Personnel of the Borno State Police Command have foiled coordinated attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province on Nganzai and Damasak communities in Borno State.

The command disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, deployed additional personnel to reinforce security in the affected areas, including Damasak, a border town near Niger Republic.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Nahum Daso, the attacks occurred in the early hours of April 4, 2026.

“At about 1:00 a.m., armed terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram and ISWAP attacked the Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters in an attempt to overrun the community along the Maiduguri–Monguno road,” Daso said.

He explained that divisional police officers, supported by operatives of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the state Crack Squad, engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle that lasted about an hour.

The attackers reportedly used Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and other sophisticated weapons, damaging parts of the police station and partially burning an unserviceable Armoured Personnel Carrier.

“Regrettably, four police personnel paid the supreme price in the line of duty while protecting the community,” he added.

In a related incident around 2:40 a.m. the same day, terrorists attacked the Mallam Fatori Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Damasak, targeting a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and hunters’ post at the main gate.

Daso said a member of the hunters’ group, identified as Atom Abua, 40, was killed during the attack, while about 20 thatched huts and other properties were destroyed.

He noted that a combined team of police, military personnel, CJTF members, and local hunters responded swiftly to both incidents, successfully repelling the હુમeurs and preventing further loss of life and property.

Following the attacks, CP Abdulmajid deployed additional manpower and operational assets to Nganzai and Damasak to strengthen security and prevent further incursions.

He commended’the bravery and resilience of officers who confronted the attackers and prevented them from overrunning Nganzai township.

The commissioner also extended condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and assured that efforts are ongoing to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Residents were urged to remain calm, vigilant, and continue to support security agencies with credible information.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. (The Guardian)

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