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
CP calls on residents to support security agencies in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Kanfani JJibrin, PSC, MSPSP, SM. ICM has called on residents of Yobe State to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely, credible, and actionable information.
He said the prevailing peace and security in the state can only be sustained through mutual trust, collaboration, and coordinated efforts among all security agencies.
CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin revealed this while receiving the newly posted state commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), CC Hassan Owuna, at his office.
He maintained that the command’s unwavering commitment to fostering stronger inter-agency collaboration through intelligence-led policing, joint security building, and other coordinated strategies aimed at preventing and combating crime, protecting critical national assets, and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
Earlier, the NSCDC Yobe State Commandant, CC Hassan Owuna, reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the existing partnership between the police command and the NSCDC in Yobe State.
He emphasised the need for sustained cooperation, intelligence sharing, and operational synergy among security agencies to effectively address emerging security challenges and enhance public safety.
CC Owuna expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him and his members of his management team.
CP calls on residents to support security agencies in Yobe
Yobe: Governor Buni confirms Goje as SSG
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, has confirmed the acting secretary to the state government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, as the substantive secretary to the state government.
Before appointing him as the secretary to the state government, Dr. Mohammed Goje was the executive secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Dr. Mohammed Goje was appointed as the acting secretary to the Yobe State government on 29th April, 2026.
Governor Mai Mala Buni CON urged Dr. Mohammed Goje to justify his appointment as the substantive secretary to the state government through value addition to good governance and service delivery.
Yobe: Governor Buni confirms Goje as SSG
Woman Killed, Another Injured in Attack While Fetching Firewood in Plateau’s Mangu
By Zagazola Makama
One woman has been killed and another injured after suspected armed Fulani herders attacked two female villagers who had gone into the bush to fetch firewood in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:45 a.m. on Aug. 3 at Aloghom Village in Mangu LGA.
The sources said troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) swiftly responded to a distress call and moved to the scene, forcing the suspected attackers to flee before they could inflict further harm.
During a search of the area, the troops found the two victims, identified as Mrs. Priscilia Friday and Anna Obed Joseph, both with varying degrees of injuries.
The victims were immediately evacuated to Allah Nakowa Hospital for emergency treatment. However, medical personnel later confirmed Mrs. Priscilia Friday dead, while Anna Obed Joseph is receiving treatment.
Security sources said troops have intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while patrols have been reinforced around the affected community to prevent further attacks.
The latest incident adds to the growing wave of violence in parts of Mangu Local Government Area, where security forces have continued to respond to attacks on civilians, livestock and farmlands amid ongoing efforts to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
Woman Killed, Another Injured in Attack While Fetching Firewood in Plateau’s Mangu
CP calls on residents to support security agencies in Yobe
Yobe: Governor Buni confirms Goje as SSG
Troops Impound 28 Livestock Over Illegal Grazing, Farm Destruction in Plateau’s Mangu
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