An officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Mala Babagana, has been killed in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, by members of a gang popularly known as the Marlians.
The incident was reported on Tuesday morning by a renowned Counter-Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama.
In a disturbing video shared by Makama, OsunDailyNG observed the said Marlian gang members savagely brutalizing and stabbing the security personnel, who was said to be part of the CRACK squad in Maiduguri.
This news platform understands that the daring criminal group is known and feared for their brazen attacks on innocent citizens in the Maiduguri metropolis and the environment.
They are said to specialize in snatching mobile phones and other personal belongings from unsuspecting folks who are viciously attacked, killed or severely injured if resisted. The impunity, brazen nature and in-your-face criminality of the gangsters often confound residents and victims.
However, it could not be confirmed as of reporting time what caused their raging attack on the police constable.
Makama reported that the latest incident occurred on July 23, near the 33 Artillery Military Brigade in Maiduguri.
In the video clip shared, Babagana was seen being brutally assaulted by the Marlians, who are more than ten in number. They repeatedly punched, stomped, clubbed, dragged and kicked him in the face while he struggled helplessly.
Some of the youths could be heard chanting, “Kill him, don’t leave him, you think you can come here and try us, don’t leave him, don’t leave him, take his gun”.
The youths kept chanting as they continued beating the policeman to the ground. In the process, one of the youths brought out a poisonous knife and stabbed him in the back and took his gun. Another youth was heard saying “Ka Manna mai” (shoot him). At that point, he struggled to run away but fell down due to the injuries. Again, the youths came back, slapping and kicking him in the face.
Three persons later appeared on the scene to disperse the youths after seizing the gun from them. The victim was later rushed to the hospital but passed away shortly due to loss of blood.
According to Makama, the Borno State Police Command has arrested five suspects, including a lady who appeared in the video associated with the murder, while the main suspected culprits were currently on the run.
See the video clip below:
Only two weeks ago, rival cult groups clashed in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, causing residents to scamper for safety.
OsunDailyNG learnt that the chaotic incident involved a popular crime group known as “Malian Boys’.
The criminal group is reportedly known for terrorizing residents and snatching their mobile phones and other belongings. Reports had it that the cult groups have caused the loss of several lives and severe injuries inflicted on innocent citizens in the state.
According to counter security analyst, Makama Zagazola, the latest encounter occurred on 10/07/2023 at about 12:15 pm when the criminal groups armed with machetes set fire to a shop and destroyed property at Maiduguri, Bolori 2, IVO behind Covid-19 Isolation Center.
The shop owner, a local hunter, reportedly fled while residents in the area were forced to scamper for safety.
The attack is said to be a reprisal against the shop owner, as the owner and a member of the criminal group reportedly fought around 00:00hrs on Monday morning. During an altercation, the shop owner allegedly stabbed and killed a member of the criminal group.
A few shops were reportedly burnt, and people were injured in the recent cult group clash.
