Nganzai Police Division Targeted by Boko Haram
In Maiduguri, two policemen were killed early yesterday during an attempted attack on the Nganzai Police Division in the Nganzai Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram terrorists. Meanwhile, in a separate attack, firewood scavengers were killed by suspected Boko Haram militants in Gwoza LGA, with five others severely injured after stepping on improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The Commissioner of Police, Yusufu Lawal, visited the Nganzai Police Division after the incident to commend the officers’ bravery and console the families of the fallen policemen. In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer Kenneth Daso explained, “At about 12:10 a.m. on January 9, 2025, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attempted to invade the Nganzai Police Division. The vigilant officers on duty repelled the attackers. After a gunfight, the terrorists threw hand grenades, which tragically hit a shelter behind the division, fatally wounding two officers.”
During an inspection of the scene, the police recovered two unexploded hand grenades. The deceased officers’ bodies were transported to the State General Hospital in Maiduguri. The police command assured the public that calm has been restored in the area and shared emergency contact numbers: 0806 807 5581 and 0802 347 3293.
Suspected Boko Haram militants also attacked parts of Gwoza LGA, killing an unknown number of wood scavengers. Five individuals were seriously injured after stepping on IEDs while attempting to confront the gunmen. Gwoza, once a stronghold of Boko Haram before its liberation by the military, has faced renewed attacks in recent weeks.
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Residents and sources reported that the attack occurred near the Yamtake-Izge-Damboa road on Thursday morning. According to one source, the resurgence of attacks could be linked to the absence of functional Tucano jets and military helicopters, which had been critical in past operations against the terrorists.
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents the Southern Borno Senatorial District, recently expressed alarm over escalating Boko Haram activities in his constituency. He cited attacks on communities near Mandara Mountain, Damboa, Biu’s Mandaga Girau, Ngulde, Ngwahi, and Wajirko village in Damboa LGA. Last week, six soldiers were killed in Sabon Gari, Damboa LGA, though 34 terrorists were reportedly neutralised during the encounter.
Residents of Gwoza have been in mourning since yesterday’s attack and are urging security agencies to bolster efforts to protect lives and property in the area.
Content Credit| Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola Precious
Picture Credit | https://leadership.ng/
