Again, Boko Haram attacks Borno State governor’s convoy, kills policemen, soldiers

Boko Haram has again attacked Borno governor’s state convoy, killed 7 policemen and 3 soldiers.

OnyxNews Nigeria reports that at least 15 security personnel comprising eight policemen, three soldiers and four Civilian-JTF personnel died today after suspected Boko Haram gunmen ambushed a convoy of Borno officials travelling to Baga town.

Sources familiar with the attack said that the attacked officials were going to Baga town ahead of government’s planned return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Maiduguri to the camps.

One of the sources said the attack happened at about 2 pm.

A group of armed soldiers and police officers, as well as Civilian-JTF personnel, were deployed to provide escort to the officials. The convoy ran into an ambush by Boko Haram sect at ‘Korochara,’ which is about 2km away from the base of the Multi-National Joint Task Force on the way to Baga from Monguno.

An official of the Borno state government who preferred to be anonymous told PREMIUM TIMES that: “Seven policemen, four C-JTF members and three soldiers died instantly as the insurgents rained bullets on the unsuspecting members of the convoy.” 

The Borno state governor, Babagana Zulum who is expected to supervise the arrival of the IDPs at Baga, had left Maiduguri earlier in the day in a military chopper.

The Borno State government and the security agencies whose personnel were affected are yet to officially comment on the attack.