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Tag: Boko Haram insurgency

  • Nigeria’s ₦32.8 Trillion Defence Spending in 15 Years: Persistent Insecurity Raises Accountability and Efficiency Concerns!

    Nigeria’s ₦32.8 Trillion Defence Spending in 15 Years: Persistent Insecurity Raises Accountability and Efficiency Concerns!

    Reported by Mustapha Omolabake Omowumi (Journalist) |Sele Media Africa

    Nigeria has expended an estimated ₦32.8 trillion on defence over the past 15 years, yet the country continues to grapple with widespread insecurity — ranging from insurgency in the northeast to banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence across several regions. This stark contrast between massive financial commitments and enduring security challenges has intensified national debate over defence spending efficiency, transparency, and strategic outcomes.

    Data compiled from budgetary allocations and government expenditure reports indicate a steady rise in Nigeria’s defence budgets since the late 2000s, coinciding with the escalation of the Boko Haram insurgency and the subsequent expansion of military operations nationwide. Despite these sustained investments, security threats have evolved in complexity, spreading beyond the northeast into the northwest, north-central, and parts of the southern regions.

    According to analysts, Nigeria’s security architecture has been under significant strain, with multiple theatres of conflict stretching military and paramilitary resources. While the armed forces have recorded tactical successes including reclaiming territories previously held by insurgents the persistence of asymmetric warfare, porous borders, and internal logistical challenges continues to undermine long-term stability.

    Rising Costs, Expanding Threats
    Over the years, defence allocations have covered personnel costs, procurement of military hardware, intelligence operations, and joint task force deployments. However, critics argue that increased spending has not translated into proportional improvements in security outcomes.

    Experts point to the diversification of threats including banditry in the northwest, farmer-herder conflicts in the north-central region, and kidnapping-for-ransom across the country as evidence that Nigeria’s security challenges are no longer confined to a single front. The emergence of these threats has required a broader, more coordinated response involving the military, police, and intelligence agencies.

    Security analyst reports frequently highlight gaps in intelligence coordination, inadequate equipment maintenance, and delays in procurement processes as factors limiting operational effectiveness. Additionally, concerns over alleged corruption and mismanagement within defence institutions have further complicated efforts to maximize the impact of available resources.

    Calls for Transparency and Reform
    The scale of defence expenditure has prompted increasing calls for greater transparency and accountability in how funds are allocated and utilized. Civil society organizations and policy experts have urged the government to strengthen oversight mechanisms, improve procurement processes, and ensure that funds are directed toward measurable security outcomes.

    There is also a growing consensus that military spending alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s complex security challenges. Analysts emphasize the importance of addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, weak governance, and social inequality, which often create fertile ground for criminal networks and insurgent recruitment.

    Furthermore, experts advocate for enhanced investment in intelligence gathering, community policing, and technology-driven security solutions. Strengthening collaboration between federal and state authorities, as well as regional partnerships across West Africa, is also seen as critical in tackling cross-border threats.

    Government Position and Ongoing Efforts
    Successive administrations have defended increased defence spending as necessary to confront evolving threats and safeguard national sovereignty. Government officials often cite ongoing military operations, acquisition of new equipment, and international security partnerships as evidence of efforts to improve security capacity.

    In recent years, authorities have also introduced initiatives aimed at reforming the security sector, including efforts to boost troop welfare, enhance training, and modernize operational strategies. However, the impact of these measures remains a subject of public scrutiny, particularly in light of continued attacks and rising insecurity in some regions.

    Balancing Security Spending with Outcomes
    The disconnect between Nigeria’s substantial defence expenditure and persistent insecurity underscores a broader challenge: ensuring that financial investments translate into tangible improvements in safety and stability. For many citizens, the continued prevalence of violence raises fundamental questions about governance, institutional efficiency, and national priorities.

    As Nigeria navigates its complex security landscape, experts agree that a multi-dimensional approach combining military strength with socio-economic development, institutional reform, and community engagement will be essential in achieving lasting peace.

