Hundreds of fighters from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been spotted in viral videos gathering openly to perform Eid prayers in Borno State, brandishing assault rifles and other high-powered weapons without fear of interruption.
This comes just 48 hours after Maiduguri, the state capital, was struck three times by suicide bombers, targeting crowded locations including the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Monday Market, and a central post office. The attacks killed at least 26 people and injured over 100, overwhelming local hospitals and emergency responders.
The situation raises serious questions about security in Nigeria. Despite repeated claims by the military and government that insurgents have been “technically defeated,” these videos suggest otherwise. How can the military claim to be killing terrorists when they are openly gathering with rifles to pray in Borno? Many residents now see previous reports as media propaganda, rather than a reflection of reality.
The implication of these developments is stark: if the government cannot provide accurate information about the insurgents’ strength and locations, citizens remain exposed to attacks. The ability of hundreds of heavily armed fighters to assemble openly just 48 hours after deadly bombings highlights serious gaps in security and intelligence. Without reliable protection and timely intelligence, communities in Borno and Nigeria’s North-East are left vulnerable to repeated attacks, making daily life increasingly dangerous and uncertain.
Eid is traditionally a time of peace, charity, and communal worship, but the sight of heavily armed insurgents performing prayers has left communities on edge. Analysts warn that such displays indicate the insurgents remain operationally strong, challenging ongoing military efforts in the region.
Boko Haram and ISWAP have long terrorized communities across Borno and neighbouring states, carrying out deadly attacks, mass abductions, and displacing millions of civilians. The recent surge in attacks shows that the North-East remains far from secure.
