Although many Nigerians were aghast when they learned that military authorities had begun the controversial ‘Operation Safe Corridor’ initiative to ‘rehabilitate and reintegrate surrendered and repentant Boko Haram terrorist members,’ it was fully backed by then President Muhammadu Buhari, with Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State fully embracing.
The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, condemned the move it would be difficult to cohabit with ‘repentant’ killers. “Many people were killed along with their property. And you people (government) and the media expect us to forget and forgive the repentant terrorists?” he queried. Senator Ali Ndume (currently the senate chief whip) was no less vehement in his opposition. “I am completely against the idea. You are just telling people to go and join Boko Haram and then repent…that’s a totally unacceptable way of solving the problem.”
Although the victims of these attacks have been largely left to their fate, the perpetrators get the government’s special attention, with some of them being absorbed into the military.
Now that military bases are being blown up carelessly, could it be that some persons are leaking vital information to their former comrades?
In the meantime, a member of the House of Representatives from Zamfara State, Aminu Jaji, has decried the “terrifying insecurity” in his constituency, narrating how “bandits fed newborn twins to their dogs.”
He painted a harrowing picture of “how bandits attacked, committed mass kidnapping, their crass lawlessness,” which have left the communities in his constituency devastated and many residents displaced.
This came as the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, expressed concern over the current insecurity in the country, blaming the situation on the spillover effects from the Sahel region, particularly Sudan and Niger.
On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, said that the military is more determined than ever to go after all terrorists to restore peace and stability in the country.
Jaji, who previously chaired the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, said, “Over 200 attacks have been recorded in communities across Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State alone, including Dayo, Banga, Gabaki, Korea and Madura.”
The lawmaker, who was briefing newsmen at the National Assembly, said: “Just two days ago, 60 people were abducted in Banga. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N30 million. Out of those abducted, 10 were killed, and the fate of the remaining 50 hangs in the balance.”
The lawmaker lamented that while leaders often make lofty promises, little is done in practice.
“We gave assurances that if our party came to power, insecurity will become history. Unfortunately, the reality today is different,” he said, adding, “Many communities have been turned into ghost towns due to persistent attacks.
He narrated chilling incidents, including one: “A pregnant woman was abducted. She gave birth to twins while she was in captivity. Then the leader of the bandits took the twins, and threw them to his dog. The dogs ate the twins one by one. Where are we?
“This is situation we need to urgently address. We need to speak to ourselves. I said earlier, whether it is micro or macro operation, something must be done.
“These are not just stories. These are the everyday realities of our people. Our people are no longer safe, they cannot farm, they cannot trade, and many are internally-displaced, unrecognized by both the state and federal governments,” he said.
The lawmaker lamented lack of federal attention, noting that despite engaging the Ministry of Defence and other security stakeholders, there has been no significant response or action on the ground, adding that Zamfara that was once one of the most peaceful states in the country, has become a hotspot for criminal activities.
“Despite the introduction of Sharia and peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians in the past, we are now ravaged by violence,” he said.
He stressed that the people of Zamfara deserve the same protection and support as any other region, especially considering the contributions made by the state to the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections.
“This is not about politics anymore. It’s about human lives. The 1999 Constitution, as amended, states clearly that the protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of government,” he said.
The lawmaker urged the President and all relevant stakeholders to act urgently, warning that if insecurity in Zamfara is left unchecked, it could spread further and consume the entire nation.
“People cry to us for help. They come in tears. They didn’t want to leave because they have nowhere to go, they are now moving because they have no other choice,” he said.
He urged leaders across political and religious divides to come together for a holistic and unified response to the insecurity, stating, “We must rise above politics. We must respond as people of faith and conscience. This is a national emergency.”
Between Monday and Tuesday, Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents attacked four military bases, killing soldiers and stealing military vehicles in Borno State.
Less than 24 hours after that attack on Marte, the insurgents attacked three more military bases in Dikwa, Rann, and Gajiram..
Update on Marte Attack
Suspected members of ISWAP carried out the first attack on the Forward Operation Base, 153 Battalion, located in Marte Local Government Area, minutes before 3 a.m. on Monday.
Sources who spoke to this reporter said the insurgents infiltrated Marte on foot from different directions, cordoned off the area and forced the soldiers to withdraw to Dikwa, a neighbouring community.
“The attack caught the soldiers unaware,” a Civilian Joint Task Force member revealed, adding that apart from the seven soldiers killed, the whereabouts of a few others were still unknown.
However, the source disputed reports that the insurgents stole three gun trucks from the base, stating that the assets were burned down along with the military base and other vehicles, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
A local platform, YERWA EXPRESS NEWS, reported that on Monday morning, the insurgents were seen moving with their stolen motorcycles, weapons, and foodstuffs heading in the direction of Chukungudu, Krenuwa, and Klabariya, all villages within Borno and beyond.
How insurgents attacked Dikwa
In Dikwa, the headquarters of Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno state, the terrorists had a fierce battle with Nigerian Army troops.
They launched the attack about 13 hours after Monday’s attack on Marte. A source in Dikwa, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the troops “dealt with the insurgents”
He explained that the attack, which started around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, was quelled by the army, air force, and the civilian joint task force fighters after an hour.
Rann Attack
The insurgents were also reported to have attacked the 3 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge Local Area of Borno state, almost at the same time as they attacked Dikwa.
Sources, including YERWA EXPRESS NEWS, said the attack began around 12 am on Tuesday. They attacked the military formation with heavy machinery, casting fear among the people of the community.
“Five soldiers were confirmed dead, while six soldiers were injured. They also snatched three gun trucks before leaving the base,’ YERWA EXPRESS NEWS reported, quoting a source.
Gajiram attack
At Gajiram, the headquarters of Nganzai Local Government Area, sources said the insurgents launched their attack minutes after midnight on Tuesday, but were repelled. The terrorists retreated after an hour of a gun battle with troops.
“The Boko Haram came a minute past midnight. The soldiers chased them away. The terrorists only succeeded in burning a stool in Gajiram, nothing more,” a source in Gajiram told this reporter, requesting anonymity.
Governor Zulum confirms the attack
In a statement on Tuesday, Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the recent spate of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP in various parts of the state.
Mr Zulum also sympathised with the victims of a bomb blast along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road, which occurred last Monday.
“These acts of terror are deeply condemnable. The recent tragic loss of our education staff, gallant troops, and innocent civilians is a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face.
“I am more determined than ever to support the military, security agencies, and our volunteer forces in the fight to end terrorism and insurgency in our state,” Mr Zulum said through his spokesperson, Dauda Illiya.
The governor recalled his recent visit to Gwoza, where he engaged with military personnel and the Izge community, as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce resilience and protect lives and property.
“The recent surge in attacks will not deter our resolve to tackle the scourge of the 16-year-long insurgency. I urge the people of Borno to remain resilient and prayerful. This is a partial eclipse — and we shall overcome it, Insha Allah,” the governor assured.
