The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that it successfully repelled coordinated attacks by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters on Nganzai and Damasak communities, while deploying additional personnel to strengthen security in the affected areas.
In a statement issued by the Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the attacks occurred in the early hours of Saturday.
According to the statement, the first attack happened at about 1:00 am when armed insurgents stormed the Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters in an attempt to take control of the town.
Police officers at the division, working with operatives of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Crack Squad on special duty, engaged the attackers in what was described as a fierce gun battle.
The attackers were said to have used Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and other advanced weapons during the assault, damaging parts of the station and partially burning an unserviceable Armoured Personnel Carrier.
The Command, however, confirmed that four police personnel lost their lives during the exchange of fire.
In a related incident around 2:40 am, the attackers struck again at the Mallam Fatori Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Damasak. They targeted a security post manned by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters at the entrance of the camp.
During the attack, one member of the hunters’ group, identified as Atom Abua, was killed, while about 20 thatched houses and other properties were destroyed.
Despite the attacks, combined security teams made up of the police, military, CJTF and local hunters were able to respond quickly, repel the attackers and prevent further damage.
Following the incidents, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, has deployed additional manpower and operational assets to both locations to reinforce security and prevent further attacks.
“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 strengthening ongoing operations and ensuring that normalcy is fully restored.
The Commissioner also praised the courage of the officers who confronted the attackers, describing their actions as brave and commendable.
He expressed condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and assured that efforts are ongoing to bring those responsible to justice.
“We are committed to tracking down the perpetrators and bringing them to justice,” the statement added.
The police also called on residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and support security agencies with useful information.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, adding that updates would be provided as the situation develops.
Police repel Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks in Borno
