Pix: Col. Bako

Nigeria has recorded the loss of several senior military officers in recent ambushes carried out by insurgent groups in Borno State, raising renewed concerns about the country’s security challenges.

In one incident, Colonel Dahiru Bako was killed during an ambush along the Sabon Gari–Wajiroko axis in Damboa Local Government Area. On a separate occasion, Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu lost his life after insurgents attacked troops in Askira-Uba, also in Borno State.

Additionally, Brigadier General M. Uba was ambushed and killed along the Wajiroko route in Damboa LGA, underscoring the persistent threat posed by extremist groups operating in the region.

The recurring loss of high-ranking officers has prompted growing public concern about the state of national security. Many citizens recall an era when attacking a single soldier was widely viewed as a provocation against the entire country. Today, however, armed groups continue to target security personnel with alarming frequency.

Analysts say the situation has raised difficult questions: Is the Nigerian Army overstretched or facing operational constraints? Has Nigeria’s long-held reputation as the “Giant of Africa” been undermined by prolonged conflict and rising insecurity?

As the country grapples with these challenges, citizens and security experts alike continue to call for strengthened counterinsurgency operations and a comprehensive approach to restoring peace across affected regions.

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