Uncertainty surrounds the true number of military casualties after terrorists launched a late-night assault on the 152 Task Force Battalion in Banki, a border community in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Thursday night attack sent shockwaves through the troubled region, leaving residents fleeing across the border into Cameroon and many others trapped in fear. Local officials confirmed at least five civilian deaths, while several injured survivors have been evacuated to hospitals in Mora, Cameroon for treatment.

This latest assault comes barely two weeks after the Darajamal massacre, which claimed 63 lives in the same LGA, deepening concerns about a fresh wave of insurgent violence.

Military Confirms Clash, But Casualties Remain Murky

Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, confirmed the encounter but downplayed reports of heavy military losses.

“It’s true that our troops had an encounter with the terrorists/insurgents at Banki on Thursday night. The troops were not dislodged as alleged. There was a serious firefight between our troops and the terrorists. The troops are still at their base, although we lost a soldier during the encounter,”
— Maj. Gen. Kangye

He added that the Acting GOC of the 7 Division visited the scene the following day for an on-the-spot assessment and confirmed that “the situation has been brought under control and the troops are in high spirits.”

Despite this assurance, sources on the ground reported that more than four military vehicles were set ablaze during the attack. Local officials remained tight-lipped about possible military casualties, further fueling speculation.

Civilian Toll Mounts

Bama Local Government’s Information Officer, Babagana Abatcha, confirmed the death of five civilians and six injured persons currently receiving treatment in Cameroon.

“I can only tell you that we lost five civilians, and six sustained injuries. As I speak, they are currently receiving treatment in Cameroon hospitals,”
— Babagana Abatcha

The Executive Chairman of Bama LGA, Hon. Modu Ali Gujja, visited the army barracks in Banki to sympathise with soldiers and residents. A statement from his office revealed that Governor Babagana Zulum has approved ₦500,000 compensation for each family of those killed.

Fear of Renewed Attacks

Eyewitnesses told reporters that the terrorists first struck the town before heading for the military camp.
Alhaji Gana Alh Chibu, Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Natural Resources, confirmed that many residents fled to Cameroon, while a local source who pleaded anonymity said the wounded were responding well to treatment.

“Many residents fled to Cameroon. What happened was that the town was first attacked before they hit the military camp. As for the military casualties, I don’t have an idea. But I am aware they set many military vehicles ablaze,”
— Alhaji Gana Alh Chibu

Another resident, Bila Abdullahi, voiced the growing fear of residents:

“Something has to be done. In the last two weeks, they attacked Darajamal and killed many people. Now, they have attacked us. Who knows if they will return? Who even knows if they have not surrounded Bama? There is the need for more military support to protect our people.”

Rising Calls for Reinforcement

With two major attacks in less than a month, locals are pleading for increased military presence and urgent humanitarian aid to help survivors. The Defence Headquarters has yet to provide a comprehensive account of military losses, keeping the true scale of the Banki attack shrouded in uncertainty.