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War against terrorism: Anxiety as Niger Republic ‘pulls out’ of MNJTF

Published

2 years ago

November 19, 2023

MNJTF Troops

War against terrorism: Anxiety as Niger Republic ‘pulls out’ of MNJTF

The war against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin may be experiencing a setback following the withdrawal of Niger Republic from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which comprises the Lake Chad countries of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger plus Benin, Daily Trust on Sunday reports.

To deal with the security threats posed by Boko Haram insurgents in the Lake Chad Basin, the MNJTF was established in 2014, remodelled and re-operationalised in 2015 with an increased capacity of about 10,000 troops.

The Force, headquartered in N’Djamena, Chad, was authorized by the African Union on March 2015.

Following the recent military coup, Niger was said to have pulled out of the security arrangement as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed several sanctions on the country, including suspension from the regional bloc.

Sources said that the vacuum created by the absence of Niger had resulted in the escalation of attacks on the fringes of the Lake Chad and the flow of a huge cache of arms and fighters from the North Africa-based ISIS into the region.

Some locations across the region, especially within the axis of Gaidam in Yobe State, Mallam Fatori and Damasak in the fringe of Lake Chad, are witnessing a sustained and steady infiltration of foreign fighters.

According to our sources in the Gaidam community, Niger removed troops they had stationed at the Gaidam-Niger border leading to the increase in the terrorist attacks.

‘’Indeed, we heard that Niger’s troops are not on the Niger-Nigeria’s border which is a setback in the fight against Boko Haram.

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‘’The soldiers stationed in the Diffah-Maini strip have been removed and relocated to other areas in their country, so from what we heard is that these guys (terrorists) are using the space (border) to attack the defenceless citizens’’ one of the sources said.

He observed that the troops were not doing enough to end the insurgency. ‘’What we observed is that the commitment of the military personnel is very poor; they are there doing nothing to curtail the attacks.”

‘’They need to re-strategize their work. You cannot be in the town collecting N50 or N100 from traders who are coming to Gaidam for the weekly market while people are being killed daily’’ he added.

Another source said, Boko Haram attacks and activities in Gaidam LGA of Yobe state had increased recently when compared to the last two years or more.

Within the last two weeks, 42 persons have been killed, including Usman Gombe, a customs officer, who was shot dead.

Residents of the LGA said the activities of Boko Haram insurgents on the outskirts of Gaidam had increased in recent days, with the terrorists’ collecting taxes from farmers and herdsmen.

The sources told Daily Trust on Sunday that the lack of patrol by the security personnel had given a chance to the terrorists to attack the armless communities.

Our reporter learnt that the security personnel are only safeguarding the Gaidam metropolis from internal and external terrorist attacks to avoid casualties.

‘’It is obvious that lack of patrol by the military personnel to the eastern part of Gaidam is one of the reasons why Boko Haram increased their attacks.

‘’If the security agencies would increase their patrol along the Yobe-Borno states’ border, the terrorists would be afraid to enforce tax on the ordinary villagers or even launch any attacks.

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‘’Just in the last two weeks, the military killed 3 Boko Haram terrorists who they (soldiers) met during their patrol. Therefore, if the soldiers would keep doing things like this, the terrorists would be afraid to come out, let alone attacking people’’ he said.

When contacted to explain why Niger withdrew its soldiers from the borders, the MNJTF commander’s spokesman, Lt Col A.A., simply told one of our correspondents: “I don’t know. You can ask the Nigerien Defence Headquarters.”

He, however, added: “Niger is still part of MNJTF.”

Renewed attacks may hamper IDP resettlement efforts

Between 2015 and 2023, the MNJTF has conducted several operations, including reclaiming territories hitherto under the control of Boko Haram and resettling internally displaced persons back to their ancestral homes.

These included Operation Gama Aiki, conducted in 2016, operation Rawan Kada in 2017, Operation Amni Fakat in 2018, Operation Yancin Tafki from January 2019-March 2021, operating along the Monguno-Baga-Lake Chad Islands axis, Operation sharan Fage in December 2021 and operation lake sanity in March 2022.

