Boko Haram terrorists ambushed Nigerian military troops in Baga, Borno State, while they were attempting to recover the bodies of 40 civilians killed by the insurgents. Several soldiers and civilians have gone missing, and casualties remain unconfirmed. The attack follows a deadly incident in Kukawa.
On January 16, 2025, Boko Haram insurgents ambushed Nigerian military personnel in Baga, Borno State, while they were attempting to recover the bodies of civilians killed in an earlier attack. The soldiers were part of a combined effort with local civilians, including hunters and members of the civilian joint task force, to retrieve the remains of about 40 residents killed in a previous raid. During the recovery mission, the troops fell into an ambush, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. Several soldiers were reportedly killed, but the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as the bodies have not been fully collected.
The ambush occurred after a deadly raid by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in Kukawa Local Government Area, which left several farmers dead. According to sources, about 50 civilians, including volunteers, had mobilized to assist the military in recovering the bodies of the victims but were ambushed by the terrorists. Only one civilian has returned, and the whereabouts of the others remain unknown.
The situation remains fluid, with more soldiers and civilians still unaccounted for, and authorities are yet to provide an official casualty count. The military and local officials continue to investigate the full extent of the attack, which adds to the ongoing security challenges in the region.
