ISWAP/Boko Haram Abducts Over 100 Women, Children in Borno Assault

Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists carried out a massive assault on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, abducting over 100 women and children, killing soldiers and community leaders, and forcing thousands of residents to flee, security sources and local officials report. The attack occurred shortly after Muslims broke their Ramadan fast earlier this week and targeted both a military base and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.

The militants first stormed a military base belonging to the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division Task Force Battalion, overpowering troops due to their large numbers. Soldiers were killed, and weapons, ammunition, and vehicles were seized or destroyed. Following this, the insurgents moved into Ngoshe town and attacked the IDP camp, abducting women and children and killing the chief imam along with some elders. Residents described the attack as devastating, noting that informants may have aided the insurgents’ coordinated strike.

It has been difficult to confirm the total casualties, but at least nine soldiers have been recovered dead, with many more feared missing. Armoured tanks and military vehicles were burnt, and villagers fled to Pulka community and surrounding areas for safety. Survivors described heartbreaking scenes of mothers searching for children and families torn apart, highlighting the humanitarian toll of the assault.

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In response, the Nigerian military carried out precision airstrikes under Operation Hadin Kai, targeting insurgents along known escape routes. Reports indicate that over 50 terrorists were killed, disrupting their ability to regroup and carry out further attacks. However, the devastation caused by the initial strike left thousands displaced and without basic necessities, amplifying the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis in the region.

The attack has been attributed to a resurgence of Boko Haram/ISWAP activity in areas such as Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains, despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations. Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) condemned the assault, mourning the loss of soldiers and community leaders while calling for intensified military efforts in these insurgent strongholds. He stressed that the lack of stationed attack helicopters and fighter jets in the Northeast hindered effective military response. The senator also coordinated with local authorities to provide relief to displaced families in Pulka.

Residents of Ngoshe reported that many fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs. One local man said, “You will see mothers crying, searching for their children and husbands. The trauma is devastating.” The attack has renewed concerns over security in northeastern Nigeria, particularly as it comes during Ramadan, when Boko Haram/ISWAP historically intensifies operations against civilians and military targets.

The Nigerian government and military authorities continue to pursue insurgents, but the incident underscores the enduring security challenges in Borno State and the wider Lake Chad Basin region. Ongoing displacement, abductions, and attacks on military installations highlight the need for sustained and enhanced counter-insurgency measures.

ISWAP/Boko Haram Abducts Over 100 Women, Children in Borno Assault

CSP Aliyu Giwa Set to Become Nigeria Police Force PRO, Replacing Hundeyin

The Nigeria Police Force is set to appoint Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Aliyu Giwa as its 27th Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), following the removal of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Hundeyin. The move signals a key leadership transition in the Force’s public communication and media management.

CSP Giwa, a 40-year-old cybersecurity specialist, currently serves at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, a position he has held since February 2025. His extensive experience in media relations and public communication made him a strong candidate to succeed Hundeyin, according to sources familiar with the development.

Giwa previously served as the Assistant Police Force Public Relations Officer (ANNEX), Obalende, Lagos, between February 2017 and March 2022. He also held positions as Police Assistant to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in the Department of Logistics and Supply (September 2023–December 2024), and Personal Assistant to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police at the Nigeria Police Cooperative Multi-Purpose Society Limited (March 2022–September 2023).

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In addition, Giwa was the Public Relations Officer at the Nigeria Police Cooperative Multi-Purpose Society Limited from October 2017 to March 2022 and served as Deputy Police Public Relations Officer for Lagos State between December 2014 and February 2017. Sources described him as having “the charisma and expertise” to lead the Force’s communication team effectively.

Born in Maiduguri, Borno State, and a native of Kwara State, Giwa holds a B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Maiduguri and attended the Federal Government College, Sokoto for his secondary education. He also holds numerous professional certifications, including Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and a certification in Telecommunication Fraud from Zhejiang Police College. He is also an associate member of both ACAMS and the International Compliance Association.

The Nigeria Police Force praised Hundeyin’s tenure, noting that his leadership as PRO significantly enhanced the Force’s media engagement, crisis communication, and public relations strategies. CSP Giwa’s appointment is expected to continue strengthening transparency, public trust, and strategic communication between the Force and citizens.

The official announcement confirming CSP Giwa as the new FPRO is expected shortly, with stakeholders anticipating a seamless transition in leadership amid ongoing efforts to modernize the Force’s public relations operations.

CSP Aliyu Giwa Set to Become Nigeria Police Force PRO, Replacing Hundeyin

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Family Prepares Funeral for Abducted NYSC Member After ₦10m Ransom Fails

The family of an abducted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, identified as Abba, now fears he may have been killed by his captors, despite paying a ₦10 million ransom to secure his release. Communication with the kidnappers abruptly ceased after the ransom was delivered, raising deep concerns about his fate.

According to security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagozola Makama, all contact with the kidnappers stopped suddenly after the payment, leaving the family in distress. Sources within the family revealed that the abductors initially demanded the ransom, and later requested additional items, including motorcycles, even after receiving the initial payment. The family, however, refused to comply with further demands once the kidnappers became unreachable.

“Since receiving the ₦10 million ransom payment, Abba’s abductors have completely cut off all communication with the family,” the sources said.

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Given the situation, the family has concluded preparations to hold Abba’s funeral prayer in absentia (Janaza Gha’ib) in accordance with Islamic rites. The ceremony is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026, as the family seeks closure amid uncertainty over his fate.

The family expressed profound gratitude to those who supported them during the ordeal. “Abba’s family wishes to thank everyone who offered support, prayers, donations, and kind words during this difficult period. May the Almighty reward your generosity abundantly,” they said.

Despite the grim circumstances, the family maintained hope for divine intervention. “If he has passed on, may Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” they added.

The case underscores the growing security challenges in Nigeria, particularly the persistent threat of kidnap-for-ransom attacks targeting students, NYSC members, and young professionals. Experts continue to urge families to cooperate with law enforcement rather than paying ransoms, as many abductions remain unresolved despite payment.

Family Prepares Funeral for Abducted NYSC Member After ₦10m Ransom Fails