By Sam Kayode
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Saturday, visited Darajamal, a community in Bama, to condole with families of the 63 people killed by Boko Haram insurgents last Friday night.
The insurgents had surrounded the community in a commando pattern in the darkness of the night and were shooting sporadically sending 58 civilians to their early grave.
Sadly five soldiers who were in the forward military base in the general area defending the community had to pay the supreme sacrifice alongside 58 civilians that were earlier displaced by the insurgents but resettled in Darajamal for two months now.
Visibly moved by the dastardly incident, Zulum met with community leaders and consoled the bereaved families over the tragedy.
The Governor further expressed grief and condemned the brutal attack on the community in the strongest terms.
Speaking later to newsmen, Zulum went on, “We are here to commiserate with the people of Darajamal over what happened last night that has claimed the lives of many people. It is very sad.
“This community was settled a few months ago and they went about their normal activities, but unfortunately, they experienced Boko Haram attack last night. Our visit is to commiserate with them and build their resilience.
“At this moment we have confirmed that 63 people lost their lives, both civilians and military, although the civilian casualties are more. Close to about 60 civilians and 5 soldiers lost their lives.”
Governor Zulum, while noting the challenges faced in the fight against insecurity, also called for the immediate deployment of the newly trained Forest Guards to complement the military in safeguarding vulnerable communities.
“We have to take note that the numerical strength of the military is not enough to cover everywhere, so far so good, two sets of Forest Guards have been trained, therefore one of the solutions that we need to implement immediately is to deploy the trained Forest Guards to most of the locations that are vulnerable, they will protect the forest and communities.
Also commenting, the Senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan, whose constituency Darajamal falls under, condemned the attack, describing it as a crime against humanity.
He expressed his commitment to supporting Governor Babagana Zulum through legislative backing to restore peace in Borno State.
Meanwhile the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), says it has successfully neutralised over 30 terrorists in a decisive joint operation with ground troops in the general area of Darajamal.
The operation, conducted on the 5th of September 2025 was a sequel to reports of heavy terrorist engagement against Nigerian troops on that fateful Friday, said the air force spokesman Ehimen Ejodame in a release.
“Acting swiftly on the situation report, the aircrew established contact with ground forces in Banki, who confirmed that reinforcements were already moving to support troops.
“On arrival at Dar Jamel, the aircrew visually identified friendly forces before ISR scans revealed terrorists fleeing northwards from the town towards nearby bushes. In a series of three precise and successive strikes, the fleeing terrorists were decisively engaged, resulting in the neutralisation of over 30 insurgents.
“Shortly afterwards, reinforcement troops arrived at the location, secured the area, and established the situation. This coordinated success highlights the seamless synergy between air and ground forces, underscoring the effectiveness of joint efforts in counterterrorism operations.
” It also reinforces the Nigerian Armed Forces’ resolve to dismantle terrorist networks, protect vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace to the North East and beyond. The Nigerian Air Force, working closely with sister services and other security agencies, reassures Nigerians that it will continue to take deliberate and collaborative actions to ensure the safety and security of all citizens across the country.” said the Director of Public Relations and information of the Nigerian Airforce.