With the efforts of the MNJTF and other security agencies, the Borno State Government had, in January 2021, begun the resettlement of internally displaced persons back to their communities.

In the first phase of the resettlement programme, the government announced that over 11,000 households, consisting of about 100,000 people had been resettled in 20 communities across 13 local government areas of the state.

The areas include Damasak, Banki, Kauwuri, Ajiri, New Marte, Baga, Ngoshe, Kirawa, Kukawa, Mairari and Mallam Fatori, located on the shores of Lake Chad.

Nigeria’s border with Niger stretches 1,608 kilometres (999 miles) in length covering seven states in the northern part of Nigeria, including Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa,Yobe and Borno States.

Sector 4 of the MNJTF, which is the area of responsibility (AOR), covers the extreme southeastern part of Niger Republic along the Koumadougou-Yobe Road where some of the resettled villages are located.

The effort by the MNJTF, particularly Sector 4 (Niger), led to the resettlement of thousands of IDPs, but with the withdrawal of Nigerien troops from their area of responsibilities, residents feared that the gains recorded in the fight against terrorism in their communities might be reversed.

ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters gaining momentum in Niger Republic.

Daily Trust on Sunday gathered that the terrorists have so far attacked 15 locations of Nigerien troops, killing several of the troops and dislodging several of the Nigerien military formations from their strategic locations.

Recent weeks witnessed widespread jubilations in ISWAP enclaves because of the arrival of a fresh cache of weapons from ISIS in the Sahel and foreign fighters to help reclaim the Lake Chad region from the MNJTF.

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“Our MNJTF must rise above the bar to prevent every movement of these groups,” a source warned, saying “I am sure they are also in the picture of what I am saying. We need to cut ISIS-supplied arms and ammunition supplies from the Niger axis.”

The source described the situation as a big setback for the war against terrorism.

“It is a threat to the Niger Republic and also a threat to the stabilization of entire Lake Chad countries because many ISIS fighters are currently hibernating in Niger,” he sternly warned.

“I can tell you that Mallamfatori, Guzamala, and Marte (in Nigeria’s Borno State) have a heavy presence of ISWAP fighters,” he warned further.

Another source hinted of three communities in Nigeria’s Borno State being on ISWAP’s attack list for more than six months now, calling on the MNJTF troops to keep vigilance.

He warned that Monguno in Nigeria’s Borno State had been one of the main targets of the terrorists in recent times.

“This is coming as the outlawed groups have adopted a new war strategy of attacking their targets towards evening to evade the air support for the ground troops,” the source said.

He revealed the new strategy of ISWAP fighters forming straight lines to carry out attacks.

“I will advise Nigerian troops to be vigilant and battle-ready because there is a high tendency that ISWAP, with the support of foreign fighters, may attack Monguno, especially in the evening,” the source warned. He would not suggest any date.

He also disclosed that Banki and Mallam Fatori were targets of the terror group, saying, “I believe Nigerian troops are also aware of this development.”

It would be recalled that recently, the Air Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai had carried out two air bombardments on some foreign fighters in the Mobbar axis of Borno State.

This has forced the terrorists to relocate to Baga axis, Tumbus and Kaganruwa in Kukawa LGA to safe haven in Marte LGA.

The Yobe State Government had stressed the need to intensify security presence along the borders.

The state government sought a joint operation of the army, thr Air Force and the police for clearance of possible undetonated explosive ordnance devices in some suspected areas.

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Briefing journalists after state security meeting, the Special Adviser to Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), said suspected gunmen infiltrated the state and attacked the border village.

He said the recent security challenge in some villages in the Gaidam Local Government Area was a result of infiltration of suspected insurgents into the state.

“Yobe state shares common borders with Borno state and Niger Republic, security operatives have been deployed to the affected community to check the infiltration,” he said.

“The security agencies have deployed security men to the area, and we are studying the report on the infiltration to forestall future occurrences,” he stated.

