By SUNTV Global Channel | December 18, 2025
A disturbing security report has raised fresh alarm over alleged killer herdsmen camps operating deep inside forested communities of Ezeagu Local Government Area in Enugu State, with civil society groups calling for immediate action by the Nigerian government and security agencies.
According to the report, obtained on Thursday, more than 20 suspected jihadist herdsmen camps have allegedly been discovered across several Ezeagu communities, including Imezi-Owa, Agu-obu-Owa, Olo, Mgbagbu-Owa and Oghe.
The findings were released by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), which said its investigative team uncovered the camps during recent field operations in the area.
“These areas are said to be the most affected,” Intersociety stated, warning that the camps are highly organised and strategically positioned within forests surrounding local communities.
Alleged Six-Layered Terror Structure
Intersociety alleged that the camps operate under a coordinated six-layer structure, with each unit reportedly led by a Fulani leader, referred to as an Alhaji, overseeing designated forest zones and herds of cattle.
“The dens of terror are found to be structurally divided into six layers, with each camp coordinated by an Alhaji who is also a member of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN),” the report claimed.
The organisation further alleged that the camps operate freely, with cattle roaming unchecked while communities suffer attacks, destruction of farmlands and loss of livelihoods.
Ajali River Axis Identified As Operational Hub
The report identified the Ajali River and its valley as the alleged operational headquarters of the camps, from where attacks are said to be coordinated across at least 14 Ezeagu communities.
“The Ajali River Valley has been transformed from a source of life into a zone of fear,” the group said.
Ajali River is historically known as one of the cleanest water sources in the South-East and supplies potable water to Enugu and Ebonyi States. It also once supported large-scale cassava farming and cashew production.
Intersociety lamented that farming settlements and markets that once thrived along the river have been devastated.
“The once-busy Eke-Abonuzu Imezi-Owa cassava market, the largest in Enugu State in the 1980s, has now become a shadow of itself due to sustained insecurity dating back to 2010,” the report added.
Camps Allegedly Located Near School
The organisation further alleged that the main headquarters of the camps is located in Agu-obu-Owa, close to Fatimah Secondary School, raising concerns about the safety of students and residents.
Among those named in the report is an individual identified as “Alhaji Sani,” described as the alleged overall coordinator of the camps and a resident of the Ninth Mile area of Enugu State.
Link To Previous Attacks
Intersociety linked the alleged camps to violent attacks across Enugu State, including assaults on communities and places of worship.
The group recalled a special report released on November 10, 2025, which documented attacks on 14 churches in Eha-Amufu communities, resulting in the deaths of over 117 parishioners.
It also cited a November 7, 2025 incident in which armed men reportedly opened fire on commercial vehicles along the Ezeagu axis, forcing passengers to flee before security operatives intervened.
Residents Demand Action
The allegations have heightened fear among residents, who are now calling on the federal and Enugu State governments, as well as security agencies, to urgently investigate the claims and secure affected communities.
Concerns remain particularly high following past attacks, including a July 2024 incident in which at least 10 people were reportedly killed and several houses burnt in Mgbagbu-Owa community.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Enugu State Government nor security agencies have officially responded to the allegations.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the situation unfolds.
