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Youths break peace accord in Taraba, trigger deadly reprisal attacks despite repeated warnings

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Youths break peace accord in Taraba, trigger deadly reprisal attacks despite repeated warnings

By: Zagazola Makama

Barely weeks after security forces brokered a peace accord between farmers and herders in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, renewed violence has broken out, triggered by actions that have now led to death, destruction and growing instability in the region.

Zagazola Makama was reliably informed by intelligence sources that despite the security agencies holding three separate meetings with youth and community leaders where appeals for restraint and peaceful coexistence were passionately made, local youths in Badanwa reportedly violated the terms of the agreement by launching attacks on Fulani herders grazing near their farms.

The sources said that the troops deployed under Operation Lafiyan Jamaa responded swiftly to a distress call at about 2:50 p.m. on Friday, May 23. Upon arrival, the troops discovered that some fleeing Fulani herders had retaliated in panic, killing two locals believed to be from Munga Lelau village. The victims, according to sources, were attacked with machetes during the chaos and confusion that ensued.

The violence spiraled further when troops, while pursuing leads into the unfolding crisis, encountered armed bandits burning houses in Munga Lelau. In the exchange of fire, troops neutralised two of the bandits and recovered a dane gun, a cell phone, a fabricated pistol, and four cartridges. Further searches around Munga Doso village led to more arms recovery.

The crisis, according to security officials, could have been avoided if community leaders had been obeyed and the peace agreement upheld.

“You cannot go and attack people grazing near your village and expect them not to retaliate. That is the reality we are dealing with. We had already put a framework in place for dialogue and monitoring,”

The resurgence of hostilities was a a result of a reckless mob action and the failure of some community elements to honour peace initiatives facilitated by security agencies. Just because you see a Fulani man with his livestock, you the. Pick up sticks, cutlass and other weapons and began shouting hochebe hey hochebe hey. And now that it has become bad, you are calling on the security agencies to defend you,” a senior security officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

Security forces have since intensified patrols in the general area to forestall further escalation. However, the general situation remains volatile, with fresh tensions threatening to undo months of painstaking confidence-building efforts.

In the wake of these developments, security authorities have suggested that the local government consider imposing a curfew in the affected areas as a short-term measure to prevent further reprisal attacks and restore normalcy.

“It’s time to go beyond warnings. There must be consequences for those who break peace accords or act as enablers of violence. No community can progress in a state of perpetual suspicion and provocation,” said Bala Ibrahim, a conflict resolution expert based in Jalingo.

Zagazola report that for now, the military and other security agencies have continue to dominate the general area with strategic patrols. But the challenge ahead is steep: rebuilding broken trust, enforcing accountability, and ensuring that peace is not just signed but sincerely upheld.

Youths break peace accord in Taraba, trigger deadly reprisal attacks despite repeated warnings

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Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara

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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

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Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened

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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

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Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe

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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

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