A new report by Nextier reveals that Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents have killed at least 109 people in 19 violent incidents in northeast Nigeria since the start of the year.
The affected areas dubbed the “Northeast Belt of Insurgency” span 18 local government areas across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, which share borders with Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. The region’s tough terrain gives insurgents the upper hand, allowing them to carry out attacks from hidden locations. According to Nextier’s Violent Conflict Database, this advantage has led to the loss of 109 lives in just the first half of 2024.
This data highlights the ongoing security challenges in northeast Nigeria and the urgent need for more effective counter-insurgency strategies. Recently, police in Borno discovered six grenades left behind by terrorists in Maiduguri, a reminder of the constant threat in the region.
The report, titled “Nigeria’s Northeast Belt of Insurgency and the Challenge of Refugees,” urges the Nigerian government to beef up border security with neighboring countries to stop militants from moving freely. It also suggests that the government should identify and profile refugees entering the region, work with local vigilantes and hunters to fight insurgents, ensure security forces have a regular supply of modern ammunition, and improve the welfare of security personnel to boost their morale.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
