Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has raised alarm over renewed Boko Haram attacks in Kirawa town, Gwoza Local Government Area, following the withdrawal of Cameroonian troops stationed there.
On Friday, Zulum mobilised civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) fighters and Nigerian troops to the area. He said he had previously warned the Nigerian military about the risks of leaving the border community unprotected. “I duly notified the Nigerian military of the dangers of leaving this town without security. This is a border community. Wilgo, Kirawa, Baga, Damasak, Malamfatori, among others, must be protected because of their strategic importance,” he told Newsmen.
Despite the warning, insurgents attacked the town on Wednesday, vandalising property and causing casualties. “Two lives were lost, 50 houses and our heavy-duty equipment, and eight vehicles were burnt down. We thank God the casualties were not higher,” Zulum said.
The governor said the Nigerian Army has now agreed to redeploy soldiers to Kirawa. He also pledged additional support to local defence groups. “We will provide the civilian JTF and vigilante with the necessary equipment to safeguard the town,” he added.
Zulum appealed to the federal government to urgently release funds to strengthen security operations. “We are pleading with the federal government and the Chief of Defence Staff to release funds and procure equipment so that military operations can commence, especially as the rainy season is ending,” he said.
He urged greater commitment from the military, noting that sporadic operations have contributed to the resurgence of attacks. “What matters is not the number of soldiers but their dedication in fighting terrorists during operations,” he said.
The governor reassured residents, urging them not to panic. “There is no reason why a few Boko Haram fighters can overcome an entire community with resistance,” he said.
On Friday, reports confirmed that over 5,000 people fled northeast Nigeria into Cameroon after Boko Haram seized Kirawa. The militants burned the district head’s palace, a military barracks, and dozens of homes, forcing residents to flee to Cameroon or Maiduguri.
Boko Haram has claimed responsibility, releasing a video showing fighters setting the barracks ablaze while chanting “victory belongs to God.” Residents confirmed that Kirawa is now deserted. Thursday’s raid follows a September 19 attack on Banki, another border town, where Boko Haram overran a military barracks and seized weapons.
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