Borno State was thrust into mourning as suspected Boko Haram terrorists unleashed a brutal attack on the Nganzai Police Division in the early hours of Thursday, January 9, 2025. The assault, which began at approximately 12:10 a.m., claimed the lives of two gallant police officers, left five civilians severely injured, and caused devastation in parts of Gwoza Local Government Area.
According to reports, an unspecified number of firewood scavengers in Gwoza were slaughtered in cold blood during the attack, further amplifying the carnage. The gruesome incident has cast a shadow of grief over the state, highlighting the persistent threat posed by insurgency in the region.
The attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons, attempted to infiltrate the Nganzai Police Division under the cover of darkness. However, their plans were met with fierce resistance from officers on duty. Despite the gallant efforts of the police, the terrorists resorted to lobbing hand grenades into the premises. Tragically, one of the grenades landed on a shelter tent behind the division, killing two officers instantly.
In a related incident, five survivors sustained life-threatening injuries after stepping on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by the terrorists. These brave individuals were reportedly attempting to resist the attackers when the device detonated.
The attack was confirmed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, who provided details on the tragic events. The statement read:
“On 9th January 2025 at about 12:10 a.m., unknown gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists attempted to invade Nganzai Police Division. Gallant officers who were on watch repelled the terrorists after a series of exchanges in a gun battle. Unfortunately, the terrorists threw hand grenades, one of which landed on a shelter tent behind the division, fatally wounding two officers.
“During the scene assessment by the Commissioner of Police, two hand grenades were recovered by EOD – CBRN Base 13 Maiduguri. The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the State General Hospital in Maiduguri.”
The simultaneous attack on firewood scavengers in Gwoza adds to the growing insecurity in the region. While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as the gunmen descended on the civilians. The victims’ families are calling for increased security measures to prevent further tragedies.
The latest incident has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights advocates and community leaders, who are urging the government to intensify counterinsurgency operations in Borno State. They have also called for better protection for civilians and security personnel who remain on the frontlines of this battle.
As Borno State grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the resilience and bravery of those who stand against terror continue to inspire hope. The sacrifice of the fallen officers and the innocent civilians who lost their lives in this senseless violence must not be forgotten.
PIONEER NEWS 