Suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants killed at least 29 civilians in a brutal attack on communities in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State on Monday.

The insurgents targeted residents of Anadawa and nearby villages who were engaged in fishing, firewood collection, and charcoal production. The attack occurred around 3:30 p.m., with the militants using cutlasses to hack many victims to death while shooting at those attempting to escape.

Security sources involved in the evacuation of victims confirmed the casualty figure, warning that the death toll could rise as several people remain missing. One survivor who escaped with knife injuries managed to reach the community and raise the alarm before being taken to a medical facility.

Soldiers, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and relatives evacuated the bodies of the deceased, who were buried on Tuesday.

In addition to the killings, many residents were abducted during the raid, heightening fears among communities in the Lake Chad region that continue to face repeated insurgent attacks.

This latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges in parts of Borno State despite ongoing military operations against ISWAP and other terrorist groups in the northeast.