Boko Haram Attacks Kill 63 in Borno, Prompt Outrage and Calls for Urgent Action

On Friday, September 5, 2025, Boko Haram insurgents launched deadly attacks in Borno State, killing at least 63 people, including five soldiers and 58 civilians, in Darajamal, Bama Local Government Area, and Monguno Local Government Area, sparking widespread condemnation from the United Nations, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, as reported by Opinion Nigeria and Punch (Web:0, Web:9). In Darajamal, attackers stormed the resettled community, abducting women and girls, torching over 20 houses, vehicles, and food stores, while two Immigration officers were killed in Monguno (Web:0, Web:5). Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Air Component, killed over 30 insurgents in a counteroffensive, but the high civilian toll fueled national outrage (Web:1, Web:6).

UN Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Fall called the massacre “shocking and appalling,” urging authorities to prosecute perpetrators and protect civilians, noting that hundreds have been killed in Borno in 2025 alone (Web:0, Web:9). Atiku Abubakar condemned the “senseless violence,” calling for united action and stronger community security, while commending Governor Babagana Zulum’s swift response (Web:7, Web:12, Post:6). Peter Obi described Nigeria as in a “full-blown security emergency,” urging President Tinubu to declare a war on insecurity and halt foreign trips by officials (Web:7, Post:1). Senator Ndume labeled the attacks “worrisome,” advocating for drones, attack helicopters, and Armed Community Defence groups equipped with advanced technology (Web:1, Web:5).

Governor Zulum, visiting Darajamal on September 6, promised increased security, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction of destroyed homes (Web:0, Web:9). In a separate critique, Dr. Sani Shinkafi accused the military of inaction in Zamfara despite state investments in security, citing delays in responding to intelligence (Web:0). X posts from @PeterObi (September 7, 2025) highlighted the crisis, while @Naija_Activist noted 81% public frustration with insecurity, per a 2025 Afrobarometer survey (Post:1, Post:3). With Nigeria’s insecurity costing 2.8% of GDP annually (World Bank, 2025), the attacks underscore the urgent need for coordinated action (Web:2, Web:23).