Local sources in Borno state, Nigeria, have confirmed that seven people, including women and children, were abducted on Nov. 12, during an attack on Shikarkir Ward in Chibok Local Government Area.

Those kidnapped were mothers and their children, including two daughters of a local pastor and an infant.

A resident of Chibok described the atmosphere of fear and loss gripping the community.

“I’m shocked and saddened by the attack on Shikarkir Ward,” he said. “My heart goes out to the families of the abducted. It’s heartbreaking that this is happening weekly in Chibok. The silence is deafening — we must demand action from our leaders and support our troops to bring an end to this senseless violence.”

The latest abduction follows a series of attacks targeting Christian villages across southern Borno. This region has faced more than a decade of insurgent violence from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters. These groups continue to raid remote farming settlements, burn churches, and kidnap residents, despite ongoing military operations in the area.

Just days before the Shikarkir incident, suspected Boko Haram militants launched a late-night assault on Pemi village, also in Chibok. According to Sahara Reporters, the attackers destroyed a church building before being repelled by troops of Operation HADIN KAI. No deaths were reported, but two residents — identified as Mallam Bukar, 30, and Yama Sumai, 40 — sustained gunshot injuries. Both men were later transported to General Hospital Yola in Adamawa state, where they are receiving treatment.

Counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama confirmed that troops, alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters, were able to push back the militants after several hours of gunfire.

“The terrorists stormed Pemi village around 10:30 p.m., firing sporadically,” Makama said. “Security forces responded swiftly and successfully repelled the attackers.”

Chibok has remained a symbol of the ongoing persecution of Christians in northern Nigeria since the 2014 mass abduction of schoolgirls by Boko Haram. Many of those abducted have never been found. In recent months, residents report that attacks have increased, with militants targeting communities almost every week.

The latest Incidents come amid growing international pressure on the Nigerian government to address what the U.S. government recently described as “systematic violence against Christians.” The United States designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over continued violations of religious freedom and failure to protect vulnerable communities.

In response, Nigerian officials have expressed optimism about strengthening counterterrorism collaboration with the United States. Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, said on Arise Television that both Tinubu and U.S. President Donald Trump share a common interest in combating terrorism and promoting global security.

“Both President Tinubu and President Trump have shared interests in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism against humanity,” Bwala stated. “President Trump has assisted Nigeria a lot by authorizing the sale of arms to Nigeria, and President Tinubu has effectively utilized that support in the ongoing fight against terrorism.”

Bwala also mentioned that a meeting between the two presidents may take place soon, either in Washington, D.C., or Abuja, to further discuss joint counterinsurgency efforts.

The attacks in Chibok reflect the continuing struggle of Christian communities in northeastern Nigeria, who remain vulnerable to abductions, violence, and displacement despite ongoing military presence. Locals continue to call for stronger protection and consistent government action to restore peace and security to the region.

This marks the third recorded attack in Chibok in less than a month, underscoring the persistent threat facing Christian families in Borno state.

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