Boko Haram, ISWAP reconcile with Bakoura Doro faction in North-East, forge alliance

By: Zagazola Makama

In a major development that could reshape the security landscape in the North-East, Boko Haram and the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) have reconciled with the Bakoura Doro faction after years of bloody rivalry.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the reconciliation, according to credible intelligence marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the insurgency that has ravaged Borno and neighbouring states for over a decade.

Boko Haram, officially known as Jama’at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da’wa wa al-Jihad (JAS), and ISWAP reportedly reached a truce with the Bakoura Doro group on Thursday, after weeks of internal negotiations aimed at consolidating their fighting strength and realigning their operational commands.

However, ISWAP leaders maintained their position of hostility toward the Abubakar Shekau faction, now under the command of Ali Ngulde, whose loyalists are entrenched in the Mandara Mountains along the Nigeria–Cameroon border.

According to field sources, ISWAP commanders used the meeting to warn their fighters against indiscriminate killings of local residents, citing the incident in Kirawa where innocent civilians were executed in error.

The group reiterated that attacks should only target government-backed militias and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), whom they accused of bearing arms against them.

Despite this rhetoric of restraint, both ISWAP and Boko Haram factions vowed to intensify their campaign of violence, with Boko Haram operatives under Bakoura Doro reportedly planning a renewed wave of kidnappings-for-ransom and bloodletting in vulnerable communities across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.

Security analysts view this reconciliation as a troubling development that could embolden the insurgents to regroup, and coordinate large-scale attacks against both military and civilian targets.

“The reconciliation between ISWAP and Bakoura Doro’s faction effectively closes one of the key internal cracks that previously weakened the insurgency. It allows them to pool resources, fighters, and logistics, which may translate to renewed offensives, particularly in border areas and ungoverned spaces.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian military continues to sustain pressure on terrorist enclaves through coordinated land and air operations, with the goal of preventing the insurgents from re-establishing control over liberated territories.

As the insurgents’ alliance solidifies, analysts caution that Nigeria and its regional partners must strengthen intelligence sharing, border control, and community engagement to mitigate the security risks posed by this new wave of jihadist consolidation.

Boko Haram, ISWAP reconcile with Bakoura Doro faction in North-East, forge alliance

Troops humiliate ISWAP in Ngamdu, kill 15 terrorists in ngamdu battle

By: Zagazola Makama

In yet another demonstration of tactical superiority and resilience, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Ngamdu in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, killing 15 insurgents and uncovering their mass grave.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, was described by military sources as “one of the most daring but costly misadventures” by ISWAP fighters, who launched simultaneous assaults on troops from three different flanks.

According to reliable sources, the terrorists began the offensive from the Gonori axis around 3 a.m., apparently to divert troops’ attention from their main objective. The diversionary assault was swiftly contained by the gallant troops, forcing the attackers to retreat with casualties.

The second wave of attack, launched along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway, involved the use of command Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), rocket-propelled grenades.

Despite the intensity of the assault, troops advancing from Benisheikh managed to charge through the ambush position, though one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle sustained damage to its engine and tyres.

The third flank of the attack targeted Alpha Company’s defensive location near the main supply route, but despite minor infiltration into their outer perimeter, the soldiers held their ground firmly and neutralized several of the attackers in close-quarter combat.

The sources said four soldiers paid the supreme price while three were wounded in action during the encounter.

Subsequent intelligence gathered from local sources revealed that ISWAP fighters conducted a mass burial for 15 of their slain members at Bula Wura village near Wasaram, less than 24 hours after the failed operation.

“The attack was well-coordinated but the response was even more professional. The terrorists came in waves, using multiple tactics, but our men held their ground and made them pay heavily,” said one military sources.

The military has also intensified clearance operations along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway after terrorists planted IEDs to delay reinforcements. The road was temporarily closed for demining operations to ensure the safety of commuters.

As the military continues to dominate the theatre of operations, local communities are beginning to express renewed confidence in the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, which have seen a steady decline in insurgent activities across major highways and rural settlements in recent months.

Troops humiliate ISWAP in Ngamdu, kill 15 terrorists in ngamdu battle

Bandits Kill 8 Civilian Joint Task Force Members in Zamfara Community

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected bandits have killed eight members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Dan Lutu village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the CJTF were ambushed by the bandits while responding to a distress call on the bandits attempting to unleash terror on the residents

The victims, all members of the CJTF, were said to have bravely confronted the heavily armed bandits but were overpowered during a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Sources within the local vigilante network confirmed that the remains of the victims have been recovered and preparations are underway for their burial.

Bandits Kill 8 Civilian Joint Task Force Members in Zamfara Community