Suspected Boko Haram terrorists ambushed a commercial bus along the Maiduguri–Banki road in Bama Local Government Area, Borno State. The attack occurred at approximately 2:30 pm in Wudila, a deserted village near Banki. The attackers opened fire on a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number ASU-255-XA, driven by Mustapha Adam, 50, of Wajare, Banki, who sustained a gunshot wound on his back. Other injured passengers include: Musa Mohammed, 41, of Taradal Banki, shot in the left hand; Mohammed Bukar Gaji, 61, of Wajare, who fractured his hand after falling from the vehicle; Modu Usman, 35, of Amchide in Cameroon, who sustained a gunshot wound to the neck; and Mohammed Adam, 32, of Bama, who suffered internal injuries to his ribs.
29 Aug 2025 · Banki, Bama, Borno
Deaths
0
Injured
5
Kidnapped
0
Total casualties
5
Perpetrators
Boko Haram
Response
Troops from Operation HADIN KAI were quickly mobilised to the scene, but the insurgents fled before security reinforcements arrived . All victims were evacuated to the FHI 360 Clinic in Banki, where three have been treated and discharged, while two remain hospitalised and are responding to treatment . Additional troops have been deployed along the route to reinforce security and prevent further attacks.
Displacement
0
Socioeconomic drivers
Insurgency, control of mobility routes, intimidation of civilians
Trajectory
The incident shows Boko Haram's continued ability to disrupt civilian transport routes in Borno State. Despite ongoing military operations — including the elimination of top Boko Haram commanders and over 20 fighters in the preceding week — insurgents retain the capacity to ambush civilian vehicles on major highways. The attack occurred on the Maiduguri–Banki road, a key route connecting Borno State to the Cameroon border.
Cycle notes
Reflects the long-standing insecurity on Borno highways where ambushes remain a persistent threat. The Maiduguri–Banki road has been a recurring flashpoint for Boko Haram ambushes throughout 2024 and 2025. This incident is similar to previous attacks on civilian vehicles along this corridor, including the July 2024 ambush that killed several travellers. The insurgents' tactic of targeting commercial buses — a common mode of transport for civilians — has been a consistent feature of the insurgency since its early years.
Pattern
Highway Ambush
Related — Ambush
Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters launched a retaliatory waterborne ambush on a fleet of Boko Haram boats navigating Lake Chad. The attack occurred in the lake's Nigerian waters, which border Borno State. The Boko Haram boats were returning from an operation where they had abducted local fishermen and women from Fulani communities in the Doron Baga area. The ISWAP attackers ambushed the convoy at an islet called Kaduna Ruwa, using heavy weapons to destroy numerous boats and inflict heavy casualties. The fighting continued into the next day, with ISWAP hunting down survivors and capturing several Boko Haram fighters
A group of loggers was traveling under security escort to a bush area to collect firewood when they were ambushed by Boko Haram insurgents. The attackers opened fire, killing three loggers. The remaining loggers fled to Dikwa, leaving behind a pickup truck.
Boko Haram militants ambushed a civilian convoy of more than 100 vehicles traveling under military escort from Maiduguri to Damboa . The attackers opened fire with heavy guns and rocket-propelled grenades. The ambush killed nine soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) militia . Several civilians were reported missing and are presumed killed or abducted.