Suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a devastating attack on a police formation in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, resulting in the death of one police officer and significant destruction of security assets.
Details of the Midnight Raid
The insurgents stormed the police station around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, carrying out what witnesses described as a silent operation that lasted approximately 45 minutes. According to local accounts, the attackers arrived on foot and opened fire without any warning.
During the coordinated assault, the terrorists set two patrol vans ablaze while successfully carting away another police vehicle. A security source familiar with the incident confirmed that the attackers also freed detainees from the station's cells during their operation.
Police Confirmation and Investigation
When contacted about the incident, the Yobe State Police Command spokesperson, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, officially confirmed the attack. He stated that the primary motive behind the assault appeared to be the seizure of operational vehicles.
"They attacked the police division, possibly to take away the vehicles. However, we are still investigating the matter," Abdulkarim told journalists.
Intelligence Reports and Security Concerns
The attack comes amid growing security concerns in the region, with intelligence reports indicating that ISWAP fighters have been assembling in communities around the Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
A security source revealed that credible reports showed the terrorists were gathering in specific locations including Sukdu, Buhari, Mattati, and Bulabulin communities prior to the attack.
This incident represents part of a worrying resurgence of attacks across northern Nigeria, with recent reports indicating terrorists have killed soldiers, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, and even a Brigadier-General within the past week.
