Borno Military Outposts Under Attack, Residents Report Gunfire and Explosions

Suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked a military outpost at Ajilari, on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, in the early hours of Monday. At the same time, another attack occurred at the Baga military base, sources said.

Witnesses reported that the assailants moved into the area around 12:30 a.m. before encountering a rapid response from a combined team of the military, police, civilian Joint Task Force, and the Air Force, which forced the attackers to retreat.

ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, confirmed the incident, noting that security forces had regained control.

Residents described a tense night as gunfire and explosions filled the air while helicopters patrolled the skies. “We were very scared. But the situation has calmed, and prayers have resumed,” said Bashir Yusuf, a resident of Gomari.

The attacks mark a renewed wave of assaults on military positions. Last week, Defence Minister Christopher Musa convened the Service Chiefs for an emergency meeting, later briefing President Bola Tinubu and top security officials. Musa said the meeting concluded with a strategy adjustment and approval for new equipment to strengthen the fight against insurgency.