Quote from Alex bobby on September 7, 2025, 7:11 AM

Boko Haram Kills at Least 60 in Overnight Attack on Nigerian Village

The jihadist group Boko Haram has claimed at least 60 lives in an overnight assault on the village of Darul Jamal, located in Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno State, local officials report. The attack, which occurred on Friday night, marks a deadly escalation in insurgent activity in a region long plagued by extremist violence.

Darul Jamal, situated near the Nigeria-Cameroon border, is home to a small military base and has been the focus of recent resettlement efforts for residents displaced by years of conflict. The overnight raid not only claimed the lives of civilians but also resulted in the deaths of at least five soldiers, highlighting the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram to both local populations and security forces.

A Village Under Siege

Reports indicate that more than 20 houses and 10 buses were destroyed in the attack, leaving the village scarred. Among the dead were at least 13 drivers and labourers involved in reconstruction efforts, a tragic reminder of the ongoing dangers faced by those attempting to rebuild communities devastated by the insurgency.

Borno Governor Babagana Zulum, who visited the village on Saturday, expressed deep sorrow over the violence.

"It's very sad, this community was resettled some months ago and they went about their normal business," Zulum told AFP.

He added that despite ongoing military efforts, the numerical strength of the Nigerian army is not enough to contain the situation, and he highlighted the recent creation of a local security initiative, the Forest Guards, designed to bolster forces in the troubled region.

Military Response

The Nigerian Air Force said it launched retaliatory strikes following reports of the raid. Air Force spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame confirmed that surveillance had tracked militants fleeing northwards from the town towards nearby forests.

"In a series of three precise and successive strikes, the fleeing terrorists were decisively engaged, resulting in the neutralisation of over 30 insurgents," Ejodame said.

This military response underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to suppress insurgent groups in the north-east, though recurring attacks show that challenges persist.

Resurgence of Insurgent Activity

The attack on Darul Jamal comes amid a resurgence of jihadist activity in the region. Boko Haram continues to clash with rivals, including the West African branch of the Islamic State group, who have intensified raids and attacks in recent months.

Governor Zulum has repeatedly warned of the group’s resurgence. In April, he noted that Boko Haram fighters had staged a series of attacks, regaining control of some areas in Borno State, and cautioned that the insurgency remained a significant threat despite military campaigns.

Borno State: The Epicentre of a 15-Year Insurgency

Borno has been at the centre of Boko Haram’s insurgency for over 15 years, forcing more than two million people to flee their homes and resulting in over 40,000 deaths. At the peak of its power in 2015, Boko Haram controlled vast swathes of the state before being pushed back by Nigerian and regional forces.

The ongoing insurgency has left communities in Borno struggling to rebuild, with resettlement efforts often targeted by extremist attacks. The Darul Jamal raid exemplifies the risks civilians face even after returning to their homes.

Challenges in the Fight Against Boko Haram

Efforts to combat Boko Haram have been complicated by regional dynamics. At one point, a regional force involving neighbouring countries had helped counter the insurgency. However, the fight has grown more challenging following the withdrawal of troops from Niger, which reduced coordinated pressure on militants operating across borders.

Despite these challenges, the Nigerian military has intensified operations across the north-east in 2025, responding to frequent attacks on bases and strategic locations. Airstrikes and ground operations have succeeded in neutralising several insurgents, but the group’s ability to regroup and launch raids highlights persistent vulnerabilities in security structures.

The Human Toll

Beyond the immediate military implications, the attack highlights the human cost of the insurgency. Residents of Darul Jamal, who had returned after being displaced for years, are once again facing insecurity. The loss of lives and destruction of property undermines ongoing efforts to stabilise the region and build resilience against extremist threats.

The targeting of labourer’s and drivers involved in reconstruction efforts adds a particularly tragic dimension, demonstrating how Boko Haram continues to disrupt not only civilian life but also initiatives aimed at long-term recovery.

Boko Haram in Global Memory

Boko Haram gained international notoriety in April 2014, when it kidnapped over 270 schoolgirls from Chibok, another town in Borno State. The abduction brought worldwide attention to the group’s brutal tactics and has remained a symbol of the jihadist threat in Nigeria.

Since then, Boko Haram has continued to exploit the region’s vulnerabilities, including porous borders, limited military resources, and socio-economic challenges. The Darul Jamal attack is a stark reminder that despite counterinsurgency efforts, the group remains capable of launching deadly operations.

Looking Ahead

As Nigeria grapples with the ongoing insurgency, the government faces the dual challenge of protecting civilians and neutralising militant groups. While the Nigerian Air Force’s strikes demonstrate operational capability, experts argue that long-term solutions require strengthening local security initiatives, improving intelligence-sharing, and addressing the socio-economic factors that enable extremist recruitment.

Governor Zulum’s recent remarks on the limits of the army’s numerical strength indicate that a combination of military, regional, and community-based strategies will be essential to preventing further attacks. The creation of the Forest Guards may provide some relief, but sustained attention and resources will be crucial in ensuring that displaced populations can return safely.

Final Thoughts

The attack on Darul Jamal is a grim reminder that Boko Haram remains a potent threat in north-eastern Nigeria, even as communities attempt to rebuild after years of displacement. While military responses, including airstrikes, have neutralised some militants, the persistence of these attacks underscores the need for comprehensive security strategies, regional cooperation, and stronger local defence initiatives. Beyond the immediate casualties, the raid highlights the broader human cost of the insurgency, emphasising that protecting civilians and restoring stability in Borno State will require sustained effort, resources, and vigilance.

Conclusion

The deadly overnight attack on Darul Jamal underscores the continuing threat Boko Haram poses to Nigeria’s north-east, particularly to communities attempting to recover from years of conflict. With over 60 people killed, including soldiers, labourer’s, and civilians, the incident demonstrates the urgent need for comprehensive security measures and regional cooperation.

While military strikes have neutralised some militants, the resilience of Boko Haram highlights the complexities of the fight against extremism in Nigeria. For the residents of Borno, the return to normal life remains fraught with danger, reminding the world that the human cost of the insurgency is ongoing and profound.

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Boko Haram killed at least 60 people, including soldiers and civilians, in an overnight attack on Darul Jamal, Borno State. The assault highlights ongoing security challenges in north-eastern Nigeria amid the insurgency.