Boko Haram Kills 18 Fishermen, Dozens Missing in Deadly Borno Terrorist Clash Near Niger Border
By SpringnewsNG Media Limited – May 1, 2025
At least 18 fishermen have been brutally killed and dozens reported missing following a deadly attack by Boko Haram terrorists in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, near the Nigeria-Niger Republic border.
The massacre occurred on Sunday around 2:30 pm along the Fadana-Garuwa River in Duji Ward, when armed Boko Haram insurgents stormed the area on motorcycles and ambushed fishermen working along the riverbanks.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers accused the fishermen of leaking their movement details to rival terrorist group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which currently controls the riverine areas of nearby Niger Republic.
“They came in large numbers and overpowered us. They gathered our people and slaughtered them all as punishment for allegedly cooperating with ISWAP,” said Abu Mohammed, a survivor who spoke to SpringnewsNG via telephone.
Local sources revealed that the bodies of the 18 victims were recovered and buried on Tuesday in accordance with Islamic rites. However, scores of others remain unaccounted for as search efforts continue.
“The situation is devastating. Many are still missing, and families are in deep mourning,” said Mustapha Babagana, a community leader.
Fishermen in the region are often allowed to work under the condition that they pay levies or “taxes” to terrorist groups like ISWAP. But the escalating rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP has led to frequent attacks on civilians in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
Security experts warn that the growing infighting among terrorist factions is worsening insecurity in Nigeria’s Northeast, placing more communities at risk.
