Boko Haram Attack Claims 25 Lives in Northeast Nigeria, Marking Deadliest Assault Since U.S. Christmas Strikes
By Ahmed Kingimi, with additional reporting from Elisha Bala-Gbogbo
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Jan 30 (Reuters) – Suspected Boko Haram fighters stormed the town of Sabon Gari in Nigeria's northeastern Borno State on Thursday, killing at least 25 people in what is being described as the deadliest Islamist militant attack reported since U.S. air strikes on Christmas Day.
According to relatives of the victims, the deceased were laborers who had traveled to the town for work at a construction site. Gunmen swept into the area and opened fire indiscriminately.
"They were just ordinary workers seeking a daily wage," said Hassan Usman, a relative of one victim, who spoke to Reuters. Another relative, Auwal Isa, confirmed the death toll and the circumstances of the attack.
The assault underscores the persistent and escalating threat posed by Islamist insurgents in the Lake Chad basin region, despite continued military operations. Borno State remains the epicenter of a grinding, 17-year insurgency led by Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
In a separate, coordinated attack also on Thursday, militants launched a pre-dawn assault on a military base in Borno, killing at least nine soldiers and two members of a civilian militia. Sixteen others were wounded in that engagement, highlighting the militants' continued capacity to strike military targets.
Senator Aliyu Ndume, who represents the region in Nigeria's national assembly, said he was "profoundly shocked and saddened" by the loss of life among his constituents. "This is a devastating blow to communities already living in fear," he stated.
The violence places renewed pressure on the Nigerian government, which has faced criticism from international partners over security failures. The attack comes just over a month after former U.S. President Donald Trump ordered strikes on what U.S. forces described as terrorist targets in the region on December 25. Last year, Trump had publicly accused Nigeria of failing to protect its Christian communities from violence. Nigerian authorities maintain they are cooperating with international allies to improve security.
The insurgency has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, creating one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.
Reaction & Analysis
Reuters spoke to several analysts and local residents for their perspective on the latest violence:
Dr. Chidi Nwafor, Security Analyst, Abuja: "This twin attack—targeting both soft civilian targets and a hardened military base—is a classic demonstration of the insurgents' strategy to spread terror and demonstrate reach. It signals a potential new phase of aggressive posturing following the U.S. strikes, which may have disrupted but not dismantled their networks."
Amina Bello, Civil Society Advocate, Maiduguri: "My heart breaks for these families. These were not soldiers; they were men trying to feed their families. When will our government's promises of security translate to safety on the ground in Borno? We are tired of condolences; we need concrete action and protection."
Col. (Retd.) James Oche, Military Strategist: "The tactical success of these attacks, particularly the base assault, suggests possible intelligence failures or adaptation by the militants. The Nigerian military must reassess its area domination strategies in the rural north-east."
Franklin Okafor, Businessman, Lagos: "Enough is enough! This is a national embarrassment and a direct result of chronic, top-level incompetence and corruption in our security spending. We are hemorrhaging lives while those in charge play politics. The international community should consider stricter sanctions on individuals undermining security."