Boko Haram Attack on Borno Police Station Claims Lives of Officers and Hunter

Four police officers and a hunter have been killed following a pre-dawn assault by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP militants on a police facility in Borno State.

The Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed the incident, stating that the personnel lost their lives during an attack on Nganzai and Mobbar Local Government Areas.

The assault occurred around 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, when armed insurgents targeted the Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters in an attempt to seize control of the area.

According to ASP Daso, divisional police officers, supported by Mobile Police Force operatives and a special crack squad, engaged the terrorists in a fierce exchange of gunfire. The security forces successfully repelled the coordinated attacks on Nganzai and the Damasak communities, restoring order.

The PPRO further reported that the terrorists utilized Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and other advanced weaponry, which led to damage to a portion of the police station and the partial burning of an unserviceable Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC).

"Regrettably, four police personnel paid the supreme price in the line of duty," ASP Daso stated.

In a separate incident on the same date, around 2:40 a.m., the militants attacked the Malam Fatori IDP Camp located in Damasak town, Mobbar LGA. Their target was a duty post manned by members of the CJTF/Hunters at the camp's entrance.

During this attack, Atom Abua, a 40-year-old member of the Hunters Group, was killed. Additionally, approximately 20 thatched houses and other properties were destroyed.

The police spokesperson noted that in response to both assaults, joint teams comprising the Police, Military, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters acted swiftly, driving back the attackers and preventing further destruction.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, has since dispatched additional security personnel and operational resources to the affected locations to bolster security, intensify ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, and deter future attacks.

CP Abdulmajid commended the courage and steadfastness of the officers who confronted the militants and prevented them from overrunning the town. He extended condolences to the families of the fallen officers and pledged the Command's dedication to apprehending the culprits and bringing them to justice.

The public is advised to remain vigilant, provide credible information to security agencies, and maintain calm, as the Command reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding lives and property throughout Borno State.