ISWAP Kills 23 Farmers And Fishermen, Abducts 18 Others In Borno

At least 23 farmers and fishermen were killed when suspected ISWAP fighters attacked Malam Karanti, a village just five kilometres from Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to local sources, the attack happened early Thursday morning when the terrorists gathered residents in the village and targeted bean farmers, killing them on the spot.

Witnesses said one elderly man was spared and later informed others about the attack.

“The terrorists spared an elderly man, who later alerted the community. The terrorists assembled people in Malam Karanti and killed them. Most of the victims were bean farmers,” a source said.

Efforts to recover the victims’ bodies were cut short when the attackers returned, forcing villagers and security teams to retreat.

“We tried to organise a rescue mission with security agencies to recover the victims’ bodies, but the terrorists returned and prevented us. Many families are waiting for their loved ones,” another source said.

Malam Karanti is known to be under ISWAP control, yet civilians continue to farm and fish there, despite the danger.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, visited Borno on Thursday and reassured the public that the military is stepping up its operations to root out the terrorists.

Musa said Nigeria is working with international partners like Russia and France to bring in advanced weapons that could help end the insurgency.

He also spoke about plans to recharge Lake Chad, which would give the military better access to key parts of the region and help cut off ISWAP’s access to resources like farming and fishing, which they rely on for supplies.

Speaking to reporters on Friday after a meeting with President Tinubu and top defence officials, General Musa said the military has received new equipment and is reinforcing operations across the country, especially in the North where recent attacks have intensified.

He explained that the President has ordered a stronger push against terrorism, including better coordination with neighbouring countries to address cross-border threats.

General Musa also highlighted that beyond military action, the government is focusing on development and support for local communities to tackle the root causes of insecurity.

“Mr President has given a directive as to what to do next for us to intensify all efforts, collaborate with all our sister countries around us, because it is the porous nature from there that is aggravating our own issues on the ground.

“And so all our theatres have been enhanced, equipment has been bought, and Mr President has given us much approval for air assets, and other aspects of security and as we said, it is not only the kinetic aspect, the non-kinetic aspect is most important.

“The President is also looking at discussing with governors for their own support by ensuring that dividends of democracy extend to the community to stamp down the issue of insecurity, and we are working together,” General Musa said.

KanyiDaily recalls that over 40 fighters of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) lost their lives in a clash between the rival factions in Borno state.