Three female suicide bombers targeted the Nigerian border town of Gwoza, marking the first such attack since 2020. This town, once the site of Boko Haram’s short-lived caliphate a decade ago, saw coordinated bombings at a wedding, a funeral, and a hospital on June 30.
The assaults claimed the lives of at least 32 individuals, including nine close associates of resident Mohammed Kehaya, highlighting renewed fears in Borno state, a stronghold of Islamic militancy.
Despite recent claims of progress in combating extremism, the bombings underscore the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram. The group, which has waged a violent insurgency since 2009 to enforce its interpretation of Sharia law in northeastern Nigeria, remains active despite factional splits and military efforts. The conflict has resulted in over 35,000 deaths and displaced more than 2 million people, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis in dire need of international aid.
While acknowledging the tragedy, Nigerian officials downplayed its impact as a “sign of desperation” rather than a setback.
Yet, security analysts and locals express concerns over the planning and coordination evident in the attacks, suggesting potential lapses in security across vulnerable villages in Borno.
Vincent Foucher of the International Crisis Group suggests that such attacks maintain the perception of ongoing conflict, challenging assertions of normalization in the region. The bombings have also reignited anxieties among residents, prompting questions about safety and the resumption of daily activities, including school attendance.
While the military has made gains in pushing extremists to the fringes, including the demise of Boko Haram’s leader in 2021, experts caution against underestimating the group’s operational capabilities.
Cameron Hudson from the Center for Strategic and International Studies warns that such incidents often signal broader patterns of insurgency activity, potentially indicating the insurgents’ resilience and the military’s ongoing challenges.
As Borno residents grapple with renewed violence, the attacks serve as a sobering reminder of the complex and enduring nature of Nigeria’s battle against extremism.
