Headlinenews.news reports that suspected members of Boko Haram have overrun a military base in Allawa town, located in the Shiroro local government area of Niger state. The insurgents arrived in the town on motorcycles, with at least three armed individuals on each bike, at approximately 1:30 am on Thursday.
The attack is believed to be a retaliatory mission following the military’s recent engagement, where approximately fifty insurgents were reportedly neutralized during a fierce confrontation in the same area.
Witnesses reported that around 200 heavily armed insurgents participated in the attack. A significant number of them stormed the military camp, overpowering the personnel on duty, while others invaded the village, firing bullets indiscriminately at houses. Cash, food supplies, and other valuables were looted from the residents and nearby villagers.
As of the time of reporting, the exact number of casualties among civilians and military personnel, as well as the insurgents, remains unconfirmed due to the nighttime nature of the attack.
The military camp in the area has been abandoned by the deployed personnel, further exacerbating the security situation. Consequently, residents of Allawa town and neighboring communities, including Pandogari, Kukoki, and Bassa, have begun fleeing the area in search of safety.
Last week, suspected Boko Haram members ambushed and killed two military officers and four soldiers in Karaga, also located in the Shiroro local government area of the state.
Efforts to obtain confirmation and a response from the state police command, through its Spokesman Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun, were unsuccessful as his contact could not be reached.
