Borno State police have confirmed that security forces successfully pushed back coordinated attacks by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in Nganzai and Damasak communities.
The incident, which happened in the early hours of Saturday, was disclosed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso.
According to the report, the first attack took place around 1:00 a.m., when armed insurgents attempted to take over the Divisional Police Headquarters in Nganzai.
Officers at the station, supported by the Police Mobile Force and a special Crack Squad, engaged the attackers in a heavy gun battle.
The attackers reportedly used Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and other advanced weapons, causing damage to parts of the police facility and burning an unserviceable Armoured Personnel Carrier. The command confirmed that four police officers lost their lives during the exchange.
A few hours later, at about 2:40 a.m., the attackers struck again this time at the Mallam Fatori IDP camp in Damasak. They targeted a security post at the entrance of the camp, manned by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters.
During the attack, a hunter identified as Atom Abua was killed, while about 20 thatched houses were destroyed.
Despite the back-to-back assaults, security personnel including the police, military, CJTF, and local hunters, responded swiftly and were able to repel the attackers, preventing further damage.
Following the incidents, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, ordered the deployment of additional personnel and resources to reinforce security in the affected areas.
“The Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, CP Naziru Abdulmajid psc, has since deployed additional manpower and operational assets to the affected areas to strengthen security, intensify ongoing operations, and prevent any further attacks,” the statement added.
The command said the move is aimed at restoring normalcy and strengthening ongoing operations.
The Commissioner also praised the officers for their bravery and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
“We are committed to tracking down the perpetrators and bringing them to justice,” the statement added.
Residents have been urged to stay calm, remain alert, and support security agencies with useful information as efforts continue to secure the area.
