News
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 neutralise ISWAP cameraman, seize propaganda camcorder in Bitta clash
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have scored a major psychological and intelligence victory against terrorists of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), following the killing of a group’s cameraman during a failed attack on Bitta town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the troops not only repelled the assault but also recovered a sophisticated camcorder used by the terrorists to record propaganda footage.
Security sources confirmed that the insurgents had planned to use the failed operation to generate fear-inducing content aimed at glorifying their attack and disseminating false narratives through online channels.
The ISWAP cameraman was identified by the equipment he carried, which included a ruggedised camcorder and media pouches strapped to his vest. He was taken down in the heat of the exchange.
The camera contained footages that is now being processed for intelligence exploitation.
Troops neutralise ISWAP cameraman, seize propaganda camcorder in Bitta clash
Security forces arrest 13 illegal immigrants in Ogun, hand them over to immigration
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces on Tuesday arrested 13 suspected illegal immigrants following a distress call from residents of Unity Estate in Pakuro, Mowe area of the state.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the foreigners, who hail from Cameroon, Togo, and Ivory Coast, were allegedly causing public disturbance in the neighbourhood, prompting residents to alert the police.
Police sources said that following the alert at about 11:00 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Mowe Division swiftly mobilised detectives to the scene.
All 13 suspects were apprehended and after initial profiling, they were handed over to the Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Ogun State Command, Abeokuta, for further investigation and necessary action.
The command assured residents that it would continue to work with other security agencies to ensure peace and order, especially in border communities.
End
Police launch manhunt after suspected abduction of two women in Abuja community
By: Zagazola Makama
The FCT Police Command has launched a joint operation to rescue two women suspected to have been abducted during an armed invasion in the Aco Mbawpe area of Abuja.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when criminal elements armed with dangerous weapons stormed the community and attacked a private residence.
According to a police sources, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Iddo Division received a distress call at about 2:10 a.m. on July 23, alerting them to the attack.
“Upon receiving the report, our patrol teams were swiftly deployed to the scene. Preliminary investigation revealed that the residence of one Fati Omale was invaded by the assailants, and she, along with another woman identified as Zainab Ibrahim, is believed to have been abducted to an unknown destination,” the police said in a statement.
In response to the incident, combined teams of Police Operatives from Iddo Division, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, as well as local vigilantes and hunters, have commenced a massive search and rescue operation.
The joint teams are combing the surrounding bushes and hills around the Aco Mbawpe axis, a semi-rural settlement on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, in a bid to locate the abductors’ hideout and ensure the safe return of the victims.
Police launch manhunt after suspected abduction of two women in Abuja community
Troops neutralise ISWAP cameraman, seize propaganda camcorder in Bitta clash
Joint Nigeria–Niger military offensive hits major terrorist stronghold near Damasak
Security forces arrest 13 illegal immigrants in Ogun, hand them over to immigration
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