Student Protest Erupts at Federal University Dutsin-Ma Over Killing of Colleague

By: Our Reporter

A violent protest erupted on Friday at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State, following the alleged killing of a student by local vigilantes in Dutsin-Ma town.

The protesting students barricaded the Dutsin-Ma–Katsina highway, burning tires and disrupting vehicular movement.

The deceased student, identified as Sa’id Abdulkadir, was a 400-level student in the Faculty of Agriculture. Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

While some reports suggest that Abdulkadir was suspected to be an informant for bandits, others claim he was mistakenly shot by security operatives while riding on a commercial motorcycle.

Sources said security personnel attempted to stop the motorcycle carrying Abdulkadir and another rider, but they refused to halt. In response, the operatives allegedly opened fire, killing Abdulkadir instantly, while the commercial motorcyclist sustained injuries and was rushed to a hospital for treatment.

In reaction to the incident, students took to the streets, demanding justice for their slain colleague.

Security operatives, including soldiers and police officers, were deployed to the scene to contain the protest and persuade the students to vacate the highway.

Student Protest Erupts at Federal University Dutsin-Ma Over Killing of Colleague

Suspected Bandits’ IED Explosion Kills One, Injures Another in Niger State

By: Zagazola Makama

A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) planted by armed bandits exploded on Saturday in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, killing one person and injuring another, security sources confirmed.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. between Pandogari Military Camp and Ringa Village, when two men riding a motorcycle unknowingly stepped on the planted explosive.
The victims were identified as Ayuba Makeri and Dahiru Ibrahim Gulu, both residents of Ringa Village.

According to the sources, Makeri died instantly, while Ibrahim sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the General Hospital in Pandogari for medical attention.

Security forces and bomb disposal units have since visited the scene, and investigations are ongoing to track down those responsible.

A senior security official who spoke on condition of anonymity stated that efforts were being intensified to clear the area of explosive threats planted by insurgents and criminal groups.

Armed Robbers Attack, Stab Man in Suleja

In a separate incident, suspected armed robbers attacked a resident of Suleja in the early hours of Saturday, stabbing him and robbing him of his mobile phone.

The victim, Abubakar Murtar, was reportedly assaulted around 3:00 a.m. on Church Road, Suleja, according to a complaint filed by one Lukman Abdullahi at the ‘A’ Division Police Station in Suleja.

Security sources confirmed that the attackers stabbed Murtar in the neck before fleeing with his belongings. The victim was rushed to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja, where he is receiving treatment.

Suspected Bandits’ IED Explosion Kills One, Injures Another in Niger State

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