JNIM Fighters Intensify Pressure on Bamako Supply Routes Amid Growing Security Concerns in Mali

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed fighters linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have intensified attacks along key transport corridors in southern Mali, raising fresh concerns over the country’s deteriorating security situation and the growing vulnerability of routes leading to the capital, Bamako.

Security sources and local reports indicated that several commercial buses and cargo trucks were intercepted and set ablaze on May 9 along the strategic Sikasso-Bougouni highway despite prior warnings allegedly issued by JNIM elements operating in the region.

The attacks reportedly occurred barely 48 hours after Mali’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, assured diplomats in Bamako that the state remained firmly in control of the security situation and that ongoing military “reorganisation” efforts were progressing effectively.

According to local accounts, armed fighters also attacked the village of Zambougou, located about 45 kilometres from Ségou on the road toward Bamako.

The village, reportedly hosting a pro-government militia allied with the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa), was allegedly set on fire during the assault.

Residents said militia members fled the area during the attack, leaving civilians stranded as homes and property were destroyed.

Similar incidents were reported in the Sanankoro Bani area, where additional buses were reportedly burned by armed groups operating along the corridor.

The attacks have heightened fears that insurgent groups are steadily tightening pressure on transport and supply routes critical to Bamako’s economic and logistical stability.

Transport operators and residents in affected regions described growing anxiety over movement along major highways linking southern and central Mali to the capital.

The latest incidents appear consistent with a broader insurgent strategy aimed at isolating Bamako through progressive disruption of transport corridors, supply chains and commercial movement.

“The pattern emerging is not random violence,” a regional security observer said.

“It increasingly resembles a deliberate strategy of economic and psychological pressure targeting the state’s ability to maintain normal activity and public confidence.”

The attacks also underscore the widening gap between official government messaging and realities on the ground, according to analysts monitoring the conflict.

In his May 7 briefing with diplomats, Diop had accused unnamed foreign actors of attempting to destabilise Mali while insisting that state institutions remained operational and effective.

However, critics argue that the repeated attacks on highways, military positions and civilian infrastructure reflect persistent weaknesses in the country’s security architecture despite the junta’s assurances.

Insurgent activity has expanded significantly in recent weeks across northern, central and southern Mali, targeting not only military facilities but also transport networks, energy infrastructure and commercial routes.

The ruling military government, led by Assimi Goïta, has repeatedly defended its security strategy since severing military ties with France and strengthening cooperation with Russian military partners.

Nevertheless, insecurity has continued to spread in several regions despite intensified military operations.

Zagazola warned that attacks on major highways could have severe economic consequences if sustained over time, particularly as Mali already faces inflationary pressures, fuel shortages and rising transportation costs.

“The danger is not only military. When commercial traffic slows and populations begin to fear movement between cities, the economic and psychological effects become significant.”

Local residents in parts of central and southern Mali have increasingly expressed concern over insecurity on roads previously considered relatively stable compared to conflict zones in the north.

Humanitarian organisations also warned that disruptions along key transport corridors could affect delivery of food supplies, medical assistance and other essential goods to vulnerable communities.

As of the time of filing this report, Malian authorities had not issued a detailed official statement regarding the attacks on the Sikasso-Bougouni axis.

JNIM Fighters Intensify Pressure on Bamako Supply Routes Amid Growing Security Concerns in Mali

Troops Arrest Additional Suspect Over Alleged Sale of Military Camouflage in Plateau State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested an additional suspect in connection with the alleged illegal sale and distribution of military camouflage materials in Plateau State.

Security sources said the suspect, identified as Mr. Hamisu Pam, 45, was arrested at about 1530 hours on May 11 at his shop in Taminus Market, Jos North Local Government Area.

The arrest followed ongoing investigations linked to earlier apprehended suspects alleged to be involved in the circulation of military-pattern uniforms within the state.

During the operation, troops reportedly recovered several yards of camouflage fabric from the suspect’s shop, believed to be part of the items under investigation.

Authorities said the suspect is connected to previously arrested individuals currently in custody over similar allegations.

The military added that all suspects are undergoing further interrogation as part of efforts to dismantle networks involved in the illegal trade of military materials, which is considered a threat to security operations and public safety.

Operation Enduring Peace reiterated its commitment to tightening controls on the circulation of restricted military items and enhancing intelligence-led operations across Plateau State.

Security agencies have also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities, particularly the unauthorized sale or possession of military-grade materials.

Troops Arrest Additional Suspect Over Alleged Sale of Military Camouflage in Plateau State

Yobe Security Adviser Calls for Advanced Surveillance Technology to Defeat Boko Haram

By: Zagazola Makama

The Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Government, Brig Gen Dahiru Abdulsalam has called on the Federal Government to invest heavily in modern surveillance technology and strategic international partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations.

The adviser made the call during an interview with defence correspondents in Damaturu, stressing that technology would determine the next phase of the war against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

According to him, although troops of Operation HADIN KAI and other security agencies had recorded significant operational successes, the vast operational environment and evolving tactics of insurgents required stronger technological support.

“Where the military cannot physically go, technology is required,” he said.

The adviser explained that Yobe had been grappling with insurgency since 2009, with several local government areas bordering Borno State and transnational routes frequently exploited by terrorists for logistics movement and attacks.

He noted that despite sustained military offensives, insurgents still attempt to infiltrate communities at night through remote corridors and forest routes.

“From 7 p.m. until early morning, we remain awake monitoring movements because many of the logistics routes pass through Yobe State,” he said.

He commended troops, hunters and intelligence agencies for sustaining pressure on insurgents despite operational fatigue and repeated troop redeployments across various theatres nationwide.

“It is not easy to remain in the theatre of operation for years. Soldiers get tired and burned out, but they continue holding the line,” he stated.

The adviser said Nigeria’s security challenges had overstretched the military due to deployments across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He therefore urged the Federal Government to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force and other internal security institutions to reduce pressure on the military.

According to him, surveillance systems, drones, sensors and modern monitoring equipment would significantly restrict terrorists’ freedom of movement and operational capacity.

“The moment terrorists move and they are observed immediately, they will lose freedom of action,” he said.

The adviser criticised what he described as a “vendor-driven procurement process,” arguing that security procurement should instead be based on operational needs identified by end users in the field.

He called for government-to-government strategic partnerships with technologically advanced countries capable of producing specialised surveillance and combat equipment tailored to Nigeria’s terrain and operational realities.

“We should partner with countries that have the capacity to produce equipment suitable for our own environment and security challenges,” he said.

He added that Nigeria currently lacked sufficient domestic technological capacity to independently develop advanced military surveillance systems required for modern counterterrorism warfare.

The adviser expressed optimism that with sustained military pressure, improved intelligence sharing and deployment of advanced surveillance technology, Boko Haram insurgency and other forms of violent criminality could be significantly degraded across the country.

He also reiterated the importance of continued support for local hunters, vigilantes and forest guards who assist troops in blocking infiltration routes and securing vulnerable rural communities.

Yobe Security Adviser Calls for Advanced Surveillance Technology to Defeat Boko Haram