ISWAP reportedly has threatened fishermen in a Borno community. ISWAP accuses them of aiding the military onslaught against the group by leaking information about the group’s movements.
According to local media, ISWAP fighters issued a “quit notice” to residents in Kukawa County (Local Government Area). The militants allege the fishermen are collaborating with troops and have ordered them to leave the community.
This comes after a recent attack by ISWAP on fishermen in Tumbum Rogo, which left about 15 dead. In January, ISWAP was also responsible for mutilating fishermen in Marte, Borno, over accusations of theft.
Military officials have condemned ISWAP’s actions. Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, a spokesperson for the military in Lake Chad, called the threats a “blatant act of intimidation” and a sign of ISWAP’s weakening position under ongoing military pressure.
“By issuing such threats, they aim to spread fear and disrupt the lives of Lake Chad Basin residents. It is crucial not to succumb to their tactics but instead to demonstrate resolve and fortitude,” Abdullahi added. Troops are actively searching for ISWAP insurgents in the Lake Chad region and surrounding communities.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
