Maiduguri, Nigeria – At least 25 people were killed on Thursday when suspected Boko Haram militants attacked Sabon Gari town in northeastern Nigeria’s Borno State, relatives of victims confirmed. The assault marks the deadliest reported Islamist attack since U.S. President Donald Trump ordered air strikes against terrorist targets on Christmas Day.
Labourers Targeted
The victims were labourers who had travelled to Sabon Gari to work at a construction site when gunmen stormed the area and opened fire. Relatives Hassan Usman and Auwal Isa told Reuters that the attack was sudden and devastating.
Senator Aliyu Ndume, who represents the region, expressed grief over the killings:
“I am shocked and saddened by the killing of my constituents.”
Separate Attack on Military Base
In a separate incident on the same day, militants launched a pre-dawn assault on an army base in Borno. At least nine soldiers and two members of a civilian task force assisting them were killed. Sixteen others sustained injuries in the attack.
Epicentre of Insurgency
Borno State remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s 17-year Islamist insurgency, where both Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have intensified attacks on military convoys and civilians.
International Pressure
Nigeria, already grappling with Islamist violence and mass kidnappings, faces mounting pressure to restore security. President Trump last year accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians, and U.S. forces carried out air strikes on December 25 against what they described as terrorist targets.
Nigerian authorities have said they are cooperating with Washington to strengthen security measures and counter the growing threat posed by extremist groups.
Conclusion
The twin attacks in Borno underscore the persistent challenges Nigeria faces in combating insurgency and protecting civilians. As the government works with international partners to bolster security, the tragedy highlights the urgent need for sustained efforts to end the cycle of violence in the region.
