Nigerian Armed Forces ride motorcycles during African Land Forces Summit 2018 military demonstration at General Ao Azazi barracks, Gwagwalada. STEFAN HEUNIS/AFP via Getty Images
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Sept 19 — Suspected insurgents raided a Nigerian military barracks in Banki, forcing soldiers to retreat under fire, residents and security sources said on Friday.
The attack occurred in Banki, a border town in Bama district of Borno state.
According to a security memo from the Civilian Joint Task Force, the assault began around 2130 GMT on Thursday and ended in the early hours of Friday.
The document stated, “The insurgents overran the town and entered the military barracks, seizing ammunition and weapons. The commanding officer and soldiers reportedly abandoned their positions, fleeing towards Cameroon and leaving civilians behind.”
A soldier from 152 Battalion confirmed that the attackers arrived in large numbers, overwhelming security forces after heavy gunfire.
The Nigerian Army did not respond to requests for comment on the incident.
Insurgents intensify attacks at Nigerian Military Barracks in Borno state
Security officials reported that insurgents have increased operations this year across Borno, targeting both civilians and the military.
The region has long been contested by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters, with repeated raids leaving communities displaced and vulnerable.
Banki was previously occupied by Boko Haram nearly a decade ago, and attacks have persisted despite ongoing counterinsurgency campaigns.
Nigeria’s military has announced recent operations aimed at dismantling insurgent networks in the northeast.
Banki residents describe aftermath of attack
Aliyu Haruna, a resident of Banki, said on Friday he saw at least seven dead bodies in the town, including three soldiers.
“Both military and paramilitary personnel fled to Cameroon, and it was only this morning that they returned,” Haruna told Reuters by phone.
Reuters could not independently verify the total number of casualties.
Community members reported widespread fear following the withdrawal of security personnel.
The attack has left residents anxious about the ability of armed forces to hold territory in border regions.
Epicstorian News coverage of regional security
Epicstorian News has followed the insurgency in northeastern Nigeria, where both Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to challenge state authority.
Related: Nigeria Economy Expands 3.13% in Q1 2025 After Major GDP Rebasing, Epicstorian News Reports
Independent reporting, including updates from Reuters and coverage from BBC Africa, shows the scale of conflict spreading through Borno and neighboring regions.
Military officials insist that joint task forces remain engaged in stabilizing the northeast despite recurring insurgent raids.
