Authorities in Nigeria have reported that at least seven members of a government protection agency are missing following an attack by Boko Haram insurgents in north-central Nigeria. The incident occurred when a convoy of 80 security operatives, responsible for safeguarding the power network, was ambushed in Shiroro, Niger state. The attackers, numbering around 200 Boko Haram fighters, targeted the convoy during a patrol mission.
During the ambush, at least 50 insurgents were reportedly killed by the security operatives. Boko Haram is known for its activities aimed at disrupting power supplies in Nigeria. Just last month, a significant portion of the northern region experienced a power outage lasting over a week due to damage caused by insurgents to critical equipment, as confirmed by the state-owned Transmission Company of Nigeria.
While Boko Haram traditionally operates in the northeast of Nigeria, the group is believed to have established cells in Niger state, a predominantly Muslim region. This recent attack is not the first instance of violence perpetrated by the insurgents in the area, as they have previously targeted both military personnel and civilians.
Boko Haram originated in 2009 with the objective of opposing Western education and enforcing a strict interpretation of Islamic law, known as Sharia. The conflict initiated by the group has become one of Africa's most protracted militant struggles, extending beyond Nigeria's borders into neighboring countries.
According to the United Nations, the ongoing conflict has resulted in the loss of approximately 35,000 civilian lives and the displacement of over 2 million individuals in the northeastern region of Nigeria. One of the most infamous incidents involving Boko Haram was the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok village in Borno state in 2014, an event that garnered global attention.
In a separate tragic incident in September, suspected Boko Haram fighters carried out a deadly assault in northeastern Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of at least 100 villagers. The attackers targeted a market, places of worship, and residential homes, further highlighting the persistent threat posed by the insurgent group in the region.
