Security operatives say escalating attacks are concerning and they have urged residents to be more vigilant, particularly during Ramadan when worshippers go out for midnight prayers.

At least seven insurgents have been killed by troops from Operation Hadin Kai North East Sector 2 in Buni Gari in the Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The insurgents – thought to be Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters – were killed in a fierce gun battle with troops stationed at Fansan Yanma in Buni Gari on Sunday, March 6.

Indiscriminate gunfire

A resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “ISWAP fighters launched a surprise attack on the town on Sunday night, firing indiscriminately. We were all terrified. We wanted to flee for safety but we did not know where to go. Gunshots were coming from all directions.

“Soon after the attack began troops, supported by local hunters, started firing back at the insurgents. A heavy gun battle ensued. Local security operatives told us to remain calm. They reassured us that things were under control. They told us to keep out of the way until the insurgents retreated,” she said.

Attack lasts for nearly two hours

A local security operative told Ndarason that the attack lasted for nearly two hours before the insurgents were overpowered.

“The insurgents backed down when they realised that several of their fighters had been hit. At least seven of their fighters were killed and many more sustained gunshot wounds.

“The remaining fighters soon started retreating. They used a tricycle to transport four of their dead back to their hideout. The other three bodies were taken by motorbike.”

The security operative said the exact number of casualties was not known. “I think it was more than seven,” he said.

Escalating number of attacks

He expressed “grave concern” over the increasing frequency of attacks by armed groups in recent weeks.

“Attacks are escalating. In the past few months attacks have become far more frequent. It is as if the insurgents are getting bolder. It is clear that everyone needs to be more vigilant,” he said.

“I am not sure if there were any military casualties in the attack. But a local hunter was shot and killed by the fleeing ISWAP fighters.”

Calm restored

A commercial driver told Ndarason that life had returned to normal and people were going about their daily activities.

“But residents are fearful. The recent increase in attacks by insurgents has frightened residents. Everyone is afraid ISWAP fighters will strike again.

“We are relieved that the soldiers and other security operatives overpowered and killed some of the insurgents, but that is not enough. Security operatives and residents need to be more vigilant particularly during the month of Ramadan when people go out for midnight prayers,” he said.

Weaponised drones

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) has warned that ISWAP insurgents in Nigeria’s northeast have raised the stakes by using weaponised drones in attacks in the region.

It described the use of armed drones as a “dangerous new phase” that challenges existing counterinsurgency strategies.

“The weaponisation of drones in the Lake Chad Basin means non-state actors are now using aerial technology to enhance their operational capacity. That represents a disturbing evolution in tactics and sophistication and raises the question of how regional forces can adapt to this new warfare.

“It is not only ISWAP’s tactics that are evolving; worrying signs point to an enhancement in weaponry,” the ISS said.

AYSHA KOLOMI