Twenty killed as Boko Haram uses landmines and gunfire to target civilians in Borno community

At least 20 fish farmers and loggers killed in Borno State after Boko Haram uses IEDs and gunfire in a fresh attack near Gwoza on April 23, 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 8:42 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

Coordinated Ambush on Vulnerable Civilians

A violent assault by Boko Haram terrorists has claimed the lives of no fewer than 20 people in Hambagda, a community located just a few kilometers from Gwoza town in Borno State. The attack, which occurred at approximately 11:00 am on Thursday, April 23, 2026, targeted fish farmers and wood loggers working on the outskirts of the town. According to sources from the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), the insurgents employed a lethal combination of landmines and direct gunfire to maximize casualties among the helpless civilians who were out searching for resources to support their families.

Explosions Followed by Targeted Gunfire

The ambush began when an improvised explosive device (IED), suspected to have been planted on a frequently used route, detonated as the group of civilians passed by. Civilian JTF members reported that immediately after the initial explosion, the terrorists emerged from hiding to fire upon those who survived the blast. This tactical approach prevented many from escaping and led to a high number of gunshot wounds among the survivors. So far, 18 bodies have been recovered from the surrounding areas, but the death toll is expected to rise as search efforts continue.

Fears for Missing Residents and Rising Toll

Local residents and security volunteers expressed deep concern over the number of individuals still unaccounted for following the raid. While the recovery of bodies remains ongoing in the communities close to Gwoza town, several people are believed to have fled into the bush or were potentially abducted during the chaos. The unpredictability of these violent raids has created a tense atmosphere, with many families still waiting for news of missing relatives. The wounded have been evacuated for medical treatment, though the severity of some injuries remains critical.