In four months, three Nigerian states have been plunged into violence, suffering 26 brutal attacks and 227 deaths at the hands of terrorists, according to an analysis carried out by HEADLINENEWS.
The killings took place in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, where Boko Haram insurgents and ISWAP fighters are active but Borno seems worst hit.
The Federal Government and security forces say terrorists operating in the axis have been degraded amid claims by local authorities that insecurity may be worsening there.
The reports analysed indicate that no fewer than six military formations may have been targeted by terrorists in the area and troops killed during the period under review (January to April 2025).
According to the reports, those killed include an Army Commander, a Captain and 22 soldiers. Also dead are two policemen and at least 36 insurgents.
Meanwhile, nearly 100 of the casualties are farmers and fishermen.
Some security analysts attributed the development to the redeployment of Super Tucano planes, attack helicopters and some fighter jets out of the Northeast to confront bandits in the Northwest while others claimed it was as a result of the porous borders of the area with neighbouring Lake Chad communities which allows infiltration of terrorists from Niger and Chad among others.
The resurgence of attacks has not only left hundreds killed and military formations wrecked, leading to the looting of arms and ammunition by the Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, the situation has also led to the destruction of property.
Among high profile Nigerians alarmed by the situation is the Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume whose Borno South District, according to him, is under renewed siege.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, who was also disturbed by the twist in insecurity in the Northeast, broke his silence on April 8, 2025, saying the renewed Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost on daily basis without confrontation signaled that the state was losing ground.
Zulum noted that his administration had been very supportive to the military in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorists, leading to a relative peace in the last three years, but lamented that the recent attacks and dislodgement of military formations in Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa local government area, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala local government area, and Izge in Gwoza local government area, among others, as well as the killing of civilians and security agencies called for serious concerns, even as he described the situation as a setback in Borno and the Northeast.
He spoke at a Special Expanded Security Meeting (ESM) attended by then-General Officer Commanding 7 Div, Major General Abubakar Haruna, Sector Commanders, state Commissioner of Police, heads of other security agencies, Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, Shehu of Bama, and Emirs of Biu, Uba, Askira and Gwoza.
Zulum commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their unwavering support in the fight against terrorists.
He noted that more efforts had to be put in place through equipping and deploying of technological warfare to the military to stem the tide of renewed attacks bedeviling parts of the Sahelian Borno which shares border with Chad, Niger and Cameroon.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reclaiming ungoverned areas, particularly forests from terrorists and other criminal elements in the country.
Tinubu said advanced surveillance and technology would be deployed to combat kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
The President made the promise while addressing elders and leaders of Katsina State at a state dinner held at the Government House on Friday night.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed details of Friday’s engagement in a statement he signed on Saturday.
The President reportedly said, “On the issue of security raised by former governor Aminu Bello Masari again this evening, I agree that security is a challenge for the country. I addressed the men and women of the armed forces earlier today and assured them that we will do everything to fight terrorism and banditry.
“We will invest more in technology and take over the forests. Security is a national issue, not just at the local or regional levels. If we genuinely need investment in Nigeria, we must address security.
“Investment is cowardly, and it will not go where there is banditry and terrorism. We will solve the problem together with the states and local councils.”
He highlighted encouraging signs of Nigeria’s economic recovery, attributing recent positive growth indicators to bold policy decisions.
The President said the Federal Government would consider upgrading the airport in Katsina State to create jobs and expand the economy.
Tinubu also assured that victims of terrorism would receive support to pick up their lives.
