Boko Haram Resurgence Grips North East Nigeria, Seizing Territory, Escalating Violence—Nextier Group

A concerning resurgence of Boko Haram activity is sweeping across North East Nigeria, particularly in Borno State and border regions, posing a serious threat to national security and regional stability.

According to Nextier, a research firm, coordinated attacks by the insurgent group have resulted in the seizure of three local government areas in Borno State, effectively challenging state authority and stifling vital humanitarian efforts.

Independent monitors reported a staggering 252 attacks between November 2024 and April 2025.

According to Nextier’s report from last week, these attacks have resulted in the tragic deaths of over 100 military personnel and more than 200 civilians, highlighting the devastating human toll and rapidly deteriorating security situation.

The resurgence is distinguished by a troubling diversification of tactics. Boko Haram’s factional groups, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have significantly increased their use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

According to reports, military convoys are frequently ambushed, and raids on internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and vulnerable farming communities have become increasingly brazen.

This shift in strategy indicates a growing sophistication among the insurgent ranks, exacerbating an already dire situation.

Despite ongoing military operations and regional cooperation efforts, JAS and ISWAP continue to have a dangerous impact on both Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.

The escalation of violence in historically hard-hit areas such as Borno, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa states highlights the shortcomings of current counterinsurgency strategies, which have largely prioritised kinetic military actions over more holistic, community-driven solutions.

Humanitarian organisations and conflict monitors have expressed serious concerns about military fatigue, deteriorating civil-military relations, and the insurgents’ increasingly sophisticated tactics.

The resurgence of targeted attacks on soft targets, such as aid workers and schoolchildren, combined with frequent ambushes on military convoys, indicates a dangerous escalation that current policy frameworks have failed to prevent.

The kidnapping of civilians, including those providing critical humanitarian assistance, exacerbates the situation and undermines efforts to provide relief to vulnerable populations.

Experts are calling for a review of the current counterinsurgency strategy. A new edition of the Nextier SPD Policy Weekly looks at the evolving dynamics of the insurgency and proposes a comprehensive framework that combines military efforts with critical governance reforms, inclusive dialogue, and socioeconomic revitalisation.

The report emphasises the urgent need for a more nuanced and community-focused approach to effectively combating Boko Haram’s resurgence and restoring regional stability.

The situation remains volatile, with the ongoing conflict displacing civilians and exacerbating North East Nigeria’s already precarious humanitarian crisis.

The international community is being urged to increase support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat Boko Haram and address the root causes of the insurgency.