    Conclusion
    Nigeria’s ₦32.8 trillion defence spending over 15 years represents one of the largest public investments in national security in Africa. Yet, the persistence of insecurity highlights the urgent need for strategic recalibration, stronger accountability frameworks, and a more holistic approach to conflict resolution. As policymakers, security agencies, and civil society actors continue to assess the path forward, the focus remains on ensuring that future investments deliver meaningful and sustainable security outcomes for all Nigerians.

    Sources:
    Punch Nigeria
    Reports on Nigeria’s defence spending and insecurity trends

    Premium Times Nigeria Analysis of Nigeria’s defence budgets and security challenges

    Vanguard Nigeria Coverage of military expenditure and national security concerns

  • Maiduguri Bombings: Coordinated Blasts Kill 23, Injure Over 100 in Renewed Northeast Nigeria Violence!

    Maiduguri Bombings: Coordinated Blasts Kill 23, Injure Over 100 in Renewed Northeast Nigeria Violence!

    Reported by Marian opeyemi fasesan, Editor-in-chief | Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    At least 23 people have been confirmed dead and 108 others injured following a series of coordinated bomb explosions that struck Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Monday evening, March 16, 2026. The attacks mark one of the deadliest incidents in the region in recent months, underscoring persistent security vulnerabilities in northeastern Nigeria.

    The explosions reportedly occurred around 7:24 p.m. at multiple densely populated locations, including the bustling Maiduguri Monday Market, the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover. These sites are typically crowded during evening hours, amplifying the scale of casualties and chaos.

    Preliminary findings by security agencies indicate that suspected suicide bombers orchestrated the attacks in a coordinated manner, targeting civilian تجمعات to maximize impact. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of panic, with residents fleeing for safety amid thick smoke and the sound of successive blasts.

    Emergency responders, including personnel from the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Armed Forces, were swiftly deployed to the affected areas. Victims were evacuated to nearby medical facilities, where overstretched health workers battled to treat the influx of injured persons. Authorities have since cordoned off the affected zones while investigations continue.

    Reacting to the tragedy, Babagana Umara Zulum strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as “utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane.” He extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that the state government, in collaboration with federal security agencies, is intensifying efforts to apprehend those responsible.

    Governor Zulum also urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces by reporting suspicious movements or activities. “The safety of our communities depends on collective responsibility,” he emphasized, reinforcing the need for community-based intelligence gathering in combating insurgency.

    While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attacks, analysts point to the long-standing presence of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and its splinter factions, which have historically targeted civilian populations, markets, and public infrastructure in the region. The insurgency, which began over a decade ago, has led to thousands of deaths and displaced millions, making it one of Africa’s most protracted security crises.

    The latest bombings come amid ongoing military offensives aimed at degrading insurgent capabilities across the Lake Chad Basin. Despite reported gains by security forces, Monday’s incident highlights the adaptive tactics of militant groups, including the use of suicide bombers and coordinated urban attacks.

    International and domestic media outlets, including Reuters, BBC News, and Al Jazeera, have reported on similar patterns of attacks in northeastern Nigeria, often emphasizing the cyclical nature of violence in the region and the challenges facing counterinsurgency operations.

    Security experts warn that without sustained investment in intelligence, community engagement, and post-conflict reconstruction, such attacks may continue to threaten fragile stability in the region. For residents of Maiduguri, the latest tragedy is a painful reminder of the enduring human cost of insurgency.

    As investigations progress, authorities have reiterated their commitment to restoring order and preventing further attacks. However, for many families affected by the bombings, the path to recovery will be long and fraught with grief.

    Sources: Reuters, BBC News, Al Jazeera, Channels Television, The Guardian Nigeria

  • Deadly Bomb Explosions Rock Key Civilian and Medical Zones After Failed Insurgent Assault!

    Deadly Bomb Explosions Rock Key Civilian and Medical Zones After Failed Insurgent Assault!

    Reported by Mustapha Omolabake Omowumi (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa

    Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria’s conflict-ravaged Borno State, has once again been thrust into the spotlight following a series of deadly bomb explosions that struck critical civilian and medical locations on Monday, intensifying concerns over the resilience and evolving tactics of insurgent groups operating in the region.

