Northern Nigeria experienced a surge in violence over the weekend, with Boko Haram insurgents abducting 12 women in Borno, attacking communities in Magumeri, and gunmen killing five police officers in Bauchi. The incidents underscore deepening security challenges despite ongoing military operations.
Borno: 12 Women Kidnapped
On Saturday evening, suspected Boko Haram fighters seized 12 women returning from their farms in Mussa district, Askira-Uba Local Government Area. Borno State Police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso confirmed the abduction, saying an investigation is ongoing and urging calm.
Relatives and community members raised alarms after the women failed to return home, prompting alerts to security agencies and local leaders.
Magumeri Raid: Property Destroyed
Hours later, insurgents launched an early morning attack in Magumeri LGA, burning homes, shops, and vehicles. The attackers arrived on motorcycles around 1:15 a.m., firing sporadically, but no lives were lost.
Magumeri Council Chairman Abubakar Abdulkadir Yaro praised security forces, including the military, police, and Civilian JTF, for repelling the attackers by 3 a.m., preventing further casualties.
In response, Governor Babagana Zulum declared Monday, November 24, a state-wide day of fasting and prayers, emphasizing that spiritual support must complement security measures.
Bauchi Ambush: Five Policemen Killed
Violence also hit Bauchi State, where gunmen ambushed a police tactical team in Sabon Sara village, Darazo LGA. The team was on patrol to prevent farmer–herder clashes when they were attacked.
The Bauchi Police Command confirmed five officers dead, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police and an Assistant Superintendent, while two others were injured. Several attackers were neutralised during the gunfight. Police spokesperson Ahmed Wakil said efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the perpetrators.
Kwara: Abducted Worshippers Freed
In a rare positive development, all 38 worshippers kidnapped from Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, Eruku, in Kwara State, were freed on Sunday. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq credited President Bola Tinubu’s direct involvement in coordinating the rescue.
Northern Leaders Urge Coordination
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, speaking at the 25th anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum in Kaduna, stressed that northern leaders have the capacity to tackle insecurity if they collaborate effectively.
“With unity, political will, and proper resource deployment, the North can overcome these challenges,” he said.
Tinubu Orders Redeployment of 100,000 Police
Amid growing insecurity, President Bola Tinubu directed the redeployment of roughly 100,000 police officers previously assigned to protect VIPs and politicians. The move aims to strengthen counter-insurgency and core policing efforts.
Police protection for VIPs will now be handled by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, freeing up officers to focus on public safety and anti-terror operations.
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