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Shock, Anger as Video Showing Savage Killing of Policeman by Maiduguri Criminal MARLIAN GANGS
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Troops Kill Two Terrorists, Rescue 62 Abducted Persons in North-West Operations
By: Michael Mike
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded significant operational gains with the killing of two suspected terrorists in Kebbi State and the rescue of 62 abducted persons in Zamfara State.
The coordinated operations, carried out by troops operating under Sector 2, were based on credible intelligence and involved close collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.
In Kebbi State, the troops ambushed suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group around Kerani village, near the boundary between Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State and Binji Local Government Area of Sokoto State. During the operation, two of the suspects were neutralised, while two motorcycles believed to have been used for criminal operations were recovered. The suspects were reportedly dressed in camouflage outfits, and the motorcycles were modified for long-distance movement.
In a separate operation in Zamfara State, the troops raided Munhaye Forest, a known criminal hideout, following intelligence that several kidnapped victims were being held in the area. The operation led to the successful rescue of 62 abducted persons, who have since been moved to a secure location.
Military authorities said arrangements are ongoing to reunite the rescued victims with their families, while efforts continue to track and dismantle remaining criminal elements operating in the forests and border communities.
The military noted that the latest successes reflect the sustained commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to restoring peace and improving security across the North-West region.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army, Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
Troops Kill Two Terrorists, Rescue 62 Abducted Persons in North-West Operations
NHRC Condemns Killing of Woman, Six Children in Kano
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the brutal killing of Mrs. Fatima Abubakar and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, Kano State, describing the incident as a gross violation of the right to life and an attack on human dignity.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Saturday, January 17, 2026, reportedly involved unknown attackers who broke into the family’s residence, killed the victims with dangerous weapons, and allegedly threw an infant into a well.
Reacting to the incident, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, said the act was not only criminal but also a serious breach of constitutional and international human rights obligations binding on Nigeria. He noted that the right to life is sacrosanct and must be protected at all times, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and children.
Dr. Ojukwu expressed deep concern over the level of violence displayed in the attack, stressing that such acts threaten public safety and undermine the rule of law. He called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to carry out a comprehensive and transparent investigation to ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
The NHRC extended its condolences to the victims’ family, the Dorayi Chiranchi community, and the people of Kano State, assuring them of the Commission’s solidarity during the period of mourning.
The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights across the country, stating its readiness to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure accountability and justice in the case.
Dr. Ojukwu further urged collective action by government institutions, security agencies, community leaders, and civil society groups to uphold the sanctity of human life and prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents.
He emphasized that justice for the victims is essential to restoring public confidence and fostering a society built on peace, justice, and respect for human dignity.
NHRC Condemns Killing of Woman, Six Children in Kano
SOJA Condemns Killing of Woman, Six Children in Kano, Calls for Justice
By: Michael Mike
A human rights advocacy group, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd/Gte (SOJA), has condemned the gruesome killing of Mrs. Fatima Abubakar and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi area of Kano State, describing the incident as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and a failure of state protection.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its legal officer, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh., the organisation said the killing of a mother and her children had shocked the nation and undermined the values of humanity, justice and the rule of law.
SOJA noted that the incident amounted to a serious breach of the right to life as guaranteed under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), as well as provisions of international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory. The group stressed that the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights impose clear obligations on the Nigerian State to protect life and ensure accountability for violations.
The organisation further described the killing of six children as a gross violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which mandates governments to take all necessary measures to protect children from violence and unlawful death.
SOJA expressed concern that recurring cases of extreme violence, particularly against women and children, point to systemic weaknesses such as poor early-warning mechanisms, inadequate community-level protection, and insufficient intelligence gathering. According to the group, the responsibility of the state goes beyond prosecuting offenders to preventing foreseeable harm.
The advocacy group called on the Kano State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice without delay.
It also urged authorities to provide psychosocial support, protection and relief assistance to surviving family members and the affected community, noting that justice must include healing and institutional reforms, not just arrests.
SOJA further recommended stronger community-based protection and early-warning systems, improved coordination between security agencies and local communities, sustained public education on violence prevention and child protection, and strict enforcement of existing laws protecting women and children.
The group stressed that the victims must not be reduced to mere statistics, adding that their deaths should serve as a catalyst for accountability and renewed commitment to the sanctity of human life.
SOJA said it stands in solidarity with the victims’ family and the people of Kano State, reaffirming its commitment to speaking out until justice is served.
SOJA Condemns Killing of Woman, Six Children in Kano, Calls for Justice
Troops Kill Two Terrorists, Rescue 62 Abducted Persons in North-West Operations
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NHRC Condemns Killing of Woman, Six Children in Kano
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