Boko Haram hoists Flag in Borno Local Governments, Collects taxes from farmers, fishermen

Book Haram terrorists in two local government areas of Borno State are now collecting taxes from farmers and fishermen after hoisting their flags in the communities. 

CaracalReports learnt that the two affected LGAs, Abadam and Guzamala, have remained impenetrable for the Nigerian military in recent months because of the concentration of the Boko Haram insurgents and particularly from the Islamic State faction. 

“The insurgents have hoisted their flags, displaced the Nigerian Army from those locations and even collected taxes from farmers and fishermen,” a security source told CaraclReports.

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State also lamented the manner in which the Boko Haram terrorists operated openly without confrontation by the armed forces. 

Zulum stated this on Wednesday during a meeting held at the government house with the Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, some senators and military officers 

According to him, members of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist groups have been converging and celebrating parties/marriages at will.

He added that the terrorist has also started taxing people along major roads in Damboa and another axis in southern Borno.

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He said; “Presently, Guzamala and Abadam Local Government Areas are still under the control of Boko Haram.

“Government and people of Borno State, especially those from southern and northern parts of the state are worried over the increasing number of ISWAP groups who have been terrorising their communities.

“Just a few days ago, I received a security report that in some communities of Mandaragirau axis in Biu Local Government Area, there are reports that over 500 Boko Haram/ISWAP group have been converging with over 300 motorcycles and even celebrating parties/marriages amongst themselves without confrontation.

“ISWAP are more equipped, sophisticated, intelligent and dangerous as they grow from strength to strength. 

“ISWAP are collecting taxes along major roads in Damboa and another axis in southern Borno. It is very unfortunate. 

“But the good news is that about 11 local Government areas of Gwoza, Bama, Marte, Monguno, Kaga, Gubio, Mafa, Dikwa, Ngala and host of others are becoming more peaceful than before, and this could be attributed to about 20,000 surrendered members of Boko Haram who are now in our custody.

” I want to use this opportunity to solicit prayers from all and sundry for total restoration of peace not only in Borno state, but the country as a whole.”