Connect with us

News

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

Published

on

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

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Borno State Councillors endorse Tinubu/Kashim for a second term

Published

on

Borno State Councillors endorse Tinubu/Kashim for a second term

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The forum of Councillors in Borno State have endorsed the enthronement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term

The Councillors all from the All Progressive Congress (APC) gave the endorsement during a news conference in Maiduguri on Friday led by their Chairman of the Forum Kellum Geshehu.

While endorsing the Tinubu-Shettima Ticket for 2027, they said that they were pleased with the developmental projects of President Bola Tinubu and their son Senator Kashim Shetima who they say equally deserves a second term for pleasing the masses with basic dividends.

They maintained that as grassroot politicians who understood the pains of the masses especially when the subsidies were removed, it was clear that the economic policies applied by the party at the National level has given rise to massive production of foodstuffs and the reduction of prices of basic staples which before now were beyond the reach of a lot of people.

“We also express our profound satisfaction with the progress of the Government under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu. We see the Renewed Hope Initiative gradually yielding fruits for Nigerians.

“We specifically thank Mr. President for the confidence and trust in our son, His Excellency, Vice President Sen. KashimShettima, who has proven to be a dedicated, loyal, and capable partner in development.

“Therefore, the Borno State Supervisory Councillors Forum unanimously endorse the Tinubu-Shettima ticket for the 2027 Presidential election. We strongly support the President to retain Vice President Sen. KashimShettima as mate for the 2027 Presidential ticket, ensuring continuity and socio-economic gains currently being achieved in our great country.”

The councillors gave the endorsement based on the fact that the APC party under Professor Babagana Zulum has been doing well in his second term in Borno state following in the footsteps of the party at the national level.

They named sectors like Agriculture, education and the health sector as major areas of achievement of the academic turned politician Governor Babagana Zulum who has been a trailblazer in developmental projects in the state.

Borno State Councillors endorse Tinubu/Kashim for a second term

Continue Reading

News

Boko Haram, ISWAP reconcile with Bakoura Doro faction in North-East, forge alliance

Published

on

Boko Haram, ISWAP reconcile with Bakoura Doro faction in North-East, forge alliance

By: Zagazola Makama

In a major development that could reshape the security landscape in the North-East, Boko Haram and the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) have reconciled with the Bakoura Doro faction after years of bloody rivalry.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the reconciliation, according to credible intelligence marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the insurgency that has ravaged Borno and neighbouring states for over a decade.

Boko Haram, officially known as Jama’at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da’wa wa al-Jihad (JAS), and ISWAP reportedly reached a truce with the Bakoura Doro group on Thursday, after weeks of internal negotiations aimed at consolidating their fighting strength and realigning their operational commands.

However, ISWAP leaders maintained their position of hostility toward the Abubakar Shekau faction, now under the command of Ali Ngulde, whose loyalists are entrenched in the Mandara Mountains along the Nigeria–Cameroon border.

According to field sources, ISWAP commanders used the meeting to warn their fighters against indiscriminate killings of local residents, citing the incident in Kirawa where innocent civilians were executed in error.

The group reiterated that attacks should only target government-backed militias and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), whom they accused of bearing arms against them.

Despite this rhetoric of restraint, both ISWAP and Boko Haram factions vowed to intensify their campaign of violence, with Boko Haram operatives under Bakoura Doro reportedly planning a renewed wave of kidnappings-for-ransom and bloodletting in vulnerable communities across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.

Security analysts view this reconciliation as a troubling development that could embolden the insurgents to regroup, and coordinate large-scale attacks against both military and civilian targets.

“The reconciliation between ISWAP and Bakoura Doro’s faction effectively closes one of the key internal cracks that previously weakened the insurgency. It allows them to pool resources, fighters, and logistics, which may translate to renewed offensives, particularly in border areas and ungoverned spaces.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian military continues to sustain pressure on terrorist enclaves through coordinated land and air operations, with the goal of preventing the insurgents from re-establishing control over liberated territories.

As the insurgents’ alliance solidifies, analysts caution that Nigeria and its regional partners must strengthen intelligence sharing, border control, and community engagement to mitigate the security risks posed by this new wave of jihadist consolidation.

Boko Haram, ISWAP reconcile with Bakoura Doro faction in North-East, forge alliance

Continue Reading

News

Troops humiliate ISWAP in Ngamdu, kill 15 terrorists in ngamdu battle

Published

on

Troops humiliate ISWAP in Ngamdu, kill 15 terrorists in ngamdu battle

By: Zagazola Makama

In yet another demonstration of tactical superiority and resilience, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Ngamdu in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, killing 15 insurgents and uncovering their mass grave.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, was described by military sources as “one of the most daring but costly misadventures” by ISWAP fighters, who launched simultaneous assaults on troops from three different flanks.

According to reliable sources, the terrorists began the offensive from the Gonori axis around 3 a.m., apparently to divert troops’ attention from their main objective. The diversionary assault was swiftly contained by the gallant troops, forcing the attackers to retreat with casualties.

The second wave of attack, launched along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway, involved the use of command Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), rocket-propelled grenades.

Despite the intensity of the assault, troops advancing from Benisheikh managed to charge through the ambush position, though one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle sustained damage to its engine and tyres.

The third flank of the attack targeted Alpha Company’s defensive location near the main supply route, but despite minor infiltration into their outer perimeter, the soldiers held their ground firmly and neutralized several of the attackers in close-quarter combat.

The sources said four soldiers paid the supreme price while three were wounded in action during the encounter.

Subsequent intelligence gathered from local sources revealed that ISWAP fighters conducted a mass burial for 15 of their slain members at Bula Wura village near Wasaram, less than 24 hours after the failed operation.

“The attack was well-coordinated but the response was even more professional. The terrorists came in waves, using multiple tactics, but our men held their ground and made them pay heavily,” said one military sources.

The military has also intensified clearance operations along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway after terrorists planted IEDs to delay reinforcements. The road was temporarily closed for demining operations to ensure the safety of commuters.

As the military continues to dominate the theatre of operations, local communities are beginning to express renewed confidence in the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, which have seen a steady decline in insurgent activities across major highways and rural settlements in recent months.

Troops humiliate ISWAP in Ngamdu, kill 15 terrorists in ngamdu battle

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights