By Abdulkareem Haruna

Marte, Borno State – Farmers, fishermen, and herders in the remote areas of North East Marte have been left stranded as the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) imposes a severe ban on all agricultural activities. The sweeping prohibition is a consequence of the group’s allegations of espionage for the Nigerian military.

ISWAP has threatened to eliminate anyone found farming or fishing in the regions of Katikime, Bulungahe, Kutukungunla, Chikun Gudu, Tumbumma, Guma Kura, Guma Gana, and New Marte. This decision follows heavy losses encountered by the terrorist group as a result of persistent airstrikes coordinated by the Nigerian military in Marte. These attacks have led to the destruction of ISWAP’s logistics, VBIED factory, and vehicles, forcing the group to relocate their camps.

The new restriction has left many farmers, fishermen, and herders cut off from their livelihoods, further exacerbating the challenges of living in these hard-to-reach regions. The ban comes at a time when the Nigerian military has ramped up its counter-terrorism efforts, leading to the successful elimination of key ISWAP commanders and fighters.

However, the people of North East have expressed renewed confidence in the Nigerian military leadership, hoping that the ban will be short-lived as the forces continue to dismantle the terrorist networks. The current situation underscores the vital importance of security in ensuring agricultural productivity and economic survival in these remote locations.