- ISWAP’s use of armed drones and IEDs in April 2025 marked a dangerous new phase in the insurgency.
- Boko Haram’s October 2024 capture of Nigeria’s top military base displaced 23 farming communities in Niger State.
In the early 2010s, the name “Boko Haram” became synonymous with terror in Nigeria’s northeast.
The group’s violent campaign led to the deaths of over 35,000 people and displaced more than 2 million, leaving deep scars on the nation’s psyche.
Now, in 2025, a resurgence of insurgent activities is rekindling those painful memories, as attacks escalate and communities once again find themselves under siege.
A DECADE OF TURMOIL: THE RISE AND FRAGMENTATION OF BOKO HARAM
Boko Haram emerged in 2009, advocating for the establishment of an Islamic state and opposing Western education.
Under the leadership of Abubakar Shekau, the group gained international notoriety, especially after the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok.
Internal divisions led to the formation of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in 2016, aligning with the global Islamic State movement.
This split introduced a new dynamic to the insurgency, with both factions vying for control and influence in the region.
RECENT ESCALATIONS: A RETURN TO VIOLENCE
After years of relative calm, recent months have seen a disturbing uptick in insurgent activities:
April 2025: At least 48 people were killed in coordinated attacks across Adamawa and Borno states. ISWAP used advanced tactics, including armed drones and roadside explosives, marking a significant escalation.
Source: Reuters
September 2024: Over 130 villagers were killed in a large-scale attack on Tarmuwa district in Yobe State. Homes, markets, and places of worship were burned.
October 2024: Boko Haram overran Nigeria’s largest military training base in Kontagora, Niger State, forcing the evacuation of 23 farming communities.
FACTORS FUELING THE RESURGENCE
Several elements have contributed to the renewed strength of insurgent groups:
Reduced Infighting: Clashes between Boko Haram and ISWAP have lessened, allowing for more unified operations.
Enhanced Capabilities: Insurgents now utilize drones and IEDs, possibly supported by the broader Islamic State network.
Security Gaps: The withdrawal of foreign troops from the Sahel and the weakening of regional coalitions have left power vacuums.
HUMANITARIAN IMPACT: COMMUNITIES IN CRISIS
The resurgence has had devastating consequences:
Displacement: Over 30,000 people have fled to neighboring countries like Niger and Cameroon in recent months.
Targeted Attacks: In Borno State, 40 farmers were killed in Dumba, disrupting agriculture and food supply.
Cultural Destruction: In January 2025, militants burned churches and homes in Chibok.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: LEADERSHIP CHANGES AND MILITARY ACTIONS
The Nigerian military appointed Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar to lead operations against the insurgents. He brings a strong track record and aims to revamp military strategies.
Military actions have intensified. In February 2025, troops killed 10 Boko Haram fighters and recovered weapons in Bama, Borno State.
THE ROAD AHEAD: CHALLENGES AND HOPE
Despite the challenges, there is an opportunity to strengthen counter-insurgency efforts. Addressing root causes like poverty and illiteracy is crucial. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo warned that out-of-school children could become a future Boko Haram.
Regional cooperation, community engagement, and consistent military action are essential for lasting peace. As Nigeria faces this renewed insurgent threat, the resilience of its people and the resolve of its leadership will be vital in ensuring that the country never again sinks into the chaos of the last decade.
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