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Shock, Anger as Video Showing Savage Killing of Policeman by Maiduguri Criminal MARLIAN GANGS

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Shock, Anger as Video Showing Savage Killing of Policeman by Maiduguri Criminal MARLIAN GANGS

By: Zagazola Makama

Palpable air of anger and indignation pervade the air as harrowing video showing notorious Maiduguri criminal gang, Marlians, savagely clubbing, stabbing and eventually killing a Police Constable, Babagana Mala, attached to the CRACK squad in Maiduguri, surfaced.

The daring criminal group is known and feared for their brazen attacks on innocent citizens in Maiduguri metropolis and the environ. They specialize in snatching of mobile phones and other personal belongings from unsuspecting folks who are viciously attacked, killed or severely injured if resisted. The impunity, brazen nature and the in-your-face criminality of the gangsters often confounds residents and victims.

Zagazola Makama, a Counter-Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region gathered that the latest incident occurred on July 23, near the 33 Artillery Military Brigade in Maiduguri.

A video obtained by Zagazola depicted Babagana being brutally assaulted by more than ten youths who repeatedly punched, stomped, clubbed, dragged and kicked him in the face while he struggled helplessly.

“Some of the youths were chanting, “kill him, don’t leave him, you think you can come here and try us, don’t leave him, don’t leave him, take his gun”. The youths kept chanting as they continued beating him to the ground.

In the process, one of the youths brought out a poisonous knife and stabbed him in the back and took his gun. Another youth was heard saying “Ka Manna mai” (shoot him). At that point, he struggled to run away but fell down due to the injuries. Again, the youths came back, slapping and kicking him in the face.

Three persons later appeared on the scene to disperse the youths after seizing the gun from them. The victim was later rushed to the hospital but passed away shortly due to loss of blood.

Zagazola understands that the Borno State Police Command has arrests five suspects including a lady who appeared in the video associated with the murder while the main suspected culprits were currently on the run.

Background

The emergence of the Malians and other gangster groups in Maiduguri and Jere LGAs of Borno State, poses significant security threats to the state. The groups made up of young men predominantly of ages between 14 and 25, have become increasingly active in recent months engaging in various criminal activities and destabilizing the already fragile security situation in the state.

The security threats posed by these gangster groups are multifaceted. The gangs primarily engage in armed robbery, theft, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities. They target vulnerable communities and individuals, extort money, and recruit young individuals into their ranks. Their criminal activities not only cause significant financial losses but also create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among residents.

The gangster groups also engage in intra-gang violence, often clashing with rival criminal groups for territorial control and supremacy. These clashes result in casualties including deaths.

Disturbed by the spate of urban gangsterism perpetrated by the criminal gangs, residents of Maiduguri have been demanding aggressive action from the security agencies against the group but anytime they are arrested, the police release them in controversial circumstances without charging them to the court.

Way forward

These young boys, sometimes seeking economic opportunities, often found themselves marginalized and excluded from mainstream society. Lacking education and job prospects, some of these individuals turned to criminal activities as a means of survival and empowerment. Over time, the group expanded its operations and established a strong presence within the Borno State capital specifically Gwange, Zannari, Old Maiduguri, Bayan Quarters, Bulabulin, and other areas within Maiduguri.

Putting a stop to the emergence and activities of these gang groups in Maiduguri and environs requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying causes of their formation. Here are some of my take; that can be implemented:

  1. Enhance security and law enforcement: Strengthen security measures and increase the presence of law enforcement agencies in gang-infested areas. This includes improving intelligence gathering, surveillance, and patrols to identify and dismantle gang operations.
  2. Community engagement and empowerment: Engage local communities by establishing dialogue and building trust. Encourage residents to report suspicious activities and provide information on gang members. Empower communities by providing education, skill training, and economic opportunities to help individuals escape the cycle of poverty and prevent them from joining gangs.
  3. Target youth at risk: Implement youth development programs that focus on education, vocational training, and recreational activities. Engage young people through mentorship programs, sports clubs, and cultural activities as positive alternatives to gang involvement.
  4. Strengthen social services: Provide access to essential social services such as healthcare, clean water, and sanitation. Improve infrastructure and create job opportunities to enhance socio-economic development in marginalized areas, reducing the appeal of criminal activities.
  5. Rehabilitation and reintegration: Develop comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration programs for gang members who want to leave their criminal activities. Support them in acquiring education, vocational skills, and psychological assistance to facilitate their reintegration into society.
  6. Mobilize religious and community leaders; Engage our religious and community leaders as influential figures who can advocate against gang activities and promote peaceful coexistence. Utilize their positions to reinforce positive values, discourage criminal behavior, and create awareness about the consequences of gang involvement.
  7. Public awareness and education: Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate the population about the dangers and consequences of gang involvement. Raise awareness about the government’s commitment to tackling gangs and the available support services for individuals who want to leave their criminal activities.
  8. Long-term socio-economic development: Prioritize long-term socio-economic development initiatives that address unemployment, poverty, and social inequalities. This will help create a sustainable environment where individuals have access to opportunities, reducing the appeal of turning to gangs for a source of income or empowerment.

