ISWAP, Bandits Kill 9, Abduct 5 in Fresh Attacks Across Borno, Zamfara
At least nine people have been killed and five others abducted in separate violent attacks by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and armed bandits in Borno and Zamfara States, PRNigeria learnt.
In Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, six villagers from Pulka were ambushed and killed on Friday while fetching firewood in the Bokko-Ghide/Ngoshe bush.
According to Zagazola, the attack occurred around 4:30 p.m., with troops of Operation Hadin Kai later evacuating the victims to Gwoza General Hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed their deaths.
The deceased villagers were identified as Ibrahim Kursu (45), Malam Ahmadu (50), Abba Zake (35), Hawwala Zake (40), Bukar Umaru (38), and Ishaku Naga (50), all residents of Pulka community. Preliminary findings revealed that nine individuals had initially ventured out for firewood collection, but three—Bukar Alhaji (42), Wada Maina (50), and Adamu Idrissa—managed to escape and returned safely.
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In a related incident earlier that day, suspected ISWAP insurgents also ambushed a patrol team of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and hunters along the Pulka-Kirawa Road. The terrorists opened fire around 5:30 a.m., killing two CJTF members—Abba Aja (25) and Shetima Abbaye (35). Both victims were rushed to Gwoza General Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies were later released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Meanwhile, in Zamfara State’s Anka Local Government Area, armed bandits launched a deadly attack along the Bagaga-Anka road, killing a commercial driver and abducting five passengers. The assault, which took place around 11:40 a.m. on Friday, saw the bandits block the highway, shoot the driver, and whisk away the passengers.
Security operatives responded promptly, evacuating the injured driver to Bagega Primary Healthcare Centre, where he was later confirmed dead. Authorities have since intensified search and rescue operations to locate the kidnapped passengers and apprehend the assailants.
The series of attacks underscores the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s northeast and northwest regions, where civilians and security operatives continue to face threats from insurgent groups and criminal gangs.
By PRNigeria
