The Week Nigeria Marked Independence: Soldiers Killed, Corps Members Abducted, Farmers Slaughtered

Boko Haram attacks military bases in Adamawa, jihadists kill 15 farmers in Borno, and kidnappers demand ₦1 billion ransom for abducted NYSC members as the country enters its 66th year of independence.

By Ezinwanne Onwuka

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary unfolded under a wave of violence that swept across multiple states, leaving soldiers dead, farmers executed, and young National Youth Service Corps members held for a ₦1 billion ransom. On the eve of the holiday, jihadists killed 15 farmers in Borno, while suspected Boko Haram fighters struck military positions in Adamawa, killing three soldiers and a forest guard. Hours later, gunmen intercepted buses carrying prospective NYSC members in Imo State, abducting at least 19 passengers and issuing a staggering ransom demand as security forces scrambled to respond.

Boko Haram Hits Adamawa Military Positions

Suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked military positions in Adamawa State, Northeast Nigeria, just before midnight on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The attack continued into Thursday, Oct. 1.

At the 232 Battalion position in Garaha-Mojili, Hong County, the jihadists arrived on motorcycles and engaged soldiers in a fierce gun battle, according to Aliyu Yerima Sa’ad Hong, chairman of Hong County.

Three soldiers and a forest guard were killed, while 10 other soldiers were wounded, according to the chairman. The injured soldiers were taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Hong. The attackers also abducted two women, according to the chairman.

In nearby Dakna, in Dugwaba District close to the Sambisa Forest, Boko Haram fighters reportedly abducted two more women and an 8-year-old child.

The attacks triggered an exodus from several Christian villages along the Kopre–Sambisa forest corridor. Residents fled toward Gombi town, with some reportedly walking between 15 to 22 miles to escape the insurgents.

The attacks came as troops of Operation Hadin Kai were also conducting offensive operations in the area. The military said troops killed 16 terrorists in a separate operation in the Boima area of Gombi County and carried out a precision airstrike against another gathering of suspected terrorists.

Corps Members Abducted on Highway

While Boko Haram fighters were attacking military positions in the Northeast, prospective members of Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were traveling toward their own national assignment in the Southeast.

Two buses carrying prospective corps members left Ibadan in southwestern Nigeria for orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

At about 5 a.m. Thursday, gunmen intercepted the buses near Umunoha in Mbaitoli County, Imo State, along the Owerri–Onitsha Road. The attackers forced passengers into a nearby forest after the drivers escaped and alerted security personnel.

There are conflicting accounts over the number of people abducted. Police said 19 people were abducted and 10 had been rescued. But parents of the corps members disputed the claim, saying the 10 had escaped from the kidnappers by fleeing into the bush. The parents said 20 prospective corps members remained in captivity as of Saturday.

By Saturday, Oct. 3, reports said the kidnappers were demanding ₦950 million (about $715,426), or ₦50 million (about $37,654) per victim. By Sunday, Oct. 4, however, families said the demand had risen to ₦1 billion and that the abductors had issued a 24-hour ultimatum.

At the Oct. 5 official exchange rate of about ₦1,327 to $1, the ₦1 billion demand was worth approximately $753,500.

Police said drones had located the kidnappers’ forest camp but that security forces had not moved in because intelligence indicated the area could be rigged with improvised explosive devices. Armored personnel carriers and other equipment were being prepared for the operation.

15 Farmers Killed in Borno Ambush

In northeastern Borno State, suspected Boko Haram jihadists killed 15 farmers and firewood gatherers in Marte County, located approximately 80 miles northeast of Maiduguri, the state capital.

The victims entered farmland and surrounding bush near Ala, Gummna and Musune villages on Wednesday evening, Sept. 30. Local residents said the attackers ambushed the group, bound some of the victims and shot them at close range.

Eighteen people were reportedly in the group. Fifteen bodies were recovered and buried according to Islamic rites, while three others remained missing.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed that 15 people were killed and said efforts were continuing to locate the missing residents. Police spokesman Nahum Daso said details of the attack remained sketchy as investigators gathered more information.

Military Reports Heavy Operations in September

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, the Defence Headquarters released its operational figures for September.

The military said troops recorded 367 attacks across the various operational theaters in the month. Operation Enduring Peace recorded the highest number, with 147 attacks, followed by Operation Fansan Yamma with 115, Operation Whirl Stroke with 55 and Operation Hadin Kai with 33. Operation Savannah Shield recorded 13 attacks, Operation Udo Ka recorded four, while Operation Delta Safe recorded none.

The military said its operations in September resulted in 52 terrorists and criminals killed, 350 arrested, 655 kidnapped civilians rescued and 75 insurgents surrendering.

For the third quarter, from July through September, the military reported 554 terrorists and criminals killed, 1,333 arrested, 1,736 kidnapped civilians rescued and 333 insurgents surrendering.

The military scorecard received another boost at the weekend when a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and Amotekun killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province commander in Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria.

Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, was killed with several other suspected ISWAP members during a surprise assault on a forest hideout in Owo, Ondo State, according to security sources.

The sources said Ohida had assumed a leadership role in ISWAP activities across parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria after his former superior, Abu Ikrimah, was arrested in 2023. They said he was allegedly planning attacks on civilians during the coming holiday period and seeking to disrupt Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Ezinwanne Onwuka is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria.

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