Suspected Boko Haram terrorists launched a deadly assault on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State in the early hours of Wednesday, March 4, 2026, killing an unconfirmed number of civilians, abducting several women and overrunning a military position in the area.
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Eyewitnesses told DDNewsOnline that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and gun trucks around 1:00 a.m. and operated for several hours. They first targeted the military base in Ngoshe before moving into the community to carry out killings and abductions, mostly targeting women.
Confirming the incident in an exclusive interview on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said: “Suspected terrorist group attacked a military base in Gwoza around 1am on the 4th. The military were able to repel them. Although an unknown number of civilians yet to be ascertained were also affected and killed. Some are still missing and probably some were abducted and taken towards the Mandara Mountains.”
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He added that preliminary reports indicate many survivors were abducted, while the exact casualty figure is still being verified. ASP Daso dismissed reports that the community’s Chief Imam was killed, stating that investigations are ongoing and all missing persons will be accounted for.
The police spokesperson assured that the community is now calm, with the military firmly in control of the area.
Efforts to reach the Spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, were unsuccessful as calls to his line went unanswered.
Residents who spoke to DDNewsOnline on condition of anonymity gave a more detailed account of the carnage: They claimed nine soldiers were killed when the insurgents overpowered the troops at the base, The attackers then moved into the town, killing civilians and abducting mostly women, Several houses and parts of the community were set ablaze as the terrorists retreated towards the Mandara Mountains. And Many survivors fled to Pulka town for safety, fearing follow-up attacks.
One resident recounted: “They attacked the base in large numbers. That gave them the advantage to overpower the soldiers stationed there and also made it easier for them to infiltrate the community and abduct many women. Many of our people ran to Pulka town to take refuge for fear of another attack.”
Another source added: “When they entered Ngoshe town, they first attacked the military base there and killed nine soldiers. They killed and abducted mostly women.”
Locals have appealed to the federal and state governments to urgently deploy more troops and establish stronger security measures to prevent future attacks in vulnerable communities along the fringes of the Sambisa forest and Mandara Mountains.
The attack highlights the persistent threat posed by remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP factions in southern Borno despite years of military operations under Operation Hadin Kai. It also raises fresh concerns about the safety of civilians in remote areas and the capacity of forward military positions to repel large-scale incursions.
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Governor Babagana Zulum is yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but security sources say troops have been reinforced in Gwoza and surrounding communities.
This is a developing story. DDNewsOnline is monitoring for updates on casualty figures, rescue efforts, and official statements from the military and state government.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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