Boko Haram/ISWAP Deadly Strike on Ngoshe Leaves Soldiers, Civilians Dead and Dozens Abducted in Borno!

March 5, 2026 2 Min Read

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (journalist) | Sele Media Africa

Suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters launched a devastating attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area late Tuesday night, claiming the lives of soldiers, community leaders, and numerous civilians, while abducting scores of women and children, according to officials and eyewitnesses.

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, described the raid as one of the most severe in recent weeks and urged an immediate, sustained military response. The attack reportedly coincided with the period immediately after residents broke their fast during Ramadan, allowing insurgents to strike both military outposts and civilian homes.

Preliminary security assessments and eyewitness reports indicate that the attackers, armed with heavy weapons and anti‑aircraft guns, overwhelmed the Joint Task Force North East (JTF) personnel stationed in Ngoshe. At least nine soldiers and the Chief Imam were killed during the initial assault, with insurgents penetrating deep into residential areas targeting unarmed civilians.

Following the military engagement, insurgents abducted dozens of women and children, with some estimates exceeding 100 individuals. Large parts of the village were set ablaze, forcing residents to flee into surrounding bushlands or seek refuge in neighboring Pulka.

Borno State Police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso confirmed that many residents remain missing, adding that casualty figures are still being verified. Efforts to obtain an official statement from the JTF (Operation HADIN KAI) were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

Senator Ndume renewed calls for reinforced federal support for counter‑insurgency operations, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide advanced aerial platforms and modern protective equipment to troops in the North East. He emphasized that the insurgents’ mobility and superior firepower continue to enable attacks on remote communities and military installations.

This incident highlights the persistent threat Boko Haram and ISWAP pose in northeastern Nigeria, where sporadic but lethal attacks continue to displace civilians, challenge security forces, and destabilize the region.

Sources:
Vanguard News
BusinessDay NG
PUNCH Online
The Daily Reality