Bokostan

Ansaru claims responsibility for the assassination of popular Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, accusing him of being an infidel. In an audio recording confirming responsibility for the killing, Ansaru said it carried out the attack at around 8:30 pm. While the speaker mentioned 'Talata' (Tuesday) as the day the attack took place, which could have been a mistake, the incident actually happened yesterday, Monday. Ansaru accused Masussuka of being anti-Islam. It did not mention any specific offence he had committed, though it suggested that the cleric's promotion of interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence may have contributed to his killing. The assassination adds to a series of security incidents in northwest Nigeria, as insecurity worsens ahead of next year's elections. The fact that Ansaru has claimed responsibility provides authorities with an opportunity to concentrate their efforts on the group and unravel the identities of those directly behind the attack. This is even more important given that the group also threatened those it described as enemies of Islam. In addition to Zaria, Kaduna, Kano and Abuja, Katsina has also been a prominent base for Ansaru over the years.

JAS fighters claimed they attacked an ISWAP position on Lake Chad islands, resulting in ISWAP fighters fleeing. The incident happened last Saturday, 17 October, with the video clearly showing the JAS fighters running and shooting in one direction, supporting the narrator’s claim that “they (ISWAP fighters) are running away.” The JAS-ISWAP clash has become a pain in the neck for ISWAP, contributing to the exit of fighters from the group. JAS, on the other hand, seems to enjoy going after their counterparts, as if on a hunting spree.