipated counter-terrorism operations in the region.

Freed victims expose evolving logistics, coercion tactics of terrorists in Kainji forest

Armed bandits blow up bridges linking Wawa and Luma in Borgu, security operations affected

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits and insurgents have destroyed sections of two bridges connecting Wawa District and Luma District in Borgu LGA, Niger State, security sources confirmed.

The incident occurred at about 0200hrs on Wednesday when the attackers used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to blow off parts of the bridges, which are located inside the Kainji Lake National Park forest.

The bridges are the only access route linking the two communities and Agwara LGA, raising concerns about disruptions to security operations along the corridor.

Authorities said combined security agencies are making urgent efforts to reach the second bridge, while monitoring continues by the New-Bussa Division to prevent further attacks and secure the route.

Armed bandits blow up bridges linking Wawa and Luma in Borgu, security operations affected

Troops arrest suspected ISWAP informant in Gombi, Adamawa

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation HADIN KAI, in conjunction with Civilian Hunters and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, have arrested a suspected informant of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) in Gombi.

The suspect, identified as Abdullahi Umar, 25, a native of Gwoza, was apprehended on March 23 following credible intelligence on the presence of ISWAP elements within the 232 Battalion Tactical Area of Responsibility.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Umar was tasked with conducting reconnaissance along routes leading to the 232 Battalion general area and military structures, with the aim of identifying suitable entry points for future attacks.

The suspect also confessed to involvement in the recent attack on troops in Ngoshe.

Umar is currently in the custody of troops for further investigation and necessary action

Troops arrest suspected ISWAP informant in Gombi, Adamawa