Deadly Boko Haram Assault in Borno State Claims Multiple Lives
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have carried out a brutal overnight attack in Borno State, resulting in the deaths of dozens of individuals, according to local sources. The incident occurred on Thursday, January 29, 2026, in the remote area of Sabon Gari, a region that has long been the epicentre of an Islamist insurgency led by Boko Haram and its rival faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), since 2009.
High Casualty Toll and Missing Personnel Reported
Ibrahim Liman, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), provided a grim account of the attack, stating that the death toll runs into dozens. He added that more bodies remain at the base, and many soldiers are currently missing, underscoring the severity of the assault. Liman confirmed that 20 bodies, including those of five soldiers, 15 construction workers, and local hunters, were transported to the general hospital in the nearby town of Biu for identification and treatment.
Local Confirmation and Victim Details
Bukar Yamta Ali, the secretary of a local hunters' group in Yamarkumi, near Biu, along with two nurses at Biu hospital, verified that they had recovered bodies and wounded individuals from Sabon Gari. The victims were reportedly working on a road bridge that had been destroyed in a previous jihadist attack last year. They were returning to their base when the terrorists launched their assault, highlighting the ongoing threats faced by reconstruction efforts in conflict-affected areas.
Funeral Rites and Community Impact
Most of the victims, who hailed from Biu Local Government Area, were buried according to Islamic rites after a funeral prayer held at the Emir of Biu's Juma'at Mosque on Friday. This sombre ceremony reflects the deep community impact of such attacks, which continue to disrupt lives and hinder development in northeastern Nigeria. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges in the region, despite ongoing military and civilian efforts to combat terrorism.
