Borno

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fifteen farmers have been killed in a fresh attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

The victims were attacked on Wednesday evening while working on their farms and gathering firewood in Ala and Musune wards.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed the deaths and said it had launched a search for three other farmers whose whereabouts remained unknown.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident to Saturday PUNCH on Friday.

“Yes, there was an attack in Marte. Fifteen people were killed while others are still missing. Efforts are ongoing to determine their whereabouts,” Daso said.

Daso said details of the attack were still limited, adding that the command would release further information as investigations progressed.

However, local sources said 18 farmers were attacked, with 15 bodies recovered from the scene and buried on Thursday according to Islamic rites.

The victims reportedly included young men, married men and elderly residents who had gone into the bush to work on their farms or collect firewood for their households.

A community source said the victims were ambushed by the attackers, tied up and killed at close range.

“They were ambushed by terrorists while carrying out their daily work, bound, forced to lie down, and executed at close range,” the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

The source also alleged that some of the victims were decapitated, which made identification difficult.

“So far, we have buried 15 out of the 18; we are currently searching for three persons,” the source added.

Amnesty International condemned the attack and described the killings as a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

In a statement issued on Friday, the organisation said the victims were residents who had entered the surrounding bush to gather firewood for income or household cooking.

“The victims, who were residents venturing into the surrounding bush to gather firewood to earn a living or cook for their families, were ambushed and targeted by a suspected Boko Haram group,” the organisation stated.

Amnesty International urged the Federal Government to take “immediate, transparent, and human rights-compliant measures” to protect communities across the North-East.

The police search for the three missing farmers was still ongoing as of Friday.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP attack on Wumbi community in Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State has left a vigilante commander and four civilians dead.

The Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, confirmed the incident on Wednesday.

Daso said a vigilante leader and four other people were killed during the attack, adding that further details would be made available when they become known.

Sources said the incident occurred on Monday, September 21, but news of the attack was delayed because telecommunications services were unavailable in the area.

According to one of the sources, the terrorists arrived in large numbers and were armed with rifles, improvised explosive devices and other weapons.

The attack reportedly forced several farmers to flee the community.

The vigilante commander, according to the source, remained behind but was eventually surrounded and killed by the attackers. The terrorists were also said to have placed an explosive device on his remains before leaving the area.

Members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), other vigilantes and civilians later mobilised to evacuate the remains. However, the explosive device reportedly detonated, killing four more people and injuring several others.

Wumbi is an agrarian community close to the Cameroon border. The community has largely been deserted due to insecurity, while some residents have reportedly moved across the border and return to the area to farm under the protection of CJTF members and vigilantes.

The circumstances of the attack could not be independently verified.

Meanwhile, Mustapha Babani, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Bama/Ngala/Kala-Balge Federal Constituency in the 2027 elections, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and residents of Wumbi.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested six suspected kidnappers in Adamawa State, while a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist surrendered to the military in Borno State.

The six suspects were arrested around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State after troops received intelligence on the activities of a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.

The acting Military Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

According to Goni, troops from Sector 4 of Operation Hadin Kai, working with local hunters, raided the suspected hideout after receiving credible intelligence about the group.

The statement read, “Following credible human intelligence on the activities of a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, troops of Sector 4 OPHK, in conjunction with local hunters, swiftly mobilised and raided the identified hideout.

The operation, he said, “led to the arrest of three suspected members of the syndicate and the recovery of one Dane gun.

“Further investigation and subsequent covert operations led to the arrest of three additional members of the syndicate, bringing the total number of suspects arrested to six.”

Goni said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had been active across the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero areas of Song LGA.

He added that the suspects reportedly confessed to taking part in several abductions for ransom as well as other violent crimes in the area.

“They remain in military custody for further investigation and appropriate legal action,” he stated.

In Borno State, Goni said troops had also received a repentant Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist who surrendered at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area.

He said the development occurred on September 13, 2026, when troops of 29 Task Force Brigade under Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai, alongside Forest Guards, received the terrorist.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorist escaped from an enclave with the intention of abandoning terrorism,” he said.

According to the military, the surrendered fighter was found with an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four magazines, an Improvised Explosive Device, a magazine pouch and a bicycle.

“The surrendered terrorist is currently in military custody undergoing further investigation and profiling in accordance with extant procedures,” he stated.

Goni described the arrests and surrender as evidence of continued military pressure against terrorists and other criminal groups within the Operation Hadin Kai Joint Operations Area.

“The Theatre Command remains committed to sustaining offensive operations, denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action, creating a safer environment for law-abiding citizens and enabling an environment for socioeconomic activities to thrive,” he assured.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops have arrested a 20-year-old man suspected of serving as an informant and collaborator for terrorists in Ngamdu, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

The operation involved troops from the 154 Task Force Battalion, with support from Forest Guards and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

Security sources said the suspect, identified as Bacha Modu Isah, was taken into custody at about 10:10pm on September 2, 2026, after security personnel received credible intelligence.

Some items were also recovered from him during the operation.

“Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect is a native of Gowo Village in Kaga LGA,” the source shared.

