In a troubling development, Nigerian military forces have engaged in a series of fierce clashes with Boko Haram militants in the northeastern state of Borno, reigniting fears of a larger resurgence. The firefights—centered around Konduga, Gwoza, and Damboa—were triggered by intelligence reports indicating the reactivation of dormant sleeper cells across the Lake Chad basin.
At least 26 insurgents have been killed, 9 soldiers wounded, and multiple IEDs uncovered. Authorities say the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, is also involved in coordinated operations, hinting at renewed tactical collaboration between rival jihadist groups once thought fragmented.
Casualties and Humanitarian Fallout
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Civilian Deaths: 11 confirmed, including 3 children caught in crossfire
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Military Casualties: 9 soldiers injured, 2 vehicles damaged
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Displacement: Over 3,200 civilians have fled newly volatile areas around Gwoza and Konduga
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Schools Closed: 7 government primary and secondary schools have been shut as a precaution
Humanitarian agencies report growing food insecurity and psychosocial trauma in IDP camps, where overcrowding and disease outbreaks now pose secondary risks.
Insurgent Tactics: A Shift in Strategy
Field intelligence suggests Boko Haram and ISWAP have adopted a “shadow insurgency” model—favoring smaller, unpredictable attacks, temporary occupation of villages, and targeted kidnappings. They also appear to be recruiting via encrypted messaging apps and through radical clerical networks in Nigeria and neighboring countries.
Recent intercepted communications refer to “Operation Istiqamah”, believed to be an internal code for coordinated sleeper cell activation.
“Their aim now is not total occupation—it’s disruption, destabilization, and soft-target exploitation,”
— ACCT Counterterrorism Analyst, Abuja
Strategic Commentary: Emmanuel Kotin, Executive Director, ACCT
“The reactivation of Boko Haram sleeper cells in Borno is a critical inflection point. We are no longer dealing with isolated raids; we are witnessing the reconfiguration of terrorist strategy—blending ideology, technology, and local grievances into a potent threat.”
“Unless regional actors prioritize synchronized intelligence, border surveillance, and community-based counter-radicalization, the Lake Chad basin risks becoming a permanent zone of jihadist entrenchment.”
“Nigeria must also reevaluate the current reintegration models. While amnesty and rehabilitation have value, poorly monitored reabsorption risks recycling violence under new labels.”
Policy Recommendations and Forward Outlook
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Launch a regional intelligence-sharing task force focused on Lake Chad insurgent migration patterns.
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Deploy high-altitude drones to monitor movement corridors across Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains.
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Strengthen reintegration vetting protocols, ensuring de-radicalization is thorough and community-approved.
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Increase humanitarian funding to IDP camps to prevent extremism-driven recruitment.
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Engage clerics and religious networks to counter online and offline radicalization narratives.
Nigeria’s Fight Enters a New Phase
Boko Haram’s apparent resurgence, underscored by renewed violence and reactivated sleeper networks, marks a dangerous evolution in the group’s operational framework. While tactical victories may be won in the short term, defeating insurgency in the northeast will require a shift from reactive military responses to proactive, multidimensional strategies.
The Africa Center for Counter Terrorism (ACCT) will continue to monitor developments and provide open-source intelligence and strategic recommendations to governments, civil society, and regional partners committed to lasting peace in West Africa.