Defence Headquarters mum

Efforts by one of our correspondents to get a comment from the Military High Command, were unsuccessful as the Director of the Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, neither answered phone calls nor replied text and WhatsApp messages sent to him as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, Buba had, earlier in a statement on Friday, said the military was targeting the commanders of Boko Haram ISWAP terrorists attacking communities that share border with the Niger Republic.

He had also said the ongoing counter-insurgency and counter terrorism operations across the country were yielding encouraging results. He cited the killing of 50 terrorists and the arrest of 122 others in different operations across the country within the last one week.

War against terrorism: Anxiety as Niger Republic ‘pulls out’ of MNJTF

Daily Trust

Related Topics:Boko Haram MNJTF terrorism

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Village Head, 33 Others Arrested Over Police Officer’s Death in Niger

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February 16, 2026

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Village Head, 33 Others Arrested Over Police Officer’s Death in Niger

Security agencies in Niger State have arrested a village head and 33 other suspects following the killing of Police Constable Emmanuel Shamsi and the burning of an NSCDC patrol vehicle during a violent confrontation linked to illegal mining activities in Zuzungi, Katcha Local Government Area.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, confirmed the arrests, stating that 34 suspects are now in custody. Nineteen of the suspects were apprehended at the village head’s residence in Zuzungi Gwari, Kataeregi, where they had sought refuge after the incident. The remaining fifteen suspects were intercepted while attempting to flee the community.

The deadly incident occurred last Wednesday during a joint security patrol involving the NSCDC, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the local Anti-Drugs Control (ADC) outfit. The patrol was conducted in the mining area operated by Millennium Metals Mining Company, as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and mineral smuggling in the state.

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According to NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the security team intercepted individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining and the smuggling of minerals, but the suspects violently resisted. The confrontation escalated, leading to the destruction of an NSCDC patrol Hilux vehicle and the tragic death of Police Constable Emmanuel Shamsi in the line of duty. Security personnel tactically withdrew to prevent further casualties before launching an operation to apprehend the perpetrators.

Authorities describe the arrest of the village head and 33 others as part of a broader crackdown on criminal elements in Niger State’s mining communities. The arrests aim to ensure that justice is served for the slain officer and to reinforce lawful compliance within the solid minerals sector.

The incident has sparked condemnation from government officials, including Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, who described the killing as “criminal murder” and assured that security and intelligence agencies are on high alert. He further pledged that violent resistance to lawful mining operations will not be tolerated.

Illegal mining in northern Nigeria has increasingly resulted in violent confrontations with security forces, highlighting the risks faced by law enforcement and the need for stronger enforcement and community engagement to curb criminal activities. Investigations into the role of each suspect are ongoing as authorities prepare legal proceedings against those involved.

Village Head, 33 Others Arrested Over Police Officer’s Death in Niger

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Nigeria Tax Act 2025: FG Clarifies No New Construction or Bank Taxes

Published

57 minutes ago

February 16, 2026

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Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele

Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee

Nigeria Tax Act 2025: FG Clarifies No New Construction or Bank Taxes

The Federal Government has dismissed claims that the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 imposes a 25% tax on building materials, construction-related funds, business expenses, or money in bank accounts. The government described the viral video circulating on social media as false and misleading, adding that the law, which has already taken effect, does not postpone implementation until 2027.

Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, said the misinformation misrepresents the objectives of the Tax Act, which are to lower housing costs, support real estate development, and encourage economic growth. He clarified that the video’s claims — that the law would start in 2027 and impose a 25% levy on construction transactions — are both inaccurate.

Under the new law, several housing and construction reliefs have been introduced. Land and buildings are exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT) under Section 185(l), while contractors can recover VAT on materials and services, reducing overall construction expenses. The Withholding Tax (WHT) rate on construction contracts has been lowered to 2%, improving cash flow for developers. Individuals building owner-occupied homes can deduct mortgage interest, and property owners earning rental income may deduct expenses such as repairs, insurance, and agency fees. These provisions are designed to make housing projects more affordable and attractive to investors.

