An unidentified armed group has claimed responsibility for a deadly assault on Ngoshe community in Borno State, which took place on Wednesday. The attack reportedly left several soldiers and civilians dead, while hundreds of residents were abducted.
According to reports, the insurgents infiltrated the town late Wednesday, initially targeting a local military base. A video obtained by reporters showed scores of displaced residents seeking refuge outside the community on Thursday.
In a video statement, the group, speaking in Hausa, claimed to have taken control of Ngoshe, stating they would remain in the town and integrate it into their territory. The group also threatened to use those they abducted as slaves and warned of potential future attacks extending to Maiduguri and Abuja.
Some footage released by the attackers allegedly depicted killings of men, women, and children. Eyewitnesses said the assault lasted several hours before air support from Operation Hadin Kai forced the insurgents to retreat into nearby forests.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the attack, noting that the exact number of casualties remains unknown, and many residents are still missing. Police reports indicate that some abducted victims may have been taken toward the Mandara Mountains.
Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, said authorities are still verifying casualty figures. He added that the state government has dispatched relief materials to survivors currently sheltering in Pulka town.
The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, as communities in Borno continue to face threats from insurgent groups.
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