A horrific incident unfolded on Wednesday, March 4, in the Ngoshe community of Gwoza Local Government Area in Borno State, where suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists launched a coordinated attack. During the assault, more than 100 women and children were abducted, and a significant number of individuals, including soldiers, the chief imam of the town, and community elders, were killed.

Reports from Daily Trust and various security and local sources indicate that the assailants initiated their attack after Muslims had broken their fast. Their first target was a military base belonging to the 82 Division Task Force Battalion. Following the assault on the military installation, the terrorists proceeded to storm the Ngoshe community itself, as well as an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp located within the area.

According to security sources, the large number of attackers overwhelmed the troops at the military base. After overpowering the soldiers, the militants advanced into the town, where they carried out the mass abduction. Though the exact number of casualties is still unconfirmed, at least nine bodies of soldiers have been recovered so far. The terrorists also reportedly burned armored tanks and military vehicles, making off with a substantial quantity of ammunition.

The devastating attack has forced residents to flee Ngoshe town, seeking refuge in the neighboring town of Pulka. This displacement is particularly impactful as refugees had only recently begun to return to the area from Cameroon. One source also suggested that informants might have played a crucial role in facilitating such a well-coordinated attack, further highlighting the complexities of the security challenges in the region.