Daily Justice

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists launched a deadly attack on the newly resettled Yamtake community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria, on Thursday night, killing two soldiers and an unspecified number of civilians. The assault, which occurred around 11:15pm, targeted a military formation in the village, according to security and local sources.

The attack comes as a blow to the Borno State Government’s efforts to resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Yamtake. Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, expressed deep sorrow over the violence, stating, “It is unfortunate that our people in Yamtake village came under deadly Boko Haram invasion last night. It’s one of the communities that received its IDPs recently.”

A military source, quoted by Daily Trust, confirmed the casualties, saying, “We learnt that two of our men and other civilians were affected. I advise we wait until [the reinforcement team] return.” Senator Ndume also paid tribute to the fallen, adding, “It is very sad that two soldiers paid the supreme price, while an unspecified number of innocent civilians were among the casualties. May their gentle souls rest in peace.”

Despite the tragedy, Ndume commended the military’s efforts in preventing further violence. He praised Brigadier General Nasir Abdullahi and the 26 Task Force Brigade for repelling an attempt by the attackers to infiltrate Gwoza town after wreaking havoc in Yamtake. “Troops lay ambush in and around Gwoza town, which helped in preventing terrorists who are making all efforts to dislodge Gwoza people,” Ndume noted.

The senator raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation across Borno State, pointing to a series of unchallenged attacks in recent weeks. “In the past one month, several communities in Borno South, North, and Central Senatorial Districts witnessed deadly Boko Haram attacks without confrontation. The situation is worrisome,” he said.

Ndume called for the establishment of an Armed Community Defence to support the military, noting the limitations of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, and vigilantes, who are often equipped only with rudimentary weapons like “den guns” and sticks. He also reiterated his appeal for greater federal intervention, urging the government and military to deploy “Technology, Equipment, Arms and Ammunition, Motivation (TEAAM)” to end the insurgency that has plagued the region for over a decade.

The attack in Yamtake is the latest in a string of violent incidents attributed to Boko Haram and their Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) affiliates. On 12 April, eight passengers were killed and 17 injured when their vehicle hit a landmine on the Damboa-Maiduguri Highway. Earlier, on 24 January, 22 soldiers, including a commanding officer, were killed in an attack on Malam-Fatori, while four soldiers died in coordinated assaults on Wajiroko and Wulgo bases on 24 March.

The Nigerian military continues to confront the insurgents, but calls are growing for a more robust, technology-driven response. When contacted, the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso Kenneth, said he was unaware of the Yamtake attack, noting that such incidents are typically confirmed by the military, which controls most settlements in the region.