At least 22 killed in weekend attacks in Nigeria’s northeast

Suspected Islamist militants murdered at least 22 individuals and injured multiple others in two distinct assaults over the weekend in northeastern Nigeria, residents and law enforcement reported, marking the latest events in a region troubled by armed conflict.

Nigeria has been contending with a prolonged insurgency in its northeastern area, mainly fueled by the Islamist militant organization Boko Haram and its affiliate, Islamic State West Africa Province.

In Borno state, it was reported by Mohammed Shehu Timta, emir of Gwoza, that suspected militants ambushed and killed 10 civilians along with two security officials in an attack on Saturday. Two additional individuals were injured in the assault.

In the nearby Adamawa state, residents reported that suspected Boko Haram militants killed 10 individuals and injured several more in an assault on Kopre village, also on Saturday.

The assault aimed at hunters and members of the civilian joint task force (CJTF), and the Adamawa police have sent more officers to Kopre, located in the Hong district, police spokesperson Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje stated on Monday.

Earlier this month, the governor of Borno admitted that Boko Haram had resumed its attacks and kidnappings, undoing earlier progress made by security forces.