Four soldiers, woman killed in fresh terror attack in Borno community

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have killed four soldiers and a woman during a fresh attack on Mussa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, in what residents described as a coordinated and terrifying midday assault.

The incident reportedly occurred around 12 noon on Wednesday, with sustained gunfire lasting about 30 minutes, throwing the community into panic as residents fled for safety.

The Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Mada Saidu, confirmed the attack on Thursday, noting that both military personnel and a civilian were killed in the assault.

“There was an attack at Mussa ward yesterday afternoon. They killed one civilian, a lady, and four soldiers,” he said.

Military sources disclosed that the slain personnel were members of the 115 Task Force Battalion, who were deployed to repel the attackers and prevent them from gaining entry into the community.

According to one of the sources, the troops engaged the insurgents in a fierce exchange of fire as they attempted to breach the town’s perimeter.

READ ALSO: Boko Haram releases video of 416 Ngoshe abductees

“Four of our men were killed while ensuring the terrorists did not gain entrance into the town. The attackers were not many, but it was a coordinated attempt to break through,” the source said.

Eyewitnesses said the attack triggered widespread fear, forcing residents to abandon their homes as heavy gunfire echoed across the community.

“We heard serious gunshots and people started running for safety around 12pm. If not for the soldiers, the terrorists would have entered the town and caused more destruction,” a resident recounted.

The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges in parts of Borno State, where insurgent groups have continued to carry out sporadic assaults on rural communities and military positions despite ongoing counterinsurgency operations.

Security authorities are yet to release an official statement on the incident as investigations and clearance operations are expected to continue in the affected area.