Boko Haram Attacks Military Post in Borno, Soldiers Feared Killed

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have attacked a military formation in Mairari community, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, with military casualties feared following a gun battle that reportedly lasted more than two hours.

The attack occurred around midnight on Tuesday, according to local sources who spoke to The PUNCH. However, the number of soldiers or insurgents killed or injured has not been officially confirmed.

Guzamala Local Government Chairman, Umar Sheriff, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, saying the attackers targeted the military post and that there were no reported civilian casualties.

“The incident occurred last night around 12 am. Though I don’t have statistics regarding the casualties yet, because it’s not everything we are told. It’s a security matter. But I know that no civilian was killed,” Sheriff said.

He described the assault as unusually serious for the area in recent times, adding that troops were able to repel the attackers.

“They have never attacked as much as this time, but thank God, the military were able to repel them,” he stated.

The council chairman said the situation had returned to calm after the attack. He also disclosed plans to visit Mairari on Thursday to assess the situation and obtain a clearer picture of the incident.

However, local sources told The PUNCH that casualties were feared on both sides. One source claimed that seven soldiers might have been killed, but acknowledged that the figure had not been independently verified.

Another source said the prolonged exchange of gunfire had created tension across the community, adding that local forces and military personnel had resisted the attackers.

As of the time of reporting, there was no confirmed casualty figure from the military. Efforts to reach Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, the military operation responsible for counter-insurgency activities in the North-East, were unsuccessful, according to the report.

The attack underscores continuing security concerns in Borno State, where military formations and communities have faced threats from insurgent groups. However, further details about the Mairari incident, including the extent of the damage and the number of casualties, remain unconfirmed.