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Troops repel ISWAP attack on Bitta, expose deep-rooted terror collaboration network
Troops repel ISWAP attack on Bitta, expose deep-rooted terror collaboration network
By: Zagazola Makama
The troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled an orchestrated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), neutralising scores and forcing the terrorists into a hasty withdrawal, in what could have been a devastating raid on Bitta, a community nestled in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State,
Zagazola Makama report that Preliminary findings following the July 21 offensive reveal that the assault was masterminded by a prominent ISWAP Qaid and executed by fighters infiltrating from the Sambisa Forest axis.
However, swift and gallant action by Nigerian troops prevented the attackers from breaching Bitta town, a strategic civilian-populated location in southern Borno.
The troops’ performance was hailed by local leaders and residents alike. The Chairman of Gwoza LGA described their defense as “gallant and impressive,” citing the prevention of widespread infiltration as a major success.
Yet beneath the battlefield triumph lies a disturbing undercurrent, the apparent complicity of terrorist collaborators and sympathisers embedded within Bitta.
Credible intelligence gathered during and after the attack indicates that most of the looting and burning within the town were not directly perpetrated by the terrorists themselves, but by suspected local sympathisers acting on their behalf.
Additionally, informants within Bitta reportedly provided ISWAP with sensitive information on troop movement and routines, compromising the integrity of defensive operations and suggesting an urgent need for internal security sanitisation.
Tragically, one civilian casualty initially believed to be unintended has now been identified as a suspected ISWAP collaborator. His death resulted from a stray bullet during the chaos.
Despite these challenges, troops managed to kill several ISWAP fighters in the ensuing firefight. As is customary with ISWAP operations, the attackers evacuated their casualties to conceal their losses. One terrorist corpse was recovered, while others are believed to have been transported back to their stronghold.
In a significant intelligence gain, troops recovered a camcorder used by the terrorists’ in-house propaganda unit. The device, which belonged to a now-deceased ISWAP cameraman, is expected to contain valuable operational footage and communications.
The ISWAP fighters withdrew to the Sabil Huda axis in Sambisa Forest, an area now under close surveillance for potential follow-up air and ground interdiction operations.
Military analysts describe the early deployment of reinforcement, as well as the prompt visit to the frontline by the Brigade Commander and Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), as an exemplary display of leadership and morale boosting for troops under pressure.
However, security authorities are warning that the threat in and around Bitta remains active, especially with the discovery of terrorist collaborators. Vigilance and continuous intelligence gathering are paramount to forestall future attacks.
Troops repel ISWAP attack on Bitta, expose deep-rooted terror collaboration network
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation Savannah Shield have arrested three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Security sources said the arrests were made at about 7:35 a.m. on March 15 by troops stationed at a Forward Operating Base in Kaiama.
According to the sources, troops initially apprehended a suspect who was allegedly planning to supply three motorcycles to a terrorist group.
Further investigation led to the arrest of two other suspected terrorists believed to be members of Islamic State West Africa Province/Boko Haram, who had reportedly arrived in Kaiama to receive the motorcycles.
The suspects were said to be planning to transport the motorcycles to terrorists operating in Nuku village.
The suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue.
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigeria Police Force in Borno State has confirmed that 23 persons were killed and 108 others injured following multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening, in what authorities described as coordinated suicide attacks.
The incidents, which occurred at about 7:24 p.m., targeted crowded and strategic locations within the metropolis, including the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover, Maiduguri.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, preliminary investigations revealed that the explosions were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The coordinated nature of the attacks, which struck nearly simultaneously across different parts of the city, has raised fresh concerns about evolving tactics by insurgent groups seeking to undermine ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.
Zagazola noted that the choice of targets particularly a major market, a hospital vicinity, and a busy flyover suggests an intent to maximise casualties, spread fear, and disrupt socio-economic activities in the state capital.
In response, a combined team of Police Tactical Units, military personnel and other joint security operatives were immediately deployed to the affected areas.
The scenes were swiftly secured and cordoned off, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit conducted detailed sweep operations to rule out the presence of additional explosive devices.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, led a high-level assessment visit to the affected locations, where he commiserated with victims and their families.
He assured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, noting that enhanced security measures had been activated across the state.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, worked in coordination with medical teams to evacuate victims to hospitals, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Despite the scale of the attacks, authorities made the efforts to restore normalcy in the affected areas, with security presence significantly increased across Maiduguri and its environs.
Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, particularly in public places, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.
The command also commended the resilience and cooperation of residents, reiterating its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the state.
Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened
Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists after it successfully repelled a terrorist ambush along the Longlari–Kanama road in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 5:23 p.m. on March 14 when troops of the 159 Battalion Nigerian Army, B Company, stationed in Kanama, were returning from a routine patrol.
.According to the sources, the troops were ambushed by suspected terrorists along the Longlari–Kanama road near Mairari village.
The troops engaged the terrorists with heavy fire and neutralized several of them forcing many of them fo flee.
Following the encounter, the soldiers conducted exploitation of the general area to track the fleeing insurgents.
Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
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Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened
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