On the night of Friday, September 5, 2025, the Daru Jamal community in Borno State’s Bama Local Government Area suffered a brutal attack by Boko Haram militants that claimed the lives of at least 63 people, including five soldiers stationed nearby. The militants stormed this newly resettled village near Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, unleashing indiscriminate violence that left scores dead, dozens missing, and widespread destruction across the community.
The attack, occurring around 9 p.m., saw Boko Haram insurgents open fire on residents and travelers alike before setting more than 20 homes and several vehicles ablaze. Among the confirmed dead were seven drivers and six laborers involved in reconstruction efforts in the village, many of whom had recently returned after years of displacement caused by the insurgency. The community had been resettled recently by the Borno State government with over 3,000 displaced persons housed in newly built homes, marking a fragile attempt at restoring normalcy in a region long plagued by violence.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who visited Daru Jamal on September 6, described the attack as “very sad” and a significant setback to the resettlement efforts in Borno. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and assured that “more protection would be provided to secure our community.” Governor Zulum acknowledged the limitations in the military’s current capacity to defend every vulnerable locality and revealed plans to deploy specially trained Forest Guards to safeguard at-risk communities, particularly those near forested areas prone to insurgent infiltration.
Nigerian Air Force spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame confirmed that after being alerted to the attack, airstrikes were launched targeting fleeing militants, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 insurgents. He explained the attack involved terrorists retreating north toward nearby bushes, where military forces engaged them decisively. Despite these efforts, the heavy loss of civilian lives underscores the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram factions, particularly the Jama’at Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) group responsible for targeting civilians suspected of collaborating with rivals or the military.
Daru Jamal lies in a region long devastated by a 15-year insurgency that has displaced over two million people and caused tens of thousands of deaths. The area was reclaimed by military forces after years of militant control, with resettlement initiatives beginning around 2016 aiming to restore community life. However, repeated attacks like the recent massacre highlight the fragile gains and ongoing insecurity faced by residents.
Eyewitnesses report the community was caught off-guard despite the nearby military base, pointing to the challenges of fully securing vast and porous border areas. Local leaders and residents are once again grappling with loss, displacement, and uncertainty. Kaana Ali, a Daru Jamal resident, expressed anguish at the loss of close relations and indicated plans to relocate once more, though the governor appealed to residents to remain, promising heightened security.
The attack also elicited condemnation from political figures such as Kaka Shehu, the senator representing Borno Central, who described the killings as a crime against humanity and pledged legislative support to restore peace and security.
In summary, the Boko Haram attack on Daru Jamal is a tragic reminder of the ongoing insurgency’s human cost and the difficulties in protecting vulnerable communities in Nigeria’s northeast. Moving forward, Governor Zulum’s call for expanded security through deployment of Forest Guards and reinforced military presence aims to bolster protection for resettled populations. The situation remains volatile, requiring sustained national and international attention to address the root causes of violence and support lasting stability in Borno State.
