Suspected Boko Haram militants have killed at least 18 villagers who were gathering firewood in northeastern Nigeria, local leaders and security sources said.
The attack took place on Thursday in Marte Local Government Area of Borno state, one of the regions hardest hit by a 17-year insurgency involving Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province.
The traditional ruler of Marte said 18 bodies had been recovered after the villagers were ambushed while collecting firewood in the bush. Several other people remained missing.
A senior Nigerian military officer said troops had launched clearance operations in the area and were pursuing those responsible for the attack.
Residents in parts of Borno frequently venture into remote areas to farm or collect firewood, often entering territory where armed groups remain active despite years of military operations.
Nigeria’s northeast has endured repeated attacks by insurgent groups, including raids on villages, kidnappings and assaults on civilians. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced since the conflict began.
Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province remain the main armed groups operating in northeastern Nigeria, although their territorial control and areas of influence have shifted over the course of the conflict.
