Between January 7 and 13, 2025, the Nigerian Army executed a series of coordinated operations across Borno State, resulting in the elimination of 76 Islamic militants. The operations also led to the arrest of 72 suspects and the rescue of eight hostages. While the specific affiliations of the militants were not disclosed, Borno State has been a longstanding stronghold for both Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
These military actions come in the wake of a devastating attack on January 4, 2025, when suspected Boko Haram militants killed at least 40 farmers in Borno State. The insurgency, which began in 2009, has claimed approximately 35,000 civilian lives and displaced over 2 million people in the northeastern region.
In a related development, on January 4, 2025, militants from ISWAP launched an attack on a Nigerian Army base in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. The assailants set fire to several buildings and military vehicles during the two-hour assault. While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, reports indicate that at least seven soldiers were killed, with many others still missing.
In response to these escalating threats, President Bola Tinubu has urged the military to proactively target the camps of bandits and terrorists, particularly in the Northwest, to safeguard the lives and homes of innocent villagers. He emphasized the importance of taking the battle directly to the insurgents’ strongholds.
The Nigerian Army remains committed to its mission of eradicating terrorism and restoring peace to the affected regions. The recent operations underscore the military’s dedication to neutralizing extremist elements and rescuing hostages, thereby contributing to the broader efforts to combat insurgency in Nigeria.
