Boko Haram Attack in Borno: Brigadier-General, Soldiers Killed as ISWAP Overruns Military Base

A deadly assault by insurgents linked to Boko Haram and its Islamic State-backed faction, Islamic State West Africa Province, has left several Nigerian troops dead, including a senior commander, following a late-night attack on a military base in Borno State.

The fresh Boko Haram attack in Borno reportedly took place on Wednesday night at a Joint Task Force formation in Benisheikh, located in Kaga Local Government Area along the busy Damaturu–Maiduguri highway.

Among those killed in the attack was Brigadier-General O. O. Braimah, commander of the 29 Brigade, alongside several officers, soldiers, and the brigade’s Imam. His death marks a significant setback in ongoing counterinsurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East, with military sources describing the incident as one of the most intense recent assaults on a military formation in the region.

According to security sources, the attackers launched a coordinated assault using explosives and heavy gunfire, overwhelming troops after hours of intense fighting. The insurgents reportedly deployed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to breach the base, engaged soldiers in sustained gunfire, and targeted critical military infrastructure. The prolonged attack caused panic within the base and surrounding communities, with casualties feared to be high, although official figures have not yet been released.

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Several soldiers were seriously injured during the Boko Haram attack, while others are still unaccounted for. Rescue operations are ongoing as the military works to locate missing personnel and secure the area.

The latest incident highlights renewed violence by insurgent groups in Borno. In recent weeks, Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks in Nigeria have intensified, targeting military bases, checkpoints, and civilian settlements. Security experts warn that the attack suggests growing operational strength of insurgents, increased vulnerability of remote military bases, and the need for improved intelligence and aerial surveillance.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military has yet to issue an official statement on the attack. However, reinforcements and surveillance operations have reportedly been deployed to the Benisheikh axis to prevent further attacks.

Despite years of military operations, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province continue to pose serious threats in Nigeria’s North-East. The Borno attack on soldiers underscores persistent insecurity and raises fresh concerns about the safety of military formations and personnel in the region.

Boko Haram Attack in Borno: Brigadier-General, Soldiers Killed as ISWAP Overruns Military Base

EFCC Arrests Maiduguri Woman for Cleaning Nose With N500 Note

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a woman in Maiduguri, Borno State, following a viral video showing her cleaning mucus from her nose using a ₦500 naira note, an act considered naira mutilation under Nigerian law.

The suspect, identified as Fatima Muhammed, was apprehended on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, after the video circulated widely on TikTok. EFCC operatives tracked and arrested her within the Maiduguri metropolis, highlighting the commission’s vigilance against misuse of Nigeria’s legal tender.

In a statement, EFCC confirmed the arrest and said Fatima Muhammed is being detained at the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the commission as investigations continue. She will be charged to court once sufficient evidence is gathered.

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“The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the EFCC arrested one Fatima Muhammed for an alleged Naira mutilation. This followed the circulation of a viral video where the suspect was seen cleaning her nose with a ₦500 note,” the statement read.

The commission reiterated that currency abuse is a punishable offence, and such acts undermine the integrity and value of the Nigerian naira. EFCC has in recent months intensified enforcement against naira mutilation, especially incidents recorded on social media platforms.

The arrest has drawn mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians questioning the focus on naira mutilation amid broader economic challenges, while others support the EFCC’s efforts to protect the national currency.

EFCC Arrests Maiduguri Woman for Cleaning Nose With N500 Note

US Evacuates Embassy Staff in Nigeria, Lists 23 States as ‘Do Not Travel’

The United States government on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, ordered the immediate evacuation of staff and eligible family members from its embassy and diplomatic facilities in Abuja due to a deteriorating security situation in Nigeria. The move follows a comprehensive travel advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State, warning citizens against travel to multiple Nigerian states over rising crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

The advisory specifically named 23 Nigerian states where travel is strongly discouraged. In the northern and central regions, states such as Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, Taraba, Borno, Kogi, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara were highlighted for high levels of violent crime and terrorist activity. In the southern and southeastern regions, states including Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (except Port Harcourt) were flagged due to kidnapping, unrest, and criminal activity.

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The advisory stated, “Violent crime is common throughout Nigeria. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape. Kidnappings primarily target dual nationals and Americans, who are often perceived as wealthy.” It added that terrorist groups have collaborated with local gangs, carrying out attacks in soft targets such as markets, malls, hotels, places of worship, schools, and government facilities.

Alongside security concerns, the advisory noted that healthcare services in Nigeria are inconsistent and may not meet U.S. or European standards. Travelers were warned that emergency medical care, specialised treatment, and medicines may be limited, making medical emergencies riskier for foreigners.

The U.S. government urged its citizens in Nigeria to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates and safety information. Citizens were also advised to avoid large gatherings and protests, stay vigilant, and maintain situational awareness at all times.

Experts suggest that the evacuation reflects deepening concerns over Nigeria’s security challenges, including ongoing insurgency in the northeast, rising gang activity, and kidnappings across multiple regions, which pose significant threats to foreign nationals and residents.

The U.S. embassy and the Department of State continue to monitor developments closely and have committed to keeping citizens informed about evolving security conditions in Nigeria.

US Evacuates Embassy Staff in Nigeria, Lists 23 States as ‘Do Not Travel’