Blood in the Rain: Suspected Boko Haram Fighters Overrun Army Base in Borno, Soldiers Feared Killed

By Umar Muhammad

A dawn assault allegedly carried out by suspected Boko Haram militants has left Nigeria’s military shaken after an attack on an army position along the Mandara–Buratai axis in Borno State, with several soldiers reportedly feared dead and others injured.

Security sources said the gunmen stormed the location, believed to be occupied by troops of the 162 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, in the early hours of Friday. The attackers were said to have struck around 4 a.m., taking advantage of heavy rainfall and reduced visibility to launch a coordinated raid on the facility.

According to military insiders, the assailants arrived in large numbers and temporarily overwhelmed parts of the base during the surprise offensive. The Mandara–Buratai corridor, a known flashpoint in ongoing counterinsurgency operations, reportedly became a scene of chaos as troops attempted to repel the attackers under difficult weather conditions.

Unconfirmed accounts suggested that some of the soldiers killed in the confrontation may have been subjected to further brutality, though authorities have not verified these claims.

The affected position is linked to operations along the Mandara–Buratai Road, an area that has witnessed repeated insurgent activity over the years due to its proximity to mountainous terrain used by armed groups.

Reinforcement units were reportedly deployed to the area shortly after the attack to stabilise the situation, recover control, and assess the extent of casualties and damage. However, details remain sketchy as military authorities have yet to release an official statement confirming the incident or providing an exact casualty figure.

As of press time, uncertainty continues to surround the full scale of the attack, with security sources describing ongoing operations in the affected area.

The Nigerian Army has not issued an official response regarding the reported assault.

Pantami Secures Gombe PDP Ticket, Promises Inclusive Governance

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The immediate past Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State after officially joining the party ahead of the forthcoming election.

Pantami secured the party’s ticket through a voice affirmation during the PDP primary election held on Tuesday in Gombe, despite earlier opposition from some aspirants within the party over his defection and participation in the contest.

Before the primary election, four PDP governorship aspirants — Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, Hon. Usman Aliyu Garry, and Mrs. Monica Kaltho — had expressed concerns over Pantami’s eligibility to participate in the exercise.

In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting in Gombe on Sunday, the aspirants argued that electoral laws do not permit a candidate who had allegedly participated in another party’s primary election to defect and contest under a different platform within the same election cycle.

The aspirants stressed that while the PDP remains open to welcoming new members, the party should not allow anyone who had already taken part in another party’s primaries to contest its governorship ticket.

However, PDP stakeholders at Tuesday’s primary endorsed Pantami as the party’s flagbearer, describing him as the preferred choice to lead the party into the governorship election.

In his acceptance speech, Pantami thanked party leaders, delegates, and supporters for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to run an inclusive administration that would serve every part of Gombe State fairly.

“This moment is not just about an individual; it is about a collective vision for the future of our dear state,” he said.

According to him, his administration would focus on justice, unity, development, and equal opportunities for all citizens, irrespective of tribe, religion, political affiliation, or social background.

“Our mission is to serve the entire eleven local government areas of Gombe State without discrimination,” Pantami stated.

The former minister also urged residents to embrace unity and diversity, saying differences should be used to strengthen the state rather than create division among the people.

Reflecting on the PDP’s years in government between 2003 and 2019, Pantami said the party laid the foundation for many developmental projects and institutions across the state.

He highlighted projects such as the establishment of educational institutions, including the state university, Federal University Kashere, University of Science and Technology Kumo, College of Education Billiri, and the state polytechnic.

He also mentioned infrastructure projects like the International Conference Centre, the international airport, roads, stadiums, and water schemes executed during the PDP administration.

Pantami acknowledged that poverty and unemployment remain major challenges facing the state, and he promised that his administration would prioritise economic growth, youth empowerment, and improved living conditions for residents.

His emergence is expected to intensify political activities in Gombe State as parties begin preparations for the next governorship election.