    According to preliminary reports, the explosions occurred around the bustling Monday Market area one of the city’s largest commercial hubs and near a security post at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The attacks came shortly after Nigerian security forces reportedly repelled coordinated insurgent offensives targeting strategic points within and around the city.

    While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed at the time of reporting, multiple sources indicate that several individuals are feared dead, with many others sustaining varying degrees of injuries. Emergency responders, including local security operatives and medical personnel, were seen evacuating victims from the blast sites amid heightened tension and confusion.

    Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of chaos and panic as the explosions ripped through densely populated areas. Traders and residents at Monday Market reportedly fled in all directions as the blasts echoed across the city, while hospital staff and patients at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital were thrown into a state of alarm following the detonation near the facility’s security perimeter.

    Security analysts suggest that the timing and locations of the explosions point to a retaliatory strategy by insurgent elements, possibly linked to Boko Haram or its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These groups have historically targeted soft civilian locations and symbolic institutions, particularly after suffering operational setbacks at the hands of military forces.

    Military sources have indicated that Nigerian troops successfully repelled earlier attempts by insurgents to infiltrate parts of Maiduguri, forcing the attackers to retreat. However, the subsequent bombings underscore the persistent threat posed by asymmetric warfare tactics, including the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to inflict damage and instill fear among civilian populations.

    The Borno State government has yet to release an official casualty figure, but authorities have urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, assuring the public that security agencies are actively working to stabilize the situation and prevent further attacks. Additional deployments of security personnel have reportedly been made to key locations across the city, including markets, hospitals, and major roadways.

    This latest incident highlights the enduring security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, despite years of sustained military operations against insurgent groups. Maiduguri, once considered the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency, has experienced relative calm in recent years compared to the peak of the conflict. However, sporadic attacks such as this serve as a stark reminder that the threat is far from eliminated.

    Humanitarian concerns are also mounting, particularly given the proximity of the explosions to a major medical facility. The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital plays a critical role in providing healthcare services not only to residents of Borno State but also to internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the ongoing conflict. Any disruption to its operations could have far-reaching implications for an already strained healthcare system.

    Regional and international observers continue to call for a comprehensive approach to addressing the insurgency, emphasizing the need for sustained military pressure, intelligence-driven operations, and socio-economic interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of extremism.

    As investigations into the explosions continue, authorities are expected to provide further clarity on the scale of the attack, the identities of those responsible, and the measures being implemented to prevent future incidents. For now, residents of Maiduguri remain on edge, grappling with the aftermath of yet another violent episode in a region long defined by resilience in the face of adversity.

    Sources: Reuters, BBC News, Al Jazeera, Channels Television, Premium Times

  • FG, United Nations Deepen Partnership to Strengthen Nigeria’s Defenses Against Terrorist IED Threat!

    FG, United Nations Deepen Partnership to Strengthen Nigeria’s Defenses Against Terrorist IED Threat!

