By Ezinwanne Onwuka
Boko Haram Fighters Overrun ISWAP Camps in Northern Nigeria
Boko Haram militants launched a series of coordinated attacks against its splinter faction Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in northern Borno State, dislodging several camps and killing scores.
The assaults carried out on December 23 and 24, targeted ISWAP strongholds in Toumbun Gini, Mangari, Toumbun Saje, and Metele communities, sources told Zagazola Makama. Boko Haram razed ISWAP’s make-shift camps and seized 20 motorbikes.
Eyewitnesses reported ISWAP militants fleeing in disarray, some without shoes and wearing only the clothes they had on. ISWAP appears to be avoiding further confrontations with Boko Haram for now, focusing instead on regrouping.
However, concerns are mounting over Boko Haram’s growing influence in northern Borno, as the group continues to gain ground in the region.
Niger’s Junta Accuses France of Paying Nigeria to Destabilize West Africa
Niger’s leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has accused France of financing Nigeria to establish a military base in Borno State, claiming it is part of a plot to destabilize Niger and neighboring countries.
“France has even offered to give money to Nigerian authorities to establish a base in Borno State, with the sole aim of destabilizing our countries,” Tchiani alleged in a recent address as quoted by Zagazola Makama, without providing evidence. He also accused France of collaborating with terrorists in the Gaba Forest, located along the Niger-Nigeria border.
However, Nigerian authorities have dismissed similar claims as false. Some days ago, TruthNigeria reported an allegation that French soldiers had arrived in Borno State to support Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram which Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters labelled “fake, totally false, and mischievous.”
DHQ spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edward Buba also urged citizens to disregard such reports as the work of “mischief makers.”
Nigerian Air Force to Investigate Sokoto Airstrike That Killed Civilians
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched an investigation into Wednesday’s airstrikes on Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa villages in Sokoto State, which reportedly killed 10 civilians and injured several others. The strikes, targeting Lakurawa terrorists, allegedly caused collateral damage, destroying homes and killing livestock.
Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi stated the operation was based on “thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions” to avoid civilian casualties, while NAF spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa promised a comprehensive investigation into the incident, according to Daily Trust.
Initially, authorities denied civilian casualties, but Sokoto Governor Ahmad Aliyu confirmed the deaths and extended condolences, calling the incident “an accidental misfire.” Aliyu pledged ₦20 million ($12,928.25) and food supplies to support affected families and urged calm, saying, “Together, we will overcome this difficult moment.”
The airstrike has raised concerns over military precision in counterterrorism operations in Nigeria’s northern region.
Residents of 2 Nigerian Towns Plead for Help Against Bandit Leader
Residents of Idi and Ranbadawa, two towns in Nigeria’s Gobir region near the border with Niger in Sokoto state, are pleading for government intervention against Kallamu, a feared bandit leader. Kallamu, reportedly a close associate of infamous kingpin Bello Turji, has taken control of the towns, operating with impunity.
“Kallamu openly moves around Idi town as though he owns it. He commands absolute authority, and no one dares challenge him,” one resident told Zagazola Makama, speaking anonymously out of fear.
Residents accuse Kallamu of orchestrating banditry, extortion, and violence, leaving them at his mercy. “Whenever he arrives in town, people either bow to him out of fear or flee for their lives. He has taken over our town, and we live at his mercy,” another lamented.
The communities are urging authorities to restore order and protect innocent lives as residents remain desperate for swift action to reclaim their safety.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
