Boko Haram Militants. Image Credit: BBC
(The Post News)- Boko Haram jihadists killed more than 60 people in an overnight assault on Darul Jamal village in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State, local officials confirmed. The attack, which took place late Friday, targeted both civilians and soldiers near the Nigeria-Cameroon border.
According to authorities, Boko Haram militants stormed the community and a nearby military base, killing at least five soldiers and dozens of civilians. Many victims were drivers and workers helping rebuild the settlement after residents recently returned from displacement camps.
Boko Haram attackers also destroyed more than 20 homes and set fire to 10 buses during the assault. At least 13 drivers and laborers were killed, leaving families devastated and forcing survivors to flee into surrounding forests for safety.
Air Force Strikes Back at Boko Haram Militants
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed it launched retaliatory strikes after receiving intelligence on the raid. Spokesman Ehimen Ejodame said surveillance drones tracked the militants as they retreated north.
“In three precise airstrikes, over 30 insurgents were neutralized,” Ejodame stated. “The strikes disrupted their movement and reduced their ability to regroup.”
Governor Condemns Attack
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum visited Darul Jamal on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow.
“It is heartbreaking. This community only resettled months ago to rebuild their lives,” he said. The governor admitted the Nigerian army lacks sufficient troop strength to fully contain the escalating crisis.
He highlighted the recent creation of the Forest Guards, a new security force that will reinforce military operations in remote areas.
Rising Jihadist Violence
The incident underscores rising violence in northeastern Nigeria, where Boko Haram and its rival faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), continue deadly assaults. Governor Zulum had previously warned of Boko Haram’s resurgence after militants launched multiple raids earlier this year.
Borno has endured a 15-year insurgency that has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced over two million. Although Boko Haram lost significant territory after 2015, attacks remain frequent. The situation worsened after Niger withdrew its troops from the regional coalition battling jihadists.
Boko Haram drew global outrage in 2014 when it abducted more than 270 schoolgirls from Chibok. Today, the group continues to destabilize communities, leaving thousands of families in fear and uncertainty.
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