Suspected Boko Haram militants launched a deadly attack on the newly resettled Yamtake community in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, killing two soldiers and an unknown number of civilians.
The attack occurred around 11:15 pm on Thursday, as the assailants stormed the area, targeting both the local military formation and the civilian population.
Sources from both the military and the local community confirmed the attack, with one military official stating that significant damage had been done before reinforcement teams could be sent.
“We are waiting for the reinforcement team to return, but we learned that two of our men and other civilians were affected,” the source revealed.
Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) also addressed the situation, expressing his sadness over the loss of two soldiers and several innocent lives. He noted that Yamtake was one of the communities recently resettled by the Borno State Government to house displaced persons. “It’s one of the communities that received its IDPs recently.
They were resettled by the Borno State Government,” said Ndume. He extended his condolences to the families of the victims, praying for the souls of the deceased.
Senator Ndume also praised the efforts of the military personnel in repelling several Boko Haram attacks on the nearby Gwoza town. He commended Brigadier General Nasir Abdullahi and his troops for their resilience in defending Gwoza. He further mentioned that, despite the attack on Yamtake, the attackers had been repelled when they attempted to infiltrate Gwoza town.
In recent weeks, various communities across Borno South, North, and Central Senatorial Districts have witnessed deadly Boko Haram assaults.
Senator Ndume expressed concerns about the rising frequency of these attacks without significant confrontations, noting the increasing danger to local communities.
He used the occasion to advocate for the establishment of Armed Community Defense units, suggesting that these groups could assist the military in securing communities.
He specifically pointed to the limitations of local defense groups like the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, and vigilantes, who often lack proper weapons to face well-armed terrorists.
Senator Ndume reiterated his call for the federal government and military to adopt more advanced technologies, equipment, arms, ammunition, and enhanced motivation (TEAAM) to combat the prolonged Boko Haram insurgency effectively.
He emphasized that this is the only viable way to bring an end to the decade-long violence plaguing Borno, Northeast Nigeria, and other affected regions.
This attack follows a recent incident on April 12, 2025, when suspected Boko Haram militants planted landmines along the Damboa-Maiduguri Highway, killing eight passengers and injuring over 17 others. Earlier in January 2025, Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military base in Malam-Fatori, killing 22 soldiers, including a commanding officer, and destroying several military assets.
Furthermore, in March 2025, Boko Haram and ISWAP militants attacked Wajiroko and Wulgo bases, killing at least four soldiers and damaging vital infrastructure.
These repeated attacks continue to pose a significant threat to security forces and civilians, further underlining the urgent need for stronger measures to tackle the insurgency.
