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Multiple Casualties as Escalating Rivalry Between Boko Haram, ISWAP Spreads to North West, North Central
Multiple Casualties as Escalating Rivalry Between Boko Haram, ISWAP Spreads to North West, North Central
By: Zagazola Makama
Clashes between Boko Haram factions Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have intensified in the Lake Chad region, leading to significant casualties on both sides.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama,
that the renewed hostilities stem from ideological and territorial disputes, as ISWAP continues to push for stricter governance under Islamic law, while JAS maintains a more localized insurgency approach.
In a bid to reconcile the groups, Bakura Doro, alias Abu Ummaima, reportedly wrote to the ISWAP Shura Council seeking negotiations, but the effort collapsed, leading to more violent engagements.
The fighting is not confined to the Lake Chad Basin alone; the rivalry has extended into Nigeria’s North West and North Central regions, where extremist groups are vying for dominance over smuggling routes, recruitment bases, and local sympathizers.
Beyond the Lake Chad region, the rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP has spilled over into the North West and North Central, where the extremist groups are clashing with bandit factions over control of resources and territory.
Recent intelligence suggests that Bakura-led Boko Haram cells in Kwarangal, Ali Mondula, and Libi Soro are sending trained fighters in batches of 15 to reinforce Saddiku-led camps in Niger State.
These fighters, under the supervision of a lieutenant named Mallam Bara, are being deployed to counter the growing influence of the notorious bandit-turned-warlord, Dogo Gide.
Dogo Gide, originally affiliated with Boko Haram, later broke away and established his own faction in the North West and North Central regions. He has since vowed to protect local communities from Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks, further complicating the security situation.
His forces have been engaged in violent clashes with Boko Haram elements attempting to expand their influence in areas such as Madawaki and Allawa in Niger State.
Intelligence reports indicate that JAS is planning a high-level strategic meeting from Feb. 22-23 in Toumbun Allura, Abadam LGA, to discuss launching coordinated attacks on both military positions and ISWAP strongholds. The meeting is expected to bring together senior militant leaders from Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
Meanwhile, Boko Haram has been regaining control over dismantled ISWAP camps in northern Lake Chad, raising concerns about potential attacks on military bases in the region.
The failed peace talks between JAS and ISWAP have led to intensified hostilities, which may paradoxically weaken both groups and create opportunities for counterterrorism forces to exploit their divisions.
Multiple Casualties as Escalating Rivalry Between Boko Haram, ISWAP Spreads to North West, North Central
Bauchi Polytechnic students protest after 20 armed robbers raid campus hostel
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed robbers on Monday at about 4am invaded male students’ hostels at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, dispossessing occupants of mobile phones and valuables, and stabbing two students in the process.
The attack, which took place in the early hours of Monday, occurred within the Gwalameji campus of the institution, located about four kilometres from the city centre.
Eyewitnesses told Zagazola Makama that the robbers, numbering between 15 and 20, broke into several hostel rooms and threatened students with weapons, including knives.
“They moved from room to room, collecting phones, laptops and money. Two students who resisted were stabbed before the attackers fled,” said a student who requested anonymity for security reasons.
Zagazola gathered that the incident sparked outrage among students, who later blocked the Bauchi–Dass highway near the school gate to protest what they described as recurring security lapses on campus.
The protest was dispersed by security operatives using teargas, while the institution’s management promptly suspended academic activities and ordered students to vacate the campus within two hours.
Troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel were deployed to restore order.
Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, who visited the campus, addressed the students and assured them that efforts were underway to apprehend the perpetrators and strengthen campus security.
A security source told Zagazola that the targeted attack on male hostels point to the gaps in intelligence and emergency response, particularly given the proximity of the school to the state capital.
“The robbers operated for some time without interruption, which suggests that security patrols and outposts in the area need to be more proactive, especially since Gwalameji has a history of criminal incidents,” the source said.
The students, citing lack of security personnel, poor medical facilities and other welfare issues, staged a protest after being addressed by school officials.
Following a tip-off later in the day, police arrested three suspects, Mansur Yakubu, also known as Chasu; Abbas Auwal, 20; and Musa Bala, 20, alias Babannani all of Lushi area, Bauchi.
The suspects confessed to the crime and named their accomplices, identified as Kalifa Danboda of Birshin Gandu, and others known as Dady, Soja, Baki, and Sunusi, alias “Ba Su Aikin Allah,” who are currently at large.
Authorities says efforts are intensified to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Bauchi Polytechnic students protest after 20 armed robbers raid campus hostel
Massive Bandit Attack in Kwara Police station, Leaves Police ASP Dead, Market Looted
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits numbering about 200 stormed Babanla town in Kwara state on motorbikes at around 1:00 p.m. on Friday, killing a police officer and looting a local market.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the assailants, who fired sporadically, attacked the Babanla Police Station, where ASP Adejumo Wasiu attached to the ACPOL Offa was shot dead. His AK-47 rifle was taken by the attackers.
Sources said that the station was ransacked, though no additional arms were lost, as all other weapons were on charge at the time.
After the assault on the police facility, the gunmen moved to the town’s market, seizing large quantities of foodstuffs.
A joint force comprising military, police, vigilantes, and local hunters mobilized swiftly, repelling the attack and restoring order.
The number of civilian casualties remains unknown as at the time of filling this report
Massive Bandit Attack in Kwara Police station, Leaves Police ASP Dead, Market Looted
Eight Suspects Escape from Police Custody in Gona in Bauchi One Rearrested
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Gona in Bauchi state are on a manhunt after eight suspects in custody for various offences escaped from their cell in the early hours of August 8, 2025.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:20 a.m. on Saturday when the detainees broke out of their cell and forcefully opened the nearby exit door before fleeing to an unknown destination.
It was gathered that a rapid response patrol and divisional surveillance teams were deployed immediately. One of the escapees, identified as Abdullahi Haliru, has since been rearrested.
The sources said that authorities have circulated alerts to aid in the capture of the remaining fugitives
Eight Suspects Escape from Police Custody in Gona in Bauchi One Rearrested
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