Security forces in Borno State have repelled an attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters on Malari village in Konduga Local Government Area and have begun a coordinated operation to rescue three farmers abducted during the incident. The attack, which took place on November 30, is another reminder of the persistent threats faced by rural communities across the North-East despite continued military operations.
According to eyewitnesses, the insurgents stormed the community at about 12 p.m., arriving on more than 15 motorcycles. They immediately opened fire, sending residents fleeing into nearby bushes for safety. The attackers, believed to be members of either Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have maintained strongholds in parts of Borno and continue to target farming communities, travellers, and security checkpoints.
During the attack, a 15-year-old boy identified as Basha Goigoi from Muna was shot in the right thigh. He was rushed to the General Hospital in Maiduguri, where he is currently receiving treatment. Doctors say he is responding well, although he remains under close medical supervision.
Residents told security officials that the attackers also captured three farmers who were working on their farmlands when the gunmen arrived. The abducted men have been identified as Alhaji Kundili, 35; Baba Goni, 45; and Modu Baluye, 50. Their families have appealed for urgent action to ensure their safe return, expressing fear that the victims may be taken into the Sambisa Forest, a known hiding place for insurgents.
Farmers in the region have continued to face serious risks as many rural areas remain under constant threat of insurgent attacks. Kidnappings, forced labour, and killings have discouraged agricultural activities in several communities, contributing to food shortages and rising prices across the North-East.
The Borno State Police Command said its Crack Squad stationed in Konduga responded swiftly when they received a distress call from the community. The officers engaged the insurgents in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat.
According to the police, their timely response prevented what could have been a larger and more devastating attack. In previous years, insurgents have burned houses, destroyed food supplies, and carried out mass abductions in similar raids. Security analysts say that improved coordination between police units and community vigilantes has helped reduce casualties in recent incidents.
A statement issued by the command noted that a joint operation has now been launched to track down the attackers and rescue the abducted farmers. The operation includes personnel from Operation Hadin Kai—the military’s counter-insurgency force—police tactical units, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters who have deep knowledge of the terrain.
The joint search team has begun combing nearby forests, farmlands, and possible insurgent routes used to escape after the attack. Sources say the operation is expected to continue for days as the insurgents often travel through narrow bush paths that are difficult to navigate.
Members of the CJTF and local hunters are considered crucial to the search effort due to their familiarity with the region and their long-standing involvement in community defence. These groups have supported security agencies for over a decade, helping identify suspects, gathering intelligence, and guiding troops through difficult areas.
Operation Hadin Kai has been the main military force battling Boko Haram and ISWAP across the North-East since 2021. It replaced the previous Operation Lafiya Dole and has led several successful raids on insurgent hideouts. However, rural attacks like the one in Malari village show that the insurgents still have the capacity to strike soft targets, especially during farming seasons.
Security agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements promptly. They stressed that early information is critical in preventing further attacks and in helping them track the insurgents who often operate in small groups.
A police spokesperson reminded communities that insurgents usually target isolated farms, remote villages, and areas with limited security presence. He encouraged residents to avoid working alone on farms and instead move in groups or report to local security volunteers who can provide support.
Across Borno, communities have relied heavily on a combination of military patrols, police units, the CJTF, and hunters for protection. The state government has also invested in rebuilding communities destroyed by insurgents and resettling displaced persons. However, the continued attacks show that much still needs to be done to make rural areas safe.
The attack in Konduga comes at a time when the North-East is experiencing a gradual but fragile recovery after more than 14 years of insurgency. While the frequency of large-scale attacks has reduced significantly compared to previous years, insurgents continue to carry out targeted killings, abductions, and ambushes.
Communities in Konduga, Jere, Mafa, and other parts of Borno remain vulnerable because of their proximity to forested areas where the terrorists are believed to hide. Many farmers say they must balance the risk of going to their farms with the need to provide food for their families.
As the joint security operation continues, families of the abducted farmers remain hopeful that they will be rescued unharmed. Local leaders have called for stronger security presence in farming areas, particularly during harvest periods when attacks tend to increase.
The Borno Police Command assured the public that they are committed to restoring peace in the area and that the attackers will be pursued until the victims are found.
