Nigeria’s security forces have suffered deadly attacks in separate incidents in Katsina and Borno states, underscoring the persistent threat posed by armed bandits and insurgents across the country.
In Borno State, seven soldiers, including a newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel, were killed on January 26, 2026, when Boko Haram terrorists ambushed a military convoy travelling from Maiduguri to Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area.
The late Lieutenant Colonel, Mohammed, was reportedly leading the troops on a surveillance mission following intelligence reports of terrorist activity in the area.
In Katsina State, four police officers were killed and two others injured on January 27 when bandits ambushed a patrol team along the Guga–Bakori Road. The officers, attached to the 27 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Guga Camp, were on routine patrol when they came under heavy gunfire at about 12:45 p.m. The driver reportedly lost control of the patrol vehicle during the attack, causing it to veer off the road.
Those who died on the spot were identified as UC ASP Abubakar Abdullahi, Inspector Umar Ahmed, and Sergeant Kailani Kabir. The attackers made away with several weapons, including an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds, a Tokarev pistol with eight rounds, and a long-range gunner rifle. Two officers—Corporal Daniel Japet, who sustained a fracture, and Corporal Abdulaziz Sani, who suffered a gunshot wound—were injured in the attack.
The Area Commander in Funtua immediately deployed joint police teams alongside troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to the scene. The deceased and injured officers were evacuated to the General Hospital in Funtua, while security forces blocked potential escape routes and launched cordon-and-search operations to apprehend the attackers and recover the stolen arms.
In a related development in Katsina State, bandits also abducted a pastor and his wife in Ungwan Adiko Kafari village, Kujama Local Government Area, on January 26 at about 11:50 p.m. The victims were identified as Rev. Christopher Rufa’asiri, 35, of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, and his wife, Mrs. Patience Christopher, 45. Police said the Divisional Police Officer mobilised patrol teams in collaboration with other security agencies, cordoned off surrounding bushes, and intensified efforts to rescue the couple and arrest those responsible.
Military sources said Boko Haram insurgents launched the ambush using explosives and heavy gunfire. Several soldiers sustained serious injuries, while an unspecified number of personnel remain missing. The bodies of the deceased were taken to the 7 Division Hospital. The attackers also reportedly seized the late commander’s mobile phone, later answering calls placed to the device by senior officers.
Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have continued to carry out deadly attacks in northeastern Nigeria, killing thousands and displacing millions, despite ongoing military operations to dismantle the groups.
● Reports by Zagazola, SaharaReporters
