Borno State — In a deadly attack on Friday afternoon, Boko Haram insurgents ambushed motorists along the Pulka-Kirawa road in Borno State, killing a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and setting ablaze six vehicles, further escalating the insecurity in the volatile northeast region. The ambush occurred at approximately 3 p.m. and involved insurgents targeting civilians and vigilantes protecting the area, leaving several persons injured and many fleeing for safety.
According to eyewitness accounts and reports from local authorities, the insurgents stopped six vehicles laden with food items and personal belongings, including two Volkswagen Golf Saloon cars, a bus, and three trucks. After killing the CJTF member, the attackers set the vehicles on fire before returning to the bush without any military challenge. Survivors of the attack escaped into nearby bushes to evade further violence. Injured victims were subsequently treated in clinics in surrounding communities.
The CJTF, a key local militia group assisting Nigerian troops, has been active in safeguarding Kirawa and border communities along Borno’s frontiers, especially after the retreat of Cameroonian troops who had recently withdrawn from Kirawa. Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, condemned the attack and called for urgent military reinforcement to protect residents and curb the insurgents’ incursions. He noted the absence of adequate military presence in Kirawa, leaving the local hunters, vigilantes, and CJTF members overwhelmed by growing attacks. Ndume stated, “It is very disheartening that Boko Haram terrorists ambushed motorists and passengers along the Kirawa-Pulka road… one of our brave CJTF members lost his life, while many victims remain unaccounted for”.
The attack underscores the fragile security situation in Borno, where Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), continue to challenge the Nigerian military and local security arrangements. Kirawa, a border town strategically situated near Gwoza Local Government Area and the Cameroon border, has repeatedly experienced attacks, including a recent assault on a Cameroonian military base that led to the base’s abandonment and increased vulnerability for local residents.
The destruction of vehicles and loss of CJTF personnel not only marks a human tragedy but also weakens the capabilities of local forces that serve as critical first responders in a context where official military presence is limited. Motorists and traders plying the Kirawa-Pulka route now face heightened risks, complicating the movement of goods and people essential for livelihoods in the conflict-affected zone.
Meanwhile, in Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris has reaffirmed his administration’s full support for security forces engaged in combating banditry and criminal attacks within the state. This commitment comes amid continued confrontations between Nigerian troops and bandit groups, including ambushes and large-scale gunfights that have claimed lives on both sides. Governor Idris’s stance emphasizes the importance of sustained government backing for security operations across Nigeria’s troubled regions.
As insecurity persists, residents and officials alike are calling for comprehensive strategies that combine military reinforcement, community vigilance, and regional cooperation to stem the tide of violence and restore safety to affected populations. Senator Ndume’s appeal for more troops to Kirawa highlights the urgent need to protect border communities that bear the brunt of insurgent activities while maintaining essential lifelines for commerce and daily life.
Looking ahead, the Nigerian military and allied regional forces face the critical challenge of securing vulnerable areas along the border while enhancing intelligence and rapid response capabilities. For local communities like Kirawa, renewed military deployment and greater coordination with vigilante groups may provide some relief, but long-term peace will require addressing the root causes of insurgency and banditry fundamentally.
In conclusion, the Pulka-Kirawa ambush represents a stark reminder of the ongoing security threats posed by Boko Haram insurgents in northeastern Nigeria. The loss of a CJTF member and destruction of vital vehicles signal the urgent imperative for stronger security measures and support for local defenders. The government’s response and enhanced military presence will be crucial in protecting civilians and stabilizing this restive area in the weeks and months to come.
