Hundreds of residents are still missing after suspected Boko Haram terrorists launched a deadly midnight raid on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, triggering mass displacement and fear across the region.
The attack occurred around 1 a.m. on Wednesday when insurgents first targeted a military base before moving into residential areas, according to local sources.
The assault reportedly lasted several hours, leaving multiple civilians dead and hundreds abducted.
Witnesses said the militants set houses on fire and fired sporadic gunshots, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes to escape the violence.
Survivors later fled toward Pulka, where thousands of displaced civilians—mostly women and children—are currently seeking refuge in schools and open spaces.
Security forces under Operation Hadin Kai responded with air support after the attackers retreated toward surrounding forests.
Military surveillance aircraft reportedly tracked the fleeing insurgents and conducted airstrikes, killing more than 50 fighters.
Despite the counter-attack, several casualties were recorded among security personnel, with reports indicating that nine soldiers died during the initial raid on the military formation.
The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, condemned the attack and confirmed that more than 100 residents remain unaccounted for.
According to him, insurgents destroyed military equipment and burned homes worth millions of naira during the raid.
Community officials believe the number of abducted residents may exceed 300. Local leader Shuaibu Dabawa described the incident as a “mass abduction,” adding that the town is now largely deserted.
Displaced survivors say conditions in Pulka are extremely difficult. Many families are sheltering at a local primary school with little access to food, clean water, or medical care.
The Borno State Government has dispatched emergency relief materials, including rice, millet, sugar, and blankets, to affected families.
Authorities say the exact number of missing persons is still being verified as rescue and security operations continue.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has intensified patrols in the area, and the Chief of Army Staff is expected to visit the affected community to assess the security situation and support ongoing recovery efforts.
