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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
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during a raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 12:15 a.m. on June 30 by troops of the 20 Model Battalion deployed in Gassol, in collaboration with a team from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The sources said the joint team conducted the intelligence-led raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout at Kwatan Nanido Village following credible information on illegal arms activities in the area.
Although no suspect was arrested during the operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition abandoned at the location.
The recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend members of the suspected gunrunning syndicate as operations continue to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and enhance security across the state.
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
By: Zagazola Makama
The Benue State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Fulani community leader, Alhaji Risku Muhammad, in Ohimini Local Government Area, urging residents to remain calm as investigations into his killing continue.
The condolence visit took place on Tuesday and was led by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, who represented Gov. Hyacinth Alia.
The delegation included the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, Makurdi, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto, the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), other security agencies and relatives of the deceased from different parts of the country.
During the visit, the delegation sympathised with the bereaved family and appealed to them and members of the Fulani community not to resort to self-help or reprisals.
They urged them to allow security agencies to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The delegation assured the family that the government and security agencies were committed to ensuring that those responsible for the homicide are identified and brought to justice.
Police authorities said the case was under active investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), adding that efforts were ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Benue State Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state and called on all residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid the investigation.
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
Three cattle herders were reportedly killed and one other injured in an ambush by unidentified gunmen while grazing livestock in Gero-Rafin Bauna area of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Plateau, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident and condemned the attack.
Babayo called on security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
According to him, the bodies of the three victims were discovered in a forest after an extensive search by members of the community.
He alleged that the victims were brutally killed during the attack.
The MACBAN chairman further claimed that the latest incident came barely two weeks after four other herders were reportedly killed in the same general area, adding that their bodies had yet to be recovered.
Babayo urged the authorities to take urgent steps to improve security in vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
He also appealed to members of the affected communities to remain calm and allow security agencies to investigate the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of the perpetrators remain unclear.
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
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