    Reported by Musa Antiketu (Journalist) | Sele Media

    Africa The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations, is intensifying efforts to strengthen the country’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to the growing threat posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used by terrorist groups.Security officials say the initiative focuses on advanced training, intelligence sharing frameworks, and enhanced technical capabilities for Nigerian security agencies confronting insurgency and asymmetric warfare, particularly in the country’s northern regions.Expanding Counter IED Capacity .The collaboration is being implemented through support from the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism and the United Nations Mine Action Service, which are working with Nigerian authorities to strengthen national counter IED strategies.According to Nigerian security officials, the programme aims to equip frontline personnel with specialized training in identifying explosive devices, neutralizing threats, and conducting forensic analysis after incidents. The initiative also seeks to improve coordination among military units, law enforcement agencies, and emergency responders.IEDs have been widely used by extremist groups operating in the region, including the insurgent group Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province. The devices have targeted civilian populations, military convoys, and public infrastructure, contributing significantly to casualties during the insurgency in northeastern Nigeria.Strategic Importance for National Security Analysts say strengthening Nigeria’s counter IED capacity is crucial to mitigating the evolving tactics of terrorist groups. Explosive devices remain among the most lethal tools used by insurgents across the Lake Chad Basin region, affecting not only Nigeria but neighboring countries as well.Through the partnership with the United Nations, Nigerian authorities are also working to integrate international best practices into national security operations, including improved incident reporting systems, bomb disposal procedures, and community based awareness programmes designed to reduce civilian exposure to explosive threats.Officials emphasize that the initiative complements broader regional counter terrorism efforts involving countries in the Lake Chad Basin, where coordinated security operations continue against extremist networks.Building Long-Term Security Resilience Security experts note that addressing the IED challenge requires sustained investment in technology, intelligence coordination, and professional training. The new programme is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against evolving terrorist tactics while improving the safety of both security personnel and civilians.The partnership underscores the United Nations’ continued support for Nigeria’s counter terrorism framework as the country works to stabilize conflict affected areas and enhance long term security across the region.

    Sources Reports from Reuters, Premium Times, The Guardian Nigeria, Vanguard, and Channels Television.

  • Army Officials Attend Burial as Nigerian Troops Mourn Fallen Soldiers in Northeast Operation!

    Army Officials Attend Burial as Nigerian Troops Mourn Fallen Soldiers in Northeast Operation!

    Reported by Marian opeyemi fasesan Editor -in- chief | Sele Media Africa

    Senior military officials joined grieving families and colleagues as Nigerian troops paid their final respects to soldiers killed during counter-insurgency operations in the country’s northeast, underscoring the ongoing sacrifices made in the fight against extremist groups.

    In a statement released to the media, the army spokesperson in the region, Sani Uba, confirmed that the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Abdulsalam Abubakar, personally attended the burial ceremony of the fallen troops.

    According to the statement, the presence of the theatre commander highlighted the Nigerian Army’s commitment to honoring soldiers who lost their lives while defending the country against insurgent threats in the northeast.

    Operation Hadin Kai is the Nigerian military’s ongoing counter-terrorism campaign targeting extremist groups operating in the region, particularly factions linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. The operation spans several states in northeastern Nigeria, including Borno State, Yobe State, and Adamawa State, where security forces continue to conduct offensives against insurgent strongholds.

    Military authorities said the ceremony served both as a solemn tribute to the fallen soldiers and a reminder of the ongoing efforts by the armed forces to restore lasting security to communities affected by insurgency.

    Nigeria has battled insurgency in the northeast for more than a decade, with thousands of civilians and security personnel killed and millions displaced. Despite sustained military campaigns and regional cooperation, attacks by armed groups still occur sporadically across the Lake Chad basin.

    Security analysts say public recognition of fallen troops remains a critical morale-boosting measure for soldiers deployed in some of the country’s most volatile operational environments.

    Sources

    Reuters
    BBC News
    Al Jazeera
    The Cable
    Premium Times

  • Escalating Violence in Nigeria: Over 48 Killed in Benue and Borno as Armed Militants Intensify Attacks

    Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, (Managing Editor) investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    A fresh wave of deadly violence across Nigeria’s Middle Belt and Northeast has left at least 48 people dead, deepening fears over the country’s deteriorating security landscape and the growing reach of armed militant groups. In separate incidents reported in Benue State and Borno State, civilians, traders, and security personnel were killed in coordinated attacks that unfolded over several days but dominated the national news cycle on March 5 following confirmation of casualty figures and the release of disturbing images from affected communities. Deadly attacks in Benue’s Kwande area authorities confirmed that at least 30 people were killed in attacks targeting communities in Kwande Local Government Area, an area that has increasingly become a flashpoint of violent clashes involving armed groups. According to local officials and security sources, 13 traders were killed in Anwase Village when gunmen attacked a trading hub, opening fire on residents and traders.In a separate but related assault, 17 people—including a police officer—were killed in Mbaikyor after militants stormed the community. Survivors reported homes being burned and residents fleeing into nearby forests to escape the violence. Images emerging from Woro showed rows of homes reduced to ashes, highlighting the scale of destruction left in the wake of the attacks. Local leaders say the assaults occurred over several days, but the confirmation of casualties and visual evidence circulating on March 5 drew nationwide attention to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the region. Security analysts note that Benue State, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has long faced recurring violence linked to disputes over land, farming routes, and the activities of heavily armed militant groups. Jihadist Raid in Borno near Cameroon border meanwhile, in northeastern Nigeria, a separate attack attributed to jihadist militants struck a military facility and nearby civilian settlement in Borno State, close to the border with Cameroon.Security sources reported that at least 18 people were killed during the raid. The victims included seven Nigerian soldiers stationed at the base and 11 civilians living in the surrounding community. The attack underscores the continuing threat posed by extremist groups operating in the Lake Chad Basin, where insurgent factions have maintained an active presence despite years of military operations. Regional security officials say the militants launched the assault in a coordinated strike aimed at both military and civilian targets. Mass Abduction Reported in Ngoshe in another alarming development, local sources reported that militants abducted more than 300 people—including women and children—from the town of Ngoshe. While authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of abductees, community leaders say the mass kidnapping has triggered widespread panic among residents, many of whom have fled to neighboring towns seeking safety. Borno State remains the epicenter of Nigeria’s long-running insurgency involving extremist groups such as Boko Haram and its splinter faction Islamic State West Africa Province. Renewed security concerns the latest attacks highlight persistent security challenges facing Africa’s most populous nation. Despite repeated military campaigns and regional cooperation initiatives, armed groups continue to stage deadly raids on rural communities and security installations.Humanitarian organizations warn that the violence is worsening displacement across northern Nigeria, with thousands of civilians forced to abandon their homes. Analysts say the combination of insurgency in the northeast and communal violence in the Middle Belt underscores the complex security dynamics confronting Nigeria.Sources reports and confirmations referenced by major international and regional media outlets including Reuters; BBC News; Al Jazeera; Associated Press; and Premium Times.

  • Mass Abduction and Killings Rock Borno: Over 300 Residents Reportedly Taken After Deadly Raid on Ngoshe Community

    Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    A violent raid on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State has left dozens feared dead and more than 300 residents reportedly abducted, according to local authorities and survivors, in one of the most alarming attacks in Nigeria’s northeast in recent months. Preliminary reports indicate that heavily armed fighters stormed the rural town late Tuesday night, first targeting a military position before moving into residential areas where they carried out killings, looted property, and abducted civilians. Eyewitnesses and community leaders say the attackers operated for several hours, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes and settlements for safety. Naija News +1 Local officials and security sources confirmed that several civilians, community leaders, and security personnel were killed during the assault. Among those reportedly killed was the Chief Imam of the town, while multiple soldiers stationed at the military base were also said to have died during the confrontation. Businessday NG +1 The district secretary of Ngoshe, Shuaibu Dabawa, described the scale of the abduction as unprecedented, alleging that more than 300 residents were taken away by the attackers during the raid. Many survivors fled into surrounding areas overnight, leaving behind elderly residents and bodies that had yet to be recovered at the time of reporting. Punch Newspapers security authorities have not yet officially confirmed the full number of abductees or fatalities. However, early reports from local police and military sources indicate that several people remain missing and may have been forced toward the Mandara Mountains near the Nigeria–Cameroon border, a region historically used as a hideout by insurgent groups. Naija News although no group has formally issued a verified public claim of responsibility, security analysts and regional officials believe the attack bears the hallmarks of insurgent factions linked to Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have intensified assaults on communities and military positions across northeastern Nigeria in recent years. Times LIVE in response to the raid, the Nigerian military reportedly launched follow-up operations, including air surveillance and strikes targeting fleeing fighters along escape routes around the Ngoshe–Pulka corridor. Military sources say several militants may have been neutralized during these operations, though official figures remain unconfirmed. Nigerian News today the attack has triggered renewed concerns about the security of communities that have recently been resettled after years of displacement caused by insurgency in Borno State. Ngoshe, located near the Mandara mountain range, had been gradually repopulated as part of efforts to restore civilian life in areas previously affected by conflict.Humanitarian groups and community leaders are now calling for urgent rescue efforts for abducted residents and increased military protection for vulnerable communities across southern Borno.As search and rescue operations continue, many families remain uncertain about the fate of their loved ones, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria’s northeast despite ongoing counterinsurgency campaigns. Sources: Daily Trust; Vanguard; The Punch; Reuters (via TimesLIVE); Business Day Nigeria; Naija News.

