Fresh security concerns have emerged across parts of Nigeria’s North-East following an intelligence alert warning of planned Boko Haram attacks targeting communities in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State and Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, with security agencies urging heightened vigilance to avert fresh violence.
According to an intelligence report attributed to the Department of State Services (DSS), insurgents are allegedly planning coordinated attacks following what the document described as the collapse of a ceasefire arrangement with the governments of Adamawa and Borno states.
The intelligence message, dated July 27, 2026, was addressed to the Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 23 Armoured Brigade, Yola, with reference number 0.211/3827. The document was reportedly signed on behalf of the Adamawa State Director of Security by Ben Osifor.
The report stated that intelligence indicated Boko Haram fighters were preparing “major operations” around Michika and Askira Uba.
“Intelligence has revealed plans by Boko Haram terrorists to carry out major operations around Michika LGA and Askira Uba LGA in Adamawa and Borno states, respectively, to register the collapse of ceasefire agreement with the state governments,” the document reportedly stated.
High-profile targets identified
According to the intelligence report, the insurgents allegedly intend to abduct senior government officials, councillors, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other residents during the planned attacks.
Among those reportedly identified as targets are the District Head of Michika and his son.
The report further alleged that Boko Haram had already deployed surveillance teams into the affected areas to monitor movements and gather intelligence ahead of the planned operations.
“Already, the terrorists have deployed surveillance team in preparation for the planned attack,” the report said.
Although the document referred to the breakdown of a ceasefire agreement, it did not provide details of the alleged arrangement or explain how it reportedly collapsed.
Security agencies urged to strengthen operations
The DSS reportedly advised military formations, local vigilantes, forest guards and hunters to intensify security operations across vulnerable communities to prevent the planned attacks.
It recommended increased patrols, intelligence gathering, surveillance and collaboration between conventional security forces and community-based security volunteers.
“In view therefore, it is advised that troops, in collaboration with forest guards and hunters, beef up security measures around the LGA, with a view to preventing the planned operations by the terrorists,” the report added.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official public statement from the DSS confirming or denying the authenticity of the leaked intelligence document.
Renewed fears after recent attacks
The latest intelligence warning comes amid renewed insurgent activities in parts of the North-East, particularly in Askira Uba, which has witnessed a series of deadly attacks in recent months.
In late June, suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Askira Uba Local Government Area, during the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations. A teacher was reportedly killed while several students were abducted, prompting a large-scale rescue operation by security forces.
Earlier in May, terrorists also attacked schools in Mussa community, Askira Uba, abducting dozens of pupils, an incident that drew widespread condemnation from community leaders, lawmakers and civil society groups.
The attacks prompted the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to call for stronger military action and improved protection for schools and vulnerable communities across the North-East, describing the attacks on students as crimes against humanity.
Persistent insurgency
Despite years of sustained military offensives, Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), continue to launch attacks in parts of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, targeting civilians, schools, security formations and rural communities.
Security analysts say the difficult terrain around the Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains, which border parts of Adamawa and Borno, continues to provide operational advantages for insurgent groups despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The latest intelligence alert is expected to heighten security across the affected local government areas, with residents advised to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.