ISSP Establishes Cross-Border Corridor Linking Mali to Lake Chad Axis, Claims Lakurawa Group As its Operational Wing

By: Zagazola Makama

The Islamic State in the Sahel Province (ISSP) has officially recognized the Lakurawa Group as its clandestine operational wing, formalizing a strategic corridor between its two major factions EIGS (Islamic State in the Greater Sahara) operating in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) active around Lake Chad.

The announcement, made in the wake of two deadly attacks on May 4 in Niger, marks a significant shift in the regional security landscape. On that day, armed militants attacked Dogonkiria in Dosso region, killing at least 30 security force personnel, and Danga in Tillabéri region, where six volunteer fighters for the defense of the homeland (VDPs) were slain.

Zagazola Makama believes the operational link now established between the Sarma Forest in Nigeria and Anderamboukane in Mali via central Niger will enable increased mobility for fighters, arms trafficking, intelligence sharing, and hostage transfers. This corridor, long suspected by observers, has now been confirmed as a key axis for extremist logistics.

Sources say the emergence of ISSP reflects a new phase in Islamic State operations in the region, marked by greater coordination, territorial fluidity, and strategic exploitation of Niger’s governance and airspace gaps particularly since the withdrawal or downsizing of key international security partners.

Zagazola reports that the central strip of Niger already marked by repeated attacks, pipeline sabotage, and mass civilian casualties is increasingly falling under the shadow of ISSP. Many of these incidents had previously gone unclaimed but are now attributed to the group’s covert campaign to secure this critical transit route.

Zagazola warn that if the current trend continues unchecked, the entire security architecture of West Africa may be destabilized, with spillover effects extending beyond the Sahel to Nigeria.

He called for renewed multilateral cooperation and intelligence-sharing, transcending political divisions and post-coup dynamics.

In recent months, Zagazola had raised alarm over the quiet expansion of Lakurawa, cautioning that the group was a proxy for EIGS. The confirmation by ISSP now validates those concerns, signaling an urgent need for proactive counterterrorism measures and regional solidarity.

ISSP Establishes Cross-Border Corridor Linking Mali to Lake Chad Axis, Claims Lakurawa Group As its Operational Wing

Troops clear terrorist enclaves, rescue nine in Borno operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai in conjunction with Hybrid Forces and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have cleared several terrorist enclaves in Geizua, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, rescuing nine persons in the process.

Zagazola Makama report that the operation, conducted on Friday, was led by the Brigade Commander. The clearance operation covered several objectives, including Garin Bakura Jiga, Shehutari and Kachomri.

The terrorists hastily deserted the camps as the troops were approaching. Fresh human activities were observed, indicating recent terrorist presence.

All the terrorist structures were destroyed, and the troops recovered 16 bicycles which were destroyed in situ. Two Boko Haram flags hoisted at the camps were also recovered.

The operation also led to the rescue of nine persons six women and three children believed to be families of the terrorists.
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Troops repel ISWAP attack near Benisheikh, Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an attempted attack by ISWAP terrorists on their formation in the Borgozo axis near Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Zagazola Makama was reliably informed that the attack was repelled in the early hours of Friday, as part of ongoing operations under Operation Desert Sanity IV.

According to the source, the troops detected an unspecified number of terrorists advancing towards the headquarters from the southern Borgozo.

In response, the Brigade’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to engage the terrorists in a gunfight at the Borgozo parapet.

The exchange of fire reportedly lasted about 50 minutes and was supported by fire missions and aerial reconnaissance by air assets deployed to the brigade’s area of operations.

“Upon the arrival of combat aircraft at Benisheikh, the terrorists abandoned their mission and withdrew,” the source added.

No casualty was reported on the side of the troops. But the troops are currently chasing the terrorists.

Troops repel ISWAP attack near Benisheikh, Borno