Latest news with #BabaganaZulum
Daily Maverick
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Lake Chad Basin's remote, vulnerable military bases in terror group's crosshairs
Remote and poorly resourced outposts are soft targets for attacks, and a weak point in regional counter-terrorism efforts. At least 15 confirmed Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap) attacks have targeted military outposts across the Lake Chad region this year. Common to this campaign, which the group calls Camp Holocaust, is that the targets were isolated, under-resourced, and often in border zones where state presence is lacking. Institute for Security Studies (ISS) research shows that in May, Iswap overran Nigeria's 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Gari and 50 Task Force Battalion in Marte, and mounted a twin assault on the Nigeria-Cameroon joint base in Wulgo and Cameroon's Soueram outpost. These locations — like those hit earlier this year in Malam Fatori and Goniri, among others — were civilian communities situated far from fortified urban centres. Many had been virtually destroyed by insurgents, and military outposts were set up there to facilitate stabilisation and resettlement. Poor roads, the risk of ambush and improvised explosive devices, and vast, ungoverned terrain make them vulnerable and difficult to reinforce. Sites of Iswap attacks on remote military bases These outposts have become Iswap's softest targets and a strategic weak point in regional counter-insurgency efforts. Analysis of the group's tactical trends reveals a pivot to fast-moving assaults by large numbers of fighters with light but sophisticated weapons, nighttime raids, and modified commercial drones to drop explosives to shock troops into disarray. Recent defectors undergoing a government deradicalisation programme in Maiduguri told ISS that Iswap's tactical prowess had been aided by at least six trainers from the Middle East deployed by Islamic State. Military targets are attacked in order to seize weapons to reduce reliance on smuggling and consolidate territorial control, allowing for the extortion of civilians and securing resources for operations and expansion. Two Nigerian Boko Haram war veterans said the outposts were 'in the middle of nowhere' and undermanned, yet needed to cover a wide area. Where battalions should have about 800 personnel, many had far fewer, or were under-resourced for the area size and number of sub-units. Political officials across the Lake Chad Basin are aware of the problem. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has repeatedly raised the alarm, and the Nigerian senate recently urged the military to redeploy troops in response to renewed attacks. However, without mass recruitment, this is difficult. The military is already overstretched and engaged in counter-insurgency operations countrywide. Geography presents another challenge. Lake Chad's islands, swamps and porous borders offer Iswap natural cover and operational flexibility, while complicating the various states' military logistics. The governments of the four Lake Chad Basin countries — Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria — have ceded much of this territory as they lack adequate amphibious or naval capabilities. Nigeria has used air power for the lake areas and hard-to-reach dry lands. But Iswap has adapted by digging bunkers at their homes and bases on Lake Chad's islands, where they live with their families, to avoid detection and airstrikes, ex-fighters told ISS. On dry land, airstrikes are delivering blows, but are infrequent. Reinforcements often arrive too late because of the outposts' remoteness, the distances between them, and limited human and logistical resources. In one of its most devastating attacks, Iswap attacked Nigeria's 149 Battalion in Malam Fatori on the Niger border on 24 January, killing at least 20 soldiers, including the commander. No reinforcements Survivors said the fight lasted three hours, but no reinforcements came — neither from nearby units nor via air support, allowing the insurgents to strip the base of arms. This illustrates the breakdown of a standard response tactic, which, say military insiders, should involve each unit holding its ground, buying time for backup via ground or air. But these outposts lack the human resources and equipment to sustain such resistance, say Nigerian politicians. The implications are profound. Not only is Iswap bolstering its arsenal, it is also expanding its territorial control in a region where governments are already thinly present. The cost is not just strategic; it is financial and political. The attacks have resulted in heavy equipment losses for Nigeria and Cameroon, and replacing them is costly and slow. Moreover, repeated base attacks damage troops' morale and public trust in states' capacity to protect. The neglect of infrastructure and services leaves remote outposts dangerously exposed. If terrorists were to capture a city like Maiduguri, they would achieve a symbolic triumph that would cost Nigeria's government politically and at the polls. However, allowing Iswap to consolidate control on the rural fringes is just as dangerous, as these areas could serve as staging posts for terror attacks on urban centres. A major rethink is required. States, especially