Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists Set Ablaze Fish-Laden Trucks in Borno

Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists Set Ablaze Fish-Laden Trucks in Borno

Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists Set Ablaze Fish-Laden Trucks in Borno. Suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have intercepted and set ablaze three trucks loaded with fish at the Mile-Forty area of Magumeri Local Government Area in Borno State, in yet another attack that highlights the persistent insecurity in northeastern Nigeria.

According to accounts from truck drivers and eyewitnesses, the incident occurred at about 1:00 pm on Thursday while the trucks were transporting large quantities of dried and fresh fish from communities around Lake Chad to Maiduguri and other parts of the country. The attackers reportedly stopped the vehicles on the highway, ordered the drivers to abandon them, and subsequently set both the trucks and their cargo on fire before fleeing the scene.

The Mile-Forty axis is a well-known transit route for traders and transporters moving agricultural and fish products from the Lake Chad region. Fish trading is one of the major sources of income for thousands of families in Borno State and neighboring areas, and attacks on traders are seen as a serious blow to the already fragile local economy.

Although no official casualty figures have been released as of the time of this report, sources say the drivers managed to escape without serious injuries. However, the destruction of the trucks and their cargo represents significant financial losses for both the drivers and traders who financed the goods. In recent years, insurgents have repeatedly targeted traders, farmers, and transporters in Borno State, sometimes burning goods, abducting victims, or imposing illegal levies on commercial activities.

Security analysts note that such attacks are often carried out to instill fear, disrupt local economies, and weaken public confidence in government security measures. Insurgent groups have also been known to target fish traders because of the economic value of the Lake Chad fishing industry, which they sometimes exploit for revenue through extortion or control of fishing communities.

Residents and traders in Magumeri and surrounding areas have expressed renewed concern over their safety on the highways. Many transporters now travel in convoys or rely on military escorts when available, but the vast terrain and limited security coverage make it difficult to guarantee protection on all routes.

A fish trader in Maiduguri, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the attack as “devastating,” noting that many traders operate on loans and credit. “When goods are destroyed like this, it affects not just the drivers but the entire chain—fishermen, traders, market sellers, and families that depend on this business,” the trader said.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military and other security agencies had not issued an official statement on the incident. However, the military has continued operations in parts of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states as part of ongoing counterinsurgency efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist camps and restoring stability to affected communities.

The federal and state governments have repeatedly pledged to secure major highways and protect economic activities in the Northeast. Despite these efforts, sporadic attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters continue to occur, especially in remote and rural areas where security presence is limited.

Experts warn that persistent insecurity could worsen food supply challenges in the region, as farmers and traders may become reluctant to operate in high-risk zones. Fish from Lake Chad is a major protein source for millions of Nigerians, and disruptions in transportation could lead to price hikes and reduced availability in urban markets.

The attack in Magumeri serves as a reminder of the complex security challenges facing Nigeria’s Northeast and the need for sustained military, economic, and humanitarian interventions. Stakeholders have called for improved surveillance, community-based security initiatives, and stronger support for victims of insurgent violence.

For now, traders and residents along the Mile-Forty route remain on edge, hoping for increased protection that will allow commerce and daily life to continue without fear.