Security
Bloodbath in ISWAP camp as appointment of Chakkar as ‘Lake Chad governor’ sparks crisis
A deadly mutiny broke out at ISWAP terrorists’ self-proclaimed Headquarters, located at Koyowa, a remote camp in the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin, West and Central Africa region, with routes stretching towards the Sahel via the Niger Republic. Impeccable sources confirmed that the ISWAP jihadist clash occurred on Sunday, December 13th 2020, less than 24 hours after reports emerged of the appointment of a new ISWAP terrorists’ Governor of the Lake Chad region, Amir Aliyu Chakkar.
According to reports, more than 50 jihadists have died and several others seriously injured; from both loyalists and opposing units of the new Governor in a bloody shoot-out that lasted over half an hour. The chaotic but deadly gunfight began in the presence of ISWAP supreme leader, Amir Ba-Lawan. However, reports indicated he had to be whisked out of the fighting location by his bodyguards.
The newly appointed Governor of the Lake Chad Basin region, Amir Aliyu Chakkar, also narrowly escaped assassination. However, he was saved by his loyalist commanders, including Mohammed Maluma, Ali Hussaini and Ali Musak, all high-ranking ISWAP field Commanders staunchly loyal to him.
The Immediate Trigger
Sources say the bloodbath was triggered by bitter disapproval of the process and selection criteria employed in the appointment of Amir Aliyu Chakkar by the Shura. Some ISWAP commanders were not happy with the little-known Amir Aliyu Chakkar to lead what has been described as the most powerful command and control position. They envisage that by implications, he would control ISWAP operations in the entire fringes and countries of the Lake Chad Basin States; Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger, and the Chad Republic also expand into the Sahel region via the Niger Republic. The opposing unit commanders fiercely argued that the appointment of Amir Aliyu Chakkar by the Shura Council was not based on merit, with some commanders pointing fingers on tribal affiliations, friendship and outright collusion pattern within the ISWAP leadership style. The bitter rejection of Aliyu Chakkar as the new Governor by commanders of opposing units turned into a bitter brawl and an ensuing gunfight.
Background to the Crisis
It will be recalled that the ISWAP Shura council had recently appointed Aliyu Chakkar as its new Governor of the Lake Chad region. The newly appointed “Governor” in his determined effort to consolidate his position, he went to Koyowa. He was spotted en route to see their supreme leader, Amir Ba-Lawan, the ISWAP leader at Koyowa, along with three of his trusted lieutenants; Mohammed Maluma, Ali Hussaini Ali Musak, all high-ranking ISWAP field Commanders. Very reliable sources stated that while at Koyowa, the ISWAP Headquarters, Ba-Lawan handed over the Lake Chad region’s mantle of leadership to the new “Governor.” On receiving his official appointment, Chakkar has sworn to consolidate on the command and control successes recorded by late Goni Maina. He promised to sustain previous plans of launching indiscriminate attacks in the coming months; presumably December 2020 and January/February of 2021 on unconfirmed military and civilian targets.
Chakkar and his group of loyalists fighters returned to Sabon Tumbu and Jubularam for a familiarisation tour. He is reported to have proceeded to his newly established command and control base at a location named as Doron Buhari. It is situated around the north of Kirta and east of Bakkassi town, where he was received by some other key ISWAP leaders including Malam Abubakar Dan Buduma, Amir Bin Umar, and Commander Hakilu.
The announcement of his leadership tour at Doron Buhari’ command and control’ hideout camp, led to bitter disapproval and petition by some key ISWAP commanders forcing ISWAP leader – Ba Lawan to summon Aliyu Chakkar back to Koyowa for clarification. While there, fighting broke out as opposing ISWAP commanders refused to pay respect to the new warlord.
Some commanders loyal to Ba-Lawan, the newly appointed “Governor” and Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, one of the surviving sons of Boko Haram terrorists group’s founder Muhammed Yusuf, blamed the incident on commanders who still retain connections and loyalty to the disabled veteran JAS leader, Abubakar Shekau, the ‘mother group’ of ISWAP.
