In a harrowing midnight assault that underscores the enduring threat of terrorism in Nigeria’s North East, Boko Haram insurgents launched a brutal attack on the Izge community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, claiming the life of a brave Nigerian Army officer, Captain Kamal.
The fallen officer, identified as Captain Kamal, was reportedly leading a response team when the terrorists stormed the agrarian settlement around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, firing indiscriminately and attempting to overrun the town. The Emir of Gwoza, Mohammed Shehu Timta, confirmed the incident, revealing how the Nigerian military—supported by local hunters, vigilante groups, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force—engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle.
Tragically, alongside Captain Kamal, another soldier paid the ultimate price in defense of the community. However, the Nigerian forces managed to neutralize at least three of the terrorists during the confrontation. A cache of seized items, including motorcycles, bicycles, a sophisticated firearm, and an operational vehicle, was recovered from the assailants, offering a glimpse into the scale and coordination of the attack.
This latest strike is yet another reminder of the unrelenting violence that has plagued Borno and other parts of Northern Nigeria for more than a decade. According to a grim report by SBM Intelligence, no fewer than 2,000 Nigerians were killed between January and March 2025. The toll included 136 security operatives—a figure that painfully grows with every attack like the one in Gwoza.
Borno remains the hardest hit, recording 515 deaths in the first quarter of 2025 alone, followed by Zamfara (408), Katsina (155), Benue (101), and others. The human cost is staggering: 892 civilians, 462 bandits, 234 Boko Haram members, 119 vigilantes, 42 kidnappers, and 66 cultists were killed during this period.
Speaking on the persistent insecurity, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State expressed deep concern, advocating for a more holistic approach to counterinsurgency. “While kinetic measures are important, non-kinetic strategies must be pursued with equal intensity,” he said, emphasizing the reintegration of over 300,000 repentant Boko Haram members in the past three years—many of whom, he noted, were not fighters but farmers and civilians caught in the crossfire.
The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in earnest in 2009, has evolved into a complex war involving multiple factions, including the deadly Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These groups have not only destabilized the region through bombings, abductions, and targeted killings but have also decimated entire communities, leading to a humanitarian catastrophe.
Despite claims by previous administrations—particularly that of former President Muhammadu Buhari—that Boko Haram had been “technically defeated,” the persistent cycle of violence tells a different story. Millions remain displaced, living in overcrowded IDP camps under constant threat, with limited access to food, security, and healthcare.
Even with international backing and the deployment of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the Nigerian military faces a daunting task. The death of Captain Kamal, a symbol of courage and sacrifice, serves as a solemn reminder that the war against terrorism is far from over.
As the nation mourns this fallen hero, the call for more effective, comprehensive, and people-centered solutions to Nigeria’s security crisis grows louder. Captain Kamal’s legacy lives on—not just in the hearts of those he protected, but in the continued resolve to fight for peace, no matter the cost.
PIONEER NEWS 