Hundreds of fighters linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been seen in a viral footage gathering in large numbers to observe Eid prayers in Borno State, displaying assault rifles and other sophisticated weapons.
Eid, a major Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan, is traditionally observed with prayers, charity, and communal activities by Muslims across the world.
However, the appearance of heavily armed insurgents conducting prayers in an open field has heightened concerns over the security situation in Nigeria’s North-East region.
Multimedia clips released on Saturday by a propaganda platform, AZ-ZALLAQA, showed the fighters assembled in formation while observing prayers and holding AK-47 rifles and other weapons.
The footage indicated that the insurgents occupied what appeared to be an Eid prayer ground within Borno State, which has remained a major hotspot of insurgency in Nigeria for over a decade.
The development has raised fresh concerns among residents and security observers regarding the operational strength of the groups and the effectiveness of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the region.
Boko Haram and ISWAP have continued to carry out attacks across Borno and neighbouring states, leading to loss of lives, displacement of residents, and destruction of property.
Despite repeated assurances by authorities that insurgents have been weakened, incidents of this nature continue to draw attention to security challenges in the region.
Meanwhile, a recent attack in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, occurred on March 16, when multiple explosions were reported in different parts of the city.
The blasts affected crowded locations, including the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Monday Market, and a central post office.
The incident occurred in the evening during the Ramadan period, when many residents were either breaking their fast or returning home.
Initial reports indicated that at least 26 people lost their lives, while over 100 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Medical facilities in the city were overwhelmed as emergency responders evacuated victims for treatment, with eyewitness accounts describing scenes of panic and confusion.
The nature of the explosions, believed to involve suicide bombers targeting public places, aligns with previous patterns of attacks recorded in the region.