Combining these strategies and continuously evaluating their effectiveness is crucial for putting a stop to the emergence and growth of gang groups in Maiduguri. It requires a sustained and collaborative effort involving the government, law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and civil society to create a safer and more prosperous environment for all residents.

Shock, Anger as Video Showing Savage Killing of Policeman by Maiduguri Criminal MARLIAN GANGS

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FACT CHECK: Viral Video Mocking Nigerian Troops Is Misleading, Dangerous Propaganda — Not Reality

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FACT CHECK: Viral Video Mocking Nigerian Troops Is Misleading, Dangerous Propaganda — Not Reality

By Zagazola Makama

A viral video circulating on social media, in which a content creator identified as “Za Baba” mockingly portrays a supposed soldier captured by bandits, has been confirmed as FALSE, misleading, and dangerously irresponsible.

In the video, the individual uses derogatory language to depict Nigerian soldiers as weak, while glorifying bandits as “warriors.” He further dramatizes a fake scenario of a captured soldier, tied with ropes, taunts and mock sympathy, in what appears to be a staged and scripted performance designed purely for attention and virality.

There is no evidence that the video reflects any real incident. Field checks show no record of such an occurrence. The content creator had also used similar costume to act as bandit in his other videos while another individual acted as a soldier.

The clip is therefore nothing more than fabricated content packaged designed to provoke emotions, mislead the public, and undermine confidence in security forces.

What makes this even more troubling is not just the falsehood but the intent. In a country battling insurgency and banditry, portraying terrorists as heroes while ridiculing national troops is not “content creation” it is reckless amplification of enemy narratives.

The Nigerian military operates in some of the most hostile environments imaginable, confronting heavily armed groups daily. These are men and women who risk and often lose their lives to keep communities safe. Reducing that sacrifice to cheap mockery for clicks is not satire, it is disgraceful.

The individual behind the video was reckless. There is a difference between freedom of expression and irresponsible messaging that emboldens criminals and demoralises those on the frontlines.

Content creators must understand that influence comes with responsibility especially in matters of national security.

Equally concerning is how quickly some bloggers and social media users amplified the clip without verification, using it to attack the military. This reflects a growing trend where falsehood spreads faster than truth, especially when it feeds outrage.

The public is strongly advised to treat such viral content with caution. Not everything seen online is real and in many cases like this, it is deliberately crafted to distort reality.

Nigeria’s security challenges are real. But so too are the sacrifices of those confronting them. Mocking that effort while romanticising terrorists is not just wrong, it is dangerous.

FACT CHECK: Viral Video Mocking Nigerian Troops Is Misleading, Dangerous Propaganda — Not Reality

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Troops neutralise two terrorists, recover arms in Zamfara

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Troops neutralise two terrorists, recover arms in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised two suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol in Zamfara State.

Security sources said the operation was conducted by troops of 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force (QRF) from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bagega in the early hours of May 4.

The troops, while on patrol, advanced through Maikwanuga village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, extending operations to Aljumma, Gidan Dawa, Magami Didi, and Tungar Magaji villages in Maradun Local Government Area.

During the operation, the troops made contact with suspected terrorists at Tungar Magaji village, where a firefight ensued.

“In the course of the engagement, two terrorists were neutralised, while others fled with possible gunshot wounds,” the source said.

Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle.

The troops are currently exploiting the general area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further threats in the region.

Troops neutralise two terrorists, recover arms in Zamfara

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Army opens 2026 RSM Convention in Kaduna

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Army opens 2026 RSM Convention in Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

The 2026 Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSM) Convention has been declared open in Kaduna, with senior military officials and stakeholders in attendance.

The event, hosted by 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, was inaugurated on May 4 at the JN Garba Hall, Ribadu Cantonment, by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), represented by the Commandant of the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAIPKLC), Maj.-Gen. D.G. Allu.

In attendance were the Chief of Army Administration, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, commanders of affiliated formations within the division’s area of responsibility, resource persons, and representatives of other security agencies, among other invited guests.

The theme of the convention is “Empowering RSMs to Drive Combat Readiness and Professional Excellence.”

The convention is expected to provide a platform for professional development, experience sharing, and strengthening leadership capacity among Regimental Sergeant Majors in the Nigerian Army.

Army opens 2026 RSM Convention in Kaduna

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