Suspected members of Boko Haram have reportedly killed several civilians and abducted many women after attacking a military base in Ngoshe community, located in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack reportedly occurred around 1 a.m. on Wednesday when the insurgents stormed the area, first targeting a military position before moving into the community. Witnesses said the attackers arrived in large numbers, using motorcycles and gun trucks, and operated for several hours.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the number of casualties has not yet been determined, while many residents are still missing.
According to him, early reports suggest that some of the survivors may have been abducted and taken away by the attackers.
“Suspected terrorists attacked a military base in Gwoza around 1 a.m. The military were able to repel them, but an unknown number of civilians were affected and killed. Some people are still missing and may have been taken towards the Mandara Mountains,” he said.
Daso also noted that reports claiming the community’s Chief Imam was killed have not yet been confirmed, adding that investigations are ongoing to determine the full details of the attack.
He assured that the situation in the area has been brought under control and that security forces have taken charge of the community.
“At the moment, the area is calm, and the military is in control,” he said.
However, residents of the community who spoke anonymously claimed that nine soldiers were killed during the attack. They also said many villagers fled to nearby communities, including Pulka town, to seek safety.
One resident said the insurgents overwhelmed the troops stationed at the base before launching attacks on civilians.
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“They came in large numbers, which gave them the advantage to overpower the soldiers. After that, they moved into the town and abducted several women,” the resident said.
Another source added that the attackers set parts of the community on fire as they withdrew from the area.
Residents have called on security authorities to strengthen protection in the region to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of those still living in the area.
The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in parts of northeastern Nigeria, where insurgent groups continue to target both military installations and civilian communities.
