Commander urges troops to remain steadfast and vigilant after a CJTF member dies in insurgent attack on Kawuri town in the Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

A Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) member has been killed in an attack by insurgents on Kawuri town in the Konduga district of Borno State in Nigeria’s northeast.

The Nigerian Armed Forces and CJTF security operatives confirmed the attack which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, January 21.

A CJTF member, who asked to remain anonymous, said it was not clear whether the armed men were members of the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād (JAS), more commonly referred to as Boko Haram, or the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) because it was difficult to differentiate between the two.

He told RNI that CJTF members in Kawuri town in the Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State and troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled the attack which was launched from the Sambisa Forest in the early hours of Tuesday.

“The Boko Haram insurgents sneaked into the town at about 3am when most of the residents were sleeping. They woke up to the sounds of loud gunfire as a fierce battle ensued between the fighters and the soldiers who were backed by other security operatives.

“The battle lasted for about two hours. Eventually the insurgents retreated, having suffered heavy casualties.

“As they fled for their lives, they planted improvised explosive devices [IEDs] at the entrance of the town.

“Sadly, a member of the CJTF drove over one of these devices on his motorbike, detonating it. He died in the explosion.

“The insurgents set ablaze three vehicles. They were burnt to ashes. Two of the vehicles belonged to the CJTF; the third belonged to a civilian.

“It was a surprise attack by the insurgents – all security operatives are on high alert in case the fighters return. It is calm again, but tense.”

Modu Bor Ashamiye, a resident of Kawuri town, said he had heard that insurgents had attacked several communities – in Damboa, Kukawa and Chibok – at the weekend.

“Very early on Tuesday morning they attacked Kawuri town. We are in a state of shock. We are calling on the Borno State government to beef up security to ensure that our lives and property are properly protected.

“We are frightened, even though there were no civilian casualties. A day after the attack residents are staying indoors. Shops have not opened and all business activities have ground to a halt. People are extremely afraid of another attack.”

Brigadier-General Solomon Diwa, the commander of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, visited troops after the attack, commending them on their bravery and urging them to remain steadfast in their duties.

He also visited the family of the CJTF member who lost his life. He assured the family of the military’s support.

Diwa emphasised the need to sustain the morale of the troops.

“The battle is not over yet. You must all remain vigilant and prepared for any eventuality,” he said.

RNI was unable to get confirmation of the attack from the police public relations officer, Assistant Superintendent Kenneth Daso.

SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO