The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State that killed at least 26 people, underscoring renewed violence in the region and prompting a change in military leadership. The group announced the attack via its Telegram channel on Tuesday, as insurgents continue to target civilians and security forces using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other guerrilla tactics.

In response to the surge in attacks by both ISWAP and Boko Haram—its Islamist rival—Nigeria has appointed Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar as the new commander of its counterinsurgency operations in the northeast. Abubakar becomes the 15th commander to lead the long-running military campaign, according to Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson for the operation. His previous roles include deputy commandant of the Nigerian Defence College and commander of a key security operation in north-central Nigeria.

Security experts warn that the increasing frequency and sophistication of attacks—including the use of armed drones and roadside bombs—signal a possible resurgence of jihadist activity. Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State recently raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation, stating, “The renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities, almost on a daily basis without confrontation, signal that Borno State is losing ground.”

Although the army did not explicitly link the leadership change to the rise in militant violence, the developments highlight the urgent need for a stronger and more adaptive security strategy in Nigeria’s northeast, where Islamist insurgency has persisted for over 15 years.