In early January 2015, Baga, a town in Borno State, Nigeria, became the site of a catastrophic assault by Boko Haram militants. The group, known for its brutal insurgency aimed at establishing an Islamic state in northeastern Nigeria, executed the attack with extreme violence. Armed with heavy weaponry, the militants overran the town's defenses, which were weakened by ongoing military struggles against the insurgents. As they attacked, they set fire to homes, markets, and public buildings, resulting in the town being largely destroyed by the end of the assault. Reports indicated that many civilians were caught in the crossfire, and the chaos led to a mass exodus of residents attempting to flee the horrors unfolding before them.

The nature of the attack was characterized not only by loss of life but also by the scale of destruction. Early estimates suggested that as many as 2,000 people were killed, making it one of the most lethal instances of violence attributed to Boko Haram at that time. Survivors fled in various directions, seeking refuge in neighboring areas, further complicating the humanitarian crisis already affecting the region. The Baga massacre drew international condemnation and brought renewed attention to the scale of violence perpetrated by militant groups in Nigeria and the challenges faced by the Nigerian military in countering this insurgency.

The attack on Baga served as a grim reminder of the escalating conflict in northeastern Nigeria and the impact it had on civilians. It showcased Boko Haram's willingness to engage in widespread violence and indicated a turning point in the insurgency's tactics, shifting towards more direct and devastating assaults on populated areas. As a result, the Nigerian government, alongside international partners, intensified efforts to address the insurgency and provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the violence, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to restore stability in the region.