It will be recalled that Amir Aliyu Chakkar replaced Amir Goni Maina after the ISWAP then “Governor” was eliminated in a Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force coordinated military bombardment. Goni Maina was killed alongside more than 100 jihadists in an intelligence led parallel operation while in the process of conducting a strategic leadership and operational meetings at Sabon Tumbu, Ingilwa, Tundun Wulgo, Jubularam and Abbaganaram fringes of the Lake Chad on December 1st, 2020.
Immediate Impact
Fierce leadership disagreements leading to bloody infighting amongst ISWAP jihadist-leads to confusion, distrust, temporary suspension of coordinated planning, and a limited engagement in violent activities. Depending on the severity of the rupture and the influence of the shura council on unit commanders involved, splinter units could emerge with enthusiasm and or desperation to launch soft and hard target attacks useful for structural setup. This could lead to kidnapping for ransom, setting up of illegal road blogs, cattle rustling and other locally viable organised crime activities in their areas of operation and control.
Advisory notes
The appointment and leadership of Amir Aliyu Chakkar by the Shura council and the ensuing bloody infighting will undoubtedly trigger a wave of planned and directed attacks against soft civilian and hard military targets. This is to consolidate his controversial appointment amongst the leadership at least. Deliberate attacks could target military positions, routes and vulnerable towns around the Timbuktu triangle and the Lake Chad basin states. New alliances are likely to be forged with external jihadists units in the Sahel via links with Niger Republic units. From a counter-insurgency perspective, there is no better time for the Nigerian security services and regional lake chad basin states to pounce on ISWAP leadership headquarters than now. The group was experiencing low morale, confusion and operational disarray and were busy burying their dead and licking big self-inflicted wounds.
If you see something- say something immediately. This is the people’s war – the security services can only win if the people are willing and protected to play an active role in timely information sharing.
Source: Securitydigest
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, psc today Thursday 13Th March, 2025 received a delegation from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Kogi State led by the State Coordinator, Mr Femi Osungbohun. The visit aimed to strengthen security collaboration and ensure the safety of Corps Members in the State.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Femi Osungbohun commended the Nigeria Police Force for its unwavering support in safeguarding Corp Members, particularly through their deployment to Orientation Camp and swift responses to security incidents. He highlighted the invaluable role of the Police in protecting Corp Members.
He further appealed for increased security presence at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Asaya, emphasizing the growing concerns over insecurity in the region. He called on the Police Command to strengthen patrols around the camp.
He added that the safety of Corps Members remains our collective concerns. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices of the Police Force in securing them. However, given the current security challenges, we seek even more collaboration to prevent any unfortunate incidents.
In his response, CP Dantawaye reassured the NYSC of the Command’s dedication to ensuring the safety of all Corps Members serving in Kogi State. He acknowledged the crucial role Corps Members play in community development, while pledging continued support to the NYSC in Kogi State.
He further underscores the importance of Corps Members in Nation-building. He assured that the security of Corp Members is the Command priority, and we will continue to work closely with the NYSC to ensure they serve in a safe and conducive environment.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate posting of 7 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to various strategic offices and the posting of 18 Commissioners of Police (CPs) due for AIG ranks, pending the approval from the Police Service Commission (PSC), to AIG offices nationwide. This comprehensive redeployment of senior officers is geared at effectively repositioning the force with a view to discharging its duties as expected.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi made available to newsmen on Thursday, said the newly posted AIGs include AIG Margaret Ochalla, now heading AIG FCID Annex, Lagos; AIG Abayomi Peter Oladipo, assigned to AIG Zone 13, Ukpo; AIG Fred Ekokotu, who will oversee AIG Zone 11, Osogbo; AIG Iwo Nemi Edwin Osigboka, now in charge of AIG Border Patrol Force, Force Headquarters, Abuja; AIG Garba Ahmed, taking on the role of AIG Department of Training and Development (DTD), Force Headquarters, Abuja; AIG Salman Dogo, assigned to AIG Zone 5, Benin; and AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu, now responsible for AIG Zone 9, Umuahia.
