Boko Haram militants rampage through northeast Nigeria, inflicting losses on military

In Nigeria, a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks has intensified in the northeast region, particularly affecting Borno state. Since the beginning of the year, Islamic extremists have succeeded in overrunning military outposts, laying mines on roads, and raiding civilian communities, leading to escalated fears of reverting to peak insecurity levels reminiscent of earlier Boko Haram dominance. This violence, now recognized as the longest ongoing conflict involving militancy in Africa, has not only spilled over into neighboring countries but has also resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacements, with estimates suggesting over 35,000 deaths and more than 2 million people displaced. The recent wave of attacks includes a significant incident last week in the village of Gajibo, where members of a local militia supporting the Nigerian military were ambushed, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals. Reports indicate that the military personnel abandoned their posts upon learning of the insurgents' advance, leaving the militia vulnerable to attack. This pattern of desertion and lack of military engagement has become increasingly noticeable in recent months, as Boko Haram launches coordinated assaults. Boko Haram, originally unified, has fragmented into two distinct factions over recent years, creating further challenges for the military. One faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), operates with a strategic and decentralized structure that enables the execution of coordinated attacks across various regions. In contrast, the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction has shifted its focus toward targeting civilians and collaborators, increasing incidences of robbery and abduction. An expert analysis attributes ISWAP's effectiveness to territorial expansion and external support from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, allowing it to conduct simultaneous, unpredictable assaults. Local authorities, including Borno Governor Babagana Zulum, have raised alarms about the military’s waning stability and the increasing rate of territorial losses. The movement of military formations is reportedly deteriorating, as troops are being dislodged from their bases approximately on a daily basis without engagement. Furthermore, lawmakers insist on enhancing military capabilities, acknowledging that weak positions and advanced weaponry among Boko Haram militants contribute to the violent resurgence observed this year. The armed forces are struggling against an increasingly sophisticated adversary that has systematically exploited military vulnerabilities.