Boko Haram kills 2 policemen, firewood scavengers in Borno attack

• Two police officers were killed during a failed attack by Boko Haram insurgents attempting to invade Nganzai Police Division, Borno State, on January 9, 2025
• Also, suspected Boko Haram fighters ambushed firewood scavengers, killing several and injuring five others with Improvised Explosive Devices
• Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume decried the resurgence of attacks in Southern Borno and highlighted the lack of military resources

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched a failed attack on the Nganzai Police Division in Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State on January 9, 2025, resulting in the death of two police officers. 

The terrorists also attacked parts of Gwoza Local Government Area, killing several firewood scavengers, while five others were severely injured after stepping on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Commissioner of Police Yusufu Lawal visited the Nganzai Police Division, commending officers for their bravery and expressing condolences to the families of the fallen officers. 

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Daso, the attack occurred around 12:10 a.m. when the insurgents attempted to invade the police division. 

Officers on duty repelled the attackers during an intense gunfight. However, the insurgents hurled hand grenades that landed on a shelter behind the division, fatally wounding two officers.

The police recovered two unexploded hand grenades from the scene, which were safely handled by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit. 

The bodies of the deceased officers were taken to the State General Hospital in Maiduguri. Lawal praised the officers for their resilience and assured the public of the police command's commitment to ensuring security and restoring calm in the area. Emergency contact numbers (0806 807 5581, 0802 347 3293) were provided for residents to report incidents.

Meanwhile, in a separate attack in Gwoza LGA, the terrorists ambushed firewood scavengers on the outskirts of the town near the Yamtake-Izge-Damboa road. 

Residents reported that some victims were slaughtered, while others sustained severe injuries from IEDs as they tried to confront the attackers. The community has been mourning the loss since the attack, which occurred on Thursday morning.

Gwoza, once a Boko Haram stronghold, had been liberated by troops in recent years but has seen renewed violence. 

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing the Southern Borno Senatorial District, decried the surge in terrorist activities across communities in his constituency, including Mandara Mountain, Damboa, Biu’s Mandaga Girau, Ngulde, and Wajirko village in Damboa LGA.

Last week, six soldiers were killed in an attack on Sabon Gari, Damboa LGA, while the Defence Headquarters confirmed that 34 terrorists were neutralised in the ensuing clash.

Residents and security experts attributed the increased attacks to the lack of functional Tucano airstrike jets and military helicopters, previously instrumental in countering insurgency operations in the Northeast. Concerned Gwoza residents called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property in the affected areas.

4 NSCDC officers killed in Boko Haram ambush, 1 missing

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were confirmed dead following an ambush by Boko Haram insurgents on Monday, November 18, 2024. 

The attack occurred during an inspection tour of the national grid installations in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. One officer was missing, while two others returned to base unscathed.