News
Scores of terrorists killed Rivalry Deepens Between ISWAP and JAS in Borno Amid Escalating Clashes
Scores of terrorists killed Rivalry Deepens Between ISWAP and JAS in Borno Amid Escalating Clashes
By: Zagazola Makama
A series of brutal clashes between two rival terrorist groups, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihad (JAS), has erupted in the southern Lake Chad Basin Region (LCRBA) of Borno State, underscoring an escalating power struggle between the factions.
The deadly encounter began on Sept 15, when ISWAP launched a surprise midnight attack on JAS elements in the Gurnuwa and Laraba Mairari areas. The assault, however, backfired, as JAS militants, despite being asleep, managed to regroup and severely overwhelm the ISWAP fighters, killing scores of them in the process.
The ISWAP militants fled the scene in disarray, abandoning several weapons, including PKT machine guns, GPMGs, and AK-47 rifles. Personal belongings, including shoes and gear, were left behind, further highlighting the chaotic nature of the retreat.
The infighting, however intensified on September 16, 2024, following a violent ambush by JAS on ISWAP elements moving rustled cattle near Lingir, along the Monguno-Kukawa axis.
Impeccable sources told Zagazola Makama that the ISWAP militants were moving rustled cattle from the southern LCRBA, allegedly destined for the Timbuktu Farouk Triangle in Damboa, when they were ambushed by JAS forces. The encounter left many ISWAP terrorists killed with surviving members abandoning their stolen cattle and several weapons, which were seized by JAS fighters.
ISWAP’s Response and Probing Attack
Under the leadership of Usman Russia, ISWAP vowed swift retaliation. Reinforcements consisting of fighters on motorcycles and a Land Cruiser jeep were dispatched from Andakar toward Gurnuwa. Later that evening, at approximately 10:00 PM, the group emerged on the Marte-Monguno road near Maiduguri, sporadically firing in what is believed to be a probing attack on military positions around Monguno. Although no casualties were reported, the incident heightened concerns about a larger offensive aimed at reclaiming the lost weapons and cattle.
The skirmish on the road to Marte signals ISWAP’s intention to reassert control, not only over the stolen resources but also its dominance in the region. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the specific aim of the probing attack, military and security forces remain on high alert, particularly around the Monguno and Kerenoa-Marte axis.
Anticipation of a Larger Battle in the Coming Days
The JAS faction, aware of ISWAP’s intentions to launch revenge attacks, has reportedly fortified its positions at Dabar Masara and Dabar Gajere, located along the Kukawa-Monguno boundary.
Intelligence sources indicate that the two groups, now stationed just two kilometers apart, are bracing for a potentially large-scale battle that could unfold in the coming 24 hours. The likelihood of a confrontation in these areas is high, with both sides preparing for a fight that could lead to heavy casualties and further destabilization in the region.
Scores of terrorists killed Rivalry Deepens Between ISWAP and JAS in Borno Amid Escalating Clashes
Gombe: Jos DisCo condoles families of victims of electrocution
The Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Company Plc, has commiserated with the families of those who died on Saturday from electrocution.
The commiseration is contained in a statement signed by Saratu Aliyu Dauda, the Ag. Head, Corporate Communications, JED and issued to journalists on Saturday.
The statement partly read: “the Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc is deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident that occurred at approximately 00:45 hours today, affecting customers connected to the Tudun Wada Pantami Distribution Transformer 2 in the Riyel community, Gombe.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident was caused by a high-tension line snapping and making contact with low-tension lines, leading to a voltage supply outside permissible limits.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, particularly in light of the palpable tension within the affected community, and will continue to provide accurate updates as more facts emerge.”
Dauda stated that the company was already carrying out a thorough evaluation to determine the root causes of the incident, and subsequently ensure appropriate corrective and preventive measures would be implemented to avoid a recurrence.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families impacted by this tragic event. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
“We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Traditional and Community Leaders in Riyel for their invaluable support in helping manage the aftermath of the incident.”
Gombe: Jos DisCo condoles families of victims of electrocution
North East APC Forum Endorses Tinubu/Kashim Ticket for 2027
By: Michael Mike
The North East chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu/ Vice President Kashim Shettima ticket for the 2027 presidential election.
The endorsement was made on Sunday during the North East All Progressives Congress Consultative Meeting in Gombe, the Gombe State capital.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, Mai-Mala Buni of Yobe, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe and other top APC officials in the northeast were among thousands of party members that attended the meeting.
The forum noted that President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have transformed Nigeria in their short terms of leadership with their renewed hope agenda.
They call on all Nigerians to rally behind a ticket that promises unity, progress and hope for the country.
While delivering his speech, the governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, noted that in the last two years, the Tinubu/Shettima-led government has done a lot in the areas of health, education, youth and women empowerment, revenue generation, and improving the lives of citizens.
Other prominent personalities present at the meeting include the National Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy National Chairman, Dr Ali Bukar Dalori, and other members of the APC.
End
Thirteen suspects including notorious kidnappers, escape from police cell in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Thirteen suspects escaped from police detention after breaking through the wall of their cell at the Area Command in Nasarawa State, a Police sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama on Sunday.
The incident occurred on June 14, 2025, at about 06:30 hours when suspects held by the OC Anti-Kidnapping and OC Anti-Cultism broke out of their cell from the rear wall, sources at the command said.
The suspects, now at large, include Jamilu Abdulsalam chain theft and kidnapping, Abdullahi Yahaya (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Usman Yerima (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Abba Musa (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Idris Hussaini (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Abu Amu (chain theft and kidnapping), Usman Hassan (chain theft, intimidation and attempted kidnapping), Hussaini Sani (chain theft and kidnapping), Ibrahim Shuaibu (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Hamza Abubakar (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Usman Ibrahim, a.k.a Tecno (chain theft, causing grievous hurt, belonging to unlawful society and culpable homicide), and Abdullahi Muhammed (on court order).
The police say efforts were ongoing to arrest the suspects and bring them back into custody.
Meanwhile, the Cell Record Officer, incident duty officer, cell guard, and visiting-round officer have been queried and held accountable for their respective roles in the incident.
Thirteen suspects including notorious kidnappers, escape from police cell in Nasarawa
Gombe: Jos DisCo condoles families of victims of electrocution
Kashim Shettima: The endorsement, the interpretations, and the strategic nuances ahead of 2027.
North East APC Forum Endorses Tinubu/Kashim Ticket for 2027
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