Suspected fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) have brutally executed seven individuals, including members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), local hunters, and community watch operatives in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.
A disturbing video, lasting 6 minutes and 41 seconds, surfaced online over the weekend, showing the masked insurgents interrogating the captives before carrying out the executions. In the footage, the victims, dressed in red jumpsuits, are seen kneeling with ISWAP fighters standing behind them, armed with rifles and knives.
According to a translation provided by one of the group’s commanders accused the captives of hypocrisy and collaborating with “infidels,” which the group claimed justified their execution.
The video then graphically depicts the militants slitting the throats of the seven captives before dumping their bodies into a shallow ditch.
A senior official of the Magumeri Local Government Council, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident and identified four of the victims as members of the CJTF and local hunters.
“We were aware they had been abducted and were hoping for a rescue. Unfortunately, we woke up to this horrific news,” the official said. “We pray Allah forgives them and grants strength to their families.”
The Civilian Joint Task Force has been instrumental in assisting Nigerian military forces in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents across the northeast. However, CJTF members often operate with limited support and face frequent retaliation from terrorist groups.
Security experts say the latest execution highlights the persistent threat posed by ISWAP and underscores the urgent need for stronger community protection and intelligence operations in the region.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian military or state government.
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