Civilians Killed, Women Abducted as Insurgents Storm Borno Community

By Chisom Adaeze Okafor

Suspected fighters of Boko Haram have reportedly killed an unconfirmed number of civilians and abducted several women following a coordinated overnight attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The assault, which began around 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, reportedly targeted a military formation stationed in the town before spilling into the civilian population. Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived in large numbers, riding motorcycles and gun trucks, and operated for several hours.

According to local sources, the insurgents initially engaged troops at the military base. While security forces were said to have repelled the assault, the attackers allegedly infiltrated parts of the community during the chaos, killing residents and abducting mostly women.

Some residents claimed that at least nine soldiers were killed in the confrontation, though official confirmation of military casualties has not been provided.

Confirming the incident in an interview, the spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said several residents remain unaccounted for.

“Suspected terrorist group attacked a military base in Gwoza around 1am on the 4th. The military were able to repel them,” Daso stated.

“Although an unknown number of civilians are yet to be ascertained as affected and killed. Some are still missing and probably some were abducted and taken towards the Mandara Mountains.”

Security authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the exact number of casualties and abducted persons. Police also noted that reports regarding missing community leaders, including the Chief Imam, are yet to be fully verified.

Residents described scenes of panic as insurgents moved through parts of the town. Many families reportedly fled toward Pulka town seeking refuge amid fears of a follow-up attack.

Community members further alleged that portions of Ngoshe were set ablaze as the attackers retreated.

The attack highlights the continued security challenges in Nigeria’s North-East region, where insurgent activities have persisted despite years of military operations.

Local leaders have appealed to federal and state authorities to reinforce security presence in vulnerable communities, warning that without urgent intervention, rural populations remain exposed to further assaults.

As of press time, security forces were said to be conducting search-and-rescue operations while intensifying surveillance around the Mandara mountain axis, where some abducted victims are feared to have been taken.