Concurrently, 18 CPs acting in the capacity of AIGs, pending the approval of the PSC, have also been posted to various strategic offices. CP Patrick Adedeji Atayero has been posted to Commandant, Police Academy, Kano; CP Tolani Alausa to AIG Zone 16, Yenagoa; CP Musibau Ajani to AIG Zone 17, Akure; CP Mobolaji Victor Olaiya to AIG DICT, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Laolu Adegbite, MFR, to AIG Interpol, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Clement Robert to AIG Community Policing, Research & Planning, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Gyongon Augustine Grimah to AIG Zone 10, Sokoto; CP Thomas Abraham Nabhon to AIG ONSA; CP Musa Auwal Mohammed to AIG Zone 3, Yola; CP Mohammed Shehu Dalijan to AIG CTU, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Olatunji Disu to AIG SPU, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu to AIG Zone 12, Bauchi; CP Fasuba Akinyele to AIG Investment, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Musa Kareem to AIG Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos; CP Chukwudi Chris Ariekpere to AIG FCID Annex, Enugu; CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa to AIG Zone 14, Katsina; CP Godwin I. Eze to AIG DFA, Force Headquarters, Abuja; and CP Abel J. Zwalchir Miri to AIG Communications, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The Inspector-General of Police has charged all officers affected by these strategic postings to embrace their new responsibilities with utmost dedication and justify their confidence through exemplary service. The IGP urges the new senior officers to ensure strict supervision and diligence in the discharge of their lawful duties and further encourages them to key into the ongoing police reform. These deployments are integral to the ongoing revitalization of the Nigeria Police Force, and the IGP is confident that they will contribute significantly to enhanced security and improved service delivery across the nation.
Security
Nigerian Coast Guard: Citizens warned against extortion as passage of bill is being awaited
The Provisionary Committee of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard, PC-NCG has warned the general public against extortion in guise of recruitment or enrolment as anyone parading himself as promoter of the Nigerian Coast Guard other than Captain Noah Ichaba is an impostor and a dupe.
In a statement made available to CAPITAL POST on Wednesday, said, this information has become necessary in view of a publication in Vanguard Online of 8thMarch 2025, titled “Coordinator of provisional Nigerian Coast Guard appeals to NASS for bill passage”.
Captain Ichaba urged the public to disregard the information as it is only the PC-NCG that has the right to issue a statement updating Nigerians as the bill awaiting legislative attention would soon be passed into law by the 10th National Assembly.
Part of the statement said: “We respectfully invite the attention of patriotic, impartial and ready to act relevant authorities, misled groups, authentic stakeholders and members of the general public, to note that, the stories regarding the purported acceptance of some Registered Private Maritime Security Groups into the Nigerian Coast Guard, were nothing, but, a brazen criminal impersonation, and a contemptuous cover-up and an act meant to ridicule law enforcement agents and a provocative invitation to acrimonious conflicts.
“Some other persons are ingloriously parading themselves making weird claims without substance, but with the motive to hoodwink the intelligence of members of the general public and the desperate job seekers, whom they are ready to “dagbo”, in the name of recruitment into a non-existing job or organization, and a non-certification training of no value.
“This fraudulent practice, which they have carried out over the years, and which has led to the death of many of their victims or that has fostered disaffection and separation in some families, would not be encouraged to continue with use of the provisional operation platform of the Nigerian Coast Guard.
“While the Facilitation Team of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard is genuinely concerned with national interest and the future of the unborn Nigerians, these immediate economic package seekers have prided themselves in hot campaign of calumny against PC-NCG.
“This is an evidence that they are persons suffering from last-card hallucination and stressful financial disorder.
“Due to that, they want to make the money and ego by hook or crook. As a result, those they succeed in deceiving becomes their caged victims, with a mirage expectation.
“Their countless but cruel illegalities tumble over one another. The extent of cajoling Registered Private Maritime Security Outfits into a never to work marriage of deception shows the degree of disregard for boundaries. Enough of that imposturous and subversive stance. Enough of mediocrity and underhandedness.
“Enough of the unprovable claim and utter falsehood. These realities have been brought to the fore to evoke appropriate action by relevant authorities, stakeholders, private maritime security practitioners and members of the public, as these are not synonymous with the ideals of selflessly and patriotically pursuing a legitimate cause of facilitating the legal existence of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard.
“Immediate AIP on appropriate burdens be followed. No two ways about it.
“These realities have been brought to the fore to evoke appropriate action as his sordid actions were not synonymous with the ideals of selflessly and patriotically pursuing a legitimate cause.
“He has succeeded in exposing himself for immediate AIP on criminal charges. No two ways about it.”
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