Confusion continues to surround the exact number of military casualties following a terrorist assault on the 152 Task Force Battalion in Banki, a border community in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack, which occurred late Thursday night, left five civilians dead and several others injured. Survivors have since been evacuated across the border to Mora, Cameroon, for medical treatment.
Local officials confirmed that many residents have fled Banki to seek refuge in Cameroon, heightening fears among communities already reeling from a string of deadly attacks in the region. Only recently, an attack in Darajamal, also in Bama LGA, claimed 63 lives.
Confirming the incident, Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, said the troops engaged the terrorists in heavy firefight but were not dislodged from their base.
“It’s true that our troops had an encounter with the terrorists at Banki on Thursday night. Although we lost a soldier, the troops are still in position and morale remains high,” Kangye stated.
He added that the Acting GOC of the 7 Division visited the area the following day for an on-the-spot assessment and confirmed the situation was under control.
Reports indicate that more than four military vehicles were set ablaze during the confrontation.
Bama LGA Information Officer, Babagana Abatcha, confirmed the civilian deaths and disclosed that six wounded victims were receiving treatment in hospitals in Cameroon. However, he declined to comment on military casualty figures.
In a statement after the attack, Bama LGA Chairman, Modu Ali Gujja, urged residents to remain resilient and prayerful, assuring them of continued government support. He noted that Governor Babagana Zulum had approved ₦500,000 for each bereaved family.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses said the terrorists first attacked the town before targeting the military base. Alhaji Gana Alh Chibu, Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Natural Resources, confirmed that many residents had fled and several military assets were destroyed.
Residents of Bama LGA are now appealing for increased troop deployment and better military equipment to protect communities against further incursions.
One resident, Bila Abdullahi, expressed concern over the rising wave of attacks:
“In the last two weeks, they attacked Darajamal and killed many people. Now, they have attacked us. Who knows if they will return? We need more military support and assistance for survivors.”
Local sources also confirmed that the injured are responding to treatment in Cameroonian hospitals, while security forces maintain presence in the troubled border town.
