Social media reckless leaks of U.S. ISR flights over Lake Chad force ISWAP fighters to relocate

By: Zagazola Makama

Reckless disclosure of sensitive intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations by social media users has compromised ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Lake Chad region, forcing Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters to relocate from monitored locations, reliable security sources told Zagazola Makama.

The social media handler had posted that the United States Air Force ISR aircraft, which has flown missions over the Lake Chad basin for three consecutive days, again returned on Saturday to conduct surveillance on ISWAP’s “Mantiqah Krinwa” in northern Borno. The aircraft, as with previous sorties, was tracked taking off from Accra, Ghana.

The operational gains, however, were undermined when a social media handler, identified as Brant Philip on Twitter (X), published the real-time flight paths and details of the ISR operations that were expected to remain covert.

The sources said that although ISWAP fighters were not recently concentrated in Krinwa, the ISR media leaks had unsettled the group, prompting a tactical movement from Dogon Chikun to Bulabulin in an apparent attempt to avoid potential air interdiction in identified locations.

“Once the details of the ISR mission were posted online, the terrorists became aware of the surveillance and began repositioning. These kinds of leaks directly endanger operations and personnel,” a security source said.

Another source noted that online exposure of such highly sensitive military activity compromises not only Nigerian security efforts but also partner operations.

“People on social media must understand that sharing operational intelligence, especially in real time, is not content, it is sabotage. Terrorists monitor these platforms too,” the source added.

Social media users, bloggers and open-source enthusiasts must exercise restraint and avoid amplifying sensitive information that could compromise missions, or empower terrorist networks.

Social media reckless leaks of U.S. ISR flights over Lake Chad force ISWAP fighters to relocate

Nine killed in katsina-ala multiple crash as nurtw officials arrested over road blockade

By: Zagazola Makama

The death toll from Friday’s multiple motor accident in Katsina-Ala, Benue State, has risen to nine, while four injured victims are currently receiving treatment in hospital, officials have confirmed.

The crash, which occurred on the Katsina-Ala axis, involved several vehicles after an alleged deliberate obstruction of the expressway by two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the two drivers – Stephen Kahungur, of Gbor community, who drove a Toyota car with registration number Benue MKD 569 TJ, and Saater Vihiga, of Ammafu Village, who drove a Toyota Carina with registration number Benue AX 896 MKD – were arrested for allegedly blocking the highway and causing the fatal chain collision.

Also arrested was the Chairman of the NURTW Katsina-Ala branch, Aja Vanger, who was said to have mobilised the suspects to block the road.

The three suspects are currently in custody.
Authorities say investigation into the circumstances surrounding the obstruction and the fatal crash is ongoing.

Nine killed in katsina-ala multiple crash as nurtw officials arrested over road blockade

Police Scorpion squad arrests two notorious kidnappers, recovers three vehicles in zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Scorpion Squad have arrested two notorious kidnappers and armed robbers in Zamfara State and recovered three suspected stolen vehicles.

The operation, coordinated by ACP Victor O. Godfrey, was carried out on Nov. 25 following what security sources described as actionable digital reconstructive intelligence.

The suspects, Dalhatu Bashiru (aka Yellow), 38, and Chidiebere Nwadigo Emmanuel, 34, both ex-convicts, were apprehended for their alleged involvement in multiple kidnapping and car-snatching operations across several states.

Recovered from the suspects were: A black Toyota Corolla, Reg. No. JUX 578 AA, A grey Toyota Corolla, Reg. No. JUX 890 AA, an ash-coloured Toyota Camry (Pencil Light), Reg. No. APR 459 AE

According to sources, the suspects confessed to participating in several high-profile criminal operations, including the Jan. 18, 2024 abduction of Mr. Segun Akinwumi O. near Rita Lori Hotel, Garki, Abuja.

In that incident, the victim was kidnapped from his residence and taken toward Kano. While en route, the gang allegedly dispossessed him of his ATM cards in Kaduna, where ₦500,000 was transferred from his bank account.

Luck ran out for the gang after they were intercepted at a filling station in Kaduna. Three members escaped, but Chidiebere, Dalhatu (Yellow), and another suspect, now at large were identified. Their accomplice, Chinanza Philip Okoye Michael, was arrested, the victim rescued unhurt, and his vehicle recovered.

Investigations further revealed that the arrested suspects had previously been apprehended in November 2023 for similar offences and arraigned at the High Court, Kwali, but allegedly returned to crime while on court bail.

Police operatives also recovered three Beretta pistols from the suspects.

Security authorities said the suspects confessed to snatching over 20 exotic SUVs within Abuja.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining fleeing suspect.

Police Scorpion squad arrests two notorious kidnappers, recovers three vehicles in zamfara