Key points

• Attackers hit a military formation in Mairari around midnight on Tuesday.
• Local sources say the assault lasted over two hours, with casualties on both sides.
• Rumors of seven soldiers killed remain unverified, and the military has not commented.

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked a military formation in Mairari community, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, around midnight on Tuesday, and some soldiers are feared killed.

Guzamala Chairman Umar Sheriff confirmed the incident on Wednesday and said no civilian was killed. He said the attackers targeted the military post specifically.

“They have never attacked as much as this time, but thank God, the military were able to repel them,” he said.

Casualties unclear

Sheriff said he had no casualty figures because security matters are not always disclosed. Local sources who asked not to be named said both sides suffered losses.

“It was rumoured that seven soldiers were killed, but no one could verify that yet,” one said. Another said the attack left the town tense and that local forces and the military stood their ground.

Calm returns, questions remain

The area was calm on Wednesday, and Sheriff planned to visit the community on Thursday morning. Meanwhile, the acting military information officer for Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, did not answer calls seeking comment.