Fresh concerns over insecurity have emerged in Borno State after terrorists reportedly abducted 42 children during an attack on a school community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area.
The incident occurred as Nigerian and United States forces announced the killing of a senior ISIS commander during a joint counter-terrorism operation in the Lake Chad region.
Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, confirmed that the attack targeted Primary and Junior Government Day Secondary School in Mussa community on Friday morning.
According to the lawmaker, the terrorists invaded the area during school hours and abducted pupils, students and several children from nearby homes before fleeing.
Ndume stated that four students were taken from the secondary school section, while 28 pupils were abducted from the primary school. Another 10 children were reportedly kidnapped from surrounding residential areas, bringing the total number of victims to 42.
He described the attack as tragic and called on security agencies and troops of Operation Hadin Kai to intensify rescue efforts to secure the safe return of the victims.
The latest incident has renewed fears over the safety of schools and rural communities in the North-East, especially in areas frequently targeted by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that many communities across the region remain vulnerable because of limited security presence and the continued activities of armed groups operating around border territories.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military announced a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism following a joint operation with United States forces that reportedly killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior ISIS commander linked to extremist operations across West Africa.
Military authorities said the operation was carried out around Metele in Borno State after months of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
According to military sources, the operation involved coordinated air and ground assaults on terrorist hideouts within the Lake Chad area.
The military stated that Special Forces secured escape routes during the operation, which reportedly ended without casualties among Nigerian and allied troops.
Al-Minuki had earlier been designated a global terrorist by the United States government over allegations of coordinating ISIS-linked activities and funding operations across the Sahel region.
United States President Donald Trump commended the operation and suggested that additional strikes against ISIS-linked groups could follow.
President Bola Tinubu also welcomed the development, describing it as a significant step in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen regional security cooperation.
However, the operation generated debate after reports surfaced suggesting that the same ISIS commander may have previously been declared dead during an earlier military operation in 2024.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana urged the Federal Government to rely on verified intelligence from the Defence Headquarters before making official statements on security operations.
Security analysts have also cautioned that terrorist groups may attempt retaliatory attacks following the reported killing of the commander.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the country, warning that Nigerians are gradually becoming desensitised to violence and killings.
Jonathan called for responsible leadership, stronger institutions and renewed efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria also announced a nationwide three-day fasting and prayer programme over rising insecurity, economic hardship and continued violence in several parts of the country.
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