At least 23 farmers and fishermen were killed in an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Malam Karanti village near Baga, located in Kukawa Local Government Area of northern Borno State, sources have confirmed.
The attack took place on Thursday morning in Malam Karanti, about five kilometers from Baga. According to sources, the terrorists gathered local farmers and fishermen, killing 23 bean farmers. An elderly man was spared and later alerted the community.
“The terrorists assembled people and killed them. Most victims were bean farmers,” a source said.
Efforts by residents to recover the bodies were halted after ISWAP launched another attack, forcing them to retreat. Many families are still waiting for news of their loved ones.
Malam Karanti is known as an ISWAP enclave where civilians continue farming and fishing despite the risks.
In response, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa visited Borno State on Thursday, assuring residents and the North-East region that the military is intensifying efforts to flush out terrorists from their enclaves and end the ongoing crisis.
General Musa revealed that Nigeria is working with allied countries like Russia and France to deploy advanced weaponry to hasten the end of the conflict. He also noted that recharging Lake Chad will help troops navigate the area better, targeting ISWAP terrorists who exploit the region’s economic activities, such as fishing and farming, to sustain their logistics.
Briefing State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu and defence chiefs at Aso Rock Villa on Friday, General Musa said the military is fully committed to tackling the recent rise in insecurity.
He added that additional equipment has been procured to strengthen operations against the terrorists, who have increased attacks, especially in northern Nigeria.
“Mr. President has given directives to intensify efforts and collaborate with neighbouring countries due to porous borders worsening the security situation. All our theatres have been enhanced, equipment purchased, and air assets approved,” General Musa stated.
He also highlighted the importance of non-military measures, mentioning plans to engage governors in ensuring communities benefit from democracy to reduce insecurity.
“We are working together to stamp out insecurity,” he affirmed.
