More than 60 people have been killed in a devastating overnight attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Darajamal village in Borno State, officials and security sources confirmed on Saturday.
The assault, which occurred late on Friday near the Nigeria-Cameroon border, targeted both residents and a nearby military base.
Witnesses said the terrorists stormed the resettled community, opening fire indiscriminately and burning houses and vehicles. At least five soldiers and dozens of civilians, including drivers and labourers working on reconstruction projects, were killed.
Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, who visited the scene on Saturday, described the incident as a tragedy for a community only recently resettled after years of displacement.
“It’s very sad. This community was resettled some months ago, and they went about their normal business. The numerical strength of the Nigerian Army is not enough to contain the situation,” he said, pledging stronger security measures, including the deployment of a newly established Forest Guards unit.
According to reports, more than 20 houses and 10 buses were destroyed in the attack, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it swiftly launched counter-operations in response to distress calls from the area. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesperson, confirmed that intelligence and surveillance aircraft tracked the insurgents as they attempted to flee northwards.
“In a series of three precise and successive strikes, the fleeing terrorists were decisively engaged, resulting in the neutralisation of over 30 insurgents,” he stated.
Ground reinforcements later arrived to stabilise the area and prevent further incursions.
Security officials said the coordinated operation between air and ground forces underscored the effectiveness of joint efforts under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), which has been combating Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the region.
Despite repeated military successes, the incident highlights the persistence of extremist violence in north-eastern Nigeria. Boko Haram, which has waged a brutal insurgency since 2009, has reportedly killed more than 40,000 people and displaced over two million in Borno and neighbouring states.
Friday’s attack follows warnings earlier this year by Governor Zulum that Boko Haram was regaining strength after staging multiple ambushes and reclaiming rural areas.
Local sources said the assault on Darajamal has left survivors traumatised, with many residents once again displaced just months after returning to their rebuilt homes. Aid agencies fear the violence will disrupt resettlement programmes and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Military officials, however, insist that the latest strikes demonstrate their determination to dismantle terrorist networks and protect vulnerable communities.
“Every successful strike brings Nigeria one step closer to lasting peace,” Air Commodore Ejodame said.
For now, Darajamal remains heavily guarded as residents count their losses and security forces continue clearance operations in nearby forests.
