A deadly jihadist attack in northeast Nigeria has killed dozens of people, including soldiers, highlighting ongoing insecurity in the region. Militants linked to the Islamic State group carried out the overnight assault in Sabon Gari village, Borno State, according to local sources. The attack adds to years of violence in a region plagued by insurgency for more than a decade.
Residents and local security groups said the attackers struck suddenly and targeted both civilians and security forces. The incident shows how fragile security remains in northern Nigeria despite years of military operations.
Overnight Attack in Sabon Gari
The attack began late Wednesday night and continued into early Thursday morning. Armed militants ambushed a group returning to their base after working on a damaged road bridge. Witnesses reported heavy gunfire and panic as the attackers opened fire.
Ibrahim Liman, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force, said the death toll runs into dozens. He added that several soldiers were still missing after the attack. Rescue efforts remained slow due to insecurity and poor road access.
Soldiers and Civilians Among the Dead
At least 20 bodies were taken to Biu General Hospital, Liman said. The victims included five Nigerian soldiers and 15 civilians. The civilians were construction workers and local hunters who supported security efforts.
Medical staff at Biu hospital confirmed receiving bodies and treating wounded survivors. Nurses said several victims suffered gunshot wounds, while others needed referrals due to severe injuries. Local leaders fear the death toll could rise as some people remain unaccounted for.
Infrastructure Workers Targeted
The victims had worked on repairing a road bridge destroyed in a previous jihadist attack last year. The bridge plays a key role in transport and trade in the area. Militants often target such projects to disrupt development and government presence.
Security analysts say the attack aimed to scare workers and slow reconstruction efforts. By targeting infrastructure, militants spread fear and weaken local recovery.
Borno State at the Center of Insurgency
Borno State remains the heart of Nigeria’s Islamist insurgency, which began in 2009. Boko Haram launched the conflict, later splitting into rival groups, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in 2016.
The conflict has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced nearly two million. Many families now live in camps or depend on humanitarian aid to survive.
ISWAP Continues to Strike
ISWAP has increased attacks on Nigerian security forces in recent years. The group frequently targets military bases, patrols, and convoys, especially near borders with Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
Earlier this week, militants killed at least nine Nigerian soldiers in an ambush near Damasak, close to the Niger border. The Sabon Gari attack shows that ISWAP still has the capacity to launch deadly operations.
Civilians Bear the Greatest Burden
Although militants often target soldiers, civilians suffer the most. Farmers, traders, construction workers, and aid workers face constant danger. Many communities live in fear of sudden attacks.
Insecurity has disrupted farming, education, and healthcare. Unsafe roads limit access to markets and hospitals. Repeated attacks continue to slow development in the region.
Security Challenges Remain
The Nigerian government says it remains committed to ending insurgency in the northeast. Military operations have weakened some militant strongholds. However, attacks continue in remote areas.
Security experts blame difficult terrain, weak infrastructure, and porous borders. They also warn that poverty and unemployment make recruitment easier for extremist groups.
Calls for Better Protection
After the Sabon Gari attack, residents and security volunteers called for stronger protection. They urged authorities to deploy more troops and improve intelligence to prevent future attacks.
Humanitarian groups also called for better support for displaced communities. They stressed that lasting peace needs development, education, and jobs, not only military action.
A Region Still Seeking Peace
The latest attack shows that northeast Nigeria’s security crisis remains unresolved. Despite years of fighting, militant groups still pose a serious threat.
As families mourn the dead and search for missing loved ones, residents of Borno face another painful reminder of a long-running conflict. For many, peace remains distant as fear and violence continue to shape daily life.