The terrifying shadow of Boko Haram continues to loom over Nigeria’s northeastern states, as the group is suspected to have abducted a professor from the Nigerian Army University, Biu, alongside other passengers traveling on the Damaturu-Biu Road in Yobe State.
The abduction occurred on Monday around midday near Kamuya village. According to sources within the university, the professor was returning to Biu after visiting his family in Maiduguri, Borno State, when the attack took place. The university source, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, confirmed the incident but said they were not authorized to provide an official statement. “I am not in a position to disclose this officially, but the news is all over campus. I believe the university’s communication office will issue a statement in due time,” the source revealed.
As of now, there has been no official comment from the Nigerian Army University regarding the professor’s abduction. However, the university source revealed that the professor was among 30 candidates vying for the position of vice-chancellor at the institution. This adds a layer of intrigue to the kidnapping, suggesting that it could be linked to the professor’s high-profile role at the university.
Efforts to reach the Borno State Police Command for comment have been unsuccessful, as phone calls to the spokesperson went unanswered.
The kidnapping comes at a time when the region is grappling with an alarming resurgence of terrorist violence, particularly from Boko Haram and its offshoots. In January alone, the terrorist group was responsible for several attacks, including the killing of six Nigerian soldiers in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. That same month, 20 fishermen were slaughtered in Gadan Gari, Bama Local Government Area, and 40 farmers were killed in Dumba village, Kukawa Local Government Area.
The attacks in January were followed by a spate of killings and abductions in February, with the most notable incidents occurring in the same Damboa LGA, where seven people were killed in two separate attacks. These attacks have escalated fears over the safety of residents, farmers, and travellers in the North-Eastern region, as Boko Haram and its factions continue to carry out deadly assaults despite ongoing military operations.
The increased frequency of Boko Haram attacks over the past few months has led to growing concern for the safety of civilians and the effectiveness of the Nigerian government’s counter-insurgency efforts. Security experts and local residents alike have expressed alarm at the growing boldness of the militants, who continue to strike even in areas where military presence has been heightened.
Boko Haram has waged a brutal insurgency in northern Nigeria since 2009, leading to the deaths of thousands of people and the displacement of millions. While the Nigerian military has claimed significant victories in the fight against the group, its ability to eliminate Boko Haram entirely has remained in question. The group’s continued attacks, including abductions like the one that took place on Monday, serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in securing the region.
In recent months, the group’s attacks have been more focused on softer targets—civilians on the roads, farmers, and fishermen—indicating a shift in tactics. This shift has led to increased fears among local communities, who feel vulnerable to the militants’ violence, particularly as the military continues to focus on more heavily fortified areas.
