By Abdulkareem Haruna

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Four police officers killed during a midnight raid on a divisional headquarters by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants were laid to rest Saturday, as Borno State authorities signaled a renewed offensive against the persistent extremist threat in the country’s northeast.


The assault began approximately 1:00 a.m. on April 4, when a large contingent of insurgents stormed the Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters.

According to security sources, the officers engaged the attackers in a prolonged gun battle but were eventually overpowered by the group’s superior numbers and weaponry.

The Humanitarian Times reviewed visuals from the scene, which show that most of the deceased were burned beyond recognition after the insurgents set the facility ablaze before retreating.

The fallen personnel were identified as Inspector Samuel Ezekiel of the Nganzai Division; Inspector Sanusi Mohammed, a member of the 58 Police Mobile Force on special duty from Lafia; and Police Constables Bitrus Luka and Shaibu Bukar, both of the Maiduguri-based “crack squad.”

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, praised the bravery of the unit under fire.

“The Command honors these gallant personnel who paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” Daso said.

“We particularly commend those who stood their ground and resisted the attackers despite being faced with overwhelming firepower.”

The burials, held at the Kawar Maila and Maximum Prison grounds in Maiduguri, were attended by Borno State Commissioner of Police Naziru Abdulmajid. The ceremony followed both Islamic and Christian rites, led by command chaplains CSP Bukar M. Gajibo and CSP Theophilus Mutum.

While the region has seen fluctuating levels of violence, the targeted strike on a divisional headquarters underscores the continued volatility of the Nganzai local government area. Following a site assessment, Commissioner Abdulmajid confirmed that all other personnel were accounted for and none were missing.

“Tactical teams have been placed on high alert,” Daso said, adding that “operations are being intensified’ to secure the area and track the insurgents responsible for the raid.