Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have abducted the Secretary of Kukawa Local Government Area in Borno State, along with another individual, in a brazen attack on Tuesday afternoon.
The victims were seized around 1:35 p.m. at Garin Kashim while travelling to Kukawa in a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, multiple local and security sources confirmed.
According to eyewitnesses, the insurgents intercepted the vehicle, ordered the secretary and one other passenger to disembark, and allowed the remaining occupants to continue their journey. The abducted duo were then led into the bush by the gunmen.
A local resident, who spoke under condition of anonymity, alleged the attack was likely facilitated by informants within the community.
“They (the insurgents) were waiting near the river. The way they went straight for the secretary suggests someone tipped them off,” he said.
In response, troops from Sector 3 of the Nigerian military were reportedly deployed to the area in an attempt to track and rescue the victims.
Kukawa Local Government, located in the volatile Lake Chad region, remains a stronghold of Boko Haram activities, with insurgents frequently targeting residents and travellers.
Tuesday’s abduction comes just two days after Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters executed seven individuals—including hunters, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members, and community vigilantes—in Magumeri Local Government Area of the state.
In a disturbing 6-minute video released by the group, a masked ISWAP militant is seen interrogating the captives before executing them. The victims, clad in red jumpsuits, were accused of collaborating with government forces.
Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the Kukawa abduction as efforts continue to locate and rescue the victims.
