Boko Haram Attack Kills Soldiers, Civilians in Borno

Suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have attacked a military base in Mairari, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, reportedly killing more than 10 soldiers and four civilians.

The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, October 13, also left several insurgents dead, while military gun trucks and other operational vehicles were reportedly destroyed during the confrontation.

The Chairman of Guzamala Local Government Area, Lawan Sheriff, confirmed the incident but said he could not independently establish the casualty figure.

A security source said more than 10 soldiers and four civilians were reportedly killed when the insurgents launched the assault on the military formation.

Another source said the attackers arrived in large numbers and engaged troops in a gun battle that lasted several hours, resulting in deaths and injuries on both sides.

A resident who fled Mairari, Ali Bukar Mairari, also confirmed the attack, saying more than 11 people had been killed and operational vehicles belonging to the military and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force had been destroyed.

Attempts to obtain confirmation from the Borno State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of reporting.

The assault reportedly came hours after insurgents seized more than 40 locally made fishing boats from fishermen at Tumbun Barebari, also known as Abujan Ruwa, in the Lake Chad region.

Communication difficulties reportedly delayed the flow of information about the attack, as telecommunications services were unavailable in the affected area.

Mairari is located approximately 120 to 130 kilometres north of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The community has temporarily served as the headquarters of Guzamala Local Government Area since insurgents captured Gudumbali, the original headquarters, more than a decade ago.

The Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, who hails from Guzamala, has repeatedly raised concerns over the failure of security agencies to recapture Gudumbali from insurgents.

The latest incident highlights continuing security challenges in the Lake Chad region, where armed groups have sustained attacks on military positions and communities despite years of counter-insurgency operations.

Authorities had yet to release an official casualty breakdown or a detailed account of the attack as of Thursday.