ISWAP’s Deadly Assault in Borno Leaves 23 Farmers Dead, 18 Abducted

 A horrific attack by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State, Nigeria, has left 23 farmers dead and 18 others abducted, deepening the region’s security crisis and exposing the vulnerability of rural communities. The assault, one of the deadliest in 2025, has amplified calls for urgent action to curb insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast.

The attack occurred in early May 2025 in Gwoza, a local government area long plagued by jihadist violence. ISWAP militants, armed with rifles, machetes, and improvised explosive devices, stormed farming villages at dawn, targeting men and women working in their fields. The 23 victims, aged between 18 and 60, were killed in a coordinated assault that lasted over three hours. The 18 abducted individuals, primarily young adults, were taken to an unknown location, raising fears of forced conscription or ransom demands. The attackers also burned homes, looted grain stores, and stole livestock, exacerbating food insecurity in a region already grappling with humanitarian challenges.

Military forces stationed nearby engaged the militants, but the attackers fled into dense forests, exploiting the terrain to evade capture. The incident follows a surge in ISWAP activities, with the group claiming responsibility via encrypted channels, citing retaliation against communities supporting government forces. Local authorities have condemned the attack, with the Borno State government deploying additional troops and promising aid to displaced families. 

Humanitarian organizations estimate that over 5,000 residents have fled Gwoza since the attack, swelling overcrowded camps in Maiduguri. The assault has reignited debates about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy, with analysts pointing to inadequate rural security and intelligence failures. Community leaders are demanding permanent military outposts and economic support to deter further attacks and stabilize the region.