Thousands Flee to Cameroon as Boko Haram Seizes Kirawa

More than 5,000 residents of Kirawa, a border town in Borno State, fled into neighbouring Cameroon after Boko Haram fighters overran the community in an overnight raid.

The insurgents, who attacked late Thursday, set ablaze the district head’s palace, a military barracks, and several homes. District Head Abdulrahman Abubakar confirmed he was forced to flee, while residents escaped either to Cameroon or Maiduguri, the state capital.

Videos released by Boko Haram showed fighters burning military facilities while chanting victory slogans. Residents said the town is now deserted and under insurgent control.

The latest assault follows a September 19 attack on Banki, another border town, where militants seized weapons after forcing soldiers to retreat. Community leaders have appealed for urgent military reinforcements, warning that only local vigilantes remain after multinational troops withdrew in August.

Meanwhile, at a book launch in Abuja, former President Goodluck Jonathan recalled that Boko Haram once nominated Muhammadu Buhari to represent them in peace talks during his administration. He noted that despite expectations, the insurgency has persisted due to its complexity and access to sophisticated weaponry.

Boko Haram, which began its violent campaign in 2009, continues to stage raids across Borno State, displacing thousands and threatening regional stability.