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The Act also offers direct support for renters and low-income earners. Eligible tenants can claim rent relief of up to ₦500,000, equivalent to 20% of annual rent, while rent payments are fully exempt from VAT. Lease agreements below ₦10 million per year, or less than ten times the national minimum wage, are also exempt from stamp duty. These measures are expected to increase disposable income for low-income households and reduce the financial burden of housing.

Incentives under the Act extend to investors and businesses in the construction and real estate sectors. Individuals are exempt from Capital Gains Tax when selling a dwelling house or interest in one. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) distributing at least 75% of dividends or rental income within 12 months are exempt from Companies Income Tax. Manufacturers of building materials, including iron, steel, and domestic appliances, may qualify for tax holidays of up to 10 years, while large businesses could see Companies Income Tax reduced from 30% to 25%. These provisions are intended to encourage investment, stimulate local production, and support the growth of the housing sector.

The Tax Act also includes provisions that relieve workers and small businesses. The taxable value of employer-provided accommodation is capped at 20% of an employee’s annual gross income, excluding rental value. Small companies that qualify under the Act will pay 0% Companies Income Tax, are exempt from charging VAT, and are not required to deduct Withholding Tax from invoices and payments. These measures reduce the compliance burden on smaller businesses and support entrepreneurship.

The committee also clarified what the Act does not include. It does not tax money in bank accounts, does not impose 25% taxes on construction costs or building materials, and does not delay implementation until 2027. Officials described claims suggesting otherwise as misleading and urged Nigerians to rely on verified government sources for accurate information. According to the committee, the Tax Act is intended to make housing more affordable, reduce rent, and stimulate economic growth, not to increase taxes on citizens or businesses.

Nigeria Tax Act 2025: FG Clarifies No New Construction or Bank Taxes

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Residents Flee as Gunmen Launch Fresh Attack on Kwara Community

Published

2 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Public Relations Officer, Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire‑Adeyemi

Residents Flee as Gunmen Launch Fresh Attack on Kwara Community

Barely 24 hours after armed bandits attacked communities in Patigi Local Government Area and Edu Local Government Area, suspected terrorists on Sunday night carried out a fresh attack on Share, the headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area, forcing residents to flee for safety.

The attack reportedly occurred around 8:00 pm, when heavily armed gunmen stormed the town and began shooting indiscriminately, throwing the community into panic and confusion. Residents said the sustained gunfire lasted for a prolonged period, prompting many families to abandon their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring areas.

Eyewitnesses, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the assailants appeared to be on a targeted mission, allegedly searching for specific individuals. One resident claimed the gunmen were looking for a person identified as Zulu Alfa Dako, adding that the attackers entered the town from a nearby axis.

“Kidnappers have entered Share; everyone is running for safety,” a resident said. “They kept shooting endlessly and the whole town was thrown into chaos.”

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Another resident, overwhelmed by fear, said while the attackers targeted some individuals, it was still unclear whether anyone was abducted during the operation.

“The gunmen entered the town and caused havoc by shooting non-stop. I don’t know if anyone has been kidnapped yet,” the resident said.

Efforts to get immediate comments from the Kwara State Police Command spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, were unsuccessful as of press time.

However, the Kwara State Government later confirmed that the attackers were repelled by security forces. The Special Assistant on Communication to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Ibrahim Abdullateef, said combined security operatives swiftly responded to distress calls and engaged the gunmen.

“Local security sources have reported that bandits that were reportedly attacking Share community, Ifelodun LGA, have been successfully repelled by combined security forces,” Abdullateef said in an update.

He added that the exchange of gunfire lasted for about one hour, noting that no death or abduction has been officially recorded so far, though security agencies are still monitoring the situation.

The latest attack came against the backdrop of rising insecurity in Kwara State, following bandit raids on communities in Edu and Patigi LGAs, where four people were kidnapped and several others injured. The back-to-back attacks have heightened fear among residents and renewed calls for stronger security presence, improved intelligence gathering, and sustained patrols across vulnerable communities.