Heavy gunfight and explosions as police foil Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Maiduguri

Crime Diary

MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Police in Nigeria’s northeastern state of Borno have foiled coordinated attacks in the Kofa axis of Maiduguri and Damboa Local Government Area (LGA). The attempted assaults were carried out by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists targeting Ajilari Cross in the Kofa area on the outskirts of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), as well as the Damboa–Maiduguri Road in Damboa LGA.

According to the Borno State Police Command, the incidents occurred on March 16, 2026, at about 12:00 hours in Ajilari Cross, Kofa (MMC), and around 01:00 hours along the Damboa–Maiduguri Road axis in Damboa LGA. Suspected insurgents attempted to infiltrate the areas but were swiftly engaged by joint security operatives. In a coordinated response, the operatives repelled the attacks, forcing the terrorists to retreat.

Police Public Relations Officer ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso stated on Monday that no casualties were recorded among security personnel or civilians during the operations. However, the insurgents are believed to have suffered losses, though the exact figures remain unconfirmed.

The Commissioner of Police has urged continued vigilance, cautioning residents against spreading unverified information. He emphasized the importance of supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to sustain peace and security in the state.