17 killed in a militant ambush in northeast Nigeria

At least 17 civilians have been killed after suspected militants ambushed a group of people collecting firewood near Gwoza in northeastern Nigeria, according to local residents and officials.

The victims had ventured into surrounding rural areas to gather firewood and prepare farmland when they were attacked.

Gwoza, located in Borno State, has maintained a heavy military presence since it was retaken by Nigerian forces in 2015 after being seized by Boko Haram.

Local authorities confirmed the death toll, though some community members said the number of victims could be higher. Survivors described being caught off guard by gunmen while carrying out routine activities ahead of the farming season.

Although violence has decreased, analysts warn of a potential resurgence in attacks by militant groups, including Boko Haram and its rival faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province. The mountainous terrain surrounding Gwoza continues to provide hiding places for fighters who periodically raid nearby communities.

The reports come despite recent claims by the Nigerian military of operational successes, including airstrikes targeting militants in the Lake Chad region and the repelling of coordinated assaults in parts of Borno State.