Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Maiduguri, Borno State — Armed militants suspected to be members of Boko Haram or its splinter faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have abducted five civilians in Doro Baga community during a brazen attack at a local market in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The incident occurred on Thursday morning, striking deep anxiety in the region already beleaguered by decades of insurgency and civilian-targeted violence.
According to a statement by the Borno State Police Command, the victims — identified locally as Sani Boyi, Bullama Dan Umaru, Baba Inusa, Abubakar Jan Boris, and Mallam Shaibu — were seized by the insurgents as they shopped for fresh fish at the busy early-morning marketplace. The abduction took place around 7:00 a.m. in broad daylight, highlighting the persistent threat terror groups pose to everyday life in northeast Nigeria.
Security sources told reporters that the alleged militants, operating with the outlawed groups’ characteristic boldness, struck swiftly before slipping back into the surrounding bushland. The group’s identity as Boko Haram/ISWAP suspects aligns with patterns of insurgent activity in Borno State, which remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s long-running jihadist conflict.
Following the abduction, Nigerian military units assigned to Operation Hadin Kai — the federal counter‑insurgency effort — joined by elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters, launched search and rescue operations. The police have confirmed that these efforts are ongoing but did not disclose whether there were any immediate clashes or discoveries of the captives’ location. Officials emphasised that securing the safe return of the abducted civilians is a top priority.
The victims’ families and local residents have expressed growing alarm over repeated attacks in the area. Doro Baga, a community near Lake Chad close to Nigeria’s borders with Niger and Chad, has been at the forefront of violence that has displaced tens of thousands of people over the last decade. The region’s strategic location and difficult terrain have long made it a haven for insurgent groups.
The fish market abduction follows a series of high‑profile attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP factions in Borno State in recent months and years. Last year, security forces rescued dozens of kidnapped victims and dismantled militant camps during joint operations, underscoring the volatile and fluid nature of the conflict.
These armed groups have frequently targeted civilians — particularly fishermen, farmers and traders — as part of their broader campaign to control territory, intimidate local populations and undermine state authority. Militants have also engaged in kidnappings to exert leverage, extract ransom, and erode public confidence in security services.
The broader security situation in Borno is deeply concerning. Despite concerted military efforts over many years, extremist groups remain capable of carrying out complex attacks on soft targets, including marketplaces and rural communities. Analysts have warned that the insurgency’s endurance and its diverse factions complicate efforts to establish long‑term peace and security in the region.
Residents affected by the latest abduction have called on both federal and state authorities to intensify patrols and strengthen protective measures around markets and other gathering points. Many local business owners and villagers — already grappling with economic hardship — say they are losing confidence in existing security arrangements as fear of further raids grows.
In response, Borno State officials have reiterated their commitment to bolstering coordination between military units, police, and community defence groups. They say enhancing intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities is crucial to preventing future attacks and securing the safe return of the abductees. However, no timeframe has yet been given on when the civilians might be released or in what condition they may be found.
This latest incident deepens the humanitarian and security crisis facing northeast Nigeria. Millions of people in Borno and neighbouring states remain displaced by insurgency, with local economies heavily disrupted by insecurity. The persistent threat of Boko Haram and affiliated groups continues to hinder agricultural activities, trade and daily life, driving food insecurity and poverty across the region.
International and national human rights organisations have repeatedly criticised the protracted crisis, urging more comprehensive strategies that prioritise civilian protection and address the root causes of violent extremism. These include not only military action but also community engagement, economic support, and enhanced governance in underserved regions.
As search operations proceed, the fate of the five abducted civilians remains uncertain. Their families, communities, and broader civil society groups are watching closely, anxiously awaiting news of their safe release while calling for stronger intervention to prevent future kidnappings and restore a measure of security in a region long scarred by conflict.
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