Suspected members of Boko Haram/ISWAP launched coordinated attacks on two police formations in Borno State, targeting Nganzai and Damasak in the early hours of Saturday.
The assaults, which occurred in Nganzai Local Government Area and Mobbar Local Government Area, involved the use of heavy weaponry, including Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs).
The attackers damaged parts of a police station and set fire to a non-functional Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC).
According to the Borno State Police Command spokesperson, Nahum Kenneth-Daso, the incidents resulted in the deaths of four police officers and a local hunter. Security forces, however, managed to repel the attackers and restore calm in both locations.
“On 4th April 2026 at about 0100hrs, armed terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram/ISWAP attacked the Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters in an attempt to overrun the town.
Police Divisional officers, in collaboration with PMF operatives and Crack Squad on special duty, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
“In a related incident on 4th April 2026 at about 0240hrs, the terrorists attacked Mallam Fatori IDP Camp in Damasak, targeting a CJTF/Hunters duty post at the entrance of the camp. During the attack, one member of the Hunters Group, Atom Abua (40 years), lost his life, while about twenty thatched houses and properties were destroyed,” the statement partly read.
“The attackers, deployed Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and other sophisticated weapons, caused damage to a section of the station and partially burnt an unserviceable Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC). Regrettably, four police personnel paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” it added.
Security operatives, including the military, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters, responded quickly, preventing further destruction.
The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, praised the personnel for their courage and extended condolences to the families of those killed. He also reassured residents of ongoing efforts to track down those responsible.
Residents have been urged to stay alert and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information.
The attacks come weeks after a deadly incident in Maiduguri on March 13, 2026, when suspected terrorists detonated improvised explosive devices at the Post Office area and near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, killing at least 23 people.
