BORNO STATE, NIGERIA, 2025 Nigerian state of Borno has been a key strategic target for several terrorist and criminal groups in recent years, including the well-known Boko Haram and ISWAP (the African branch of ISIS). This state lies on the borders with Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, providing terrorists with easy escape routes. Additionally, much of the state is sparsely populated and lacks critical infrastructure, making it difficult to control the territory.
The residents of Borno are often extremely poor and engage in subsistence farming or fishing. This makes them easy targets for extortion. Terrorists even collect taxes from these residents to finance their activities. Borno also holds symbolic value for Boko Haram, as its capital, Maiduguri, is their birthplace.
Despite this unfavorable situation, the Nigerian government does not give up and occasionally conducts large-scale counterterrorism operations in the state. It tries to deploy modern technology there, including military drones, and also strengthens international cooperation with Chad, Cameroon, and Niger regarding border control.
A video taken in Borno sometime this year shows one of many successful counterterrorism operations. The soldiers managed to kill several dozen Boko Haram members and secure their weapons and hideouts.