Nigeria, which is the worst hit and main theatre, must reconsider deployment density and resourcing in remote rural areas. One model is creating well-resourced 'paired garrisons' — bases close together to enable quick reinforcement. A similar arrangement exists in Dikwa, Nigeria — but when Marte, 25km away, was attacked on 12 March 2025, Dikwa could not respond as it was under-resourced, according to ISS field data and sources familiar with the formations. Therefore increasing outposts is not enough; they must be well resourced, with sufficient deployments of troops and equipment, and be rapidly mobile. In addition, strengthening and expanding naval and amphibious capabilities and formations is critical as a more proactive strategy. Iswap's sanctuary in the Lake Chad islands — where rival Boko Haram is also strong — cannot be dislodged through airstrikes alone or by overstretched ground forces. The Multinational Joint Task Force's naval units could disrupt militants' activities and apply pressure in locations the insurgents use as command centres. Critical gap Another critical gap is civilian cooperation, which has weakened due to human rights abuses committed as part of state counter-terrorism responses, and local communities' fear of insurgent reprisals. In some cases, such as the January Malam Fatori attack, residents had seen militants gathering or advancing much earlier, but did not alert the military. This demonstrates civilians' lack of trust in the military and a weak intelligence pipeline, underscoring the importance of strengthening both. Working with communities through safe reporting and informant protection protocols is vital for this. Given the frequency of nighttime attacks, Nigerian and Cameroonian troops must prepare accordingly. Heightened surveillance, a real-time communication system between outposts and air units, and constant preparedness can improve response and reinforcements. DM
See - Sada Elbalad
07-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
9 Killed in Boko Haram Attack in Nigeria
Israa Farhan At least nine people were killed and four others injured in a deadly attack by Boko Haram militants in Nigeria's northeastern Borno State, according to local authorities. The assault took place in the Malam Fatori area, near the border with Chad and approximately 270 kilometers from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. Governor Babagana Zulum confirmed the incident, stating that security forces have launched sweeping operations in the region to track down those responsible. Borno remains one of the most affected areas in Nigeria by extremist violence. The region has endured relentless assaults from Boko Haram, a jihadist group notorious for targeting both civilians and security personnel in its bid to establish control and spread its radical ideology. The renewed violence underscores ongoing security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, where millions have been displaced and thousands killed over the past decade due to insurgent activity. Authorities continue to call for stronger military and regional cooperation to counter militant threats along the porous borders with neighboring countries such as Chad and Niger. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Boko Haram militants kill 9 people and injure 4 in northeastern Nigeria, authorities say
Islamic extremists killed nine people and injured four in Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, authorities said on Sunday (July 6, 2025). The attack was carried out by Boko Haram militants on the Malam Fatori community, Babagana Zulum, the State Governor, said. He did not say when the attack happened. The community, very close to the border of Chad, is about 270 kilometers (167 miles) from Maiduguri, Borno's capital city. The Governor, represented by Sugun Mai Mele, the Commissioner for local governments, visited the community and warned residents against collaborating with Boko Haram militants. 'Anyone found collaborating with the insurgents to bring harm or attack to the people of Malam Fatori will be cursed,' he said, adding that there are measures being put in place to fortify the town against future attacks. A resurgence of Boko Haram attacks has been shaking Nigeria's northeast in recent months, as Islamic extremists have repeatedly overrun military outposts, mined roads with bombs and raided civilian communities, raising fears of a possible return to peak Boko Haram-era insecurity despite the military's claims of successes. Last month, a suicide bomber suspected to be female killed at least 10 people and injured several others in an explosion in a restaurant in the Konduga area of Borno, as the State struggles to curb attacks by the extremists. Boko Haram, Nigeria's homegrown jihadis, took up arms in 2009 to fight Western education and impose their radical version of Islamic law. The conflict also has spilled into Nigeria's northern neighbors. Some 35,000 civilians have been killed and more than 2 million displaced in Nigeria's northeastern region, according to the U.N. Apart from the insurgency in the northeast, Africa's most populous country is also facing serious security challenges in the north-central and northwest regions, where hundreds have been killed and injured in recent months.
