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Northeast Under Renewed Siege as Insurgent and Bandit Attacks Threaten Fragile Peace
Northeast Under Renewed Siege as Insurgent and Bandit Attacks Threaten Fragile Peace
Fresh violence across Borno, Yobe and Bauchi is displacing communities again while neighbouring states struggle to cope with humanitarian pressure.
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
Across the Northeast, the fragile calm that followed years of insurgency is once again under strain.
In farming villages scattered across Borno, Yobe and Bauchi states, residents who only recently began rebuilding homes destroyed by violence are now fleeing gunfire and uncertainty.
From insurgent raids in Borno to bandit attacks in parts of Bauchi, a pattern of insecurity has re-emerged that security analysts say reflects a troubling evolution of violence across the region.
For communities that endured more than a decade of conflict, the resurgence of attacks has revived painful memories and deepened fears that the region’s recovery remains fragile.
“People thought the attacks had reduced,” said Bukar Madu, a farmer from northern Borno who recently fled his village after gunmen stormed the area.
“When the shooting started, everyone ran into the bush. Families left their houses without carrying anything.”
For many residents, the renewed insecurity represents not just a return to violence but also a threat to livelihoods, food production and community stability.
A Region Still Recovering From a Long War
Nigeria’s Northeast has endured one of the most destructive security crises in the country’s history.
Since the insurgency began more than a decade ago, thousands of lives have been lost and millions of people have been forced to flee their homes.
Entire communities were destroyed, as militant groups targeted villages, markets, schools, and government facilities.
At the height of the conflict, large parts of the Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states were under the control of insurgent groups.
Nigeria and its neighbouring countries experienced the displacement of millions of residents.
Although sustained military operations eventually reclaimed several towns and weakened insurgent networks, the conflict did not disappear.
Instead, armed groups adjusted their strategies.
Rather than occupying territory, militants began relying on hit-and-run attacks, ambushes and raids in remote communities.
This shift made insurgency less visible in major towns but continued to endanger rural populations.
Security experts say this evolution explains why attacks can still occur even after years of counter-insurgency operations.
Borno: Communities on the Frontline
Among the six northeastern states, Borno remains the epicentre of insurgent activity.
The state’s geography, large forests, sparsely populated villages and porous international borders have long provided opportunities for militant groups to operate.
Several rural communities have reported attacks in recent months.
Residents report that armed fighters frequently launch sudden attacks, specifically targeting villages with limited security presence.
For Bukar Madu, the attack on his community came late at night.
“We heard gunshots, and people started shouting,” he recalled.
“Everyone was trying to escape.”
According to him, several families fled to nearby bushes, while others sought refuge in neighbouring towns.
Some residents have since relocated to camps for displaced individuals.
Local leaders say attacks like this disrupt not only community life but also agriculture.
Farming remains the primary source of income for many rural households.
When farmers cannot safely reach their fields, entire communities face economic hardship.
“If farmers are afraid to go to their land, the harvest will suffer,” Mr Madu said.
A Pattern of Renewed Insurgent Attacks
Security analysts say the recent attacks across parts of Borno suggest that insurgent groups are continuing to test the strength of security operations.
According to Ibrahim Usman, a security analyst who studies conflict dynamics in northern Nigeria, militant groups have become more flexible in their tactics.
“Instead of trying to hold territory, they now rely on mobility,” he said.
“They strike quickly and withdraw before security forces can respond.”
This strategy allows insurgents to maintain a presence even in areas where military operations have improved security conditions.
Usman said insurgent networks often use forest corridors and rural routes to move between communities.
“These movements make it difficult to eliminate their activities,” he explained.
Yobe: Living With the Fear of Uncertainty
Neighbour Yobe State has experienced fewer large-scale attacks than Borno, but insecurity remains a concern in several rural areas.
Residents report occasional sightings of armed groups moving through nearby forests.
Although such sightings do not always lead to attacks, they create anxiety among communities that still remember the years of violence.
For traders who travel between villages, uncertainty about security conditions has become a constant challenge.
Bukar Madu, who also trades agricultural goods in parts of Yobe, said people now avoid travelling at night.
“Most people try to return home before evening,” he said.
“Nobody wants to be on the road if something happens.”
Security officials say patrols have increased in vulnerable areas.
However, the region’s vast rural terrain remains difficult to monitor.
Experts warn that insurgent groups sometimes exploit these landscapes to move undetected between locations, making it challenging for security forces to effectively respond to threats in these rural areas.
Bauchi: Banditry Expands Into Rural Communities
While insurgency dominates headlines in Borno and Yobe, Bauchi State has been facing a different security challenge.
Armed bandit groups have increasingly targeted villages in rural areas, particularly in the Alkaleri Local Government Area.
Residents say gunmen often arrive on motorcycles and raid communities at night.
The attacks usually involve looting livestock and food supplies before the assailants retreat into nearby forests.
For Musa Aliyu, a farmer displaced by one such attack, the violence came without warning.
“We heard gunshots, and people started shouting,” he said.
“Everyone ran into the bush to escape.”
Mr Aliyu said several families lost their homes and livestock.