  • Ribadu Under Fire: Nigeria’s Security Chief Faces Mounting Scrutiny Over Alleged Terror Negotiations

    Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, is facing growing criticism from political opponents, civil society groups, and sections of the public over allegations that the federal government engaged in negotiations with armed groups responsible for kidnappings and terror attacks. The controversy intensified after reports surfaced claiming that the Nigerian government may have paid ransom to secure the release of more than 260 students abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State in November 2025. According to investigations cited by international media, the alleged payment could have reached millions of dollars, though Nigerian authorities have firmly denied the claim. Truth Nigeria +1 Allegations of ransom negotiations the allegations were widely circulated after an investigative report referenced by global wire services suggested that intermediaries working with security officials negotiated with militants to secure the students’ release. Critics argue that any such payment would contradict Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws, which prohibit ransom payments or negotiations with terrorist groups under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. allAfrica.com opposition parties and some security analysts have therefore called for greater transparency around the operation. They argue that if negotiations occurred, the government must explain the legal and operational framework behind the decision.The federal government, however, has rejected the accusations. Officials in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu insist that no ransom was paid and describe the allegations as misleading and politically motivated. Punch Newspapers viral remarks add fuel to debate public debate intensified after a video circulated online showing Ribadu speaking to journalists in Hausa. In the footage, the security adviser described militants as “our brothers,” suggesting that many insurgents come from the same communities as their victims. While some observers interpreted the remarks as an appeal for reconciliation and deradicalisation, critics argue the language appeared overly conciliatory toward groups responsible for deadly attacks across northern Nigeria. The comments triggered a wave of reactions across political and media platforms, with some analysts questioning whether the government’s counter-terrorism strategy is shifting toward dialogue with armed groups. Truth Nigeria a complex counter-terrorism landscape Nigeria continues to face multiple security threats, including insurgency from extremist factions linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as widespread banditry and kidnapping networks operating across several northern states. Supporters of Ribadu argue that negotiations—whether direct or indirect—have historically been used by governments worldwide in hostage situations. Some security experts note that engagement with militants can be part of broader strategies involving deradicalisation, intelligence gathering, and humanitarian rescue operations. Others warn that even perceived concessions to armed groups risk emboldening criminal networks and undermining deterrence. Political and security implications the controversy has placed Ribadu, a former anti-corruption chief and now Nigeria’s top security adviser, under renewed public scrutiny as the government attempts to stabilise regions affected by insurgency and banditry. Wikipedia despite the criticism, supporters argue that Nigeria’s security forces have recorded operational gains against insurgent groups in recent years and urge the public to focus on long-term security outcomes rather than political narratives surrounding individual incidents. Premium Times Nigeria for now, the debate underscores the difficult balance between saving lives during hostage crises and maintaining a strict policy against negotiating with violent non-state actors. Sources: AFP (via international wire reports), Punch Nigeria; Premium Times; AllAfrica; TruthNigeria.

