MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (BN24) — Militants from the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) have executed seven civilians, including members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), local hunters, and community watch members, in a violent incident in Magumeri, Borno State, northeastern Nigeria.
The executions were recorded in a graphic six-minute video circulated online, marking another gruesome show of force by the terror group amid Nigeria’s prolonged insurgency crisis. In the footage, a masked ISWAP fighter is seen interrogating the captives individually before they are killed. The victims, all dressed in red jumpsuits, are shown kneeling while armed militants stand behind them, wielding rifles and knives.
According to a translation reported by Daily Trust, the ISWAP commander accuses the detainees of “hypocrisy” and collaboration with “infidels” — a charge the group routinely uses to justify its acts of violence. The video then shows the militants slitting the throats of all seven men before disposing of their bodies in a shallow trench.
A senior official from Magumeri Local Government Area, speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed the killings in an interview with Daily Trust. The official identified at least four of the victims as members of the CJTF and local hunters who had been abducted days earlier.
“We were aware they had been taken and were hoping for their safe return,” the official said. “Unfortunately, we woke up to this horrific news. We pray Allah forgives them and gives their families the strength to endure this tragedy.”
The CJTF is a government-backed civilian militia formed to support Nigerian security forces in their fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP. Operating across Borno and neighboring states, the group has played a critical role in intelligence gathering and local defense efforts.
ISWAP, which split from Boko Haram in 2016, has increasingly targeted local vigilante groups and civilians perceived to be cooperating with state authorities. The group remains active in the Lake Chad region, launching attacks on both military and civilian targets.
The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, but the killings underscore the persistent threat posed by ISWAP, particularly in rural areas of Borno State where security remains fragile.
Human rights organizations and regional observers have condemned the terror group’s continued use of execution videos as a propaganda tool. The United Nations has repeatedly called for greater protection of civilians and more coordinated counter-insurgency efforts in the region.
As of now, the identities of all the victims have not been made public. Local authorities say efforts are ongoing to recover the remains and support affected families.
Credit: punching.com
