Independent journalist Safwan U. Ahmed alerts security agencies over alleged threat to his life in Mangu

By: Zagazola Makama

Independent journalist Safwan U. Ahmed has alerted security authorities over what he described as a threatening and intimidating communication allegedly directed at him by Walshak John Samuel over his publications concerning the Mwaghavul community.

Ahmed made the disclosure in a public statement, saying he decided to release a video publicly because it directly addressed him by name and raised serious concerns about his personal safety.

According to the journalist, Samuel, in the video, spoke directly about his publications concerning the Mwaghavul community, saying he had been monitoring his posts and videos for some time. Ahmed said the speaker cautioned him over what he publishes, referred to the expression “take it or leave it” and ended the message by saying, “Please take this message seriously.”

Ahmed said although Samuel stated that he was not threatening him, he believed the language, context and circumstances surrounding the message warranted a proper security assessment, particularly because he had previously received communications which he considered threatening or intimidating.

The journalist further disclosed that on Aug. 19, 2026, he received another communication containing the words, “Look for him and take him off.” He said he had preserved the evidence and made it available to the appropriate authorities.

Ahmed stressed that he welcomes criticism, corrections and disagreements over his journalism, adding that anyone who considers his reports inaccurate should provide facts and evidence for scrutiny.

He, however, said disagreements over journalism should not degenerate into intimidation or create circumstances in which a journalist genuinely fears for his safety.

The journalist said he had formally reported the matter to the security authorities for investigation, security assessment and preventive intervention.

He also stated that he would not retaliate or take the law into his own hands, but would allow the relevant authorities to examine the evidence and establish the facts.

Ahmed said his journalism remains anchored on facts, evidence, security, accountability and peace, adding that he would continue to advocate peaceful coexistence, justice and accountability without targeting any ethnic or religious community.

He said the decision to make the matter public was not intended to provoke anyone but to document the incident transparently and enable the appropriate authorities to assess the security implications.

“Humanity First. Peace First. Let the evidence speak,” Ahmed said.

Independent journalist Safwan U. Ahmed alerts security agencies over alleged threat to his life in Mangu

JNIM claims killing of 150 Malian soldiers, capture of 93 others in Dioura attack

By: Zagazola Makama

The Al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has claimed responsibility for the Sept. 10 attack on a Malian military position in Dioura, Mopti Region, alleging that 150 soldiers were killed and 93 others captured.

The attack on the Forces Armées Maliennes (FAMa) position was confirmed by the Malian military, which said at the time that its forces had launched a response operation. The army later reported that several dozen terrorists had been neutralised during the counter-operation, alongside the destruction of several vehicles and motorcycles.

In its latest claim, JNIM said its fighters destroyed 15 military vehicles and more than 100 motorcycles during the assault. The group also claimed to have seized six military vehicles and 10 motorcycles, as well as RPG launchers, mortars, recoilless guns, rifles and large quantities of ammunition.

The figures released by JNIM have not been independently verified. Earlier reports also indicated that the group claimed to have taken control of the military camp before withdrawing, while Malian authorities acknowledged the attack and said a military response was underway.

The claimed casualties, if confirmed, would represent a major loss for the Malian military. However, available independent reporting has cited lower casualty estimates, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the final toll from the battle.

JNIM’s claim comes amid an intensification of attacks against Malian security positions, particularly across the country’s central regions, where the group has continued to challenge government forces and disrupt military movements.

JNIM claims killing of 150 Malian soldiers, capture of 93 others in Dioura attack

Chad authorities display weapons seized in eastern provinces

By: Zagazola Makama

Chadian authorities have displayed a cache of weapons seized during security operations targeting the circulation and illegal possession of firearms across several provinces in eastern Chad.

The seized weapons were presented on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, following operations conducted in Wadi Fira, Ennedi East, Ouaddaï and Sila provinces.

The operations were carried out as part of ongoing efforts by the Chadian authorities to curb the proliferation of weapons and prevent their illegal possession and circulation in the eastern part of the country.

Authorities said the seizures reflected intensified security measures aimed at strengthening control over firearms and other weapons in the region, where the movement of arms remains a major security concern.

The weapons were displayed as part of efforts to demonstrate the outcome of the ongoing crackdown and reinforce measures to prevent seized arms from returning to circulation.

Chad authorities display weapons seized in eastern provinces