Security operatives escorting Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, reportedly engaged Boko Haram fighters in a gun battle on the Maiduguri-Gamboru Ngala road following a two-day assessment tour of security conditions in parts of the state.
The incident occurred between 12:50 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. as the convoy was returning to Maiduguri after visiting Wulgo and other communities affected by recent insurgent attacks.
Sources within the governor’s entourage confirmed that the convoy came under threat when suspected Boko Haram members appeared along the route. The motive of the insurgents remains unclear, but security personnel in the convoy swiftly responded with sustained gunfire, dispersing the attackers after nearly 40 minutes of exchange.
It remains uncertain whether Governor Zulum was present in the convoy at the time of the confrontation. However, sources stated that the governor had earlier led the tour to assess the security situation in local government areas that have suffered repeated attacks by insurgents.
“On our way back from Wulgo, suddenly there were gunshots. It felt like an ambush, and everyone in the convoy was thrown into panic,” a member of the delegation told reporters under condition of anonymity. “The security personnel responded immediately and successfully repelled the attackers.”
In the course of the exchange, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters providing auxiliary security reportedly sustained injuries. The exact number of casualties was not confirmed as of press time.
Another source, speaking from Maiduguri after the incident, said: “Thank God, we are back safely. It was a tense moment, but the security team acted swiftly.”
Governor Zulum is known for his frequent on-the-ground visits to volatile areas in Borno, often exposing himself to significant personal risk in efforts to assess and improve security across the state. The governor has consistently advocated for a coordinated, community-driven approach to ending the Boko Haram insurgency, which has plagued the North-East for over a decade.
This latest encounter underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgents in the region and the ongoing challenges facing both state and federal security agencies.
More updates are expected as investigations into the incident and updates on the injured security personnel unfold.
