A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force has been killed following a suspected ambush by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters along the Warave–Bayan Dutse Road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, in a renewed reminder of persistent security challenges in parts of southern Borno.
Security sources said the incident occurred on January 5 at about 2:30 p.m. when armed men believed to be insurgents opened fire on CJTF members and local hunters who were carrying out a routine patrol in the area. One CJTF operative was critically injured during the attack.
The victim was identified as Hamman Ibrahim, aged about 40. He reportedly sustained severe gunshot injuries during the ambush as the attackers targeted the patrol team operating along the road linking rural communities in the area.
Following the attack, the Forward Operating Base in the axis was alerted. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, alongside police officers and other CJTF personnel, were said to have moved to the scene to assess the situation and document the incident.
Ibrahim was later rushed to the General Hospital in Gwoza for medical attention. However, doctors confirmed that he was dead on arrival. His body was subsequently released to his family and he was buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
Gwoza and surrounding communities have continued to experience sporadic attacks by remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP, despite ongoing military operations aimed at degrading insurgent capabilities in the area. Civilian Joint Task Force members and local hunters remain actively involved in supporting security agencies through patrols, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
In the wake of the incident, residents have renewed calls for increased security presence and sustained counterterrorism operations to protect civilians and volunteer security operatives, particularly in vulnerable communities across southern Borno State.
