In a shocking turn of events, suspected repentant Boko Haram insurgents attacked the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Nigeria Customs Service checkpoints at Kasuwan Fara, a suburb of Maiduguri metropolis, on Wednesday
According to counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, the suspects, dressed in military uniforms, chased away personnel on duty before setting ablaze all structures at the checkpoints.
The attack followed a fierce encounter between the suspected ex-Boko Haram combatants and police at the Kasuwan Fara Divisional Police Office earlier in the day. The suspects had attempted to forcefully free their eight colleagues arrested on April 24 for criminal activities related to drug dealing.
The police had conducted a raid on the notorious spot at Kasuwan Fara, confiscating 426 bottles of spirits, and arrested eight suspected repentant insurgents. The area has been earmarked for closure by the Borno State Government due to persistent criminal activities.
The attackers, numbering around a dozen, stormed the police station at 7:40 am on May 2 but were repelled by the Divisional Police Officer and his men. They then targeted the NDLEA and NCS personnel checkpoint along the Maiduguri-Gubio road, burning down the checkpoints and fleeing the scene.
The Borno Police Command spokesman, ASP Kenneth Daso, confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the attackers. The apprehended criminals have been moved to the Anti- Crack Squad Division Headquarters for more questioning and further actions.
This incident raises concerns about the reintegration of former Boko Haram members into society, with over 3000 ex-insurgents having passed through the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration camp in recent years.
