Suspected jihadi militants have intensified recent attacks in northeastern Nigeria's Borno State. Earlier this week, three alleged suicide bombings at a post office, market, and teaching hospital killed at least 23 people and wounded more than 100. While no group claimed responsibility for the bombings in Maiduguri, a city of around 1.2 million people, officials' suspicion fell on Boko Haram, which launched an insurgency 17 years ago with a radical interpretation of Sharia law.

The Nigerian army said on Wednesday that it killed at least 80 suspected militants near a military base in Borno State, close to the Niger border. Backed by air support, the military repelled a coordinated overnight assault by insurgents of unclear affiliation. Army spokesman Sani Uba described the operation as an "offensive-defensive" response.

Authorities added that "no fewer than 80 terrorists" were killed, including "high-profile" commanders. However, international media have not been able to independently verify these claims. Since its insurgency began in 2009, Boko Haram has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around 2 million, according to United Nations figures.

Borno State, particularly its capital Maiduguri, has been severely battered by violence between Boko Haram and its rival offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Efforts to restore peace in the region face significant challenges as jihadi groups continue to launch frequent attacks, undermining stability and security for local communities.

Source: www.dw.com