By MOHAMMED DANBABA
Suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have abducted the newly elected Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area in Borno State, alongside two councillors and several passengers, in a fresh attack along the volatile Borno–Yobe highway.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday evening, has once again drawn attention to the persistent security challenges facing travellers and public officials in Nigeria’s North-East, especially along routes long associated with insurgent violence and mass abductions.
Attack Occurred Along Notorious Kamuya–Buni Yadi Road
According to multiple security and counterinsurgency sources, the abduction took place along the Kamuya village–Buni Yadi axis, a stretch of road infamous for repeated attacks by insurgent groups.
The victims were reportedly travelling toward Maiduguri after participating in the recently concluded local government elections held last Saturday when their convoy was intercepted by armed insurgents.
A source familiar with the incident confirmed that the abducted officials include the newly elected Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, Alhaji Saidu, and two councillors representing Zarawuyaku and Miringa wards.
“Yes, our newly elected Vice Chairman in the last Saturday local government polls, Alhaji Saidu, and two councillors from Biu Local Government Area were abducted by suspected ISWAP terrorists between Kamuya village and Buni Yadi road,” the source disclosed.
Passengers from Multiple Vehicles Also Seized
The attackers reportedly did not limit the operation to the politicians alone. Sources said the insurgents also stopped other vehicles plying the highway at the time of the ambush and abducted several passengers.
Among the intercepted vehicles was one belonging to the Hisbah group, travelling from Potiskum in Yobe State, as well as another vehicle operated by Jamatul Nasrul Islam (Yan Agaji), heading toward Biu.
According to the sources, passengers from these vehicles were forcefully taken away alongside the abducted local government officials.
“They were abducted alongside some unidentified passengers travelling in a Jamatul Nasrul Islam vehicle en route from Potiskum town in Yobe State to Biu. One of the councillors abducted was also the immediate past vice chairman of Biu Local Government,” the source added.
The exact number of passengers abducted remains unclear as of the time of filing this report.
Renewed Fears Over Post-Election Security
The abduction has heightened fears among residents and political stakeholders in Borno State, particularly following the conduct of local government elections intended to strengthen grassroots governance.
Residents say the targeting of newly elected officials sends a troubling signal about the safety of public office holders and the broader security situation in the region.
Community leaders in Biu expressed concern that insurgents may be deliberately targeting political figures to undermine democratic processes and instil fear among the population.
Highway Remains a Flashpoint for Insurgent Attacks
The Borno–Yobe highway, especially the Kamuya–Buni Yadi corridor, has remained a flashpoint for insurgent activity for years, despite repeated military operations aimed at securing the route.
Security analysts note that insurgents often exploit gaps in patrol coverage, particularly during evening hours, to stage ambushes, abductions, and raids on passing vehicles.
Travellers familiar with the route have repeatedly called for increased military presence, improved intelligence gathering, and coordinated patrols to prevent recurring attacks.
Silence from Security Agencies
As of Wednesday night, there was no official statement from the Nigerian military, police, or the Borno State Government confirming the incident or outlining rescue efforts.
However, counterinsurgency sources indicated that security forces had been alerted and were assessing the situation, including tracking possible movement routes used by the abductors.
Families of the abducted officials and passengers are said to be anxiously awaiting updates as concerns grow over their safety.
Pattern of Abductions in the North-East
The latest incident fits a broader pattern of abductions carried out by Boko Haram and ISWAP factions across parts of Borno and Yobe states, often targeting civilians, commuters, aid workers, and local leaders.
While the frequency of large-scale attacks has reduced in some areas, experts warn that insurgents have shifted tactics, relying more on targeted ambushes and kidnappings to sustain relevance and exert control.
Security experts argue that the persistence of such attacks highlights the need for improved road surveillance, community-based intelligence, and sustained military pressure in known insurgent corridors.
Calls for Urgent Action
Civil society groups and residents have urged the Federal Government and security agencies to prioritise the rescue of the abducted officials and passengers, while also taking decisive steps to secure major highways in the North-East.
For many communities, the Boko Haram abduction on Borno–Yobe highway is yet another painful reminder that despite years of counterinsurgency operations, safety on key travel routes remains uncertain.
As families wait and tension mounts, attention now turns to the response of security forces and whether swift action can prevent further escalation and reassure residents ahead of future political and civic activities.
#BokoHaram #ISWAP #BornoState #YobeState #BornoYobeHighway #NigeriaInsecurity #NorthEastNigeria #Abduction #SecurityCrisis
