OPENWATCH

CRISIS WATCH · NIGERIA

MARCH 2026

Boko Haram Intensifies Attacks in Borno, Targeting Military and Civilians

National Overview

March 2026 witnessed a significant escalation in violence, predominantly led by Boko Haram in Borno State.

  • •
    Borno State Bloodshed. The epicenter of violence, Borno State, saw a dramatic rise in terrorist activities with Boko Haram and ISWAP intensifying attacks. Notably, a severe attack on military bases in Konduga LGA resulted in 300 deaths. Another major incident included the massacre of 170 residents in Woro, Kwara State, where assailants operated for hours without meaningful resistance.
  • •
    Military Response. In response to the heightened attacks, Nigerian military forces launched several operations in Borno State, targeting terrorist hideouts in Bama and Maiduguri. These efforts resulted in the neutralization of over 200 terrorists in Maiduguri and the rescue of numerous kidnapped victims.
  • •
    Civic Impact. The surge in terrorist activities has led to significant displacement and kidnapping, particularly in Gwoza and Maiduguri. The attacks during the month also led to significant destruction of property and heightened fear among the populace.
  • •
    Government and Security Measures. The Nigerian government is under increasing pressure to curb the rising tide of insurgency. The Defense Minister's call for an emergency meeting following the attacks on military installations highlights the critical need for a revamped security strategy.

We also tracked developments in: Plateau, Benue, Kwara, and Katsina.

Borno

134 INC1678 KIA
OCT
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MAR

Borno State experienced the highest level of violence, with numerous deadly attacks by Boko Haram.

Military Engagements

Significant military operations were conducted in response to the escalating threat. Notably, troops neutralized several terrorists and rescued 24 kidnapped victims in Bama, and over 200 terrorists in Maiduguri.

Civic Impact and Displacement

The attacks have led to widespread displacement and a humanitarian crisis, particularly evident from the mass abductions in Ngoshe and the destruction in Maiduguri.

Plateau

56 INC404 KIA
OCT
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MAR

Plateau State saw a significant increase in violent incidents, causing major concern for local security.

Community and Security Tensions

The rise in violence has heightened tensions between communities, with local security forces struggling to manage the escalating situation.

Benue

57 INC250 KIA
OCT
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MAR

In Benue State, there was a noticeable uptick in violent incidents, including attacks on communities.

Community Attacks

Local communities faced brutal assaults, significantly impacting the civilian population and exacerbating inter-communal tensions.

Kwara

46 INC180 KIA
OCT
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MAR

Kwara State experienced a dramatic increase in violent incidents, highlighted by a massacre in Woro.

Massacre in Woro

The attack in Woro resulted in approximately 170 deaths, marking one of the most severe incidents this month.

Katsina

19 INC104 KIA
OCT
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MAR

Katsina State witnessed a rise in fatalities due to increased militant activities.

Militant Activities

The state saw heightened militant operations, leading to significant loss of life and raising alarms over regional security.

TOP INCIDENTS

BORNO2026-03-11

Boko Haram insurgents attacked military bases in Borno State

300 fatalities

KWARA2026-03-18

A massacre occurred in Woro, Kwara State

170 fatalities

BORNO2026-03-06

Troops neutralised several terrorists and rescued 24 kidnapped victims

18 fatalities

BORNO2026-03-08

An attack by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Ngoshe community

50 fatalities

BORNO2026-03-19

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised over 200 terrorists

200 fatalities

Generated 20/05/2026, 18:05:32 WAT