“During the operation, troops recovered a charm, lighter, ring and a leather item from the suspect,” it added.

The suspect remains in military custody as investigators continue efforts to establish his alleged links and activities.

The arrest forms part of security operations aimed at identifying and disrupting terrorist informants, collaborators and support networks within communities across the state.

Security agencies have continued to target individuals suspected of providing information or other forms of support to terrorist groups as part of efforts to strengthen security in affected areas of Borno State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Air operations by Nigerian military forces have reportedly killed four Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and severely injured a senior commander in the Lake Chad area.

The operations were carried out under Operation HADIN KAI, according to intelligence sources cited by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama.

One of the commanders injured in the attacks was identified as Ba Ari Hisbah, a senior figure in ISWAP’s police wing in the Lake Chad region.

Field assessments indicated that Hisbah suffered serious injuries to both legs after an airstrike near Arege on August 5.

The attack formed part of military aerial operations aimed at disrupting terrorist fighters and their logistics networks around the Lake Chad basin.

Sources said the strikes disrupted the activities and movements of the insurgents and forced some surviving fighters to leave the area.

In a separate air operation on Friday, troops reportedly killed Ba Usman Maidhar­aib, a 55-year-old ISWAP member who was described as one of the group’s longest-serving fishing tax collectors in the Lake Chad area.

Maidhar­aib was reportedly travelling with three other fighters on two motorcycles when the aircraft struck.

The intelligence report said the four fighters died in the attack, while both motorcycles were destroyed.

The death of Maidhar­aib is considered significant because of the role played by ISWAP’s fishing tax collectors in raising funds for the group across the Lake Chad region.

For several years, ISWAP has imposed illegal taxes, levies and other charges on fishing and other economic activities in communities around the Lake Chad islands.

According to the sources, the loss of a key revenue collector and disruption of movement routes could weaken the group’s ability to raise funds and maintain its operations.

Military sources said intelligence surveillance detected the movements of the fighters before the airstrikes were conducted.

They added that Operation HADIN KAI would sustain aerial interdiction operations alongside ground forces to restrict terrorist movements and target their logistics, command and control networks.

The Lake Chad area remains one of the major operational theatres in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign, as security forces continue efforts to weaken ISWAP formations and their support networks across land and waterways.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A senior finance operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State, the Nigerian Army has announced.

The Army said the insurgent surrendered alongside two male children to troops of the 3 Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade.

In a statement issued late Saturday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, described the development as another major breakthrough in ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.

According to Goni, the surrender took place at about 6:45 a.m. on July 25, 2026, along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route in Borno State.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another major operational breakthrough with the surrender of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) finance operative, underscoring the sustained impact of ongoing kinetic and intelligence-driven operations across the North East,” the statement read.

The Army spokesperson said the latest development comes amid an increasing number of terrorist surrenders, with about 46 insurgents and their family members reportedly laying down their arms in recent days.

Goni attributed the surrender to the sustained land and air offensives carried out by Operation Hadin Kai against terrorist strongholds.

“The terrorist surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion under 24 Task Force Brigade at about 6:45 a.m. on 25 July 2026 along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route,” he said.

He disclosed that preliminary investigations identified the suspect as the chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram.

“Preliminary profiling indicates that the terrorist served as the Chief Finance Operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, where he was responsible for managing the group’s financial activities and logistics. He surrendered alongside two male children,” he stated.

The Army said troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, one motorcycle and ₦40,000 from the surrendered suspect.

According to Goni, the suspect is currently in custody for further profiling and interrogation.

“The individual is currently undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation to exploit actionable intelligence that will support ongoing operations and facilitate the targeting of remaining terrorist elements across the Theatre,” he stressed.

The Army said the surrender of such a senior finance operative represents another major setback for ISWAP and reflects the weakening of the group’s command structure, operational capacity and logistics network.

“Coupled with the increasing number of recent surrenders, this development confirms deepening disillusionment within terrorist ranks and points to an accelerating wave of defections from terrorist camps,” he emphasised.

Goni reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East.

“The Theatre Command therefore calls on all remaining terrorists to take advantage of the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives by laying down their arms before it is too late,” he added.

He also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected foreign terrorist fighter and an alleged illegal immigrant during a security operation in Lassa, Dille General Area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The arrests took place at about 11:48 a.m. on July 19, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion, according to a statement issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai.

The military identified one of the suspects as 32-year-old Musa Fashir, a Sudanese national. It said he is suspected to be a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator. Preliminary intelligence, according to the statement, indicates that the suspect has established links with terrorist elements, a development the military said points to attempts by foreign actors to support insurgent activities in the North-East.

The troops also arrested Mary Florence, 36, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana. The military said it is investigating the circumstances surrounding her presence in the area as well as the authenticity of her claims.

According to the statement, both suspects remain in military custody, where they are undergoing profiling and interrogation. The process is expected to establish their identities, determine the extent of their activities and ascertain any possible links to terrorist groups or transnational criminal networks.

