Boko Haram Attacks Borno Base, Abducts Women and Children
Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have attacked a military base and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Ngoshe town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, killing an unspecified number of soldiers and civilians and abducting several women and children.
The attack reportedly occurred in the evening shortly after residents broke their Ramadan fast, when heavily armed insurgents stormed the community and overran the military position stationed in the area.
Security sources and residents said the terrorists opened fire on both soldiers and civilians, causing panic across the town as many residents fled into nearby bushes for safety.
While the exact casualty figure has yet to be officially confirmed, local sources indicated that several soldiers were killed during the assault. A community leader, including the town’s Chief Imam, was also reportedly among those killed in the attack.
The insurgents also raided nearby homes and the IDP camp, abducting dozens of civilians, mostly women and children. Some local estimates suggest that as many as 100 people may have been taken by the attackers during the raid.
Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, confirmed the incident and condemned the attack, calling for intensified military operations against insurgent strongholds in Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains.
Following the attack, Nigerian military forces were said to have launched aerial operations targeting fleeing insurgents in the surrounding areas as security efforts continue to track down the attackers and rescue the abducted victims.
Communities in Gwoza and surrounding areas have remained vulnerable to insurgent attacks despite ongoing military operations against Boko Haram and its splinter factions in the North-East.
The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, has led to the deaths of thousands of people and displaced millions across northeastern Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Security agencies say efforts are ongoing to restore stability and prevent further attacks in affected communities.
