Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have launched a deadly night attack on Yamtake, a recently resettled community in Gwoza local government rea of Borno State, killing two soldiers and an undisclosed number of civilians.
The assault occurred late Thursday night around 11:15pm, according to both security and local sources. The terrorists reportedly targeted a military formation in Yamtake before moving into the community, leaving death and destruction in their wake.
A military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the loss of personnel but emphasised the need for patience until the reinforcement team returned from the scene. “We are waiting for the reinforcement team to return, but we learnt that two of our men and other civilians were affected. I advise we wait until they return,” the source stated.
Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), who has remained in close contact with the affected community, described the attack as “unfortunate” and “devastating,” especially considering Yamtake was one of the communities recently resettled by the Borno State Government.
“It is very sad that two soldiers paid the supreme price, while an unspecified number of innocent civilians were among the casualties. May their gentle souls rest in peace,” Ndume lamented.
Despite the tragic losses, Senator Ndume commended the Nigerian troops for repelling a potential follow-up assault on Gwoza town. “I was reliably informed that the attackers, after wreaking havoc in Yamtake, made an attempt to infiltrate Gwoza town, but the troops played a gallant role to repel the attack,” he said.
He further praised Brigadier General Nasir Abdullahi, Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade, and his troops for their “unwavering sacrifices and doggedness,” noting that their ambush strategies have prevented further attacks on Gwoza.
Ndume, however, expressed deep concern over the recurring wave of attacks across Borno State, citing that in the past month, several communities in Borno South, North, and Central senatorial districts have been targeted with little to no resistance.
Calling for urgent and strategic interventions, he advocated for the establishment of an Armed Community Defence to complement the efforts of the military. “The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, and vigilantes have been doing their best, but they are limited, as they only carry den guns and sticks, making it difficult to confront the terrorists,” he said.
The Senator reiterated his long-standing call on the Federal Government and the Nigerian military to adopt what he called the “TEAAM” approach—Technology, Equipment, Arms and Ammunition, and Motivation—as the only viable path to ending over a decade of insurgency in the North East and beyond.
LEADERSHIP reports that Thursday’s attack adds to a growing list of recent violent incidents. On April 12, 2025, eight passengers were killed and over 17 injured when a commercial vehicle ran over a landmine planted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents along the Damboa-Maiduguri highway.
Earlier in the year, on January 24, Boko Haram fighters attacked a military base in Malam Fatori, killing 22 soldiers, including a commanding officer, and destroying key military assets. On March 24, insurgents from Boko Haram and ISWAP attacked the Wajiroko and Wulgo bases, killing at least four soldiers and damaging infrastructure.
