As Nigeria mourns the loss of two brave military personnel, Gwoza’s Emir calls for urgent federal intervention and advanced military equipment to counter persistent terror threats.
In the early hours of Wednesday, May 7, 2025, terror once again struck the vulnerable communities of Borno State, as Boko Haram insurgents launched a violent assault on Izge, a quiet farming settlement in Gwoza Local Government Area. The midnight attack, which occurred around 1 a.m., claimed the lives of a Nigerian Army Captain and a soldier, sending shockwaves across the state and rekindling concerns about the lingering threat of terrorism in the Northeast.
Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, confirmed the tragic incident in an interview with Channels Television. Speaking from Maiduguri, he painted a grim picture of how heavily armed terrorists descended on the Izge community, shooting indiscriminately and causing chaos and panic among sleeping residents.
According to the traditional ruler, the swift intervention of the Nigerian Armed Forces, supported by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), local hunters, and vigilante groups, prevented the terrorists from inflicting further casualties and devastation. In a brave counterattack, security operatives succeeded in killing three of the attackers. Several motorcycles, over ten bicycles, an operational vehicle used by the terrorists, and a sophisticated assault rifle with ammunition were recovered during the operation.
“My people in Izge came under attack by Boko Haram around 1 a.m. today,” the Emir narrated. “It was a brutal and unexpected invasion. Sadly, we lost a courageous Army Captain and a dedicated soldier. Their sacrifice is one we will never forget.”
He continued, “But thanks to the resilience of our people and the gallantry of our security forces, the attackers were repelled. The entire community rose in defiance, supporting our troops and joining forces to push the terrorists back. Even now, some of our youth and local fighters are still in the surrounding bushes tracking the fleeing terrorists.”
The Emir offered heartfelt prayers for the repose of the fallen heroes, expressing condolences to their families and acknowledging the bravery of the community, military personnel, CJTF, and other local defenders. He emphasized that without such collective resistance, the toll could have been much higher.
A Renewed Call for National Action
Beyond commendation, Emir Timta issued a passionate appeal to the Federal Government, urging for immediate intervention to prevent further attacks—especially as the farming season approaches.
“This is a time when farmers are preparing to return to their fields. If these attacks continue unchecked, it will severely impact food security and the economic recovery of this region. The government must act now to restore confidence and ensure safety,” he warned.
The Emir also praised Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for his unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and supporting local security operations. Governor Zulum has repeatedly advocated for the closure of IDP camps and the resettlement of displaced persons back to their ancestral lands—a policy rooted in restoring normalcy and giving people back their dignity.
“Governor Zulum has provided substantial support to the military and our CJTF members. His leadership has brought relative peace to many parts of Borno and enabled thousands to return home. We must consolidate on these gains,” the monarch added.
However, he did not shy away from highlighting the limitations faced by security agencies, particularly the lack of modern technological warfare tools.
“We can no longer rely solely on outdated weapons and manpower. Nigeria must invest in advanced surveillance systems, drone technology, satellite tracking, and modern communication equipment. The war we are fighting is no longer conventional. The enemy adapts, and so must we.”
Resettlement Efforts in the Face of Insecurity
This latest attack comes amid the ongoing resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Borno. Governor Zulum recently announced that over 6,000 families from Mafa and Dikwa LGAs have been successfully relocated. Yet, incidents like the Izge raid raise questions about the long-term sustainability of these efforts.
While the closure of formal IDP camps aims to restore community life and reduce dependence on government relief, the security of returnees remains paramount. The Izge attack is a stark reminder that remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents continue to pose serious threats to life and property, even in areas previously declared stable.
A Region in Recovery—But at What Cost?
The humanitarian crisis in Northeast Nigeria has persisted for over a decade, driven largely by Boko Haram’s reign of terror. Tens of thousands have died, while millions have been displaced. Though military offensives have weakened the insurgents and reclaimed much territory, sporadic attacks like the one on Izge highlight that the fight is far from over.
The psychological toll on communities is also deep. For a community like Izge—already traumatized by past attacks—reliving such horror, especially in the dead of night, can shatter fragile hope and stability.
Human rights organizations and development partners have consistently called for a comprehensive strategy that combines military action with post-conflict rehabilitation, economic empowerment, and psychological support for affected communities. Without this holistic approach, experts warn, insurgents may continue to find pockets of vulnerability to exploit.
