Gunmen have reportedly imposed a N172.7 million levy on 25 villages in the Tsafe West area of Zamfara State.

The gunmen are allegedly led by “Danisuhu,” a notorious bandit leader.

“Zagazola Makama,” a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that the levies were accompanied by demands for in-kind contributions, including bags of soybeans, and threats of violence against those who fail to comply.

The report added that these demands have forced hundreds of residents to abandon their homes and livelihoods.

Makama stated that the targeted villages and their respective levies include Gijinzama (N8.5 million), Dakolo (N5 million + 20 bags of soybeans), Gunja (N7 million), Kauyen Kane (N5 million), Kurar Mota (N6 million), Sabon Garin Bakin Gulbi (N2.5 million), Kibari (N3 million), Karda (N5 million), Daga Ciki (N3 million), Biya (N5 million), Barebari (N6 million), Kauyen Magaji (N7 million), Kwaren Maisaje (N10 million), Magazawa (N10 million), Maciya (N5 million), and Unguwar Danhalima (N5 million).

Others are Unguwar Rogo (N5 million), Katanga (N5 million), Magazu (N5 million), Sungawa (N15 million), Rakyabu (N15 million), Yalwa (N2.7 million), Tsageru (N5 million), Gidan Anne (N7 million), and Kunchin Kalgo (N20 million).

“Hundreds of residents of these villages have reportedly abandoned their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods in fear of violent reprisals for failing to meet the demands,” the report reads.

Makama quoted a local source as describing the situation as dire.

“The inability to pay these levies often results in brutal attacks by the bandits, leaving the residents with no option but to flee,” the source said.

“While security has improved along the Funtua-Tsafe axis and in Tsafe town, these gains have yet to extend to the rural villages of Tsafe West.”

The report added that residents have called for more security personnel and permanent posts in Tsafe West, alongside emergency relief for displaced residents.

Five soldiers of the Nigerian Army have been reportedly killed in an ambush by members of the “Islamic State West Africa Province” (“ISWAP”) in Borno state.

Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that the attack occurred on January 4 in Sabon Gari, Damboa LGA of Borno.

The report added that the ambush triggered a two-hour firefight, resulting in the death of five soldiers and the destruction of some military equipment.

The publication also reported that the air component of the operation “Hadin Kai” targeted “ISWAP’s” stronghold with airstrikes within the Timbuktu Triangle, in Borno.

“In response to escalating insurgent activities, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) component of Operation “Hadin Kai” conducted targeted airstrikes on “ISWAP” strongholds within the Timbuktu Triangle, a critical area in Borno state known for its difficult terrain and strategic importance to the insurgents,” Makama said.

“Intelligence sources confirmed that the precision airstrikes dismantled several “ISWAP” positions and disrupted their operational capabilities.

“A significant number of terrorists were reportedly neutralised during the operation.

“Additionally, airstrikes were carried out against Boko Haram factions in the Gwoza axis of the Mandara mountain range.

“The offensive targeted insurgents loyal to Ali Ngulde, a key Boko Haram commander, as part of ongoing efforts to weaken terrorist networks in the region.”

The federal capital territory (FCT) police command has reported that two men were killed and two others injured in an explosion at the Tsangayar Sani Uthman Islamic School in Kuchibuyi village, within the Bwari area council.

In a statement issued on Monday, the command stated that a team of police operatives, including the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team and the area commander of Kubwa, were dispatched to the scene.

“The area was immediately cordoned off to protect residents and facilitate a thorough investigation,” the statement reads.

“During the rescue operation, victims were promptly evacuated and rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Preliminary investigations revealed that three men from Katsina had visited the owner of the Islamic school, Mallam Adamu Ashimu.

“The three visitors are suspected of having brought the explosive device with them.

“Tragically, two of the men died in the explosion while tampering with the improvised explosive device (IED) on the school veranda, while the third man and a female trader sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment under police guard.

“The FCT Bomb Squad has confirmed that it was an IED explosion, as remnants of the device have been recovered. Mallam Adamu Ashimu, the owner of the school, has been taken into custody for questioning, and further findings will be communicated in due course.”