Some residents have since moved to neighbouring communities.
Bandit attacks across northern Nigeria have displaced thousands of people in recent years.
Security experts say the spread of banditry into new areas poses a serious risk if not addressed quickly.
Humanitarian Pressure on Gombe
Although Gombe State has remained relatively peaceful compared with neighbouring states, it is increasingly experiencing the impacts of violence elsewhere.
Families fleeing attacks in Bauchi have crossed into Gombe seeking safety.
Host communities and temporary shelters are now accommodating displaced residents.
This invasion into the Gombe community has disrupted the lives of many in Kashere town, as the school being used to shelter the displaced persons has been shot, with many of their students now staying at home and at risk of going into drug abuse and other menaces.
For the displaced, it is a painful tale of not knowing when they will return home; it is particularly sad for the economy of the country, as many productive people are now staying idle, waiting for food and other support to stay afloat in life.
For Haruna Yakubu, a volunteer assisting displaced families, the situation is challenging.
“Many people arrived here with nothing,” he said.
“They left their homes suddenly and could not take anything with them.”
According to him, food, shelter and healthcare remain the most urgent needs.
Local authorities say they’re working with humanitarian organisations to assist displaced families.
However, the growing number of arrivals is placing pressure on limited resources, which may lead to inadequate support for displaced families in accessing essential services like food, shelter, and healthcare.
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Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh Pushes Pan-African Agenda, Calls for Industrialised and Sovereign Africa
Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh Pushes Pan-African Agenda, Calls for Industrialised and Sovereign Africa
By Auwal Ahmad
Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh, widely known as “Farafina Mansa,” has renewed his call for a united, economically independent and industrialised Africa, urging African nations to prioritise local value addition, accountable leadership and reconciliation as the foundation for sustainable development.
The prominent Pan-African advocate, who previously served as Liberia’s Ambassador-at-Large, High Representative for Special Missions and Special Envoy to the President, has built his public profile around a vision that seeks to transform Africa from a supplier of raw materials into a continent driven by manufacturing, innovation and economic self-reliance.
Speaking through his long-standing advocacy, Kouyateh argues that Africa’s vast natural resources should serve as a catalyst for prosperity on the continent rather than enriching foreign economies.
“Africa must control its own destiny by processing its resources locally, creating industries, jobs and wealth for its people,” Kouyateh has consistently maintained in articulating his development philosophy.
At the centre of Kouyateh’s agenda are four principles he describes as essential for Africa’s future: reconciliation, empowerment, accountability and development.
According to him, lasting peace and national cohesion are prerequisites for political stability and economic progress. He believes African countries must first address internal divisions before pursuing broader continental integration.
He also advocates empowering Africans to take greater control of their economies through industrial growth and local ownership of strategic sectors, while insisting that public officials must remain accountable for the management of national resources.
For Kouyateh, development should ultimately translate into improved living standards for ordinary citizens rather than benefiting only political or business elites.
One of the concepts closely associated with Kouyateh’s advocacy is what he calls “Dangotization”—an economic model that encourages African countries to process their raw materials locally instead of exporting them in their unprocessed form.
The idea, inspired by Africa’s growing industrial capacity, promotes investment in manufacturing, value addition and domestic industries capable of generating employment and strengthening economic sovereignty across the continent.
Supporters of the approach argue that it could reduce Africa’s dependence on imported finished goods while increasing revenue from its abundant natural resources.
Kouyateh served for more than two years in Liberia’s government as Ambassador-at-Large and Special Envoy, during which he said he declined remuneration attached to the office.
He explained that the decision reflected an earlier pledge made during his 2014 Senate campaign in Montserrado County to dedicate much of his income to public-interest causes, including education, healthcare and governance reforms.
During his tenure, however, Kouyateh became an outspoken critic of the management of Liberia’s natural resources, arguing that concession agreements involving key mineral assets delivered insufficient benefits to Liberians.
He also raised concerns about transparency in contracts involving major international mining companies, including references to agreements with ArcelorMittal.
His remarks generated political debate and drew criticism from sections of Liberia’s political establishment. After declining calls by lawmakers to retract some of his statements and apologise publicly, he eventually left office following a vote of no confidence.
Following his exit from government, Kouyateh intensified his Pan-African activities through the establishment of the African People’s Movement (APM), an organisation that promotes African unity, economic independence and responsible governance.
The movement is described by its promoters as one inspired by leading Pan-African thinkers, including Professor PLO Lumumba, and seeks to advance policies that encourage continental integration beyond national and ethnic boundaries.
Its vision centres on an Africa capable of transforming its own resources, strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring that economic growth directly benefits African citizens.
Kouyateh continues to advocate for deeper cooperation among African nations, arguing that sustainable prosperity depends on industrialisation, responsible leadership and stronger economic integration.
His message consistently emphasises reconciliation among peoples, economic empowerment, transparency in governance and development that creates opportunities for future generations.
For many supporters, the man known as “Farafina Mansa” remains one of the contemporary voices championing an Africa that is politically sovereign, economically resilient and firmly in control of its own development path.