  • Borno Terror Attack: Survivors in Ngoshe Raise Alarm Over Abandoned Elderly and Bodies After Boko Haram Mass Abductions

    Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    Residents and survivors of a recent insurgent attack in Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area, have raised urgent concerns over elderly villagers and bodies reportedly left behind following a large-scale assault by fighters linked to Boko Haram. According to community members who fled the attack, dozens of vulnerable residents—mostly elderly individuals unable to escape—were abandoned in the aftermath of the raid, while several bodies reportedly remained unburied in the affected areas. Survivors say the militants also abducted hundreds of villagers during the assault, further deepening fears about the fate of those taken into captivity. The attack targeted Ngoshe, a rural community located near the border with Cameroon, an area that has experienced repeated insurgent incursions over the past decade due to its proximity to forested terrain used by militant groups. Residents who escaped the violence told local authorities and humanitarian workers that the attackers stormed the village in large numbers, forcing many people to flee into nearby hills and surrounding communities. Witness accounts indicate that while younger residents were able to escape the assault, elderly villagers and individuals with mobility challenges were left behind as families fled for safety. Survivors say returning to retrieve them has been difficult due to persistent security risks and fear of further attacks. Local leaders and humanitarian sources have called for urgent intervention from the Nigerian Armed Forces and emergency agencies to secure the area and assist with recovery efforts, including the evacuation of vulnerable residents and the burial of those killed during the attack. The insurgency in northeastern Nigeria, driven primarily by Boko Haram and its splinter factions, has persisted for more than a decade, displacing millions and causing widespread humanitarian challenges across Borno State and neighboring regions. Communities in the Lake Chad Basin continue to face periodic attacks, abductions, and destruction of property despite ongoing military operations. Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that civilians in remote areas remain highly vulnerable due to limited security presence, difficult terrain, and ongoing militant activity. Authorities have yet to release a full casualty count from the Ngoshe attack, and efforts to verify the number of abducted residents are ongoing. Security analysts note that mass abductions remain a tactic used by insurgent groups to recruit fighters, extract ransom, and destabilize communities across the region. Residents who fled the attack are now calling for urgent humanitarian assistance, including medical support, food supplies, and the safe return of abducted family members. Sources: Reports and information referenced by widely recognized media outlets including Reuters; BBC News; Al Jazeera; and The Guardian.

  • Nigeria Army Chief Orders Special Forces to Intensify Intelligence-Led Offensive Against Terrorist Networks

    Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed the Nigerian Army’s special operations units to escalate coordinated offensives against terrorist groups across the country, underscoring the need for precision, intelligence-driven strikes, and strict adherence to professional military conduct. The directive comes amid ongoing security operations in Nigeria’s North-East and North-West regions, where armed insurgent groups—including factions linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province—continue to launch attacks on military formations and civilian communities. Precision, intelligence and civilian protection according to statements from the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff emphasized the deployment of special forces in high-risk theatres to dismantle terrorist enclaves, disrupt supply routes, and neutralize key insurgent leaders. He reiterated the importance of actionable intelligence, inter-agency coordination, and the protection of civilian populations during combat operations. Security analysts note that Nigeria’s counterinsurgency strategy has increasingly shifted toward targeted raids, air-ground coordination, and surveillance-backed missions aimed at reducing collateral damage while maintaining operational momentum. Sustained Counterterrorism pressure Nigeria has battled insurgency for over a decade, with the conflict centered primarily in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. Military offensives in recent years have forced insurgents from major urban centers into forested and border regions, though sporadic attacks and ambushes persist. The renewed push by the Army leadership signals a continuation of sustained counterterrorism operations under broader national security reforms. It also reflects ongoing efforts to restore stability, protect critical infrastructure, and enable the safe return of displaced communities. Regional and continental implications Nigeria’s security landscape has significant implications for West Africa, particularly within the Lake Chad Basin, where cross-border insurgent activity has challenged regional stability. Multinational cooperation, including intelligence-sharing and joint task force operations among neighboring countries, remains central to curbing extremist expansion. International media outlets including Reuters, BBC News, and Al Jazeera have consistently reported on Nigeria’s evolving counterterrorism operations, highlighting both military gains and persistent security challenges. Balancing force and accountability human rights organizations have repeatedly called for transparency and accountability in counterinsurgency campaigns. In response, Nigerian military authorities maintain that operational directives stress discipline, lawful engagement, and respect for international humanitarian standards. As the Nigerian Army intensifies its offensive posture, the coming months will test the durability of recent security gains and the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in weakening terrorist command structures. Sources: Reuters; BBC News; Al Jazeera; Nigerian Army official statements.