December 18, 2025 | SUNTV Global Channel
Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have abducted the newly elected Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area in Borno State, Alhaji Saidu, along with two councillors and several passengers during a coordinated attack on the Borno–Yobe highway.
The abduction occurred on Wednesday evening along the notorious Kamuya village–Buni Yadi road, a major transit route that has remained a hotspot for insurgent ambushes, kidnappings, and deadly attacks in Nigeria’s North-East.
Security and counterinsurgency sources confirmed that the victims were travelling to Maiduguri after participating in the local government elections held last Saturday when their convoy was intercepted by armed insurgents.
“Yes, the newly elected Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government, Alhaji Saidu, and two councillors representing Zarawuyaku and Miringa wards were abducted by suspected ISWAP terrorists between Kamuya village and the Buni Yadi axis,” a source disclosed.
The attackers reportedly extended the operation beyond the politicians, forcibly abducting passengers from other vehicles on the road at the time of the ambush.
According to the sources, a Hisbah patrol vehicle travelling from Potiskum in Yobe State was stopped, while passengers in a Jamatul Nasrul Islam (Yan Agaji) vehicle heading toward Biu were also taken hostage.
“They did not target only the politicians. Other travellers were abducted, including passengers in a Jamatul Nasrul Islam vehicle coming from Potiskum to Biu. One of the councillors taken is also the immediate past Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government,” the source added.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Borno State Government nor security agencies have issued an official statement on the incident, raising renewed concerns over the safety of elected officials and civilians on major highways in the North-East.
The latest abduction underscores the persistent security challenges facing Borno and Yobe states, despite repeated assurances by authorities that insurgent groups have been largely degraded.
