A disturbing resurgence of terrorist violence has hit Nigeria’s Northeast, claiming 227 lives across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States between January and April 2025.
The scale of devastation, targeting civilians, farmers, fishermen, and security forces, paints a grim picture of the region’s slipping grip on peace.
A Growing Storm: The Resurgence of Terror
Communities in Nigeria’s Northeast are under siege once again. In just four months, from January to April 2025, the region has witnessed 26 violent attacks, leading to the deaths of 227 people.
These were not isolated incidents. They were coordinated, deliberate assaults affecting every corner of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.
The victims are not only soldiers and security agents but also include civilians many of whom were merely trying to make a living as farmers or fishermen.
The scale of the carnage is alarming and signals a disturbing return to the darkest days of insurgency.
Borno: The Epicenter of the Crisis
Borno State, sadly, remains the hardest hit. Governor Babagana Zulum, a consistent and vocal advocate for his people, did not hold back in his assessment.
During a Special Security Meeting, he painted a grim reality: once-secured towns are now vulnerable again. Terrorist groups are becoming bolder, and attacks more frequent.
According to Zulum, military installations in Wajirko, Damboa, Wulgo, and Izge have either been overrun or seriously compromised.
What this means is not just a loss of territory, but a deeper psychological impact on already-traumatized communities.
Military Under Fire: High-Level Casualties
The human cost is staggering. Among the dead are an Army Commander, a Captain, and 22 other soldiers.
The loss of such experienced personnel weakens morale and undermines the command structure needed to repel these threats.
Two police officers have also been killed, adding to the growing list of fallen heroes. Meanwhile, the military has managed to neutralize 36 insurgents, showing resilience despite the growing pressure.
Unprotected and Exposed: Civilians in the Crossfire
For civilians, especially those in rural areas, the nightmare is even more intense. Farmers and fishermen, who form the economic backbone of local communities, are being hunted in their fields and rivers.
Many villages have become ghost towns as people flee for safety.
In one of the most horrifying incidents, 20 fishermen were killed in a single attack in Gadan Gari, Bama LGA. Their only crime? Going out to earn a living.
Traditional Institutions Raise the Alarm
Adding to the chorus of concern, traditional rulers like the Shehu of Borno have spoken out.
He highlighted that several local government areas, Guzamala, Marte, Abadam, and Mobbarare, were completely under Boko Haram control.
These areas are devoid of civil governance.
Without local authorities, schools, clinics, or law enforcement, terrorists operate freely, train recruits, and plan further devastation.
Zulum’s Call for Advanced Military Action
Governor Zulum is not just pointing out problems; he’s suggesting solutions. He called for targeted special operations in notorious terrorist hideouts like the Tumbus islands, Mandara Mountains, and the Sambisa Forest.
These locations, known breeding grounds for insurgents, must be flushed out and secured.
Zulum also demanded the deployment of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), drone surveillance, and more boots on the ground.
Without this kind of firepower and technology, the military cannot maintain control over liberated zones.
Borders Without Barriers: A National Threat
Another pressing issue is Nigeria’s porous northern borders. Terrorists easily cross from neighboring countries like Chad and Niger, making border control a critical factor in the fight against insurgency.
Zulum emphasized the urgent need for fortified borders to stem this flow.
The open Sahelian expanse has essentially become a revolving door for militants, and unless Nigeria takes control of its borders, lasting peace may remain elusive.
Federal Response: Promises and Commitments
Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar responded to Zulum’s appeal, promising federal support.
Acting under the directive of President Bola Tinubu, Abubakar assured stakeholders of increased manpower, more weapons, and better strategies to counter the growing menace.
He also emphasized the government’s commitment to resettling internally displaced persons (IDPs) and rebuilding war-torn communities.
However, the big question remains: will promises translate into swift, effective action?
Legislative Backing and Political Will
The Borno State House of Assembly took a significant step by passing a vote of confidence in President Tinubu and Governor Zulum.
Their unified support sends a strong message: the political leadership is aligned and ready to act.
Lawmakers also reaffirmed their commitment to Zulum’s 10-point security and resettlement agenda, offering legislative backing for comprehensive military and humanitarian responses.
Senators Echo the Alarm Bells
Borno senators, including Ali Ndume, Mohammed Monguno, and Kaka Lawan, have all echoed the urgent need for action.
They stressed that military operations must be sustained and supported with intelligence, logistics, and international cooperation.
Their concern is rooted in reality if the resurgence is not quelled quickly, Nigeria could see a return to the widespread displacement and chaos of previous years.
Timeline of Tragedy: Attacks from January to April 2025
The numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives lost, families shattered, and communities broken:
Jan 2: Boko Haram attacks Njilang village in Chibok LGA, killing multiple civilians.
Jan 4: Sabon Gari, Damboa LGA, sees the deaths of six soldiers; 36 terrorists neutralized.
Jan 8: Two policemen murdered in Gajiram, Nganzai LGA.
Jan 9–20: Dozens of civilians die in separate attacks across Gwoza, Chibok, and Konduga LGAs.
Jan 24: 20 fishermen massacred in Gadan Gari, Bama LGA.
Jan 26: An Army Commander and 19 soldiers were killed during a base assault.
And the list goes on, stretching into February, March, and April, each date marked by bloodshed and grief.
A Call for Strategic National Unity
If there’s anything this tragic trend has shown, it’s that piecemeal solutions are no longer enough.
Nigeria must adopt a holistic strategy combining military strength, community engagement, regional collaboration, and international support.
The time for delay is over. The Northeast cannot afford another year of empty promises and repeated bloodshed.
The Path Forward: Technology, Training, and Trust
A modern military requires modern tools. Zulum’s call for drones and MRAPs should not fall on deaf ears.
Intelligence gathering, surveillance, and communication systems must be upgraded to match the evolving tactics of insurgents.
Moreover, community trust must be rebuilt. Civilians will only cooperate with the government if they feel safe, heard, and respected.
That means investing in education, healthcare, and livelihoods even while combat operations are ongoing.
Final Thoughts: The Cost of Inaction
The resurgence of terrorism in the Northeast is a national emergency. While federal and state governments pledge support, citizens remain skeptical, and rightly so. Past promises have often failed to deliver peace.
However, this time could be different. With unified political will, the right technology, and genuine community involvement, Nigeria can regain control.
The question is: will we act now, or wait until the next massacre forces our hand?
Stay informed and stand with the Northeast. Share this article, follow us for updates, and support efforts to restore peace and safety in Nigeria.
Author: Fatima Ibrahim
Date: May 4, 2025
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