Brief – The Nigerian Army successfully quashed two attempted attacks on the town of Gajiram in the Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State last week, the first on Thursday night, August 25, and the second on Saturday morning, August 27.

A resident of Gajiram, who asked to remain anonymous, said residents heard loud gunfire and explosions on Saturday morning as soldiers engaged with insurgents, thought to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

On Thursday the insurgents tried to open the main gate to the town at about 10pm. Again they were repelled by soldiers. No one was wounded or killed.

The resident said: “The insecurity situation is worsening. The Maiduguri-Nganzai road is not safe. Every day insurgents block the road, stealing travellers’ possessions. They have stolen many motorbikes. They stop vehicles, pretending to be legitimate government officials or security personnel.” He said residents were pleading with the government for better protection.

SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO