•Police (Photo used for illustration purposes only)
A combined team of the Nigeria Police Force and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) successfully repelled a Boko Haram attack in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, at the weekend — even as some soldiers reportedly fled the battlefield.
Residents who spoke to our correspondent commended the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Banki for rallying his men and mobilising local support during the fierce gun battle, reports Daily Trust.
A resident simply identified as Aminu said the DPO refused to abandon his post despite being advised to flee.
“He organised his boys to defend their location and the people around them. People celebrated him after the attack,” he said.
“Many people, including the soldiers, had abandoned their positions and crossed to Cameroon, but the DPO encouraged many of us to stay back.”
Another resident said the police, supported by the civilian JTF, secured the Divisional Police Headquarters and the Nigeria Customs Service control post near the Cameroon border.
“We thank God for their courage. If we leave here, where do we go?” he asked.
A security source explained that confusion over delayed air support contributed to the soldiers’ retreat.
“The Boko Haram movement was sighted around 4 p.m., and a red alert was declared,” he said.
“We got a signal that a fighter jet was coming to dislodge them, so we were asked to hold back. But before the jet arrived, the terrorists had already entered Banki.”
“Our troops were terrified by their large numbers. The commander was receiving too many conflicting orders. When we finally engaged, it was already too late.”
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, visited Banki on Sunday to commend residents for their resilience.
“I purposely came to salute your courage. Your act of bravery is really encouraging,” he said.
“We will strengthen the security of this border town and support our youth volunteers, hunters and vigilantes to fortify this area.”
Zulum also announced plans to resettle three more communities — Kumshe, Tarmu’a, and Bula Yobe — under his administration’s post-conflict recovery programme.
He confirmed that work had begun on rehabilitating the Banki road and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies.
However, security expert and former DSS Director, Barrister Mike Ejiofor, cautioned that resettlement should only occur after full stabilisation.
“Some of those areas are still not safe,” he said.
“The government must ensure proper security before returning displaced persons to their homes.”
