A tragic confrontation unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday, May 7, as Boko Haram insurgents launched a deadly attack on Izge, a remote farming community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The Nigerian Army bravely repelled the assault, but not without loss—an Army Captain and a soldier were killed in action.
The Emir of Gwoza, Mohammed Shehu Timta, confirmed the attack during an interview with Channels Television. According to the Emir, the heavily armed insurgents stormed Izge around 1:00 a.m., firing sporadically to instill panic among residents. Swiftly, a joint force made up of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), local hunters, and vigilantes engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.
Three terrorists were killed during the exchange, and a cache of their weapons and mobility equipment—including over ten bicycles, motorcycles, an operational vehicle, and a sophisticated rifle—was recovered. Despite the successful defense, the nation mourns the loss of two courageous soldiers who paid the ultimate price in service to their country.
Izge, like many rural communities in Borno, has experienced a series of violent attacks over the years due to its proximity to known insurgent hideouts near the Mandara Mountains and Sambisa Forest. The latest incident, however, underscores the lingering threat Boko Haram poses, even as military gains have been recorded in recent months.
Speaking on the bravery of the defenders, the Emir praised the combined efforts of local volunteers and military personnel in halting what could have been a mass casualty attack. He emphasized the importance of community resilience and collective resistance, noting that several residents are still combing nearby bushes to locate any fleeing insurgents.
“The courage and coordination among our people and security forces must be commended,” the Emir said. “Our fallen heroes deserve national honor. We must not let their sacrifice be in vain.”
The Emir used the opportunity to call on the Federal Government to boost investment in military technology and logistics. “Our military needs advanced technological warfare equipment,” he said, stressing the need to permanently dismantle the insurgency, especially as communities begin their annual farming season.
He also praised Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for supporting resettlement programs and strengthening the local security architecture, particularly the roles of the CJTF and local vigilante networks. According to him, the state’s collaboration with security agencies has helped restore relative peace and enabled displaced persons to return home.
This attack is not isolated. Over the past year, Boko Haram and its splinter faction, ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province), have intensified hit-and-run tactics on soft targets and border communities. In April alone, several civilians were killed and abducted in neighboring local governments, further demonstrating the group’s evolving strategy of rural destabilization.
Military sources indicate that operations are ongoing to apprehend the remnants of the terrorist group responsible for the Izge attack. Surveillance has also been ramped up across vulnerable locations in southern Borno to prevent recurrence. Analysts, however, warn that until intelligence coordination and equipment modernization are prioritized, such attacks may persist.
As Nigeria continues to confront insurgency in the northeast, the sacrifices of frontline troops remain a stark reminder of the war’s human cost. The fallen Army Captain and his colleague now join the ranks of hundreds of service members who have laid down their lives in the fight to preserve peace and national sovereignty.