Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have launched an attack on the recently resettled Yamtake community in the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and an undisclosed number of civilians.
Security and local sources have confirmed the attack, stating that the assailants invaded the community at approximately 11:15pm on Thursday.
A military source remarked that by the time a reinforcement team was dispatched from Gwoza, significant damage had already occurred as the attackers stormed the Yamtake military formation. “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,” he stated.
Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) expressed his concern, noting that he had been in contact with the residents of Yamtake since the incident. “It is unfortunate that our people in Yamtake village came under deadly Boko Haram invasion last night (Thursday). It’s one of the communities that received its IDPs recently; they were 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.
“However, I would like to commend Brig. Gen. Nasir Abdullahi, the Brigade Commander of the 26 Task Force, and his gallant troops for their unwavering sacrifices and doggedness in repelling several attacks, particularly those aimed at Gwoza town.
“I was reliably informed that after wreaking havoc in Yamtake, the attackers attempted to infiltrate Gwoza town, but the troops played a gallant role in repelling the attack. On several occasions, troops have laid ambushes in and around Gwoza town, which has helped prevent terrorists from dislodging Gwoza residents living in the Council Headquarters.
“In the past month, several communities in Borno South, North, and Central Senatorial Districts have experienced deadly Boko Haram attacks without confrontation. The situation is worrisome.
“Let me therefore take this opportunity to advocate for the establishment of Armed Community Defence to complement the efforts of the military. The men of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, and vigilantes have been doing their best, but they face limitations, as they typically carry only makeshift weapons like sticks, making it challenging to confront the terrorists.
“Moreover, I want to reiterate my calls on the federal government and the Nigerian Military to deploy Technology, Equipment, Arms and Ammunition, Motivation (TEAAM), as this is the only way to end the over decade-long Boko Haram atrocities in Borno, the North East, and other parts of the country,” he added.
It is worth noting that on April 12, 2025, eight passengers in a commercial vehicle were killed along the Damboa-Maiduguri Highway when the vehicle drove over a landmine planted by suspected Boko Haram militants, injuring over 17 others.
On January 24, 2025, Boko Haram insurgents attacked the Malam-Fatori military base, resulting in the deaths of 22 soldiers, including a commanding officer, and the destruction of numerous military assets.
On March 24, 2025, suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters targeted the Wajiroko and Wulgo bases, leading to the deaths of at least four soldiers and damage to critical infrastructure.
