Borno: Boko Haram Kills 2 Soldiers, Civilians

Less than two weeks after Governor Babagana Zulum raised an alarm about losing grounds in the war against terrorism, suspected Boko Haram fighters on Thursday invaded the newly resettled Yamtake community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, killing two soldiers with an unspecified number of civilian casualties.

Military sources said the attackers, who also attacked the Yamtake Military formation, inflicted an undisclosed level of damage in the area before a reinforcement team could arrive from Gwoza.

Information gathered from both security and local sources indicated that the assailants actually took the people and the soldiers unawares as they stormed the communities around 11:15 pm on Thursday.

One of the sources, who said the situation of things could not easily be assessed, volunteered thus; “We are waiting for the reinforcement team to return, but we learnt that two of our men and other civilians were affected. I advise we wait until they return”.

Also speaking on the latest attack, Senator Ali Ndume, (APC), representing Borno South, disclosed being in touch with the people of Yamtake community since the incident happened.

According to him; “It is unfortunate that our people in Yamtake village came under deadly Boko Haram invasion last night (Thursday). It’s one of the communities that received its IDPs recently, they were resettled by Borno State Government.

“It is very sad that two soldiers paid the supreme price, while an unspecified number of innocent civilians were among the casualties. May their gentle souls rest in peace.

“But let me also commend Brigadier General Nasir Abdullahi, the Brigade Commander 26 Task Force and his gallant troops for their unwavering sacrifices and doggedness in repelling several attacks, especially those targeted at Gwoza town.

“I was reliably informed that the attackers after wreaking havoc in Yamtake made an attempt to infiltrate Gwoza town, but the troops played a gallant role to repel the attack.

“On several occasions, troops lay ambush in and around Gwoza town which helped in preventing terrorists who are making all efforts to dislodge Gwoza people living in the Council Headquarters.

“In the past one month, several communities in Borno South, North and Central Senatorial Districts witnessed deadly Boko Haram attacks without confrontation. The situation is worrisome.

“Let me therefore use this opportunity to advocate for the setting up of Armed Community Defence to complement the efforts of the military. This is because men of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters and vigilantes have been doing their best, but they have limitations, as they only carry den guns, sticks which they found it very difficult to confront the terrorists.

“More so, I want to reiterate my calls on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Military to deploy Technology, Equipment, Arms and Ammunition, Motivation (TEAAM), which is the only way to end the over decade Boko Haram atrocities in Borno, North East and other parts of the country”.

Available reports showed that on April 12, 2025, eight passengers of a commercial vehicle that drove on landmine planted by suspected Boko Haram killed eight (8) persons and injured over 17 others, along Damboa-Maiduguri Highway.

Earlier in the year, precisely on 24th January 2025, the Malam-Fatori Military base was attacked by Boko Haram insurgents who killed 22 soldiers, including a Commanding officer.

In the process, a lot of military assets were also destroyed by the terrorist group, even as their members carted away some of the military equipment.

Similarly on 24th March 2025, suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters attacked Wajiroko and Wulgo bases, killing at least four soldiers and causing damage to some critical military and public infrastructure. – With Daily Trust reports