The Independent
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Boko Haram militants kill 9 people and injure 4 in northeastern Nigeria, authorities say
Islamic extremists killed nine people and injured four in Borno state in northeastern Nigeria, authorities said Sunday. The attack was carried out by Boko Haram militants on the Malam Fatori community, Babagana Zulum, the state governor, said. He did not say when the attack happened. The community, very close to the border of Chad, is about 270 kilometers (167 miles) from Maiduguri, Borno's capital city. The governor, represented by Sugun Mai Mele, the commissioner for local governments, visited the community and warned residents against collaborating with Boko Haram militants. 'Anyone found collaborating with the insurgents to bring harm or attack to the people of Malam Fatori will be cursed,' he said, adding that there are measures being put in place to fortify the town against future attacks. A resurgence of Boko Haram attacks has been shaking Nigeria's northeast in recent months, as Islamic extremists have repeatedly overrun military outposts, mined roads with bombs and raided civilian communities, raising fears of a possible return to peak Boko Haram-era insecurity despite the military's claims of successes. Last month, a suicide bomber suspected to be female killed at least 10 people and injured several others in an explosion in a restaurant in the Konduga area of Borno, as the state struggles to curb attacks by the extremists. Boko Haram, Nigeria's homegrown jihadis, took up arms in 2009 to fight Western education and impose their radical version of Islamic law. The conflict also has spilled into Nigeria's northern neighbors. Some 35,000 civilians have been killed and more than 2 million displaced in Nigeria's northeastern region, according to the U.N. Apart from the insurgency in the northeast, Africa's most populous country is also facing serious security challenges in the north-central and northwest regions, where hundreds have been killed and injured in recent months.
06-07-2025
- Politics
Boko Haram militants kill 9 people and injure 4 in northeastern Nigeria, authorities say
ABUJA, Nigeria -- Islamic extremists killed nine people and injured four in Borno state in northeastern Nigeria, authorities said Sunday. The attack was carried out by Boko Haram militants on the Malam Fatori community, Babagana Zulum, the state governor, said. He did not say when the attack happened. The community, very close to the border of Chad, is about 270 kilometers (167 miles) from Maiduguri, Borno's capital city. The governor, represented by Sugun Mai Mele, the commissioner for local governments, visited the community and warned residents against collaborating with Boko Haram militants. 'Anyone found collaborating with the insurgents to bring harm or attack to the people of Malam Fatori will be cursed,' he said, adding that there are measures being put in place to fortify the town against future attacks. A resurgence of Boko Haram attacks has been shaking Nigeria's northeast in recent months, as Islamic extremists have repeatedly overrun military outposts, mined roads with bombs and raided civilian communities, raising fears of a possible return to peak Boko Haram-era insecurity despite the military's claims of successes. Last month, a suicide bomber suspected to be female killed at least 10 people and injured several others in an explosion in a restaurant in the Konduga area of Borno, as the state struggles to curb attacks by the extremists. Boko Haram, Nigeria's homegrown jihadis, took up arms in 2009 to fight Western education and impose their radical version of Islamic law. The conflict also has spilled into Nigeria's northern neighbors. Some 35,000 civilians have been killed and more than 2 million displaced in Nigeria's northeastern region, according to the U.N. Apart from the insurgency in the northeast, Africa's most populous country is also facing serious security challenges in the north-central and northwest regions, where hundreds have been killed and injured in recent months.
