Damaturu, Nigeria — Suspected members of the Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist groups on Sunday abducted Professor Abubakar Eljuma of the Nigeria Army University Biu (NAUB) and several other passengers along the Damaturu-Biu road near Kamuya village, Yobe State.
Professor Eljuma, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at NAUB, is reportedly among the top contenders for the Vice-Chancellor position at the institution, a decision that is expected soon.
The abduction occurred about 10 kilometers from Buratai, the hometown of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Tukur Buratai (Rtd). This area has witnessed numerous kidnappings, bombings, and killings over the past decade.
Local sources disclosed that the assailants intercepted two Golf cars and a Borno Express bus, forcibly taking an unspecified number of passengers into captivity.
According to reports, all female passengers were released, while the male passengers were taken, including Professor Eljuma.
“On 2/3/2025, suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram elements abducted an unspecified number of travelers from two Golf cars and a Borno Express bus along Damaturu-Biu road,” a security source said.
“Reports further indicate that all female passengers were freed except the male. It was also revealed that a potential candidate for the position of VC NAUB, Professor Abubakar Eljuma, is among the victims.”
The source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, urged for prayers in the holy month of Ramadan for the swift release of the abductees.
A staff member of NAUB, who was not authorized to speak to the media, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Monday. “The University Management is currently holding a crucial meeting over the abduction of the Professor,” he said.
The Nigerian military and security agencies have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, locals have expressed increasing concern over the persistent insecurity along the Damaturu-Biu road, which has been a hotbed for militant activities despite ongoing security operations in the region.
Residents of Kamuya village and surrounding areas reported hearing sporadic gunfire on Sunday, causing panic and forcing travelers to avoid the route. Community leaders have called on the government to intensify security patrols and intelligence efforts to prevent further attacks.
The abduction highlights the continued threat posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP factions in northeastern Nigeria, where attacks on civilians and security forces have escalated in recent months. The security situation has also raised questions about the effectiveness of counter-terrorism strategies in the region.
As the search for the abducted passengers continues, families and colleagues of Professor Eljuma have appealed for his immediate release, describing him as a dedicated academic committed to the progress of NAUB and the development of engineering education in Nigeria.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with several civil society organizations urging the federal government to prioritize the safety of travelers and residents in the insurgency-plagued northeastern states.
