Suspected fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have killed 23 farmers and fishermen in Malam Karanti, a village near Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The attack occurred on Thursday morning, May 15, 2025.

According to local sources, the militants gathered the victims, most of whom were bean farmers, and executed them. An elderly man was spared and later alerted the community.

“The terrorists assembled people in Malam Karanti and killed them. Most of the victims were bean farmers,” a source said.

Residents attempting to recover the bodies were forced to retreat after ISWAP launched another attack. The village is known as an ISWAP enclave where civilians often farm and fish despite risks.

“We tried to organise a rescue mission with security agencies to recover the victims’ bodies, but the terrorists returned and prevented us. Many families are waiting for their loved ones,” another source said.

Military Response and Regional Cooperation

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, visited Borno State on Thursday and assured residents that the military is working to eliminate the terrorists. He mentioned collaboration with countries like Russia and France to deploy sophisticated weapons.

“Mr President has given a directive as to what to do next for us to intensify all efforts, collaborate with all our sister countries around us, because it is the porous nature from there that is aggravating our own issues on the ground,” General Musa said.

He also discussed plans to recharge Lake Chad to enable troops to navigate the area and eliminate terrorists who have capitalised on the region’s economic activities.

The attack in Malam Karanti is part of a series of violent incidents in northeastern Nigeria. Earlier this year, suspected Islamist militants killed 40 farmers in an attack on the Dumba community in Borno State.

The ongoing insurgency has displaced millions and killed thousands, with Borno at its epicenter. The Nigerian military continues to face challenges in securing the region and protecting civilians from such attacks.

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