A wave of militant attacks across Nigeria has resulted in the disappearance of over 80 children in the past week. In Borno state, 42 children were abducted from a primary school in the Askira Uba and Chibok areas, with the attacks occurring near Sambisa Forest, a known stronghold for Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. Simultaneously, at least 40 children were taken from two secondary schools in Oyo state, though authorities reported 48 abductions in that region. These incidents highlight the persistent threat of school abductions in Nigeria, which is forcing many children out of education.
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This week, Nigerian forces repelled a coordinated assault by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on military bases in the northeast, reportedly neutralizing at least 50 jihadists. The attack, which targeted the 27th brigade headquarters and a nearby checkpoint in Yobe state, also resulted in the deaths of two Nigerian soldiers. While the military claims to have recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition, intelligence sources suggest that the reported casualty figures for both sides may be inaccurate. This incident occurs amidst a recent increase in attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP, following a period of relative calm, and highlights ongoing challenges in the protracted insurgency that has plagued the region for over a decade.
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Boko Haram has issued a chilling ultimatum, threatening to kill over 400 women and children in their custody within a mere 72 hours if the Nigerian government fails to meet their demand for a ransom exceeding £2.7 million. This stark threat, delivered through a video message to Nigerian media, paints a grim picture of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the brutal tactics employed by the extremist group. The video, featuring armed and masked individuals in military-style uniforms, explicitly warned that the captives would vanish forever if their financial demands are not satisfied, leaving the fate of hundreds of vulnerable individuals hanging precariously in the balance.… Continue reading
In a brazen attack on Ngoshe in Borno state, Islamic militants abducted over 300 individuals, including women and children. This incident is believed to be a reprisal for the Nigerian military’s recent killing of three Boko Haram commanders. The militants also launched separate assaults on several other communities between Wednesday and Friday, though these were repelled by troops, albeit with casualties. Mass kidnappings, often by armed gangs targeting remote areas, have become a recurring crisis in Nigeria, with jihadi groups like Boko Haram and its offshoots operating extensively across the country, at times utilizing drones and cross-border cooperation.
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Gunmen attacked a high school in northwestern Nigeria before dawn on Monday, abducting 25 schoolgirls, killing one staff member, and injuring another, according to police reports. The attack occurred at a boarding school in Kebbi state, marking the latest in a series of student abductions by armed bandits who often demand ransom. These bandits, distinct from religious militant groups, have targeted schools for years, with this recent incident prompting a coordinated search and rescue operation. Since 2014, when Boko Haram infamously abducted students from Chibok, at least 1,500 students have been kidnapped in Nigeria, highlighting the ongoing security crisis in the region.
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A recent report from the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety) reveals that over 7,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria during the first 220 days of 2025. The report also indicates at least 12 million Christians have been displaced since 2009 due to violence primarily by Islamic extremist groups. These groups, including Boko Haram, Fulani extremists, and ISWAP, target Christian communities through various attacks, with the Middle Belt region being particularly affected. Intersociety has urged international bodies to intervene, highlighting the severity of the human rights crisis and the need for protection and aid.
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Foreign mercenaries infiltrating Nigeria’s northeast have dramatically increased the sophistication and coordination of terrorist groups like ISWAP and Boko Haram, leading to heightened casualties and equipment losses for Nigerian forces. This escalation includes the use of drones, advanced IEDs, and enhanced tactical training provided by these mercenaries. The situation demands a robust, coordinated response involving increased intelligence gathering, improved surveillance, and strengthened cross-border collaboration. Ultimately, the conflict is framed as a fight against Nigeria itself, not just the military, underscoring the need for national unity and support for troops operating under challenging conditions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood