Weekly Attack Report April 12-19
Total kinetic attacks: 9
Total civilians killed: 11
Total security personnel killed: 19
Total deaths: 30
By Ezinwanne Onwuka
No Respite for Troops in the Fight in Borno
Nigeria’s 17-year war with Islamism turned tragically for the Nigerian army during the third week of April as Boko Haram insurgents struck again in Nigeria’s Borno State, killing six soldiers in a fresh assault on a military base in Mussa village, Askira/Uba area. There was little time for solace as the attack coincided with the mourning day for a brigadier general and six other soldiers slain by Boko Haram jihadists who were buried on April 15.
Nigerian media reports say heavily armed Boko Haram fighters attempted to infiltrate the base. Troops engaged them in a firefight, but six soldiers were killed.
The latest deaths followed an earlier tragedy involving a Commanding Officer, I.A. Mohammed and six soldiers of Operation HADIN KAI on Sunday, April 12.
Troops had fought off insurgents attempting to breach their position at Charlie 13 on April 12, forcing the attackers to retreat.
But as the situation appeared contained, the commanding officer moved forward to assess the scene firsthand. His vehicle struck an improvised explosive device, killing him and six of his men.
Operation HADIN KAI is the Nigerian military’s main counterinsurgency campaign against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Northeast.
Teen Suspect Arrested in Borno
Troops arrested a 15-year-old boy suspected of working as a logistics courier for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The teenager, identified as Tijjani, was nabbed while allegedly attempting to procure supplies for insurgent fighters operating along the Ngamdu–Benisheik corridor.
During questioning, he reportedly admitted involvement in recent attacks on Benisheik and Ngamdu. He confessed to being sent with about ₦850,000 (US$630.30) to purchase logistics.
His arrest came just 24 hours after Nigerian air forces carried out precision strikes on insurgent positions in the Jilli axis, destroying a major logistics base.
Reports say several insurgents were killed, with vehicles and motorcycles used for operations destroyed.
Abduction and Killings in Benue
In Benue State, Fulani militia intercepted a commercial bus traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo—about 62 miles apart—in Gwer-East, midway along the route. The attackers shot the driver fatally and took 14 passengers hostage.
Early reports said some of the victims were students heading to sit for Nigeria’s university entrance exam, the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Officials debunked that claim initially, but reversed course when 13 rescued students appeared at Makurdi’s Government House on Sunday. Gov. Hyacinth Alia reportedly is requesting that their final examinations can be rescheduled.
On Sunday, authorities confirmed the victims had been rescued and seven suspects arrested. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia also confirmed the development.
Elsewhere in the state, violence continued, as reported by TruthNigeria.
Two local security volunteers were killed Monday evening in Atakpa village in Agatu after attempting to defend their community. A day earlier, at least 10 residents were killed in nearby Edikwu-Ankpali in Apa County shortly after returning from church.
In another incident Saturday, a mobile police officer was shot and killed in Upu village in Otukpo County while responding to an attempted raid. Two other officers were wounded.
Coordinated Kidnappings in Kwara
In neighboring Kwara State, armed groups carried out coordinated raids across several communities on the night of April 15.
Fulani Ethnic Militia terrorists ravaging the North-Central of Nigeria abducted the Baale (community chief or local traditional leader) of Oloruntele, a small, predominantly Christian village in Ifelodun county, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, afternoon, just hours after another monarch was kidnapped in nearby Olayinka county.
In Iwo Odo-Ore in Isin County, five people were abducted, including a local politician and education entrepreneur, Alhaji Yusuf Yunusa.
Further attacks in Ifelodun County targeted Gaa Dembo-Agunjin and Gaa-Idera, where six and two residents were abducted, respectively.
In Gaa-Idera, gunmen struck a family preparing for a wedding. The bride’s mother was among those kidnapped. Residents also reported injuries and the theft of cattle during the raids.
TruthNigeria documented these attacks, which can be accessed here.
Deadly Raid in Kebbi
In northwestern Kebbi State, another community came under attack the same day.
Armed men stormed Yantala village in Bagudu County around 5 p.m., opening fire on residents.
Three community guards were killed, and the village head, 85-year-old Garba Ahmadu, was abducted along with another resident.
According to Zagazola Makama, a security analyst, the attackers are believed to belong to an emerging terrorist group locally known as “Mamudawa Boko Haram,” which translates to “Boko Haram of Mamuda.”
Military Gains in Plateau
In Plateau State, troops arrested nine suspected militia members in Riyom County early April 18 after responding to reports of suspicious movement.
The suspects were found with bloodstains on their bodies, suggesting recent involvement in killings.
Weapons recovered included a pistol, a submachine gun, locally made firearms, and ammunition.
The arrests come amid persistent unrest in Plateau communities such as Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu.
Ezinwanne Onwuka is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria.
