Crime
Nigerien Troops Arrest Wanted Azawad Militant Leader, Inkinane Ag Attaher, at Border
Nigerien Troops Arrest Wanted Azawad Militant Leader, Inkinane Ag Attaher, at Border
By Zagazola Makama
The Troops of the Niger Armed Forces have arrested Inkinane Ag Attaher, a key figure in the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), at the Niger-Nigeria border during a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out between April 3 and 4, 2025.
Intelligence sources, told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, a former Malian army officer who deserted to join separatist and terrorist-linked networks in the Sahel, was intercepted while attempting to enter Nigeria to meet some contacts.
Ag Attaher, who has long been on the radar of regional security services, is alleged to have played a strategic role in the training and equipping of FLA fighters with kamikaze drones, and in coordinating external support for terrorists groups.
ISWAP terrorists have intensified the use of Chinese made drones to carry out attacks in Military formations in Nigeria, prompting security agencies to ask the questions “where are the terrorists acquiring drones and training”?
Security reports indicated that Ag Attaher has maintained close ties with Akli Shikka, under whose coordination several FLA militants were sent to Ukraine for advanced combat and drone warfare training. In return, Ukrainian instructors were reportedly deployed to different parts of the Sahel to train fighters.
The suspect was seriously injured during a drone-handling session on February 13, 2024, and was later evacuated through Mauritania for treatment, security sources revealed.
A founding member of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), Ag Attaher also served as an advisor to its leader, Bilal Ag Acharif. He is believed to have played a prominent role in destabilization campaigns targeting countries of the Sahel.
He has also been linked to several deadly attacks in Mali, Burkina, including the bombing of a passenger boat in Timbuktu that killed dozens of civilians, as well as coordinated assaults on military installations.
Security agencies further alleged that Ag Attaher acted as an informant for the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), particularly during the mass killings reported in 2022 across Menaka and Gao regions in Mali.
The Nigerien military described his arrest as a “significant breakthrough” in the ongoing efforts to dismantle transnational terrorist networks operating across West Africa.
Nigerien Troops Arrest Wanted Azawad Militant Leader, Inkinane Ag Attaher, at Border
Banditry Attack in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara: Vigilante Killed, Vehicles Set Ablaze
By: Zagazola Makama
A violent banditry attack occurred in Keta town, Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State on April 6, 2025, leaving one vigilante member dead and several vehicles destroyed. The attack was carried out by a large group of armed bandits, allegedly led by the notorious bandit kingpin “Ado Alero.”
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama they the bandits, heavily armed with AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons, stormed the town around 11:00 a.m. Upon arrival, they opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the death of one vigilante member who attempted to resist the attack.
In addition to the loss of life, the bandits set fire to nine golf motor vehicles parked in the town, causing significant damage.
The assailants withdrew from the area after encountering strong resistance, during which one of the bandits was reportedly shot and killed.
Banditry Attack in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara: Vigilante Killed, Vehicles Set Ablaze
Bandit Attack in Kebbi Village Leaves 16 Dead
By Zagazola Makama
On April 6, 2025, a violent bandit attack occurred in the Tungan Taura and Tungan Ladan villages of Augie Local Government Area, Kebbi State as Armed men, suspected to be members of the notorious Lakurawa bandit group, raided the villages, rustling an unspecified number of cattle.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that In an attempt to stop the bandits, villagers and members of the local vigilante force confronted them, but the attackers opened fire indiscriminately.
Sixteen individuals were tragically shot dead during the ensuing gunfire exchange. The identities of the victims are still being confirmed. Their bodies have been taken to the General Hospital Argungu for autopsy.
The Nigerian troops were quickly deployed to the affected areas. Although the immediate threat has been quelled, security operations continue as investigations into the incident are underway.
Bandit Attack in Kebbi Village Leaves 16 Dead
Foiled Kidnapping Attempt in Katsina As Bandits Flee After Gunfight, One Killed
By Zagazola Makama
A kidnapping attempt was foiled in the early hours of April 5, 2025, in Gidan Yan Ali, Kurba Village, Kankara Local Government Area, Katsina State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the armed bandits, believed to be part of a larger criminal gang, attacked the village around 2345hrs, setting fire to corn stalks and attempting to abduct women and animals.
Security forces were deployed to the scene to engage the bandits leading to a heavy gunfight
Although the team successfully repelled the assailants, the bandits shot and killed one Murtala Dayyabu Sidi, a 40-year-old male, before fleeing into nearby bushes.
Thanks to the prompt intervention of the security forces, the kidnapped women were rescued unharmed, and the stolen animals were recovered and returned to their rightful owners.
Foiled Kidnapping Attempt in Katsina As Bandits Flee After Gunfight, One Killed
Shooting Incident Linked to VIP Convoy Claims Life in Abuja
China’s Chief of Consular Section Visits Abia Police Command Over Kidnapping of Nationals
Banditry Attack in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara: Vigilante Killed, Vehicles Set Ablaze
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions3 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics8 months agoKashim Shettima: Of Sentiments, Their Opinions, and the 21 billion Naira VP’s Official Resident
