Suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters ambushed a Nigerian Army convoy late Friday in Borno State, killing multiple soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in a coordinated nighttime assault that has intensified fears over escalating extremist violence in the region.
The attackers, described as heavily armed and highly organized, struck the convoy in what security officials say appears to be a meticulously planned operation. In a development considered unprecedented in Nigeria’s long fight against insurgency, the militants reportedly abducted a serving Brigade Commander along with several other military personnel. If confirmed, it would mark the first time an extremist faction has successfully captured a serving General directly from the frontline in Nigeria’s northeast.
HumAngle reported that ISWAP fighters “ambushed a Nigerian military convoy, killing several soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). In an unprecedented escalation, the insurgents abducted a Brigade Commander alongside other troops.” The Nigerian Army has not yet issued an official statement on the ambush or confirmed the status of the abducted officer.
The attack comes amid renewed concerns about deteriorating security conditions across Borno State. SaharaReporters earlier noted that Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South under the All Progressives Congress, condemned the surge in extremist attacks across his constituency, calling the situation “deeply worrisome” and unacceptable.
Ndume said four farmers were killed by Boko Haram insurgents while harvesting crops in Kwam village near the Dille community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area. He described the killings as part of a pattern of escalating violence in rural communities that remain vulnerable despite years of military operations.
“These attacks led to the killing of four farmers while harvesting their crops in Kwam village, near Dille community of Askira-Uba local government area,” Ndume said, adding that the latest killings are not isolated incidents. He noted that insurgents also set ablaze a church and other buildings in Pemi last week, while reports on Wednesday indicated another Boko Haram incursion in Shikarkir in Chibok Local Government Area.
The lawmaker criticized the security architecture in remote settlements, saying the lack of a sustained military presence has emboldened insurgents to strike repeatedly without resistance.
As the military works to verify the ambush and the reported abduction of the Brigade Commander, residents and officials across Borno continue to call for urgent reinforcement and a more consistent security response to protect vulnerable communities.
Credit: Sahara Reporters
