Boko Haram Attack Leaves Over 60 Dead in Nigeria’s Borno State

An overnight attack by Boko Haram militants has left more than 60 people dead in the village of Darul Jamal, located in Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno State. The militants stormed the community late Friday, killing soldiers, residents, and workers who had only recently returned after years of displacement.

Targeting Military and Civilians

According to local officials, the village was home to a military base near the Nigeria-Cameroon border. During the attack, at least five soldiers lost their lives. In addition, the jihadists targeted civilians, killing 13 drivers and labourers who had been engaged in reconstruction efforts to rebuild the battered community. The attackers destroyed over 20 houses and 10 buses, leaving behind devastation that set back resettlement progress.

Swift Air Force Response

In response to the massacre, the Nigerian Air Force launched immediate counterstrikes. Air Force spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame explained that surveillance systems detected militants fleeing northwards into nearby bushes after the raid. “In a series of three precise and successive strikes, the fleeing terrorists were decisively engaged, resulting in the neutralisation of over 30 insurgents,” he confirmed.

Rising Jihadist Activity in the Region

The incident is the latest in a surge of jihadist violence in Nigeria’s north-east. Both Boko Haram and its rival faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have stepped up attacks in recent months, targeting military positions and vulnerable communities. Analysts say the resurgence of such violence reflects both groups’ efforts to re-establish control in areas previously reclaimed by the military.

Governor Zulum’s Reaction

On Saturday, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum visited the stricken community. Expressing deep sorrow, he told reporters, “It’s very sad, this community was resettled some months ago and they went about their normal business.” Zulum highlighted the strain on Nigeria’s security forces, stating that the numerical strength of the army was insufficient to contain the crisis. He added that a newly established regional force known as the Forest Guards would soon work alongside the military to bolster local security.

A Community Under Siege

Darul Jamal is symbolic of the challenges faced by returning communities across Borno. Residents who had been displaced by more than a decade of conflict began to resettle only months ago, encouraged by improved security. However, Friday’s attack has again thrown their safety into question, raising fears of renewed displacement and trauma for families seeking normalcy.

Intensified Military Campaigns

The Nigerian military has ramped up its operations in the north-east this year, after repeated attacks on its bases and installations. Despite these efforts, insurgents continue to exploit rural vulnerabilities. Security experts argue that while air strikes deliver quick results, a lack of ground troops in remote areas undermines long-term stability.

Boko Haram’s Long War

Borno State has been the epicentre of Boko Haram’s 15-year insurgency. Since the militant group launched its violent campaign in 2009, more than 40,000 people have been killed and over two million forced from their homes. At its peak in 2015, Boko Haram controlled large territories in Borno before being pushed back by Nigerian forces and their allies. However, the withdrawal of Niger from a multinational task force has complicated efforts to maintain control and weaken the insurgents.

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Infamous Past and Lingering Threat

Boko Haram first gained global attention in April 2014 when its fighters kidnapped over 270 schoolgirls from Chibok, also in Borno State. Despite international condemnation and campaigns for their release, many of those girls remain missing. The group’s ability to launch deadly raids like the one on Darul Jamal demonstrates its continued threat to peace and security in the Lake Chad Basin.

Calls for Stronger Security Measures

Governor Zulum’s remarks underline a pressing need for stronger military presence and regional cooperation. As communities attempt to rebuild, the persistence of Boko Haram attacks jeopardises humanitarian progress and threatens the stability of the region. The tragedy in Darul Jamal highlights both the resilience of the militants and the ongoing struggles of civilians caught in the crossfire.

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