25 Killed in Borno as Deadliest Islamist Attack Since US Christmas Airstrikes Rocks Nigeria
At least 25 people have been killed in a deadly attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on a town in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State, marking the deadliest reported Islamist assault since United States forces carried out airstrikes on Christmas Day.
Labourers Targeted in Borno Town
Akahi News gathered that the victims were labourers who had travelled to Sabon Gari town to work at a construction site when gunmen stormed the area on Thursday and opened fire. Relatives of the victims reportedly confirmed that the attackers arrived suddenly and shot indiscriminately, leaving dozens dead and injured.
The incident has sent shockwaves through local communities already traumatised by years of violence linked to Islamist insurgency in the region.
Lawmaker Reacts, Condemns Killings
Reacting to the attack, Ali Ndume, senator representing the affected region, described the incident as devastating. He said he was “shocked and saddened” by the killing of his constituents, stressing that innocent civilians continued to bear the brunt of insecurity in the North-East.
Soldiers, Civilian Task Force Also Hit
In a separate but related incident on the same day, fighters reportedly launched a pre-dawn assault on a military base elsewhere in Borno State. At least nine soldiers and two members of a civilian task force assisting the army were killed, while 16 others sustained injuries.
Akahi News learnt that the attackers overwhelmed the base during the early hours, highlighting the growing boldness of insurgent groups operating in the region.
Epicentre of a Prolonged Insurgency
Borno State remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s 17-year-old Islamist insurgency, driven mainly by Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). In recent months, the groups have intensified attacks on military convoys, rural communities, and strategic installations.
Observers note that despite sustained military operations, insurgents continue to exploit security gaps, especially in remote and semi-urban areas.
International Pressure on Nigeria
Nigeria is facing renewed international scrutiny over its security challenges, particularly following accusations by former US President Donald Trump last year that the country failed to adequately protect Christians. In response to rising concerns, US forces carried out airstrikes on December 25, which they described as targeting terrorist positions.
Nigerian authorities have maintained that they are cooperating closely with Washington and other international partners to strengthen counterterrorism efforts and restore stability.
A Grim Reminder
The latest killings serve as a grim reminder of the persistent security crisis in Nigeria’s North-East and the urgent need for a more effective and coordinated response to protect civilians and security personnel alike.
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