Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have struck again in Borno State, attacking a military outpost at Ajilari, an outskirt of the Maiduguri, the state capital.
The attack, which occurred around 12:30 am on Monday, marks another escalation in the resurgence of terrorist activities targeting military installations in the region.
Sources familiar with the incident revealed that the assault on the Ajilari outpost is happening simultaneously with another attack in Baga, where terrorists have engaged troops at the Baga military base.
According to a report by Daily Trust, the terrorists infiltrated the Ajilari area under the cover of darkness, catching residents and security personnel off guard.
However, a swift response from a combined team of security forces prevented what could have been a more devastating outcome.
Military personnel, police officers, members of the civilian Joint Task Force, and the Air Force quickly mobilised to confront the assailants. The coordinated response forced the terrorists to retreat from the area, though not before causing significant panic among local residents.
Many residents who were out for night prayers at the time of the attack found themselves caught in the chaos. Groups of frightened worshippers were seen huddled together, discussing the unfolding events as military helicopters hovered overhead, scanning the area for any remaining threats.
One resident of the Gomari area, Bashir Yusuf, described the terrifying experience to our correspondent.
“We were very scared, the whole air was taken over by gunshots and explosions. But Alhamdullillah, the situation is calm and prayers have begun,” Yusuf said.
The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Spokesperson for the command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, provided initial details of the attack in a hurried telephone conversation.
“The suspected terrorists attacked Ajilari Cross. Call me later for details, please,” Daso said, indicating that security operatives were on top of the situation but full information was still being gathered.
This latest attack is part of a troubling pattern of resurgence by Boko Haram terrorists, who have continued to target military locations in recent weeks despite assurances from the highest levels of government.
The renewed attacks prompted an emergency meeting last week, during which the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, summoned the Service Chiefs to deliberate on the deteriorating security situation. Following that meeting, Musa briefed President Bola Tinubu alongside top security officials on the state of the nation’s defence.
Speaking at the end of that high-level meeting, Musa disclosed that the Service Chiefs had agreed to change their strategy in response to the evolving threat. He also revealed that the President had approved the procurement of new hardware to boost the military’s capacity in the ongoing battle against insurgency.
As of the time of this report, security operatives remain on high alert in both locations, with residents advised to remain vigilant. Further details on casualties or the full extent of the attacks are expected from official sources as the situation develops.
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