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Unlawful Use of Power and Shooting of Innocent Civilians by Vigilante Group in Gujba LGA
Unlawful Use of Power and Shooting of Innocent Civilians by Vigilante Group in Gujba LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
On 30th September 2024, a disturbing incident occurred in Gujba Local Government Area (LGA), Yobe State, involving members of the vigilante group assigned to protect farmlands.
A Fulani man, Ibrahim Abdul, was walking on foot toward Katarko town when he was accosted by three members of the vigilante group. Despite a search that yielded no incriminating evidence, Ibrahim Abdul was accused of being a thief and shot in the leg with a pump-action gun.
As Ibrahim cried out in pain, his shouts attracted his nearby relatives, who rushed to the scene to assist him. Tragically, the vigilantes opened fire once again, injuring four more individuals: Isa Audu (22), Ibrahim Mohammed (21), Ibrahim Buba (23), and Adamu Abdul (22). All the wounded individuals were later transported to Specialist Hospital Damaturu for urgent medical attention.
While at the hospital, a relative of the wounded, Adamu Buba, who was not involved in the incident but had come to support his injured family members, was arrested by officers of the Police Crack Squad under the command of CSP Mai Baba. Buba was detained without any clear reason, raising concerns about the abuse of power by law enforcement in collaboration with vigilante groups.
There have been numerous reports of human rights abuses in the area surrounding Ngirbuwa, Goniri, Dadingel, and Gotala Gotumba villages, all within Gujba LGA. The vigilante group, led by Idris Commander, has been accused of conspiring with the Police Crack Squad in Damaturu to extort the local Fulani herders. Allegedly, herders are often falsely accused of cattle rustling or theft and are extorted for millions of Naira.
The vigilante group’s actions appear to have the backing of high-ranking officials, including the Governor’s Special Security Adviser, Brigadier General Abdul Salam (Rtd). This connection has raised concerns about impunity and a lack of accountability in addressing the ongoing violations of the rights of local communities.
The affected individuals and their families are calling for an immediate investigation into the unlawful actions of both the vigilante group and the police unit involved. They also demand that justice be served, and measures taken to prevent further exploitation and violence against innocent civilians in the region.
Unlawful Use of Power and Shooting of Innocent Civilians by Vigilante Group in Gujba LGA
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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