Nigeria faces surge in insurgent attacks and kidnappings

Nigeria is facing intensified security threats in multiple regions as armed groups launch attacks in the north-central and northeast areas. In the Borgu region of Niger State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an ‘immediate’ coordinated rescue operation involving the army, police, and intelligence services following reports of kidnappings and attacks on villages such as Gidan-Zana and Kpenya.

Simultaneously, in the northeast, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants attacked a military base in Geidam, Yobe State. The assault led to a prolonged firefight and prompted military authorities to impose a curfew on the town of approximately 89,000 residents. Military officers reported that while terrorists were repelled, they continue to encircle the city, restricting movement and making patrols difficult. The curfew has caused significant distress among residents facing food shortages.