Suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have launched a deadly assault on a police formation in Geidam Local Government Area, Yobe State, killing one officer and destroying police property.
According to sources, the insurgents stormed the station around 1:30 am on Wednesday, moving on foot and opening fire indiscriminately.
During the 45-minute attack, they set two patrol vehicles on fire and made off with a third.
“In what appeared to be a well-planned operation, the attackers killed one officer, freed detainees, torched two patrol vans, and took away another,” a security source said.
Intelligence indicates that ISWAP members are gathering in nearby communities, including Sukdu, Buhari, Mattati, and Bulabulin in Yunusari Local Government Area.
Yobe State Police spokesperson SP Dungus Abdulkarim confirmed the incident, noting that the assault may have been aimed at seizing police vehicles.
“We are still investigating the full circumstances,” he added.
The attack comes amid a resurgence of violent incidents across Nigeria, prompting President Bola Tinubu to postpone international trips to focus on security.
Recent weeks have seen terrorists kill soldiers and security personnel, and target schools and churches. In Kebbi State, gunmen attacked Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, killing one official and abducting 25 students.
In Kwara State, a church was attacked, resulting in multiple casualties and 30 abductions.
Reacting to the spate of attacks, Information Minister Mohammed Idris said that the President has placed Nigeria’s security apparatus on its “highest alert.”