The military said the arrests reflect the effectiveness of its intelligence-driven operations and the vigilance of troops in preventing terrorists and their collaborators from operating freely.

It added that Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to disrupting terrorist logistics, financing and support networks. The military also reaffirmed its determination to prevent the infiltration of foreign fighters and protect communities across the North-East.

The statement urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that public cooperation remains essential to restoring lasting peace, security and stability in the region.

By Uzair Adam

Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents have abducted the wife of a pastor and her three children along the Maiduguri–Damasak road in Borno State.

The incident occurred around noon on Saturday near Kareto village in Mobbar Local Government Area, according to community sources.

The victims were reportedly travelling to Damasak, where Pastor Moses Guguma serves as the resident pastor of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), when the commercial vehicle conveying them was intercepted by the armed men.

A community source, who requested anonymity, said the attackers ordered the pastor’s wife and her three children to step out of the vehicle before allowing the remaining passengers to continue their journey.

“The terrorists intercepted the commercial vehicle near Kareto village and asked the pastor’s wife and her three children to disembark.

“They allowed the other passengers to continue before disappearing into the bush with the family,” the source said.

The source added that the pastor’s wife had only recently been discharged from a hospital in Maiduguri and was still recuperating at the time of the abduction.

Another family source, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the victims were deliberately targeted because of their Christian faith.

“We are currently holding special prayers, asking God to ensure the safe return of the victims,” the source said.

Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area in northern Borno, lies about 156 kilometres from Maiduguri and has experienced repeated attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters over the years.

As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the victims remained unknown.

Security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while the abductors had made no known contact or ransom demand.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled an infiltration attempt by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Cross Kauwa, Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers, military authorities said Sunday.

The attack occurred at approximately 10:20 p.m. on Saturday when terrorists attempted to exploit darkness to breach the military location in Kukawa Local Government Area, according to a statement by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer for the Joint Task Force.

Alert troops detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their mission and retreat in disarray, the military said.

According to intelligence reports, the terrorists had intended to loot cholera medical supplies from the area—a development that lends credence to recent intelligence indicating a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, including reports of executions of affected members by the group.

In a significant development, troops neutralized a terrorist cameraman during the engagement, recovering a Sony camcorder containing sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, operational footage, and propaganda materials.

Preliminary forensic analysis of the last recorded video has revealed that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators, the military said.

The identified foreign nationals include a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer, and a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor serving within the terrorist network. A third Arab operative remains unidentified.

The presence of these foreign nationals reinforces intelligence assessments that ISWAP continues to benefit from external support and transnational terrorist linkages, according to the statement.

Following the engagement, troops dominated the area and conducted exploitation operations, recovering the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62 mm ammunition, terrorist uniforms, and other combat enablers.

Post-engagement satellite imagery analysis revealed terrorists evacuating bodies of their neutralised fighters during withdrawal, which was corroborated by human intelligence sources confirming heavy casualties among the attackers.

Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care. Both remain in stable condition.

The failed infiltration represents another significant setback for ISWAP, capping a costly weekend for the terrorist group following sustained offensive operations across the North East Theatre, the military said.

Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities, and dismantling terrorist networks, Captain Goni added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, Paul Namaske, has narrated how military intervention helped victims escape after terrorists attacked the community during NECO examinations.

Namaske spoke in a short video released on Monday after he and several students were rescued by troops of Operation Hadin Kai.

According to him, the attackers abducted teachers and students before taking them into the bush. He said the situation changed after a military aircraft arrived at the area.

“Today, being June 29, the terrorists took us into the bush. When a military aircraft started hovering over us, the insurgents started dispersing. While this was happening, we heard gunshots from the soldiers, so they (the terrorists) began to run while we started escaping. In the process, the soldiers rescued us,” he said.

The vice principal explained that two teachers and more than 20 students were among those abducted during the attack on candidates writing the National Examinations Council examination.

“We are two teachers and about 20-something students. I cannot give the precise number, but at one point during the movement, when they (the insurgents) gathered us in one place, I was able to make a rough estimate. They were about 20 students and two teachers,” he added.

Earlier, the Nigerian Army confirmed the rescue of 10 abducted victims, including students and teachers.

The Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.

He said troops launched a coordinated rescue operation shortly after receiving reports of the attack.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during an ISWAP attack on Lassa Community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State,” the statement said.

“Immediately upon receipt of the report of the incident, the Theatre Command scrambled both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Air Component of OPHK to support troops mobilised to the area for a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.”

Goni said troops, with support from military aircraft, intercepted the abductors around the Daggu area, which led to a gun battle and the rescue of some victims.

“The troops, with support from the air platforms overhead providing guidance, made contact around Daggu and, after the firefight, the operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of 10 victims, who were unhurt and are currently receiving the necessary care and support, while efforts remain ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.

The military spokesperson also stated that troops recovered seven motorcycles from the fleeing terrorists after overpowering them during the operation.

He, however, confirmed casualties among security personnel.

“Regrettably, during the intense firefight, one gallant soldier of OPHK and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme sacrifice in the exchange of fire with the terrorists,” he said.