Boko Haram kills 3 soldiers, abducts schoolgirl in Borno
Boko Haram insurgents have attacked Kirawa town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, killing three soldiers and abducting a female schoolgirl, Aishatu Aja, according to local and security sources. The assault, which took place at night, sent residents fleeing across the border into Cameroon. Police spokesperson for the Borno State Command, ASP Nahum […]
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Boko Haram insurgents have attacked Kirawa town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, killing three soldiers and abducting a female schoolgirl, Aishatu Aja, according to local and security sources.
The assault, which took place at night, sent residents fleeing across the border into Cameroon.
Police spokesperson for the Borno State Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed the attack but said details were still sketchy.
“The incident took place in the night, and many residents who fled for safety have not returned. So far, no civilian casualty has been reported to us, and I cannot confirm the abduction of the female student at this stage,” Daso said.
The Emir of Gwoza, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, also confirmed the incident, saying he received a distress call from the District Head of Kirawa.
“It is unfortunate and shocking to hear that the Commanding Officer was not on the ground at the time of the attack. As it stands, many of my people have fled to Cameroon for safety,” he said.
A security source disclosed that the insurgents overpowered the troops, destroyed their base, and looted arms and ammunition.
“At least three soldiers were killed. The way this attack unfolded, we suspect connivance with locals, which is why we could not risk staying after the incident,” the source said.
Residents flee to Cameroon for safety
Sources in the town told our correspondent that more residents are fleeing to neighbouring Cameroon following the withdrawal of troops from the area.
“We saw the troops leaving today (Monday), and that has aggravated residents’ fears. The insurgents abducted Aishatu Aja. People are moving to Cameroon for safety,” a resident, who requested anonymity, told Daily Trust.
The resident added that the withdrawal began after the insurgents returned to engage the troops in a second attack on the same day.
“Hundreds of residents have already crossed the border between Kirawa and Kerawa in Cameroon. With the soldiers leaving the town, more residents panicked and continued to flee,” another resident, Mala Abubakar, said.
“Some of these families are still taking refuge at the border gate alongside some military personnel,” he added.
Recent attacks
April 25, 2025: Twelve people were killed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists along Kirawa Road and Bokko Ghide community in Pulka District, Gwoza LGA.
October 10, 2025: Insurgents killed 11 farmers and kidnapped 15 others in Kirawa.
May 19-20, 2025: Boko Haram launched an assault on Kerawa, a locality on the Cameroon-Nigeria border, killing one Cameroonian soldier and three civilians.
March 24-25, 2025: One of the most serious incidents occurred in Wulgo, in Cameroon’s Logone-et-Chari division, where 12 Cameroonian soldiers were killed during a night attack.