Boko Haram Kills 12, Including Vigilante Operatives, in Borno Attack

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have killed 12 people, including two vigilante operatives and ten firewood gatherers, in Bokko Ghide community of Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.

The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, confirmed the incident, stating that the two vigilantes, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), were ambushed and killed along the Kirawa road under Pulka District. He said the other victims were civilians who had gone into a nearby bush to collect firewood when they were attacked by the insurgents.

“They went to a nearby bush in search of firewood on Saturday when the boys ambushed them and killed ten, leaving two others with life-threatening injuries. We buried the ten and evacuated the injured victims to Maiduguri for medical attention,” the Emir said.

He expressed sorrow over the deaths, especially of the two vigilantes who, according to him, sacrificed their lives to protect the community. He prayed for their souls to be granted paradise and for their families to find strength in their loss.

The Emir also commended the efforts of the state government and military in tackling the Boko Haram insurgency, urging the military to enhance their operations with advanced technology such as drones and sophisticated weaponry. He noted that the onset of the rainy season has heightened fear among the people, many of whom are now afraid to access their farmlands, a crucial activity for the planting season.

The attack occurred just two days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dispatched the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, along with Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and other top military officials, to assess the security situation in Borno State.

During the visit, the Minister of Defence assured that the Federal Government is committed to providing additional military support to counter the rising security challenges in Borno and the wider North-East region. He emphasized that the team was sent to engage with local forces, identify their needs in terms of manpower and equipment, and reinforce efforts to curb the resurgence of attacks.

“We are here to engage you and the state on advice and guidance you might have for the Armed Forces,” the minister said, adding that the federal government is determined to halt the recent trend of insecurity and to sustain the relative peace that had returned to Borno State in recent years.