Suspected members of the terrorist group Boko Haram have reportedly killed an unspecified number of civilians and abducted several women in Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, following an attack on a military base in the area.

Sources said the attackers stormed the military position at about 1:00 am on Wednesday before moving into the community where they reportedly killed some residents and abducted others.

Eyewitnesses explained that the assailants operated for several hours, moving through the area on motorcycles and gun trucks.

Confirming the incident on Thursday, the spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said several residents are still unaccounted for.

According to him, preliminary reports indicate that a number of people who survived the attack may have been abducted by the terrorists.

He explained that the armed group attacked the military base in Gwoza around 1:00 am on March 4, but troops were able to repel the assault. However, he noted that the exact number of civilian casualties has not yet been confirmed.

Daso added that some residents remain missing and may have been taken by the attackers toward the Mandara Mountains.

The police spokesperson also addressed reports claiming that the Chief Imam of the community was killed during the attack, stating that authorities are still verifying the information.

He explained that security agencies are yet to determine the exact number of people taken away during the incident and promised that further clarification would be provided once the investigation is completed.

Daso further stated that the situation in the community has stabilized and that security forces have taken control of the area.

Attempts to contact the spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sanni Uba, were unsuccessful as calls placed to him were not answered.

Meanwhile, residents of the area reported that nine soldiers were allegedly killed during the attack and that many villagers have fled to nearby communities for safety.

One resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the insurgents arrived in large numbers and overwhelmed the troops stationed at the base before launching attacks on civilians.

The source added that the scale of the assault made it easier for the attackers to infiltrate the community and abduct several women.

According to the resident, many people fled to Pulka to seek refuge, fearing that the terrorists might return.

Residents also reported that the attackers set fire to several parts of the town while retreating from the area.

Another local source said the insurgents first targeted the military base in Ngoshe before moving into the town, where they reportedly killed soldiers and abducted women.

Community members have appealed to security authorities to strengthen protection in the area in order to prevent further attacks.