Plateau Community Devastated by Gunmen Attack, 3 Dead, 2 Injured, Farms Destroyed.

Gunmen attacked the Rakwok community in Plateau State’s Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, killing three youths and injuring two others. The victims were identified as Chollom Daniel, 27, Jang Joseph, 21, and Richard Dapel, 18.

Additionally, over 100 hectares of farms and harvested crops were destroyed in the Riyom axis of the state, with communities like Jol, Rim, Litton, and Rinyam severely affected. The past week has seen persistent incidents of harvested crops being set ablaze in Ghashishi, Barakin-Ladi Local Government Area.

Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, President of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, condemned the attacks, attributing them to Fulani militia. He urged security agencies, particularly Operation Safe Haven-OPSH, to intervene and stop the violence.

The Executive Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Hon. Pwajok Stephen Gyang, visited Rakwok village, condemning the attacks and calling for increased security measures to prevent future incidents.

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Nigerian Army Battles New Terror Group, Lukarawas, in Northwest.

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group, Lukarawas, in the northwest region of the country. Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, announced this during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, November 8.

According to Buba, Lukarawas originated from the Republic of Niger following the coup that disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger. The group exploited the cooperation gaps and difficult terrain to infiltrate remote areas in northwest states, spreading their ideology.

Initially, locals accepted the group, believing they meant well. However, they failed to report the group’s movements to military and security agencies. Troops are currently working to locate and eliminate the threat.

This development highlights concerns about rising insecurity in northwest Nigeria, where terrorist groups like Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and Jama’at Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) are already active.

Nigerian Army Declares 44 Soldiers Wanted for Desertion in Borno State.

In a shocking move, the Nigerian Army has declared 44 soldiers who were deployed to fight Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State as deserters. The soldiers, who were expected to report to the 403 Amphibious Brigade in Baga community by October 31, 2024, have gone AWOL (Absent Without Leave) for over a month.

According to a military signal obtained by SaharaReporters, the soldiers were deployed from various units and formations to join the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Sector 3, Nigeria. The MNJTF is a combined multinational formation comprising units from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, tasked with ending the Boko Haram insurgency.

The Army authorities have not only declared the soldiers as deserters but have also frozen their bank accounts. A signal dated November 1, signed by Major HO Akoh on behalf of the 403 Amphibious Brigade Commander, directed that the soldiers’ salary accounts be frozen and that any information regarding their whereabouts be reported to the relevant authorities.

Reasons Behind the Desertion

While the Nigerian Army has denied allegations of corruption, some soldiers have blamed the issue on corruption within the army, citing prolonged stays in the North-East region beyond their approved period. The soldiers claim that this has led to low morale and a lack of willingness to continue fighting, allowing terrorists to dislodge some military camps.

Voluntary Retirement Controversy

This development comes after 196 soldiers applied for voluntary retirement, with some reportedly seeking to join foreign military forces, including the British Army and Ukrainian Army. The Nigerian Army has maintained that the processes for voluntary retirement and discharge are clearly outlined and followed.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, assured that personnel are free to disengage at will, following established procedures. However, the reasons for discharge remain confidential, ranging from voluntary disengagements to medical grounds and pursuit of other professions.