Boko Haram Attack in Borno Leaves Eight Dead, Soldiers Rescue Hostages in Sokoto

A tale of contrasting fortunes has emerged from Nigeria’s northern region, with a deadly attack by Boko Haram in Borno State coinciding with a successful military rescue operation in Sokoto State. The incidents highlight the persistent, yet distinct, security challenges facing the country’s North-East and North-West.

In the North-East, the reign of terror by Boko Haram continues. The attacks, which reportedly occurred over the weekend, left eight civilians dead in two separate incidents in Borno State. According to a statement by Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, five farmers were brutally murdered while working on their farmlands in the Ngoshe community of Gwoza Local Government Area. In a separate attack, three villagers were killed in their homes in Mussa, a community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area. Ndume condemned the killings as “senseless” and vowed to work with security agencies to prevent further attacks on his constituents.

Meanwhile, in a major victory for the military, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully rescued nine kidnapped victims in Sokoto State. According to a statement by the operation’s Media Information Officer, Captain David Adewusi, the rescue mission was carried out on Sunday night following credible intelligence. The troops ambushed a group of terrorists moving along the Isa–Shinkafi–Kaura Namoda Road, which links Sokoto and Zamfara States.

Captain Adewusi stated that the terrorists attempted to use their captives, who were abducted from Garin Bature village, as human shields. “The troops responded methodically and decisively, neutralizing a handful of terrorists while many others fled with gunshot wounds,” he said. The rescued victims, which included three adult females and six children, were evacuated to a hospital in Shinkafi for medical attention before being handed over to local government officials. Recovered items from the ambush site included an AK-47 rifle, a motorcycle, and ammunition. The military has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations until terrorism and banditry are eliminated from the region.