A captain and a corporal have died in a third attack by insurgents in two weeks on military formations in Borno State – residents say ‘scores of terrorists’ were also ‘neutralised’.

At least two soldiers have been killed in an insurgent attack on Izge village in the Gwoza district of Borno State in Nigeria’s northeast.

Fighters of the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād), more commonly referred to as Boko Haram, attacked the village at about 1am on Monday, April 7.

A resident, who asked to remain anonymous, told Ndarason that at least two soldiers – believed to be a captain and a corporal – were killed.

He said many JAS fighters had been “neutralised”.

Attack on military camp

The resident told Ndarason that the insurgents had targeted the Operation Hadin Kai military platoon in Izge, which is in the Sambisa Forest, in the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Insurgents – from both JAS and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) – are known to have numerous hideouts in the forest.

“The insurgents launched rocket-propelled grenades [RPGs] and arrived at the military camp on motorbikes in the early hours of Monday. They were heavily armed,” the resident told Ndarason.

“Izge village is considered well fortified. Apart from the military camp, there are other security operatives, such as members of the Civilian Joint Task Force [CJTF], hunters and vigilantes, in the area.

“The insurgents had tried to attack the military camp during the day on Sunday but they decided it would be too dangerous and they would not succeed, so they retreated.

“It was a shock when they arrived again in the middle of the night when most people were asleep.”

Security operatives and residents fight back

The resident said that although the soldiers did their best to fight off their attackers, they were overpowered during the fierce battle which lasted for a few hours.

“CJTF members, vigilantes and hunters – as well as some residents – mobilised and helped to subdue the attackers. They even went into the bushes to hunt for the attackers when they retreated.”

He said there were “not more than 50” soldiers stationed in the camp.

“A request has been sent for reinforcement from the military headquarters in Gwoza.”

Residents of Izge are concerned

“The people in Izge village are in the state of mourning after the deaths of the soldiers. They are scared. The attack was frightening and many residents are deeply concerned. They fear that Boko Haram will come back at any time.”

The number of casualties among the soldiers has not yet been disclosed.

The resident said “scores of Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised in the clash”.

“Those who survived quickly collected the bodies of the dead terrorists and took them away. Many insurgents were wounded in the fierce battle. Some of them abandoned their motorbikes in their rush to get away,” he said.

Gwoza head and senator react

Abba Kawu Idrissa Timta, the executive chairman of Gwoza, confirmed the attack but said that military casualty figures were still being compiled.

However, intelligence reports indicated that “a significant number” of insurgents had been “eliminated”, he said.

“Soldiers were killed, but there were more casualties on the insurgents’ side with many fleeing with gunshot injuries,” a military source said.

Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents the Borno South Senatorial District, condemned the attack and urged the federal government to train, equip and motivate [TEAM] the military and other security operatives so that they could adequately address “terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities” in the northeast.

Ndume, who comes from the Gwoza Local Government Area, said the military needed “sophisticated and technological warfare, including drones” to end the onslaught.

He described the recent escalation in the number of attacks as “shocking”.

He praised residents of Izge for their resilience and the support they offered to the troops, which led to the terrorists’ retreat and the seizure of arms and ammunition from the attackers.

Three attacks in two weeks

The attack on the military camp in Izge came just two weeks after military formations in Damboa and Gamboru Ngala were raided by insurgents.

Heavily armed, the insurgents, thought to be members of the JAS, raided the Wajirko military base in the Damboa Local Government Area on Monday, March 24.

Insurgents simultaneously ambushed an army formation in the Nigeria-Cameroon border town of Wulgo in the Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area.

The Wulgo army base comprises multinational troops from Nigeria and Cameroon.

A CJTF member told Ndarason that insurgents had raided Wajirko on several occasions, despite the heavy presence of military and other security operatives.

Hypertension and insomnia

Residents in the Damboa district said that for weeks before the attack on the military formation in Wajirko they had heard gunshots in the distance.

Aisha Magaji, a resident, said: “For those living on the outskirts of the town it is very frightening. Before the attack we heard shots every day. And it hasn’t stopped. We are still hearing them.

“It is terrifying because we have nowhere to run.

“People, particularly the elderly, are getting sick. Many are suffering from high blood pressure. I also have hypertension. I go to the hospital often for medication.”

Aisha said most residents also could not sleep.

“The frequent gunshots keep you on edge. It is impossible to have a sound and peaceful sleep.

“Everyone is scared. Whenever we hear shots – which is every day – we think the terrorists are here to attack us.”

Resident Maryam Lawan said: “The frequent gunshots give us chills – to the point where we cannot sleep.

“We have accepted that whatever is ordained by the Almighty is a test of faith. Whatever happens to us we accept it. But we are still terrified.”

The reason behind the gunshots

Baa Kolo Yerima, a CJTF member, told Ndarason that a recent intelligence report had warned that insurgents were trying to infiltrate Damboa.

“Most of the shots are being fired by soldiers who are trying to keep the terrorists at bay, The military is sending a message to the fighters to let them know they are on high alert and are ready and waiting to engage.

“Residents must be rest assured that they are safe. Security forces in Damboa are trying their best to protect them.”

AYSHA MUSTAPHA KOLOMI