In a resurgence of violence in Borno State, a fresh Boko Haram attack in Mafa has claimed lives, following a previous incident on June 30 where six individuals, including a woman, were killed in Damboa Local Government Area by suspected ISWAP members.
Reports indicate that repentant Boko Haram fighters who returned to their old ways are regrouping in the northern part of Lake Chad. There, they encountered Baana, the ISWAP commander of Daban Masara, who has been gaining strength after his camp suffered significant losses. Sources reveal that Baana, with support from foreign terror groups, has seen an increase in the number of fighters, growing from less than 20 to over 300.
Baana orchestrated an attack on the Merari area, resulting in the death of a soldier, the injury of a forest ranger, and the seizure of 9 motorcycles on September 22. It is reported that he received support from fighters across the state and even from repentant fighters who had initially surrendered to the military.
Senator Ali Ndume expressed regret over the situation, highlighting that many of the recent killings in Gwoza were carried out by youths from the area who joined Boko Haram and refused to repent. He urged the youth to actively join the fight against terrorism, emphasizing that their involvement is crucial in resisting the activities of insurgents. Ndume called on the government to provide logistical support to the youth to effectively combat the escalating violence in the region.