What We Must Learn from the Buni Gari Terrorist Attack by Yunusa Bunu Zanna
The recent attack on the Nigerian Army formation in Buni Gari, Yobe State, which resulted in the destruction of a military armory, is yet another grim reminder of the growing threat posed by terrorist groups in the North East. The incident—reportedly orchestrated by fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP)—has left residents reeling with fear and uncertainty over the region’s security future.
The assault, which lasted over three hours on Saturday, saw terrorists looting weapons and setting the military armory ablaze. Explosions continued even after the assailants had fled, traumatizing the local population. Though casualties were recorded on both sides, the symbolic and strategic loss for the Nigerian military cannot be overstated.
Alarmingly, this is the second such incident in less than a week. Just two days earlier, another military armory at Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri was reportedly destroyed, this time due to excessive heat. Taken together, these developments raise serious concerns about both external threats and internal vulnerabilities.
Despite assurances from the military about new measures to prevent future breaches and protect civilians, confidence in the security architecture is waning. These back-to-back losses of critical ordnance signal not just lapses in tactical preparedness but also potential intelligence and structural weaknesses within our security establishment.
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The Borno State Governor has repeatedly warned about the resurgence of insurgents, and his concerns were echoed by other governors during the 11th North East Governors Forum meeting in Damaturu on May 1. In less than two months, coordinated attacks by ISWAP and the Shekau-led Boko Haram faction have hit areas like Sabon Gari, Alagarno, Wulgo, Pulka, and Buni Yadi. In many cases, these raids appear to be tactical reconnaissance missions aimed at seizing weapons.
Unlike attacks on smaller forward operating bases, what makes the Buni Gari assault particularly alarming is that it targeted a brigade-level formation—reportedly with over 300 soldiers. Despite this strength, insurgents breached the perimeter, infiltrated the armory, looted weapons, and set it ablaze.
Eyewitnesses said ISWAP fighters approached from two directions. While troops concentrated on repelling a frontal attack, a flanking unit infiltrated the brigade from behind and went straight to the armory. Simultaneously, reinforcements from nearby Buni Yadi were ambushed, further compounding the tactical failure.
This level of coordination reflects a renewed capability and confidence among the terrorists—and should prompt an urgent recalibration of counter-insurgency efforts. Targeted military campaigns, particularly in known insurgent hideouts such as the Timbuktu Triangle, must be intensified.
The government must act decisively—providing the armed forces with adequate funding, logistics, and modern combat equipment. Time is of the essence. The rainy season is fast approaching and will restrict ground operations. Delay now means giving terrorists room to regroup, rearm, and reignite violence with greater force.
Moreover, the use of drones by insurgents underscores the need for the Nigerian Air Force to go beyond routine surveillance. Precision strikes and preemptive neutralization of terrorist camps are necessary.
Finally, local communities have a role to play. Citizens must remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. Intelligence gathering at the grassroots is vital to preventing future attacks.
The Buni Gari attack is more than a wake-up call—it is a red alert. The time for action is now.
Yunusa Bunu Zanna is publisher Yerwa Express News
