By Abdulkareem Haruna

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Maiduguri has been gripped by fear as a deadly gang known as the “Marlians” continues terrorizing citizens, disguising themselves as commercial tricycle taxi drivers to rob unsuspecting passengers. 

The group has been linked to numerous violent incidents, including fatal stabbings and throat-slittings of victims who resisted their robberies.

The Marlians’ brazen tactics, which include throwing victims from moving tricycles, have led to numerous injuries and fatalities. In one chilling incident, a woman was robbed, stabbed, and pushed out of a moving tricycle. 

The daring group also extended their violent activities to attacking security operatives, with the mob killing police personnel during the weekend being the latest.

The group is also known to have engaged the services of some commercial tricycle riders for a day-long robbery expedition for a fee of as much as N30,000. The hired drivers aid in the gang’s swift escape after robberies and help dispose of stolen items in markets such as Jagwal, where phones are quickly sold at low prices.

Some persons familiar with the Marlian’s stolen phone rackets said they usually sell them off neighboring foreign markets of Niger Republic or Chad.

The gang’s stronghold appears to be the crowded neighborhoods of Gwange,  Ngomari-Costain, raising fears that, if unchecked, the Marlians may match or even surpass the violence of Boko Haram.

Public outrage over the gang’s activities and perceived police inaction have led to vigilante justice. Gang members caught in the theft have been beaten by citizens before being handed over to the police. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of law enforcement, as many arrested Marlians are soon seen back on the streets.

In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has ordered a crackdown on the Marlian group. Following an emergency security meeting on Wednesday, Zulum expressed his deep concern over the surge in violence and reassured the public of his commitment to ending the gang’s reign of terror.

“I want to assure the general public that the Government of Borno State, under my leadership, will not allow such a matter to deteriorate,” Zulum said. “I have received assurances from the security operatives of their commitment to tame such cowardly acts, and our administration is committed to dealing with such matters within the shortest possible time.”

The governor’s call to action follows reports detailing the gang’s criminal activities, which have evolved from daylight phone snatching and robbery to more severe crimes such as murder. With the governor’s new directive, the citizens of Maiduguri are hopeful for a peaceful resolution to this ongoing nightmare.

Public opinion remains divided on the effectiveness of the governor’s decree. While many hail it as a decisive step toward restoring peace, critics question whether these efforts will bring lasting change, given the group’s resilience and the alleged police mishandling of arrested Marlians.

Citizens are also apprehensive about the potential for increased violence as the crackdown intensifies. “We are hoping for the best, but we are also preparing for the worst,” said a local store owner who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal. “These are desperate people, and they might respond to the crackdown with more violence.”

Local organizations have taken this opportunity to address systemic issues underlying the Marlian threat. They argue that the gang’s rise indicates more significant societal problems such as unemployment, drug abuse, and a lack of access to education. Some have urged the government to adopt a holistic approach to the problem, combining law enforcement action with social programs to address these root causes.

“The government’s crackdown is necessary, but it’s not enough,” said Aishatu Adamu, director of a Maiduguri-based non-profit organization. 

“We need to provide viable alternatives for these young people and address the conditions that led them to join such a gang.”

As Maiduguri braces for the crackdown on the ruthless Marlians, its residents can only hope for a return to peace and safety. While the road ahead may be challenging, the collective will for change and the governor’s adamant stance offer hope amid the ongoing crisis.

Local organizations have taken this opportunity to address systemic issues underlying the Marlian threat. They argue that the gang’s rise indicates more significant societal problems such as unemployment, drug abuse, and a lack of access to education. Some have urged the government to adopt a holistic approach to the problem, combining law enforcement action with social programs to address these root causes.

“The government’s crackdown is necessary, but it’s not enough,” said Yusuf Tom, a seasoned school administrator. “We need to provide viable alternatives for these young people and address the conditions that led them to join such a gang.”

In the face of this mounting crisis, community leaders are also stepping up to support efforts to combat the Marlians. Some have established neighborhood watch groups to deter the gang’s activities and to monitor and report suspicious activity. Others organize outreach programs targeting the young people most likely to be drawn into the gang’s ranks, offering them counseling, education, and livelihood opportunities.

The state secretary of Amalgamated Keke Napep Union, Abba Terrab, said the union officials had had an emergency meeting during which far-reaching decisions were taken to deal with the thieves masquerading as genuine tricycle riders. 

“We have resolved to work closely with BOTMA to see that culprits arrested, shamed, and prosecuted,” he said

As Maiduguri braces for the crackdown on the ruthless Marlians, its residents can only hope for a return to peace and safety. While the road ahead may be challenging, the collective will for change and the governor’s adamant stance offer hope amid the ongoing crisis.

The coming weeks will be a critical test of the government’s resolve and the community’s resilience. The city waits with bated breath to see if the governor’s action will stem the tide of violence and bring the Marlians to justice. Amidst the fear and uncertainty, the citizens of Maiduguri cling to a collective hope that the city they once knew, free from the grip of the Marlians, can be restored.