Date: March 25, 2026 l Reporter: Stephen Iwuh
Nigerian troops have reportedly withdrawn from several towns in Borno State following renewed attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, with sources revealing that a critical shortage of ammunition forced soldiers to abandon their positions, raising fresh alarm over the country’s security capacity.
According to reports, the withdrawal occurred after heavily armed insurgents launched coordinated assaults on military formations in parts of Borno, overwhelming troops who were said to be running low on ammunition during the confrontation. The development has exposed serious logistical challenges within Nigeria’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Security sources disclosed that the insurgents took advantage of the situation, intensifying attacks on vulnerable locations and forcing soldiers to retreat to safer positions. The withdrawal has reportedly left several communities exposed, increasing fears among residents who now face heightened risk of attacks and displacement.
The latest incident reflects a worrying trend in Nigeria’s northeast, where Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have intensified assaults on military bases and civilian areas in recent weeks.
In recent attacks, militants have demonstrated increasing sophistication, including the use of drones, coordinated night raids, and large-scale offensives targeting both military installations and urban centers.
Analysts warn that shortages in critical military supplies, particularly ammunition, could significantly weaken the effectiveness of Nigerian forces and embolden insurgents to launch more aggressive operations. Similar incidents in the past have seen militants overrun bases, seize weapons, and expand their territorial influence.
The situation has sparked renewed concerns over the preparedness and welfare of Nigerian soldiers on the frontlines, with calls for urgent government intervention to address logistical gaps, improve troop support, and reinforce security infrastructure in conflict-prone areas.
Meanwhile, local communities in affected parts of Borno are reportedly fleeing their homes amid fears of further attacks, adding to the already massive displacement crisis caused by over a decade of insurgency in the region.
The Nigerian military has yet to issue a detailed official response regarding the reported withdrawal, but the incident is expected to intensify scrutiny of the government’s strategy in combating terrorism.
As Boko Haram continues to exploit weaknesses within the security system, the latest development underscores the fragile state of Nigeria’s fight against insurgency—and the urgent need for stronger coordination, resources, and leadership to prevent further territorial losses.