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Ex-Gombe Deputy Governor Hails Velocity Foundation for Empowering Christian Clergy in Gombe
Ex-Gombe Deputy Governor Hails Velocity Foundation for Empowering Christian Clergy in Gombe
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
Former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Charles Iliya, has praised the humanitarian efforts of the Velocity Humanitarian Foundation, describing its support for Christian clergy as a significant contribution to peacebuilding, religious tolerance and community development in the state.
Speaking at an empowerment programme organised by the foundation, Iliya said the initiative reflects the founder’s commitment to promoting unity and improving the welfare of religious leaders, regardless of faith or background.
He noted that the intervention would enable Christian clerics to strengthen their service to their congregations while encouraging peaceful coexistence among people of different religious beliefs.
According to him, the foundation’s decision to extend assistance to Christian leaders demonstrates that genuine humanitarian service should not be influenced by ethnic or religious considerations.
Iliya said such interventions complement government efforts aimed at improving the living conditions of vulnerable residents and fostering social cohesion across communities.
He urged the Velocity Humanitarian Foundation to sustain its charitable programmes, stressing that many disadvantaged families and religious leaders would continue to benefit from its interventions.
The former deputy governor also appealed to wealthy individuals, corporate organisations and other philanthropists to emulate the foundation by investing in initiatives that promote inclusiveness, social welfare and sustainable community development.
Also speaking, the Gombe State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Mohammed Inuwa Dantata, commended the foundation for demonstrating that compassion and humanitarian service should rise above political, ethnic and religious differences.
He said the foundation’s support for Christian clergy sends a strong message of unity and mutual respect, values he described as critical to maintaining peace and stability in Gombe State.
Dantata encouraged beneficiaries to make effective use of the assistance provided to improve their lives and communities, while urging the foundation to broaden its humanitarian outreach to include more vulnerable groups across the state.
Representing the foundation, Abubakar Danzariya said the organisation remains committed to supporting vulnerable people irrespective of their religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
He explained that the empowerment of Christian clergy aligns with the foundation’s broader vision of reducing hardship, promoting social justice and strengthening harmony among diverse communities in Gombe State.
According to him, the founder of the foundation, Engr. Aliyu Muhammad Kombat, believes that every citizen deserves equal opportunities and access to support that can improve their standard of living.
Danzariya said the foundation would continue to implement programmes in education, healthcare, youth and women empowerment, humanitarian assistance and community development as part of its long-term strategy for improving livelihoods.
He added that the interventions are designed to produce sustainable results by enhancing the well-being of vulnerable residents and creating opportunities for self-reliance.
Danzariya also appreciated community leaders, Christian organisations and volunteers who partnered with the foundation to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Engr. Kombat to building a more peaceful, united and prosperous society through sustained humanitarian interventions that reach people without discrimination.
Zulum assesses security situation, ongoing capital projects in Borno South
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum performed his official government duties on Thursday from the Zonal Department of Monitoring, Evaluation and Special Projects (MESP) office in Biu, Biu local government area.
This underscores his administration’s commitment to grassroots governance and bringing government closer to the people.
The Biu MESP zonal office, which operates under the Governor’s Office, was established and commissioned by Governor Zulum in 2022 to strengthen public service delivery, enhance accountability, improve project monitoring and evaluation, and accelerate infrastructural development across the Southern Borno senatorial zone.
Similar zonal offices have also been established in Monguno and Bama to serve the Northern and Central Senatorial Districts, respectively.
Thursday’s engagement marked the first time Governor Zulum officially operated from the Biu Zonal Office since its establishment, making it a significant milestone in the decentralisation of government operations.
The Governor, while in the office, met with the Sector 2 Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Brigadier General Edet Effiong, and the Brigade Commander, 29 Taskforce Brigade, Benishiekh, on how to consolidate the recent gains in the counterinsurgency operations.
The governor’s decision to conduct official state business from the facility reflects his leadership philosophy of taking governance to the grassroots rather than confining government activities to Maiduguri.
Throughout the past seven years, Zulum has maintained a unique style of governance, travelling extensively across all 27 local government areas to personally assess projects and engage directly with the community.
In addition to operating from the Government House, the governor has, since assuming office in 2019, regularly conducted official functions from the Musa Usman Secretariat, which serves as his second operational office for attending to state affairs.
Zulum is currently on a working tour of Southern Borno. On Wednesday, he flagged off the 2026 Wet Farming Season and launched the sales and distribution of 200 truckloads of NPK fertiliser at 50 per cent subsidised rates, alongside the distribution of free agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, certified seeds, water pumps and 10,000 bicycles to smallholder farmers in Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area.
During the visit to Biu, the governor also announced the employment of 100 unemployed graduates from Biu Local Government Area as part of measures to tackle youth restiveness, political thuggery and other social vices. The announcement was made during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu, Alhaji (Dr) Mustapha Umar Mustapha II.
The governor also met with members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Biu, where he announced a welfare package of ₦50,000 for each corps member.
As part of the intervention, corps members who are nursing mothers will receive an additional ₦200,000 each, while the NYSC Zonal Inspector was given ₦250,000. Other NYSC officials, including the liaison officer, received ₦100,000 each in recognition of their service and commitment.
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