Terrorist activities have escalated in Nigeria’s Northeast, with new data from VANGUARD revealing that Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states recorded 26 attacks and 227 deaths between January and April 2025.
The surge in violence has once again brought Boko Haram and ISWAP activities into sharp focus, especially in Borno State, which bore the brunt of the killings.
Security reports reviewed over the past four months show that six military bases were directly attacked. Among those killed were an Army Commander, a Captain, 22 soldiers, and two policemen. Nearly 100 civilians—mostly farmers and fishermen—were also caught in the crossfire. At least 36 terrorists were neutralized during various operations.
Some military analysts noted that the redeployment of critical air assets like Super Tucano aircraft and attack helicopters to the Northwest may have weakened the Northeast’s defenses. Others point to the porous borders with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, which terrorists exploit to enter Nigeria undetected.
The impact of these renewed attacks has been devastating. Beyond the human toll, military outposts have been ransacked and weapons seized, while entire villages have been razed. High-ranking officials and traditional leaders have raised concerns about the deteriorating situation.
Governor Babagana Zulum, at a high-level security meeting on April 8, noted that recent attacks without military resistance signaled a dangerous shift. “We are losing ground,” he said, warning that the safety gains of recent years are quickly being eroded. He mentioned Wajirko, Sabon Gari, Wulgo, and Izge among areas recently targeted.
Zulum urged the Federal Government to prioritize technology-driven warfare and better equip security forces. He also visited top military officials, pushing for operations in known terrorist hideouts like the Lake Chad islands, Sambisa Forest, and Mandara Mountains. “These islands serve as breeding grounds for insurgents… It is imperative to consider launching coordinated operations to flush them out,” the governor said.
At the same meeting, the Shehu of Borno noted that Guzamala, Marte, Abadam, and parts of Mobbar remain under complete terrorist control, with no civil authority in place. He called for urgent reconstruction of critical roads to support both civilian and military movement.
Zulum’s push for action also included a call for more UAVs, Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), and boots on the ground. He warned that insurgents were regrouping and could overrun communities if not swiftly countered. “There should be forces that will keep the ground, otherwise they will come back,” he said.
In response, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar led a delegation to Maiduguri and promised government support. “The President has directed that we provide the military with all necessary manpower and equipment,” he said.
The Borno State House of Assembly passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, backing Zulum’s 10-point agenda aimed at restoring stability. Lawmakers urged immediate action from all levels of government and the military.
Meanwhile, a string of deadly incidents between January and April reveals the extent of the crisis: from the slaughter of over 40 fishermen in Kukawa LGA, to IED blasts that claimed dozens in Konduga and Gamboru Ngala. A detailed timeline shows over two dozen attacks affecting both civilians and security personnel, with mass displacement once again a growing issue.
