Widespread anger and concern have followed the emergence of viral footage showing suspected members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province openly observing Eid prayers while carrying rifles in Borno State.
The video, which circulated online on Saturday, captured large groups of armed fighters gathered in an open field, forming prayer lines while holding AK-47s and other sophisticated weapons. The display, reportedly shared by the insurgents’ propaganda outlet AZ-ZALLAQA, has intensified fears over the persistent insecurity in Nigeria’s North-East.
Eid, a significant Islamic celebration marking the end of Ramadan, is traditionally associated with peace, unity, and charity. However, the sight of heavily armed militants participating in the religious observance has unsettled residents and drawn criticism from security analysts.
Observers say the incident raises fresh questions about the strength and mobility of insurgent groups in the region, especially amid repeated assurances by the government and military that the terrorists have been largely subdued.
For over a decade, Boko Haram and ISWAP have carried out deadly attacks across Borno and surrounding states, leading to mass displacement and loss of lives.
The development comes shortly after a string of bombings in Maiduguri on March 16. The attacks targeted crowded locations, including the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Monday Market, and a central post office, at a time when many residents were ending their daily Ramadan fast.
At least 26 people were confirmed dead, while more than 100 others sustained injuries, overwhelming medical facilities as emergency services struggled to respond to the crisis.
The latest footage has further heightened anxiety, with many calling for intensified security efforts to curb the continued threat posed by insurgent groups in the region.
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