Boko Haram Attack in Borno Kills Four Soldiers, Civilian

Boko Haram Attack in Borno Kills Four Soldiers, Civilian

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have killed four soldiers and a civilian in an attack on Mussa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The incident, which occurred around 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, is the latest assault on communities located along the southern fringe of the Sambisa Forest, an area frequently targeted by insurgents.

The Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Alhaji Mada Saidu, confirmed the attack on Thursday, stating that the civilian victim was a mother of three.

“There was an attack in Mussa ward yesterday afternoon. They killed one civilian, a woman, and four soldiers recently deployed to the council area,” Mr Saidu said.

A military source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, said the slain soldiers were personnel of the 115 Task Force Battalion operating in the area.

“Four of our troops attached to the 115 Task Force Battalion were killed while ensuring that the terrorists did not gain entry into the Mussa community,” the source said.

The source added that the attackers were few in number but carried out a coordinated assault aimed at infiltrating the town.

“The insurgents were not many, but it was a coordinated attack aimed at entering the town. The troops stood their ground, but unfortunately, the four were killed,” the source said.

Residents said the attack triggered panic, with many fleeing their homes as gunfire lasted for about 30 minutes.

“We heard heavy gunshots around noon, and people started running into nearby farmlands,” a resident said. “If not for the military’s defence, they would have entered the town and caused massive destruction.”

Mussa, a farming community, has been repeatedly attacked due to its proximity to insurgent hideouts in the Sambisa axis.

The latest incident underscores ongoing security challenges in parts of Borno State despite sustained military operations against insurgents in the North-east.