Security operatives and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) have successfully repelled a late-night attack by Boko Haram insurgents on a military base in Banki town, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Community sources praised the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Banki for his bravery and leadership during the attack.
One of the sources, identified simply as Aminu, said the DPO was told to leave the town when the terrorists arrived but refused to do so.
“He organised his boys to defend their location and the people around them. People celebrated him after the attack,” Aminu said.
“Many people, including the soldiers, had abandoned their positions, crossed to Cameroon and left residents behind, but the DPO encouraged many of us to stay back.”
Police, Civilian JTF defended key posts
Another resident said the police, supported by the civilian JTF, secured the Divisional Police Headquarters and the Nigeria Customs Service control post located near the border with Cameroon.
He added that despite the heavy gunfire, many residents stayed put and refused to be displaced.
“If we leave here, where do we go?” he asked.
Security sources told the newspaper that the terrorists had gained an early advantage because the Air Force jet expected to provide air support did not arrive on time.
“The Boko Haram movement was sighted around 4pm, but we couldn’t tell their target location. So, a red alert was declared,” one soldier said.
“An hour later, we learnt that the terrorists engaged troops in Bula-Yobe town. We immediately moved there for reinforcement. Midway, another signal came in that we should return to base.”
He added:
“The order was that a fighter jet was on its way to dislodge the terrorists, and it could mistake us for Boko Haram. Unfortunately, before we entered Banki, another signal came in that the Boko Haram terrorists were coming into Banki in large numbers.”
According to him:
“Our troops were terrified by the massive number of terrorists that the signaller mentioned. They kept telling the Commander to be patient, that the Air Force jet was coming to clear them. It’s after they reached the last point that he commanded us to engage them.”
“It’s an hour encounter, but we fought until none of us could recognise one another,” the soldier added.
Zulum resettles communities, vows stronger security
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, visited Banki on Sunday to sympathise with residents and assess the aftermath of the attack.
“I purposely came to Banki to salute your courage; your act of bravery is really encouraging,” Zulum said.
“We should not allow a few bad elements to displace this town whose businesses and economic activities have been thriving.”
The governor assured residents that security in the border town would be strengthened.
“I want to assure you that the insurgents will not succeed, Insha’Allah. We will strengthen the security of this border town and will support our youth volunteers, hunters, and vigilantes to further fortify this area,” he said.
Plans for resettlement and road repairs
As part of post-conflict recovery efforts, Zulum announced that three communities—Kumshe, Tarmu’a, and Bula Yobe—would soon be resettled.
“The people deserve a dignified life, and we are committed to delivering it,” he affirmed.
The governor also confirmed that rehabilitation of the Banki road had begun, with 30 trucks already deployed for repair work. He further urged youths to participate in voter registration and contribute to rebuilding peace in the area.
Meanwhile, a security expert and former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Barrister Mike Ejiofor, cautioned that resettlement should only occur when areas are fully stabilised.
“As for now, some of those areas are still not stabilised, so asking the indigenes to return to their ancestral homes is not the right thing to do,” Ejiofor said.
“But if the areas are secured, we can deploy civil defence to take charge and assure the people that the place is safe.”
