Troops thwart ISWAP terrorists' attack, as cleric urges military support

Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Operation Hadin Kai, Sector 3, have foiled an attempted attack by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along the Magumeri – Maiduguri axis, in Borno.

The troops also recovered a cache of ammunition from the insurgents in a tactical operation in the area.

Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osaba, Chief Military Information Officer, MNJTF, N’djamena, Chad, said this in a statement on Sunday in Maiduguri.

He said the troops executed a tactical ambush, neutralising the threat before the terrorists could wreak havoc on innocent civilians.

Osaba said the troops positioned themselves tactically along the terrorists’ path of movement and engaged them as they emerged from a forested area on motorcycles.

“On sighting the troops, the terrorists attempted to flee but were met with a heavy barrage of gunfire.

“This decisive engagement forced them to abandon their weapons and motorcycles, disrupting their plan to unleash violence in the region,” he said.

He listed the weapons recovered to include two AK-47 Rifles, 51 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two magazines, 61 rounds of 7.62 NATO ammunition, parcels of marijuana, and Tramadol, among others.

Cleric urges unity as Zamfara faces sabotage in fight against insecurity

In another development, Sheikh Abdurrahman Azzamfari has called for prayers and unwavering support for Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, and General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, in their battle against banditry in northern Nigeria. 

Speaking during a public lecture, the cleric condemned the powerful figures profiting from the violence in Zamfara State.

According to Sheikh Azzamfari, selfish interests and political gains fuel the ongoing insurgencies.

“This problem is like the case of two elephants fighting; who will suffer the most? The grass,” he said, highlighting the suffering of ordinary citizens. 

He added that some individuals oppose the end of banditry because they fear losing their political influence and financial benefits.

“These people don’t want peace because if the violence stops, they lose their leverage,” he stated. 

Azzamfari warned that such individuals are working against efforts to restore order, particularly targeting Matawalle and Musa’s initiatives.

The cleric praised the duo’s commitment to restoring peace, calling for public support.

He urged Muslims to include Matawalle and General Musa in their prayers, asking for divine intervention to thwart the forces opposing peace.