At Least 23 Killed in Deadly Attack in Northeast Nigeria Amid Increasing Violence
Militants associated with ISIS in West Africa target farmers and fishermen, sparking international condemnation.
In a tragic incident in northeastern Nigeria, militants affiliated with the ISIS West Africa province killed at least 23 farmers and fishermen over the weekend in the village of Malam, roughly five kilometers from the town of Baga.
Local sources report that the attackers gathered the victims in one location before executing them, leaving one elderly man alive, who later relayed the shocking details to the community.
The attack fueled outrage and condemnation, with concerns escalating over the rising violence perpetrated by militant groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS.
During the incident, 18 others were reportedly abducted by the assailants.
Residents attempted to retrieve the bodies of the deceased but were thwarted by further attacks from the militants, prompting fears and distress among the victims' families.
Malam Karanati is situated within the Lake Chad Basin, an area known as a stronghold for ISIS West Africa.
Despite the risks, many residents have continued their agricultural and fishing activities as a means of survival.
Human rights organizations have condemned the brutality of the attack, with Amnesty International labeling it a horrific act that underscores the urgent need for the Nigerian government to do more to protect civilians from armed violence.
The organization noted in a press release that the deliberate targeting of civilians, resulting in killings and destruction of property, constitutes war crimes and crimes against humanity.
It called for comprehensive and transparent investigations into the incident.
Since 2020, similar incidents have been documented, where Boko Haram has murdered farmers for various reasons including alleged failure to pay illegal taxes or compliance with directives regarding agriculture and fishing.
The recent attack fits into a broader pattern of escalating violence in Nigeria, where militant groups have intensified assaults on military bases and civilian populations.
Just last week, multiple military bases in Borno State were attacked, resulting in casualties among Nigerian soldiers as well as the seizure of military equipment.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, met with President Bola Tinubu to discuss security challenges in the region.
Musa noted that the rise in attacks reflects pressure exerted by these terrorist groups in the Sahel region that has spilled over into Nigeria due to the fragile nature of its borders.
In light of the attacks, President Tinubu directed an increase in security efforts and enhanced cooperation with neighboring countries to combat these cross-border threats.
Additionally, he approved the acquisition of new security equipment and aircraft to bolster military capabilities.
On another front, the Nigerian Air Force, part of the ongoing operation dubbed ‘Hadinkai’, executed a precise airstrike targeting known militant hideouts in the Timbuktu triangle in Borno State.
Initial military reports indicate that the strike successfully neutralized several ISIS operatives and destroyed key logistical centers vital for the group’s operations.
Intelligence sources confirmed that the airstrike, carried out on Thursday afternoon, targeted the Cheralia area, a known ISIS hideout.
Military officials stated that the operation relied on real-time intelligence and followed shortly after the brutal killings of the farmers and fishermen.
Military assessments reported successful strikes on multiple targets, including temporary shelters and supply depots, with secondary explosions observed, indicating the presence of weapon and fuel caches.
Follow-up strikes also targeted fleeing militants attempting to escape into nearby forested areas, further disrupting their operational capabilities.
This air operation represents a significant component of an ongoing campaign aimed at diminishing the capabilities of ISIS in West Africa to regroup and launch attacks on both military and civilian assets.
Local sources report that the attackers gathered the victims in one location before executing them, leaving one elderly man alive, who later relayed the shocking details to the community.
The attack fueled outrage and condemnation, with concerns escalating over the rising violence perpetrated by militant groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS.
During the incident, 18 others were reportedly abducted by the assailants.
Residents attempted to retrieve the bodies of the deceased but were thwarted by further attacks from the militants, prompting fears and distress among the victims' families.
Malam Karanati is situated within the Lake Chad Basin, an area known as a stronghold for ISIS West Africa.
Despite the risks, many residents have continued their agricultural and fishing activities as a means of survival.
Human rights organizations have condemned the brutality of the attack, with Amnesty International labeling it a horrific act that underscores the urgent need for the Nigerian government to do more to protect civilians from armed violence.
The organization noted in a press release that the deliberate targeting of civilians, resulting in killings and destruction of property, constitutes war crimes and crimes against humanity.
It called for comprehensive and transparent investigations into the incident.
Since 2020, similar incidents have been documented, where Boko Haram has murdered farmers for various reasons including alleged failure to pay illegal taxes or compliance with directives regarding agriculture and fishing.
The recent attack fits into a broader pattern of escalating violence in Nigeria, where militant groups have intensified assaults on military bases and civilian populations.
Just last week, multiple military bases in Borno State were attacked, resulting in casualties among Nigerian soldiers as well as the seizure of military equipment.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, met with President Bola Tinubu to discuss security challenges in the region.
Musa noted that the rise in attacks reflects pressure exerted by these terrorist groups in the Sahel region that has spilled over into Nigeria due to the fragile nature of its borders.
In light of the attacks, President Tinubu directed an increase in security efforts and enhanced cooperation with neighboring countries to combat these cross-border threats.
Additionally, he approved the acquisition of new security equipment and aircraft to bolster military capabilities.
On another front, the Nigerian Air Force, part of the ongoing operation dubbed ‘Hadinkai’, executed a precise airstrike targeting known militant hideouts in the Timbuktu triangle in Borno State.
Initial military reports indicate that the strike successfully neutralized several ISIS operatives and destroyed key logistical centers vital for the group’s operations.
Intelligence sources confirmed that the airstrike, carried out on Thursday afternoon, targeted the Cheralia area, a known ISIS hideout.
Military officials stated that the operation relied on real-time intelligence and followed shortly after the brutal killings of the farmers and fishermen.
Military assessments reported successful strikes on multiple targets, including temporary shelters and supply depots, with secondary explosions observed, indicating the presence of weapon and fuel caches.
Follow-up strikes also targeted fleeing militants attempting to escape into nearby forested areas, further disrupting their operational capabilities.
This air operation represents a significant component of an ongoing campaign aimed at diminishing the capabilities of ISIS in West Africa to regroup and launch attacks on both military and civilian assets.