International Attention and Global Terrorism Trends
The Nigerian government has also been urged to increase its collaboration with international allies in tackling terrorism. Global trends in terrorism have shown that localized insurgencies can have ripple effects, often providing safe havens or training grounds for other extremist groups.
The Emir’s mention of technological warfare is particularly important in this context. In an age of drone warfare and cyber intelligence, Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts must evolve. Partnering with countries that have successfully dismantled insurgent networks—such as Colombia, Indonesia, and even Iraq—could offer valuable lessons.
The Legacy of Fallen Heroes
As news of the tragic loss of a Nigerian Army Captain and a soldier in the Izge attack broke, it sent ripples of grief and outrage across the country. The fallen heroes were not just names in a news headline—they were sons, brothers, fathers, and defenders of the Nigerian people. Their untimely death during a midnight Boko Haram assault in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State reignited the nation’s collective pain over the prolonged insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives over the past decade.
Almost immediately, tributes began to flood social media platforms, with Nigerians from all walks of life expressing a mix of sorrow, anger, and frustration. The names of the slain soldiers trended online, accompanied by heartfelt messages, emojis of the Nigerian flag, and demands for justice. Citizens described them as patriots, heroes, and symbols of Nigeria’s unyielding spirit in the face of terror. Many users posted “Rest in Peace” messages, while others called on the government to do more than just honor the dead—to also protect the living.
Beyond condolences, there were passionate calls for improved welfare and long-overdue recognition for military personnel serving on the frontlines. Nigerians questioned how many more lives must be lost before urgent reforms are made to bolster security, improve intelligence gathering, and ensure that troops have both the morale and equipment needed to win the war against insurgency. The sentiment was unanimous: those who risk their lives daily for national security must be adequately compensated, cared for, and celebrated—not only in death, but in life.
Military sources later confirmed that the bodies of the deceased had been recovered and transported to a secure military facility in Maiduguri. Plans are underway for their burial with full military honors—an important gesture of respect from a grateful nation. The funerals, officials say, will be attended by top-ranking officers, fellow soldiers, and possibly representatives of the federal and Borno State governments.
A senior officer with the Nigerian Army’s 7 Division captured the mood poignantly: “They died defending their country and saving innocent lives. These men are not just soldiers—they are martyrs in Nigeria’s long and painful struggle for peace. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten.”
As the nation mourns, the story of these fallen soldiers serves as a painful reminder of the human cost of insecurity. It is a call to leadership, to solidarity, and to action. Their deaths must serve not just as an occasion for tears, but as a rallying cry for a more secure, just, and united Nigeria. In their honor, may the nation never relent in its pursuit of peace.
The Battle for Gwoza—and Nigeria’s Future
The Izge attack stands as a poignant and painful reminder of the enduring insecurity plaguing Northeast Nigeria. This incident—like many others that have shaken the region in the past decade—is more than a single episode of violence; it is a clear reflection of the deep-seated challenges that continue to undermine peace, development, and stability across Borno State and its neighbouring communities. The late-night assault, which claimed the lives of a Nigerian Army Captain and a soldier, is a stark call to action. It reinforces the urgent need for renewed commitment from both the government and the people. Now more than ever, vigilance, unity, and unwavering determination are not optional—they are essential for survival and restoration.
For the people of Gwoza and the broader Borno area, resilience has long become a way of life. These communities have withstood unimaginable trauma—from mass displacement to abductions, massacres, and the destruction of entire villages. And yet, they rise. With incredible courage, families return to rebuild what they can—homes, livelihoods, and hope. But as they plant crops and repair damaged buildings, they do so with heavy hearts and one unrelenting plea: that the sacrifices of their loved ones, of fallen soldiers, of brave vigilantes and selfless civilians, will not be in vain.
This burden cannot rest solely on the shoulders of these communities. It must be carried by the nation. The tragedy in Izge should awaken our leaders—at federal, state, and local levels—to a renewed sense of duty. Security agencies must not only be equipped but also strategically deployed to prevent future attacks. Beyond that, international partners and NGOs must continue to support counterterrorism efforts and humanitarian relief.
Peace must not remain a slogan. It must be a living reality—enforced, protected, and sustained. Izge deserves no less.