Captain Kamal, a senior officer of the Nigerian Army, has been confirmed as one of the victims killed during a recent Boko Haram attack on Izge community, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.
Terrorists Strike at Midnight
The Emir of Gwoza, Mohammed Shehu Timta, confirmed the incident, narrating how the militants stormed the farming community around 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, unleashing gunfire in a coordinated ambush.
According to the Emir, the Nigerian military—supported by local hunters, vigilantes, and civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)—successfully repelled the assault, but not without losses.
“We lost one of our finest army officers in the battle, Captain Kamal. A soldier also died in the gunfire exchange,” the Emir stated.
Military Recovers Weapons, Neutralizes Three Terrorists
Despite the casualties, security forces managed to neutralize three insurgents, recovering several motorcycles, bicycles, an operational vehicle, and a high-caliber rifle.
The Nigerian Army has yet to release an official statement on Captain Kamal’s death, but tributes have begun pouring in from across the military and local communities who described him as a dedicated officer committed to national security.
Also Read : British-Nigerian Art Dealer Ochuko Ojiri Pleads Guilty in UK Terrorism Financing Case
Security Crisis: Over 2,000 Killed in Q1 2025
The killing of Captain Kamal comes amid disturbing new data from SBM Intelligence, revealing that at least 2,000 people were killed in Nigeria between January and March 2025 due to various forms of violence, including terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes.
Q1 2025 Casualty Breakdown:
- Civilians killed: 892
- Bandits killed: 462
- Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters neutralized: 234
- Security personnel killed: 136
- Vigilantes killed: 119
- Kidnappers killed: 42
- Cultists killed: 66
Most Affected States:
- Borno: 515 deaths
- Zamfara: 408
- Katsina: 155
- Benue: 101
- Niger: 68
- Anambra: 63
- Edo: 60
- Ondo: 59
- Kaduna: 58
Governor Zulum Urges Balanced Security Strategy
Reacting to the worsening insecurity, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum called for a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to address insurgency in the region.
“Borno has welcomed over 300,000 repentant Boko Haram fighters in the last three years. Not all of them were active fighters—some were farmers. We must adopt a dual approach,” Zulum said.
Background: Boko Haram Insurgency and Ongoing Conflict
Boko Haram, a designated terrorist organization, has been active in Nigeria’s northeast since 2009. Known for its brutal campaign involving bombings, mass abductions, and attacks on civilian and military targets, the group aims to establish an Islamic caliphate in the region.
Despite claims of being “technically defeated” under former President Muhammadu Buhari, the group and its offshoots, particularly the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), continue to pose a serious threat to national security.
Humanitarian Impact
- Over 3 million displaced persons across the North East.
- Destruction of entire communities, schools, and hospitals.
- Dependence on IDP camps and humanitarian aid amid food shortages, insecurity, and poor healthcare.
Looking Forward: Nigeria’s Counterinsurgency Challenges
Efforts by the Nigerian government, including military campaigns and community reintegration programs, have had mixed results. The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) continues to assist with regional intelligence and military operations.
However, the killing of officers like Captain Kamal underscores the continuing danger faced by troops on the frontline and the urgent need for a comprehensive national security strategy.
Captain Kamal is remembered as a hero who gave his life defending Nigeria’s sovereignty against terrorism.
